Usually, I spend Easter with my family. We all go to church, eat lunch at my grandparents’ house, and spend the remainder of the day resting and reflecting on our risen Savior. However, since I live a little over 10 hours away from Princeton — by car — I celebrated Easter this year with my Princeton peeps. As I look back on our Easter extravaganzas, I realize how much we actually did and all the memories we made — and how I still felt like I was surrounded by family. 

After getting all dressed up and eating breakfast at Whitman, the only residential college open before 10:00 a.m. on the weekends, my friends and I made our way to Ecclesia’s 10:00 a.m. church service. Ecclesia, located right in downtown Princeton, is one of many churches Princeton students attend. On this Easter Sunday, some Ecclesia members had hung streams of decorative flowers on the ceiling; we sang songs and heard a great message while the flowers beautifully dangled overhead. I always enjoy Ecclesia’s services, as the pastors are beyond knowledgeable and welcoming and everybody is very kind. Once service ended, we then took a group picture at an Easter-themed photo booth outside of the service/worship area. My friends and I are extremely grateful to have such a wonderful church, whose Easter message reminded us that Jesus’ resurrection marked the start of something new: the free gift of new life, one filled with never-ending grace and mercy and unified with God. 

Just as service ended around 11:30 a.m., we headed toward Sakrid Coffee Roasters, or Sakrid, a coffee shop near the Graduate Hotel, because our fantastic Residential College Adviser, or RCA, was hosting a zee-group study break there. We have zee-group study breaks very often, and they are always such a great way to catch up with everybody. Since course selection for the fall-2025 semester was the week prior, we discussed how things went — my course selection went well, but that was unfortunately not the case for some of my fellow zees. After our RCA offered us some guidance on courses, she reminded us of the sad fact that we only have a few more study breaks left. Our zee group is really close, so the thought of having a final study break is crazy to consider. (We have all decided, though, that we will still try to have some get-togethers/study breaks throughout sophomore year as well.) Although the study break at Sakrid is one of our lasts as freshmen, it was a nice time to just relax and enjoy off-campus Princeton with good friends. 

We made another trip to the town area of Princeton that night. After a much-needed nap and a good dinner at RoMa, some of my friends mentioned going out for ice cream at Halo Pub. As someone who loves all types of desserts, I was down for some ice cream! At Halo Pub, the flavor I chose was so good it was an alliteration: chocolate chocolate chip. We then walked back to our dorm hall and enjoyed our ice cream outside together. I have such a bad sweet tooth, though, so after finishing our ice cream, I suggested that we stop by Murray-Dodge Café to delight in some delicious cookies as well! At the time we went to Murray-Dodge Café, there was not a large variety of cookies, but the ones we got were still really good! Getting some sweets was definitely a solid end to a fun-filled day. 

Although I was not with my family on Easter, I would still say I was with my family – just a different kind. In my Writing Seminar, Friendship, one of the concepts I discussed in my final research paper was how friends can be family. When you are in college, away from your actual family, you notice that your friendships naturally start to feel familial, as you and your friends spend time with, support, and share love and appreciation for one another. For me, this Easter was a great reminder of both the new life we have in Jesus and the beautiful ways that friends can simultaneously be family. 

The school year is officially coming to an end. Reading Period is underway, finals are approaching, and most importantly, summer is right around the corner. Although classes and lots of activities seem to be winding down, I have found that opportunities for me to try something new definitely have not! Over the past several weeks, just from trying new things, I have gained a better appreciation particularly for trivia, my residential college, and the arts at Princeton. 

One Wednesday near the beginning of April, I tagged along with a friend to PSEC, or Princeton Student Events Committee, Trivia Night at Frist Campus Center, and let me just say, we did not leave empty-handed. Upon arriving, we spontaneously ran into a few other friends and created a team with them. Our team name was the definition of intimidating: Tra La La. As each round passed, we “Tra La Laud” our way to victory, finishing in 3rd place overall. Such meant that we not only earned bragging rights but also got to select from a range of prizes, from a heated blanket to a box of cupcakes to an edible arrangement — I got a dope beach towel! PSEC Trivia Night was honestly so much fun, but the fun did not stop there. 

