So, the topic of today is all about decisions. Decisions are hard...or at least if you're as indecisive as me. My current decision centers around the choice to pursue a Senior Honors Thesis. It's a distinguished program to complete through James Madison College, and it includes a year of research to write a major thesis and then publicly defending it. One of my professors suggested it to me, and while I've heard of the program, I'd never really given it much thought. But now it seems like a really valuable experience that I could enjoy. I get to pick the topic and find a professor or a couple professors to help advise me and work with me through the process. I've been talking to a couple specific profs to try and figure out ideas on topics and if writing the thesis is the correct choice for me. It really is a major time commitment. Initially I was dead-set on writing it, but now I am a little nervous to commit. Luckily I still have a little more time until I decide. The topic I have in mind at the moment is transatlantic relations, but that is likely to be merged with some other topics such as the European Union or international security. With my study abroad program, I'll have plenty of time to explore my options and figure out what really interests me.
So, anyway...that has been occupying a big portion of my thoughts. That and summer. I can't wait for summer to get here. The more I should focus on finals, the harder it becomes...
I found out I won a couple study abroad scholarships on Monday night! It was a huge relief because money is always tight, even after 3 jobs. But my program fee is officially covered by scholarship money. Now I just keep working to save up so that I can afford to eat...
My failure to decide seems to be affecting my ability to remain on a single subject during this blog post too. I apologize for the random tangents. But here's one last one before I sign off and get back to studying. I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by, or this semester for that matter. I feel like I was just moving back into the dorms or returning from winter break... It's surreal to realize that we have one week of classes left before finals week and goodbyes for the summer. I am so excited for next year. But then I am completely terrified that the year will fly by just as quickly. I have so many friends graduating this year...and while I still have 2 years left, I have this nagging feeling that they are going to speed by in the blink of an eye. It's scary stuff. But really exciting too. It just reminds me to enjoy every moment of it and make the most of it. That's my late night advice. Take advantage of every situation and enjoy the ride. I can speak from experience that not everything is easy and sometimes life is a confusing mess. But sort through the chaos and have fun with it. That's what I try to do on a daily basis and it makes for some truly incredible memories.
Okay, well before I get anymore nostalgic, I had better return to making economics flashcards. Econ has been the bane of my existence this semester but I'm in the home stretch! Time to study so I can ace the final! Wish me luck. I'll be back soon with more stories!
you have to decide if you want to do a senior honors thesis while you're still a sophomore? wow.
ReplyDeleteWell, you don't have to decide completely about doing the thesis, but it's a good idea to start considering it. You need to have room in your schedule for an independent study your junior year to start planning and initially researching and narrowing down the topic. Also, it takes the role of your field experience so that's good to keep in mind as far as credits go...
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