Lizzie Walsh

1. StrengthsQuest

My top strength was competition. I was not surprised by this strength, as I know that I turn most things in my life into a competition. I would say that I identify with this strength the most because it is a cornerstone of my personality. I am always looking for a challenge or competition and hate losing. Academically, I would say that for the most part it is positive as it keeps me striving for excellence but can become negative if I get too hard on myself. Personally and socially, being so competitive is sometimes good but often times overwhelming to me friends and I have to try to hold back when in social situations.

2. Lessons from a first year buckeye- I wrote about the struggles and obstacles I have overcome since first stepping foot on campus. Originally I was afraid of being homesick and making good friends. I was stressed about being the "perfect" college student, which I soon learned was not a reality. Learning simple things likes that naps are OK and that I would make friends helped me through the semester. I still make a lot to learn but this will stay with me through next semester

Letter to myself- Early in the year, I wrote a letter to myself about how far I have come and where I hope to see myself in the future. I stated things such as be a scholar athlete, graduate on time and get a degree in education. It is interesting to read this today, after I have changed my major. I also wrote about hoping to make and keep lifelong friends. I have since then made some of the most amazing friends that I am assured will be with me throughout the rest of my life. Looking back at this, I realize how much I have changed in such a short period of time and how I will continue to change even more throughout college.