As the semester has officially wrapped up, final grades are posted, and a new year begins, I am left with a deep sense of gratitude for the experience gained and the lessons learned. I remember feeling anxious at the start of the semester thinking, “How will I handle this semester?” compared to previous ones. In the first week of the semester, I remember looking at all my syllabi and being overwhelmed with the project and assignment descriptions. They seemed impossible given the knowledge I had. Which to be fair, they were impossible to begin with. I needed to trust the process and take it day by day to be able to accomplish these tasks. Now, as a new semester begins, I can confidently say I made it through another one successfully, and with far less lost sleep than I expected.
In saying that, finishing last semester feels bittersweet. It means, at least for me, that I have ‘one last semester’ here at Idaho State University. I have said this phrase once before when I was in my last semester of my undergraduate program. Obviously, I did not know that I would be back in school for my master’s degree just one year later, so this phrase now holds the correct weight for the first time (unless a PhD program grabs my attention!).
The finality of the word “last” seems scary. It implies that school is ending and will not return. While many are rejoicing, they do not need to take any more tests or present group projects, others are sad they will not see their friends every day in class or be able to walk to a friend’s apartment at midnight. Many feel the burden of what lies outside of the classroom walls. For students navigating that uncertainty, I would recommend turning to the College of Business’s professional development resources which includes connecting with John Ney. He can help turn that burden into direction by providing guidance and access to real-world career opportunities. I would be lying if I did not admit to feeling these mixed emotions at least a little bit. However, I believe to truly appreciate an experience, it must eventually come to an end.
As I enter ‘one last semester’, I cannot help but think about all the wonderful semesters before that have led me to this point. Each has taught me different skills that I am able to use in school and work. I am very proud looking back at my 18-year-old self that took a chance on coming to Idaho State University. I am a proud Bengal! ISU was the perfect place for me to learn and grow as a person and I know that others have felt the same about their experience at this university. I embrace the experience of ‘one last semester’, cherishing the many lasts it brings while feeling hopeful for the new beginnings ahead. Go Bengals!