2020-2021, My First Year as UC student during a PANDEMIC.  

March 13, 2020 I was informed that I would no longer have to attend high school in person, and classes would resume virtually. Ironically this was the day I had officially committed to the University of Cincinnati. Fast forward to August 24,2020 where I was officially on the University of Cincinnati's campus starting my classes as a first-year student. I remember being anxious to turn my camera on and show my face. I was scared to talk and engage during classes. I was extremely uncomfortable.  The start of fall semester was rough, it was an adjustment, and I was still looking for a way to approach the new academic load I had picked up. I learned that the way I studied in high school wasn’t going to cut it on the collegiate level. September 18, 2020 was the day I had my first big exam for general chemistry I. In order to prep for this exam I studied the only way I knew how to. I reviewed the notes, read the book, and tried to focus on the concepts that I was really confused on. However I didn't know that for an exam that is not conceptual, studying concepts is not the most efficient way to prepare. I got my first failing grade ever in my academic career on that exam. After that I was determined to turn it around, I knew that I could not continue on that path. As the semester progressed I started to become more social and vocal in my classes. I began reaching out to other UC students and met some amazing people! Ariel (Another UHP student) for example, has been my ride or die every since we decided to meet at TUC and study for Biology together.  

Skipping to November when things started to really get interesting....  

Me and Ariel were in the Great Hall at TUC and she asked me how I felt about applying for the University Honors Program and truthfully I hadn't given it too much thought. I felt like I was just barely making it on the academic side, and I thought my chances of getting accepted was slim to none. However, Ariel is extremely persistent and she got me to apply. I poured my heart out as I answered the questions and then submitted my application 10 minutes before the deadline. I was so nervous, and feared the possibility of rejection, I didn’t even tell my parents I was applying. On December 18, 2020 I was at work, helping this customer send money through Western Union when I felt my watch buzz, letting me know I got an Outlook email. Once I was done helping my customer, I checked my phone and I seen it was from the University Honors Program. Nervous to fully open the email I decided to wait until my break which would have been a few hours from then. However I couldn’t wait! I was so anxious I just wanted to know if I had got in or not. I went into the cash office, held my breathe and read the preview of the email. It read “Hello Zakaria, I am excited to...” and began jumping for joy. I opened the full email, read my official acceptance email, and began to tear up. It was a big moment for me because I understand where I came from. I knew where I started at the beginning of the semester and being accepted into the University Honors Program was the sign, I needed to go even harder, and to push myself even more.  

Fast forward to the beginning of spring semester. It started with campus being closed every other day due to the weather. The snowy, cold weather really took a toll on me. I was very unmotivated, and I feel like I lost focus. I continued to push through, but the first month back was not easy. As time went on and the weather began to clear up my motivation, determination and drive returned! I got my groove back. This time around I wanted to be more social, I began going to study sessions with my classmates, and forming different relationships with the people at UC! I started to take risk, and challenge myself. Since I was in the Honors Program, I began to reflect a lot more. As I would analyze my reflections, and take a look at how things had been going I would adjust and change how I did things in order to become better. I decided to take the chance and apply to be a UHP Ambassador, a member of the McNair prep Scholars program, and a team member at our campus rec! Once again I was very nervous, but my mindset was “you never know unless you try”. With that I applied to participate in all three opportunities, and with great excitement I am proud to say I am now a UHP Ambassador, a Mcnair Prep Scholar, and an official team member at UC’s Campus Rec Center! 😊  

My first year at the University of Cincinati was a big turning point in my life. It was the start of a new chapter in my life. I can already tell that this chapter has a lot in store for me and I'm excited to watch the story unfold. This year at UC has taught me that its better give all your effort and go for something rather than spending time wondering what the outcome will be. This year taught me that I need to continue to push myself beyond my comfort zone. This year taught me to be flexible, because things can change in a matter of seconds. And most importantly this year taught me that college isn't just about getting good grades, its about networking, making memories, gaining experiences, and better myself.  

Although this year started off rough, and there were times when I thought I wasn’t going to last, I continued on and made it through. Here I am now, enjoying myself in New Orleans as I type this. I'm definitely ready for a great summer, and even more ready for a GREAT fall semester. I cant wait to see what's in store. 😊