When you get into your junior or senior year here at Missouri State it sometimes feels like certain things are no longer an option. Some things in college feel like they are just for your first year here like joining an organization, changing a major or making friends. I think this mindset, although somewhat common, is not correct. I know many individuals who have found a new passion in an organization or has made the decision to switch major paths well after their first few semesters here, and they are still thriving!
For me, this thought entered my brain this week when I was riding the Bear Line after class. I hopped on the Gold X route at Brick City that goes straight to the Plaster Student Union. I was standing holding on to the hand rails when my lack of balance thrusted my very full backpack into the face of another passenger standing behind me. I turned around to apologize, surprised to see the individual smiling. We bonded instantly over our incapability to stay standing in a sturdy fashion and the conversation continued into other things about ourselves.
I remember sharing with her about my time living in Freddy House my freshman year and how I loved having community style bathrooms because it created a social environment. There was one girl on my floor that weirdly had the same routine as me when it came to brushing teeth, doing hair etc. We thought it was hilarious that we always ended up in front of the sinks at the same time and jokingly started calling each other “bathroom buddies”. To this day I periodically see her around and we greet each other with the same excitement we had when we were living in Freddy. The girl on the Bear Line shared about her decision to choose a major in the Art and Design program. How she somewhat recently decided on a specific path, even as a Junior.
This may seem like nothing, but this made me realize that it’s never too late for new things. I would say that I made a friend that day on the Bear Line. A friend who is a Junior, Art and Design major and a resident assistant on campus. Plus, also has the distinct probability for me to run into her (literally or figuratively) again before, and maybe after, I graduate.
It’s important to remember that no matter how many semesters you’ve been in college, whether it be two or ten, it’s never too late for new experiences, decisions and friendships.
Keep on living the dream, Bears!
Best,
Zoë