Senior Year Blog - archived

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?

I had my first big girl interview, yesterday morning! I know! It was so exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. All week I kept telling myself not to worry about it. My wonderful mother told me to just pray and leave it in God's hands. Sometimes I find that hard to do. I did obey my mother, though. I prayed, asked for prayer, and walked into that interview as myself. Usually, I try and rehearse my responses. I decided to rely on my natural personality and instinct. For the first time, I was fully confident.

                I knew that I had been prepared all this time, through past experiences and educational classes. I just had to believe that I could SHOW that I was prepared. Last weekend, I bought my first big girl pants suit.  I was so excited.  So, yesterday morning I woke up, put on my new suit, grabbed my sleek portfolio with my resume inside, and headed out into the world. Cheesy, I know.

                I also thought about how bittersweet this moment was. Think about it.....On my first day of Kindergarten, my parents were there. When I went off to college, my parents were there.  But, I had to see myself off for this interview. I don't know if it is much fun growing up. I miss having my parents physically present to support me. I have to remind myself that it is just a part of growing up.

                This was a great opportunity. Whatever happens, I'm glad that I was given this chance. I feel good knowing that I have accomplished something like this. Now, I'm just waiting on the verdict. Man! This is worse than preparing for the interview. These next few days are going to go by slower than I would like. Patience is a virtue!

What can I say I'm a Madagascar fan! I can't help it. Every time I hear this song it makes me want to get up and dance. I love it! Anyway, let's get to the real meaning behind me choosing this particular title.

            I'm at the homestretch of my college career. I can actually see the finish line, and it feels so good. These college years have been hard, rewarding, fun, and sad all at the same time. I guess you are thinking, "Man those sure are a lot of mixed emotions". If you are thinking that, well you have the right idea. College is a mini version of the real world. You are in a strange place. You have to learn how to work with many different people. You don't always get your way. As you sow, you shall reap.  The great thing is that it is all worth it in the end. Trust me!

            Knowing that I only have four more weeks left of college makes me want to just move it, move it. Sometimes, it actually makes me want to hurry and get all of my work done. The other times I tend to get a slight case of senioritis. I will miss my home away from home, WMU, and its great atmosphere, but totally not the work. There is a season for everything. It is my season to move it, move it on into the adult world.

            My roommate and I were talking about how people always tell you not to wish your life away. I'm not wishing my life away. I look at it like I'm wishing my new life to start. You have to look at it in a positive rewarding way. Isn't this what I've been preparing for in the entire first half of my life? We all have to grow up. Embrace it instead of being afraid. Our life was given for us to live. The next time you are feeling down or bad about yourself stand and just start singing "I like to move it, move it". I promise your mood will change. Hey! It always gets me moving in the right direction.