The Zinch Report

Starting college is a big deal. Since I moved from Oregon to Tennessee, and began my journey at Vanderbilt, it's taken up almost all of my brainpower, time, strength, and energy. I think I'm at the right place, because I have always liked challenges, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been hard. I have chosen to do a few things extracurricularly, like playing in softball intramurals, taking bassoon lessons, and my first priority, going to church each week and observing holy days. A choice that I never thought about having to make before I moved, is whether or not I should spend all my time focusing on school because it's so challenging, or continue to do some of the other things that I enjoy. Although they take time, I think I've made the right decision by doing some extra things. It's very tiring to focus continually on schoolwork, and by doing some physical activity I'm able to return to studying with a clearer and more energetic mind. And going to church, among many other benefits, helps me retain a sense of perspective. Living on campus means being continually contained in the school atmosphere, and it would be easy to forget everything except the test you have later this week or the bad grade you just got on an assignment. Church helps me remember that my undergraduate career is only four years of my life, and although very important, doesn't have to be the only thing I focus on.