Labels: Newman, Thanksgiving

As I near the end of my fifth semester of college and I reach 15 and 1/2 total years of schooling, I find that I am asking myself, "What is the point to all of this? Why am I here; what am I doing?" The courses seem endless; they are all blending together. I have even come close to thinking that there are better things I could be doing with my time. Trust me, this is not something you ever want to start thinking after you have invested so much time and energy in something! I remember my excitement over starting college. Granted, I did not really want to go to college in the beginning, but my mom said I had to complete at least two years. Once I started classes I loved it though. I even ventured to say my mom was right... But now I have to force myself to attend class. So what changed? Well, nothing really. Just my attitude. I found that I was looking at the glass as half-empty versus half-full. I was taking this wonderful opportunity for granted. Not everyone has the chance to obtain a higher education and here I am wishing it all away. I worry about every little detail instead of looking at the whole picture which just makes everything harder for me in the end.

Basically, life is what you make of it, and I am not making very much of what I have been given. Through talking to my friends and classmates, I have learned that everyone experiences this in some form. So now, instead of doing this for my parents, I am doing this for myself. I can't make it about anyone else. For anyone that is a little wary about college, just keep in mind that it really is worth it in the end it just may not seem like it until you get to the end!

Labels: college

This past week has been pretty crazy. Last Wednesday was the due date for my application packet to the School of Education. I have come to the "point of no return" as I like to think of it; there is no going back now. I had to collect my three letters of recommendation, compose my essays, fill out an overall application form, and acquire the required test scores (two of which my ACT qualified for). Between that and waiting for my Writing (since I had opted out of taking the Writing portion of the ACT) test results, the week was hectic. However, the whole process was made easier by the Education faculty here at Newman. Several professors were extremely willing to help and answer any questions I had. I felt more at ease because of their support, and I know that I would not be where I am now without them. So even though the last step of the process (the interview with Education faculty) is still to come, I know that I have a strong support system to help me through whatever I encounter. It really is a good feeling to know that your professors care!

The only thing I can say about the whole thing is that it is just one big learning experience. I really am being prepared for life beyond college (aka the real world!). Oh, and always choose to take the Writing portion of the ACT... You never know when you might need it!

Labels: faculty, School of Education, Selection