Every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., Rocky College holds its own Trivia Night — all students are always welcome, regardless of whether they are affiliated with Rocky — and since PSEC Trivia finished just as Rocky Trivia was about to start, we victoriously made our way toward the Holder arches to keep the trivia fun going. Now, I do have to confess: I am a proud Rockyite, but I had never actually gone to Trivia Night before. I had always wanted to go but just never gotten around to going. Thus, I was grateful for the chance to finally try out a long-held weekly tradition of my residential college with some good friends.

After the first round, though, I quickly learned that PSEC Trivia Night was child’s play compared to Rocky Trivia Night. At Rocky Trivia, if a team gets more than three questions of each ten-or-so-question round correct, then they are doing really well. Nonetheless, that is what trivia nights are all about: you and your friends can be completely clueless together and still have a great time. At the end of Rocky Trivia, Tra La La was far from 3rd place, but nothing will ever stop the Tra-La-La trivia spirit! Besides, the winners of that night’s Rocky Trivia did not get a beach towel or an edible arrangement; so, I think we are the real winners here ;). 

Nevertheless, I have not just become more appreciative of trivia and Rocky, but by attending various performing arts events, I have also gotten to celebrate the beauty of dance and music at Princeton. Before Princeton, I could probably count on one hand the number of dance shows I had been to, but over the past few weeks, as many campus dance groups have their annual or semester show in either March or April, I feel like I have danced the night away! I know many Princetonians who like to bust a move: my Residential College Adviser, or RCA, is the President of Más Flow (Latin dance), one of my closest friends is a part of the Black Arts Company (BAC, hip-hop), and a number of my Christian Union Nova peeps are members of Six14 (Christian/liturgical dance, contemporary to hip-hop). Throughout March and April, I went to performances for each of these groups, and they are all beyond talented — if you ever want to join a dance group, there are definitely plenty to choose from that will be glad to have you. Just like with dance shows, however, I could also count on one hand the number of musical performances I had seen before coming to Princeton. The other week, I went to the senior piano performance of my Peer Academic Adviser, or PAA, who is majoring in music. Saying that she is “good” is an extreme understatement. She has such a love for music, which radiated during her entire performance. I was simply blown away by all the events I went to, ultimately gaining a stronger appreciation for the performing arts in general, not just those at Princeton. 

Let this be an encouragement for you to try something new! Anything from trivia to performing arts to taking a class outside of your academic comfort zone to dabbling in a new hobby can be a great avenue for discovery, and honestly, some good fun — as long as whatever you are trying is legal, ethical, and wise… be smart, and make good choices ;)! Trying something new does not have to be scary, as taking risks is oftentimes what helps us grow the most. 

When I first heard that Princeton requires all A.B. students, or those who plan to earn a Bachelor of Arts, to obtain — at minimum — a 107/108-level proficiency in a foreign language, I just felt bummed out and a little frustrated. Up to that point, I had already taken three years of elementary Spanish and thought my foreign-language time had peacefully come to an end. Well… I was wrong. So, after taking Princeton’s Spanish placement test during my pre-frosh summer, I grudgingly signed up for Spanish 101 and sighed at the thought of the three long semesters ahead of me — side note: I actually placed into Spanish 102, but that was just because of my lucky guessing skills! ;) 

Spanish 101 was my very first class at Princeton. As I walked into that McCosh Hall classroom, I honestly felt like Dorothy experiencing the Land of Oz for the first time, not just because I was entering my first class on my first day of college, but mainly due to the daunting narrative I had created in my head: “This is Princeton-level Spanish; this is not rural high-school Spanish where you may spend a whole month or two trying to master a set of vocabulary or reviewing one verb tense.” Needless to say, I was hesitant of “Princeton Spanish,” having no earthly idea of what to expect and not really knowing if I wanted to find out.

