William Bonney

Professor Walker
College 1
24 October 2014
Midterm Reflection
My first semester at PCC has been met with great success and equal measures of
adversity. The most sensational feeling of failure I have incurred so far was my first Calculus
test, which single handedly exemplified the difficulty of college and necessity of adequate
studying. In this instance I went into the test believing that I had a firm grasp on all the concepts
and material that would be tested. However, I was promptly proven wrong within minutes of
beginning my test because the problems had me completely perplexed and dismayed. After
completing the test I had little doubt that I performed poorly and would be horrified by my grade.
My suspicious were proven correct as I received a 67% percent before my professor inflated my
test score to a 77%. Despite, my sentiments of failure I learned a valuable lesson, that college
would be drastically more challenging than my time in high school and I would have to leagues
beyond simply completing my homework and required assignments. Without this jarring wake
up call I would be an idle person coasting through college just doing the minimum to get by,
rather than truly understanding the material and being able to apply it in my day to day life.
Ironically the assignment that made me feel the most successful was my second Calculus
test, which I received a 93% on. I attribute my extreme success in this venture to my experience
on the former test and taking what I learned to help me. The knowledge I took away from my
first test manifested into success on my second test because I applied better study habits and truly
understood the material to an unparalleled extent. This endowed in me an unprecedented

sensation of success because I knew how challenging it would be to take a rigorous course such
as calculus and being able to overcome these difficulties was sublime. I believe that my
empowering feelings are not derived from performing well, but knowing I spent a prodigious
amount of effort and time into studying the material to know its intricate ins and outs.
The paramount success I have encountered comes from three specific methods, which are
necessary for me attaining success. The first was attending tutoring at the TLC because this is
one of the few resources available to me were I can go at almost anytime for instructional help.
The tutor who I usually try to elicit help from is Rachael and she has proved to be an
instrumental factor in me becoming better as student. The second practice I employ would be
taking detailed and extensive notes during class to provide enlightenment when I am quizzical
about some aspect of an assignment or need direction. This is beneficial in helping me recall
what I learned in class. The most constructive practice would be doing a little bit of work and
studying for each class everyday so I am not swarmed with a behemoth of work in a short time
span.