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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

Last year, when I decided to write the article 5 Valuable Lessons I Learned As Freshman Year Comes to A Close (https://www.hercampus.com/school/wake-forest/5-valuable-lessons-i-learne…) my life looked vastly different that it does today. I was finishing the year at a university I knew I wasn’t going to be at the following semester. I was uncertain about the future and didn’t know where my path would lead. I was anxiously awaiting an acceptance letter from UT that I wouldn’t get until the middle of the summer. I wasn’t quarantined to my house because of an international pandemic.  As I reflect on the 2019-2020 school year, I feel happy with the place I’m at. I love my school, my friends, the people I’ve met. I made a decision last year that had a huge impact on my life for the better. I have decided that I will make these school year reflections an annual occurrence. Here are the 5 valuable lessons I learned as sophomore year comes to a close:

#1 It is ok if everything doesn’t go according to plan 

When I first started at UT, I wanted it to be perfect. At the beginning, I failed to realize that every school has its pros and cons and not everything is going to be crystal clear. I joined a writing magazine in the fall of 2019 (that will remain nameless) that I quickly realized wasn’t the right fit for me. When this happened, I didn’t dwell on it and wallow in self-pity. I found Texas Her Campus, an online publication I had written for the previous year at Wake Forest and poured more of my energy into it. I also applied for a club and made it to the interview round but was cut after that stage. Again, I tried not to let it get the best of me and applied the next semester and made it! Life doesn’t have to be one set plan. This school year has confirmed that.

 

#2 Explore the options a large university has to offer: entrepreneurship, creative writing

UT excited me because I had gone to such a small school the previous year. I began exploring my options and taking classes that I might want to minor in. I am finishing this school year with acceptances to both the Entrepreneurship Minor and Creative Writing Certificate, two opportunities I am really looking forward to going into my junior year.

 

#3 Challenge Yourself

This can manifest in many different ways: whether it is a class you normally wouldn’t take, friends you haven’t hung out with before, or trying to petition for course credit to get approved from your previous university  

 

#4 You can only connect the dots looking back 

I love this quote by Steve Jobs. Sometimes when you make a choice that feels uncertain you beat up on yourself for not staying comfortable. It is important to remember that everything happens for a reason and you will only find out why later. I got really down on myself last year for not loving my school or trying to make it work. This made it all the better and more rewarding this year when, at last, I felt happy, healthy, and content with where I was at.

 

#5 Stay excited

Always be in pursuit of what brings you joy. Be on the lookout for those opportunities that call to you. Whether it is a creative writing project, new running route, or new friend.

Hi, I'm Madeline Muschalik! This is my fourth year in Her Campus; I wrote for Her Campus at Wake Forest University before transferring to UT in fall 2019. Last year I was the Her Campus Texas Co-President and Campus Correspondent & it was so rewarding. I am excited to explore Austin and learn more about our university through Texas Her Campus. Some of my hobbies include running, reading, yoga, and traveling! I am a Public Relations Major and with a minor in Entrepreneurship and certificate in Creative Writing. Outside of Her Campus I am involved in Texas American Marketing Association, Moody Communication Council, a member of the Kendra Scott WEL Institute Student Council, Texas Kappa Delta, and I am a Transfer Year Interest Group (TRIG) mentor. I love UT & all the amazing opportunities (like Her Campus) that it has to offer!
Megan Turner

Texas '20

Megan Turner is studying Spanish and Political Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. In her free time she enjoys long-distance running, painting, and spending time with friends.