2012 has proven to be a pretty
exciting year. So, on this New Year’s Eve, I wanted to share with you, in no
particular order, the top 10 things that have happened throughout the year.
1. Acceptance into Hope
College’s 2013 June Term
for students studying Economics, Management, and Accounting. Just a few weeks
ago I learned that I will be studying abroad for a month in London this coming summer. I am looking
forward to this opportunity where I will continue gaining knowledge in the
field of business while also spending time with professors who are pretty cool!
2. Learning from professors who truly care about their students.
This semester provided me the chance to enroll in several classes with
outstanding professors; each who made a significant impact on my college
career. If you make the choice to attend Hope try to take a class with
Professor LaBarge, Professor de Roo, or Professor Johnson. Each of these professors
work hard to help students achieve personal goals and be the best they possibly
can be!
3. Attending Kenny Chesney’s “Brothers of the Sun” concert at
Cowboys Stadium. My mom and I have been Kenny Chesney fans for a while now.
This year, my dad surprised us both with tickets to his concert. It was so much
fun to hear him sing, and sing-a-long with him, live.
4. Living with three fabulous roommates. For the past several
months I had been able to live with three girls who have added a lot to my
life. We have been through some ups and downs together but no matter what
happens, we find a way to laugh (or cry) about situations and then move on. So
Stephanie thanks for always being so nice; Larrisa, thanks for the dance
parties; and Hilary, thanks for being the voice of reason. I can’t wait for the
next few months with all of you – I know it will be a blast!
5. Working at Chick-fil-A. I have worked at Chick-fil-A for
close to five years now. Every time I work I learn some great lessons about
management and leadership. This past summer was probably my favorite summer at
Chick-fil-A because I was able to spend my day (or night) applying concepts I’ve
learned in a variety of my Hope classes and working with people who have become
close friends.
6. Interning with some great high school students from the Holland area. One of my
classes this fall provided an opportunity for me to intern with a local
organization. I had the opportunity to intern for City Hall in Holland, MI
with the Holland Youth Advisory Council. When I started this internship, I had
no clue how much fun I would have working with high school students. From
coffee at JP’s to Good Morning Snapchats, my intern kids know how to brighten
my day and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue our work together in
the coming semester.
7. Celebrating my 21st birthday with family and
close friends. This past November I turned 21. On the same day, November 1st,
my good friend Nate turned 20. Along with our families, we celebrated our
birthdays together at dinner. We all had a great time and enjoyed sharing
stories and jokes with each other. It was the perfect way to celebrate a
birthday!
8. Spending time at home during breaks at school. Being from Texas, I do not always
get to spend short breaks at home. However, my parents worked to make it
possible for me to come home quite a bit this semester. I have greatly enjoyed
spending time with them over the breaks and I’m thankful for their willingness
to help me spend as much time as possible at home.
9. Catching up with old friends and making new friends. This
year has provided me with time to make new friends while also catch up with old
friends. To my three friends at Chick-fil-A (Hannah, Katie, and Erika), my
shopping trip/sports friends (Michael and Chris), and my parallel (Rachel), I
have loved getting to know you or reconnect with each of you this year. You
have provided me with great memories, throughout the year, that I wouldn’t trade
for anything. I look forward to the New Year to see what kind of adventures are
awaiting for us in the future!
10. Becoming a student blogger. I have truly enjoyed sharing my
day-to-day life at Hope
College. I hope you all
have a great end to this year and I look forward to writing more blogs for you
in the New Year!