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. 
Hello Izzy! I completely understand where you are coming from. This whole semester I felt like I was suffering from “senioritis” and I started to become upset with myself. Even my parents had asked me why I was spending less time studying. I felt like I did not have my priorities straight. Although, school is extremely important I had spent my whole high school career worrying about school. This was my first semester where I took a step back and celebrated my accomplishments. I spent an extra hour watching a movie or went out on a designated homework day, which is Sundays. What is the point of working so hard if you never get to enjoy it? Kind of like the saying, “wake up and smell the roses.” I am so glad you are taking a look at your semester and reflecting on it. Then we take our goals and make them a reality for the second semester. So reclaim your hobbies and spend time doing something you enjoy, even if it’s being on your phone! Overall I loved your blogs and enjoyed the selfies you included. I feel like I can hear you talking through the page. Have a great winter break and see you next year!
Hi Izzy,
Glad that you were able to socialize this semester. I really relate to prioritizing school – most of my high school experience has been dampened by the need to keep my grades up. Also like you, even with everything going on, I had times where I chose to hang out with friends instead of doing schoolwork or writing my college applications. Most of the time, it came back to bite me in the ass, but I enjoyed spending time with my friends nonetheless. Unlike you however, I have not learned moderation. My parents hate when I go to group practice when I have homework and tests, but I go anyway. I haven’t been able to give up the things I love doing and instead sacrifice sleep. Ivy and Louisa’s favorite thing to talk about in Advanced Chem are my eye bags that somehow constantly get larger and darker. Also unlike you, there’s a lot I’d change about this semester, especially as I look at the 7 college applications I’ll spend all break writing. Even though I’ve never been more tired and I lowkey hate my life, I, like you, have learned a lot this semester. I’d give anything to go back to August and finish my applications then, but I wouldn’t give up the things I’ve learned this semester.
Izzy — Really really loved your post. I’ve also found that I’ve talked to a ton of people this year that I previously wasn’t super close with, which I’ve really enjoyed! I think it’s definitely been interesting to watch how friendships and dynamics evolve and change with time, and I’m really grateful to have found a bunch of great people to spend time with this year. I’m also thankful that I feel like I can always go to you — that night we spent catching up in your car was a really good time (+ our dads got to catch up hahaha).
I like the advice you gave a lot — my dad often says to let go of the things you can’t control, and do the best with the ones you can, and I’ve really tried to take that to heart. Sometimes things don’t work out, and that’s okay! I’ve been trying to move forward, do what I can, and dwell less on the past.
I’ve also found that I’ve been living a lot more in the moment, and that it’s made for really great experiences! I used to have to carve out time to spend with friends, but this year, I’ll find myself out at dinner on a Thursday for no apparent reason, and it’s been the best. Hope you have an amazing second semester!! I’m eagerly awaiting the Team Edward vs Team Jacob post.
Hi Izzy,
Something that I am looking forward to next semester when I am finally free of college applications and the bustle of a first-semester life is being able to spend time with friends again. One thing I have had to moderate more than anything else is social time. Leaving the house in the Wu household requires 24-hour notice, a two-to-three-hour negotiation, combined with the promise that I will make up for it by working three times as hard as soon as I come back. For my father, time is debt. The worst thing I can do in life is waste time, and sadly, in his eyes, spending time with friends is a waste of time. On the bright side, being unable to see my friends as much as I used to or want to has made me appreciate the time I do get more. I feel like a prisoner who sparingly gets yard time out of his cell. Unfortunately, first semester has not been a time for memory-making. Next year, I’m looking forward to playing a ton of golf for fun, a ton of basketball for fun, re-learning instruments (that I have quit) for fun, and hopefully, spending a copious amount of time with friends.
Hey Isabella. As always, I loved your blog title. This semester was rough for me as well, and when I did some reflection at the beginning of the semester, I also realized that sometimes it’s good to call a friend or go out on a random weekday evening. In a few years, I am not going to remember that calc worksheet, but one of the last few dinners I had with someone I love before I leave. This year, my priorities have definitely changed and I have began to value people more than my current goals, whether it is because I deem they are not as important anymore or because I have already completed everything I could do to accomplish them and there is simple no need to be chasing them anymore, I do not know. I have also cherished my closer group more this year. I have always been an extrovert at heart and have spent the last three years being friends with anyone and everyone. This year it was nice to be at small group settings for big parties. I have become more mindful, more introverted, and more focused on things that truly mean something to me – and that is including you. When we are threatened with the reality of things changing and disappearing, it forces us to really think about what matters and I have definitely changed my priorities the last few months. I think that is why I am the happiest version of me. Thank you for everything so far, and I cannot wait for a wonderful second semester.