At the end of first semester

I can’t even believe that the semester is over already.

I’m sure like many other nursing students I have had my ups and downs, my crying times and my screams of joy. But to have it be over already is crazy to even think.

I have had quite the semester here at cbu and wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else with any other group of friends. I honestly don’t even know how to sum up everything that has happened this semester, it is weird to think, but I have changed so much in such a little amount of time.

I have truly learned so much in just four months of school. I never really knew what I was getting myself into when I started the nursing program and honestly nothing could have prepared me for what I went through. There were so many trying moments and times where I just wanted to give up, but I knew that I was on the right path and giving up would be stopping what God wanted me to do. In many ways I am glad that this semester is over, but I am terrified, yet so excited for what lies ahead of me.

I have to take time to thank my professors, my family, my friends, my fellow nursing students, and of course every patient I have had contact with in the hospital. Without all these people in my life I don’t think it would have been possible for me to make it through. I can’t even find the words to thank all the patients I have had; they were so forgiving and not worried about me being a student, but they loved to see me learn. Almost every one of them told me to take my time and that they knew what it was like to just be learning. It was so heartwarming to know that I wasn't being judged.

First semester has taught me to not be afraid of who I am, to work hard, and to persevere through everything because I have the power of God behind me.

Some other things that I have learned are to:

1. Not procrastinate: it makes everything so much more stressful and complicated.

2. Pray all the time: God has done some amazing things for me this semester. And I definitely could not have made it through without my faith.
3. Take care of myself: I know I am not alone that when the going gets tough you take care of everything besides your own health. I definitely learned that my health is something that needs to be on the top of my list. I have struggled with migraines for a while and they hit me hard again this semester, so taking care of myself is a big deal to me.
4. Take every opportunity to have a social life: If I am not studying or working on humanbecoming or workbooks, I need to remember that a social life is important as well!

This semester has been full of craziness, but overall has been an unforgettable experience. I have learned so much about nursing and myself and have made some hopefully lifetime friends! :)

Also just to add in what I want for Christmas is a new thumb ring. It sounds silly, but mine broke the beginning of the year and meant a lot to me, so I want to find a worthy replacement. lol :)