It took me a pretty long time to write this and to think about what I even wanted to write, which I feel pretty much sums up my Junior year of college. While it was happening, I genuinely thought it would never end, but reflecting on it, it was a pretty good year. I 100% learned why the word "no" was invented and why I should incorporate it into my vocabulary. But, I also learned why you should always jump at the opportunity to say "yes" to most things. In September, I had the opportunity to apply for an internship and I did, with the reasoning of "why not?" That internship went from originally only being 12 weeks to being extended four times (!!!!)! It has been one of the greatest experiences. Everyone I have worked with has been so friendly and helpful. I am still in awe that I get to work there.
Sticking with learning as a theme, last year I ended the school year being dead-set on attending grad school, but as I researched it more this year, I realized that lots of what I wanted to do did not require a Masters degree, but also that I was using it as a way to avoid answering the age old question of "What did I want to do post grad?" Will I change my mind by the end of next year? Likely, but for now I'm pretty set in my decision. As you read this you might think, "obviously Kate, this is common knowledge" but, actually researching it made me realize that I still had time and maybe higher education isn't what I want to do *right now.*
I still play water polo and am going to the be the president of it next year! I am incredibly excited and looking forward to growing as a leader and player. Water polo has been the thing in my life that I constantly question why I play it, yet have never quit or even come *that* close to quitting. It has given me friendships that I will cherish for years to come, but it has also shown me that sometimes that you can do in anything in life if you just, well, do it. I am by no means a great or even good water polo player, but I still have had an incredible experience in a sport that began as a "why not?"
I feel like "why not" has been a reoccurring theme throughout my entire college experience which has been both a blessing and a learning example. It has made my college experience something that I will forever treasure and look at fondly, but it has also resulted in many sleepless nights and existential crises. However, these "why not" moments have turned me into the woman I am today, which I am super thankful, but also question what my life would look like if I had not taken a ridiculous amount of general electives.
As I look back at Junior year, I have come to the conclusion that although it was a *very* long year, it was also was a pretty great year. I can only look forward to my senior year with uncertainty and excitement but also, with the same phrase that has kept me going through the past three years, "Why not?"