With this weekend being my last at home until Easter break, I cannot help but prepare and look ahead to a new semester. Each semester holds many surprises, unexpected sources of happiness, and a few moments that remind you of your path after you question your decisions. This new semester and new year have both given me high hopes and a lot of optimism for the future. This semester I am looking forward to:

1. Reuniting with my friends.

Thank you guys for sticking by my side these past three semesters. We've overcome many obstacles as a squad and I am thankful for all of you. I am hopeful that this semester will be our best yet.

2. Making new friends.

To all of the people I will meet this semester, I am so excited to meet you! I look forward to meeting you in class, at the gym, at a party, or at an event.

3. My first Habitat for Humanity trip.

For Spring Break I am traveling to Pittsburg, PA with a small group of students to work for Habitat for Humanity. I have dreamed about going on a Habitat trip since high school, and I look forward to working on houses, meeting new people, and making a small difference.

4. Learning instead of studying.

For the past three semesters, I have studied almost as many hours as I have slept. I spent countless hours in the library reading, writing, and reviewing for exams and papers. I completed my work mindlessly, seeing it as responsibilities that needed to be crossed off my "to-do" list. I didn't appreciate the knowledge and wisdom provided by my classes. This semester I want to learn for the sake of learning by taking courses I am interested in. I don't want to waste time studying for subjects I don't care about.

5. Weekly yoga sessions.

After struggling to enjoy working out in the gym, on the track, intramural sports and cycling class, I discovered my love of yoga. It leaves me feeling at peace. My muscles are relaxed and my mind is at ease. Yoga energizes me. I look forward to spending fifty minutes a week doing something I enjoy.

6. New adventures.

New restaurants. Museums. People. Hiking. Antique stores. Travel. Bookstores. Coffee shops. I look forward to it all.

Spring 2017 is going to be an unforgettable semester. I cannot wait to experience what is ahead of me. Here's to it all.