This July has been one of the most relaxing months I've had in many years. Not only have I been spending lots of time with family after the last two crazy semesters, but I've also officially taken on bigger responsibilities for the upcoming year. I am so grateful to be surrounded by wonderful people and to have the opportunity to be reminded of what truly living life means.

My first year of college has officially come to a close. After many finals, moving out of my freshman dorm, and my mom and her boyfriend getting engaged, it was a whirlwind of emotions as the semester wrapped up. Though bittersweet, I am so happy to move back into my home and officially remodel my room. With the end of a difficult semester, I want to reflect on my hard work while also focusing on moving forward and celebrating the summer.

This semester overall has been a lot more challenging than the last. After winter break, returning from being home with my grandparents and my dog was very difficult because I missed my family so much. Throughout my entire high school experience, I was home most of the time and felt very comfortable in that routine. As this year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about everything a lot, and it’s a little hard to say goodbye.

I have been completely humbled this semester. After weeks of studying, frying my brain, and taking many assessments, spring break has finally arrived. After a long first half of the semester, I am officially back in my own bed. But before we fully indulge in this break, I want to reflect on this crazy month and the many memories that were made.

Christmas break has officially come to an end. I soaked up plenty of time with family and friends and have reluctantly accepted that the spring semester is here. With a rocky, wintry start to the second week back in classes, I decided to take a pause and finally return to Coffee Talk. 

This season has been one of the best, so bundle up with a warm cup of coffee and take a moment to chat. <3

When people talk about “finals week,” you don’t really think much of it. Obviously, you know there will be a lot of studying, but you don’t fully understand what it feels like until you’re actually in it. Once finals week truly arrives in college, it’s absolute chaos. This year, I felt like I had a million tests to study for, and it was way different than anything I experienced in high school. Although I had the luxury of completing all my exams and presentations online, my first semester still proved to be much trickier than expected.

The end of the semester is quickly approaching, and every year it reminds me of how overwhelming this time used to feel. Finals, assignments, and projects always seemed to pile up all at once. I still get that tug of homesickness sometimes, missing my family and seeing them every day, but I’m grateful that the craziness of this semester hasn’t been too crazy here at SHU.

Halloween is by far my favorite season to work through. Even though balancing work, school, and studying (all with barely any sleep) can be a rigorous task, it’s always important to stay focused on what’s next. I love Halloween not just because it kicks off my favorite stretch of holidays, but also because of the timing and the people I’m surrounded by.

Around two years ago, I realized I needed a special way to express my thoughts, a space that was entirely my own. As a junior in high school without a writing club to turn to, I decided to create something from scratch. And today, I'm celebrating the second happiest birthday of my creation: Coffee Talk With Jill.

Over the past few months, living alone for the first time, I’ve realized how fast time is flying. Every day, a new beginning starts to brew, and I can’t help but feel so immersed in studying, homework, and school that I have to remind myself to take things slow and one day at a time. Even though being at Seton Hill has brought so many new friends and fun, I also have to remember what’s waiting for me back at home.

This week marks the fourth since beginning classes at Seton Hill. Although it has been an absolute whirlwind, I feel empowered to be part of something so beautiful. I find peace day to day, whether it’s discovering a new spot on campus or simply passing a friend in the hall.