Judson College :: Choir, FAITH, Ensemble

My heart beats a little faster as we pull in the entrance and find a place to park.  I take a look at the calculator, pencils, and blank paper I brought for the scholarship testing.  After we find a place to park, I walk in to the unfamiliar building in front of me and smile at the cadet holding the door open for me. 

After those few moments, everything became a blur.  I remember handing my application to a friendly smiling face - a lady I now know as Mrs. Leah.  She is the maker of famous brownies, accompanist for FAITH, and the first face you see in admissions when you come for a tour.  I remember smiling as FAITH performed in the chapel for the first assembly of the day and thinking, "I want to be a part of that one day."

As for the Scholarship test, it turns out I didn't need my own pencils and paper at all.  Admissions and Ambassadors gave me everything I needed - even two pencils.  After an unexpectedly painless test, lunch, and music auditions, I headed back home with my family.

Now, I am here.

So much in my life has happened since that day.  I received scholarships from the test and auditions as an answer to prayer.  Now I am a part of many of the things I witnessed on that day; FAITH, Ambassadors, the Delta Omicron Music Fraternity, Treasurer for my class, Student Blogging, and the list goes on...

If you're wondering if Judson is God's plan for you, I encourage you to come to Scholarship Day on February 19^th!  This one day answered so many questions about Judson for me from financial aid to what exactly Judson was all about. My first experiences at Judson were a warm welcome.  Now, I have the best friends I could ask for, and some that are even like sisters to me.  It may sound a little strange now, but once you become part of this campus, it is an experience you will never forget.

"From the outside looking in, you can never understand it.  From the inside looking out, you can never explain it"

~Unknown

Until next time,

I take one last look at the green dress and curly haired figure in the mirror. 

I feel my heart beat a little faster as I remind myself what I'm about to do.  It's 6:30 p.m.  "Are you sure you can do this?"  That doubtful little voice in my head pesters me a little more.  I look over at the fresh pink daisies and roses sitting on my fridge and smile.  I head downstairs to meet my boyfriend of almost two years and walk to Tucker Hall to meet with the rest of the performers for the night.

The event I'm referring to is the annual Gala held here in the Alumnae Auditorium at Judson College.  Students, townspeople, family and friends of all ages are invited to perform or just attend.  Performances range from dances to songs from Broadway musicales.  Last year I was in the audience, but this year was different...

7:00 p.m.  My nerves return as we read over the words a few more times.  Our time finally comes to head out on stage.  I listen to the announcer make the introduction for our song "Someone Like You" from the musical Jekyll and Hyde.  My mind goes into motion: "Part curtains.  Walk out.  Cue music.  Sing."  My heart beats a little faster...Once again, I find myself grateful for the bright stage lights that keep me from seeing the audience. "Breathe, Brittany.  Walk to the left. Now stop."  I watch through the corner of my eye as Max enters through the curtain to sing his portion of the verse.  After finishing the chorus, I turn to sing the second to him rather than the audience. The butterflies in my stomach begin to disappear and a smile spreads across my face. "He always knows just how to make me smile."  The rest of the song finishes just as we had rehearsed, and we return backstage with smiles on our faces.  We did it!

I've never been the calmest performer.  I always seem to get nervous before a recital, jury, or anything else that requires being in front of many people.  I have to say, it's a lot easier to sing when you have someone special to share the stage with.  =)

Until next time,

One year ago I attended a banquet and officially signed in to Judson sisterhood with my big sis, Bethany Rush. If I do say so myself, I've changed a lot since that day.  I've experienced several Judson traditions, including Pageant (and survived!).  My big sister has been there for me all the way, from making signs and leading me through each Judson tradition, to being a friend and offering sisterly advice, and I am so thankful for it!

Today, I attended a banquet, became a big sister to three girls: Angie Crowe, Maggie Ingram, and Olivia Breimhurst, and watched as they signed in to Judson sisterhood. Each of my littles are different, but we all share the common bond of sisterhood and friendship.  I'm looking forward to the following years of watching each of them grow during their time at Judson, and do the same things my big sister has done for me.

Whether through blood or through sisterhood, a big sister plays a key role in a little sister's life.  She serves as the confidant, a partner in good times and bad, a friend, a shoulder to cry on or a voice to laugh with, and someone to look up to.  I've seen these things come true both with my (real) little sister and my big sister here at Judson.

I can hardly believe I'm already a big sister!  I am looking forward to leading each of my little sisters through all of Judson's traditions and watching them grow during their time at Judson!

Welcome to the Pig Family, girls!!

I <3 MLS(x3)

"Sisterhood is the essence of all the wisdom of the ages, distilled into a single word. You cannot see sisterhood, neither can you hear it nor taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It is a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It's someone to share with, to celebrate your achievements."

~ Anonymous

Until next time, 

One of the questions I am asked most frequently as an Ambassador and from hometown friends is phrased something like this:

"So, since it's an all girls school, do you ever see guys?" 

Well, I am here to tell you the answer is yes!

I'd like to share with you a little about my most frequent interactions with guys - Spanish at the MMI campus. 

Here are my Top 5 Facts!

1.  Salutes:  Since it's a military school, at the beginning and end of every class, we all stand, and the highest ranked cadet salutes the teacher and says we're ready for class.  It's neat, and since it's a Spanish class, he does this in Spanish!

2.  Dress code:  The Cadets normally wear their uniforms (of course), and Judson girls wear typical Judson wear - ranging from athletic pants to dressing up, just depending on the girl...and since the classes are in the mornings, how long they want to sleep

3.  The Teacher: Our Spanish teacher (Mrs. Castro) is the best!  To learn vocabulary and how to speak Spanish, she provides many interactive activities.  Today for our last activity, we took a survey with the students in our class and asked about their preferences -- in Spanish.  We have also learned spanish dances, songs, and watched videos about Spanish speaking countries, so we can have an idea of the culture, not just the language.

4.  Co-ed environment:  For those that are glad they chose Judson, but still wonder what a Co-ed environment would be like, Spanish offers that opportunity

5.  Learn to appreciate girl power:  I have to say, I was curious how a class would be with guys.  Now that I'm starting my second semester of Spanish at MMI, I have a newly found appreciation for the Judson classrooms.  While Spanish is okay as a co-ed class, I can also see the benefits of the "Judson style."  Classes here seem to be much more focused, and it's even easier to ask questions.  Here, most of us share a goal - to do well inside and outside the classroom.

Unitl next time,