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 =) 

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 =) 

We all feel it… At some points it is stronger than others… and when it hits you, you just cannot stop it.

You all know what I’m talking about! That wonderful emotion that every college student gets around the end of the semester….. STRESS!

Finals are a week away and the stress of being a successful college student is kicking in. With papers, projects, and labs to finish up, we all just are counting down the days up to the very hours we have left until Christmas Break.  We each travel our separate ways, but we will all remember each other on Christmas, because Judson and our sisters hold special places within each of our hearts.

We all get by with a little help from our friends (and the occasional Judson College Tradition).

 The load of work gets no lighter, but the smiles and happiness we find sometimes makes us temporarily forget about everything else. We make time for ice cream runs during finals week, and the things that make us happy.

Christmas is in full swing here at Judson College.  With Christmas Tea and Vespers coming up this Saturday, I am sure everyone will have a wonderful weekend. When Monday comes around we will all turn into hermits. Not leaving our rooms except for food, but we can do this! We are Judson women and we are unstoppable! So, no matter how hard the test or how long the paper, we will succeed!

Can you believe that the fall semester is already over?

I know I sure can’t. Soon we will have new classes and new challenges.  We say goodbye to some graduating friends and move on with our lives. We will randomly remember past times but they will never be forgotten.  They will return to Judson in passing, but their time here is done. I realize that, shortly, mine will be, too. I can’t imagine life without Judson, almost like I can’t remember life before Judson.

Christmas break will be long and delightful, but I will miss Judson and my newfound best friends. I hope everyone has a wonderful break and can remember the true meaning of the season.

-Samantha =)

The leaves have changed, the weather is cold, and football is in full swing….   Oh, the things I love about this time of year, but Thanksgiving the most!

The long awaited day is finally here! We all get to go home for a week, to spend time with our families, and doing all those wonderful holiday traditions. I know everyone has been longing for this break, a break from tests, from homework, from papers, and from those 8 am classes.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s that time I get to reflect on all that I am thankful for. I’m thankful for my family and friends, but I’m also thankful for the events in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today. Happiness is a journey, and I’m to that point in my life where I’ve realized that I am happy. My time at Judson College is growing shorter, with only 3 semesters remaining; I realize that it is time to become that person who I’m meant to be.  Without the people in my life today there is no telling who I would have become, and for that I am grateful.

Everyone goes through hard times, but that’s one good thing about Judson College, you never have to go through anything alone. You have sisters who care and for that I am thankful. I’m thankful that God’s plan for me started at Judson College. So, even though we complain about the work, tests, and whatever else we all still appreciate Judson and the way she has transformed us.

When we return from break, we’ll have a few short weeks to finish up the semester. It seems like we just recently started. “How time flies” is an understatement. Time doesn’t fly, it disappears rapidly. The coming December will bring about many new changes for us all. We lose some friends, whose time at Judson College has ended. Even though we congratulate them on their achievements, we wish deep down that they could stay. The fall 2010 semester will soon be coming to a close, and for that I know I am thankful. Bring on Spring Semester 2011! =)

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe break, and we'll see you all back at school in a week! I’m thankful for you, my Judson Sisters! 

-Samantha Jo =)