First, a small recap:
In 2015, I decided to go back to college with two goals in mind. I wanted to have an education under my belt that reflected my work in Social Media Management (which I no longer do, btw), and I needed something to do that would distract me from my decision to end my career in Halloween.

On the very first day of school, I dropped Selling. I decided right then and there that this was not the direction of my life.

However, I was drawn into my other classes, especially Family Communications and Child Development. I found a lot of answers to questions I didn't know I had, and worked through a lot of issues bubbling beneath the surface. Intro to Psychology was also interesting, and I learned from 2015 that I absolutely loved being in school.

My goals for Spring 2016 were pretty much to determine my major. It was a tossup between Communications, Psychology, and Child Development. It took me a whole semester (!) to get these details nailed down with the counseling department, but by the close of Spring 2016 I had my major, and I had a plan. I was set to graduate with two AAs: one in Social Sciences, and one in Child Development. Other goals included getting Academic Clemency and sorting out issues from transferring credits.

Summer 2016 I wanted to knock some prerequisites out of the way, and a waitlisting issue had me in Intro to Philosophy. I found a new love of my life at that time, and promptly registered for another Philosophy class for fall.

Fall 2016 I had two goals. One, get through Math...which I did not do. I had to drop the class midway through because I failed the midterm. I would have stuck with it and busted my butt for a C, but the thing was...everyone failed the midterm. I realized I did not want to stick through a semester of Math and do all the work I was doing to be handed an F, when I know I could pull better than that. The second goal was to really determine if Child Development was really the major for me. Call me indecisive, but I like to really consider my decisions, especially ones that have lifelong consequences such as determining a major. I took classes without my favorite teacher (to make sure that I wasn't just doing the classes because I liked being in class with my favorite teacher), but at the end I realized this is what I wanted to do: be a teacher.

After the year and a half spent back in college, I realize that I need to set some stringent goals if I want to transfer on time. I've looked back at what I've accomplished (determined a major, managed to get all As since returning to school) and all that I failed to accomplish (complete Math requirements for my major), and all that I wish I had attempted, and have come up with a few goals:

My Spring 2017 Goals

1. Read all my textbooks: This seems like a no-brainer, but how many of us actually read all of our textbooks? Last semester I found myself skimming some books, which I didn't like because I like to read. I think I had some time management issues that kept me from committing to my reading, but this semester I want to stay dedicated. I've even started the reading already!
2. Do my homework ahead of time: When I come from home from school I like to sit down and watch a show. This semester, I want to come home and immediately get started on homework. 
3. Really get math out of the way: This is the last semester I want to spend doing Math. I want it done! I need to get it done so I can take statistics, and I do not want to waste another semester in Math!
4. Be a better team leader: I found myself floundering in one group project last semester because I did not take my own advice and take the leadership role right off the bat. I did not delegate and I did not plan. Even though we got an A, this project caused me a lot of anxiety that planning would have alleviated. My goal is to be a better team leader so at least I can rest a little easier!
5. Balance school and life a bit better: My room, car, and desk were an atrocious mess after this semester! At some point my organization system crashed and I did nothing to fix it. Papers were everywhere, I abandoned my binder at some point, and my textbooks found a home on the floor of the passenger side of my car. This was not okay...just looking at the mess caused me anxiety because I knew I had to clean it but had no time to do so! This semester, I want to make sure I stay organized, and make sure I have time to take care of Real Life things like cleaning.

Aside from these academic goals, I have other life goals (or resolutions) that I have in place for this year that will effect my school:

2017 Life Goals

1. Pay down more debt: I paid off one credit card (for my abrupt wisdom teeth removal in Summer), but I have two more bills I'd like paid off before I transfer. Like many adults going into college, I am chiefly responsible for my own finances. If I am going to get student loans in the future, I want my credit to be tip-top. This may mean I need to pull more work hours (I work full time) or even buckle down on my budget more. Either way, this is a goal and I will do what I need to make it happen!
2. Get my side hustle going: I'm an artist and create illustrations for books, but I started a coloring page side hustle that I've done nothing with. I'd like to get that off the ground this year.
3. Start working in my major: I'm already looking at night, weekend, and 24/7 child care services to send my resume to. I like the job I am in and would like to keep it, but I'd like to start working in my major in a part time or volunteer basis. Last time I went to school I waited until I graduated to start working in the field, which put me at a severe disadvantage. This time around, I want to avoid that mistake. The trick will be to find something that will work with my work and school schedule.

What are some of your goals for Spring 2017?