My Thoughts Going Into My Senior Year At UGA | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

My Thoughts Going Into My Senior Year At The University Of Georgia

My reflection on what I have learned these past three years.

15
My Thoughts Going Into My Senior Year At The University Of Georgia
Photo by Julia Sanders

It is crazy to think that next semester is my last semester of college. I honestly can't believe it. I keep thinking back to freshman year, and it's wild to think about how much I changed. Three years ago, I moved my things into the tiny room in the dorm, Oglethorpe House. Freshman year was full of fun and carefree moments, and sometimes I catch myself wishing I was 18 again.

You definitely learn a lot in college, and in some aspects, I feel like I have learned more outside of the classroom than inside it. It's the first time you are away from home, so you have to figure out and learn things for yourself. I have made a lot of mistakes and learned from them. For example, after Hurricane Irma last year, the traffic light by my apartment was out, so I didn't realize that I needed to treat the light as a four-way stop. So guess who got a ticket for running a red light? Me.

I also learned a lot about taking responsibilities for things. After my first (and hopefully ever) car wreck, I had to accept and learn that the accident was my fault (and pay the $200 fine and get a job to pay for it woohoo). I learned to be more careful when I back out of parking spots (to this day, I will not park in that parking spot).

Some things you learn from the hard way.

I learned that being a nice and giving person is a good thing, but not when you are disrespected and treated wrongly. People will take advantage of your kindness if you aren't careful. If someone says something hurtful, talk to them about it. If they don't listen or treat you badly because of it, are they really your friend? On the flip side, be aware of what you did wrong and own up to it. I have learned that owning up to my mistakes and being the adult in the room is better than playing the victim card.

In college, I have had my first dorm experience, first job, my first speeding ticket, my first car wreck, my first apartment, my first internship, and my first tattoo. I have had fun adventures out of the country and to different cities. I have lost friends and made new ones. I have felt heartbreaks, and I have hurt other people. I have had disappointments and successes. I have felt the loss and lost loved ones. I have had things taken away from me, and have had my life turned upside down overnight. I have felt pain and anger and happiness and laughter. I have felt confident and completely insecure.

Going into senior year, I'm glad that I have learned the things I have. Sure, situations and people were stressful at times, but I have learned a lot about myself and how I want to be treated.

If freshman year me could see me now, I don't think she would recognize me. However, I think that's okay. You are supposed to mature and grow into the person you are meant to be. You are going to have some rocky spots, where maybe you don't even like who you are becoming, and that's okay too. You are allowed to not be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes.

Even though I'm terrified to graduate next year and go out in the real world, I'm excited to see what else I learn. And I am going to focus on being myself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179171
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6341
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451872
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22952
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments