It is hard to believe that I have been attending U-M for over two years. While it’s clichè, you do, indeed, need to enjoy it; make time for more than just school, and when you get a chance, take a step back to think about the present moment.
I am an Economics major here and, to supplement that, I am a member of the Economics Club MES. It isn’t very big of a commitment, but it still gives me great insight into what I might want to pursue with my degree later on. In addition to my Economics major, I will minor in Political Science.
I make it a daily habit to get in some form of exercise. Whether that means going to the gym or running with a friend, I find the time. Recently, I joined a recreational tennis club. As a tennis player in high school, I’ve found it challenging to find courts close to Ann Arbor. Joining this club and getting to play at the varsity tennis center has allowed me to tap into some of my old tennis skills.
In addition to these things, I work a lot. I have two jobs here: as Resource Navigator and as an Information Assistant at the Union and League. While it might sound like it’d be challenging to balance school and work, I have found that these jobs allow me to put school first (as they are university jobs). I usually work in the mornings, which forces me to get out of bed. To cap off the week, I prioritize getting out and seeing friends. I find it rejuvenating to chill out and hang with people. After a stressful week, it feels great.
One U-M staff member who has been very helpful to me is Mitchell Dudley, one of my Economics advisors. He was the first Economics professor that I’ve had here and, to this day, he guides me through requirements, expectations, and what the future might hold in the economics degree. Right now, I am taking another class of his that brings in former Economics students who talk about their jobs today, something I have found very useful.