In which I discuss my new year’s resolutions, hoping to get a fresh start to the semester

Coming back to school, after three weeks away can take a little while to adjust back. The air is still frigid and the dread for the new classes to begin is stirring. New classes mean black-stained cups that are filled to the brim with coffee, bags under the eyes from sleepless nights of studying and of course the realization that we have to form a new routine when we just got used to the previous one. Although there are some negatives to starting a new semester, we must not forget all the fun that is coming our way. Soon the wind will warm and the trees will bloom and the Great Lawn will fill with blankets and corn hole boards. The realization that the beach will be warm enough to visit and the satisfaction of getting used to your new schedule is exciting. The spring semester brings hope of new adventures and the opportunity to learn more.

One of the things that everyone has in common in the spring is the drive for service. The spring is filled with philanthropic events through Greek life, athletics and clubs. The overwhelming amount of service that is seen on the CNU campus is beautiful and rewarding for the entire campus. Every week, I walk through the DSU breezeway and I’m handed a flyer for another event to raise money for a cause. It makes me incredibly proud to be a Captain, that our school as a whole is so focused on making a positive change. Having the support of the entire campus is crucial when putting on these events because there needs to be a large attendance at each event. The events range from pageants, to dance competitions, to canned food drives and even to donating dresses. I am proud to say that CNU is not only leading change in the community but to one another by continuing to support each other’s causes.

WOW! Welcome to 2015 and a brand new semester. After a much-needed break, time with family and friends, and as much sleep as can be squeezed into four weeks, I think I’m ready to conquer the rest of my junior year.

And, this semester is already tons better than the fall! For one thing, I’m inching closer to my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I’m waist-deep into my application to CNU’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program; in a little over a month, I’ll be officially on my way to learning how to teach! This semester, I’ve spread myself over three schools in the Newport News Public School System; I’ve already had opportunities to volunteer in classrooms of four year-olds, first, and third-graders! How cool is that?!

Thinking back on my freshman year, I had no idea I’d be able to be working in a classroom as an undergrad. I’m not even in the teaching program yet, and I’ve already been able to take courses geared toward educational psychology, child development, and education and culture. And, since I’ve been volunteering in a couple of schools for over two years now, I am really excited to start focusing more and more on that graduate teaching degree.

Oh, and my bachelor’s. I still have to think about that, too.