I just finished my first semester of college, and all I’ve heard for the last two weeks revolves around two things: complaining about school and excitement about going home. At Saint Mary’s, girls went home faster than you could say, “Chicken nugget day in the dining hall!” And dang, those nuggets go fast.

Meanwhile, I was just chilling in my room with my friends. I had a History final Monday night at 7:30, a Spanish final Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 p.m., a Psych group paper due before Thursday at 4:15 p.m., and an English take-home final due by email before midnight on Friday. I could’ve left Tuesday afternoon or sometime Wednesday, but I chose to stay the whole week and leave on Saturday (shout out to my RA, Paige — sorry I was the last girl on 4 South to leave).

In all honestly, I didn’t know when my finals were for sure when my dad booked my flight home back in November. Only one of my professors listed his final date and time and even that one was a mistake! So, to alleviate any extra stress from making an appearance during finals week, I told my dad to book my flight home for Saturday, December 17. Funny thing is, I was totally okay with leaving on the last possible day I could stay in Smicksville until.

Everyone around me couldn’t wait to go home, and I was content with spending a few extra days on campus. People didn’t understand why I wasn’t in such a rush to get home. Truth is, I was okay with the peace and quiet around campus. Staying until after finals week was officially over gave me time to focus on perfecting my portion of that group paper that was due two days after my exams were done. It allowed me to focus on my take-home final that was due on Friday. It allowed me to feel more productive and in control.

I’m a self-professed ambivert. I personally believe I’m shy when I first meet someone, but once I get to know you, you can’t get me to shut up. At the same time, I love peace and quiet and taking time to be by myself. I spent fall break at my house doing homework, writing, watching Criminal Minds marathons on TV, catching up on sleep, doing laundry, grocery shopping for school, going to doctors’ appointments, and other things. All this happened because I was home alone while my mom and dad were at work and my brothers were at school. Sometimes I really hate being alone, but sometimes it’s the best thing that can happen to me.

Being alone challenges me to get things done. I’m more productive. I focus on the free time I have, and I focus on making the most of it. Being at Saint Mary’s for a few more days than the majority of the students (with the exception of my roommate who, God bless her, had to endure me for just a few more days) gave me time to relax after finals and before I got home. Basically, I get to take time for me before I get to spend time with my family.

I love talking and I love social interaction. I also love being alone and focusing on myself. Despite what some people may believe, I am not asocial, and I am so far from that. I am an independent girl who loves to prove herself and show people what I’m capable of accomplishing.