Upon meeting and getting to know my professors and classmates, though, all my fears were thrown out the window. My Spanish 101 class consisted of two professors, with one in charge of teaching the first month of class and the other one leading from then on. Both of my professors were from Spain and did a phenomenal job at teaching us beginners the foundations of Spanish, like the alphabet, common verbs, and common cultural customs. They were well aware of our toddler-like level of comprehension and were always very encouraging of us, helping us to not only notice our mistakes but to also genuinely learn from them. Thus, as my classmates and I grew to embrace our imperfections, we simultaneously grew closer to one another. In Spanish 101, most conversations revolve around personal interests and day-to-day routines, so as classes went by, my classmates and I gained a stronger understanding and appreciation of both Spanish and each other. By the end of the semester, I had developed a real desire to know Spanish, not just seeing the language as a “requirement” but rather as a radiant world of growth, and I know that is largely thanks to the wonderful professors and classmates who continually challenged and supported me. 

Now, as freshman year comes to a close, so does my time in Spanish 102. Spanish 102 has been just as impactful and family-like as Spanish 101 and more! Because we are now no longer toddlers, our Spanish 102 classes are taught solely in Spanish. I can gladly say that my ability to both comprehend and speak Spanish have substantially improved through the immersive environment of Spanish 102. Every week, we take part in an “improvisational exercise” where each of us is assigned a role and has a one-on-one 10-minute conversation in Spanish with another classmate who has an opposing role — role A with role B. The role-A students do not know the situation of the role-B students — and vice versa — so there never fails to be lots of laughs! I always enjoy these exercises because they enable us to practice recently-covered vocabulary and grammar in a fun yet instructive manner. As a result, just like Spanish 101, I have so much love and gratitude for my Spanish 102 peeps! My outstanding professor is from Mexico, and my classmates are from diverse backgrounds and are involved in a range of activities across campus. I am beyond grateful for the progress and memories I have made through my Spanish 102 class. 

So, if you cannot tell, my perception of Spanish has changed drastically since arriving at Princeton. What I once saw as “three painful semesters,” I now see as “three transformative semesters.” I have enjoyed my Spanish classes so much that I am even considering studying abroad next year in a Spanish-speaking country or possibly minoring in Spanish! Who would have thought that a language requirement of all things would open up a whole new avenue of interest?

Learning a new language, as my professors say, is a “productive struggle.” I still have a great deal to learn, and regardless of where I end up in my Spanish journey, I will always be thankful that Princeton helped me reconsider an area of interest I was ready to leave behind. 

My four years at Princeton are flying by, and there are so many classes I would love to take if I had more time. If I listed them all, it would probably be the length of a senior thesis, so here’s a selection of my top 7:

1. Making an Exoneree (Department: School of Public and International Affairs)

   Making an Exoneree is one of the most unique courses I have ever come across. The course was started by a professor at Georgetown University who helped to exonerate a childhood friend who spent almost 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. An intensive, hands-on course, students have contributed to freeing three wrongfully convicted individuals since its inception at Princeton in 2018. Students describe the course as "life-changing... If you want a real look into the criminal legal system and care deeply about justice, then this course is something you absolutely should take during your time at Princeton."

   

2. International Organizations (Department: Politics)

   Taught by Professor Vreeland, an expert in international political economy, International Organizations has quickly become one of the most popular courses at Princeton, with enrollment exceeding the 400-person cap every semester it is offered. The course examines the origins, effectiveness, and future of institutions from the UN and WHO to the European Union and African Development Bank. I had to see what the buzz was about and sat in on a lecture during shopping period last spring, and I would have given an arm and a leg to take the class. Professor Vreeland was an extremely engaging lecturer, making memorable references to popular songs and movies, and keeping students on their toes by asking for participation using a random name selector. He also cares deeply about students inside and outside of the classroom and regularly publicizes and attends students’ performances. This course review says it all: "Professor Vreeland teaches you how to read, how to think, and how to learn at a fundamental level. He's the quintessential educator: a professor who wants his students to learn for the sake of learning and knows exactly how to motivate them and work with them. You should not leave Princeton without taking this course." What a shame I’ll have to do so!

