As the start of the semester approaches, you might feel a mix of emotions—excited, nervous or even overwhelmed. That’s perfectly normal. After all, each semester feels like stepping into a whole new world (or maybe a whole new Oz). The good news? (See what I did there? Heh.) The songs from Wicked: Part One are full of lessons to help you navigate the challenges ahead. Whether you’re a G(a)linda or an Elphaba at heart, there’s something here to help you start strong.
“No One Mourns the Wicked”
“Good news! She’s dead!”
This song sets the tone for a clean slate. Sure, it’s a little dramatic, but the message is clear: leave the past behind. Whether you’re coming off a tough semester or just didn’t quite hit your goals, let it go (cue Elsa) and focus on what’s next.
Takeaway: A new semester is a fresh start. Use lessons from the past to shape your path forward, not hold you back.
Listen on Spotify: No One Mourns the Wicked
“The Wizard and I”
“When I meet the Wizard…all my dreams will come true.”
This is all about ambition and the belief that great things are possible. Think about what you want to accomplish this semester—academically, personally or even professionally. Then, create a plan to work toward those goals. Dreams are wonderful, but action turns them into reality.
Takeaway: Define your goals early and revisit them often. Big or small, they’ll keep you motivated.
Listen on Spotify: The Wizard and I
“What Is This Feeling?”
“Loathing…unadulterated loathing.”
Let’s be honest. There will be moments when you feel this—whether it’s aimed at group projects, overly packed schedules or that one classmate who always shows up unprepared. Instead of letting those moments derail you, use them as opportunities to grow your patience (and maybe your sense of humor).
Takeaway: Frustration is inevitable. How you handle it is what matters most.
Listen on Spotify: What Is This Feeling?
“Dancing Through Life”
“Dancing through life, skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth.”
This song reminds us to find balance. Sure, school is important, but so is self-care. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with friends or binge-watching your favorite show, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Life’s not only about deadlines and grades.
Takeaway: Balance is the key to thriving this semester. Plan your time and leave space for fun.
Listen on Spotify: Dancing Through Life
“Popular”
“I’ll help you be popular!”
Networking might not involve a makeover montage, but it’s still one of the most important skills you can develop. Building relationships with classmates, professors and mentors can open doors you haven’t even thought of yet.
Takeaway: Take time to connect—whether it’s saying “hi” after class, sending an email to a professor or participating in group discussions.
Listen on Spotify: Popular
“I’m Not That Girl”
“Don’t dream too far; don’t lose sight of who you are.”
This one is a reality check for those of us prone to overcommitting. (This is one of my major struggles.) Yes, it’s great to aim high, but be realistic about what you can achieve. Perfection isn’t required, and burnout isn’t worth it.
Takeaway: Be kind to yourself. Success looks different for everyone, so focus on what works for you.
Listen on Spotify: I’m Not That Girl
“Defying Gravity”
“It’s time to try defying gravity.”
Is this the ultimate empowerment anthem, or what? This song is your reminder that you’re capable of more than you think. Take the leap, whether that means applying for an internship, volunteering to lead a project or simply stepping out of your comfort zone.
Takeaway: Don’t let fear hold you back. Your biggest growth happens when you take risks.
Listen on Spotify: Defying Gravity
Wrapping Up
Starting a new semester can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, learn and create connections. Like the characters in Wicked, you’ll face challenges, but you’ll also have moments of triumph that make the effort worthwhile.
And here’s a question for you
What’s one thing you’re hoping to achieve this semester? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your goals and cheer you on.
NOTES
The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.
I LOVE wicked. I’m seeing it on broadway soon! One thing I’m hoping to learn this semester is just a general overview of PR? really excited for this class!
Wicked is one of my favorite movies and I loved getting to read this! I think this is great to think about before heading into the new semster.
I love how you connected such a popular musical so many people know about to students starting the new semester! A goal I have this semester is to remember to keep doing things I enjoy even if there is a lot of schoolwork to do. Balance is key.
I love this take on how to have a positive outlook on the semester. My personal favorite song and message is Dancing through life. I think that is a great way to look at how balance should be built in through our daily lives and academics.
This is such a great way to think of the semester! My goal is to have a healthy balance between school, work, and my personal life!
I love the concept of this post! It reminds me of my college essay where I compared chapters of my life to different music albums that I love. It is so hard going into a new semester as it can be extremely overwhelming and stressful, but comparing it to these songs from Wicked is so encouraging. My goal for this semester is to find a good routine that works for me including school, social life, church, staying fit, and eating clean. I am so excited to start a new semester!
