That title really encompasses something we don’t have a lot of time. This semester has been really good to me, despite the challenges that I faced with my life, workload, and stress. Each semester brings something different, but this semester has been one of my most memorable. The experiences I had with my friends are going to be hard ones to forget and the opportunities I’ve had will make life hard because I’m not sure what I’ll be doing. So many great things happened this seamster, and I can’t wait to share some of these experiences with you.
Ann Arbor Trips!
For the fist five weeks of school, I was only at Hope for one weekend because I was at Ann Arbor watching Michigan Football games. Looking at it now, maybe it was a waste of my time because they played horribly this season. Don’t worry, Hope is still my favorite, though. One aspect that being at the University of Michigan I realized was that I am SO happy I did not go to a big school. Ultimately, it made me appreciate Hope more and to not take the Hope Community for granted.
SAC 2014
I have the honor and privilege to be a co-director of SAC (Student Activities Committee), one of Hope’s largest student organizations. One of my most memorable moments with SAC was our First Annual Retreat where we had the opportunity to learn about each other in less that 24 hours. This really made our team stronger, and it has been evident throughout the semester. I am forever thankful for the friendships I have with my team and the family community it harbors. Other fun memories with my team include working big events like the Homecoming Hoedown!
Vienna Reunion Dinner
Yeah, something as simple as a dinner can have a great impact on your semester. It was so fun to be at one location with those who went to Vienna this past summer. Telling our funny stories and reflecting on those experiences was just a blast. Plus, free food is always great, right?
Park2Park Half Marathon!
This past September, I did something that I thought I would never be able to do, run 13.11 miles. After much training and dedication, I successfully completed my first half marathon with my friends. Once I completed it, you bet I put my medal and bib number on display. How can you not? It’s such a great achievement. What this taught me: you can make an idea a reality by dedicating time to it. I am looking forward to running another one in the future!
MSU Nursing Graduate School Visit
Something that I really considered this semester was the option to pursue my doctoral studies. As a senior in college, it’s time to think about continuing graduation and life plans. I still think it’s crazy how I know what I want to do; I’m definitely in the minority when it comes to this situation. Visiting MSU showed me how feasible graduate school is, but you have to work hard for it! Now, I am currently in the process of applying, and it’s nerve-wracking. I just have to remember that it WILL be ok!
SACsgiving & Thanksgiving
This year, Thanksgiving was a special one. It’s always good to be thankful, but it was important this year for my sake. To celebrate, I had dinner with my SAC team and my family. It was great to be in each other’s presence and share great conversation. I mean the pictures below really speak for themselves.
SAC Christmas Party
Another SAC memory. Doesn’t it show how much I care and love the people and organization!? Again, it was great to be around my team to laugh and share the holiday spirit. We had a “white elephant” gift exchanged, which proved to be very very interesting. There were an array of gifts that were distributed, and that’s what made it really interesting. It’s going to be a different Spring Semester because some of my team members will be abroad and have internships. You will be missed friends!
SPRING BREAK PLANS
Yes, this was a highlight. Why? BECAUSE I’M GOING BACK TO EUROPE! My friend Dimitrie and I are going to POLAND! I’m so excited. As of today, there are 92 days left. While in Poland we are going to Gdansk, Warsaw, and Krakow. And we are also making a pit stop in Copenhagen! I mean, look how excited we are!
Research!
This is going to sound nerdy of me, but yes. This semester, I had the opportunity to be involved in nursing research. It was one of my most memorable experiences this semester. I actually made a proposal to be turned into IRB! I also had the opportunity to present my research to others at a symposium-like environment. Next semester, I will be participating in another research project with a professor which I am very excited about. I mean, this is what I want to do with my life so I am happy I am starting now!
NUTCRACKER (or MARVCRACKER)
Last but not least, I performed in my last Hope College production of the Nutcracker this weekend. It’s hard to believe that it was my fourth year. Time really does fly. To finish with a bang, I was reunited my partner from sophomore year, Liz! It was so great to work again together. I also had the opportunity of working with Hannah who was my partner last year and Erica, who was a new partner this year! I had a blast working with the cast. It was bittersweet to perform in my last Nutcracker, but I’m glad its over!
Thank you all for reading about some one the highlights of my semester. Hope College is truly the best. The community it harbors with friends and professors have really shaped who I am today. You can’t get that anywhere else! Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts this week!