It’s been a long year. After four semesters of college, I think I’ve finally learned the fine art of studying and exceeding the standards I’ve set for myself. It’s been difficult, by far.
Over my sophomore year, I was provided countless leadership opportunities through both ROTC and the Army. I was promoted extraordinarily quick to “Sergeant” and with it came a monthly trip to Twinsburg, OH and a lot more responsibility! Nonetheless, I seem to be doing just fine in the position.
In school, I raised my GPA both semesters. Fingers crossed, but by the end of this semester my GPA will be around a 3.4. This is remarkably higher than my 2.0 after my first semester at OSU!
I picked up a second job on top of doing military funerals. I’ve been working at Riverside Methodist Hospital as a Patient Support Assistant on the Stroke floor. It’s been amazing getting to meet and interact with the patients and their families, as well as professionals in the field of medicine. Unfortunately, I also found that the hospital setting is not as appealing as I had hoped it would be.
Moreso, despite my incredible GPA advancements, I’m not certain that I’ll get into nursing school here at OSU. While this thought fills me with substantial sadness, I also feel a little bit of relief. College isn’t all that I had hoped for. I found a passion for the military and pre-hospital trauma. Regardless of my acceptance or rejection, I’m hoping to head to Afghanistan in September and then come back and go to Drill Sergeant School and Flight Paramedic School. These opportunities won’t be around forever, but nursing school will always be here!
This year hasn’t really been what I wanted. I have yet to find friends or a best friend in college. I am too busy with 60 hour work weeks, volunteering, and studying like crazy in order to be successful. I suffered a breakup, a falling out with my family, and an incredible (and ongoing) battle with my roommates.
Through my two years of college, I’ve learned a lot about myself. Although very few people accept me changing my plans to a plan that might not involve a college degree, I’ve found that I really need to do what makes me happy. Nothing is guaranteed at this point, but as my future plans come together and my previous ones become more incompatible and farther away, I find myself feeling a relieved and even excited.
I’m thankful for the opportunities that this school has provided me. I’ve learned incredible things about myself and the people I have been around and want to be around. I may not be a student here next year, but I’ll always be a Buckeye.