   

3. Poverty, by America (Departments: Sociology and African American Studies): 

   I still remember reading Evicted on a sunny afternoon during a summer in junior high and the impression it left on me of the challenges of facing housing insecurity. I was impressed to discover that the author, Matthew Desmond, had spent a year living among the eight families featured in order to write the book. When a friend told me that she worked with Professor Desmond in the Eviction Lab at Princeton and was taking a class taught by him, I knew it would be among the top on my wishlist.

4. The Great Russian Novel and Beyond (Department: Slavic Languages and Literatures)

   I love to read (send me an email if you have any book recommendations!). Last fall, I was looking for a literature course to fulfill my remaining literature and the arts distribution requirement and a good friend of mine (who was actually my Community Action orientation leader) recommended this introduction to Russian literature. I enrolled in the course and discovered that it was a hidden gem tucked away among the many interesting literature classes available at Princeton. Professor Chances clearly loves the books, and I was eager to learn about famous and lesser known works of Russian literature in a small class setting. The weekly precept (small group discussion) was led by Professor Chances and only had four students! Unfortunately, I had never read any of the books before so I was having trouble keeping up with the reading. I made the difficult decision to drop the course at the end of the second week, known as add/drop or shopping period. I was able to borrow the books for the semester through the University library, so I hope to finish Fathers and Children and read Anna Karenina once classes end.

5. Beginner’s American Sign Language (Department: Linguistics)

   Princeton began offering for-credit ASL courses in 2018 which could be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement starting in 2021. I would love to learn a language which uses a completely different part of my brain, gain a better understanding of deaf culture, and think about how we can increase accessibility for individuals who are hard of hearing. Former blogger Naomi wrote a wonderful post about learning ASL three years ago which makes me want to at least shop ASL101 in the fall.

6. Princeton University Steel Band (Department: Music)

   Steel Band is another popular course in which students learn how to play the steelpan, an instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago with a beautifully resonant sound. The course is P/D/F only, which means students receive a “pass”, “D”, or “fail” for the course, removing the stress of receiving a good grade (read more in Jocelyne’s blog post about P/D/F classes). Almost every review reads, “Take this course!” and one student commented that they’ll be talking about it for many years after Princeton. Although I won’t be able to fit it into my schedule, I plan on attending the class performance at the end of April which will also feature the student steelpan ensemble TigerChunes, led by one of my friends!

   

   

7. Practical Ethics (Departments: Center for Human Values and Philosophy)

   Last but not least, I wish I could have taken Practical Ethics, which discusses topics ranging from abortion to the ethics of what we eat, and actually made my Outdoor Action co-leader become vegetarian. Taught by Professor Peter Singer, author of a number of fascinating books including Animal Liberation and The Life You Can Save, students praised the application of different ethical theories to real-world issues and Professor Singer as an “excellent lecturer, speaker, and arguer.” Unfortunately, the course is no longer offered following Professor Singer’s retirement in 2023, but I hope he will return to give an occasional lecture!

   Honorable mentions include: 

8. Analog Photography, or any course in the Visual Arts department
9. The Glass Class, a freshman seminar on the science and art of glass which travels to Venice over the break!

Clearly, I could go on. Princeton offers a wide array of unique courses which stretch students in different ways, whether by learning a new language on campus or abroad, engaging with community members and organizations, or simply discussing topics and authors you had never heard of before. As my time at Princeton comes to a close next semester, I am grateful to have had access to scholars, professors, and students who continue to stimulate my intellectual curiosity and teach me something new every day.

