It seems like just yesterday I was sitting here summarizing my year as a freshman in college. As I sit here today I cannot grasp the concept of time, or more the idea of how quickly it goes by. Where does it go and how do we let it slip by without really appreciating it?
So sophomore year has come and gone...how does one measure the success of it all? Is it measured by the 600+ sticky notes on my dining room wall? Or the 300 hours I served as an intern? Or the thousands of dollars paid in tuition to Northwood University? As I look at this past year I realize that the success of it cannot be quantified or measured in numbers. So where does the success begin?
For me it started in June when I signed the lease to an apartment that would be my very own. With the help of friends, family, and an amazing roommate I have been able to furnish and maintain the appearance of the place I currently call home. More importantly I have been able to maintain myself financially, and have learned a lesson in paying the bills. I have learned that it's actually easy to survive without the material things like cable, and it's much more important to sit down with the ones you love and share a meal, games, and a few good laughs.
I have been able to outgrow my freshman mentality and realize that college is more than just partying. While a night out is always fun and sometimes much needed, I've come to learn that having friends over to watch a movie or play video and board games can be just as much fun, not to mention it is all done without the consequences of waking up in the morning and wondering to yourself "why did I do that?" You don't realize it, but it is nights like these that are the most intimate, learning more about someone by paying attention to their words and actions than you would with drunken secrets spilled.
My eyes were opened when I studied abroad this past winter in London, England. I learned so much culturally, but also learned that I have a passion for theater and have since been able to decide that I want to work in the theater industry after college. I have learned lessons in friendships: gaining some, drifting from others, and rekindling pre-existing ones. I have learned to befriend others, even if it's simply being the girl who smiles and says hello to those you don't know. I have found myself spiritually and cannot explain how big of a feat that is for me. I have gained experience in the business world as an intern at ESPN 100.9 FM and since have received a new job at Family Video.
I have learned the importance of family. Words cannot explain the joy on my face and the warmth I feel in my heart every time I pull into that driveway at home. To be in a place that is familiar, where everyone is excited to see you and willing to rearrange their schedule just to spend a few hours with you. It's these people you miss and take for granted. Knowing that they would do anything for you and love you unconditionally. It's knowing that they're waiting for you, and knowing you'll be able to see them that keeps you going when you get stressed with work or are swamped with homework, projects, and exams.
So would I say this year has been a success? Yea, I would. But like I said, I realize it's about more than the accomplishments or the number of A's on a report card. I have learned some amazing lessons throughout this past year, lessons that I will forever remember and hopefully will be able to share with others some day. And it's these lessons that I believe allow me to say that I have had a successful year. And I hope as others look back on their year, they can say the same.
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