Back from Break: Settling in again
Coming back from fall break has been a mix of emotions from going back home to coming back into the swing of things. Reading about Sarah’s return to college life was so different yet so similar. Like Sarah, I felt that strange change between something familiar to chaos again. Unlike Sarah, I did not come back to the smell of a dead fish but I did have to readjust to sharing a space with my roommate. Registration is coming up, with help from my academic advisor I have decided on which classes I have to take. It wasn’t like I had much of a choice on what to take. It is very stressful having to make your own schedule but I like that level of freedom too. These classes that I will be taking next semester will be considerably more challenging than the ones this semester. I have realized how much I have grown since the start of the semester even though it hasn’t been that long. I know where I want to go and now have the tools that I need to succeed. I am a little better at time management only a little. Sarah’s experience at a large school is very different from my experience at Longwood. At Longwood it is smaller and more personal. I can talk to my professors and see familiar people wherever I go. I guess that would be harder in a big lecture hall. Like Sarah I am exited for the end of the semester, but overwhelmed with the stuff I still have to do. I have noticed that I don’t really talk to people from my hometown much anymore. So I am really exited to see them during winter break. We have all just gotten so busy and it shows that we are starting new parts of our lives. As I think to the future I feel overwhelmed so I am going to try my best to live in the moment. I also need to stay focused on staying organized throughout the rest of college. Just like Sarah I am learning that college isn’t just about grades but the stuff you do and friends you make along the way.
Dear cody,
Reading your post, I came to realize I identify myself with you and Sarah. Fall break was short, but needed. Coming back from break brought a lot of emotions, as Monday felt like coming back to reality. It has been a long time since I had seen friends from my old high school, due to all having different kinds of paths that they all have. But ever since I started school here at Longwood. I cannot be happier, I finally have more freedom to do what I am interested in. Thanks to the help of my Academic advisor, I now know what classes I have to register for next semester, and that they will get challenging, as one of them is organic chemistry. But it is crazy to believe that we are so close to the end of fall semester. And so far I am enjoying all of my classes. I am not good at learning with big classes, and here at Longwood, I am grateful that the classroom amount is at a good amount, due to closer relationships with the professors, and everything is so close, making it very convenient for me to reach out to all of the school resources.
I grew up switching school a couple of times, and thanks to that, I no longer struggle being on my own or meeting people at school. I enjoy seeing new faces, because I make more friends. It is not necessary to be friends with the world, but there is nothing wrong with making friendships with people who could potentially become your friends for life after college, and that includes professors as well.
And yes, making memories while also being a student is essential for college life. Every year is different, and the good thing is that everyone is going through it together.
Sincerely,
Arleth Gomez
Dear Cody,
I totally understand what you mean when you talk about getting back from fall break. It definitely feels very weird. On one side, it is nice being home and seeing family, but on the other end, it is weird being outside of that “normal college groove” and routine we are so used to. I know what you mean when you talk about moving from having your own room then going back to sharing with a roommate. It took me a long time to get used to everything again honestly even though it was a short break.
In addition, I think it is a great idea that you have already begun talking with your academic advisor about trying to get your upcoming spring schedule worked out. It is definitely a great idea going ahead and being prepared so you are not scrambling the week off to figure things out. Even though registration has not started yet, I can tell it will be very stressful. Especially if the classes you really want are already taken and you do not have many choices to choose from. However, it is also kind of nice having control over what classes you take. I liked that you mentioned a balance between freedom and pressure when it comes to scheduling classes. It really is a mix of both. I also relate to when you spoke about next semester’s classes being more difficult. Especially with me, I know my classes will be more difficult as the next semester begins.
I definitely agree though that Longwood is smaller and a lot more personal than other universities. A smaller campus and environment makes it a lot easier when it comes to talking with professors and seeing familiar faces around campus everyday. I enjoy it though because it makes the environment feel more like a community than just a place you go and take classes. In addition to being a part of a community. I also understand what you mean when you talk about losing friendships with your friends back home. It is difficult seeing people you grew up with slowly leave that part of your life.
Lastly, I like that you said that college is not just about getting good grades. It is about growing a person and connecting with the people around you. Making these memories will stay with you as we go through our academic careers and beyond. It is nice to see you focusing on these things and it definitely makes me think a little more about being in the moment.
Best wishes,
Ethan Reed