Embracing Life's Roller Coaster: My Week of Changes

Hello all! Buckle up because this past week was a whirlwind of changes, some planned, others not so much. But I suppose that's the essence of life, right? Let's talk about some of the events that have unfolded recently.

Physical Transformations

First on the docket: a bold move for my hair. I took the plunge and added some bangs and layers to my hair. But it didn't stop there; I embraced some impulsively and got my second and third ear piercings! As if that wasn't enough, I've also started physical therapy, and let me tell you, I have never felt so unbalanced and weak in my entire life! I never realized how hard it is to stand on one leg while keeping your hips perfectly in line. Add throwing a ball in there and suddenly I forget how to be coordinated. Yes, I know I'm young, but I unfortunately have the joints of a grandma.

Academic Adventures

In the world of academia, there's been quite the plot twist: I didn't advance to the next round of the scholarship I had my sights on. So, what's a student to do? Move on and focus on my college applications. I took my Common App essay draft to the Collin College Writing Center, where I met my guardian angel, Mrs. Darcy. She offered some awesome brainstorming insights, reorganized the structure of my paragraphs, added another potential topic for my body paragraphs, and how to reword my conclusion. I didn't realize it then, but my essay read as a student begging to get into a college, and not an essay about how the college needed me as a student. This new perspective redirected me to the perfect path for my writing. Our literary journey is only beginning, though, as I've got a follow-up session scheduled for this Friday.

Speaking of academics, the new marking period just kicked off, and let's say the 'break' from grades was short-lived: I was hit with a quiz first period this morning! And that's just the beginning as a pile of other assignments looms on the horizon. My classes are never dull, I'll tell you that! As for ISM, we have our S.M.A.R.T. goals due tonight, and a research assessment along with our Original Work Proposal due this Friday.

Social Updates

On the social front, it was all about celebrations. I had the privilege of toasting my cousin's 18th birthday this weekend – we're all growing up so fast! It seems like everyone I know was born in October because I went to my friend's 17th birthday party yesterday. And not to forget, we also had Homecoming this weekend – my last one. I might not have been a HOCO regular, but there's something bittersweet about it being the last chance to join in on the festivities. I can't help but feel a tad sentimental about all these "lasts," that Senior year brings, but I'm determined to make them count!

But hey, it's not all about endings. This year is full of first-time experiences. For example, I'm about to go to my first-ever concert on Wednesday! And speaking of excitement, Senior Bonfire Night is just around the corner on the 4th of November (yes, the same day as my last SAT – what are the odds?). Oh, and I'll be tackling the ACT for the first – and only – time on the 28th. And, that night I'll be hosting a Halloween party!

I always attempt to embrace change and challenge my adaptability skills. If you couldn't tell today's writing style was a little out of my comfort zone. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that comfort is the enemy of growth. There's always so much going on in my life, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Until next week,

- Samantha Stein