Senior Year Blog - archived

Well, this is the end, but I don't even know where to begin.  < funny...huh?> I guess I should start by saying how great of an influence Judson had on my life. Instead, I want to talk about the influence I had on Judson. Now, I know this sounds a little arrogant, but let me explain. Judson was my destination for my college experience, before I knew it. As a student of Judson, I became a part of a sisterhood and legacy.  Through community service, campus involvement, and various experiences, I made my mark. It was a rewarding journey. I not only made my mark at Judson, but in a small part, the world.

Even though this is bittersweet, it is an amazing feeling. It feels great to know that I have successfully completed and reached my goal of being a teacher. Step by step, God has reveled and fulfilled his plan for my life. There were times when I worried and questioned. You know what times to which I am referring; those late nights and early mornings. Those times make you question whether it is even worth it all. Now that I have finished, I see that it was totally worth all those sleepless nights.

I will truly miss Judson and all my sisters. I'm looking forward to visiting Judson and being an alumna. It will be really interesting to be on the other side of all the traditions. It feels great to have been a part of something that will last a lifetime. I pray that you can say the same about your college experience. An experience like this is very rare. Therefore, it should be cherished.

To those of you who are seniors, carpe diem. To my fellow Judson sisters who have already left their mark, carpe omnius.  

This weekend was the Christmas time at Judson. Every year we take this time to honor or Christmas traditions. Of course there is a secret one, but there are others that I can actually tell you about.

 The first one is Christmas tea! At the beginning of this week, the Social Committee started decorating for this event. I was an active member of this committee last year. I did help this year, even though I wasn't a member. I guess you can say that I wanted to make my last mark. We decorated the parlors and foyer with lovely Christmas trees, ribbon, garland, and lights. It is a lot of fun, because it is another chance for us to demonstrate or sisterhood, by working together to make it beautiful.

Christmas tea was on Saturday afternoon. Many of the prospective students and their families come to this event to meet the college president, Dr. Potts and enjoy the festivities. It is a rather joyous occasion. I had the privilege of standing with Dr. and Mrs. Potts, last year, in the greeting line. My job was to be the first to welcome our guests to Christmas tea. It was an honor!

There was one more tradition that took place, later Saturday night. This event was Vespers. Everyone comes to sing and listen to the choir, Faith, and Judson ringers perform Christmas songs. I love this tradition, because there are some traditional and some non-traditional songs. I really enjoyed Vespers, this year. Dr. Judy Ransom is doing a great job with the music department. Their hard work was evident in their amazing Vespers performance. There is something about Christmas songs that warm the heart. This time was very special, for me, because it was my last one. It was refreshing, as always, to hear Dr. Potts speak. He always gives us words of encouragement, no matter what he speaks about. My hopes are that you have a chance to witness this wonderful tradition. Remember, that this is the season of love. Love God, each other, and yourself!

It's sad that Thanksgiving is already over, but I'm glad that Christmas is around the corner. I've been rocking out to Christmas music in my car. The other night I turned the radio on and the song "My grown up Christmas list" was playing. Now, this song has never really affected me until now. If you aren't familiar with this song, you should really listen to it.

            It is sung by many artists, but I think I was listening to the Michael Buble version. (Anything that he sings is amazing!) He is basically singing about the fact that his Christmas list has changed from his childhood. Now that he is grown up, he wishes for unselfish things. He wishes for things like no lives torn apart, right always winning, friends for everyone, and no more wars. He has become more concerned with the well-being of others.

            This song made me think about some of the students that I have taught and met while at Judson. Perry and Bibb County are very low income, and it affects the children the worst. I see it a lot in the schools, and I always want to do something to fix it. I'm very thankful that I attend a school that strives to help their community. Being active in our faith-based service and learning has allowed me to really care for others.

            Susan Jones, the director of faith-based service and learning, is amazing! She does a great job organizing community service projects and events. Around this time of the year, we have a day when local children can come and decorate Christmas ornaments and meet Santa. This is usually on a Saturday. We also make Christmas boxes for local children. These plastic boxes include all sorts of items. (hair bows, socks, small toys, toothbrushes, etc.) We are instructed to spend no more than 10 dollars, but sometimes you can't help but get a little spending happy.

            Judson provides many ways for us to give back and make a difference. Isn't that what this holiday season is about? Christmas is a time for us to celebrate Jesus being born into the world, so that he would one day give his life for us. He gave his life to change the world, and all we have to do is give a little time and a few dollars.

It has all just hit me at once! I felt like everyone and their momma asked me about my last day at school. I mean, gah people! Rub it in! I have one week left, after Thanksgiving break. Really, I'm excited that it is so close. I'm also a little sad. I'm going to miss the random, friendly gatherings, most of all.

                Last night our dorm hall decorated a Christmas tree! Well, actually, it was a Fichus. Who's judging? (don't even think about it) J We all gathered in the hall and helped put the lights and ornaments on the tree. We put so many ornaments on that tree, it started slumping over!  As one of the girls put it, it is a froufrou tree.  It is so cute!

Decorating the tree was fun, but the most exciting part was singing Christmas songs.  The best song was the twelve days of Christmas. Yeah, it didn't go as smoothly as it should have.  We kept forgetting the order! Good times, good times. Even though it was a joyous occasion, I started thinking about my Judson sisters.  My big sister has graduated, and my little sister left after last semester. It is during these times that I really miss them. My sisters may not physically be here, but they are always in my heart. I sound so pitiful.  

Anyway, the holidays are some of the best times on campus. We have all the coolest things going on at this time. My first blog for next month will give more information about these joyous festivities. Please come back and read about them.  These times make me forget about all the rough times of college. I think it is because Christmas makes me feel like a kid. My whole attitude, on life, changes during the Christmas holidays. Why can't it be Christmas all the time?