Semester One: Completed

Holy molies. Time really does fly. To be honest, it is crazy for me to think that I am typing this from home, in Illinois and that I am already done with my first semester of college. Seems like just yesterday I was arriving on campus and had no idea how to even get my ID card. Looking back on the semester I can see that I have already learned so much and am continuing to learn everyday. College is not easy. I will say that again and again because it is true. It is the first time I had to deal with my phobia of shots on my own. I had to rely completely on myself to get up in the mornings and make sure I got to church and class on time. If I did not attend something it was completely on me and I had to be responsible for those actions. It was the first time that I have literally spent and entire Saturday in a library. I pulled all nighters for the first time, not for fun, but for homework. I had to know my limits but not be afraid to push myself. I had to be complete responsible for myself and all my actions. I had to, in simple words, be an adult. To give a quick recap of the semester I'll go through each of my classes. Don't worry I won't drag on for too long.

World Music Culture: This class was amazing. Throughout the semester I learned about all different cultures around the world and the music in that culture. I learned more than I ever thought I could or would. I found new music that I love and realized there are genres of music that I never would have thought to listen to. The best part, in my opinion, is this class has given me my first job. Due to the fact that I did well in this class, my professor actually recommended me to the online professor of the class and I am now a TA for her online version of the class. I'm definitely going to miss having this class next semester.

Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel: Going to a church school, I am required to take so many religion classes and this was the one I chose to take this semester. I am so grateful I got to the class as well. This class I got to learn all about Christ's pre-mortal, mortal, and post-mortal life. I learned truly ow much He loves us and all that He did for us may not have been easy, but was required and done out of love. I can't wait to continue to learn and grow from my future religion courses.

Concert Choir: I loved being in the concert choir this year. It gave me a chance to do what I love with others who loved the same thing, and to sing about things that mean something to me. I am so excited for next semester. A fun fact about this class: first semester I actually sang first soprano, and this coming semester I will start singing Alto 1. I am excited and can't wait to see what the next semester brings.

Education 212: This was probably one of my favorite courses this semester. I got to learn a little about all aspects of education and the classroom. I also got to complete a practicum where I spent 15 hours in a classroom helping a teacher. I absolutely loved it and the class did nothing but clarify more to me that teaching is the field I want to go into. I am definitely looking forward to the education classes I get to take in the future.

Music Theory 1: This was one of the hardest classes I took this semester. I learned all about the fundamentals of music and started going further into the material. I learned more about music theory than I have in my entire life. It was so difficult, but by the end I couldn't believe what I had learned. This was also the class that got me to write my first piece of music. No, it's not the best, but it's something. If anyone wants to see it, just let me know!

Music Theory Lab: This was by far the hardest class of the semester. I learned that I do not have a natural talent for dictation, but that will not stop me from achieving my dream of becoming a music educator. In this class I was required to do sight singing and Oral dictation. Oral dictation is where you hear a melody or rhythm and have by hearing it so many times write down what was heard. Hopefully my struggle will eventually be a strength.

English 101: I don't think I have ever had such a bitter sweet class. Through this class I actually met most of the people that I consider a part of the family. We all happen to sit next to each and now we are friends and I don't know what I would do without them. This was also the class that I sometimes seriously hated. Occasionally I would feel that no matter how hard I tried it wasn't good enough, but in the end it turned out better than I thought. Overall, I definitely became a better writer, but am okay with the fact of not going into English.
 
First semester, as I've said was difficult but well worth it. I am definitely looking forward to next semester! I will try to post a little more frequently. Oh, and yes I am posting this in Hawaii, but I did type it in Illinois. I just didn't have a chance to post it there.
 
Much love,
MJ

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