By CHRIS AGBOLA
Columnist
Gradually, the seemingly unending summer is making way for the fall. A nostalgic feeling comes to bear when this happens. The excitement of returning for the fall semester to meet friends vies with the sadness of desiring the summer never ended because it was fun-filled.
This juxtaposition of thoughts and emotions would depend on how your summer went. Personally, I’d say that my summer was pretty awesome and eventful. The fall semester to me is one that is unique. It is special in the sense of the multiple activities it comes with. If you don’t get your priorities right, you could be messed up for the finals in December.
The first week presents Howdy Week, which features the block party. The block party is usually exciting for the freshmen because it’s supposedly their first party in college after their high school prom, which is to be their last for high school. I’m not so sure about that though. At the party, they get to meet new friends, spot crushes and probably find their first love in college. A lot happens from there, which I’ll leave for another writing.
Another event, is the commencement of the sports seasons. The pride of being a Ranger and cheering whichever of our teams are playing is worth talking about. Later in October, the Halloween celebration is marked. After Halloween is the grand and memorable Thanksgiving. I know folks who wait for Thanksgiving all year long. The good news is that it’s here once again. You can’t wait to meet that aunt or uncle you’ve not seen for a year huh? Just calm down and start the countdown.
After Thanksgiving, then “December to remember” shows up. The battle with the usually snowy weather ushers in the aura of Christmas, which features jingle bells, Frosty the Snowman, Christmas trees and decorations and finally, but not least, Father Christmas and Santa Claus.
The thought of upcoming finals is a challenge at that time of year. We all at that point can’t wait to get home to spend the Christmas with our families but must face the finals first. For the freshmen, it’s anxiety and fear from their first real test of college, whereas sophomores, juniors and seniors start facing the consequences of their semester procrastinations with extreme stress levels.
My advice to you all is that inasmuch as the semester has a lot to offer, set your priorities right. This prevents your “December to remember” from being so stressful that rips you asunder and plunders the joy of a successful semester and awesome Christmas.
I wish you all a successful fall semester. Remember, first things first. Let the fall begin!