Just Chirpin’
Act I: Scene I
By Brittany Ulman

It is official, I have now completed my first semester of college.

Even though there were definitely a fair share of ups and downs, it is finally over.

After months of incessant studying, reading, writing, and memorizing, my brain can finally take a well-deserved vacation. No more ideal gas law equations. No more research papers to concoct. No more historical dates to remember. And finally, no more labs to complete. I can actually sit back and enjoy my Christmas vacation.

Well, only if babysitting, volunteering, cleaning, cooking, and wrapping Christmas presents is considered relaxing

But, after everything that happened this first semester, my holiday break should certainly be considered peaceful.

Before school even started, I was only nervous about one class—Chem lab. Of course I did not worry about the actual chemistry class because that has always been a subject I thoroughly enjoy. Yet, when it comes to its complimentary course, I tend to freak out just a tad.

I logically know the class will not be too difficult. I understand that even though I will be dealing with some dangerous chemicals, I am not going to get hurt. But, there is still that nagging feeling of being told college chemistry labs are so much more difficult than the high school level.

Despite all of this worrying though, I was able to pull everything together and scrounge up a very surprising and satisfying ‘A’. Obviously I was fretting over nothing, like I figured. I never should have questioned myself—I did just fine in high school chemistry, so I should not have to worry about college.

Especially after the knowledge Mrs. Vivian Liette provided me with in high school, and the help of Dr. Daesung Chong in college, chemistry ended up being a cinch.

Now, the semester was not always difficult, there were some fun aspects. Numerous events and some serious studying carried out my semester, providing me with a genuine experience of college.

Listening to my history professor throw in references to rock n’ roll bands while stroking his Duck Dynasty-esque beard lightened every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Having my honors professor begin each and every class with “Settle down humans,” brought a little laugh to the afternoon. And of course the great wisdoms of Dr. Chong, gave each and every one of us inspiration to achieve our biggest goals.

Outside of the classroom, there was Second Harvest Food Bank, where I volunteered for a total of 24 hours. Attending the theatrical productions of Romeo & Juliet and Frankenstein added some culture to the semester; and watching the volleyball team battle it out with Toledo in five sets gave the semester an athletic flare.

However, there were definitely other things I should have done to completely round out my first semester, but now I know for future reference. And since the year had a bit of a rocky start, ending on a positive note is certainly a tremendous achievement.

And now after enduring hours of studying, editing, memorizing, and cramming, I can honestly say it paid off because, I made the Dean’s list!