Fall 2022: Grateful for What It Brought, Glad It’s Over
By: Rhobie Toussaint
I want to start off this piece by saying that I strongly believe in the importance of reflection. It’s a great way to think about experiences and room for growth.
However, when I first sat down to write this blog post about my fall semester, I didn’t even know where to start. Much of the past three to four months felt like a blur. But then I thought of what would encapsulate my thoughts, feelings, and experiences regarding this Fall 2022. As the title suggests, what immediately came to mind was “I’m grateful for what the semester brought, but I am so glad it’s over.”
I spent the past few months navigating life as a full time student with two part-time jobs and multiple extracurriculars. I remember the first half of the semester when I would wake up at 7am in the morning to drive in 8am traffic. After work, I’d have to drive about 40 minutes from work to my 5pm class, and then drive for about an hour after class to get home. Upon arrival, I’d rush to my room in order to attend an 8pm meeting. Following the meeting, I wanted nothing more than to go to bed.
Luckily, I only had to do that once a week for half of the semester. My thoughts are with those who have to do something similar every single day.
There were also weeks I felt like I was hanging on by a thread, with the only things keeping me sane is the 8 hours of sleep I got the previous night and the bible verse I read in the morning.
The semester wasn’t all work and fatigue, though. It was also filled with wins and treasured memories. I tried Indian food for the first time with my friends. I got to plan and facilitate a few food distribution and outreach events through my job. I learned more about myself and my passions. Akil and I were able to deliver two college prep workshops together. And the best part of it all is that I got to take a trip to Europe right after my last final. There, I met great people and visited breathtaking sites.
Fall semester tested my time management skills and my patience, but it also brought about enjoyable moments that I will always cherish. I laughed, cried, complained, and worked. Most of all, I learned.
With the new year quickly approaching and the last semester behind me, I am eager to see what lies ahead and committed to applying what I have learned.
Make no mistake — I am still very glad Fall semester is over. I have no desire to relive it. It’s onward and (hopefully) upward from here.
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