“I just got into Princeton,” a sentence I repeatedly uttered aloud in pure astonishment and bewilderment the night decisions were released — and those feelings still have not worn off! Opening my Princeton-acceptance letter will always be one of my most cherished memories, but I cannot gloss over the many uncertainties and ambivalent emotions that led up to and followed that letter. 

All throughout the second half of my senior year — and even while I put together my application — I had kind of convinced myself that there was no way I would get into a school like Princeton, often thinking, “Tens of thousands of amazing people apply every year. The acceptance rates are very low. Once in a blue moon does anyone from my high school go to an Ivy League school.” In spite of my doubts, though, there was always a slimmer of hope. I prayed about my college decisions, and I knew that wherever I ended up would be where the Lord called me to be, ultimately resting assured that I had done my best and He would do the rest. I applied to a few top schools just to see what would happen, and I had confidence that everything was going to work out according to His perfect plan. 

Well, after decision day and internalizing the fact that this whole Princeton thing was actually happening, my family and I signed up to attend Princeton Preview, which is a full day dedicated to introducing admitted students and their families to the beauty of Princeton. I remember the first time I set foot on Princeton’s campus was the evening before Preview. As my family and I walked through FitzRandolph Gate — NOT through the one big gate in the dead center! — and took in ol’ Nassau Hall, I looked to my parents and aunt, who spontaneously tagged along with us because she was off from work for a few days, and said, “I cannot believe I got into this school….” 

Overall, Preview was fun and really helped me envision what my life at Princeton would look like, but there was still one important question that needed answering before I could seal the deal on Princeton: How much is this school going to cost? About a week after Preview, my family and I received my financial-aid package from Princeton. Well, let me just say that when we saw the amount, we were so grateful that we could have probably done backflips off of each other. Words cannot express how generous Princeton is — do not let finances keep you from applying! In the following days, I officially committed to Princeton. 

Amid all the excitement surrounding my acceptance and enrollment into Princeton, though, there was just as much fear and nervousness. I was fearful of the unknown and nervous about what was to come and how people might engage with me, especially as a small-town Southerner going to an Ivy League school more than 10 hours from home and all the worries that entails. During this time, my faith definitely played a crucial role in dealing with all the thoughts, emotions, and decisions with which I was wrestling. The Lord never leaves us and is always there for us throughout the good, the bad, and all that is in-between. As Carrie Underwood would say, I just had to let Jesus take the wheel, realizing that He has a plan and a purpose for me attending Princeton. Although I was undoubtedly scared and completely clueless of what to expect, I knew I could find security in His everlasting peace and presence.

This blog is kind of a general summary of my “Princeton process” —  I will probably go more in depth on individual parts in future blogs — but I tell it to you in hopes that you may be able to relate to some of my experiences and can find some clarity despite all the chaos you may currently be facing. I said this in a previous blog and will say it again because it is so important to remember: everything is going to be okay. Your college decisions may or may not have turned out as you liked, but I hope you can find some solace in the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for your life — you just have to choose to give Him control and to trust Him. I know it is not easy, and disappointment definitely stings. Nonetheless, never forget that you are loved and will be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

You may not share the same beliefs as me, but I would like to leave you with a Bible verse that has always brought and continues to bring me comfort and reassurance:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

• Jeremiah 29:11

   

Wishing you nothing but the best with your college decisions!

One of my favorite pastimes is going for a walk around campus. Regardless of whatever is going on, I have found that a stroll through campus is always nice, never failing to present me with an opportunity to notice features I never had before and to take some time to reflect. 

