Yuri's Blog

My roomie is still at her history final, and my parents are on their way here from Reedsburg, while my best friends (who are consequently my neighbors in the dorm) are still sleeping. So, I sit here and try to put into perspective my freshman year at the U, and I still cannot believe it is gone. Where did it go?

It is quite a blur of things; definitely, this year has been one that has brought me many opportunities and beauty, one that has provided me with growth and reassurance, and one that has forced me to become independent and love each and every new day. Often, I found I had no time to worry about things, life, etc., because I just did not have any time. From being in meetings and going to the Writing Center so I would not fail my history class; to attending office hours and getting to know from professors; to attending receptions and events planned by so many different student organizations; to hanging out with my friends or in a comfy chair in the library; to sitting on the West Bank with the wind blowing in my hair and realizing this is it.

I remember sitting in church last week, sitting next to my roomie, and my eyes were welling up because I realized it was ending so soon, almost too abruptly. A senior spoke at church and said a quote I will never forget, “This, too, shall pass.� Indeed, it did. The beginning of college when I was so depressed that I called my parents every day: passed. The awkward times when I was shy and scared to get involved: past. The transition between living by yourself and with another: passed. The awkwardness of having a roommate you did not know: passed. The stress over midterms: passed. The coffee highs during finals: passed. My freshman year at the U: passed.

I will never forget my freshman year at the University of Minnesota. As I sit here and contemplate, I could never dream of having gone anywhere else. I would have never been presented with so many amazing opportunities and people and with the greatest professors any student could wish for. My year at the U flew by, and as I recall the memories, I will fondly remember my time as a freshman at the U. I can only say to those of you beginning this new transition in your life; college is something to be experienced. Take each and every opportunity you can. Get involved, meet your professors, and start thinking about your life early on. You will be so happy you did, and you will realize that your time spent at the U is time you invest in yourself.