Athletics Student Blog

 Once again, folks, here I am blogging at the wee hours of the morning! Like I’ve stated many times before, it’s that quiet time that I’m allowed just to myself to take a few moments and reflect…..

I would like to welcome (not so willingly) to my life, the long awaited stress of senior-hood. Although I am, by hours, considered a junior, my social standings belong with the seniors. I will be returning to Judson again in the fall for the final go-round, but just recently it has begun to dawn upon me that this will be the last...

I barely remember life before Judson. It seems like she’s always been there and been a part of me.  When I graduate in 2012, what will life then become? What is going to fill the missing pieces of my heart?

Which brings me to my main idea up for discussion, Judson College makes me happy.  Judson houses everything that I, myself, feel is necessary for happiness. I have certain career goals that good ole’ JC is helping me to accomplish. But with each day I become a step closer to those goals. This brings much fear and stress. Fear of failure and unhappiness, and many more emotions are present as we step toward this milestone day. College graduation is not like that of high school. I cannot say that it is more meaningful, but I will say that it’s something of which I will actually be proud. 

Part of me wants time to freeze, so I can stay here forever. It’s become a part of my life. I can already see myself on that day. I’ll cry a little. I’ll laugh a little. I’ll be excited about being free for a little. Then, I think in passing, it will hit me. Even though I will always be a Judson Girl, my time here will be done. I’ll pass the cap and gown off to my little sister’s class. It’ll be her turn to make her mark.

Some students just go to college. At Judson we actually live it. It’s more than anything I would have ever expected. My rapidly approaching graduation is affecting me more than I fathomed that it would. Even now just writing this and thinking about it, I shed a tear. There have been times that I’ve hated school with every inch of my being, but where would I be without Judson and her guidance?  Sisterhood is something that some don’t understand. These bonds and ties will stick with us forever.

There will always be a Judson, and she’ll always have a senior class. We’ve been shaped and molded into our own creations. It will soon be our time to figure out what we are made of in the real world. The memories I have made will always be a treasure. They will be kept tight in that special place in my heart, a place where only Judson Girls will understand. You have to experience it first-hand or you will just never know.

As a freshman, I took for granted certain aspects about this place. Being a senior makes me appreciate it so much more. I appreciate all that I have been taught, these lessons don’t just happen in the classroom. If I had gone to another school my life would have been so different and I am grateful for where I have ended up. Judson’s impact on my life has been tremendous.

This is goodnight and not goodbye.

Goodnight, Sweet Dreams.

-Samantha Jo =) 

I don’t believe there has been a time before now when I have felt like this. It’s definitely not a good emotion to have. I would call it stretched to the max. I’m that rubber band that’s about to pop, and when it does finally pop it usually hurts somebody. Well, maybe that is a little exaggerated, but it’s a pretty close replication of how I feel.

With softball starting up, I’ve been a busy little bee. We played in Mobile on Tuesday, which means leaving at 8 am and not getting home till almost 10 pm. Finally, when you do make it back to the “Dorm Sweet Dorm,” all you want to do is shower and sleep. (And let me tell you that is exactly what I did!) More games tomorrow which means missing more classes.... I just feel so far behind already. I told myself I was going to sit down and get as much done tonight as possible. Well, I did get some homework done but not as much as I would have liked too. With uniforms needing washing, and curfew to be checked…. Here it is midnight and I’m finally going to sleep.

I need one day with nothing to do just so I can get caught up. Oh, Sunday! Nope, that isn’t going to happen either!!! I have to travel to Springville, Ala. to be at the wedding shower that I am hosting for my Judson Big Sister, since I am her Maid of Honor. Now don’t get me wrong… I love all the stuff that I am doing with softball and the shower, and actually taking the time to be a leader by checking softball curfew and making sure everyone knows all the information needed for games. I just really need a break already, and I know A LOT of people are feeling the same way….

I just want to end on one positive note….

SPRING BREAK IN 17 DAYS! =)

Hey, Guys! This week’s blog is dedicated to all you high school seniors out there trying to find that perfect college. Judson may be the place for you, maybe not, but take what you read here today to heart. Here’s a list of things that I have learned over the past three years of college, some dealing with school, some with life, and some are just personal. This list will help guide you through freshman year & if I knew some of these things 3 years ago… that would have been nice!

