University: A Snowball, for Better or Worse

Today I got back my last midterm and, honestly, I feel like a bull, haha. Overall, the semester went well, which surprises me a bit since I'm also doing a preprofessional internship that takes about six hours a day.

I asked a friend why things are still going well despite not studying like before (my priorities have changed). His answer was clear: "The foundation, bro, the foundation." He was right: the academic and mental foundation makes the difference. University is like a snowball: if you keep advancing, it grows larger and stronger; but if you neglect the effort, it eventually melts.

That foundation isn't only the knowledge accumulated in the first semesters, it's also the mental toughness to face each challenge. The early courses, fundamental concepts, and long hours of study become a base that supports you when the academic pace accelerates. Although I don't dedicate the same time to studying, those habits of focus and discipline allow me to maintain performance.

In many ways, university is like a snowball. If you move forward consistently, it gets bigger and stronger. Each class, practice, or book adds knowledge and experience, making the next challenge easier. But the reverse can also happen: if you stop pushing, it stops. And if you don't maintain it, it begins to melt. Long breaks or neglect can cause you to lose rhythm, forget what you learned, or struggle more to adapt to new challenges.

This semester was different because I had to balance studies with an internship. The six hours dedicated to the internship not only reduce study time but also force me to be more efficient with the time I have. Although my grades are good, it's been harder to go as deep into topics as before.

Despite having adapted to this new way of studying and living day to day, I miss those times when I could immerse myself in a topic for hours just for the joy of understanding it deeply. I'm sure that next year I'll return to my "academic era" and look for a balance between my new habits and making room for the curiosity and depth I enjoy so much.

In 2024-1, I enrolled in 10 courses… The 10x rule, baby! Exaggerated or not, I'm convinced I can do it. In the end, university remains that ongoing challenge that motivates me to give more of myself. Sometimes it feels like a heavy load, but with the right perspective, it's an opportunity to keep pushing that snowball which, for better or worse, defines an important part of my life.

College life is a cycle of highs and lows, frenetic rhythms and moments to breathe. The important thing is not to lose sight of the need to maintain momentum, to keep that snowball moving forward. With a solid foundation, the journey can be more manageable, though no less challenging. And if at some point the snowball stops, you can always regain momentum. In the end, university is not just about accumulating knowledge, but about learning to be consistent and developing the discipline needed to face any future challenge.