The Semester Before the Sea

This semester has been a whirlwind of busyness. I've had so much trouble managing my time to fit in the work I need to do for my 6 classes, 2 jobs, numerous extracurricular activities, AND all of the preparation work that I need to do for Semester at Sea. In many cases, the situation comes down to me choosing or sacrificing between one or the other. Today is the perfect example. I had two very important exams to take today, as well as a French class to attend--on top of that I had my final inoculation appointment with my physician. My first test was supposed to end at 10:30--inconveniently at the same time I was supposed to be at my appointment. Well of course I had a few setbacks after my test and ended up arriving over 30 minutes late to my appointment. Then I had to wait over 2 hours for my appointment to even start, missing my french class in the process. Thankfully, I made it back in time for my second exam...

I've been getting so frustrated this semester because I literally can't do it all, yet I have to. My predicament is the definition of overwhelming. I want to dedicate more time to planning my trip. I want to spend more time getting ahead with my assignments and studying. I want to work more. I would love to hang out with my friends more often or just have a night to chill without doing anything...but I can't. There's not enough time in the day.

Trust me, I don't like to complain. Nor do I like to admit weaknesses, but I've really struggled this semester. It's hard to look at the bigger picture and realize that all of this will pass. Not only that, but I'll be spending next semester seeing the world. Who gets to say that? Who gets the opportunity to do what I'm about to do with Semester at Sea? I'm so lucky, yet I spend so much time worrying and stressing about everything.

I just hope this realization will start to sink in, and I'll be able to relax more. 
 
~Anna