Meet Donald
Name: Donald Thompkins
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Major: Nursing
Favorite study spot: Perry-Castañeda Library (the PCL), 6th floor overlooking the Capitol
Study Smart
The key to studying is not quantity, but rather quality. Studying 11 hours a day does no good if you do not absorb the information. The trick is to study smart. Study for understanding rather than just to say you studied. Find a place that is conducive to studying—this usually means somewhere other than your dorm room.
All Work and No Play…
To be a good student you must also find a balance between studying, friends, and relaxation. All work and no play can make you miserable fast. Too much play will interfere with studying, which correlates directly to success on exams. No relaxation can make you stress and can lead to depression, poor academic performance, and hating college rather than enjoying it.
The best way to strike a balance between these elements is to make a schedule that includes time to study, relaxing, and friends. Learn to like college because for the next four, five, or even six years, it will become home.
See You Succeed
My interaction with faculty, staff, and students overall has been excellent. I learned that all professors were not looking to make me fail. Actually, they want to see you succeed. For example, my Spanish for Healthcare Professionals (N 354) professor is always helpful and positive about me learning Spanish—even when I feel like I have no business speaking any Spanish.
More about Donald
Favorites
- Experience at the University: Taking my last final exam during my freshman year. The sense of accomplishment was AWESOME!
- Place to eat: Cold Stone Creamery
- Class so far: Adult health nursing practicum (N 325P)
- Book: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
- Movie: Les Miserables
- Thing about Austin: The hills, but not during physical training
Thoughts and ideas
Best unexpected thing
The best unexpected thing that’s happened to me since I arrived was meeting an assortment of people from many different backgrounds that have helped shape me into a well-rounded individual.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge I’ve overcome during my time in college was getting used to facing stiff competition from peers and demanding professors.
Expectations
I chose UT because I knew I needed more exposure to people and high standards. I knew UT would give me what I wanted but have been surprised to find that my expectations have been met and surpassed.
Changing majors
I started off as a nursing major, but switched to pre-med. I changed back when I realized that I did not want to be a doctor, but a nurse practitioner. The schedule is better, the money is good, and I will be able to spend time with my family when I have one. I want to be able to enjoy all aspects of life without having to spend 2/3 of my adult life at work.
Fill in the blank:
I can’t __________ without ____________.
I can’t look at the Tower without thinking how much I’m going to miss it once I graduate.
Send Donald an e-mail at latinus54@mail.utexas.edu.