{"id":4305,"date":"2015-12-22T23:33:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-22T23:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.pugetsound.edu\/cesblogs\/?p=4305"},"modified":"2017-09-11T17:42:42","modified_gmt":"2017-09-11T17:42:42","slug":"reflection-part-1-assessing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.pugetsound.edu\/cesblogs\/2015\/12\/22\/reflection-part-1-assessing\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflection \u2014 Part 1: Assessing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congratulations on finishing the fall semester, Loggers! Whether you\u2019ve completed your first semester, are in the middle of your academic experience, or are entering your final semester, there is much to celebrate.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the challenges, triumphs, areas of growth, and newly developed skills from the past semester will help prepare you to start the New Year off strong and set goals that are attainable.<\/p>\n

You probably reflect all the time\u2013after seeing a movie, you might think about the plot inconsistencies or imagine the role you\u2019d play if a zombie apocalypse were to happen in real life. Reflecting helps you make sense and meaning of your experiences.<\/p>\n

Fall may have been a challenging semester full of hard classes. You may have had to learn how to balance activities and a part-time job on top of academics. You might have found a student organization that you are really passionate about. No matter your circumstances, you\u2019ve grown. You enhanced your skill set, became more self-aware, took on new challenges, and expanded your knowledge in your major and across disciplines.<\/p>\n

Where to Start? How to Reflect?<\/strong>
\nReflection doesn\u2019t necessarily need to be documented. Start simple by discussing your semester with close friends or family. Or go for a long walk to think about the highs and lows of this past term.<\/p>\n

But if you wish to revisit a project or class you took in relation to future opportunities, you may find it beneficial to have a written record. Journaling is great way to track your accomplishments, challenges, or mistakes. A journal for personal pursuits and trials (\u201cDear Diary, Today was\u2026\u201d) should be separate. Choose this<\/em> journal to track your academic and career development progress.<\/p>\n

Think of the person you were 6 months ago compared to now. Consider what you accomplished in academics or co-curricular activities and use the questions below as a guide:<\/p>\n