by Olivia Gleason '26 on January 22, 2026
Opinion
Welcome back to The Cowl and to the spring semester! After a restful break, the return to college is often thought of as a return to normalcy. Oftentimes, though, this return can feel incredibly unfamiliar and disjointed: new classes, new daily routines, and even new living situations for some are all a part of this transition back to school. As a senior now entering my fourth spring semester, I have felt the stress and discomfort associated with this so-called return to normalcy every year, even with the genuine excitement I always feel coming back to academics and time with friends. As this is the last time I am coming back for the spring semester, I hope that I can alleviate some of this stress for others, even if on a small scale.
Getting into a new routine at the start of the semester can be incredibly daunting. In many ways, it feels as if we spent an entire semester getting used to our schedules, becoming comfortable with our day to day life, just for the familiarity to be upended. Particularly as a freshman, I remember how rattling this was. Suddenly I found myself having to navigate an entirely new set of courses, in new academic buildings, with new classmates I barely knew. Even as a senior, this transition can feel like freshman orientation at times.
What I’ve learned over the years, however, is that this change can actually be a source of excitement. Once I taught myself to lean into the discomfort, to embrace the change that was inevitable before me, I found myself viewing the uncertainties that come with the new semester as fresh opportunities for growth and new experiences. Instead of dreading the growing pains that come with entering a new classroom for the first time and getting to know new classmates, I shifted my mindset to see this as a chance to meet new people. Instead of feeling intense anxiety about the thought of having to start over with classes, I decided to view it as an opportunity to exercise skills I have gained so far while learning something new. As simple as these things sound, they have been monumental for me in adjusting to a new semester.
This is not to say that this mindset shift eliminates all struggles associated with a new semester. The transition can still be hard, and it is important to give yourself grace as you lean into the adjustment. Maybe you’re feeling homesick, maybe you’re uneasy about a course you have to take, or maybe you’re just feeling scatterbrained from all of the changes you are experiencing. Whatever your emotions may be, remember that it is more than likely that most people on campus are experiencing something very similar. So as we enter the spring semester, open yourself up to lean on others, embrace discomfort, and get excited to learn and meet new people—speaking from experience, I promise this will make a difference in your life here at PC.