What makes people "cool" ...

Based on my understanding, the word "cool" is a description for people's behavior. First, cool people are calm and self-controlled. They are confident in who they are and what they can achieve. As a result, they do not let their temporary emotion control their behavior. Their reaction is, instead, based on their intellect and their confidence. For example, cool students do not get overwhelmed on the day before the exam. They are confident in their ability to pass the exam because they have planned and studied well for it in advance. Also, cool competitors do not get over enthusiastic after winning their first contest, and they do not boast about their achievements or tell their secret plans to others. Second, cool people are extraordinary. They have a unique way of defining themselves in the way they talk and dress, and their daily routine can be a bit unusual from that of their peers; they sleep and eat less and work and think more. In addition, they are open, caring and loved by others. They often seek opportunities where they can help their community, such as volunteering, and they have solid relationships with their family and friends. Through my own observing, "cool" people are, therefore, calm , confident and exceptional.

Am I there yet !

 

I will be honest...

 Since the beginning of the semester, nothing went according to my written resolutions. I have missed so many deadlines, come to class late and sometimes unprepared! And there were times when I completely panicked because I thought I might fail one of my classes. I have to admit that the outcomes of my efforts during this semester could and did not meet my personal expectations. I wanted to show my highest potential in each and every class. I wanted to develop myself, take it to the next level. But because of the sudden changes in my regular time management and my daily routine, I became so overwhelmed and  could not keep up with the school work as fast as required.

My mistake was BAD PLANNING! I was not being realistic about my daily life schedule and how I can balance it In addition, I was not aware of the amount of the effort that full time students have to put in, as this is my first credited-semester at MC. However, I have learned many substantial lessons from this experience. I've learned that if I want to succeed, I should not overwhelm myself by placing too many goals ahead of me at once. If I want to be a good writer, for example, I have to dedicate my time and my efforts to squeeze the most of the writing learning process. Eventually, learning is not a one-step process! It requires long patience, good planning and being surrounded by people who are encouraging, caring and supportive, just as MC staff and professors whom I deeply trust and respect.

 

 

 

For me , writing is the best way to express myself.  I have always observed how people act and run after what they want, and act as if they are too busy to listen to each other, so I believe writing is the best way to reach out to people and make them want to hear my voice without having to actually speak. I started writing when I was a fifth grader. I wrote poems, short stories, but never an academic essay. After I started writing academic essays in college, I noticed that a well-written essay is not a one step process. It requires a lot of knowledge and patience. When I write about a topic, I don't think about school work, grades or any of that, because this would ruin the beauty of writing, I try my best to make the ideas flow..

 

My favorite part of the whole writing process is receiving my paper after I have revised it because I really want to know and learn from my mistakes, so I can be a better writer in the future.  

Where success comes from ...

How bad do you want it ?

We all have dreams, and we're often driven to telling people about our deep ambitions and what we are willing to be in the future. However, how many of us really consider the  time, the effort, and the sacrifices needed to get there. The road towards success is never easy. It requires responsibility, commitment and discipline. And one of the most important elements needed to acquire success is to respect Time. 
There is an Arabic proverb (showed in the picture above) that says: Time is like a sword, if you don't cut it, it will cut you. If you read this for the first time, it may not make any sense for you. However, it does in Arabic. It means that people have to respect time by planning for every second beforehand. This is extremely important, especially for students.

Students have busy life schedules. In addition, they are often asked to do homework assignments and projects. The hard part is that they have to get their tasks done on time. Some students are very organized and often meet deadlines. To do this, students can adjust their daily schedules or stick some notes on their room's wall.  This will help remind them of what they have to do everyday.
Furthermore, there are students who may sometimes be overwhelmed by their daily schedules. My advice is: "Don't panic". If you have so much to do on one day, prioritize your taks, and start with the most important one first. However, DO NOT DELAY WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO. Make sure you get everything done before bedtime.  :)
These are just a few of many advices that can help students meet deadlines, If they are wiling to succeed. 

Making it !!

 

 

 

 

Its been 2 years since I came to the U.S. I graduated from high school in 2013 in Jordan. I majored in science; math and chemistry. And I was ready to start my first year at a medical school.  I was a bit depressed when I first started attending Montgomery College knowing that I have to start all over again. However, after I finished my first semester, I began discovering the infinite possibilities MC offers for international students from different backgrounds. and so, I was happy knowing that I am not the only one! There are students who are just like me, and others who have a degree from their home country, each is trying to pursue their own long-awaited dream! I also found out about many interesting clubs that can enrich students both academically and socially. At this moment, I am a full time student and a part time worker. I am taking four classes. At the beginning of the semester, I wanted to drop one of the classes because I was afraid of not being able to succeed in each one of them. However, I thought that this is what success is all about. It's about making it in the hard way. Its about time management, discipline and commitment. In conclusion,
I truly am thankful for being here and having the chance to discover different sides of me as a student and a person, and experience the true journey in finding who I really am.