When I think back to the beginning of this class and think of what my goals were then I believe they are the same now, but they have become more refined, more outlined and I have become more determined to complete them. I have every intention of making the most of my education and completing most if not all of my goals: short and long term. I think when everyone starts college they have very vague goals in mind of graduating and getting a good job. Some are set on changing the world as we know it. I think as you go through college and start completing classes and finding what it is that is so completely you that your goals change. Maybe it’s very subtle, maybe it is extraordinary, but there will be some change to either your goals or how you complete them.

The goals I have are still the same and I still have the same skills I have had in order to do well in online classes, but I have learned, gotten new tools, reevaluated how I can complete my goals and turn my life into something I want it to be. This class has changed the way I see myself completing my goals and my dreams. I have more tools available, I know more now than I did before and I am grateful that I will be able to use these new processes to complete my classes and get the help that I need to reach my potential.

Some incoming freshman may not feel as if they need this class or one like it. They probably think they know how to use the computer and they know how to turn in assignments. More than likely they do not know all of the resources available to them. From your professors to your advisor to the financial aid people, there are resources all around you at OSU that want you to succeed and will do everything they can to help you. The online library, the student online tutoring, and learning about diversity at Oregon State will be the things I take with me to complete my next classes, and the ones after that.

Knowing my learning style has helped me a lot in my other classes. I now know that reading is my greatest strength in learning and that auditory is my weakness. Knowing this has changed how I do learn, instead of only listening to power-points or watching the videos I read along with them and I am able to retain more information and for longer periods of time. I have stopped cramming right before a test and started reading all of the written material as well go along and then review before an upcoming test. Just knowing about my learning style has changed the way I am learning and helping me with my goals.

If there was only two things I would recommend to incoming freshman coming into OSU it would be to first take this class or one like it and second, get involved in your community and diversity either in your school or online through blogging, discussion boards or any other interests you may have. I know that I feel better about my schooling, my goals and my ability to complete them after taking this class. I am so glad that I took the advice of my HDFS advisor to take this class.