As the semester comes to an end in the next week, it is only normal to look back upon these past few months. Coming into the semester I was apprehensive about the classes and schedule I had put together. My senior year (hopefully) was going to be filled with core classes for both my major and minor. The fall semester’s schedule included 5 classes: a research science/writing class, an animal behavior class, a core marine biology class and 2 classes for my minor (environmental communication and politics about environmental issues). The first week, known as syllabus week, went by and my nerves went up just a bit. This semester was going to be a lot of research and writing. All five of the classes included at least one paper, with tests and homework thrown of course. The weeks went by and before I knew it midterms were up to bat. First grades came in and I was pleasantly surprise, I could maybe get through this semester (with going to the gym too).
Week after week, I would take the buses from C/D to College Ave and back to C/D. And every now and then throw in some College Ave to Livingston and back. My grades kept coming in and they kept staying right where they were.
Thanksgiving break came and without really realizing it, the semester was more or less over. The last week of classes was perhaps the hardest week I have had to face in my undergraduate career. From Monday to Friday I had something due: 2 presentations, 2 research papers, 2 finals and a few homework assignments (and those all too loving surveys…..for every professor and TA).
But, what do you know I got through that week too. I have gotten two of my grades back and they are both what I was hoping for, but more importantly what I was expecting. All 5 of my classes were classes I found interesting and cared about. That was showing in the grades I was getting.
I learned so much in my Behavior Biology and Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems classes. I now know so much more about how the ocean works from the chemistry of the water to the global currents; I now know how El Nino works and how it affects the global weather patterns; I now know when I see animals doing certain things, they mean something specific. I have learned skills that will help me better communicate the science of environmental issues and help further protect our planet. I have learned how to research and write science papers and create visual presentations to better present the information. Mainly, I have learned that I can get through anything, as long as I set my mind to it.
A few weeks ago I met with my advisor and went over how many more classes I needed to graduate. After leaving her office I felt relief and such a weight lifted off my shoulders. I would have to take a class in the summer but I would be able to graduate in May!
Next week is not only my last final, my flight back home but also my birthday. How old might you be wondering? Wonder no more, it is the big ol’ 25! I struggle all the time with being so old and still being an undergrad. I’m always being told both to stay in college for as long as possible and to graduate and get a job already. I feel the pressure from all sides to grow up and not be a 25 year old senior…getting only his B.S. “Chaim, when are you finally gonna graduate?” “You’re how old!?”
There are two people I have to thank for helping me get through my journey so far, my parents. Yes, they sometimes pester me about finding a girlfriend or what i’m going to do after I graduate, but mainly they have always told me that there is no rush. Of course, don’t mess around and waste time (and money), but everyone has their own path to take.
cshapgoeseast 