s this week begins, the fall quarter of my junior year begins to close. It is incredible to think that less than ten weeks ago I was interning in Washington state, and now I am one week away from my quarter end finals. Ten weeks ago, I was wearing shorts and tank tops, hanging out at the beach with no care in the world. Fast forward until now and I am drowning in an ocean of biothermal material and physiology of the cardiovascular system, something I was not prepared for.

The quarter has been the best, worst quarter so far at Milwaukee School of Engineering. I have not performed my best, but have thoroughly enjoyed my classes and the subjects taught within each class. I feel more connected to my major, and seem to have a brighter picture of what my future could look like. Now, I don't have a summer internship yet so my immediate future is not the brightest, yet I feel a sense of relief as I am coming to the realization that this is what I want to do.

Junior year is, theoretically, the best year. You are finally an upperclassman and hold authority, but you have the seniors to lean on in times of trouble. You are not a senior, so you can still act/party like a freshman until you turn 21. This is the year that you spend learning who you really are going to be, and what kind of person you want to become as you begin your journey into a meaningful career. No more retail jobs or fast food joints, you will be starting to find a company that shares your moral, values, and your life goals. Scary huh?

So as the first quarter of my junior year comes to an end, I have been reflecting on where all the time has gone. Over 80% of this quarter alone has gone into studying, problem-solving, and labs as I attempt to raise my GPA. When I haven't been studying, I have been finding myself sleeping or playing with my cat.

On the off chance that I am not sleeping or playing with Oliver, I have found some time to enjoy the little things. From being a part of the Bachelor taping here in Milwaukee with my sorority sisters to a corn maze with my boyfriend, a haunted house with my best friend, Quodoba runs, Starbucks runs, and much more, I am content with how everything has worked out.

As winter slowly approaches, and I mean slowly, I am looking to finish the quarter strong. Winter quarter brings darkness, cold, and sadness due to my upcoming course load, but I am excited for the holiday cheer, my friends, and the exciting events that are to come.