Leaping into Spring 2015

Have you ever stopped and realized how awesome snow looks across campus?

Welcome back from break! I hope you enjoyed your time off and are ready to take on another semester. While it may not always be easy to get back in the school and studying mode, we all need to keep the eventual goal in mind — graduation! And whether that’s semesters away or just one…tiny…semester…away (like ME!), it’s important to think of the many things we have to look forward to in Spring 2015, both collectively and personally.

• All new grades — and hopefully straight As! It’s a new semester — however well or poorly you did last semester is over with. You have a fresh start and a second chance to make the most out of your classes. After all, we’re here to get good grades and learn (and have some fun). Getting good grades will take work, but think how much better you’ll feel come the end of the semester when your grades come in. Plus, you’ll totally get bragging rights!
• Professors: I don’t know about you, but I get really excited to see my professor walk in the classroom on the first day of school. It’s interesting to see the person who will be teaching you for the semester; it gives us a glimpse into yet another different teaching style, and, hopefully, a new way of thinking about something. Your teachers don’t always have to be new to you to get excited about them — my English professor taught my class last semester, and I am looking forward to seeing him again teaching something slightly different.
• Classes: While the first day of school can be daunting to many, I love it! Sure, it isn’t always fun to read the syllabi and realize just how much work you’re going to be doing over the next four months. UIC offers so many varied courses in things that are truly interesting, so getting to personalize your schedule and take those classes are one of my favorite things about college. If you aren’t excited about at least some of your classes this semester, chances are you need to add something fun or interesting (or realize just how fun and interesting your classes you have can be!)
• More snow! Sorry to all you commuters! Here on East Campus, a little snow never hurt anybody! I love it when it snows! For me, that means only a brief walk back into the building from classes to then enjoy it from my window. The snow can be a total hassle to a lot of people, but to me, it’s just a beautiful thing to look at. Have you ever seriously stopped and realized just how awesome snow looks across campus? If you haven’t, you need to do so right now!
• Spring: It’s coming! I realize it’s coming very, very slowly, but it’ll be here all the same! On my first day of class this semester, I couldn’t help but think about how in less than four months, I will most likely be standing outside waiting to go into my class in a short-sleeved shirt. This semester, the days are only getting longer! (In a good way!)
• Graduation: SO CLOSE! This is my final semester (as if I haven’t told you enough times…) I will experience my last everything this semester, and that’s why I’m working so hard to make everything count. If you are graduating too, congratulations on staying strong all this time! If you aren’t, keep working toward your goal. Enjoy each semester and don’t focus too hard on the end — then you may be so distracted that you miss what matters in between.
• Setting up summer internships/jobs: Start sending out those resumes and networking, folks! It’s time for internships, summer jobs, and for some — real jobs! Don’t sit back this semester and wait for something to come to you. Now is the time to go for whatever you want to do. Summer may be for relaxing as a student, but it is also the perfect time to find an internship or earn some money — or both! And if graduation is in your future, start sending out your resume — getting a job should be a top priority!

What else are you looking forward to this semester? Tweet your thoughts using the hashtag #UICSpring2015 to @hbrenza!

Holly Brenza is a senior majoring in English and minoring in communications and management. In her spare time, Holly enjoys playing with her puppy, Bear, and watching the Blackhawks and White Sox, reading and trying out new recipes. After graduation, she hopes to work in public relations.