The end of winter break marks the end of many nights of sleeping past the ring of my alarm and being self-absorbed in Netflix.
As soon as I arrived on campus, Mother Nature rewarded my return with the anticipation of thunderous loads of snow. The thought of another stressful semester ahead puts us in no mood to bear the return of late night classes and endless papers. It’s a bit bittersweet as we prepare to return to our second home. Some may dread the return, while others find excitement of leaving home again. The anticipation of springtime fills the entire student body, as we sit tight. There is so much to look forward to.
Looking back over the last semester, I believe things can only keep getting better. For the most part, the second semester is redemption time. Although adjusting back into school mode is never an easy task, it is important to remain optimistic about the future and the fresh start in front of you. Sometimes hitting the books doesn’t have to be so bad after all. With a new year, and a new semester, it’s only right to embrace the new beginning and make the most out of it. Reflect on what you have accomplished thus far and be positive for what is ahead. Look forward to new experiences and stepping outside your comfort zone. Easier said than done, I know. For example, some students may be spending this semester abroad or some may be embarking on a new internship.
For me, I feel as though a weight is lifted off my shoulders now that I have conquered the classes to enter my new major. A new experience—something as simple as joining a club—can bring about so many new opportunities you didn’t know existed. Either way, branch out. You will thank yourself in the long run.
The more time that passes, the more I recount my first visit to West Chester University. I reminisce back to the original stroll through campus. I suddenly couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The excitement of college was in the air.
At the time, I didn’t quite understand what made college so special. Now as I embark on the upcoming semester, I realize why I miss this place so much over break. Maybe it’s the sunny days spent in the quad, or the food trucks you can’t help but resist. Let’s not forget about those ridiculous Starbucks lines that we all willingly endure.
Once we get in a rhythm for the spring semester, it’s time for another thrilling break. Before you know it, time is nowhere to be found. Next thing you know, professors start releasing dates for finals and it hits you: It’s all passing by.
So, sit tight, and carpe diem. Seize the day and seize the moment as a WCU Ram in 2016.
Annamarie Vazquez is a student here majoring in communications studies. She can be reached at AV827321@wcupa.edu. Her Twitter is @annnamariiee.