I'm currently sitting in the basement of the Undergrad library here at UNC-Chapel Hill studying for my biology final. Am I stressed? A little bit, of course. Exam season is an extremely stressful time for several students around campus. However, there's an emotion that's even stronger than the stress I'm feeling -- and it's pure gratitude. So, here are 11 things I'm thankful for after my first year of college that I'm sure a lot of other students are thankful for as well.
1. The friends I have made.
This is a stereotypical answer, but I am thankful for the friends I have made here. I have friends that think extremely differently than I do and I have friends that are like-minded. Having the opportunity to have both is one thing I am appreciative for. Also being away from my hometown friends has made me appreciate them even more, and it makes me treasure the adventures we get to have together.
2. The extracurriculars that fuel my passions.
With so many student organizations on campus, it's easy to find and get involved with a club that you're passionate about. There are super specific activities and clubs as well and it's a great way to meet friends, too!
3. The opportunities for super cool events.
This semester I took a history of country music class and had the opportunity to meet Don Schlitz who wrote many of the songs I grew up listening to. Moments like those are ones that make every sleepless night, every stressful midterm, and every not-so-satisfactory grade worth it.
4. The feeling you have the power to actually make a change in some area of the world.
College kids love to protest, and they love to march. This love stems from the idea that college kids have the have the ability to change the world. I'm not sure how long college students have felt this way, but it's a feeling I'm appreciative of. I'm not sure if it'll ever go away but right now, I'm enjoying the fact that I truly believe if I work hard enough for long enough, I can actually make a difference with my career.
5. The classes.
Most colleges have general education requirements which allow you to take classes outside of your major for different credits. Schools often offer a wide variety of classes to fulfill these requirements. This semester I had the opportunity to take a class on Disabilities Studies in Early Modern Literature and it was one of the most eye-opening classes I've ever taken.
6. The whiteboards.
This is another slightly nerdy one but you can't deny writing an outline for a paper or draw out a scientific process is not 100% more fun on a whiteboard than on a boring piece of paper. Plus, being on a college campus you have access to SO. MANY. WHITEBOARDS. It's heavenly.
7. The opportunity to actually attend a university.
This is an experience not everyone gets to have. Being able to attend college is a blessing, and I encourage you to be thankful for it even during the most stressful weeks of the semester.
Finish strong my fellow college students! Final exam season is only a few weeks out of four collective years of undeniably amazing opportunities. Study hard, get some sleep, and walk into your exams feeling confident. I assure you, you're capable!
