It feels as though this winter break flew by in the blink of an eye, and it seems impossible to recall where the time has gone. Winter break went as quickly as it came, and now it's time for us to start the process of the new semester all over again.

As we approach the first day of classes, a few things surely come to mind. Comparing schedules with friends to see if we have similar breaks, syllabus day, and the next sixteen weeks of sleep deprivation and stress. No matter what your mindset is regarding the new semester, it is important to acknowledge this as a new opportunity, a new beginning. All the goals that you set for yourself last semester that weren't completed can be accomplished now!

Each semester comes with an opportunity to better yourself and expose yourself to new things. Each day teaches you something new, and each missed chance to participate in a fun activity resurfaces as a regret. Use this new semester to get involved in different events, clubs, and activities. Each opportunity brings with it a chance to meet new people and discover things about yourself that you might not already know. Don't feel stuck on the singular path you've chosen for yourself. Just because you're set on your major does not mean you cannot explore with different ideas or possibilities. Just because you're committed to one club does not mean that you can't get involved with others. This semester, do some community service; help those in your community, and get your friends to join you! Go to the club fair or the career fair and browse through the dozens of options available to you. Give your usual Starbucks order a break and try something new. Every aspect of college life can be used to expose yourself to new and possibly better things.

As the semester begins, pledge to try something different. Give yourself the opportunity to grow and reinvent aspects of your life; break out of the shell you've formed around yourself and break the status quo. Who knows, this semester could be the one that changes your life.