We’re so close to being done!! One week from now I will have completed my first year of college, even though it doesn’t feel like it.
One of the most impactful things I’ve learned in class actually came from Med/Ren 2666, History of Witchcraft. There was a lecture that compared the accusations of witchcraft against men and women. Essentially, when men were accused of witchcraft it was spun to be alchemy or magic that was out of their control; however, when women were accused there was no second thought about it and they were tortured and killed. Clearly, misogyny is not a new idea by any stretch of the imagination, but it was interesting to see the way that it has morphed throughout the years. Women aren’t accused of witchcraft anymore but there are plenty of examples of female celebrities being called “rude” and “aggressive” while their male counterparts are being praised for the same behavior and called “cool” and “suave”.
This is going to sound silly and like a first-world problem but outside of the classroom I learned how hard it can be sometimes to be a vegetarian. This year was my first year without eating meat and my eyes were certainly opened to how stressful it can be. Never before have I had to worry about going to an event and not having anything to eat, or my boss ordering lunch for us and worrying that it was going to be all pepperoni pizza. Like I said, a first-world problem, but something I had to learn nonetheless. TWICE I have ordered a cheese quesadilla from Taco Bell and TWICE they have given me a chicken one instead. I have learned to be more aware of other people and their personal restrictions.
I feel like I say this every month, but I’ve learned how to be organized and on top of my game. Balancing working 16 hours a week, horseback lessons, extra activities, and 16 credit hours has been a mountain of stress and heavy workload, but through it I’ve learned how to manage my time for sure. Also, I never really the importance of art until Morrill started introducing crafting events every few weeks. I picked up cross-stitching with one of my roommates and it has been so relaxing to do something with my hands that doesn’t require any brainpower.
I have so many favorite memories from this past year it’s hard to choose. My most recent favorite memory is going to the spring game! It felt so surreal to be in the Shoe instead of seeing it on TV. Seeing the players in person on the field felt like seeing my favorite artists in concert. My oldest favorite memory would be the first day I moved in and we as a group all went to Target and UDF on High street.
Next year I am looking forward to so many things! Classwise, I’m taking Greek and Roman mythology which makes my 13-year-old Percy Jackson heart sing. I’m also taking Bio 1114 which is more focused on evolution and ecology which is right up my alley. Spring semester next year I can also start taking some major-specific classes! I am also looking forward to more in-person events, as we all are, and things getting back to normal. I get my second dose next Friday, Pfizer gang! Lastly, next year I will officially be on the OSU Equestrian team which is the biggest reason I came to OSU.
All in all, I learned a lot this year. Maybe not Chemistry, but a lot of other life skills. I can’t wait for next year!