I would like to start this article with a special thank you and shout out to mother nature and climate change for the warmth of the sun rays, the soft pink petals of the trees, and the removal of the seasonal depression. Spring has never felt so great, and I was reminded of this when our campus suddenly turned even more vibrant for the Admitted Students Weekend. We saw men that were never seen before playing volleyball, students smiling broadly, and a whole lot of hopeful high school seniors cheerily walking around. While I stared at these prospective students in awe (or maybe rather creepily), I found myself reminiscing my first steps at Stevens. It is crazy to think that it has already been a year since I was so mesmerized by the city skyline and gravitated towards the idea of independence.
Watching the liveliness of campus, talking to newly admitted students, and just enjoying the vibes of Stevens created this surge of gratitude in my chest. Maybe it was the caffeine from the Milky Way Latte I tried from Pierce Cafe, or maybe it was the mere presence of so many people on campus, but seeing these high school seniors almost brought this weird amount of joy and jitteriness. They reflected the hope and independence that I yearned for during senior year. The initial excitement for college, the beauty of the school, and the countless opportunities that lay ahead of me (I promise I don’t get paid to say this). I think oftentimes as we get so caught up in our lives and struggles, we forget how far we have come and where we are now. It takes moments like these to really clear that haze and make us realize the true fortune of being able to go to a school like Stevens (please hire me).
While sometimes it feels like my first steps were just taken yesterday, this past weekend reminded me of the countless memories and people I have met over this year. There are so many ambitious people that I feel grateful to be surrounded by. So many surreal conversations that have left contemplating the meaning of life and made me rethink my approach to future career. Of course there have been moments that weren’t so great, but without them I wouldn’t realize the true value of the moments that have meant so much to me. I always like to say, “You never know who you could meet,” and college has exemplified that idea by exposing me to so many unique people through various organizations and situations.
I know life isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, but today, while writing this article, I am rejuvenated with hope and brightness. Maybe it’s the pure bliss of the spring weather or what some may call naivety of my still young freshman mind. Seeing the admitted students today gave me the strength to cross the near finish line of this first and one of the most memorable school years of my life. So, if today you are struggling or are feeling low, think about your first steps at Stevens. Specifically the excitement, hopes, and dreams. It’s all still in you, but it might just be a little fuzzy from the haze of stress or workload. Find that and use that as a fuel for motivation. The year has to come to an end anyways, so might as well end it strong.
