Starting my fourth and final year of my undergraduate degree at Shippensburg University has been a strange feeling.

To be truthful, the fact that my time in school will soon be over has not yet settled in. With my freshman year cut short because of Covid-19, and only now making a full return to normalcy two years later, it has made my time feel rather short. In some ways, I feel cheated as I am just now finding my place at this university, and it will soon be over.

For My World Today, I wanted to share some insight about my experience at Shippensburg University and possibly some very important advice.

Someone once told me; “Make a decision — and make it the best decision you have ever made.” 

At first, this may be a confusing concept; we make decisions every day. What I’m going to eat for breakfast, what I’m going to wear today, what clubs I’m going to join. But this piece of advice is for someone who has a hard time making decisions to pursue opportunities — someone like me. 

I have carried this mantra with me throughout the past four years. Whether it’s pertaining to relationships, academics and extracurriculars, I make a choice to pursue something, and I make it worth my while. 

I have the tendency to feel very anxious about opportunities. I never want to pass up a chance to grow or make something of myself. On the other hand, I also often do not feel qualified or ready to take big chances. With this piece of advice, I have been able to see opportunities in a different light. 

Throughout my four years, I have come across many different opportunities. Now as a senior, I am the managing editor of The Slate, the public relations director of WSYC, the flute section leader of the Shippensburg University Marching Band, and a dedicated student and friend. 

I made the decision to pursue these endeavors, and every day I make the choice to continue chasing what I’m passionate about. 

In some ways, this piece of advice it could be considered “manifestation.” You made this choice, and now you will make it a valuable opportunity for you. You will take this chance to learn, meet new people, try new things and change. 

I am at the beginning of the end of my undergraduate career. One of the most valuable things I have learned is to not let things, even a global pandemic, take away one’s ambitions and drive for more. Every day you are handed opportunities to grow. Be advantageous, make a choice to pursue what works for you, and run with it. 

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