Zakia Abraham
Freshman Seminar

Journal #17

1)
1. An obstacle that stands between me and my success is that I lack appropriate amounts of study time and the courses are complex.
2. Someone besides me who could help me overcome this outer obstacle an individual that can relate, has experienced and overcame these obstacles.
3. How this person could help me is by giving good advice and/or tips for overcoming these obstacles.
4. An inner obstacle that stands between me and success in college is the lack of confidence I have and constant procrastination.
5. Someone besides me who could help me overcome this inner obstacle is someone that can motivate me.
6. How this person could help me is by giving me good advice and as well as making me feel motivated.
7. The most challenging course I’m taking this semester is Anthropology 1001.
8. This course is challenging for me because it requires critical thinking and a lot of reading that acknowledge complex concepts.
9. Someone besides me who could help me overcome this challenge is peers that are doing well in the course and understand the material as well as the professor.
10. How this person could help me is by sharing tips for simplifying complex concepts and effective study skills.

2) Write about two choices you could make to create a stronger support system for yourself in college:
The lack of confidence I tend to have in college has really had a negative impact on my performance. Courses are sometimes complex and it has made me worried about my grade and understanding of the material being presented. In order to create a stronger support system for me, I have decided to interact with my peers more to get positive people as motivators. I am also visiting my professors during their office hours for additional help.

Zakia Abraham
Freshman Seminar

Journal Entry #10
My Life Plan
My Dream: My biggest accomplishment I am hoping for in life is to live comfortably and be happy in my own skin. I don’t necessary stress over being a millionaire but I do not want to ever worry about my bills not being paid. Also I want to be the voice/action of change, and be looked at as a role model.
My Life Role: A student at Baruch College
My Long-Term Goals in this Role: I plan on being a graduate from Baruch College and then a graduate from Law School. I want to achieve both my B.A and J.D
My Short-Term Goals in this Role:
My short term goals are pretty simple:
– I want a achieve a grade of B or higher in each of my classes
-I want the adjustment to college to get a little easier
-I want to pass all my finals of course
– And Lastly, I want to had enjoyed the freshman college experience by the end of the semester
2. One thing I’ve learned is that I am more doubtful in person rather on paper.
I have a clear set of goals but I still feel I lack motivation. The college adjustment has not been that easy, but I am trying to stay motivated in the intention of accomplishing all my goals. I plan on passing every course this semester, I just feel I am still a bit unorganized. I am hoping it will get better along the way.

Zakia Abraham
Freshman Seminar

Journal #14

1. My present system of organization has completely lacked what I envisioned. My decisions of what I will do each day is basically which assignment I feel is most urgent & for which class. This is not working. By thinking that I have enough time to complete a different assignment or long readings in a short period of time has proven that you will fall behind.
2. Using the five self management tools can help overcome doubts, get organized and help you obtain your goals. This is one thing I have learned in Chapter 4. For example of getting organized, a useful tip mentioned was using a monthly calendar for remembering important dates, due assignments, exams and etc. Another helpful tip was having a new action list to help track and maintain goals.