Tomorrow is the last day of Junior Year!!!! I seriously cannot believe I am nearly a senior now. I still feel like I’m just finishing up freshman year and moving out of Dykstra. When people say college goes by fast, they were NOT kidding. This past year has brought on some serious struggles and frustration, but it was also a year of growth. Just like in high school, junior year is always expected to be the most difficult and it definitely pushed me beyond my limits at times, but it also allowed for a lot of late nights and complaining with fellow classmates when things got difficult. Everybody is in the same boat, so it’s comforting that I’m not alone in all of the stress going on.
Anyway, tomorrow is my last final and then it’s finally summer!!! Even though the year is winding down, there are still quite a few things going on. For instance, I have my TTQ (Total Trek Quest) race on Saturday, I’m leaving for Vienna this next Tuesday for a May Term and Tulip Time is also going on. I just really hope the weather improves so Tulip Time is enjoyable and warm…last year was perfect so I hope Mother Nature turns around and gives us some warm days instead of these gloomy ones we’ve been having.
It’s always bittersweet leaving Hope for the summer because part of you is so happy classes are over and you get to go home and see friends. However, at the same time you don’t get to see your college friends (unless they live close to you) and that can be really difficult too. Now that I’m finishing up Junior Year, I have a couple friends that are graduating so it’s even hard leaving this time because I know I won’t see those familiar faces anytime soon. I don’t think it has really hit me quite yet because my attention is on a lot of other things but it will certainly be strange coming back in the fall and not having those friends around anymore. I always try not to think about it because it really bums me out and makes me all nostalgic. Regardless, I’m super excited for those friends who either got into graduate school or have landed a job after graduation because it shows they are really pursuing their careers and getting ready for the real world.
Speaking of that, I’m only a year from graduating, meaning that I have to get my life figured out and decide where I want to go to graduate school. YIKES! This summer is going to be filled with memories from Vienna but will be packed with studying for the GRE, applying to graduate school and shadowing physical therapists while also working. Summers are supposed to be relaxing, right? Welp, not anymore! This is my last summer being “free” from stress but it ironically, is going to be the most stressful summer I experience. However, I’m definitely ready to tackle that after this difficult past year. I honestly believe that everybody had a challenging year and people need a break from everything and recharge before this next fall. Summer could not have come at a better time! Well, this is my last blog until next year so I wish everybody luck on finals (if you still have them) and have a relaxing, safe, memorable and exciting summer with friends and family and great opportunities!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @hopeleslie15.