PAYING IT FORWARD

 Classes I am Looking Forward To In 2021

By: Nina Borja

    The 2020 semester has been one giant roller coaster ride, but with December rolling in, everyone can start to breathe a little bit more now that the semester is coming to a close. For seniors, like me, who are graduating in the following 2021 spring semester, there is a lot of uncertainty in the upcoming months regarding in-person graduation and post-graduation. 

    However, there is just as much to look forward to. New classes, the potential re-opening of more campus facilities, and seeing old friends after several months of remote online learning are just a few that I am looking forward to. This upcoming 2021 semester brings a lot of mixed feelings for me, especially because it will be the last semester I will ever need for a bachelor's degree. One specific thing I am looking forward to is making the most of the remaining months ahead in my undergraduate career.

   

    After winter break, I would like to concentrate most on my classes. I am currently signed up for 18 credits which I think is an excellent motivator to stay on track with my study goals and also keep my mind occupied as the world continues to deal with the pandemic. The majority of my classes are online, with one or two being on campus. Although I love socializing and being around my friends at Montclair State, I thought it would be best to stay on the safer side of things. Both my parents are registered nurses and I am currently working part-time at my town's local Trader Joe's; meaning all of us are essential workers. The last thing I want is to leave unnecessary risk for anyone around me. However, when the spring semester officially starts in a couple weeks, I am planning on taking a leave of absence from my part-time job and make sure I am tested negative before attending in-person classes. The most important thing I hope everyone is looking forward to is staying vigilant with making sure all of us are having a safe experience at college.

   

    Montclair State has given me so many experiences that I will always cherish. I'm looking forward to applying those experiences after I graduate. My college years seem to have gone by so much quicker than my high school years. It's been so long since I truly relaxed, and on top of everything that has happened in the past year, I am also planning on taking a break after the spring 2021 semester. Before I go into my first real job, I want to continue building experiences that enhance my world perspectives. The best way to do that, in my opinion, is by traveling and getting out of my comfort zone. 

    I obviously want to abide by the federal health guidelines, and so it is a pending situation at the moment. However, when the time comes after graduating, and I am able to safely travel, I want to take that opportunity. As a Communication and Art Media major, I think it would benefit me most to learn more about the cultures and communities in different areas with my own first-hand experience. 

    What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming 2021 semester? And if you aren't a student or teacher, what are you looking forward to most in 2021 in general? With 2020 coming to a close, there is so much hope and potential as the new year approaches. 

Let's all put our best foot forward and be there for each other no matter what 2021 has in store.

Good luck to everyone!