Honestly, this semester was pretty rough. I have a lot of fun memories and some less uplifting ones. At least I can say I ended the semester with a lot of experiences, and I hope that I’ve learned a lot. Senior year is filled with many firsts and lasts, and I’m enjoying it while it’s here. 

Before this year, I always felt like school was supposed to always be my #1 priority, and everything came after it. While I know it’s still important to keep up, I’ve shifted into the mentality that sometimes you just have to live in the moment. Maybe that means going to dinner with friends when a pile of homework waits at home or going out on a Tuesday afternoon for the fun of it. I may have slacked into this mentality a little too much, trading studying for an extra hour for calling a friend, but if I could I wouldn’t want to take back all the fun times I’ve had. However, there are consequences to these actions as well. I learned that moderation is necessary, and I have more to learn about balancing school and socialization.

However, this year I met a lot of new people that I never thought I would have ever talked to. It’s been fun to find new friends, and I like talking to everyone. I’ve also been able to become closer to people I’ve known for a while, and I’m eternally grateful for my friends who have always been there to support me and be there for a good laugh. I think sometimes I forget I’m an introvert at heart, and it often can leave me feeling pretty tired. Once again, this year has been all about learning moderation. I’ve also learned to let go of people that were once close to me, something that’s not always easy. People can have a large impact on our well-being, but it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. This could mean surrounding yourself with the right people or taking time off by yourself. 

A good part of this blog post concerns my friends and other external factors in my life. I feel that with the stress of college and school, I’ve put off the things that I love. Potentially to the point that I’m unsure what I do by myself besides going on my phone or laptop and spamming my snapchat story (sorry if you’re on that, I don’t know if I have a filter). Next semester, I hope to be able to reclaim some of the hobbies I’ve had in the past and make the effort to take on new ones. I’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet sweaters and sew clothing, but I’ve never seemed to make any progress. Or maybe try to get into a consistent running routine, and spend some time at the gym (not LA Fitness, sorry again guys).

If I had any advice to give to incoming seniors, it would be to embrace whatever change is thrown their way. A lot of unexpected things have happened to me, but it’s how one reacts and adapts that matters. I don’t think there’s any point in dwelling on things that you can’t change or control. This is easier said than done, but I try to keep this in mind. I also feel that I am in a perpetual state of thinking about the future, and how everything I’m doing now could affect the course of my life. It’s a pretty scary thought, but I talk to my friends and parents and try to ground myself. Once again, worrying doesn’t help anyone.

Reflecting on the semester, I don’t think I would’ve changed much. While I wish I took college apps more seriously and maybe focused more on school, I’ve been cutting myself a lot of slack. I’ve made some mistakes, but I don’t fear them as much anymore. I’m a work in progress! It’s a stressful time and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Next semester, I hope to keep my experiences in mind in my decision-making. I also hope to end somewhat strong, but enjoy the time I have left with my family and friends. I know I have good people in my life right now, and I hope to cherish them while I can. I am also particularly concerned about two juniors, but I know they’ll be fine too.

First semester went by so fast. Sad for things to come to an end, but excited for whatever comes next. I’m also sad that this blog post kills my theme of completely unnecessary subjects, but that’s okay. My next will (probably) be about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob so watch out for that.

Oftentimes, I’ve heard of parents having trouble convincing their children to be involved in school and to try new things. However, I think I’ve often found myself in a very dissimilar dilemma. I try too many things. 

In this post, I’m introducing some activities I’ve attempted, and my varying levels of participation. Some clubs ended up meaning a lot to me, and others I don’t think I’ll ever partake in again. Regardless, I had fun memories in all of them.

A quick disclaimer: I do not mean to offend anyone who may be active in these activities, some of them simply weren’t for me. And honestly, except #4, I hadn’t fully participated in these clubs, and you might have had a more fulfilling experience than myself.

 

1. SCIENCE OLYMPIAD – FRESHMAN CARRIED

 

I decided to join science olympiad on a whim. At the beginning of junior year, I had convinced myself 

that I wanted to minor in chemistry, and as a result, I tried to join STEM-related clubs. 

