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my (last) first week of college

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Introduction

This past week was incredibly sunny and beautiful, making it the perfect Sunday morning to be outside. I had plans to meet my friend Henry at a park to read. I’ve been enjoying “Uncultured” by Daniela Mesan Young, her memoir about growing up in the Children of God cult and the challenges she faced transitioning to life outside of it. Her writing bridges the gap between her early life and her army experience, making for a compelling read.

Fittingly, school is back in session. I just started my fourth year at McGill University, even though I missed my first classes due to traveling home. It’s a familiar struggle, but I always manage to get through it. The start of the school year feels too early, especially in August. I'm still getting adjusted and hoping to settle into a routine.

I've also recently joined the honors program, which has me feeling both excited and anxious. The thought of tackling a 40-page thesis is daunting, especially with ten pages of citations required. I had my first seminar last week, and the small-group setting is intimidating since I prefer listening and writing over sharing my thoughts aloud. Yet, I also know that in the honors program, participation is expected.

Despite the anxieties of academia, I decided to document this journey. Vlogging about my schoolwork used to be enjoyable and motivating for me, and I feel like it could rekindle my excitement for the semester ahead.

In my cultural studies program, I’m diving deep into areas like film, literature, and journalism. It's a mix of theory and practical application. Besides that, I’m ecstatic about my minor in Communications, which is known for its quality—almost akin to NYU’s reputation.

The honors thesis is a significant commitment, but I met with my supervisor to discuss my interests, particularly women authors and feminist literature. We compiled a book list I’ll be working through, touching on themes like grief, body image, and gender relations.

After school started, I found myself overwhelmed by the volume of readings and assignments. My first seminar focused on sound in literature and was enlightening yet demanding; I'm still adjusting to the three-hour class format. The second class tackled modernist feminism. With a course pack full of readings and at least one book per week, the pressure is on.

In preparation for the semester, I found myself shopping for supplies, including a beautiful vegan leather agenda that I adore. I'm also stocking up on books for my seminars. The titles range from classics such as James Joyce’s “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” to contemporary works that challenge narrative conventions.

To unwind, I took a refreshing walk and indulged in some family brunch. As classes resumed, I constantly felt the weight of stress, exacerbated by feelings of self-doubt. The overall goal is to embrace structure, stay organized, and maintain a balance between work and relaxation.

As I closed off my week, I couldn't shake the anxiety, but I knew I had to find enjoyment in the process. The first few weeks are always disorientating, but I'm determined to adapt, learn, and grow in this final year of college.

Keywords

  • College
  • McGill University
  • Honors Program
  • Daniela Mesan Young
  • Women Authors
  • Cultural Studies
  • Literature
  • Anxiety
  • Seminars
  • Readings

FAQ

Q: What book is the author currently reading?
A: The author is currently reading “Uncultured” by Daniela Mesan Young.

Q: What year is the author in at McGill University?
A: The author is in their fourth year at McGill University.

Q: What program is the author studying?
A: The author is studying Cultural Studies with a minor in Communications.

Q: What are the main themes of the author's thesis?
A: The thesis focuses on women authors and feminist literature.

Q: How does the author feel about starting the honors program?
A: The author feels a mix of excitement and anxiety about joining the honors program and tackling the thesis.