I really liked how you connected each song and made it relatable! I hope this semester I can “=defy gravity” and take more risks.
I found this post extremely motivating! As a student who has not taken an online class yet it can seem overwhelming but this post helps remind me that I am capable of more than I think. I especially like the part about finding a balance, I can sometimes get caught up in my school work and it is important to take a break. One goal I have for this semester is to start my work earlier and not procrastinate.
This is such a cool concept!! I was so encouraged by each of these songs, but specifically “The Wizard and I.” I have a lot of goals this year, and I am determined to achieve them. I want to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally. One big goal I have for myself is to get a PR internship this summer! I am looking forward to this course. 🙂
I love how you shared your insight as something with much life experience as a student and a teacher and then connected it to the song lyrics. This semester my goal is to get all As while also maintaining a good balance between social life and school.
I liked how you interpreted each song! Dancing through life is one of my favorite Wicked songs and I loved the takeaway for this semester!
This is so creative! I love it! How many times have you seen Wicked so far?
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the life lessons connected to each song! My goals for this semester are to make 5 or more new connections, make A’s and B’s in all classes, and to make sure I take care of myself while also getting all of my work done.
I think it is so interesting to relate so many past and current pieces of media to our daily lives! It can be really easy to get caught up in a lot of negative aspects of our lives, but at the same time you can find that relatable feeling reflected in our media and hopefully you and the characters end up having a positive outcome. I am also a big fan of Wicked and all things theatre, so it is awesome to know we have something in common! I am hoping that I will be able to schedule my time effectively in order to avoid burnout as much as possible!
Great tips! I love how you interpreted “Defying Gravity”, it is my favorite Wicked song!
I’ve never been a Wicked fan but I love these analogies and I may have to check it out now!
This was a very insightful read! I really connected with the takeaway from “I’m Not That Girl” because I’m trying to focus on not comparing my achievements and downfalls with those of others this semester. As a huge Wicked fan, I loved these analogies, and they were very helpful to connect to my academics.
I just watched “Wicked for Good” over winter break so I love the analogies that were made and how connected I felt to them. I am excited to learn and grow throughout this upcoming semester!
I really liked the first song used, “No One Mourns the Wicked;” and message that it portrays. It is very important to remember that we can use the past for our benefit in the future. The lessons that we learn from our past from positive or negative experiences can help us reshape our actions and thoughts to improve.
Love how each song contains a tip for the semester in the title!
This is such a creative way to start off a new semester and make students feel so prepared and engaged! I love this!
I loved Wicked so much! I found your connections between Wicked and the start of a new semester very interesting. I really liked the mention of balance and how it’s important to still have fun and remember school isn’t the only important thing in our life.
I watched Wicked when it was in Nashville years ago. I agree Defying Gravity is the quintessential empowerment song. It is full of so much beautiful emotions.
Wicked is one of my favorite musicals of all time i love this
I love how you were able to connect the musical “Wicked” to important takeaways that all students need a helpful reminder with sometimes. I am really looking forward to saying yes and being open to more academic opportunities this semester!
I love a fresh start, and I’m a huge Wicked fan, so your nod to “No One Mourns the Wicked” was excellent! Thanks for sharing this. It’s such a great reminder that sometimes we have to leave the past behind and focus on the present and what’s to come!
I love that the article found a way to connect one of my favorite musicals with the feelings of starting a new semester! I enjoyed thinking about these songs in a new way that relates to my present situation.
This was a really good read! Wicked is one of my favorite Broadway plays, so it was helpful to make a connection between the themes of the songs and their relation to this class and school in general. Looking forward to this class!
Good news!! She’s dead!! My goal for this semester is to finally feel confident in all the work I submit. I also hope to stay on top of my tasks and not let myself get overwhelmed.
This is such a thoughtful and creative way to look at the start of a new semester. I really connected with the reminder from Defying Gravity about stepping outside of your comfort zone. One of my goals this semester is to focus on balancing academic growth with building meaningful professional connections.
I’m a huge fan of Wicked! This made me feel more relaxed and excited for this upcoming semester! One goal I have this semester is to get more involved at Belmont outside of my little bubble.
I loved read about the connection you have made between a new semester of college and my favorite musical! I am looking forward to growing my confidence and abilities during the coming semester!
I loveeee this! Wicked is one of my favorite movies and I love the music. I love these analgies.
This was a great read! My goal for this semester is to have more balance between my school life and personal life! I want to end the semester feeling proud of what I accomplished without being completely burnt out. Looking forward to class this semester!