Shilpa Koneru Time Capsule Essay

This past year has been a time of extreme growth and learning about myself, my relationships with those around me, and my education. Living on my own, and in an entirely different state, has been extremely eye-opening in the responsibilities and duties it takes to care of myself. This has been extremely stressful but equally as rewarding as all my accomplishments feel deeper and allow me to feel that much more proud of them. While leaving everything and everyone I knew and loved seemed horrifying, the relationships I made here have not only helped me every step of the way but also made the transition and settlement much easier. The friendships and relationships I have forged here have without a doubt been my proudest accomplishment this past year. My second greatest accomplishment has been my academic success. While I knew the adjustment from high school to college would be eye-opening and jarring, I did not expect just how difficult it would be. As someone who has always excelled in academics, but the reality of college courses, workloads, and time management is intense. However, I am extremely proud of how I was and continue to overcome it. Although the academics are more difficult and straining, the classes themselves are much more fascinating to me. My favorite class I have taken this year has been my CMSC132 course. This course focuses on object oriented programs and is a part of my computer science major. The workload and frustration has definitely overwhelmed me more times than I care to admit, but I have never been so genuinely enthralled and enthusiastic about a course before. My professor for the course has also been a blessing, as he has personally helped me on numerous occasions, making the class that much more enjoyable. The professor to student relationship was also an adjustment from highschool to college. In highschool I was in classes with sizes of about thirty, where the teacher was able to personally know and talk to every single student every single day. Here, the reality is that most professors do not have the time to do that with their students. This is entirely understandable, however gaining that relationship with my professor was that much more special. My biggest advice when it comes to this, would be to simply reach out. These professors care way more than most people think, so reach out, show up to office hours, ask questions and put yourself out there. This advice goes far beyond just the classroom and I have found this past year, this is the key to getting a lot of things in this world. Highschool did not prepare me for quite a few of the challenges and obstacles that I, and many other students, have faced in their freshman year of college. However, gaining the resilience and the strength to keep pushing through and knowing that you are going to be better for it in the end will guide anyone through it. My biggest piece of advice for any incoming freshman, is to enjoy every little moment of this year. There are going to be tears, breakdowns, and fights but this will be the most rewarding year of your life if you allow it to be. Take in everything and put yourself out there as much as you can!

Last modified: 06 May 2024