As I go on each walk, I get to appreciate all of my surroundings. Outside Henry Hall, which sits along Blair Walk, there is a stone engraving of George Washington crossing the Delaware — it may seem kind of random but is very cool and intricate! I discovered this engraving pretty early on in the school year, so anytime I made my Blair Walk trek to my Writing Seminar in New South last semester, I tried to remember to give Washington a shout-out :). You may have also noticed there are two tigers forming the frame of Washington’s Crossing, so I cannot forget to mention all the engraved tigers across campus. Certain entrance doors to McCosh Hall and 1879 Hall have engravings of tigers that are engaging in a variety of activities, from roaring and prowling around to sleeping, and there are 100+-year-old tigers that welcome those who walk under the archway of Campbell Hall. However, tigers continue to dominate their architectural presence apart from engravings, as there is also a tiger weathervane at the top of each corner of Holder Tower. These are only a few of many small details I have observed from my walks, but I will leave it to you to find other little hidden gems! 

The buildings of Princeton have not just challenged my observational skills but also enabled me to appreciate the different seasons I have had here so far. When my family and I first set foot on campus — around the time of Preview — one of the first parts we saw was the area of New South, which neighbors Whitman College and is, as mentioned earlier, where my Writing Seminar was. If you have not been near New South before, there is a circle of animal-head sculptures right outside of the building. This art piece is really impressive and fascinating, but it definitely caught me off guard when I first saw it. I remember thinking to myself, “Where am I? Why are there just random statues of animal heads on a college campus?” So, when I walk by this art piece now, I cannot help but think back to this funny yet skeptical first impression of Princeton’s campus I had. Additionally, as I pass by the buildings I had my fall-semester classes in, I often reflect on the emotions I felt at the time and some of the lessons each class taught me: somewhat anxiously walking into New South for Writing-Seminar conferences, learning Spanish vocabulary in a classroom of McCosh Hall, getting to know other freshmen and more about literature in my freshman seminar in Blair Arch, to name a few. I laugh at how frequently I find myself falling into nostalgic episodes as I go on my walks — I am only a freshman, so there is really no tellin’ how much nostalgia I will be feelin’ when I am a senior!

With final college decisions being released, I am sure many of you are going to be walking around different college campuses, trying to see which one feels most like home. Whether you are here for Preview or not, I know that the campus of whatever school you go to is going to be even more beautiful because you are a part of it. The buildings and surroundings we walk by on a college campus may strike our attention and leave impressions on us, but what truly makes a campus great is its people. So, as you tour different schools, try to appreciate their architectural surroundings, but also remember that the people are what make the places special — and that you will end up where you are meant to be!

To put it plainly, any type of midterm week can get hectic. I have experienced two midterm weeks at Princeton so far, and these two specific weeks have taught me some valuable lessons that apply to not just academics but life in general. 

Lesson #1: Time management is key. At Princeton, midterm week differs from finals week in that classes are still operating as usual. When finals week rolls around, classes are already done and over, and you have an entire week dedicated to preparing for your final assessments, which is called “Reading Period.” However, classes are in full-swing during midterm week, so you have to balance your regular day-to-day classwork with midterm preparation.​​ This balance can undoubtedly get tricky at times. One helpful hack I have learned, though, is to start midterm preparation early AND finish classwork early. Doing so not only gives you a head start on midterm studying but also provides more room in your schedule for you to focus directly on your midterms. Believe me, not having classwork looming over you is always a plus, especially during midterm week! So, starting early and finishing assignments early is very important!

Lesson #2: Surround yourself with supportive people, and be one of those supportive people. If your midterms are ever making you stressed, the good news is that everyone else around you is likely feeling the same way. Reach out to your friends if you feel overwhelmed, and likewise, encourage your friends. I have found that study sessions with friends are great refreshers, as surrounding yourself with friends who are also doing work is not just motivating but also gives way to some fun conversations and laughs! Midterm week can feel crazy, but surrounding yourself with friends and being a friend can always help keep you grounded and uplifted. 

