2011 Blogs

This would be why you strive for good grades in college.

01/12/2012

"I am happy to announce I have FINALLY reached my last semester at Indiana University East. I am out of my funk and back on my A-game ... When I first enrolled at Indiana University East, my peers gave me a lot of crap and said things like, 'Well, [I] want the real college experience...' As I am writing this, I am choking up. The reality of my situation is beginning to hit me..."

I am happy to announce I have FINALLY reached my last semester at Indiana University East. I am out of my funk and back on my A-game. It is very exciting, but also very sad. Honestly, I am trying not to think about all of the things I am leaving behind - role models, best friends, amazing student events, and just an all around fantastic college career.

During my time at IU East, I have laughed, I have cried (even from laughing so hard), I have struggled, and I have overcome. I have recognized my strengths and strengthened my character. I have learned to reach out to others and that you never have to face problems in this world alone. I have learned sometimes those that should be there for you are not; however, you should never let it get you down. Those who you would never expect to be there for you, may surprise you.

Goofing off with Alyssa Tegeler '11 in the Hayes Hall restroom.

The college experience is what you make of it. When I first enrolled at Indiana University East, my peers gave me a lot of crap and said things like, "Well, I want the real college experience." At the time, I knew the college experience was to party, wake up in random places, pull all-nighters, exercise your independence by living in a dorm, etc.

Over the years, I have recognized that the college experience is subjective. My college experience consists of way more than the things listed above. I am not going to sugar coat it, I have partied, I have done crazy things, but I have always attempted to keep my academics and aspirations in the forefront of my mind. I may not have pulled all-nighters, but I was part of a late night IU East event that brought a celebrity to our campus for a ghost hunt. I may not have lived in a dorm, but my academics and student activities at IU East landed me an amazing internship in the heart of Cincinnati for Mayor Mark Mallory. Most importantly, I may not have an endless list of forgotten nights associated with my college, and the reason is because I have a lot more life changing memories.

Working for Mayor Mark Mallory of Cincinnati. Photo taken by Susanna Tanner.

As I am writing this, I am choking up. The reality of my situation is beginning to hit me. Although I am excited for the next chapter of my life, I am also sad about what I am leaving behind.

But the fact of the matter is that I love Indiana University East, and the school loves me. :) What good would it do to help build someone up, just to never send them out into the world to use what they have been taught?

This is going to be an exciting semester. I am a double major with a relatively high GPA. My involvement at Indiana University East earned me a scholarship that covered my entire last semester and most of my cost for books. This happened to me during a time when I really needed it. This is why you strive for good grades in college. This is why you should try your best. It is funny how things work out sometimes.

So to everyone out there, give this semester your all, as well as the semesters to come. Never take your education for granted. Never let anything stop you from being the best you can be.