Hello, dear readers! I hope you are all staying warm in these cold and trying times (trying not to slip on all the slush in the streets!). I want to break for a bit and do an introspective piece this month. This is because I have no words of wisdom right now, but I do have a lot of feelings surrounding the end of the semester.
Firstly, I’m tired. My end-of-semester isn’t even that grueling! I was momentarily in the trenches last week, preparing for dead week, but I’ve evened out. For context, I had one final exam in my Portuguese class, a one-on-one conversation with my professor that lasted all of ten minutes. From there, it’s been projects and presentations as far as the eye can see. I’m also on crunch time for Boundless, the literary magazine for which I translate and am designing the cover. More information about Boundless and the Translate Iowa Project, which is what Boundless functions beneath. Find more information on the Translate Iowa Project website.
So, I’m tired. I’ve been on the grind for too long, and I’m worn out. The end is so close I can taste it, and I can’t wait to go home. Since I don’t have any proper finals during finals week, I’ll be kind of bored, doing nothing (theoretically). I have no idea what it will be like to just live in Iowa City, not as a student, not doing school.
That leads me to another weird feeling I’ve been having, or more accurately, that I had during Thanksgiving break. My family home doesn’t feel like my full-time home anymore. I found myself longing to return to my quiet, cozy dorm room, though some of that definitely had to do with the rambunctious tendencies of my three younger brothers. I loved spending time with my parents, my extended family, and my pets, but I wanted to go back to school, fall back into my daily routine, and be fully independent. School is my home now. I was so sad about moving out of the home I lived in for 18 years, if you all remember my first blog, but no more. I’ll get back to you guys on how my feelings change during a month-long break, though. Part of me was in “waiting mode” during Thanksgiving break, just waiting to get back and finish the semester. Now that I’m done, perhaps I will be able to settle back into a home routine.
With the end of the semester comes some thoughts on classes! I had a rollercoaster of a first semester. I was in the absolute trenches during October and into November, and now, I feel like I’m lounging on the top of the mountain. Thank goodness. Part of the problem was the sheer number of classes I was taking. I had seven classes this semester, eight if you include the mandatory freshman course. It had homework, and I could have failed it, so I think it counts. Beyond that, a lot of my “small” classes (orchestra, Intro to Honors, and a freshman seminar) had a lot of work that came along with them: I practiced my instrument twice a week for an hour or two each session, in addition to a weekly, two-hour orchestra rehearsal. Moreover, my Intro to Honors course required me to attend events that I otherwise would not have gone to. Beyond the hours I “lost” to these activities themselves, I also needed to work around bus schedules, walking, and other responsibilities. That time adds up quickly and can leave you feeling crunched and squeezed when working on homework or looking for time to rest. Moreover, I worked out twice a week, almost religiously, for about a month and a half after classes began, and that was another commitment to myself that I really prioritized keeping. I thought I was doing well, preparing for what was difficult, taking time to care for my body, but at some point, I lost the plot. I was doing too much. Beyond academics, I applied for an exec position for the Translate Iowa Project, in addition to being a translator. I write these blogs. My roommate situation was deteriorating before my eyes. There was a lot on my plate.
I don’t want to scare anyone, and I’m not asking for pity. I simply want to be transparent about the mistakes I made so you, prospective freshmen, who I am writing for, don’t repeat them. College is a lot of fun. I have met so many cool people and done so many cool things. I love living in Iowa City; it’s beautiful, friendly, walkable, and lovely in all seasons. I’ve found my people and am now in that really awesome stage where I get to know them really well. I’ve started dating, and it’s been a ton of fun. My exec position is such a blessing and lets me build creativity into my work in ways I know I wouldn’t prioritize for myself otherwise. I’ve found a church that I think I just might love. I’m learning so many cool things! My classes challenge and tire me, but at the end of the day, that is what I am here for. While my first semester wasn’t completely painless, I am very grateful to be at the University of Iowa, and I can’t wait to keep sharing all of my (mis)adventures with you all!
If you got this far, thank you! This one was a little messy, a little personal, and a lot cathartic. I’ll catch you in the next one, where I’ll be on winter break!
Kiah<3
P.S. – I’m on winter break while editing this! My family and I are on vacation in Arizona. It’s lovely and warm here.
It’s weird reading this back: I’ve changed my mind on some things, like my finals week being “boring” – so much happened! And remember how I said I really wanted to go home? Granted, I was only ‘home’ for about 12 hours from Wednesday to Thursday and then hopped on a plane out west, but living with my family again has been… an adjustment. There are just so many people in my “personal space” again! It’s weird. However, I am glad to be on break and hope the rest of you have a very happy holiday season!
Bye for now, for real 😊