Lesson #3: Take breaks, and know that everything is going to be okay. For me, I cannot do good work when I am tired. If I feel sleepy or just simply unmotivated, I know there is no point in me trying to complete something complicated because I will likely lose focus and have a harder time understanding whatever it is. Thus, I love taking a rejuvenating break! Whether I am taking a nap, going for a walk/jog around campus, or chatting with friends, I always enjoy a break that helps me “refuel” and stay motivated. Additionally, I have learned to not obsess over midterms or exams. Yes, it is important to prepare and to do your best, but at the end of the day, do not sacrifice your health or well-being for a good grade on an exam — you are a person before you are a student. It is much easier said than done, but as long as you put in your best work, that is all you can do. Just know that you are still amazing regardless of what a grade on an exam says. 

Although it can seem frantic, midterm week is a great way for you to see and to show off what you have learned so far in your classes. They are meant to be “check-ups” on how well you are understanding your class's content and growing as a learner. They are not meant to stress you out, but even if they do, always remember to manage your time well, surround yourself with good people, and rest assured that your best is enough. 

Princeton’s architecture is extraordinary. After moving in and getting settled here, I had a hard time fully grasping that I was going to be surrounded by breathtaking collegiate gothic architecture 24/7, especially as a member of Rockefeller College, or Rocky. I had to get used to walking under the arches by Holder Hall anytime I went to the dining hall, giving a shout-out to Blair Arch as I made my way to my Writing Seminar, and greeting Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Henry when entering Frist Campus Center. These are some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of campus, and now they are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from me — and I am extremely grateful to get to see them all the time!

However, one architectural feature that really took some getting used to was having stained-glass windows in my dorm room. Before coming to Princeton, if I ever heard someone say, “Stained-glass windows,” a college dorm room was never the first thing that came to mind. Nonetheless, for the amount of surprise I felt toward having such gorgeous windows in my new little home, there was just as much thrill.

Every now and then, in the early morning and late afternoon, right when there is just enough sunlight to seep through the small glass panels, I find myself just sitting and admiring the windows. Blending with colors of other things behind them, like clouds and nearby buildings, the panels transform into an array of hues, with some of the aquamarine squares projecting shades of yellow and green and the blue circle in the middle reflecting an ombré of violets and pinks. Anytime I see the windows in this state of beautiful transition, I feel like I have to pause and remind myself I am in a college dorm room.

Because I admire these windows so much, for a project in my drawing class this past semester, I decided to draw one. Getting the lines and proportions correct was definitely tough, but the part I enjoyed the most was filling in all the panels with their complex aspects. As I made each mark and sketch, I became more aware of how truly detailed the windows are, as beams of sunlight and outside objects enable them to present a unique variation of colors. I hope my drawing was able to do the windows some justice! 

All this talk about windows is to encourage you to never overlook the little things in life — and to show you how BEAUTIFUL Princeton is ;). The “out-of-the-ordinary” are oftentimes sources of genuine beauty, like holding the door open for a stranger, reaching out to a friend you have not spoken to in a while, or appreciating a stained-glass window in a college dorm room. Never take for granted the power of random demonstrations of beauty and goodness — they are more powerful than we know! 

Recently, we have been getting regular snowfalls in Princeton. From what I have heard from my Garden-State friends, this much snow is not a very common occurrence. Anytime I see snow falling on campus, I either glue myself to a window or go outside for a walk, hoping the snow will never cease and taking way too many pictures.

The other day, as I was admiring my amazing pictures of the snow, I decided to scroll back a few months to appreciate some of the scenic moments I had captured from last semester. Upon reaching October and November, I immediately found myself entranced by the red, yellow, and orange leaves along Cannon Green. Once I got to August and September, I could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I marveled at how green and lively campus was, reminiscing on orientation week and FDOC, or First Day of Class. 

