Strength. Something we seem to measure more in its lack and our failures than in our moments of achievement. It is something so important for us to acknowledge as it happens - to allow ourselves the continuous moments of seeing how we overcome each situation as it arises, hopefully as graciously as possible. I am still definitely working on the gracious part, but I am doing my best to look for the strength as it happens, or soon afterwards, instead of where I think I failed.
Last year, I hoped to have another year of good grades, further fulfilling major requirements and hopeful of new enriching experiences and Alhamdulillah I was blessed with all of it. I had also hoped to be able to get an internship position over the summer to further my experience and qualifications in my field, but that must not have been part of the bigger plan. So despite not achieving what I perceived as an important step in my college career, this past school year was a good one. The most challenging yet, but satisfying in its completion. I finished a few courses I was not looking forward to with high grades, and had several excellent teachers. One simply taught in a very compelling way, and was fun, kind and helpful. Another teacher was much more difficult - he expected you to think for yourself, and studying was tricky, but I respected him for it. I've been so used to easier classes, introductory courses and being spoon fed, that although I ultimately think college should be like this professor taught, I am simply not used to it.
Last year, I hoped to have another year of good grades, further fulfilling major requirements and hopeful of new enriching experiences and Alhamdulillah I was blessed with all of it. I had also hoped to be able to get an internship position over the summer to further my experience and qualifications in my field, but that must not have been part of the bigger plan. So despite not achieving what I perceived as an important step in my college career, this past school year was a good one. The most challenging yet, but satisfying in its completion. I finished a few courses I was not looking forward to with high grades, and had several excellent teachers. One simply taught in a very compelling way, and was fun, kind and helpful. Another teacher was much more difficult - he expected you to think for yourself, and studying was tricky, but I respected him for it. I've been so used to easier classes, introductory courses and being spoon fed, that although I ultimately think college should be like this professor taught, I am simply not used to it.
I had other wonderful experiences outside of school, which left lasting impressions. I was able to travel to China at the beginning of May for two week and experience Beijing and the charming coastal town of Qingdao. Travelling with urban planners and architecture students for the Sustainable Urbanism course really gave me a new perspective on cities and buildings, and what is involved in, or important to each. We had workshops and collaborations with several universities in both cities which also provided a chance to learn more on what they had researched and studied as well as interact and explore the cites with them.
The landmarks of China were also unforgettable - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, all gorgeous in their traditional architecture and still reminiscent of the severity of their ceremonial traditions and imperial lifestyles.
On more personal news I got engaged! My fiancé's family moved here from Jordan at the beginning of the year, so it has been wonderful getting to know and becoming closer to my second family. It has been a blessing to be accepted into the family so lovingly, and I am hopeful for our future. I even have the chance to visit Jordan this summer for family festivities and the big Eid celebration after Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
All in all, this year showed me in hindsight that I am as stronger than I thought I was, and can manage situations as they arise. I know my senior year will be the biggest challenge yet, starting fall semester off with a bang at 24 credits, but it will be very rewarding to finish, graduate and move on to the next chapter of my life.
The landmarks of China were also unforgettable - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, all gorgeous in their traditional architecture and still reminiscent of the severity of their ceremonial traditions and imperial lifestyles.
On more personal news I got engaged! My fiancé's family moved here from Jordan at the beginning of the year, so it has been wonderful getting to know and becoming closer to my second family. It has been a blessing to be accepted into the family so lovingly, and I am hopeful for our future. I even have the chance to visit Jordan this summer for family festivities and the big Eid celebration after Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
All in all, this year showed me in hindsight that I am as stronger than I thought I was, and can manage situations as they arise. I know my senior year will be the biggest challenge yet, starting fall semester off with a bang at 24 credits, but it will be very rewarding to finish, graduate and move on to the next chapter of my life.