Haderah Phillips:A Holiday Gathering to Remember(Attending Honors Program events)

     Attending our annual holiday party "A Very Githii Holiday" on December 5th felt like a warm pause during the week of finals. We sat together, ate good food, and talked about how things had gone for each other of us throughout the semester. Such as what was most difficult, what surprised us, and what we were proud of. The conversations even ranged from the different study guides each of us decided to use for certain courses, to the plans we have for winter break. The energy in the room was very genuine and it made the entire event feel calm and welcoming. Hearing everyone open up made me feel less alone in my own challenges. It was nice to realize that even though we all handled things in our own ways, we were still going through a lot of the same feelings. That honestly made me feel even closer to all my sisters there. As time moved on, I kept finding myself appreciating taking a moment to relax and create a joyful memory of attending my first Honors program holiday party during the end of my first semester at Spelman College. As a take time to reflect now, I'm grateful I took the time and just lived in the moment and took a study break with no pressure, no rush, just enjoying everyone's company. It made me realize how these small moments of connection mater, especially during stressful times. I left the party feeling lighter, like I had taken a deep breath I did not know I was holding. The experience reminded me that even in a packed semester, taking time to slow down with my sisters can make everything feel a litter more manageable.

-Haderah Phillips