The End of the Beginning

Approaching my first set of finals - ever - I feel like it is really the end of the beginning of my college career. I've had an incredible first semester. From the amazing opportunity to participate in Les Miserables, to all of the new friends I've made, to the classes I've taken, to the privilege I've been given of being named sound chief for GCC's upcoming production of Dancing at Lughnasa. So now on my fifth blog post (sorry, Mom, I'll post more next semester), in response to Thanksgiving, I've decided to reflect on all of the things I am thankful for in college so far.

First of all: Les Miserables. If you know me at all, you know that being a part of this show meant the absolute world to me. Every time I look back on it I thank God for letting all of the pieces fall into place: for Grove City doing the show this year, and for Dr. Dixon and the student director's giving me the chance to be a part of it. More than that, though, I'm thankful for the amazing cast I got to work with. Across the board, from the leads to my fellow ensemble members, everyone was so talented. I would name you all right now, but since there were forty-four cast members plus everyone in the pit and on the various crews, I'll stick to the "you know who you are." I can't wait to work with all of you in the future and again, you are all so so talented - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Then there are these ladies. Debateably my five closest friends in college, but definitely the ones I hang out with the most. Left to right... Caroline, who is a fellow English major and going to London with me in May. We've bonded over how much we hate our music theory class, how excited we are for our trip, and how much of a pain memorizing poetry is for Brit Lit. Then there's Rachel, a Comm major, and one of the funniest, sweetest girls I've ever met. She was super awesome and let me stay at her house at fall break, and we've gotten to be super awesome friends, even though she stole my coveted spot in Acting class and isn't even enjoying it. But I get to go see her final play next weekend, and I'm sure she'll be phenomenal. In the polka dots is Lauren, my down-to-earth girl who made the wise decision of NOT declaring a major coming into college which in hindsight (though I'm happy in the English department) was a brilliant plan. Lauren is fun but practical and more dedicated than I will ever be to working out and being athletic, which I respect SO much. Tia is the Music major of the group - Music Business to be precise. She's taken on so much stuff in the music department and elsewhere this semester that I don't know how she's not going crazy, but somehow she's keeping it all together and manages to find time to go to Popcorn Parties for rush and play in the hand bell choir with me. (Skip the girl in the little black dress - that one's me.) In the lovely green dress is Mary who is hands down the nicest girl I've ever met. Sweet to the core, it's no wonder she's majoring in El Ed/Special Ed, which I respect because I could never do it. Nonetheless, she knows when and where to let loose and have fun, and our group of friends would not be the same without her.

And while I do spend most of my time hanging out with those five girls, I would be horribly remiss if I forgot to acknowledge all of these amazing ladies on my hall. There are 59 of us (including the RAs), so I'm still a bit overwhelmed and don't know half of them half as well as I would like, but they are all great great great gals. I'm particularly thankful for my roommates Tia (not to be confused with the Tia above, there are two of them) and Jordan, and my RAs Taylor and Ely (sitting in the front of this photo).

I'm also SUPER SUPER thankful that I had the chance to see the three beautiful faces in this picture for the first time in THREE MONTHS last week. I don't know who said "absence makes the heart grow fonder" (maybe everyone), but it is certainly true!! Particularly when it comes to me and lovely number three (A, you're number three because it rhymed), little sister Annika. And by little, I mean almost-seventeen-year-old, which few people in Pennsylvania seem to understand unless they know or I clarify. I think they're picturing a four-year-old, which (clearly) Annika is not. That all to say that we get along about three million times better than we did when we lived in the same house. Or at least we did when I went home. I got to spend an afternoon with each of those pictured above while I was home, and I can't wait to spend more time with them when I'm home again in a few short weeks! Well, days, really, since it's only 12 from now!

Finally, I'm really (REALLY) thankful that Christmas is almost here!! For a number of reasons...

1) That means the semester's almost over which means finals are almost over which means the classes that I'm taking that are really painful (cough, cough, 8am Civ) are almost over!

2) I get to see my family and friends again!!

3) It's my favorite holiday ever ever ever.

4) I get to brainstorm fun gifts to get / make for my family and friends which always makes the season for me.

Most important of all, though, I'm thankful that Christmas is the beginning of something much, much greater - as the haunting cross in the background of this manger scene reminds us. It's because of the grace of God and his son Jesus Christ that I even have anything in my life to be thankful for, and I never want to forget that. He has blessed me so immensely in my life, and this season is a celebration of him - not of me, or my family, or the much needed break from school. Because as cheesy as the phrase may be, Christ is the reason for the season.

May God bless you all in your Christmas holiday as richly as he has blessed me in my first semester at Grove City College.