Hello everyone, I'm William, and I am in my fourth year of criminology. It is really shocking to say this because I still remember the vivid memory of starting my post-secondary education during COVID-19, and fast forward to today, I am close to fulfilling all my classes for my bachelor's degree. As this year is nearing its end, it has got me thinking about how it will be 2024 within 2 months. I am writing this blog post to reflect on my past successes and failures and share this aspect of my life with future students who may be starting their post-secondary education soon.
When I first began my studies in criminology, there was a lot of uncertainty in the world due to the global pandemic at the time. It was a challenging environment for everyone because of the transition to online learning and having to adjust to the chaoticness of Zoom. One of the most important things that I learned from this chapter of my life is learning to embrace the unexpected because life will throw curveballs at you. The ability to adjust when things do not go the way you plan for is an essential skill since you may face this in your educational journey. I encourage students to embrace unexpected change as it may help them in their academic career and personal life.
Studying criminology requires a lot of time you need to dedicate to reading and doing your assignments. Oftentimes it can be very challenging for most students to balance academic and personal lives. However, what I have learned that is really important in this is self-care. One piece of advice here is to take time off for yourself, as it is easy to get caught up in assignments and exams, which could lead to burnout. So make sure to find time to do things you love and explore new opportunities that you may not get a chance by the time you graduate. Throughout my post-secondary education journey, I have encountered many setbacks and have made many mistakes. These moments have taught me to persevere and not let the failures define me but see them as an opportunity to grow. Do not be disheartened that you may have failed an exam, as it is okay to stumble along the way. It is important to keep moving forward, address your missteps, and use it as a stepping stone to future goals.
As we approach 2024, I am forever grateful for the many experiences and life events that I have experienced in 2023. It has been both challenging and rewarding, and I cannot wait to see where it leads me into the future. To all criminology students, make sure to learn to embrace the unexpected, take care of yourself, and learn from your mistakes to grow. Your own journey may be a lot different from mine, so make sure to believe in yourself, and it will bring you closer to your own goals. I hope my reflection serves as an important source of inspiration, and I wish you all nothing but the very best. As 2023 is near its end, I am very excited to see what 2024 has to offer and how each and every one of you will contribute to Criminology.
Kindest regards,
William La