April 1, 2019 was the first day of the last quarter in the academic year. Tell me why we are already in May and half way through the whole quarter? It feels like yesterday we were celebrating New Year’s Eve with our families and friends. It seems so unreal that we are entering May and week six of Spring quarter. With summer just around the corner, it is time to reflect on the first half of the quarter and possibly the whole academic year as it comes to the end.
Of course, some students are finishing up their last quarter at UCI as undergraduate students. They must feel so excited and nervous to have their journey come to an end, but I hope they can look back at their four years with satisfaction and accomplishment, whatever those may mean to each person. For some, this is the last quarter before they officially become seniors and begin to wrap up their undergraduate experience. This is when many are looking into what they want to do after college and how to take the necessary steps to get there. Others are halfway there. Personally, as a second-year student, I am excited to finish half of my college career because, although not as exciting as graduating, it is crazy to think that half of the journey is over. For those who are finishing their first year, it is a crucial time to reflect on how you transitioned into college and ways you can improve and things you can do different for years to come.
Whatever the case may be, it is really good ro reflect on how the quarter has been so far and think of at least one goal you want to push yourself to accomplish by the end of the quarter, whether you are graduating or not. This goal can be anything you wish, big or small, and tell ask yourself why you want to accomplish it. Learn from mistakes by pinpointing them and figuring out what needs to change so that you do not make the same mistake again. If you are a continuing student, you can also set a goal for the next academic year or next months to come after graduation. Remember to tell someone who can hold you accountable for that goal. Having someone to check up on you helps motivate you to accomplish your goals!
Always remember that sometimes things will not go as planned, but that does not mean you did not try your best or did whatever you could to see through your goal. Just try your best these years at UCI and always keep people you care for around you: friends, family, etc. Remember, in the words of Tony Stark, “part of the journey is the end.” So work hard and reach that graduation day.