As I finish the last week of classes of my sophomore year at the College of the Holy Cross, I reminisce on the amazing and rewarding year I’ve had. I served as a Community Based Learning Intern, a volunteer at Woodland Academy, a case consultant and participant at the Nonprofit Career Conference, a member of club tennis, and above all a loyal friend and roommate. At the same time, I have spent numerous late nights and early mornings studying for major exams, excessive amounts of time fighting with the printers in Dinand, as well as wasted time struggling through the housing and scheduling epidemic that occurs each semester. On a positive note, I recently earned the Justice Equity Belonging and Identity certificate, am pursuing the Social Action and Civic Leadership certificate, have accepted a position at the Jo Rec Center for the fall, and will continue to write for Her Campus. Additionally, I anxiously await the spring semester, as studying abroad in Alicante, Spain will become a reality.
Sophomore year was a time when I truly felt connected to campus culture and was able to take advantage of what the Holy Cross community and Worcester has to offer. I fostered new friendships, joined exciting clubs, and took risks as I selected my major. For the first time, I felt at ease; I looked forward to every weekend, as well as endless breakfast and ice cream runs, and exploration of Worcester with my friends.
Finals week is approaching and my schedule is filling up like no other. I wonder how I am going to finish every paper and assigned project, as well as study for my two exams, which are cumulative. At the same time, I look forward to the routine of finals week. Although nerves and anxieties are high, this is the last time I will be on campus with all of my friends before summer vacation. Spring finals week definitely defines the motto of “work hard, play hard”. Mornings consist of waking up early and grabbing a filling meal at Kimball, before making the trek to Dinand for long sessions of screen time. As the middle of the day approaches, I squeeze in a quick workout or go on a walk with my friends before returning to studying again. As the day culminates, my friends and I will gather for dinner, often rewarding ourselves with a well deserved sweet treat afterwards.
To continue, my friends and I look forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a fun Mexican dinner, attending a WooSox game, spending many late nights playing card games and reminiscing on the past year, as well as heading to Ciampi a few more times for relaxation and a movie. Thus, the fun does not stop once finals week begins. Instead, the lessons of time management become essential, as the challenges of long distance friendships begin!
I will seriously miss life on the Hill, but know that is just a testament to the right decision I made selecting this college in the spring of my senior year.