Hello everyone! Welcome back to the spring semester, and a special shout-out to those of us entering the final lap of our undergraduate journey. As someone who has navigated through many semesters, I have learned many ways to get myself started on the right foot. Here are a couple of ways I get myself on track for a busy, exciting semester.

1. Getting everything into Google Calendar: Last year, I began to use Google Calendar to keep myself on track and stay on top of my commitments. I made the switch from a traditional planner to Google Calendar, and it’s been a game-changer. The ability to put in my class schedule and sync assignment deadlines directly from Canvas has made me much more organized, and it has helped me so much with my time management. 
2. Attending events: A big part of being a student is getting involved with student life activities. Take the time to join a club or start one! Today, February 6, there will be a winter welcome and student involvement fair. Take the time to head to the first floor of BSE from 11am to 1pm to see student organizations on campus, the campus resource fair, and get free treats! Get involved, make connections, and make the most of your college experience.
3. Set realistic goals: Many of us may have large projects to work on this semester. I know that for me personally, I have a capstone project due at the end of the semester. It’s a large project, so I have set mini goals to get a little bit of my paper done each week so that I’m not rushing to finish it at the last minute later on. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps keeps the momentum going and helps prevent me from burnout. 
4. Setting time apart for my own personal hobbies: Taking care of our mental and physical well-being is non-negotiable, especially during the busy semester ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the assignments that must be done, but prioritizing self-care is key. Whether it’s going to the gym, painting, or picking up a good book, find what winds you down and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine this semester.

In conclusion, welcome back to what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling semester. Let’s harness the power of organization, participation, realistic goals, and self-care to make this final chapter of the undergraduate adventure memorable. Here’s to a successful and rewarding spring semester!