Featured Student: Transitions

Isn't it crazy how you can go from having days filled with free time and relaxation to days packed from morning until night with activities? As I look back on the first week of school, it amazes me how quickly we can adapt during these transition times. Just a short week ago, I was trying to find things to occupy my days and now I just long for a minute to sit down!

I always get nervous those first few days of class as teachers are passing out their syllabus and explaining all of the projects, assignments, readings, and tests that are headed my way. Does anyone else wonder how on earth it will all get done? I sure do! Yet somehow we're able to snap out of summer relaxation mode and into busy-student-juggling-clubs-classes-and-homework mode without hardly a thought.

So, at the end of week one I look back and see that the first homework assignments and readings that seemed insurmountable a few short days ago have been completed and I'm ready to tackle week two. What did I learn in this transition? While it seems overwhelming at first, you quickly settle into a routine and things work out just fine. Also, everyone else is in the same boat! School can be stressful, but I have some great classmates to get through it with. Most of all, taking time away from the school work to spend time with my roommates or doing something I love like running or cooking helps reduce stress and re-energize me so I'm ready to hit the books again. I know we all probably want to do as many things as possible to build up our resume, but don't forget to leave some time for relaxation and enjoying those around you too!

- Sydney Messick