1) Living in the Theta House (a.k.a the Kitty Kat Mansion)
I have learned so much from living here this year. How to love others well, have patience when people are yelling down the hall when you're trying to take a nap, share a bathroom with 30+ girls, resort to making phone calls in the closet or my car to have some sort of privacy, dress properly with the right hair style and accessories, what late night studying really means (can you say dance parties), and how to make mistakes, knowing that people will love you no matter what. I wouldn't trade this year for the world. Let's just say that there were many tears shed when leaving yesterday.
2) My Friendships
Oh goodness, this could be a post of it's own. I absolutely love my friends. There are so many people that I could talk for hours about how much of an impact they have made on my life, but for time sake, here are just a few:
McKinzie Jones
Since freshman year as roommates, Kinz has been one of my very best friends at A&M. She knows me probably better than I know myself. It's hard to even sum up how much she means to me. Her constant encouragement, joyful spirit, determination, trustworthy nature, and deep desire to know the Lord more intimately has made such an impact on me. She is there when I need advice, challenges in my walk with the Lord, and loves me through all of my faults. Not to mention she is always cracking me up. Thanks for being such a faithful best friend roomz!
Kristen Trapnell
When I first moved into the Theta House, Kristen and I barely knew each other. The Lord obviously had other plans because saying goodbye to her the other day was the hardest thing in the world. As hall-mates, I had the pleasure of waking up almost every morning to Kristen's lovely singing voice, and hearing her scream my name multiple times during the day. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Kristen is one of the most hardworking people I have ever met. She is always full of energy, can handle any problem thrown at her, loves people, and helped plan the most rockin' Theta 5K ever this year. Her friendship has taught me how to enjoy life, be brave, and persevere. I am so excited to see how the Lord uses you in South Africa!Shannon Miller
Shannon and I actually met our junior year in high school while visiting A&M. Little did we know that we would end up as future froomies! Shan is my biggest cheerleader. She is always there to encourage, to lend a helping hand, and to provide comical relief when you need it the most. She is also one of the strongest, loyal, and steadfast people I know. Whatever is thrown at her, she faces it head on, with lot's of determination. Her friendship alone this year has gotten me through some pretty hard stuff. Can't wait to do life with you in The Avocasa next year!Ellen Temple
Not only do Ellen and I share the same monogram, but we also get to spend 12 weeks together this summer at camp, and then live together in the fall. Whoop to that! El and I met last summer working at Pine Cove. Lifeguarding in 100+ degree heat and shepherding 2nd-5th graders around has a way of bonding you pretty quickly. Ha. This girl is the definition of j-o-y. Her bubbly spirit, loving personality, and confidence make others want to be around her. Ellen gets me and loves me for me. I am so thankful for this one. Bring it on Summer!
Sarah Smock
I was given the privilege to be roomies with this one the past year in the Theta House. The Lord is to good to me because I have loved every second of it. Sarah is one of the most engaging and personable people I know. She lights up the room whenever she is in it, and has taught me to live life to the fullest and love others well. Sarah is generous, considerate, and compassionate. Thanks for putting up with my grumpiness, lack of excitement, and constant sleeping in. You handled it like a champ. I love you roomie!3) A&M becoming a member of the SEC. WHOOP!!
I love my school. I don't care if people make fun of me for it, A&M is an incredible place. Besides us joining the SEC, finally having a good football team, Johnny winning the Heisman, and me getting to brag about it to all my longhorn friends and family, Aggieland has given me so much more. It has taught me what true community looks like, shown me what the definition of selfless service is, and instilled in me a spirit and a work ethic that I will forever be grateful for. I am already sad that I only have two years left here.
4) The Big Event
Like I mentioned above, A&M has taught me what selfless service is, and this is due to The Big Event. I have had the incredible privilege of being on TBE staff these past two years. I absolutely love this organization. Just thinking back to the day of and watching thousands of students give their time to serve the Bryan/College Station community still gives me chills. This organization represents what A&M is all about. I couldn't be more proud that I have been given the opportunity to play a tiny role in making it happen.
5) Random Adventures
If you know me, then you know how much I love adventures (probably too much). Whether it's going on a walk on the nature trail, driving around town in the wee hours of the night, random road-tripping, exploring backroads, traveling to Lake Bryan, getting someone to go eat at Newks with me for the tenth time that week, or just abandoning studying in favor of a trip to Sonic or a park, I am always up for it. Adventure is out there.
Now pat yourself on the back for making it through this extremely long post. Happy Summer!