Reflecting on these photos helped me realize a common truth that is too often overlooked: seasons always change. Life is a mosaic of seasons (I know… another “mosaic metaphor” reference): one piece is a season of happiness, another is a season of hardship, another is a season of exploration, and so on and so on. Some pieces seem better than others, but the beauty at the heart of every mosaic is all its different intricacies. If a mosaic was composed of just one piece, then it would not be a mosaic; if we only ever experienced one type of season, we would never gain appreciation for the beautiful mess that is life. We must endure difficult seasons to truly appreciate the goodness that stems from uplifting ones. Likewise, we must remember the goodness of uplifting seasons when we are met with difficult ones, knowing there is always a better day right around the corner. 

Right now, I am sure many of you are in the season of waiting. Waiting to hear back from colleges; waiting to see what the next phase of your life will look like. I was there a year ago, and let me just say, I completely understand how you are feeling. And let me also say, everything is going to be okay. 

Though this season of waiting may feel endless, know that decision day will finally arrive, and soon enough, you will be looking back and wishing time would slow down. No matter the emotions you are currently experiencing or the decision that pops up that day, just know that you are loved, you are important, and that in the end, everything is going to be okay. 

I am sure you are probably thinking, “Of course this boy thinks everything is going to be okay. He got into Princeton!” I know it sounds cliché, but truly, when I tell you everything is going to be okay, I mean it and know it wholeheartedly. 

Life has a funny way of working out. As long as you keep your head up, put one foot in front of the other, remain determined, and have even the smallest amount of faith, you can do more than you ever thought possible. I am rooting for you!

All this to say, as you look outside and see the leaves change, the snow fall, or the earliest sights of spring start to bloom, remember that the seasons of life always change and you are going to be okay. 

As a South Carolinian, I can proudly say I do not have too much experience with the snow. On one or two rare occasions growing up, I was able to make an actual snowman, or one that was as tall as me. Other than that, though, I could count on two hands the number of times I had seen snow before arriving at Princeton. 

When I officially decided to come to Princeton, one of the many reasons backing up my decision was the chance of me regularly seeing snow… real snow. Coming from the South, I had always pictured the Northeast getting inches and inches of snow every single winter, with snowflakes falling around every corner and the aesthetics of all the classic Christmas movies. So, of course, I was beyond excited for the opportunity to experience some amazing snowfalls upon enrolling. 

Before returning from winter break, I heard news that Princeton had just gotten a huge snowfall, admiring pictures of campus’s winter wonderland. Blair Arch was adorned with crystals of snow, and there was a shimmering frosty blanket covering Cannon Green. As I made my way back to “Old Nassau” a week later, I was just hoping there would be some inches of snow left for me to see!

Well, I can assure you I was not disappointed. Right when I set foot back on campus, I was immediately taken away by the beauty of the snow paired with the beauty of Princeton — and was slapped in the face by a blast of cold air! Even though it was around nine o’clock at night and I had a duffel bag, suitcase, and backpack I was lugging around, I just had to walk around campus and embrace all its wintry feelings, having seldom seen anything like this at home. 

With all my belongings with me, I walked over to McCosh Courtyard, East Pyne, and of course, Nassau Hall. Everything was so serene, and as ironic and corny as it sounds, though my hands were freezing from taking so many pictures, I felt so warm. 

As I stood in front of Nassau Hall, with its lights and ivy leaves and the ocean of snow surrounding it, I was simply overwhelmed with gratitude. Reflecting on my journey up to that moment, all I could do was give thanks to the Lord for allowing me to come to this beautiful school. 

And the best part is that even when all the snow melts away, Princeton will still be beautiful, not just because of its naturally stunning architecture, but because of its people. The people I have met here truly are and will always be the most beautiful aspects of this school to me. In fact, as I gathered my belongings and started making my way to my dorm from Nassau Hall, I saw one of my closest friends heading toward Nassau Street. Having not seen each other in over a month, we gave each other a big hug. A friendship like that will always be more beautiful to me than any snowy landscape — but the snow is always a nice sight to see!

Needless to say, I am very grateful for my first snowfall at Princeton and all the different forms of beauty this school radiates, and I know there is snow much more to come!