Athletics Student Blog

Well it's that time of year, time to start packing up in preparation for the move back to good ole' Judson! I am so very excited to see where this year goes and where God leads me. This summer has been one for the books! It has been wonderful. I've reconnected with some old friends from high school that I've neglected for the past two years. I've learned that true friends are always there for you no matter what, or when, for that matter. I've spent plenty of time this summer enjoying life and the simple things that make it special. I've gone fishing, hiking, swimming, and all the fun summer time activities.

I took a cruise this summer to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Marten with my parents and it was one of the most joyous times of my life. We spent a lot of time at the beach and just enjoying each other's company. When your mom is your best friend, any time spent together is going to be a good time! I also took a trip to Gulf Shores (After the Oil) with my "Big Sister" from Judson, Whitney Bryars. We met up with some other Judson ladies at the beach and spent a wonderful night out on the town.

The job hunting was a complete failure, but I spent the entire summer observing at an Orthopedic Center and Riverview Hospital. I followed around a physical therapist watching and learning skills and important information pertaining to my future career. It was a very educational summer. This last week I have been hired as a PT Tech, to fill in for a lady that is on vacation. It was exciting to see my hard work pay off when I finally got a patient of my own! Although tech work is nowhere near as extensive as a therapist's, it still is very important and must be taken seriously.

I've also been chosen to be a L.A.M.P. (Leading and Mentoring Peer) for the new incoming freshman class! I can't wait to get back and meet my girls! My best friend is going to be my roommate and I'm walking into this softball season injury free! Knock on Wood, I just did! haha! This year is going to be GREAT! =)

Check back after the 12^th for Welcome Week updates!

-Samantha

Jer. 29:11

 "You don't know what you've got til it's gone."

This simple statement used to hold a different meaning to me. The recent situation that has been going on in my life (& the Shrek movie!) has lead me to actually open my own eyes to certain things in my own life. The meaning of many things in life is different to each person; the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The way I see this statement now is something I would have never in a million years seen this as meaning to me....

The old- "You don't know what you've got til it's gone"
As you all know, he's gone and not coming back. At the beginning of this breakup, when I was in the sad emotional stage, it was a more of a "He will miss me" attitude.

The new- "You don't know what you've got til it's gone"
Think of it this way... It's gone, he's gone and now I'm knowing what I have. I understand the friends, the family, the freedom that I've gained. I'm not sad anymore. It still causes some pain every now and again but it's really a weight lifted off my shoulders. In his selfish need for his own freedom, it was a disguise for me finding my own.

Just think about that =D

- Samantha =D

Well hello again ladies! Welcome to my first blog of the summer! This much needed break has finally arrived! Although I just left Judson, I am already wishing to be back. I miss my friends and my freedom, not that I don't have freedom here at home. It's just at school I get into a routine. My life becomes a schedule of daily activities and at home it is very different. It takes me a little while to get use to being back here in good ole Rainbow City, Alabama!

Although I have chosen not to take any summer classes, this summer will be packed full of learning opportunities. I have started my observation hours for Physical Therapy school! I will be spending my days observing some of the roles that a physical therapist plays in different settings.  I spend my mornings at an orthopedic clinic and my afternoons at the local hospital. I prefer the clinic setting the most because of the patient interaction. This is very exciting for me because this is my future! Sometimes I find myself wishing it would all speed up a little bit, but I need to learn to live more in the present and the now. I'm where I am now for a reason and one day soon enough it will all come together.

So besides observing, I've tried to hunt down a summer job. No such luck so far but I will be back hitting the pavement on Monday! I'm going to try Hibbett's Sporting Goods (Personally, with my background in sports I think I would be perfect for the job, but then again I may be a little biased).  It's hard living in a small town because everyone who comes home for the summer is out looking to make that summer cash and with little opportunities for employment!  Happy Hunting Everyone!

I'll write again soon! Hopefully with news of a beach trip or something summer worthy! =D

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."- Eleanor Roosevelt

So, the day finally arrived! On April 23, I was in New Jersey getting to see my boyfriend after two long months of nothing but letters! Thank goodness we will never have to do that again!! I am so proud of him, I know how hard he worked! This is the long awaited first picture after boot camp and since I've talked about it in previous blogs I figured I would share the highlight of my summer with ya'll!

 There is no moment better than this, Seeing your best friend accomplish his dreams! This is my boyfriend Dru and I when he graduated from the Coast Guard! He is now stationed in HAWAII!!

 A love that started in Marion =)

- Samantha =D