The time spent as an undergraduate student in college initially seems like it is going to drag on forever. I can vividly remember standing in the parking lot after my parents moved me into my freshman dorm room with tears in my eyes and barely able to speak goodbye in fear of bawling. There were so many worries flurrying through my mind because I had no idea what my future would be like as a college student. My greatest worry was that I would get lost trying to find my classes or that I wouldn't have enough time to make it from one class to the next in only 10 minutes on the days when my schedule had classes back-to-back. Other than that, I really don't recall having any super anxious feelings about the start of college; perhaps my lack of expectations helped to prepare me for handling all of the moments that were to commence.
I truly had no idea what my future would be like as a college student.
Those first-week anxieties and fears quickly evolved into motivation to excel and persevere in the challenges presented throughout college. Soon, new anxieties and fear developed about things that I never even thought would be on my mind as an undergraduate, yet after they did occur, seemed ridiculous that I had not somewhat expected to occur because it ended up being so obvious.
The learning experiences that I have had over my time as an undergraduate are more valuable than I could have ever imaged. The incredible people that I meet are teaching me so much. about the world and also about myself, whether they know it or not. The intimidating experiences that I encounter are teaching me how to overcome fears and persevere. The failures that I endure are teaching me how to improve the next time around. The shocking moments are teaching me to expect the unexpected. The application process for internships, jobs, and scholarships are teaching me how to be competitive. The plethora of classes I have taken is teaching me how to critically think and identify my true passions and interests.
It is amazing to think that I only have four more classes to pass before my degree requirements are completely fulfilled.
In the middle of working through the previous semesters, time did not move so fast. However, upon reflection, time actually has moved at an increasing pace. As I examine the few categories of electives that remain for me to take, I know that those final experiences will move even faster as my undergraduate career comes to a close.