I spent my summer interning, doing a fellowship, and traveling. In my third year at Oberlin, it still feels like things are changing. My major and intended minor are the same, but I’ve since had different experiences since my first year and have a newfound understanding of what’s important to me.
I think college is a really important time to try new things, meet new people, and most importantly, ask a lot of questions. I have spent a lot of time trying to listen more intentionally and to puzzle out what I’m hearing and what it means to me and for me. In listening, I sometimes end up with more questions than answers, and I’m learning that’s okay.
These questions are allowing me to see more about myself, what my aspirations and desires are, and what I need to think about and begin prioritizing. For me, the beginning of my third year is about being open to wonder, being open to curiosity, being open to the unknown. I’ve closed out a few cycles, and started new endeavors. With their infancy, I look forward to seeing where they go but also look forward to not being attached to one outcome.
I’ve also expanded the scope of my academic classes a bit so I’m not just focusing on the type of courses I have taken in the past. They’re different, stimulating, keep me on my toes, surprised, and thinking. I also find myself resonating with what I’m learning and drawing connections between some of the texts in front of me and myself. In this way, there is a sense of solidarity with authors, and an appreciation for their words, arguments, and experiences. I feel like I’m making connections between my past and my future and am anticipating the unknown. Third year, here we go. Who knows what lies ahead?
