The Year Comes to an End

As this semester comes to a close, it is worth reflecting on the class that pushed me to start writing these blogs in the first place: my Introduction to Social Media course. Going into the class, I did not expect it to become one of my favorites. At the same time, it turned out to be one of the most challenging courses I took this semester. Looking back now, that combination of difficulty and growth is exactly what made it meaningful.

On the first day, I was uneasy. As someone not in Public Relations, I was unsure what to expect from Dr. Aggie or the course structure. That uncertainty grew when she told us that more than half the class would likely drop by the end of the semester, and she was right. Hearing that early on made it feel like the odds were against us. Still, I knew I was not going to quit. I decided right then that I would stick it out, even if it was uncomfortable. Now, at the end of the semester, I can say that choice mattered.

One of the biggest challenges for me was the grading. After submitting my first blog, I felt confident in my work. When I received a 12 out of 18, it was frustrating. I remember telling my friends about it, especially because I lost points for using an Oxford comma, which I had been taught was correct. At the time, it felt unfair. Over time, though, I began to understand that this class required attention to detail and the ability to adjust to a specific style. The shift in mindset helped me improve. I started slowing down, thinking more carefully about my writing, and focusing on clarity rather than just getting words on the page.

Despite the challenges, the class environment made a difference. Dr. Aggie consistently brought energy and a positive attitude to each class. Her personality made it easier to stay engaged, even on days when I was stressed about other responsibilities like practice or exams. As a student-athlete, I know those moments of stress are common, so having a class that could shift my focus and improve my mood was important. It became a space where I could reset mentally while still learning.

Overall, I am glad I chose to take this course and stood by that decision when I first signed up. It not only gave me a better understanding of social media from a professional perspective but also helped me grow as a writer and as a student. While I still have room to improve, I can see clear progress from where I started. More importantly, this class taught me the value of persistence and adapting to challenges. Those are lessons that will carry forward beyond this semester.