Brief Semester Update

As we are approaching Thanksgiving break in a few weeks, I thought it would be appropriate to give a quick update on the progress of this semester. There is no doubt that being in Boston on campus this semester was the right decision for me. After months of being home from spring into the summer, I was too overwhelmed with alone time even as a huge introvert. While I do have friends in Boston, a lot of my international friends are not back. Although it is tough not being able to see them, especially since they are friends I made towards the end of what was last semester, it is something I can look forward to.

One major challenge this semester of adapting to the changes during this pandemic is the limitations to what can be done with friends. Because we cannot sign people in to our dorms, the only opportunity to see friends is outdoors or eating out at restaurants. Dining inside isn’t the most safest option especially with most restaurants in Boston being smaller. Sitting outside in Centennial or Krentzman Quad was the hot spot for socially-distanced socializing, but with the weather getting colder, it hasn’t been the most ideal option. However, around campus are multiple closed tents that provide spacious areas for students to eat, talk with friends, or study. Curry Student Center is one of my new favorite places to go to study when I prefer a noisier environment than Snell where most students are either frantically cramming for an exam or falling asleep.

This semester has proven to be more academically taxing, however. My assignments for each class are typically due every week and my exams are spread out so it feels as if I have no break. Despite this, managing the workload has been easy to juggle as I have more time on my hands. The uneventfulness of this semester has opened my eyes to my priorities and goals. Since my mom and sister are close to Boston, I have been able to see them more often than I did last year. Most recently, we visited the tennis courts adjacent to Carter Field and hit the ball around. It was a bit embarrassing seeing all the professional-level tennis players next to us, but we still had a great time. Afterwards, we ate at Thornton’s Fenway Grille which had an amazing brunch selection.

This semester definitely has its pros and cons but I’m grateful enough to be on campus and still experience a semester in a city full of adventure and opportunities.