The end of the semester is always a stressful but reflective time of the year. I remember this time last year as a Freshman being nervous and overwhelmed with the amount of work and studying I had to do to prepare for my first round of college finals. I had no idea that the library was going to be packed 24/7 and that waiting for a coffee at Starbucks would take at least 30 minutes. I did not anticipate that finding a decent spot in the library would require waking up at 8 in the morning and firmly marking your study territory by sprawling out books, study guides, and flash cards. Even with nearly a year and a half of college experience under my belt, I still find myself feeling this same sinking fear as finals approach, but I know in my mind that in the end everything will be fine because finals week is just another week that everyone can and will survive.
The last few weeks of classes have also forced me to realize how much can change over the course of a 4-month period. I remember walking into my classes for the first time back in August, not really knowing what to expect from the professor or my classmates. However, over the course of the semester after countless team projects, lectures, office hour visits, and group study sessions, these once unfamiliar faces have now become friends and academic aids. As a Sophomore, I definitely have tried to take advantage of visiting professors during their office hours and asking questions during class more often than I did as a Freshman. Also, I felt more confident in participating in class and working closely with my peers, which I have learned can really make a difference in the grade you receive. So while the end of the semester means distress and agony for many, I also know that there is some excitement and accomplishment to anticipate during this time of year because one semester ending will soon bring about the arrival of a brand new semester of different daily routines and novel experiences.
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