However, this is how I learned that I do not enjoy waking up on Saturday mornings, taking notes, or completing research by choice. And I might not enjoy non-chemistry science either. Pretty key elements of the club. 

All I have to show for my time in science olympiad are two bronze medals from an invitational that I did not attend. Although I learned STEM isn’t for me, I enjoyed spending my Tuesday afternoons hanging out and goofing off. I worked with another girl in my grade and three freshmen, and we all shared some laughs. Shamefully, due to my procrastination and unwillingness to take in-depth notes, my freshmen were much more knowledgeable about my events than me. Not much studying was done, but at least I can still wave to my former freshmen partners in the hallways.

Despite my comments, If you enjoy science and self-studying, this could be an enjoyable activity for you. I discontinued my participation after one year, but it allowed me to meet different people and humble myself in the process. To the current sophomores who competed in Write It Do It with me, this one goes out to you.

Rating: 6.5/10 – I wouldn’t compete again, but I would attend another meeting just for fun. 

Takeaway: I do not like science (besides chemistry).

2. SCHOLASTIC BOWL – I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING

 

I’m a big Mrs. Evans fan, and when I was offered to come to a scholastic bowl meeting, the answer was yes. Excited, I sat through half a tournament until I realized that I didn’t know anything. I came back for a few more meetings, but I don’t think I ever buzzed for a que

 

stion. Unless we do a Harry Potter trivia night, I don’t think I’ll be answering anytime soon. 

Scholastic bowl gets bonus points for having a great Instagram, but I do not know enough fun facts to contribute to the competition. However, I still have fun hanging in the back of the room, and working on homework as my friends practice.

Rating: 5/10 – I would hang out but not for too long. I don’t want to disrupt the friendly competition!

Takeaway: I’m not the most knowledgeable trivia night member, but I’ll bring enthusiasm.

 

3. COMPUTER SCIENCE CLUB – WHAT IS CODING

 

Saying I participated in the CS club is a stretch, but I’ve spent a fair amount of afternoons sitting on the floor of the CS room. I’ve made my mark attempting to play Papa’s Freezeria, but I had never picked up any work. Because I have a fair amount of friends who are genuinely part of the club and on the board, it’s fun to socialize, but I might consider myself more of a distraction than a participant. I tend to leave once the actual work starts, but it’s not a bad study environment. 

Rating: 4/10 – Probably won’t come back. And I had to fill out the attendance form once so it’s on my Infinite Campus. 

Takeaway: I like spending time with my friends, but it’s also good to know when to leave them to work. 

 

4. TABLE TENNIS – BEST MANAGERS EVER

 

Of all these clubs, table tennis has my heart. One day, my friend asked me if I wanted to watch the tryouts with her. Although I originally thought it was a silly suggestion, and probably not the best use of my Friday afternoon, I decided to give it a shot. In just one day, I ended up meeting a lot of people and had an oddly good time. Mr. Farrel had asked me if we wanted to be managers for the team, and we eventually agreed.

Although most of my work includes moving around tables, I enjoy getting to know new people and spending time with my good friends. I love attending tournaments and helping out, and I’ll miss the club a lot.

Rating: 9/10 – I love table tennis.

Takeaway: Sometimes, meeting a ton of new people at once can be fun! It’s worth trying.

 

5. ROBOTICS – MISSING IN ACTION

 

I had completely forgotten about robotics until I was halfway through this post. I only joined the club because I thought it would be fun to make buttons and try something completely new, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m unsure what compelled me to pay the $250 fee, but after two meetings I never returned. Once again, I am not a woman in STEM.

Rating: ?/10 – I wouldn’t know, I was seriously never there.

 

This entry was on the longer side, but these are just some of the activities that I participated in without substantial reasons. I don’t regret attending any of them, and I feel really lucky to attend a school with so many options. I’m happy to have met new people, and learn where my strengths were. Taking risks can be fun, and I am a firm believer in trying new things.