In these weird times, especially for academics, I’ve been thinking a lot about how far I’ve come in college. I’m going into my second-to-last finals week as an undergrad… perhaps even as you’re reading this.
I’ve also been thinking about how far I can go once I get my degree—and that’s exciting! Below is a list of eight hopes I have for myself as I conclude Fall semester and work toward my last semester in college… eek!
- I hope to have good grades.
I’ve always been of the “dreams don’t work unless you do” mindset. But with this ongoing pandemic and its unpredictability, it could be a natural response to let my academics slack. I hope to stay motivated in my present studies—especially because I’m so close to the finish line— as I work toward my future career.
- I hope to make positive contributions to the community.
Whether this be in spreading my voice at a peaceful protest, donating food to local banks or other ways to show I care about my college town and those in it, I want to make an enduring mark.
- I hope to have good writing.
Because I write so much for my major and as a mode of self-expression, I hope all of it is good. I think good writing can be subjective—especially coming from the author—but I want to feel proud of all the words flowing out of me.
- I hope to stay close with friends.
This pandemic has made it difficult to maintain physical bonds; I want to make sure I’m staying connected with my chosen family and making sure they feel as loved, heard and appreciated as they’ve made me feel in college and will continue beyond.
- I hope to remain in good health.
Being in college during this time surrounded by people I cannot control can be scary. By holding myself accountable to what I need to do to remain healthy, I want to set myself up for strong physical and emotional wellbeing.
- I hope to find good job prospects.
Isn’t that every college senior’s goal? But seriously, I hope to find an opportunity that suits me. Because you know what they say, “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
- I hope I’m happy.
This has also provided a challenge in the first semester. Isolation and burnout have not been my best friends—our bond has been toxic, actually. I hope I can find the small patches of normalcy—whatever that may be—and embrace the unconventional nature of my senior year.
- I hope to find peace of mind.
This semester was full of a lot of doubts— can I do online school? Will it be fulfilling? Am I going to be okay? I hope spring semester offers a reprieve from the worry! I made it through once and I can do it again!
As I wrote this, I wanted to give everyone a virtual pat on the back for making it through. And to my fellow seniors… we got this!