As the year comes to a close, I have started to reflect on the time I’ve had at Illinois State. I remember being a scared freshman heading home on my first Thanksgiving break, ready to relax, see my family and get some much needed rest. However, his Thanksgiving break isn’t something I am looking forwards to… let me explain!
For the past few weeks, I have been feeling really nostalgic and thinking about where I will be next year. This made me realize that this, as far as I know, is my last Thanksgiving break I get to spend with my friends here in Bloomington-Normal. I’ve been reflecting on who I have become, how I’ve changed and where I will be next Thanksgiving. Of course I know I’ll come home for Thanksgiving but the idea of how much my world is going to change within the next year has made me reflect a lot on who I am. I’ve seen myself grow more comfortable with public speaking and advocating for myself; which has ultimately allowed me to become a better student.
I have also been validated in my professional plans. I feel excited about my future career and I’m forever thankful for my professors to showing me the way to a career I had never heard of. I am also incredibly thankful to all of my professors in the Psychology Department because they have made my four years here as stress-free as possible and I feel ready to move on to a graduate program.
I also want to express my thanks to my boss Theresa. It’s because of her that I have become more of an advocate for myself and have become a better leader and delegator. I am thankful for my amazing parents who have told me time and time again how proud they are of everything I’ve done in school and are extremely supportive of my next steps. As I look forward to next year, in order to keep myself grounded I have to remember why I am where I am and remain thankful for the time and experiences I have had. I hope that everyone has an amazing and relaxing Thanksgiving break!