As freshman year of college draws to a close, I could not help but reminisce about the various highs and lows regarding my first official year as a college student. Despite late nights of studying, crowds of new faces and an interesting menu selection, freshman year was filled with genuine memories and important life lessons, inside and out of the classroom. My first year of college was one of the most captivating experiences that also held me accountable for my emotions and ultimately, decisions. Therefore, I eagerly await a hard-earned summer break. But, here's what I learned along the way.
1. The friendships established are my support system
I am truly thankful for the variety of caring and selfless individuals I've met. Each week was filled with stressful assignments and vigorous responsibilities, nevertheless, my friends enabled me to remain strong and fight each battle with confidence.
2. The best advice was to get involved
Despite the stress from so many new possibilities, becoming part of campus life, in big ways and small, changed my perspective on college and allowed me to impact the community, as well as learn more about my own strengths and weaknesses.
3. There's no one I'd rather be than me
All too often, we doubt who God created us to be. However, each person is created with an incomparable uniqueness that must be shared. College is a time to explore your individuality, while still being held accountable for your actions.
4. Embrace that failure is inevitable
No matter how many hours you devote to homework, quizzes and tests, there will be various moments when you fall short of your academic goals. Instead of beating yourself up, embrace it as a learning experience in order to avoid similar mistakes, which will be far less forgiving.
5. I will not miss 8 a.m. classes
Nothing is worse than needing to wake up for a class earlier than usual, especially when it demands the most brainpower. Nonetheless, kudos to my philosophy professor for teaching me the importance of questioning everything, and for that, I cannot complain.
6. My roommates made each week bearable
College always finds a way to stress students out, therefore, each individual must resort to various activities in order to relieve stress. Personally, my roommates have enabled me to push through each week without becoming completely overwhelmed. Here's to Kevin Brauer and Leo Konewko for playing endless games of FIFA 16, watching countless late night movies and everything in between.
7. I'm proud to be studying communications
Without a doubt, communication studies is the right major for me. I am proud to join the comm family and continue striving towards a more dynamic relationship with the Milwaukee community. Thank you, Marquette University for allowing me the opportunity to pursue endless possibilities for the future. And a huge shoutout to my parents for giving me the rewarding gift of education in the first place!
8. As usual, Wisconsin weather was disappointing
One of the saddest realities of freshman year was the truly dissatisfying weather. With numerous days of pounding rain, relentless snow, random occurrences of sleet and minimal sunshine, Milwaukee's unpredictable weather constantly influenced the mood of each and every student. Even so, classes must go on.
9. Sophomore year is just around the corner
Although I've made it this far, the whole cycle will repeat next year. Still, I will be more confident and eager to overcome new challenges and become a more mature student. I am excited to witness the changes that occur and the new set of expectations to meet.
10. Summer 2016 is welcomed with open arms
Finally, I can look forward to the warm summer months that so many of the Marquette students have earned. Freshman year was a blast but nothing can beat the taste of a cold beverage by the beach, swimming at the cottage, laughing with your friends and simply taking a moment for yourself.
Freshman year is almost over. No more sleepless nights, monotonous campus food or stressing out over grades, at least, not for a while. Looking back at it now, I have been truly blessed throughout my first year in college. From meeting some of the most genuine individuals to surviving various rigorous courses, freshman year has been nothing short of an amazing start to my adult life. Although I have experienced many days that seemed to take the better of me, I am proud to have persevered. I thank all of my friends and family for the constant support and love during my initial year as a college student. Sophomore year, I'm ready when you are.
