It is awfully hard to believe that half of my junior year is over. Even though the temperature has dropped about 60 degrees, I still feel like school has just started. Yet I am glad the semester is winding down and another one is about to begin.

This past semester has been pretty challenging. The biggest change for me was starting my college career over at MSU, since I transferred here this fall. In addition to coming here and not knowing anyone, I also began training for a marathon in September. The experience was kind of like being a freshman all over again - everything changed in a short period of time.

Now very few people, myself included, like to let go of familiar routines and dive into a sea of the unknown. However, it is sure better than wanting things to be different and never having the confidence to make the change.

A friend of mine once said, “Sometimes you just have to buck up and do it.” Now I finally know what she meant. When your life causes you to grow weary and restless, it is time to take a risk, so change your path and do things a little differently.

For some strange reason, I have always dreamed of running in a marathon. It always seemed like a far-off event. But this summer, my best friend and I realized we had the same goal and we decided to start training when school started. At the time, it sounded easy and fun, but now I would describe it using very different adjectives.

My idealistic dream of crossing the finish line to the sounds of a cheering crowd have recently been forgotten. Two weeks ago, while on a 12-mile run, I wanted to quit. I do not know if it was the 4-degree wind blowing in my face, or just general tiredness, but, suddenly, I had no motivation to finish the run or even the marathon.

But I finished.

It was the thought of calling someone for a ride or freezing to death that gave me the push I needed. But after that, I am not too worried about the actual marathon. Maybe running with thousands of other people along California’s oceanside will be easier than running around Lansing in the chilly Michigan air.

In many ways, my marathon experience is a metaphor for any big life change. First, the thoughts of how great it will feel upon completion of your goal overshadow all the work that lies before you. Then you actually wake up and begin to comprehend how difficult it is to cause any real change. This middle period seems to last forever, but finally you reach the figurative finish line and the destination makes the journey seem worthwhile.

Now this marathon metaphor works for being a transfer student as well. When I first arrived in August, my social life went from being pretty good to nonexistent. Yet gradually, I am liking MSU more as I meet a lot of people. Someday soon, I know that East Lansing will really feel like home.

I take this opportunity to challenge you to look closely to see if you are living in a routine that is missing something. If you are, you should imagine how it could be, and then figure out how to get there. You will be glad you did.

Alison Schewe, a State News undergraduate columnist, can be reached at scheweal@msu.edu.