The first semester of freshman year was amazing. I made so many amazing friends, met some of the best people, and accomplished so much. As I was taking fewer classes and had more motivation to do everything I possibly could on campus, I definitely had a very wholesome semester. Although, my second semester of freshman year was a little different.

I was suddenly taking maximum credits of courses, had much less time for a large social life, and much less motivation and energy to pursue much outside of my major.

As I still had a very eventful and successful second semester, I have felt somewhat hesitant to go back to the craziness I had last semester. I have learned that pushing myself to my breaking point is not something I ever want to do again, and as my schedule is somewhat more condensed this semester, I am praying my stress level is much less.

Knowing myself, I understand that going back to things can be nerve-racking, and this could be part of my anxieties for this semester. Change can be hard. Although I have tremendously overcome many of my fears of change, it is still difficult to enter the unknown with all new classes and a completely different lifestyle than the one I live during summers at home.

I do understand that everyone goes through a similar feeling and that having an open mindset is the key to overcoming anything. Although there may be certain things I am nervous for this semester, just like with anything I have ever accomplished, I just have to push myself to get through the unnecessary stresses I have and believe that this semester will be amazing.

Having an open and positive mindset has been my key to get through absolutely everything, and I am excited to use this mindset for an absolutely amazing sophomore year at Syracuse University. And I know I will.