Do NOT procrastinate.

Pulling an all-night study session before a major exam will only leave you exhausted the next day. Study ahead of time. Get up, get dressed, get breakfast, and go take your exam with confidence. Also, find a way of studying that is best for you… go to the library, make notecards, read out loud, write it out…. Whatever it is, do it your way!

Join Clubs, Organizations, etc.

Freshman year I thought playing softball was enough! There is so much more to get involved in. This year I am a L.A.M.P, a member of tri-beta, a student Blogger, and a softball player! There is so much to do and so many people to meet and get involved with. (Plus, this is the fun stuff that keeps you from being homesick)

Don’t Fret the Small Stuff!

Yes, things will go wrong. You’ll get a bad grade, you’ll break things (for example your phone… True Story!), you’ll make mistakes, but that’s more than normal. Having a bad day happens sometimes; don’t let it get to you. Fix the problem and move on!

Enjoy College!

College is a lot of studying and classes, but it’s the time in your life where you begin to grow into who you want to be. Try new things. Re-invent yourself (every other week if you want!) until you find one that fits.  Have fun & make memories.

Tell People How You Feel!

If something is bothering you with a friend or especially if it’s a roommate, you have to be vocal. Housing in these feelings will only breed anger. Casually and calmly let them know that their dirty clothes on the floor are in your way…. Etc.

Don’t Forget Where You Came From.

Call Mom or Dad at least every other day. They want to hear how it’s going! This is not just a big step for you, but it’s a big step for them as well. It’s ok to encourage them to send packages or mail. Getting mail is one of the little things that brighten my day, so, Mom, when you read this…. Send Mail Please! =)

Be Healthy!

Ok, so I bet you’ve all heard about the freshman 15! Well it’s not 100% true. I didn’t gain weight when I came to college. Playing softball kept me active and healthy. Find a workout buddy. Don’t eat fries and ice-cream every day! Stay Active. It’s no fun being a lazy couch potato all the time anyway!

Be yourself. Be Happy & Find the college that’s right for you!

I didn’t tour other colleges. I got accepted to UAB, University of Alabama, Troy, & Judson! I toured Judson first and fell in love. I could see myself here. It fit like a missing puzzle piece. I hope Judson is right for some of you! College will change your life, so let it. =)

I hope this helps you with those “jitters” about starting off in some place new. You’ll make it, I promise! It’s an exciting experience. The sisters and friends you make at Judson will be here for you no matter what! Some stick with you for life!

-Samantha Jo =) 

Nowhere to go and hardly anything to do would drive some people completely insane, but for those more mellow the idea of a relaxing day in sounds a lot like well…..  You know the scene in Snow White where all the animals sing? Yeah it’s kind of like that.

So thanks to this winter storm, I get my day in. Classes are canceled and I have nowhere to be. My lovely roomie has yet to return to school, and is unable to due to several road closings. As a result, I will spend my day alone for the most part. Unless I brave the cold enough to walk over to the freshman dorm for another movie marathon!

As for me, being said “mellow” individual, I’m perfectly content sitting here drinking my hot tea, listening to Michael Buble, and pondering deep into my own thoughts. Let me tell you those thoughts can be a dangerous place sometimes….

A Monday morning without class means I will be sleeping in, staying in my pajamas, and watching as many movies as I can squeeze in. Oh, and attempting a little reading for classes.  I think for the most part I’m preparing myself for the long semester ahead. I’m using this day as “the calm before the storm” because that’s what it very much could be.  Classes resume tomorrow and will soon be in full swing. Softball practice also begins tomorrow….. It could be more like Ice Ball than anything else.

So, staring out my window, I see a wet kind of icy day. While everyone north of here (including my wonderful home in Rainbow City) has inches of snow. Snow would have been wonderful, but I’m not really a fan of cold weather. I just keep wondering when summertime is going to roll around.

Sometimes it’s good to take it easy and be mellow, and enjoy the simple things in life. Spend time with friends, make time to call home, read a good book or watch an old movie….. Just some things to make time for. =) 

"In life you never know what tomorrow might bring, so enjoy everyday like it's your last."