You know why?
I WAS STUDYING FOR FINALS. GIMME A BREAK.
Finals week was no joke. I promised myself I would spend my time on the computer studying and referencing study guides (and hitting up FaceBook for therapeutical doses of friend activity).
ACADEMICS
Spanish has always been one of my favorite classes. Thanks to my wonderful professor, I continued to pursue a langauge and a culture that I respect very much. I'm going to try to get more into conversational Spanish.
One of my fave classes this semester was Entrepreneurship and Emerging Ventures. This class offered a good amount of connections and skills that I can use right away. I signed up for another entrepreneurship class next semester. This class introduced me to the Breezeway Cafe as well. And that's where I am today.
Astronomy = super inspiring. A lot of people found this class to be a pain in the rear, but being the positive ball of light, I really enjoyed this class. Here's what I wrote down in my notebook about this class: "Take classes that interest and inspire you. You'll never be sleepy. It's a great thing to be on the edge of your seat the entire time."
My first Newhouse class was Communications and Media. I encourage every person who can to take this class. Why? Well, it's about our culture in media and how it affects society. It is an introductory course to all eight majors within Newhouse. Also, the textbook was the best book I've read all year. This class was fun but it was also a HUGE challenge. That's what made it a college class.
I felt like I had another shot at math in college so I took Probability and Statistics. Unfortunately, my teacher and I didn't really connect and I was not very enthusiastic about math all semester. Nonetheless, with the encouragement and tutoring of my fellow floor mates, I grasped the material for all the exams. I am so glad that I only had to take one math course for my entire college career.
Lastly, my First Semester Newhouse Advisory Class helped a lot no matter my differences with the students in my group. My faculty advisor was a gem. It is critical to visit your faculty advisor for any questions or concerns you have with your academics. They know their stuff and they are there to help you. Take advantage of people that reach out to you.
NEWHOUSE
Everyone has their school. I am proud to be a part of Newhouse, the most prominent school of public communications in the entire country. I wrote a little bit about Newhouse in my notebook in the beginning of the semester:
"I had no idea how repectable my school was until I woud tell people I was a Newhouse student. They would then raise their eyebrows, jut out their lower lip and nod approvingly. I call this getting the Newhouse Nod.
We're elite, over-achieving, intelligent, and driven.
I now understand the Newhouse Nod. It's something to be proud of."
This is not to say that non-Newhouse students aren't up to par. I know plenty of undecided, iSchool, Whitman, Arts and Sciences, and School of Education students that are brilliant. I'm just saying that I respect my school and I'm glad to be a part of it.
MY MAJOR
I am a registered Advertising major at Newhouse. So far as a freshman, this means nothing. I talked to a lot of people that I trust and respect and they told me to actually take an advertising class before I decide whether or not to stick with that major. The thing is, I find advertising fascinating. It's a great thing to study. But, I don't believe in corporate consumerism and capitalism. Also, I think that advertising has a crazy influence on society. I don't see myself as someone that would spend their career trying to make people buy half-off milkshakes at a fast food place. This isn't me.
HOWEVER...
I remember something very important that the Dean of Newhouse said at convocation. She told all the freshmen that your major does not brand you and put a stamp on your head that says, "This person will do this for the rest of your life." Newhouse majors provide students with skills and knowledge that that student chooses to apply however they decide. It makes sense and it is something to keep ready on the mind.
FRIENDS
My friends think that I am a blubbering softie when I talk about them. This is true.
I love the people I've met this semester. First, I don't know what I would've done without my superb floor mates. The fourth floor of DellPlain made transitioning into college so much easier than it could've been. They are readily available neighbors that are full of stories, knowledge, and genuine caring that they do not hesitate to share.
Then there's my circle. We may not have a clever acronym that includes all of our initials, but I trust these people with everything. I love all their different interests which broadens my mind and my experiences. The coolest thing about them is that they are all so different. I remember I asked them if we were a clique, what would we be. The verdict? Superheroes.
FUTURE PLANS
All in all, my first semester exceeded my expectations. I had a full college experience in just one semester. Who knows how the next seven have in store?
I am signed up for seven classes and 16 credits for the spring. Until then, I am enjoying a restful, relaxing winter break with my lovely parents (still waiting on Connor to get home). I am incredibly fortunate with the life I have now. Things are going well.
* * * *
There are more adventures to come, I promise. It's 7AM and I am heading out to go hiking for the first time since I've been back. A lot has happened in the first week of vacation. Stay tuned.
Stay syrious.
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