As summer has begun to fade away, Sept. 22 officially marked the start of the fall season. Leaves change color and chilly mornings become chilly afternoons, and as temperatures drop, deadlines get closer and so does the panic of the fall semester.
Just like the fall semester is the beginning of a new academic year, to many, college is the beginning of adulthood, considered the time where worries go from childlike to real-life troubles.
This means the scary part of October isn’t just Halloween but also the deadlines of all those assignments that never seem to end. Thanksgiving is the day where students are thankful if the Blackboard notification has a grade in any color other than red.
So, how are The University of Texas El Paso’s (UTEPs) students holding up through these spooky times?
Melina Olguin, freshman biomedical sciences major and Terry Scholar, describes her semester so far as surprising.
“It was a big shift from high school to university. It’s full of lots of fun experiences but also hard realizations,” Olguin said.
It’s true that a new semester can feel intimidating for lots of students despite their classification. However, it is important to remember there’s no need to handle everything alone.
“Something I’ve learned to do is take advice from others who have been in my position before,” Olguin said. “Seeking mentorship has really helped me figure out what I need to do to get to where I want to be.”
Another huge challenge students face is handling a routine that changes like the El Paso weather, in the morning cool and relaxed, but at 2 p.m. the sun is out and there’s nowhere to hide from the heat of the moment.
A fun activity many people enjoy when fall arrives even though it is still 90 degrees outside, is going to coffee shops and trying anything pumpkin spice related. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, but how can routine be spiced up when students are caught up in a never-ending to-do list?
Edgar Lerma, a freshman Terry Scholar pursuing a career in mechanical engineering knows how adapting to routine can be quite an endeavor.
“Sometimes I struggle with deadlines,” Lerma said, “So what I’ve done is I sit down every week, look at my Blackboard, emails and any other deadlines and put together a digital schedule. Keeping track of yourself and what you’re supposed to do is what matters.”
Celeste Esparza, a junior student majoring in nursing, does what she can to keep the horrors of procrastination away.
“I try to take it one day at a time,” Esparza said “I try to organize my assignments depending on what deadlines come first. I think time management is the most important thing.”
It’s true that the fall semester can feel overwhelming, however just like Halloween there’s treats along with tricks.
Danielle McKown, freshman and political science student says the environment in the fall has its own special essence. With football season spreading campus spirit all around campus.
“It’s a different atmosphere for sure, with sports and everything else,” McKown said. “All the games to attend are what I’m most excited for this fall.”
Change may be the scariest part of this orange and cozy season, but just like the trees, it’s necessary to go through change in order for people to grow.
Vivien G. Noe C, is a Staff Reporter, at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
