I've always heard people say that junior year is the hardest year of college; the hardest year of classes and in general. After completing the fall semester of my junior year, I can say that that's true (at least for me). This past semester was my hardest yet. I took 18 credits (6 classes), had two leadership positions, and participated in several recruiting events for accounting firms. I also lived alone for the first time and learned to cook for myself.

Going into the school year, I knew this year wouldn't be easy. I chose to take 18 credits in the hopes of getting several requirements out of the way at the same time. I figured a history class and tai chi with j-core (the set of business classes normally taken junior year at Binghamton) couldn't be too bad. I would have to work hard, but I'd be fine. In the end, I was fine. But looking back, I stretched myself too thin. As a junior, I was no longer just taking gen-eds. I took classes in my major, and they weren't easy As. Honestly, there are almost no classes at Binghamton that are easy As. Unless you're one of those people we all hate who can get a 100 on everything without doing anything, you need to work for good grades here. You can't just show up. I've always had to work for my grades, just like most people.

Especially towards the end of the semester, the stress was insurmountable. I had several group projects to work on, in addition to trying to make time to study for finals. It was hard and I felt like I couldn't catch a break. I wanted to get started on preparing for finals, but I still had homework and projects I needed to finish first. And before I knew it, everything was handed in and finals week started in a few days. It was crunch time and I was already exhausted. I still had so much ahead of me and I wasn't in the right place. I wished that I was like some of my friends, who had exams in class or final papers and were going home before finals week even started. I am genuinely passionate about my major and the field that it comes with, but at that point, I was jealous. I just wanted to be done.

Looking forward, I took on too much this past semester and in the end, stretched myself too thin. I'm exhausted and incredibly grateful for winter break. I'm grateful for the opportunity to regroup and recharge for next semester. (Excuse me while I sleep for three days straight.) Thankfully, I'm not overloading next semester. I'm taking classes that I want to take and am serious about the commitments I've made.