Academic Plan
Part 1: Reflection on Previous Academic Challenges:
1. Lack of proper course planning and how to Avoid Previous Issues?
- I selected too many courses without considering my personal circumstances. I chose five courses per semester because I noticed many of my peers doing the same. I was worried about falling behind, so I didn't realize that I could have taken only three courses in fall and winter terms and make up the remaining credits during the summer term.
- I didn't thoroughly research the course content and required skills before selecting courses. I based my choices solely on the course names or my own interests.
2. Insufficient consideration of my academic direction:
- I chose the Economics major in the past simply to seek approval from my father, without considering whether the field and the required courses were suitable for me.
- Due to the course requirements in Economics, I had to concentrate on several subjects that I wasn't particularly strong in during the same semester, which limited my study time.
3. Failure to utilize school resources effectively:
- Academic writing skills:
- I recently discovered that the university has a writing center specifically designed to assist international students. I didn't thoroughly explore the available resources or check my email notifications, which caused me to miss opportunities to quickly improve my writing skills.
- Apart from utilizing the writing center, I plan to dedicate time during the break to study writing techniques and establish a solid foundation for my future university studies.
- Seeking help from the mental health department:
- Previously, I hesitated or felt ashamed to seek help due to concerns about verbal expression and my family situation. But now I understand that I need to strive for my own goals, and overcoming these obstacles should not hinder my progress.
4. Failure to seek timely assistance from teachers when facing difficulties:
- I have always been accustomed to trying to solve problems on my own and hesitated to ask others for help because I feared inconveniencing them. Since childhood, I've been afraid that asking too many questions would make my father think I'm not intelligent. Therefore, unless the issues were severe or absolutely necessary, I tended to avoid asking others and preferred to research and resolve them independently.
Part 2: Future Career Choice:
1. I have decided to change my major to French Studies - General (Arts) - Bachelor of Arts. This time, I have chosen based on my strengths, abilities, and interests, rather than seeking my father's approval. Hence, I will prioritize the study of French in the future.
2. Regarding the French Studies major, I am aware that the GPA requirement is 1.9, and the minimum credit requirement is 60 credits.
3. Future prospects and development in the field:
- Employment opportunities for French majors are generally diverse. In China, opportunities related to French language skills are abundant in sales departments, accounting firms, and foreign trade. Although courses related to economics are not my strong suit, I will study them as electives to ensure internship and employment opportunities after graduation.
4. Next semester's course plan:
- Reduce the number of courses to three to ensure proper time allocation and maintain stable academic performance.
- Specific courses:
- FREN106 for preparation within the major, followed by FREN107, FREN118, and FREN150.
- LLCU 102 Beginning Indigenous Language and Culture II Units: 3.00 to enhance English writing skills and foundational knowledge.
- PSYC 100 Principles of Psychology Units: 6.00 to better understand Canadian culture and improve communication skills, allowing me to integrate better into my studies and daily life.
By reflecting on past challenges and implementing a structured and logical study plan, I aim to overcome previous obstacles and achieve academic success in my future studies.
1. Lack of proper course planning and how to Avoid Previous Issues?
- I selected too many courses without considering my personal circumstances. I chose five courses per semester because I noticed many of my peers doing the same. I was worried about falling behind, so I didn't realize that I could have taken only three courses in fall and winter terms and make up the remaining credits during the summer term.
- I didn't thoroughly research the course content and required skills before selecting courses. I based my choices solely on the course names or my own interests.
2. Insufficient consideration of my academic direction:
- I chose the Economics major in the past simply to seek approval from my father, without considering whether the field and the required courses were suitable for me.
- Due to the course requirements in Economics, I had to concentrate on several subjects that I wasn't particularly strong in during the same semester, which limited my study time.
3. Failure to utilize school resources effectively:
- Academic writing skills:
- I recently discovered that the university has a writing center specifically designed to assist international students. I didn't thoroughly explore the available resources or check my email notifications, which caused me to miss opportunities to quickly improve my writing skills.
- Apart from utilizing the writing center, I plan to dedicate time during the break to study writing techniques and establish a solid foundation for my future university studies.
- Seeking help from the mental health department:
- Previously, I hesitated or felt ashamed to seek help due to concerns about verbal expression and my family situation. But now I understand that I need to strive for my own goals, and overcoming these obstacles should not hinder my progress.
4. Failure to seek timely assistance from teachers when facing difficulties:
- I have always been accustomed to trying to solve problems on my own and hesitated to ask others for help because I feared inconveniencing them. Since childhood, I've been afraid that asking too many questions would make my father think I'm not intelligent. Therefore, unless the issues were severe or absolutely necessary, I tended to avoid asking others and preferred to research and resolve them independently.
Part 2: Future Career Choice:
1. I have decided to change my major to French Studies - General (Arts) - Bachelor of Arts. This time, I have chosen based on my strengths, abilities, and interests, rather than seeking my father's approval. Hence, I will prioritize the study of French in the future.
2. Regarding the French Studies major, I am aware that the GPA requirement is 1.9, and the minimum credit requirement is 60 credits.
3. Future prospects and development in the field:
- Employment opportunities for French majors are generally diverse. In China, opportunities related to French language skills are abundant in sales departments, accounting firms, and foreign trade. Although courses related to economics are not my strong suit, I will study them as electives to ensure internship and employment opportunities after graduation.
4. Next semester's course plan:
- Reduce the number of courses to three to ensure proper time allocation and maintain stable academic performance.
- Specific courses:
- FREN106 for preparation within the major, followed by FREN107, FREN118, and FREN150.
- LLCU 102 Beginning Indigenous Language and Culture II Units: 3.00 to enhance English writing skills and foundational knowledge.
- PSYC 100 Principles of Psychology Units: 6.00 to better understand Canadian culture and improve communication skills, allowing me to integrate better into my studies and daily life.
By reflecting on past challenges and implementing a structured and logical study plan, I aim to overcome previous obstacles and achieve academic success in my future studies.