End of the Semester Reflection as a Student and Fellow

      As the end of the semester nears, the amount of papers, presentations, and finals has engulfed me in a swarm of stress. In addition, let’s not forget my last week as a fellow and the application process to Graduate School. While the stress may be a little overwhelming, these last few weeks have been very rewarding to me academically as a student and as a fellow. I learned a lot from my students, professors, and my fellow fellows throughout the semester; and through my encounters and experiences I have become a better student, fellow, and writer. While I improved and learned a lot—I won’t lie—it was a roller coaster ride.  The stress of studying for the GRE, writing papers and personal statements, and fellowing fifteen students—not including the personal life—took a toll on me; but in the end it was all worth it. I have able to see not only myself grow, but my students too.

      Although I had little free time, I attended my final fellow class this past week where I watched my students give their final presentations. They had been working on their papers for weeks, so it was enjoyable to see them present because they were really excited for it to be over. I related to my students as they finished their presentations because I could see the sigh of relief and that proud moment that all their hard work throughout the semester paid off.

      As I stated earlier, my semester is almost over yet I have a lot of work to finish. Since this semester had its ups and downs—mostly ups—I am anxiously waiting for that sigh of relief that my student had. Through this stressful end of the semester, I recently had a conversation with a professor who asked me: “How are you going to end your semester on a high note?” While I listed off numerous ways, the answer was simple: “You just do it.” By taking this simple advice I can say I have set my priorities straight and most definitely risen to the top of that coaster ride. I am excited to finish applying to graduate school, finish my last semester as an Undergrad, to begin fellowing my new students next semester, and of course finishing—not only my semester, but final year—on a high note. 

Comments

  1. Anonymous12:27 AM

    Sophie,

    Having come to the close of a semester mentoring writers, I relate to this post. I, too, have found this semester highly challenging, not only within the writing center but outside of it, in my other courses, etc.. However, it is because of the uphill push that the downhill plunge is made sweet, and so I am very grateful for my experience and pleased with how far I've progressed.

    I only wish that, like you, I could've seen the final work of the students with whom I have worked; I would love to be able to see how my work has helped (or not helped) them.

    However, I can definitely say that my personal progress has been a highly satisfactory return on my investment, and I hope to be able to continue in my tutoring.

    Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!

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  2. I cannot relate to having the stress of studying for the GRE and applying to graduate schools, but the stress of beginning another degree is well up there being a double major in Environment Science and Chemistry and double minoring in Math and Writing. I do hope to end on a high note somehow by "just doing it" and getting what I need done.

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  3. That's very interesting post.

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