A Reflection on my College Experience as a Senior
By Ava Fiorino
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As I begin my final semester at UMass Amherst, I’d like to take a step back to reflect on these last four years, and how they have shaped me into the aspiring professional I am today. They really don’t lie when they say that these years will fly by even faster than high school; it feels like just yesterday I was decorating my first-year dorm. It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that such an important chapter in my life is closing, yet also knowing this means another one is soon to begin.
Looking back, I couldn’t be more confident that UMass has been just the right place for me to be. When I was younger, I didn’t understand the appeal of attending a large university. Now that I’ve experienced it, I understand the value of the professional network I’ve gained. From students and faculty to alumni and industry professionals, being a UMass student has made it easy to connect with and learn from others in my field of study.
One part of my college experience that I’ll never forget has been the support I’ve received from faculty, staff and other students. As a student who wears a lot of hats on campus, I’d be lying if I said I never felt stressed out or overwhelmed over these last four years. Fortunately, my professors have been extremely supportive, and it’s apparent that they care about the success and wellbeing of their students.
Attending classes where the entire room is involved in and excited about a discussion has really developed my passion and interest in what I’ve been learning. One of my favorite classes I’ve taken throughout college has been my junior year writing class, JOURNAL 336: Writing for Public Relations. I took this class with Professor Mary Carey, who taught us more than just the course curriculum. She also taught us how to become better communicators, listeners, and teammates – which made this course one that I’ll carry with me far past graduation.
When I first started college, I wasn’t sure which curriculum path would be the best fit for me. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year that I declared my double major in journalism and communication with a minor in business and joined the public relations concentration here at UMass.
While I’m so glad I tried out different courses to see what I enjoyed most, this created a heavy course load. As a result, I discovered some of the most beautiful study spots on campus. Even when I felt overwhelmed during the busiest parts of my sophomore year, the breathtaking sunsets from the 16th floor of Washington Hall always helped calm me down and inspire me in my creative efforts.
Even today as a senior, I often find myself staying on campus to see the beautiful sunsets Amherst has to offer. Some of my favorite sunset spots include Orchard Hill, the 3rd floor of the Recreation Center and of course any upper floor of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The amazing views and scenery here are some that I’ll never forget.
During my time living on campus, one of my favorite pastimes was playing sports with my friends. From joining an intramural volleyball team and facing off other teams in the Boyden Gymnasium, to playing soccer on the campus athletic fields, I found so many ways to stay active and get outdoors while spending time with friends.
Another spot my friends and I like to spend time at is the Student Union. Between the many comfy seats and study nooks, the lively energy and the amazing cafes, this spot has been the perfect place to work on a group project, have a study session, or just grab a snack and do homework together.
Another part of my college experience I’m going to miss is the delicious number one dining. As a first-year student, I was almost overwhelmed at the amount of dining options that UMass had to offer. Now that I’m a senior, I think I’m qualified to rank some of my favorite spots.
While it’s really hard to choose, I’d have to say what I’ll miss most from UMass Dining is the deli at Franklin Dining Commons. From long days spent at my computer, to between-class lunches with friends, I spent more time than I’d like to admit at this dining hall. I want to give a shoutout to Johnny Yem, also known by students as the Frank Deli Guy. His positivity and delicious sandwiches are always just the thing to turn around a bad day.
Another close contender is definitely Wasabi, located in Blue Wall in the Campus Center. Best known for their fresh sushi, there truly is no better place to spend your dining dollars, in my opinion.
An honorable mention goes to Berkshire Dining Commons: the booth seating and live music really gives this dining hall a cozy atmosphere to hang out with friends, get some work done, or just enjoy a great meal.
One of the best things I’ve done in these past four years has been getting involved on campus. My first year, I was nervous to join clubs or extracurriculars on campus. I tried following my friends to clubs they were part of, but still didn't feel like I’d found the one I was meant to be in. My sophomore year, I decided to attend a meeting for the The UMass Amherst Chapter of PRSSA, known at the time as the PR Club.
Fast forward to the present day, and I’ve been to every meeting since the first I attended 2 years ago. I currently stand as the club’s Vice President, and I can’t imagine my college experience without being part of a team that’s so important to me.
One of my favorite parts about being on the leadership team is being able to host fun events to help members find a spot where they can learn about what they’re passionate about, all while having fun with other students. I had so much fun hosting our Tote-Bag Decorating Social Event, where members came to relax and unwind during finals week. Another part of being a leader in this club I’ve loved has been the chance to mentor younger students, guiding them through the parts of college that can be overwhelming without a helping hand.
Academics aside, one of the most important ways my college experience has helped me grow is by teaching me not to worry about what others think, and to focus on myself. When I first started college, as I’m sure many others can relate to, I often worried about what others would think of me. After nearly four years of coexisting with thousands of other students, I’ve discovered the peace that comes with not worrying about the opinions of others, and just doing whatever makes me happy.