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People walking on campus at UMass Amherst during fall

With a new semester beginning in just a few short days, the anticipation only keeps growing. I will be entering my final semester as an undergraduate student at UMass, and I find that it's the perfect time to reflect upon the past semester and the memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Hard work.

Over the past semester, I found myself juggling a dozen different responsibilities. I had a full course load, managed a political campaign, wrote for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, worked in communications at CHC, and worked a part-time job off campus. Truthfully, it was stressful and may have given me some gray hairs, but if given the chance to do it all over, I wouldn't change a thing. This semester taught me not only how to handle curveballs but also the value of a day of leisure.

The semester began with one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I was chosen to be the student speaker for the CHC induction ceremony. Although I remember very little from my speech, I remember the immense sense of accomplishment I felt. It was an honor to be able to speak to the incoming CHC class as they began their journey!

CHC Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony
CHC Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony

My calendar began to fill up, and I found myself constantly on the go. My mornings would start at 6 AM, and I wouldn’t get to bed until 10 PM. Reader, if you take anything from this entry, let it be this: get 8 hours of sleep. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish with a good night's rest.

A laptop, notebook, coffee cup and snack on a table

Time was well spent at the library or any other of the multitude of study spots on campus.

I also had some great times in class; my professor even brought his puppy to class!

Samuel holding a puppy on campus at UMass Amherst

Outside of class, I managed a state senate campaign in my hometown. Here’s a picture of me placing one of many signs all around the district as well as the time I got to meet the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey.

Samuel posing for a photo next to a sign
Samuel posing for a photo with Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey
I met the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey

I also started a new job at a restaurant! They say I’m the best server ever, see for yourself.

A photo of a receipt

But all this work wasn’t work all the time. One of my Portuguese classes ended with a Brazilian food potluck and my professor brought my favorite cake, a carrot cake with brigadeiro frosting.

A photo of a carrot cake with brigadeiro frosting.
Carrot cake with brigadeiro frosting

Easy rest.

They say if you work hard, you need to relax harder. In the few moments I had for leisure, I found myself going around and doing a lot around campus, including…

Enjoying feasts during special days at Woo…

A photo of plates with food on a table

Using my friends' swipes at Harvest for questionable dessert purchases…

A photo of pannetone bread

Getting stuck on the fences at the tennis courts while retrieving lost tennis balls…

A photo of Samuel on the top of a fence at a tennis court

Or catching a concert every now and then!

A photo of a performer on stage during a concert

What’s next?

This fall semester was one to remember. I got on the Dean’s list, published my first print article at the Collegian, won a state senate race, started a new job and started my Honors Thesis! I powered through the struggles and found myself to be much stronger and prepared for whatever comes my way. Now, I write this having just returned from a month-long stay at my Grandma’s beach house in Brazil. I am looking forward to the next semester and the new heights I will reach! 

A photo of people at a beach
(Yes, I did forget to put on sunscreen, sorry Mom!)

 

Article posted in Student life for Prospective students and Current students