Finally started a blog thanks to James. I was a little nervous about doing one of these again, as the last time I did this was on Xanga with a bunch of cross country friends. It turned quickly into a high school drama posting that got really intense at times. This time should be different though.
I've been having a weird feeling these past few weeks. It's truly dawning on me that this is my last year as an undergrad, not including student teaching, and just all that I've done in college so far. There's been plenty of ups, downs, and a lot of growing up, but I couldn't be happier where I am now and what I'm doing.
I keep thinking about this year and not only all that there is to accomplish, but also experiencing as much of this as possible. Student Senate comes to my mind first. One comment that bugs me is how people will often tell me that I "deserved" to win the Co-President. In the past, I've always had those defeats that strengthened me. In Boy Scouts after losing Senior Patrol Leader a few times, I buckled down and got my Eagle. For Nordic captain, I doubled my summer work and got 2nd on the team. Finally, I felt losing the election sophomore year helped forge me into a better leader to give it a try junior year. Now there's no defeat to push me, I have to push myself because students are counting on me. It's an unfamiliar feeling, but it is a new challenge I gladly accept. I can't wait to get to work.
There's just a new feeling all around the town. From all the students returning to the start of a new year, to getting out of my "break" phase of training to get back into rollerskiing and running, to maybe even a new possibility of love. Things are really looking up, and as hectic as they are I'm really excited for what the future holds.
Looking forward to next summer, it looks like it's going to be quite the adventure. After talking briefly to my mom about hooking up with James for an Alaskan cruise, it sounds like I'd be able to pull it off. A Boundary Waters trip is in the planning stages, as is a jaunt out west to visit family and hopefully finally getting to experience DC. As much as I like to dream, it's time to focus on this year first.
Monday's the start of a new adventure. As I told all the freshmen and their parents on Friday, it's a new chapter in our journey through life, and it's time to go out there and make the most of it.
