Fighting Senioritis: Alyssa Zima

I honestly did not know what senioritis meant until this year. I mean, I had heard numerous seniors complaining about how they were afflicted with it, and how hard it was for them to concentrate and study — but, until I myself became a senior, I had no idea that it was a legitimate obstacle in studying. One is so close to being finished with college — yet, must push on strong for the finish. Even though I might have a case of senioritis, I am very thankful and happy that I am here at Pacific Union College this year. For the past three and a half years, I have been attending here, studying biology and growing intellectually.

Although the studies have been intense at times, I thoroughly have enjoyed my major. This year is probably the best one, because my major is solidified, and I have truly bonded with my professors and fellow biology majors. Even though this past quarter had long hours spent in lab, trying to clone pieces of spider DNA, they went by quickly through the atmosphere of learning and camaraderie of friends and teachers.

This year is not just being filled with studying biology, however. I am also continuing taking organ lessons, as I have been for the past two years under the tutelage of Mr. Rasmussen. Even though it will be eons before I will ever be called an accomplished organist, I really enjoy learning and practicing the ancient works of Bach on the church’s Rieger organ. Other activities that keep me busy are growing in Christ, being a secretary for the class of 2010, playing with friends, and working.

These past few years would not have been possible without receiving several endowed scholarships funded by generous donors. Just this year, with receiving both the Patricia Loye Organ and Wah Choy and Grace Lin Ching Family scholarships, I was able to focus more on studying, instead of centering attention on working. Even though I do not personally know who the donors of my scholarships are, I would like to extend a very personal thank you to them, for helping to make a faceless student’s education come by a little easier.

Although my time at PUC is rapidly coming to a close (definite mixed feelings), I know that I will take what I have learned with me — and it will be put to use for the rest of my life. I also know that PUC will never be far from my heart, because it is my hope and prayer that one day I may be able to extend to other students what others have so willingly bestowed upon me.