My word — Optimistic
Hello, I hope everyone is doing well! My name is Tina and I’m a non-degree student taking this course as a prerequisite for a nursing program. Over this past month, I graduated early from Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s in Biology after completing an organic chemistry lab course during the winter semester. Although my break only lasted two weeks following the end of my fall semester, I had a relaxing holiday season at home with my family and spent time catching up with friends. Last week, I moved back home from campus. Seeing the empty dorm room that I lived in for almost 2 years made me feel a little sentimental about closing the first chapter of my undergraduate career. Especially with the pandemic and transition into online learning, it feels as if I fast-forwarded from freshman year into senior year and missed out on a portion of my life. At the same time, I look forward to starting my nursing program in the summer and taking some time off for myself during this spring semester.
The image I chose is a photo taken recently at a beach near campus called “pirates cove” with towering sand dunes and the prettiest sunsets. My friends came to visit me on campus during the winter semester and we decided to stop by here on an impulse in 30-degree weather to watch the sunset. This picture is meaningful to me because it represents the sunset of one story and the beginning of another. At the same time, it also serves as a reminder that it’s okay to slow down and appreciate the little moments in life.
That photo is so gorgeous!! Sunsets are very beautiful, but the colors captured in the photo really are pretty. I really understand how you feel about having to remind yourself to slow down and really take a chance to see the small beautiful moments in life, especially since online school & this pandemic really doesn’t allow for many positive memories to be made. I really hope you can create those special moments during this semester though!!
Hi Camila, thanks for your kind comment! Online school really places a barrier on connecting and interacting with our peers as we normally would during a regular in-person class which can really be a downer at times. I hope that in spite of the struggles of online classes, we can all strive to look on the bright side of things to make this the best experience possible and learn from each other!
Tina,
Your photo and especially your description of it and its meaning for you: so inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I think that hearing stories like yours helps everyone create a sense of community and purpose…
So, your words also fill me with questions, like, what does “non-degree” mean, not just for the college, but for you?
and how hard were/are your courses in a nursing degree? They sound complex.
Did you like your SUNY school?
Welcome. And I hope the “arc” of this school experience (from old to new) will help you feel strong and supported, going forward.
-Prof. S.
Hi Professor Schmerler,
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my story through this first assignment.
Being a “non-degree” student means that I enrolled in City Tech to take courses without the intention of working towards a degree or attending the college as a full-time student; a visiting student if you will. I was accepted into a nursing program that begins this coming June and was missing an English composition prerequisite that I intend to fulfill through this course! The nursing program seems pretty demanding so I am a little nervous but I hope that my motivation will allow me to power through. Though my last few years at my SUNY school felt slightly surreal due to the pandemic, what really made it special were the people that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with. I’ve made a lot of fond memories there and it was definitely an enjoyable experience.
Thank you so much for your supportive words. I look forward to learning more about myself as a writer throughout the rest of this course!
This picture is very calming and relaxing. Yes, too many times we are caught up with life expectations and demands and miss out on living life itself. I do wish you continue success on your future endeavors and enjoy every bit of it.
Hi Satesh, thank you so much for your kind comment. I totally agree that sometimes we just get so caught up in moving ahead in life that we forget to focus on and appreciate what’s in front of us. I wish you all the luck and success in your future endeavors as well!