summertime…

This afternoon I turned in my final portfolio, and so, as of about 3:30 today, I am officially done with the semester.

This was a challenging semester academically, complicated by some difficult family stuff. There were a few points when I felt like I was on the brink of being overwhelmed — when I did feel overwhelmed, I guess. But it turned out okay. Maybe better than okay.

I’ve been happier, these last few months, than I ever have been in my life, despite the family stuff and the sometimes overwhelming work load. When I made the decision to come to McDaniel, I figured I’d do my time and get out, then return home to get on with the rest of my life. I didn’t really expect that coming back to school would cause me to grow in any meaningful way. But I think I have grown, and I think I will continue to do so. I didn’t have great reasons for choosing McDaniel, but it’s turned out to be the perfect place for me. I’ve been challenged and supported in ways I never dreamed of.

In the fall, I’ll be embarking on a creative senior capstone project — not something McDaniel traditionally offers — in the form of a collection of poetry. I’d say I can’t wait, but… I’m awfully glad it’s summer.