Da Capo

The beginning of the end has begun. An exciting “end” that is. Last week I started my final year of undergraduate studies and while very cliché, I can’t help but say that time flies. I remember the very day I made the drive to San Diego. Car packed, heart pounding and student debt pending, all I wanted to do was get there. All that stood between me and PLNU was the traffic jammed 5 freeway.

I remember unloading the car, I remember staring at blank white walls and staring at the ocean out the window. I remember wanting to get the unpacking and paperwork over. I remember the hot weather, the maxi dress I wore and the first time I met my roommate. I remember buying a ridiculous amount of food and top ramen at Target. I remember the painful goodbye to my parents and being shocked by my own reaction. All I had wanted to do was get to San Diego and suddenly all I wanted was for my parents to take me back home with them.

Moving wasn’t anything new to me. There’s nothing much left to shock a girl who has lived in 2 different countries, 3 states and 6 cities. I get the process and adjustment thing. What was different this time around was that I was staying put, in a foreign place with strange people, with lots of expensive books and time consuming assignments and my family couldn’t be there and I have to pay a whole bunch of money for a 8.5 by 11 piece of paper. While I have always been an independent, full time school, full time employee, there was something different about this independence. It wasn’t about location or distance; it was the beginning of a transition.

Skipping forward a few years, its surreal to think that in just 8 months, I go from current student to former student and I am really excited. Like everyone says, it’s a bittersweet feeling. Bitter to leave the people and memories, but sweet to enter a new phase or perhaps da capo? 

Quote of the Day 1/3/12

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."         [Muhammad Ali]

Things I've come to realize over the past year

There have been so many changes in the past year/year and a half. So much joy, excitement, pain and worry and throughout it all I have come to learn little things about myself and life and whatever else happens to cross my mind. Here's a few...


1. College makes you extremely money conscience.
    It's not like I have ever been a crazy spender. I have been working since junior high and the  money I spend is the money I worked hard for. I do have a credit card, but I pay it off every month in full. However, because I cannot be a full time student and a full time worker, I am on extremely limited funds. The kind of limited where you cannot put fruit on your fro-yo because you cant afford to pay the extra dollar... haha.


2. I cannot think in a dirty room.
    My roommate and I try to keep our room quite clean and I do not think I could not have it otherwise. Plus my mother has always told me that the state of one's home reflects the state of their mind.


3. Its not about what you do, but who you are with.
    I have always known this but this past year has really reflected the beautiful thing we call friendship. Even spending 3 hours walking around Target can provide you with the most amazing of memories as long as you are with good company. 
4. I am more attached to my family then I thought I was.


    We have always been close, yet the first month at Point Loma I was beyond homesick. Before,  I was so eager to be on my own yet eventually a life without family is a life short-lived.


5. College makes you a hoarder.
    I've almost become like my grandma who recycles christmas wrapping paper and takes ketchup packets from fast food places. Due to limited funds and rising prices, you end up taking  any plastic utensils, salt/pepper/sugar packets, plastic cups/plates, napkins, samples you can get your hands on. Its a free country right?


6. Scheduling/Planning is a must.
    Don't get me wrong, I love being spontaneous but when theres a million assignments due every week, scheduling is the only way to get it done and remain sane. I have appreciated so much the people who give me a heads up on their plans and ideas. Its so nice when I can get all my work done, fit in sleep and get to live a little.


7. Graduate school isn't really an option
    Getting my masters is not an option, it has to happen. If I ever want to be taken seriously in the world of politics, don't bother trying to impress someone with your bachelors. So what if you have spent over $100,000 on school? Everyone does that these days I guess. Graduate school, here I come...


8. Coffee is like water.
    .... even when I was drinking 16 cups a day, nothing was happening. So much for an energy boast!


9. Exercise makes me happy.
    I run about 25+ miles a week. I have really pushed myself to get in shape. Its good for you and its good for your body. Double win.


10. Nothing is possible on your own.
     No matter how strong you are, you will crash and burn at some point. The only way to live fully is to live hand in hand with our loving, supporting heavenly father. He knows what is best for each of us and if we ask, will provide us with the desires of our hearts. He has the most perfect plan for each of us. If we can just commit to trust in Him, nothing will be impossible.