And so it’s all wrapping up. My first semester is coming to a close. I feel the finals slump. I am so exhausted and worn out. I went to the library for eight hours straight one day this week and still felt as though I accomplished nothing. For once in my life, I’ve been made to question if final projects really are better than final exams. Even though managing studying for several different exams is difficult, I feel as though it might be more bearable than the stress of several lengthy projects all due on the same day. Then again, I will be saying the very opposite once this article comes out, and I am studying for finals instead of finishing projects.
Finals aside, the end of the semester makes me look back on how my “college experience” has been so far. I feel as though I am out of bounds with what the definition of a typical college student experience is. I have been waking up earlier than I ever have before, and let me just say, 7 a.m. is primetime for laundry. Nobody is even near the laundry room yet, unless they left it overnight. I also have had more of a schedule, which I really appreciate. I feel calmer. It helps me prioritize and complete all of the tasks I have to with time to spare.
In terms of late-night hangouts, I must say my favorite is the board game and movie nights. It’s just filled with the laughter of friends who are all exhausted and need a break. I thought that the big part of meeting people was over once orientation passed, but I’ve quickly learned that it’s only the beginning. I became really close with people in my classes that I hardly even spoke to in the beginning of the year. It’s a constant cycle of new faces and introductions. Looking back, I’ve realized that not even those I’ve been with since orientation have known me for more than four months, and all of those late-night convos can hardly sum up my life beforehand.
I come from a fairly small town where everybody knows everything about everyone. The transition feels odd because everyone you could or would have encountered at school knew you or you knew them in some way, shape, or form. The change in environment is honestly refreshing. I hadn’t really understood what people meant by “reinventing” yourself in college. I guess you really can. In retrospect, I haven’t changed too much, but now people apparently think I’m an early riser (they’re dead wrong).
