The Last Dance

SPRING SEMESTER SENIOR YEAR!

In 10 weeks, I will officially be a college graduate. It's extremely hard to believe, let alone accept it. Four years ago, I was a confused high school senior who had no idea what my future would look like. Thanks to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, I am confident that my future is so bright.

This semester is a pretty average semester, but my "average" can sometimes be crazy. I am currently taking 14 credits, still working as a part-time bank teller(approx. 18 hours/week), still working as the Latinx Event Intern, working on my research, working out five days a week, and (trying to) maintain a healthy balance of eating well/seeing friends/resting. Overall, I enjoy staying busy. If I'm not busy, I feel as if I am wasting my days away.

Over Winterm break, I decided to work full time which is Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 5:15pm, and Saturdays 8:45am to 12:00pm. That was extremely hard. It's hard to accept that the average American works 5 days and 40 hours a week. Although it's very normal and acceptable, I believe there's something wrong with working your whole life away.

Getting back to my school schedule has also been tough. We are currently in week five of the Spring semester and I am still struggling to adjust. I find change extremely difficult and it has always taken me weeks(if not longer) to adjust to change. I was very used to working Monday through Friday, so when the semester started, I struggled tremendously to maintain my school schedule and make time for homework and studying.

Senioritis is REAL. Last semester I was very motivated and excited for school. This semester, I lack motivation, passion, and desire to do the bare minimum. When I go to class, I feel as if I do not belong anymore, and I feel a sense of uncomfortableness. I feel very burnt out, tired, exhausted. I am aware I am not the only one that feels like this, after all, we are still in a global pandemic.

The weather has been beautiful these last couple days which has helped my mood tremendously. Warm weather and a bright sun will always cheer up my day, no matter how busy or stressed I am. Spring is approaching which means graduation is very close!

March and April will be amazing months for me, I am manifesting and claiming it! I have recently began the construction of my research paper. WHAT A JOURNEY IT HAS BEEN. My mentor and I brainstormed my research idea during spring semester of sophomore year. Two years later, I am currently wrapping the project up. It's a bittersweet moment for sure. I know that once the project is complete, I will feel as if I'm missing something from my life, or I'll feel empty. The construction of my research has by far been the hardest most rewarding challenge I have taken. I have presented my project multiple times and have received a lot of recognition, but once it's written on paper in a book, it will officially feel real.

Overall, I am grateful and proud. I look forward to making unforgettable memories these last couple months of my undergraduate journey and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.