"Studying abroad has always been a great ambition of mine, and it really feels like everything is coming together."
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Amira’s sophomore year at the University of Tennessee was a time of exploration and growth, marked by academic changes, extracurricular involvement, and exciting plans for studying abroad in Japan.
What were the highlights and challenges of this past year?
A major highlight of my sophomore year was applying for and beginning to plan my exchange program to Japan. As a Japanese major, studying abroad has been a long-held dream - to immerse myself in the language and culture that I’ve been studying for the past two years. I’m thrilled to see it coming together. However, the year wasn’t without challenges. During the second semester of my sophomore year, I applied for a program at my university where students can design their own program of study. I initially wanted to create my own “modern languages” major combining Japanese, French, and Portuguese. When that didn’t work out, I had to drop Portuguese and officially declare French and Japanese as my majors. Though it was a tough decision, I’m excited to see what this new path brings.
What was your living situation?
I lived at home with my family again this year, which helped me save on rent. While I appreciated the financial relief, I sometimes wished my house was closer to campus. A 15-minute drive might not seem far, but it made using early-morning facilities like the gym challenging, especially since parking fills up quickly after 8 a.m.
How were your academics this year?
This year went well academically. I took 15 credit hours each semester, which left me time to focus on extracurriculars and independent language study. These last two semesters I took language classes and my workload was light. However, I did have to put at least two hours outside of class for independently studying Japanese and French, and occasionally Portuguese. My professors, especially in the spring semester, were knowledgeable and supportive.
What has been your favorite class so far and why?
I particularly enjoyed my Russian literature class. It was outside my major, and I took it to fulfill a general education requirement, but it quickly became a favorite because of its focus on critical thinking and the lenient grading system, which encouraged exploration over memorization. This was more about the class environment and structure, than the subject itself - it challenged me to think freely, and my opinions were valued. The professor’s ability to contextualize the historical background of the texts and encourage open-ended thinking made the class incredibly engaging.
How would you describe the academic climate in your major?
While I’m still new to the French department, the academic climate in the Japanese department is very relaxed and supportive. In general, I’ve found the language departments to be encouraging rather than competitive.
What extracurriculars were you involved in?
I stayed active with the Spanish and Portuguese practice tables and the Muslim Student Association. These activities enriched my college experience by helping me meet like-minded people and stay engaged outside of academics.
Are you happy with your choice of college?
Yes, UTK’s financial aid has been instrumental in making college affordable for me. While it’s not my dream school, I’ve realized that being financially comfortable is more important than taking on debt for a school that might not meet my expectations. I’ve also been able to find people I really connect with, which has made the college experience much more enjoyable.
How have you managed your money this year?
Managing money is still a work in progress for me. I rely heavily on free resources like UTK’s Big Orange Pantry for food and Smokey’s Closet for clothing. These resources have helped me save significantly. I’m also saving for my study abroad program by using a CD savings account, which I plan to access before heading to Japan.
My biggest challenge is not buying food every day. If I took the time to bring food from home, I am sure my monthly expenses would decrease a few hundred dollars. Buying food on-campus food and drinks (coffee, tea) is expensive, and the expenses add up quickly when every meal is nearly $10 and every coffee is around $6. I was also surprised by the increase in the cost of parking passes and new policies that implemented tiered pricing for parking on and around campus.
What are your financial goals?
My primary financial goal is to fund my study abroad trip. By doing an exchange and enrolling in enough credit hours to be a full-time student, I expect my tuition to be covered. I'm still saving for housing, food, and other expenses.
Do you have any tips for saving money as a college student?
Take advantage of free resources on campus. At UTK, places like Big Orange Pantry and Smokey’s Closet provide essentials like food, clothes, and even furniture at no cost. It may take a bit more effort to walk to the study space where snacks are free, or to Big Orange Pantry where you can get free ready-made meals, but taking advantage of these resources will end up saving a good amount of money over time.