As I approach the end of my first semester, reading Sarah Mai’s “Freshman” gave me a moment to pause and consider how our college experiences align, and where they take different turns. Sarah completed her first full semester and faced some big decisions, like whether to transfer to art school. In the end, she chose to stay, while some of her friends’ changed majors. That’s life: adapt, adjust, and change plans as needed. For me, the path is already clear. I’ve committed to accounting and mapped out the classes I need from now through senior year.
Sarah’s spring break sounded refreshing, rainy, yes, but still a true break. I’m hoping mine will be just as restful. Fall break was anything but relaxing; I was buried in assignments. I’m grateful I got into the classes I needed for spring, but I do hope the homework load lightens up. This semester stretched me, it was intense.
Sarah also took a spontaneous trip to New York with friends, which I admire. That kind of spontaneity gave her the chance to explore the city and spend quality time with her besties. For me, spring break will (hopefully) be a break from school assignments, fingers crossed. I won’t be interning yet this summer since I need more coursework first, but I’ll be keeping my mind sharp with reading, helping manage our two LLCs, and continuing my roles as business administrator, CFO, domestic engineer, and drumroll please, private nurse to a Marine. Yes, I wear all the hats. No, I don’t get hazard pay. Sarah plans to work as a lifeguard over the summer, which sounds like a fun and active way to earn and unwind. My summer plan is to take one thing off my plate: schoolwork. I
Sarah plans to work as a lifeguard over the summer, which sounds like a fun and active way to earn and unwind. My summer plan is to take one thing off my plate: schoolwork. I might take one class after junior year to stay on track for graduating in 2.5 years with a minor, which means stepping outside my comfort zone and taking six classes instead of five.
Sarah’s story reminded me that college is full of twists and turns. While her journey involves spontaneity and exploration, mine is about structure and steady progress. We’re both learning, growing, and adapting, and that’s what makes this experience so meaningful.
