Susanna Kasparov, Period 8, 4/20/21, Day C

 Susanna Kasparov 

Period 8 - Day C 

04/20/2021

Modern Mythology 2021

1. At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

Since writing my first blog back in November 5 months ago, my goals have changed. Back then, I was focused on college applications and set unrealistic expectations on what I thought I wanted or could have out of my college experience. Now, I realized that setting myself on the most effective, cost-efficient route is what’s most important to me, especially preparing to get into medical school. Having had committed to Hunter yesterday, I’m very excited for my future to come, and what I can accomplish in my time as an undergraduate. My short-term goals have become to study hard throughout college and prepare for this summer’s internships. I also am planning to pass my AP tests and get as many college credits as possible, to ease my time throughout college. I want to begin gaining experience in the medical field through research or volunteering at hospitals soon, now that the end of Covid seems to be close. My last goal for myself is to enjoy my last few months as a senior with my family and friends. Though I am staying home for college, many of my friends are leaving, and I hope to make our last few months together special.

2. How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I demonstrate resilience by studying hard in order to make it to college and medical school, and I have bought review books to prepare for my AP tests. Though online school was difficult for a lot of people, including me, (mixed in with senioritis) I am determined to do well on my tests, and finally, be finished with the curriculum. I also am trying to prepare myself mentally for college, by signing up for online courses and internships to get a head start. Besides that, I have worked so hard for the last 4 years, and I’m trying to finally give time for myself to bask in self-care and nostalgia. I’m much happier than I was a few months ago and have begun to dedicate time to do things I love, such as reading and biking. Now, with the year drawing to a close, I’m thinking about what I could’ve done differently in high school, and am determined to not make the same mistakes again and grow.

3. How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

Throughout my entire life, college has been put on a pedestal. Many movies and TV shows depict college as the best years of your life; how in order to be happy, you must move out at 18 and live on campus. Besides being surrounded by pop culture that romanticizes college, going to a competitive school did have one downside. Many of my friends (and myself, unfortunately), fell into the trap of believing that you must go to an ivy or a top, incredibly expensive school to fulfill something in life. Because of that, I put too many expectations on college and myself and believed those are the only ways I would be happy. However, recently I realized that’s not the case. Going to school in the city and feeling secure with my parents is something I really overlooked when applying to colleges, but it’s relieving knowing I’ll still be close to them while experiencing the big city. Also, the state of the world right now has taught me what’s truly important to me. It solidified my resolve to enter the medical field and do what I love: helping people in need. It taught me the importance of having a community and support system. I’m very grateful for being able to find that within my friends and family, and hopefully, throughout college, I’ll find my place there.