More First Semester Memories

Even though my second semester of college is creeping up to its end, I thought I would share some special memories from my first semester and some of the reasons why I'm so grateful I picked the school that I did.

Choosing where I wanted to go to college wasn't super difficult for me.  I faced some contemplation, but it didn't take me too long to make my decision.  Despite this, I still wasn't sure how well I'd fit in and how my first year would go.  I knew there would be rough patches.  What I didn't expect, however, was to experience the spectrum of emotions I have felt since going off to college.  Sure, there are plenty times even now that I just want to be home, with my family, and without the daily stresses of school.  But I've found my place here.

I won't bore you with every detail of what I like about my school, but one of my favorite parts has  definitely been the layout of the campus.  Despite being small, there are tons of places to explore.  It's just such a beautiful place to walk through.  There are woods all around, a pond, and tons of squirrels, birds, and other wildlife.  I sometimes forget that I'm in the middle of one of the biggest cities in my state.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to observe such beauty on a daily basis, while still having access to shops, public transportation, and sports and concert venues.
 

The photo below is of the rock when it was painted for Mean Girls Day in the fall.  It is hard to believe how much I have accomplished and experienced in the amount of time since I took this picture.  The seasons have fluctuated just like my emotions.  I think everyone is ready for green grass again and luckily it seems like spring is finally coming.  It has been a long winter and I miss the trees looking like they do in these pictures.

 Another one of my favorite experiences so far has been the time that I went to Reeds Lake with two of my relatives.  The weather was incredible and we had a great time at the park by this lake.  I have really enjoyed the handful of times I have witnessed the glory that is Reeds Lake.  Looking back at these pictures makes me anxious for weather that is warm and sunny on a regular basis and being able to enjoy great places like this again with people who are also great.

Since going to college has taught me more than I ever thought it would, especially in the first year.  It has given me experiences that have allowed me to grow and learn about myself in ways I have never expected.  It is not all fun and games for me here, but my time here feels worthwhile.  It makes me happy with my decision to go off to college and to have chosen the school I did.

To wrap off this blog post I have included some pictures from November when some girls from my school and I went to a concert.  We saw Tommy and the High Pilots, the Plain White T's, and Parachute.  The concert with super fun and invigorating.  We couldn't stop screaming and singing for at least an hour afterward!  And even though it was cold, we rode pretty much the whole way back to campus with the windows down blasting Parachute songs and singing along.  2013 was a pretty great year and it is my hope that 2014 is even better.  It is off to a pretty good start!  Hope you enjoyed this pretty long blog post.  I anticipate writing more soon!

 

                                  

 

                                 Meeting Tom from the Plain White T's was amazing!