As the last two weeks of the fall 2013 semester comes to a close, and the stress is upon our backs from the load of papers, projects, and finals we’ve under anticipated until now, one cannot help but look to the upcoming new year without some relief or a light at the end of the tunnel.
To many, it’s an important time of year for reflection, and possibly a fresh start for new possibilities. One thing is for certain everyone has his or her own end of the year hopes. Not one is the same, but all want similar outcomes: health, happiness, success, etc.
Here’s what four University of Kansas students said about what they have learned from this school semester, and what they are most looking forward to with 2014.
Sophomores
Richie Powell, 19, is a double major in business administration, and communication studies. He is also a trained performer, and a versatile triple threat: actor, dancer, and singer.
In his second year at the University of Kansas he’s learned the pitfalls of procrastinating on big projects, which maybe correlated to the amount of friendships he has forged.
“I’ve made some of the friends I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life through college,” Powell said.
Powell is a veritable social butterfly, and the epitome of an outgoing personality. And his positivity is enviable. When asked what he is most looking forward to, his answer indicates why he has so many friends:
“To live life to its fullest and to meet new people and experience different cultures. Also exercise again.”
Powell says his dream job would to be a real estate agent, and he relishes the thought of finding the ideal home for someone. He jokes about rubbing elbows with celebrities, while finding them their next multi-million dollar mansion, but Powell assures that it doesn’t really matter how much someone has.
“I just want to help anybody find their dream home, regardless how much they have in their pocket,” Powell said.
Zechariah Williams, 19, took an introductory acting class with professor Laura Kirk his first semester at KU for fun, but it quickly evolved into a passion for acting that changed the trajectory of his life.
“I didn’t get into acting until I came to KU,” Williams said. “Laura’s (Kirk) class fostered that dream in me.”
In the last year Williams, who is now a Theatre Performance major has participated in several campus plays, travelled to New Orleans to shoot for a film role, and in March will find out if he is accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, where he is also hoping to pursue a career in acting.
Sounding wise beyond his 19 years, Williams explains what this year has taught him: “I’ve learned that time is precious and not something to be wasted. Investing yourself into experiencing the full moments of everyday life is infinitely beneficial.”
Before he leaves KU, he will be acting in modern renditions of Hamlet, and The Other Shore in the spring semester. Williams adds that he’s most looking forward to continually growing and learning from his life experiences.
Seniors
Megan Ryan, 22, is a strategic communication major in her senior year. In her campaigns class she, along with her group members, have worked tirelessly throughout the semester for over 800 hours of work outside of the classroom alone. Through this experience, Ryan has become more adept with teamwork.
“You have to learn how to compromise and not let personal problems get in the way of creating a great product,” Ryan said. “Because you have other people counting on you!”
Ryan plans to graduate in May, and has her sights set on a job at VML in social media, media buying, or account services, although she is having trouble on deciding which one. She is also is looking forward to planning her wedding with her boyfriend of five years.
“I’m not engaged yet, but my boyfriend said I will be before February!” Ryan said.
Maxine Sampaio de Wolf, 23, will be graduating this December with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Global and International Studies. Sampaio de Wolf remarks on her maturation during her college education.
“My overall school experience has taught me to manage my time and take responsibility for my actions,” Sampaio de Wolf said. “This past semester I’ve mainly learned to not sweat the small stuff.”
The New Year brings exciting adventures for Sampaio de Wolf, with trips to Spain to perfect her Spanish (she’s half Brazilian, and half Dutch), and a week in the Netherlands to see family. She only has one New Year’s resolution, but it’s very important.
“My New Year’s resolution: find an awesome job!” Sampaio de Wolf said.
Sampaio de Wolf is hoping her fluency in four languages (English, Portguese, Spanish and Dutch) will give her an edge in a competitive job market.
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