I’ve been trying to figure out exactly how to sum up my four years at Georgetown University. Truthfully, it’s impossible. Just thinking about everything that I’ve been through (both good and bad), everything that I’ve experienced, and everything that I’ve accomplished is overwhelming. I can’t believe that four years is up.
In one way, it seems like I just graduated from high school. I can still see in my head how I “pictured” college. I remember my expectations, my fears, my excitement at moving to Washington, DC.
Little did I know how rocky my first few months on the hilltop would be. There were times when I seriously did not think I was going to make it through the semester let alone make it through four years. (Honestly, it’s almost a miracle that I survived that first year in one piece…)
I learned one hugely important thing from that semester despite my near-failing grades. In a way, I’m so happy that I struggled so much because I learned that I can survive. I learned that from the deepest of deeps (and trust me when I say it was deep), the only way out is up. The cliché is true!!! Lots of great things came out of that horrible semester…. including College Prep! What started as a distraction from my lackluster interest in Accounting 101 became one of the greatest parts of my college experience. Crazy how things work out like that 🙂
I began to figure out how to successfully (or as successfully as possible) navigate the waters of college academics, friendships, and life. I figured out how I study best. I figured out who my true friends are. I figured out how to balance work and play (well…. it’s a work in progress at least).
Obviously I learned a ton in the classroom, but it’s what I learned outside of the classroom that really molded who I am, four years in the making. Everything that I’ve learned about myself can boil down to one common thread: independence. Moving away from home, learning to function as a high achieving student, traveling alone, even moving out of my dorms every summer by myself… that independence is the most important thing I’ve learned and something that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
It’s so incredible to think that I can’t “unlearn” anything from the past four years, whether academically or otherwise. I’ll never be able to look at Starbucks the same way again (too many case studies on the brand) or watch a movie depicting witches without analyzing the basis for the portrayal (I took a class on witches in literature once) or watch the news and not consider the game theories (prisoner’s dilemma anyone?).
classes | Financial Accounting, International Business, International Relations, Problem of God, Intro to Psychology, Statistics, Witches, Ethics and Theology, Microeconomics, Sociology, Business Financial Management, Management Information Systems, Philosophy of Star Trek, Digital Art, Intro to Marketing, Managerial Accounting, Ethics, The Art of War, US Political Systems, Spanish, Brand Management, Leadership, Marketing Research, Social Responsibility of Business, Gender Roles, Management and Organizational Behavior, Macroeconomics, The Prelude, Middle East History, Business Law, Buyer Behavior, Operations Management, Entrepreneurship, Management Science, Strategic Management, Japanese Economy, Electronic Commerce, Marketing Strategy, International Marketing
phew
Some highlights from over the years:
The first week at Georgetown (pre-College Prepster) and I celebrated my 19th birthday. It’s so weird to look back at this. (Partly because I celebrated every birthday with Georgetown Cupcakes and I still wear that dress… so other than the fact that this in a freshman dorm room it could have been any year!)
I go back and forth on whether or not crew was a good thing or not. It definitely shaped my college experience and there were lots of difficult times through it. But, overall… I can’t imagine not doing it! I met most of my best friends from the team… including California Funk! This is the first picture of us and I must say that it couldn’t be more fitting.
Becoming friends with Little V was the absolute greatest!!! We had so much fun singing to the soundtrack of Country Strong, shopping on M Street, and having a year-long sleepover.
The Presidential Inauguration occurred during my freshman year (I’m not even sure that I ever mentioned that on here). I went to the Inauguration and the Neighborhood Ball!
Sporty Sister came and visited me a few times!
Every year seems to start off with a birthday for me. I love that. I start off each year fresh and with a whole new “age.” We look so young here.
Sophomore year was my favorite for crew. Little V was on the HW team still and we had tons of fun. I also loved (figuratively and literally) half the team so much!!! It definitely made it the most interesting year too.
Henley Royal Regatta… a.maze.ing. Definitely the #1 event of all four years!
Junior year was spent mostly studying and working on projects… pretty boring picture-wise. But I love this one of CF and me!
It seems too weird to re-cap senior year since it feels too present. But if I had to sum up the year it would definitely be this picture. I feel like I went to NYC every weekend… crazy!
*****
It definitely hasn’t been the easiest road… but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
xoxo
sigh. I am so incredibly proud of you. #georgetownforever, my love, #georgetownforever. more from me tomorrow. xoxoxox {av}
Congratulations, Carly! Looking forward to what the College Prep does next. No matter what it is, I'm sure it will be great!!
Congrats! What an amazing time and experience you have had! Best wishes to you, and I'm so excited to see what you do in the next chapter in your life.
Congratulations on a momentous occasion and the start of something even more amazing. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to drag you up to NYC even more often! xoxoxoxo
Congratulations!! 🙂
Seems like you had an awesome experience!!
My boyfriends brother is going to GW in the fall for crew. We are so excited for him!
Have a great graduation and best wishes! Congrats!
Congratulations to you and to all of your successes! I can't wait to hear about your future plans, best of luck to you!!
You are going to do great, you have already done so many cool things! I can't wait to see where you take "college prepster" post grad!
Carly, you have SUCH a bright future ahead of you. I can't wait to hear all about what happens next, and many, many congratulations on graduation!
xo Josie
I've read your blog since nearly day one and can't wait to see where the future takes you!! Congratulations!
KK
The Cupcakes looks wonderful <3
xoxo anja
http://stil-houette.blogspot.com/
you've accomplished so much! You should be so proud of yourself and I'm sure you'll have an amazing future!
Congratulations Carly, you should be so proud of everything you have accomplished in such little time. And the best is yet to come 🙂