One of the best parts of classes starting again each fall is the chance to set new goals for yourself. The start of a new academic year is almost like New Year’s Day: School Edition. Many students have similar goals in mind like getting good grades, getting more involved in clubs and organizations, and having a good time. While I share all of these goals with my peers, I have a few of my own unique goals this fall semester that I’m looking forward to accomplishing.
1. Getting Accepted to Study Abroad
I am currently in the process of getting letters of recommendation, my official transcripts, and my passport ready as I prepare to do my application for studying abroad. I’m currently applying to two programs through Binghamton University: University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the Semester in London Program. While it is strange to think that I won’t be spending my spring semester in Binghamton, I am getting so excited to spend the cold and snowy upstate NY months in the UK. What’s even more exciting is that so many of my friends are preparing to study abroad as well and some of them are even applying to the same programs I am. While it is a stressful time for all of us, I know that once we get accepted to our programs and make our final decisions, it’ll all be worth it!
2. Making My Mark (at BTV)
Last semester I was elected as the BTV writing director for this academic year and as an English major who marvels at the prospect of working for either a magazine or TV station when I’m older, being elected to this government position was absolutely amazing. Last week after two successful GIM’s, I managed to recruit around 30 students for the writing department and as the new writing director, I am determined to make the writing department an even bigger one at BTV since script writing is one of the most essential aspects to any television show. In addition to making the BTV writing department a bigger one, another goal of mine is to work with my new department to create a brand new show for BTV that I hope to have up and running at the beginning of the spring semester. (If you’re interested in writing for BTV please e-mail me at swieder2@binghamton.edu)
3. Growing As a Person
This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to complete my first internship at Long Island Pulse Magazine. This experience gave me the tools needed to succeed in everyday life such as learning how to time manage, work in a professional office setting, and how to go out of my comfort zone to talk to new people. All of these new valuable lessons have helped me to really grow as a person. It’s crazy to think that I’m already a junior in college but as an upperclassmen who’s almost halfway done with their undergraduate college career, I have really learned a lot in the past few years and one of my big goals for the semester is to keep learning and using my experiences, whether good or bad, to help me grow as a person.