Freshman year is officially over. It is absolutely unbelievable how quickly the year went by. So much happened this year and yet it seems like spring term just started the other day. The last week was an absolute whirlwind, as I attempted to simultaneously pack up all of my things, and write papers. Several times, it seemed like packing was a pretty good way to procrastinate from all of the other work that I had to do. It was incredibly difficult having to say goodbye to some wonderful friends that I won’t be seeing for a full 3 months.
Intensity would really be a wonderful adjective to describe Carleton. I’ve found it to be a really fulfilling type of intense. There is just so much going on at Carleton both socially and academically. Carleton has really impressed me in every way when it comes to academics. I have yet to have a boring/uninteresting class at Carleton. I’ve had some serious interests in subjects that aren’t even what I would call my strengths because the professors at Carleton have found a way to make them interesting and exciting. I’ve really had some great philosophy discussions, political discussions in class. I have also had the opportunity to work together with other fellow students; studying with friends or doing projects. I’ve found myself doing new and exciting things that I definitely did not specifically envision before coming, such as my involvement with this Burma trip, and my burgeoning involvement with the Middle Eastern Studies department (Arabic Music, Oud Lessons, and now the actual language of Arabic!)
I’ve met so many people, and learned so much about them and myself in the course of a short year. I frequently would stay up to 1 or 2 either talking to friends or writing papers, or sometimes both simultaneously (unsuccessfully). I’ve had intense feelings of joy or understanding and the occasional intense feeling of stress. Even though I’ve written about all the fun traditions we have at Carleton, I’ve found what really makes this place special is the people. I’ve had times where although there was something interesting and exciting going on campus I decided to stay and just sit and talk with my friends because they were what really mattered the most. The people at Carleton have also helped make me the person that I am today. They’ve been there for me when I need them to be, and taught me so many interesting things about this world and about life itself.
I’m sitting at home now, already missing Carleton, but gearing up for my adventure in Burma! (Hopefully there will be pictures later!) Farewell for now! I can’t wait for fall term and all the adventure that will come with it!
Here are the last of the pictures I took this year!
Just another beautiful day on the bald spot!
The last day of classes finished with a moon bounce, snowcones and cotton candy!
Lastly, here are some pictures of the arb, a place that I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time exploring over this spring term!
