Day 80: One Year Down

I did it! After months of hard work and lots of stress, I was able to finish my very first year of college! Today I submitted my final assignment and celebrated with far too many cookies and a happy dance. The whole journey has been quite an adventure from which I have learned many things.

One of the biggest learning curves had to have been dealing with the stress. For most of this year, I have been chased by deadlines and have generally failed at having a school-life balance. So much of my time was taken up by assignments and reading the required material. Going into it in January was completely eye opening. I knew it would take up a lot of my time, I just didn't have any idea how much time would be needed.

Stress seems to have been my mantra for the entire year. I hardly went a day without it and looked forward to any break. Growing up and learning how to manage your time and survive multiple classes at once is not an overly fun things. However, I have survived through half of my degree.

Because this year was such a learning curve, I now have a better understanding for what to expect during the next two semesters before I finish my associates degree. The goals I set things year went out the window in January when I realized how unrealistic they were. I now have a better understanding of how much time is going to have to go towards college and can be better prepared.

Tomorrow is the very first day of Christmas break and we are days away from the new year. This time of year is all about looking back on mistakes and on successes and learning from them. Now is the time to prepare for the future and apply your new experiences to your coming goals and dreams.

This year has been an amazing one, for more than one reason, even with all the stress. Take a moment to look back on your year and think through all of the lessons you have learned. The new skills you have acquired. The memories you have made. Be grateful for all of them, especially the happy ones.

Another year has passed through our lives and it is time to prepare for the new one that is just ahead. What have you learned this year that will help you in the future? There are so many things I have been able to learn this year that will give me a better understanding for the new year. I will be able to set better goals, manage my time better, and overall handle stress in a more graceful way.

Until Next Time,
Lillian Merritt