I just finished my fourth year of college. I'm somewhat in shock that I've been at Trinity this long. And yet it really doesn't feel that long at all. It seems like yesterday I was awkwardly navigating my way around New Student Orientation, meeting my suitemates, and using a map to get to my 100-level classes. Four years later, I know the entire campus better than my own house, I have literally a hundred best friends, and all my classes are in the same building. A lot has changed, and a lot has also stayed the same.
I do have one more year left of college (and then I have to be an adult—YIKES), but it's always good to look back and see what's happened in my life. As you read this, think about your college years and how they've impacted you.
In August 2012, I started out as an elementary education teacher who was going to change the world single-handedly. I also kind of thought I knew everything, and boy oh boy, was I wrong in that regard. That entire first semester was incredibly hard: I had just moved from my hometown, I knew no one coming in, and my classes were really tough. I didn't really have friends until October of that year, and I was still pretty reserved with what I chose to share. But second semester came around and everything changed. I met people who truly cared about me and invested themselves in my emotional well-being, and I grew by leaps and bounds in my leadership skills and confidence.
My second year of college was a lot easier personally, but I was dealing with my learning disability and coming to terms with not being able to pass the state teacher tests because of my math disability. So, I switched to the graphic design major which would put me a year behind in school (hence why I'm going to be a 'super senior'). Later that year, one of my close friends unexpectedly passed away. His death changed my entire perspective on life: I began to truly live for Christ and not for myself. In that way, his passing was a good thing—however I still think about him every day and ask why he had to go so soon.
Junior year came around. Academically, it was decent, personally, it was good, but I had quite a lot of family situations going on when the school year began. I was frustrated and angry, and I just wanted to get my mind off of what was happening at home, so I threw myself into school and leadership. I came to realize it wasn't the best coping mechanism, and started confiding in my friends more and that was a huge help. I also started actually praying about things, and surprise: things got better. The situation at home still wasn't great but it gradually got easier.
And then this most recent year happened, my fourth year at Trinity. Wow. I'm still not sure what to think about it. It was a mix of incredibly good and incredibly bad. I lost some friendships, which absolutely broke my heart (but also taught me who my true friends are, and to value my close friends more). I struggled a lot with school and took a major blow to my pride when I finally got a mentor (basically, someone who makes sure I'm doing my homework). However, having a mentor has been wonderful and I have come to realize it's not shameful to ask for help. It can be a sign of strength, instead of a weakness. I met a lot of great people this past year and I am truly thankful to know and love them. I lived in a wonderful suite that was full of laughter, bad puns, and true community that only comes from the Lord. I also finished most of my graphic design degree!
Looking ahead to my final year of college is both exciting and scary. I have no idea what August 2016 through May 2017 holds for me, but it will be a great adventure for sure. When I cross the stage, diploma in hand, I will be a very different person than the girl I was first entering college. I have grown so much in my faith and intellectual abilities, and I have also made incredible friends.
That being said, I hope you guys have a great summer. Take the time to reflect on the past school year and write down goals for the next year.
