On the eve of second semester and after a week of decompression, I finally feel prepared to reflect on the first semester. Primarily the culmination of first semester- Reading Week, Dean’s Date and finals. It is not that my finals were particularly challenging or the scheduling grueling, it is simply that I have made it through my first set of finals at Princeton University. Many moments throughout the semester could be considered a “Wow, I am really here” moment, but completing my first collegiate exams is more of a victory. I feel like I have passed my trial by fire and earned my place among other Princetonians.
The month of January is an important time in the Princeton community. It is a time of unique bonding. As students hole up in Firestone and delve into the readings they have not completed, human interaction becomes much more important. Any moment we do not spend reading, re-doing problem sets or writing papers is a moment to savor and enjoy. I think that reading period and Dean’s Date give all students a common ground. Dean’s Date is the day we all love to hate. While at late meal, I overheard someone say, “Happy Dean’s Date Eve. How are you?” The person replied with the significant amount of work they had to get done by the next day and the conversation progressed from there. When someone asks about your Dean’s Date and finals, you want to be able to wow them with the magnitude of the amount of work you have or how difficult the final was. We want to do this because on some level we revel in our ability to do it. We are proud of the fact we can crank out multiple papers on a strict deadline while still preparing for the exams we have in the following weeks. And honestly, we should be. Every student should be proud of finishing the month of January because it tests us and requires everything we have.
Being back on campus, it is interesting to see the shift in the mood and atmosphere. Just a few weeks ago, it was quiet outside and the mood was tense- the piano playing in Frist could not be tolerated. Tonight, Giants fans parade around cheering and the mood is celebratory (excluding Patriots fans)- students dash out of their dorms to join in the festivities. It is a good way to start the new semester.
Princeton Students during Finals
Princeton Students Now
