As I’ve prepared to enter my senior year, I’ve had some time to reflect on what this year means to me. This fourth year is an odd mix of both beginnings and endings. While I am finishing my undergraduate education, I am also welcoming new beginnings, such as post-graduate education and entering my career field. I know this is a cliche, but it really has seemed to fly by quickly. It definitely hasn’t been an average four years, what with the pandemic and my being a transfer student. There have been lots of ups and downs to my collegiate career so far. At times I wondered if college was really for me, but my passion for teaching pushed me through it, and I’m very glad it did. I am very fortunate to have made some amazing friendships, made great connections with my professors, and found my place in different groups and clubs.
As I enter my senior year, I have a lot of mixed emotions. I am relieved that I only have to do one more year of undergrad. I am excited to start my full-time student teaching and bridge the way into my field. I am lucky to be able to spend such valuable time with my friends. I am terrified that this is my last year that my life seems to run on a set schedule. However, more than anything, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that this year will bring me strong relationships, both personal and professional. I am hopeful that I will graduate at the end of this year with a solid plan for my future. I am hopeful that I can take any life lessons that I have learned throughout my years of college and apply them to a successful future. Finally, as I enter my senior year, I am determined to make these all happen.