Natalie's Nook

As I submitted my last assignment on blackboard yesterday (the 27th), I realized that it would be the last deadline ever for my undergraduate studies. During the Spring 2020 semester, I miraculously completed a total of 18.5 credits to compile my 120-credit degree. I do not recommend anyone to take no more than 12-15 credits their VERY LAST semester! I took on that many because ya girl was on full scholarship and had to finish on time.

Thanks to the global pandemic of COVID-19, I had to complete the remaining month and a half of my studies from the encasement of my home. The week of my spring break was just about to come to an end when students were notified that campus would be closed the rest of the month; little did we know it would be closed for the remainder of the semester. I—along with other students across the nation—had to continue with studies online. It wasn’t a difficult transition for me given that I decided to take two online classes in the fall, so I was already familiar with that method of instruction. Of course, because in-person instruction is a lot more convenient with understanding academic material, I would have preferred to spend my last few days as an undergraduate student in a physical classroom.

Despite the loss of my last days on campus surrounded by my friends and professors, I can reflect on the last four years and can concur that I am truly grateful for the experience. I was allowed to get a free four year Bachelor’s degree in a study I love— English Literature and I was given the chance to create longtime connections with professors and to leave friendly impressions on students. Even with common academic obstacles, my scholarly successes placed me on the Dean’s list all eight semesters. I was not one to willingly get involved with sports or organizations, my place was within the books and that’s where I buried myself 24/7. However, with all of my book burying, I was inducted into the National English Honors Society: Sigma Tau Delta.

My first four-year college studies may be over but ya girl is still working hard. I was offered to extend my internship beyond May, so I decided to continue working until June. Not only do I have my internship but I am still freelance writing with a District-based news blog— The DC Voice and I will be getting back to my Booktube channel, once I can settle down and do all the reading I want. I miss producing content of me rambling about my most recent reads or the books I recently hauled for my interested viewers to watch.

Lastly, I know that I am always one to have my plate of responsibilities piled high. I act like I have everything together and that I’m ok, but there were times in school where I was so mentally overwhelmed that I broke down, only later having to put myself back together. Regardless of that, there were those who kept me encouraged and if you’re reading this I want to thank you so very much for your love and support. Thank you for the constant communication and reassurance, it helped ease the weight of my stresses.

I’m a bit sad that I didn’t get to pick up my cap and gown or to take graduation photos, but—between my mom and I—I might be able to work with what we have here at home for a quick shoot sometime next month. Graduation would have been on Saturday, May 9th but now it’s been postponed until December. Although the ceremony has been moved, I’m still going to celebrate that weekend. I deserve it.

Welp, that’s a wrap on Undergrad!
Graduate school: Pending.

P.S. Grades are due today for Seniors, so once I have accumulated my last few for my undergraduate studies I will be sure to update this post with one final grading hurrah.

Update: Six A’s, one B, and a 3.8 GPA. Graduate with Cum Laude Honors.