After winding up the college application process and meeting early action deadlines, it feels like I can finally take a breath and relax. However, as a Gatton student, the most intense segments of the semester revolve around the 5th week, the 11th week, and finals week. My 11th week happened to fall a week after everyone else’s, and exams, lab reports, and essays were all on the horizon. At this time of year, the weather started to turn: more rain, cooler breezes, and a whole lot of leaves to walk through.

           I could sense a change in tone in this portion of the semester. The accumulation of schoolwork and not being able to see my family for such an extended period, all amidst living through the middle of a global pandemic, takes a heavy toll on an individual. Nonetheless, the Gatton community has stood together during this time and lifted each other up. Community and weekend activities continued to thrive, groups go out for dinner throughout the city, and play video games in the famed common areas. All of these things and more help students like me overcome the personal challenges when times get gritty and tough, but most of all, they make me appreciate the Gatton community even more and encourage me to contribute to the community every day.

           Moving forward into the remainder of the semester, I will attempt to savor the last week at Gatton with my peers while I anticipate time at home for Thanksgiving with my family. And while getting to relax with my family will be a memorable experience, the eight weeks spent away from the Academy will also have me eager to rejoin my Gatton family in the spring.

– Josiah Baumer