This year definitely had its challenges for me both academically and outside of school. But at the same time it has been the best so far and I have learned a lot about my skills and what I can expect from myself so I will do my best to elaborate here. This year I took Organic Chemistry I and II, as well as Genetics and Cell Biology. All of these are very strenuous classes, however, approached the school year with the expectation that Ochem was going to be my downfall, so when Genetics was the class that was incredibly difficult for me from the start I had to switch my perspective, I had to adapt how much time I was devoting to each subject and how to use that time most effectively. I think Genetics finally taught me the most correct way to study for a biology course. Ochem came more naturally, that's not to say that it was easy, although finding a group of friends that is willing to push you to your limits and expects only the best from you is incredibly helpful in those difficult classes. I also went to tutoring whenever I needed it and will continue to use those resources because they were incredibly helpful, especially with Ochem. Outside of class I have been working at the University of Cincinnati Climbing Wall, I have been learning how to teach classes and set interesting routes which is something that I love to do. The climbing wall is somewhere I like to go to unwind from stress, but at some point during first semester there was a flip, having to go to work at the wall became something I had to do, not something I looked forward to. That is when I decided that I needed a different outlet,  some different kind of movement in my weekly routine otherwise I was getting too close to burnout. Enter weightlifting, a sport I have always wanted to try but, because of various injuries, I have always been too scared to give it an honest attempt. Then one of my friends, very kindly, offered to teach me and has become one of my closest friends since. I think one of the most valuable lessons I have learned this year, through all of the ups and the downs, the self-doubt; is that having friends that truly value you, appreciate having you around, and seek you out, is one of the most valuable things you could have in this life. I do not think I would have gotten through parts of this semester without some of them so I am eternally grateful to them. In the coming years I plan to continue working out and maintaining my frindships, both within academic spheres and outside of them.