Well, once again, I should probably be in bed and dreaming happy things. However, I am choosing to fight my heavy eye lids and provide an update in my life. I am approaching a week from hell. Which you may know as finals week. It will probably be the worst. But as Gloria Gaynor once said, "I will survive...I know I will stay alive". For those of you who may not know, I'll be spending all of next year in Alaska, thousands of miles away from my home(s) here in Wisconsin. I know it will be absolutely incredible on so many levels, as well as challenging, but I'm starting to freak out. Just a little bit. I think that I am starting to realize how much I have taken for granted this year: my friendships, my staff, Campus Ambassadors, my classes, Target, etc. When I should have been enjoying every single moment of everything I am passionate about, I chose to be an angsty teen. I haven't been the happiest being here--a part of me feels stuck and I just want to be back conquering the world. But in reality, I'm the only thing keeping me stuck. I chose to be sulky when I could have been enthusiastic about all the opportunities I've had this year. Granted, I'll have a year left when I get back from AK and upon my return, I absolutely 100% intend on being optimistic and passionate about everything I do and not being a walking rain cloud. To clarify: I haven't been that sulky but I definitely get into these funks where I shut everything out and binge watch Parks and Recreation on Netflix while eating my weight in popcorn... On a more positive note, I am so thrilled for my next adventure. I just registered for my classes a few weeks ago. I have a few more things to do (like buy my plane ticket) but mentally and emotionally, I think I'm ready. Okay, except for the saying good-bye part. I feel as if I'm graduating, except that I'm not.
Here are a few more exciting things:
- A few weeks ago, I got to see one of my favorite bands, Farewell Milwaukee, with one of my best friends. We're kind of obsessed with them and were maybe stalking them all night long...
- My hair can almost fit into a ponytail. I will welcome the day when I don't have to use an infinite amount of bobby pins to keep it in.
-Oh, and the university has a new ad campaign, the power of [and] and I maybe was on several posters throughout campus and am still on TV screens... someone also told me I look like the girl in the poster.
- This past weekend I was home, which was so incredible and much needed. Very stress free, except for the thought of final projects and tests before finals week clouded my mind
-And lastly, I am so thankful to be a part of an organization like Campus Ambassadors. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths and am constantly surrounded by support and love from everyone. Our last meeting was tonight and saying goodbye to so many graduating students was difficult. I don't think we ever realize how much certain people in our lives mean to us until it's time to say goodbye.
My biggest lesson learned so far: don't take anything for granted. Find passion in the things you surround yourself with and love every single moment.
- Al