As a new semester begins, many are returning to busy schedules, renewed goals and the challenge of balancing academics, involvement and friends.
For Tally Mamula, multimedia journalism junior and Sigma Sigma Sigma president, returning to campus brought a renewed sense of community after time away.
“It feels great to be back on campus,” Mamula said. “Christmas break was very long and very lonely at some points. Being back with my friends and seeing the Marshall community back on campus feels really good.”
Mamula said the spring semester brings excitement, particularly with Greek Week approaching later in the year.
“Greek Week is a great time of the year,” Mamula said. “The Greek organizations compete against each other in sports, and it’s a great way to end the school year and have bonding time with my sisters before we all head home for summer.”
Balancing leadership responsibilities with academics is one of Mamula’s primary goals for the semester. As chapter president, she said time management is critical.
“One goal I have is to stay more organized and on top of things,” Mamula said. “Being chapter president is very time-consuming, so making sure I’m focusing on schoolwork and not just extracurricular activities is important because we’re all here for education.”
Mamula said she is especially excited for her broadcast journalism coursework and hands-on experience with WMUL.
“I’m really excited to take on a new role with the WMUL news station and a new opportunity, working with MU Report and The Parthenon in the past,” Mamula said.
For sophomore nursing major Micah Fultz, returning to campus also brought a mix of motivation and pressure as she continued her clinical coursework.
“It feels good and stressful, but it’s good to be doing something productive,” Fultz said.
Despite the workload, Fultz said she is excited to gain hands-on experience that will prepare her for future semesters and her career.
“I’m looking forward to one of my nursing classes because I’m going to have a lot of clinicals junior and senior year, and I’m excited to do them and get hands-on experience,” Fultz said.
Fultz said her long-term goal of becoming a nurse keeps her motivated during challenging weeks.
“Having a career in nursing eventually is what helps me stay motivated,” Fultz said.
Fultz said maintaining her social life is important.
“I missed all my friends that live here, and I miss just hanging out, going on walks, stuff like that,” Fultz said.
Both students offered advice for classmates adjusting to the spring semester. Fultz said it is important for students to give themselves time to settle back into routines.
“The first two weeks are really stressful, but once you get organized and start going to all your classes, it gets a lot better,” Fultz said.
Mamula echoed the importance of patience and balance, especially during the transition back from break.
“The spring semester is always hardest,” Mamula said. “It’s okay to have a moment. Just take your time, focus on your schoolwork, and everything will fall into place.”
Jimmy John Jacob can be contacted at [email protected].
