My entire collegiate career I have dreamed about receiving my medal at the Schreyer Honors graduation ceremony. Not only have I helped with the annual “gong ringing” ceremony the last two years, but I have been thinking about my thesis topic since my freshman year.

Writing a long paper can be extremely daunting, and I have had my share of writer’s block.  Despite the struggle, however, I have still managed to start my thesis, get quite a few sources and made my own model.

Coming back to begin classes senior year brings a lot of emotions and feelings. I am lucky enough to already have a full-time job lined up after graduation, but am still plagued by questions. Did I make the most out of college? Did I make a difference? Should I have gone out more? Are these really the best years of my life?

I thought a lot about my 4 years at Penn State over break. I have been so incredibly lucky to be involved in many different organizations: Lion Scouts, lifeguarding, global representatives and…Crossfit. The past semester, I have been trying to get more involved in my organizations. Whether that is mentoring new members or giving more of my time to coaching and other events, I have been trying to give my all. The difference, especially in Crossfit, has been astounding. I have formed some life-long friendships and have gained a lot of respect through my work!

My success the last semester has brought about a priority reevaluation. As a strong believer in lists, I of course began to make a list of the pros/cons of writing a thesis. After 3 weeks of thinking and inner debate, I made the decision to reconsider my thesis. Even though I have completed all honors credits up to this date, and, outside of my thesis, would graduate with honors, I have come to the conclusion that the time I have left at Penn State would be better spent making a difference with the people who I associate with on a daily basis. I love coaching. I love seeing people slowly change their perspectives on exercise and watch them positively change their lives. I know I am making a difference and am simply unwilling to give up my time coaching and personally training to set aside significant chunks of time to write my thesis.

I do not consider myself a quitter or a lazy individual. I have struggled with refereeing to myself as lazy simply because I do not want to write my thesis. However, my reasons are the opposite of laziness. Instead of spending my senior Spring going out, drinking and partying, I want to make a difference. I could either do that through my work in Crossfit or by writing my thesis.

I chose the first option.