Posted by Jessica K.
Wow, the time has gone quickly since my last blog. This past week I said goodbye to the three offices I've been interning in. I began packing yesterday--and I am moving in in just TWO days. I'm at that point where I keep thinking of another thing to bring or another thing to buy. I have lists forming throughout the house: one list that says "things to do before I leave" another which says "things that still need to be packed." (Of course one of those "things to do before I leave" is to blog, so I'm actually being productive right now). Although this may sound organized, in no way do I feel as organized as last year.
Yesterday I went over to my friends house, she was packing up to leave to NYU today. Even though school for her isn't far away at all, she was nervous beyond belief. Last year, that feeling of nervousness made me start packing a month in advance. I needed to make sure everything was perfect. This year I'm so much more laid back about it. I now realize that it's not the end of the world if I forget something.
Nevertheless this recent feeling of being rushed and feeling the need to plan out my days has actually brought me back into my time managing self. I think I'm ready for my action-packed days at Hopkins. I know I've said this before, but I love being busy...and so does a large portion of the students at Hopkins. After all, it is a great feeling to feel accomplished at the end of each day. Although us Hopkins students may only be in classes 15 hours a week, the days fill up with the 893982 diverse activities that students do. For example, I have until next Thursday before classes start, but I've decided to begin working on Thursday, to spend an entire day helping out with orientation as a Building Coordinator, and to search/apply/interview for research.
I did become busy this summer, but nothing like I am at school. I haven't had deadlines and meetings and work hours to live by. I am so happy to have had this break, but so ready for busy days. Well, at least until the first set of midterms.
I guess that is all on my end. I know that everyone else in their blogs have been giving similar advice--to live up your college years--I suggest reading Admission Daniel's, Stephanie's, and Josh's latest posts. There is a reason everyone seems to be repeating this same advice, because it's completely true. This summer I've been thinking about how I can get more out of Hopkins, and I hope to try new things and explore more of what Hopkins has to offer.
So, instead, on more of a lighter note, I'll leave you with short-term advice. Right now I'm sitting in what seems to be an ever-growing pile of t-shirts. Many of my t-shirts I simply can't let go of. All of them fit (and if they don't, I can always wear them to bed), most of them have sentimental ties (friends or family members may have given it to me, some remind me of the fundraisers we had in high school clubs, others remind me of all the sports teams I've been involved in, others remind me of places I've gone to). Last year I weeded through my t-shirts and picked out my favorites to bring. I arrived to Hopkins and got five more free t-shirts during the first week to add to my already large pile. When I was packing back up in May I kept thinking, "Have I ever even worn half of these t-shirts this year?" I'll be honest, besides for the gym and sleeping, I don't have much use for them, but I do feel connected to each of them.
So words of advice (that I hopefully will follow as well): If you're looking for a way to cut down that giant pile of stuff that is building up next to your door, then don't be afraid to leave a few t-shirts from your high school days at home. Soon a pile of t-shirts from your college days will begin to form.
Oh, and of course, if you're from the NYC area, be sure to load up on bagels before you head down to Hopkins. The bagels just aren't the same at Einstein's. Bagels are one of the few things I constantly miss while in Baltimore. And even though I've been trying to get myself sick of them this summer by having them often, deep down I know that my carb-loving body will always be addicted to a NYC bagel.
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