First-Year Student Journals : Matthew : Journal 6

26 December 2002

The first semester is over.

I’m back home in Houston, and I still don’t think the fact that I am really done with those five classes has sunk in yet. Looking back, it all went by so quickly. My finals went much better than expected. During the whole studying period, I was not stressed at all. That’s not to say I wasn’t studying because I definitely was—a lot. Thanks to my great study buddy, Candice, studying went by more peacefully than it would have been by myself. In just a few days I received all my semester grades, and I’m pretty satisfied with the results.

What has it been like being home? The break has been great. Other than the occasional add/drop periods when I’ve tried to change my spring semester schedule a little, I haven’t thought about school too much. I really miss all of the friends that I’ve made this semester, and luckily, I will get to see most of them very shortly.

A few days after I got back from Austin, I had a dinner with some of my old high school friends. It was very interesting to see how everybody was doing in various colleges around the country. It was also very surprising to see how some people have changed a lot (like I feel I have) and how some people haven’t changed a bit. I think that realization reinforced the fact that each person determines his/her experiences in college—whether new friends are made or the same clique remains, whether you pursue new adventures or cling to the past.

Something I have really enjoyed on this break is getting to spend time with family. Even in doing seemingly boring things like playing Scrabble, going to the grocery store, conversing on a car ride, or watching the “Lord of the Rings” DVD multiple times, it is great to have them around.

We all opened our presents on Christmas Eve like usual. On Christmas Day, my dad, two sisters and I went to visit my mom who had to work in the morning. In the evening, all my family from both my mom and dad’s sides came to our house for dinner. During the whole Christmas season this year, I was so thankful for everything and everyone in my life. Sometimes you just don’t realize the things that mean the most to you until you are separated from them for a while. And sometimes I just forget what the season really is about.

One question that a lot of friends and family have asked is: “How was your first semester?” Each time, I respond with the same enthusiasm. “It has been amazing—more than anything I could have ever expected.” I hope each semester has as much life and growth and satisfaction as my first one.

Now, at least seven more to go.

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime. I hope your holidays have been fantastic.



	Matthew \| Profile \| Favorites \| Journal 1 2 3 4 5 6 Spring 2003 \| Home
	26 December 2002 The first semester is over. I’m back home in Houston, and I still don’t think the fact that I am really done with those five classes has sunk in yet. Looking back, it all went by so quickly. My finals went much better than expected. During the whole studying period, I was not stressed at all. That’s not to say I wasn’t studying because I definitely was—a lot. Thanks to my great study buddy, Candice, studying went by more peacefully than it would have been by myself. In just a few days I received all my semester grades, and I’m pretty satisfied with the results. What has it been like being home? The break has been great. Other than the occasional add/drop periods when I’ve tried to change my spring semester schedule a little, I haven’t thought about school too much. I really miss all of the friends that I’ve made this semester, and luckily, I will get to see most of them very shortly. A few days after I got back from Austin, I had a dinner with some of my old high school friends. It was very interesting to see how everybody was doing in various colleges around the country. It was also very surprising to see how some people have changed a lot (like I feel I have) and how some people haven’t changed a bit. I think that realization reinforced the fact that each person determines his/her experiences in college—whether new friends are made or the same clique remains, whether you pursue new adventures or cling to the past. Something I have really enjoyed on this break is getting to spend time with family. Even in doing seemingly boring things like playing Scrabble, going to the grocery store, conversing on a car ride, or watching the “Lord of the Rings” DVD multiple times, it is great to have them around. We all opened our presents on Christmas Eve like usual. On Christmas Day, my dad, two sisters and I went to visit my mom who had to work in the morning. In the evening, all my family from both my mom and dad’s sides came to our house for dinner. During the whole Christmas season this year, I was so thankful for everything and everyone in my life. Sometimes you just don’t realize the things that mean the most to you until you are separated from them for a while. And sometimes I just forget what the season really is about. One question that a lot of friends and family have asked is: “How was your first semester?” Each time, I respond with the same enthusiasm. “It has been amazing—more than anything I could have ever expected.” I hope each semester has as much life and growth and satisfaction as my first one. Now, at least seven more to go. Please feel free to e-mail me anytime. I hope your holidays have been fantastic.