Making the most of one’s time on Hawk Hill
I started writing this column last year because I love school and everything about it. I love going to class, learning new things, meeting different people, sitting in the library and spending my time at various meetings or events around campus with different organizations.
Since I am a person who wants to spend the rest of her life inside the classroom as a teacher, this is where I have found the most happiness. Even though my love for school was apparent since I was a little girl, it wasn’t until I stepped foot onto Hawk Hill that I knew how strong this love truly was.
As I reflect on my years here as a senior who is getting ready to embrace the real world, I’d like to leave some words of advice (one last time) in the hopes that underclassmen will embrace their time left here on Hawk Hill.
1. Schoolwork should always come first. When this mindset is established, it becomes so much more bearable to wake up, go to class, sit through a lecture and then later sit through hours of homework and studying later.
2. Go to Mad River Thursday (MRT) as much as possible. If you haven’t noticed, MRT comes at the best time of the week. By Thursday, I am completely exhausted and just want to dance with my friends.
3. Getting involved on campus will only enhance your college experience. It is the most redundant, yet important, piece of advice that everyone will give you. Find your home on campus and let it consume you. I’ve been lucky enough to find my home in organizations such as PSP and The Hawk, and also through campus ministry retreats and experiences (I’ll always love you, APEX).
4. Surround yourself with good people and even better friends. If you are in a toxic relationship or friendship, let it go and move on. College is short and your time should not be spent with those who do not support you, care for you or make you laugh until you cry.
5. Furthermore, the friends you meet here are so special. College is so pivotal for young adults: it challenges us, changes us, motivates us and our people who stick besides us through all of this are the people who should be in our lives forever. Besides, there is no one else who will understand the struggle of searching for a table at Club Lib. Don’t ever let them go.
6. Fall in love with yourself. I can’t stress enough how important this is. These four years are a roller coaster ride. You will find and lose friends, you will get in and out of relationships, you will make good decisions mixed with some bad ones. But please, do not be hard on yourself. Practice self love and take care of your mind. You can do this by reflecting on your days more often to highlight what brought you happiness, what impacted you or what made you smile. Meditate, go on walks, try a new coffee shop, journal on Sweeney Field on a sunny day. Do whatever brings you happiness and peace of mind. Self care is key to maintaining a positive attitude while bringing good vibes – both of which will shape your time here on Hawk Hill.
Embrace your time and take full advantage of all the opportunities this place has to offer. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to attend this beautiful university, to meet all of the wonderful people that I’ve come to love, and to grow as a better person. I am especially grateful for all of my readers who put up with my love of school over the past couple years. Although these four years have flown by, I am glad that I got to watch them fly at St. Joe’s.
