Following a series of snow days that brought Auburn to a standstill, the spring semester has finally resumed. Winter break, along with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the recent inclement weather, has created a sense of disconnect for many.
Students are now navigating the return to their academic schedules and striving to re-establish a sense of normalcy. This period can be difficult for students, especially for freshmen who are still adjusting to college life as a whole.
“I mostly just stayed home with the family and caught up with friends from high school,” said Robert Johnson, freshman in computer engineering, when asked about his break.
The spring semester brings about many changes that students must adapt to, such as different classes, events and a whole new campus atmosphere.
“I feel like I'm getting close to being completely settled for the most part. It's just the daily living that's completely different from high school to college," Johnson said.
Change does not necessarily have to be a bad thing, it just means that things are different. A wave of new opportunities has emerged, presenting ambitious individuals with the chance to pursue their aspirations.
Many students wish to earn better grades, so their New Year's ambitions often revolve around improving their work ethic throughout the semester.
“I want to keep my GPA above three this semester,” said James Byard, freshman in computer engineering.
Others aim for new positions that would help others and contribute to the college community.
“I do want to become a student recruiter. Hopefully, I applied, […] I'll see if I get it,” said Sophia Donato, freshman in speech, language and hearing sciences.
Many freshman students are excited to return to school and see their new friends. These friendships are crucial in connecting students to their college town.
“I was really excited to come back to school. I missed all my friends,” Donato said.
Opportunities to get involved in social events can be found throughout campus. For those struggling to acclimate to their new environment, attending club events could be helpful to form new friendships. Many freshman suggested attending as many events as possible in order to integrate into the community.
This could be taken as a challenge. Going to new places can help students discover new hobbies and friendships.
“If you have the option of going to something, it doesn't hurt to do so. If you ever think, 'Oh I could just stay back and not do it,' you should just not hesitate," Johnson said.
Students can find this new start overwhelming after the winter break. However, their social and academic ambitions motivate them to adapt to the new routines of the semester.
Auburn offers a wide variety of activities that encourage students to be social and active in the community. A new semester provides opportunities for those new in town to join in the community and find friendships, making academic responsibilities slightly less stressful.
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