Journal Entry #6

December 18, 2007

Dear Prospective Students,

The fall semester is over! Last Wednesday meant the end of classes and the completion of one final... only four more finals to go, and I can't wait! I'm looking forward to a few weeks of relaxation like you wouldn't believe.

This semester has been one of intense work, but mostly exploration and self-discovery. Every semester I feel like I grow significantly as a person, figuring out more and more who it is I am and who I want to be. Each new experience builds on who I am, but it's the happenings of this semester that seem to have led me to great changes. And now I'm ready to dive in even deeper.

Earlier in the semester, I put in an application to change to resident status. While I am still awaiting a reply from the Office of Residence Life as to whether I got accepted for housing next semester, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

As the semesters have passed, I have increasingly become aware of the unique opportunity one gets when they live on campus. Being a commuter for the past two and a half years, I have found the flexibility just isn't what it is for a resident student. I feel as if I am missing out on the once in a lifetime bonding opportunity students receive when they come to live and know each other so closely. Instead, my free time generally consists of me trying to plot out my schedule to make the most out of my time on campus before one of my parents picks me up. (Yes, that's right; I'm a commuter without a license.)

With this division of time and focus, I don't feel like I'm able to give school my all. There are so many opportunities at my doorstep, but I just can't quite dig in and commit myself like I want. I want to get even more involved! I want to not only do more for myself and develop my independence, but I want to be free to do more for others as well. Campus Ministry holds so many opportunities for service, that I really hope I can have this chance to live at Fairfield and really begin to find out who I am and who I want to become.

So here's to hoping for a letter of acceptance and the chance at new experiences! The wait is simply nerve-wracking! I desperately want to know now!

Curious as to how it all turns out?

Check in next semester for all the details!

love, anna.