As this semester comes to an end, I am struggling to come to terms with the fact that I am officially halfway through my college experience. College has been every exciting, fearful and life-altering experience I thought it would be, but I am not ready to admit I will soon be considered an upperclassman.
Coming back from winter break, I had some doubts. The thrill of football games, the plethora of new activities and the nice weather had disappeared. I was nervous to continue living in my sorority house and take on the challenge of 18 credit hours.
However, I now have a memorable spring semester to look back on.
The semester began with a winter storm, canceling the first day of classes. I made the treacherous, icy and extremely cold drive back to Knoxville from Illinois. And, unlike the negativity surrounding the cold weather in Illinois, the citizens of Knoxville were rejoicing over the snow. Students were using any hill as a sled run and the icy roads as an excuse to stay indoors.
After the snow day, I quickly dove into my classes for this semester and discovered my new favorite class: Brain Science Applications. Within the first three weeks of class, I got to hold a brain and learn what neurotransmitters you could stimulate to prevent a hangover — my classmates’ favorite thing we learned all year.
Between all the work and fun, I decided to participate in a day of community service — VOLthon. Although I initially volunteered to help a friend, I was thrilled to participate in raising funds for the children at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. From the dance cardio, hearing miracle stories and the silent disco, it was a remarkable day.
I blinked and was soon visiting my best friend at Michigan State University during spring break. Walking around and experiencing life on another campus made me appreciate all I love about UT. It reminded me that taking 18 credit hours isn’t as bad as it may seem because at least I am where I want to be.
Like last year, I watched Tennessee basketball have its moment of fame and glory before they sorely disappointed every Tennessee fan in a tough match against Purdue and Zach Edey. Nonetheless, the loud and exciting atmosphere made each and every game I attended worth it. Nothing compares to the excitement that roars through Food City Center after Dalton Knecht scores yet another 3-pointer.
By this point in the semester, when I realized I had a little over a month left of the school year, an overwhelming wave of shock rolled through me. Despite the vexatious antics that came with living in a quad in my sorority house, I had to evaluate the parts of it that I would miss. Was I going to miss being surrounded by people constantly and the easy access to my friends? How much am I taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? I had to change my mindset and appreciate what I had now.
Every late night spent in the library, long Neyland Express bus ride, spontaneous fraternity party and night spent in the Pi Phi sorority house kitchen talking is something I will never forget and miss all summer long.
So, although I had a bad attitude going into this semester, every little moment spent on this campus is truly one I will look back on fondly. Even the moments I dreaded, like a challenging exam, I am thankful I had the opportunity to experience them.
Every day spent on this campus is an experience I will truly never get back. Time really is flying by, and the thought that I only have two years left of my undergraduate experience is so bittersweet.
Katie Holloway is a sophomore at UT this year studying psychology. She can be reached at [email protected].
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