In 2012, we saw that the world did not end in a ball of fire; a certain Felix Baumgartner take a leap of faith from the edge of space; and more than a billion views of a little YouTube video titled Gangnam Style. For me, as the year draws to a close, it’s curtains down on 15 years of education. Let’s take a look back at my final year in school.
This year, I spent the first half on exchange in the U.S.. I met people from around the world in school and on my travels; I saw for myself cultural icons of America like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building among others. For the first time, I also experienced near freezing temperatures and being away from home for an extended period of time. These five months abroad and alone have taught me to appreciate my loved ones even more.
Upon returning for my final semester at SMU, I realize how much I miss the academic freedom I enjoyed on exchange. Abroad, I could do the courses I like without being restricted to my degree requirements or having to worry about grades; back home, it was a fervent race for top honours. Despite a lighter course load this semester, it was just as intense as any before. Thankfully, I didn’t lose much ground and am proud to say that I can graduate.
After 15 years or more than half my lifetime, I’m finally done with school. 2012 has been a milestone year for me: Not only have I been halfway around the world and back, the year also marks the end of student life as I know it. Thank you and goodbye 2012, you’ve been special.
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