As I approach the end of my time at Penn State, it is so strange to look back and realize just how quickly all of the years went by.
I’m realizing how much I’ve accomplished and how much I have grown during my time here, so I wanted to reflect a bit on my Penn State experience and what is next.
At the start of this semester, I was hooked on the idea of making a ‘Senior Year Bucket List’ for my final few months as a student here. After about a month of deliberation, however, I’ve decided I’m happy just living in the moment and enjoying my small corner of Happy Valley.
To reflect, I want to look at some of the most memorable moments of the past couple of years, some things I am doing this semester to make the most of my time here and some things that I am looking forward to after graduation.
- Meeting the Majority of My College Best Friends During the First Week of College.
-
I always have been told how often your friends change, and not to expect anything from the first friends you make at school. Interestingly enough, however, some of my closest friends today have been the first ones I met.
- Deciding Not to Go to Law School.
-
I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, and only decided not to go to law school when I realized I was good at my internship work and did not want to attend more school immediately after undergrad.
It still feels strange that this realization occurred only a few months ago. I am so excited for the career that lies ahead of me, and I’m still open to the idea of law school in the future.
- Knowing When to Join New Clubs and Leave Old Ones.
-
In high school, I always thought the ‘right’ thing to do was to join a variety of clubs, stick with them for four years and get leadership positions in each one.
In college, however, I’ve dipped my toes into many different clubs, simply exploring what feels right for me and what fits best in my schedule.
Let’s just say, there’s a reason I’ve been part of Her Campus at PSU for so many years yet didn’t stick around in Mock Trial.
- Studying Abroad – Twice.
-
When I came to college, I thought I was going to be a double major in something to do with law – like criminology or public speaking.
In the end, I decided to broaden my worldview by double-majoring in Spanish and studying abroad in both Brazil and Spain – experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world.
- So Many Firsts.
-
Coming to a giant state school like Penn State from a small, private high school with no more than 400 students was a drastic change.
I really decided to take advantage of the opportunity of being in this environment to try all sorts of new things. I’ve tried so many different cuisines, made lots of interesting friends, applied for many academic opportunities and internships, traveled, gone to bars, gone out on dates, went to workout classes at the IM and so much more.
That being said, here are some things I am doing to live in the moment this semester instead of checking off items on a senior bucket list.
- Exploring State College.
-
It is so easy to get stuck in the same routine – doing the same things, seeing the same people and doing the same things.
There is so much that State College has to offer, so this semester I have participated in many new experiences – from going to Way Fruit Farm to trying new restaurants.
- Prioritizing Relationships.
-
Something that also came with senior year was realizing how important my friendships are as well as the relationships I have with some of my mentors on campus – whether that be professors, managers or whoever else.
I know how hard it is to maintain long-distance friendships, and that is one thing I am not excited for after graduation.
I have realized this semester, however, that making the most of my time through making efforts to go to office hours, attend events and make plans with friends has been incredibly fulfilling.
- Enjoying Life.
-
I am a person who loves to be constantly busy and doing things. I love to see people, try new things, have experiences, eat new food, explore new places – and so much more.
This means, however, that spending time relaxing is something difficult for me. This semester, I have realized that you need to give yourself a break and rest if you want to be able to be at your best, which is something I have started to put into practice.
After all, everyone needs a relaxing day every once in a while.
Finally, the one thing that I am looking forward to: the possibilities that come post-grad.
Although I feel so bittersweet leaving behind the student life and my Penn State bubble, I am extremely grateful for the time I have had and am beyond excited to become an alumnus.
I want to be able to help mentor other students to achieve their dreams, because I know that without the networking I did, I would not be where I am today.
I am also so excited to finally “start living my life.” Although I love college, this will be the first time in my life when I will not be a student, meaning that I am starting a completely new chapter.
I’m beyond excited to see where this chapter will take me.