Fall break is now upon us, signifying we are halfway through another semester. And it's absolutely crazy how fast these weeks have come and gone. I don't know if this is just a me-thing or sophomores across the board feel the same, but it feels like I'm years older than I was just seven week ago. In the past seven weeks, things got real. Real busy. Real scary. Real exciting. I'm writing this article to articulate my feelings about finally conquering the busiest seven weeks I've had at college so far, but also about my fears and worries as things that once seemed a long ways away are now creeping into view.

As I said, this semester so far has been insane. Yes, I was expecting classes to be harder and expectations to be higher coming into my second year at Villanova, but could not have prepared myself for the explosion that is the fall semester of sophomore year. I am not a freshman anymore, that is for sure.

With that being said, I am proud of myself for the work I've put in and the motivation I kept up this far. There were long nights holed up in the library, frustrating hours when it seemed like nothing was coming easy to me, and even times when I wanted to give up and just go to bed. But I didn't (most of the time). I kept going and powered through. Now, standing on the other side, I'm so proud and extremely glad I stuck with it and made the first half of my semester a real success.

Working hard in my classes and participating in all my new extracurriculars are not my only stressors this semester. As sophomore year is moving right along, I know there a lot of big and important decisions on the horizons. Finally declaring a major. Finding and securing a summer internship. Deciding what else I want to get involved with. Even picking what classes to take next semester seems like a huge decision I can't possibly make right now.

It feels like before I know it, college will be halfway over and life will be moving right along, and I with it, into the real adult world. It's a terrifying thought because I still have so much to figure out. There's so much still to do and explore on campus. All these big important decisions can't remain in the back of my mind anymore. I have to be actively seeking answers to them.

Like I said, it feels like I have become 5 years older in the last seven weeks alone.

When all these looming decisions are bearing down on me and it becomes just too much to handle, I always have to remind myself to take a step back. Look at the big picture. I have more time than I believe I do. These decisions, while they are important, are not as make-or-break and life-defining as I'm making them out to be in my head.

Here's to a much-needed fall break reprieve. Here's to coming back with a clear mind and strong will, ready to continue chasing life.