If you asked me what I learned this semester, I could probably come up with a few things from my classes, but honestly, that’s not what’s sticking with me. What I am actually going to remember are the random nights, the stress, and the little moments in between it all.
This semester felt long and fast at the same time. There were weeks where I felt like I had everything together, and others where I genuinely did not know how I was going to get through it. But somehow, I did. And along the way, I realized I learned a lot, just not the kind of things you get tested on.
Here is what this semester actually taught me:
1. Not every friendship is meant to last, and that does not make it a failure.
This was probably the hardest one. I have always wanted to hold onto people, even when things felt off. But I have started to realize that some friendships are just meant for a certain time in your life. That does not make them any less real, but it just means you are both changing.
2. Burnout is real, and it is not the same thing as being lazy.
There were days where I had no motivation at all. I would sit there staring at my work, knowing I had things to do, but just feeling completely drained. I would beat myself up over that, but now I am realizing that sometimes your brain is just tired. Trying to constantly push yourself harder is not always the answer.
3. You cannot do everything, and you are not supposed to.
Between classes, work, friends, and trying to have any time for yourself, it gets overwhelming fast. I had to learn, and still am, that saying no is actually necessary. You do not have to be everywhere or do everything to be enough.
4. No one really has it all together.
It is so easy to look around and feel like everyone else is doing better than you. But the more I have talked to people, the more I have realized we are all kind of in the same boat, just trying to keep up and figure things out as we go.
5. The small moments are the ones that matter most.
Not the exams or the assignments. The late nights, the odd conversations that go way too long, and the times you laugh over nothing are what actually stick with you.
6. It is okay if this was not your best semester.
I think there is this pressure to always be doing your best and having the best time of your life. But sometimes just getting through is enough. This semester was not perfect for me, and I am learning that it does not have to be.
7. I am more capable than I give myself credit for.
Even when I felt overwhelmed or behind, I still got through everything. Maybe not perfectly, but I did it. And that is something I do not think I give myself enough credit for.
When I look back, I did not do everything right this semester. Not even close. I procrastinated, I stressed myself out, and I definitely had moments where I felt like I was falling behind. But I also grew a ton, even if it did not always feel like it at the time.
I guess what I am realizing is that the most important things I learned this semester are never going to be on a syllabus. But somehow, those are the lessons I will carry with me the longest.