Semester Reflections

Semester 1

University life is both what I imagined and a large surprise. On one hand, it feels like barely anything has changed. Yet in reality, I know that just about everything on a day to day basis (from the little things, to the much larger things) have changed. I barely do anything the same as I used to, yet I don’t necessarily feel much difference. 

One thing that definitely feels the same is the workload. Surprisingly enough, it feels as if the workload got lighter in comparison to high school. This is probably because I have so much more control of the situation: I can control how much I study, where I study, and what I study. A big contribution to this is the on-campus experience, which I’m so grateful for. Another large contribution is that I feel genuinely motivated to study as well. I’m enjoying the assignments and enjoying the dedication to the fields I’m studying, rather than being forced into random classes I don’t care for. I hope that I can maximize the amount of classes that I enjoy in the following semesters so I can continue this momentum. 

In relation to how CPSA has impacted my experience, I honestly had no expectations. I came in completely blind as to what Scholars truly entails (besides the surface level research I did). The beginning events, such as the clean up afternoon, were really nice. Although I never truly got close to anyone particular in Art Scholars, the people that I have had the privilege of chatting and interacting with were all wonderful and fascinating people. The events that scholars holds throughout the semester were also very nice surprises and were great for winding down and doing something new and unexpected. One event that I really appreciate is the improv class we had. I’ve always been a fan of improv, but being able to implement it and try it for the first time with my peers was an experience I’ll never forget. I really wish that I had a portable piano, because listening to the musicians play together was such a beautiful experience. I sometimes forget how many musicians are in Art Scholars and that experience is one I’ll always cherish. 

Although university life has mostly been positive, there will always be negatives to balance everything out. I think the biggest challenges I’ve faced are social situations. I feel as if I haven’t met anyone new that I particularly vibe with that is in my field of study, and I didn’t really try to reach out to new people in my classes. I am lucky to have 2 completely new close friends that I can fall back on, but they’re in very different majors to me so it’s a bit isolating in core classes. I know that next semester, I’ll definitely try to make more meaningful relationships in my classes so I can have a good balance between major friends and outside friends. Part of what held me back was the idea that I would always be able to fall back on the friends I already have. But because of the experiences I’ve gone through and what Art Scholars have taught me, I’ve realized I need to escape that comfort I try to rely on and go out to try new things and talk to new people. I think I’ve definitely gotten much better at this; I can be much more confrontational and straightforward, and I’m not as uncertain about talking to new people. But I still have a long way to go, of course, and I hope to keep improving in the upcoming semesters. 

Overall, I think the biggest change is my mindset. Before, I would overworry and overworry my brain until it was fried. But thanks to some new friends I’ve made, I’m much more “go with the flow” now. Whatever happens in the upcoming semesters, I’ll embrace fully and make it through.