Peer interviews

In a semester defined by heavy courses and sleepless nights, Subhana stood out not because of her accomplishments but because she takes them for granted and is willing to accomplish more. As we had a deep conversation about this semester, and how we have lots of similarities in our journey, whether they are ups or downs, we are both learning from each other. Just showing up to class day after day, to hard classes, long labs, or new challenges is the clearest sign of growth.

This was Subhana’s first time cramming all her hard courses in one semester, which was a challenge for her. But she approached with courage and hope. She learned to navigate her schedule with thoughtful planning, balancing the heavy academic load. When multiple exams were crammed into the same day, it was hectic for her, but after working on a routine and visiting her advisor more often, it helped her not only academically but mentally as well. 

One of Subhana’s most impressive aspects in her semester was her growth in the biology lab, which made her more than just study from textbooks. She mastered Excel, a skill that intimidated many of her peers due to its heavy statistical demands. What also surprised her was the dissection in the lab, where she was fully engaged without any hesitation. These weren’t just academic milestones, but they reflected an expanding comfort with unfamiliar tasks, which is a usual thing in a science major, but it’s worth it.

Her semester was not just about academics, though. Volunteering at an event related to her community, which is the Muslim Community, is a very good tip for surviving college. Meet as many people as possible. This was Subhana’s way of getting more involved, and it inspired her to do more volunteering at any event that she gets an opportunity to attend. And one of her memorable moments was with her events, which were celebrating Ramadan with her peers at events, and breaking her fast every day in college with them for a month, which made it easier for her.

Looking further, Subhana plans to volunteer more and acknowledges areas she needs to refine, like reducing procrastination, cutting on caffeine, and sharpening time management while maintaining her fitness. She is focused on applying everything that she learned. Focusing on a healthy and balanced routine and getting involved on campus. And most importantly, passing her finals.

As Alondra Mendoza Pineda started talking about her semester, it showed that it was full of creativity, not just academics.  Participating in a campus musical shaped most of her semester. Joining a musical that requires demanding hours is not easy. But everyone engages on campus differently, and we usually meet the most amazing people in areas that interest us. That was Alondra’s case; she met a lot of amazing friends, even though they spent hours a week, almost 20 hours, she still felt like it was nothing because of her friends.

The musical was not just a hobby; it was long nights of rehearsals, repeating a part more than once, and the stress all over the room. Anyone who goes through that would hate it, but Alondra’s peers made it fun and exciting. Balancing these long hours of rehearsal with her academic responsibilities and a job on top of all that required time management. Alondra used methods like writing down her tasks and finding productive spaces like quiet cafes, which were a little expensive but useful for completing homework. This balancing act impressed me. Though it does not work with everyone, but is worth a try.

Yet despite Alondra’s outstanding musical performances and academics, she faced rejection twice this semester. Facing setbacks can lead some people to give up and not know their worth, setbacks that could easily rattle anyone’s confidence. Instead, she took it another way around, and she was stronger than she expected; she knew her self-worth, which is an important key in life. “I was reminded that I need to know my worth, “she said simply. This line inspired me, and the way she talked about it made it more inspirational. It shows the confidence she gained after that experience.

Academically, Alondra was impressive. Mostly in her English course, which she described as one of her favorites, and she would take it again, it strengthened her skills in writing poems and plays. Alondra developed a new study habit, like beginning her homework early in the morning at 5 AM. Even though she admitted that she procrastinates a lot, her intention to improve is clear. Looking forward to the end of the semester and the next one, she plans to procrastinate less, stay strong in the face of challenges, and continue refining both her academics and her hobby. She showed me her optimistic side, which creates resilience that will guide her forward.  

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