Somehow I Only Have One Left

In just over a week, I will embark on the start of my last semester of senior year of college. It’s been such a wild ride and it’s insane to think it’s almost over. Over the past semester, I’ve realized how much I will miss so many parts of college, a few things in particular.

Last Semester

Looking back at last semester, it was hectic, to say the least, but there were moments that I will remember forever. There were still some moments I wish I could take back to focus on what really matters.

My biggest advice for younger college students is to learn how to say “no” to those who ask you to do something when you are overwhelmed. Obviously don’t always say no, but truly make sure you can say yes before you can commit to something. Because of my struggle to say no to certain people, I became the president of three different clubs this past semester, and that was incredibly difficult. To top that off, I was also in four lab-based classes, meaning I was in class for upwards of 21 hours of class a week (the typical would be around 12-15) and working around 15 hours a week.

It was way too late for me to realize I had jumped too far into the deep end. My semester seemed to be just one long to-do list.

Let’s just say I’m proud I survived and I did end up getting a 4.0 for the semester. Looking back, I’m not sure it was worth it. I care way too much about my grades and the stress they give me cost me a lot of fun nights. Almost every movie night I was doing homework, every weekend consisted of long nights in the lab, and I would study so long I would forget (or choose not to) eat for way too many hours.

I hope the nights I decided to put away the homework and enjoy an adventure with the roommates, or be present for those around me are the ones I am going to remember instead of what my score was on one exam for one random class.

I am incredibly proud of myself for how hard I work and the results achieved, but I also have to look at what I am sacrificing for these achievements and my motivation behind working so hard for them. Making sure I have my priorities aligned is a huge part of what I want to work on this semester and going forward after graduation.

On a happier note

What helped me to get through the chaos of this past semester was 100% percent who was around me. My roommates, my emotional support sophomore, friends, professors, coworkers, etc., were all there making sure I was okay and doing my best. They each deserve to be saints for putting up with me and making me the best person I can be. From the bottom of my heart, they are who and what I will miss most when I leave SNC in Spring.

Looking Forward

I want to enjoy as much of the next semester as possible, especially the little moments I know I will miss.

Over my college career, so many people on campus have supported and helped me get to where I am today and they are also the people I won’t forget.

My Computer Science Family

This semester has taught me how much I am going to miss the CS department at SNC, especially my emotional support sophomore, Ali. I came into college as a CS major, and I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Each professor was always there for support and my classmates made me even slightly enjoy the long nights in the lab. I will miss Christmas time in the lab the most and I will easily say CS is the best department at the college.

Working for Tech Bar

I’ve had the joy of working for the Academic Technology team since my freshman year and for Tech Bar since my sophomore year. I love the whole team and am thankful I’ve been able to work with them for my whole college career. They always know how to make me laugh or lighten my mood during long days. I know it’s very uncommon, so I’m thankful to say when I graduate I’m going to miss my job.

My Roommates

Last but definitely not least are my incredible roommates. I am one of the luckiest people ever that I never had any roommate issues and I’ve only ever roomed with my three current roommates. Coming from someone who has struggled their whole lives with friendships, I know with them, I have found my forever friends. Each of them is the sister I never had and has made me the best version of myself. Living with them is the main reason I want May never to come…

These next few months are going to be filled with many bittersweet moments and I am going to try to do everything possible to soak them all in.