Sitting down with a friend for lunch yesterday, we talked schedules and plans trying to figure out our lives for the semester, only to realize that there is about a month left of school. A month.
Everyone is ready for summer. Instead of homework and what seems like torturous classes, we get vacations, old friends, summer jobs, internships and new opportunities. There’s a part of each of us longing for school to end because we are tired of routine. At first we had positive attitudes about our classes and we wanted to spend our time working. (I love my Monday 8 a.m. class! Especially because there’s a cute guy who sits next to me.) But now, as always, that has slowly gone down hill. (OK... 8 a.m. isn’t so fun anymore, and the guy has a girlfriend…) Sometimes, these days can seem monotonous and painful. We long for a new season, and it is definitely time for change.
But, at the same time, how could this be possible? It feels like only a couple of weeks ago we had just started this semester. There is still so much to do! Our lists of friends we still need to see runs longer than our list of homework we have yet to complete, which seems impossible since the list of homework is endless. Plus, what about the trips to Lake Bryan or the zoo or that weird restaurant we were supposed to go to? Honestly, thinking about leaving A&M for the summer doesn't seem plausible yet. We can’t go yet.
And then there are the seniors. Friends who have been here since before we started, cheering us on and teaching us that college isn’t so scary. (Also, how else would we learn the secret menu at Torchy’s?) They are talking about their real jobs in the real world. It’s kind of terrifying. Yet at the same time, they are ecstatic to embark on their new adventures outside of Aggieland, where not everyone wears maroon.
Realizing that these seniors are leaving only reminds us that we are that much closer to going into the real world ourselves. We really have to appreciate our time here. Summer is our time to rest, recuperate and then return to school to reunite with our friends. Summer apart may seem daunting, but it will enhance our lives with new insights and experiences to share with friends when we return next fall. These mixed feelings happen to everyone. Although we are excited for change, we are also incredibly nervous for what comes ahead. What is most important is to realize the balance between the two.
During this last month of school, remember to enjoy the time that you have while still anticipating the excitement for the summer. Yes, classes may seem difficult and overwhelming, and yes, you probably will miss your friends over the summer, and yes, living with your parents again may drive you all a little crazy. But know in this time that change is inevitable and it brings new experiences that will change your life for the better. It’s most important to enjoy your life in the present.
