Happy New Year everyone, and welcome back to Trent! I trust you all had a wonderful break wherein procrastinatory behaviour was justifiably perceived as well-needed downtime. Our task for this week as reporters was to reflect on a previous piece and/or event and I decided to go back to the beginning, writing a response of sorts to my first submission to Arthur last September.
In that piece, I more or less chronicled the emotions associated with the process of applying and coming to Trent and the unique perspective and experience that comes as a result of being an international student. Apprehensive about what to expect in a foreign country and unsure as to my capacity to thrive successfully in a university, my predisposition to pessimism created rather low expectations of campus life here at Trent (initially at least). Luckily for me, it was not at all what I expected and it was all that I hoped it would be.
In September of 2011, I had a mental list of things I wanted to accomplish; groups I wanted to be a part of, taking courses that address particular subject matter, finding a particular group of friends. It’s January 2012 and I have been able to cross off everything off that list already. I would assume it is the same for all of us at this point, particularly first years. It seems to me that everyone has found, in some way, carbon copies (or upgraded versions) of their high school friends. By now, the courses and class times are those that suit our own interests. Many a student dropped and picked up classes, changed seminar times over the past semester and apart from those of us who have to deal with 9a.m. classes, we are all pretty satisfied. Fourth years, on the other hand, I would imagine are trying to salvage the few months they have left. Papers need to get done, time with colleagues is savoured, and deadlines for applications to graduate programs and jobs in the workplace are imminent. I’m not too sure about Trent’s second or third years. Maybe they are experiencing some strange tertiary adolescence where they aren’t as doe-eyed as us freshmen but they aren’t spent from the stresses associated with final year.
Looking forward, I am pretty optimistic about 2012. My goal for semester one, as outlined in the first submission was involvement and motivation. This semester it’s to make the most of the small moments. Last time I compared the contrast between customer service in the Caribbean and Canada, this time I will compare the climate. Needless to say, there isn’t any snow in the Caribbean (well, I’ve certainly never found any) so task number one for me is to build my first snowman. I’ll work up to pelting my housemates with snowballs after. Secondly, I need to monitor my grades. I think as first years, we may be one of three types: 1) You didn’t too that great last semester so you’re buckling down for this one, 2) You did pretty good last semester so now you can afford to slack off or 3) You did okay and you’re happy with yourself so you will keep on doing what you did before. Regardless of which type you think matches your habits, try to find a balance. Contrary to what some people who want us to believe, there is a ton to do at Trent and in Peterborough so enjoy the next few months. It will be over before you know it!
