As a final requirement to receive a degree from EMU, all students must take a class that is listed under the pre-approved list of senior seminar classes. As a senior myself, it seems surreal that I am currently enrolled in a senior seminar class! To be more specific, I am currently enrolled in Senior Seminar 401: On Trails.
On Trails is incredibly enjoyable and thought-provoking because it really helps me think about the journey that has led me to be a senior in college and where I will be headed after graduation. The majority of the courses I have taken over the past few years have included multiple tests, quizzes, papers, etc, which make it more difficult to not be stressed to some degree during class. The senior seminar has its fair share of assignments, but during class, I am able to relax and really take in the conversation that is happening around me. I can catch my breath and be in the moment, which is rather unique in a 400 level college course.
I would definitely recommend this senior seminar class to anyone if they feel they need a period of time and space to debrief about where they are headed in their post-college years. It is common to feel isolated and stressed when a chapter of your life is coming to an end and you are looking at the next steps. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who is in this transitional season of life. This class, for me, really gives me motivation and inspiration to create new goals because I think about how far all my peers and I have come. It really makes me appreciate what I’ve accomplished and better understand that with hard work and dedication you can accomplish things you never thought possible.
Classwork and courses can seem like an uphill battle, but remembering the work and goals you set can lead to great things. I think it would be interesting for a senior seminar is to pair up a freshman and senior as “motivation partners” and allow time for them to check in with each other and give words of encouragement. I think as a freshman I would have enjoyed having someone with college experience give me words of encouragement and wisdom. As the semester progresses, I look forward to enjoying the time and space senior seminar gives me to reflect, breathe, and be creative like I have not previously been able to. I hope EMU continues to have students participate in a senior seminar-style course in the future!
