Author: a_s371@txstate.edu
An Open Letter To My College Friends
Before I went off to college, my dad constantly reminded me that during college I would meet my lifelong friends. To be honest, I never really took that statement much into consideration until it actually happened.
Dear College Friends,
I can’t believe I went almost 20 years without knowing you. Now that you’re a part of my life, I can’t imagine my life without you. I hope you know that I am beyond blessed to have each of you in my life. I know I can sometimes forget to say thank you for the small things, so here I go.
Thank you for not judging me when I get emotional and call you crying or on the verge of crying.
For starters, I usually don’t open up to just anyone, so you should feel privileged that I feel comfortable enough with you to share my feelings. I am actually surprised that I have allowed myself to become vulnerable with others, but I think that’s what has made our friendship stronger.
Thank you for the countless random adventures we have.
Late night trips to Walmart, countless Torchy’s Taco dates, random movie nights, pool nights, the list goes on and on.
Thank you for accepting me for who I am.
I can be pretty sassy and sarcastic at times. Some people refer to me as the “Queen of Eye Rolling” and even have the eyeball emojis next to my name in their phone. Instead of trying to change that about me, you allow me to be myself, and I am so grateful for that.
Thank you for not judging me, my music taste, or lack thereof.
I basically listen to Taylor Swift 99.9 percent of the time. You could have easily classified me as “the crazy Taylor Swift fan.” Who knows, maybe you did, but regardless, you support my love for T-Swift.
Thank you for brightening up my day when I need it and reminding me that things will get better.
A simple text from you after a bad day can easily make my day better. You always seem to be there when I need you the most, whether it’s a text, a phone call or hanging out. I know each of you has a busy life and schedule, but you always make time for me, no matter what you’re doing.
With all of that being said, I could go on for days of the small things I forget to thank you for. I just hope you know that I love you dearly and cherish your friendship more than you know.
How I Became A Carrie Underwood Fan
I’m not going to lie, I used to not be a fan of Carrie Underwood. When “Jesus Take The Wheel” came out, I would change the radio station every time it came on.
I transferred high schools my junior year and met a girl who ended up becoming one of my best friends, and she was Carrie’s biggest fan. We used to “argue” about who was better: Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift. She would always side with Carrie, and I would always side with Taylor.
A few years later, when I was in college, Carrie released a song called “Something in the Water.” It wasn’t until she released this song that I openly admitted that I was a fan. There was something about that song that spoke to me. This isn’t Carrie’s first song with a Christian message (she released “Jesus Take the Wheel” in 2005), but “Something in the Water” had a different effect on me.
In the song, one of the lyrics says “Trust in someone bigger than me ever since the day that I believed. I am changed and now I’m stronger.” I think this is one of the most powerful lyrics of the whole song. The “someone bigger” is clearly a reference to God. The whole song is about baptism and how God is forgiving. I give mad props to Carrie for releasing this song because a lot of secular artists don’t openly talk about, much less, sing about their faith. “Something in the Water” was released around the same time I started going back to church, so I feel a connection to it.
Without all of the so-called “arguments” my friend and I had back in high school, I might not have had a love-hate relationship with Carrie that eventually turned into me being a fan of hers.
A Love Letter To New York City
Dear New York City,
I love you.
I consider you to be one of the greatest cities on earth. I met you for the first time in 2009. Since then, I think about you constantly. Our relationship continued when I saw you again in 2012 and 2013.
You have been nothing but good to me and always show me a great time. One of my favorite memories was spending my 18th birthday with you. The whole day was like a fairytale. My mom and I started our day at 4 a.m. at the “Today Show” where we saw Justin Bieber perform. After taking some time to rest, we had tea at The Plaza, and I felt like Eloise, except I didn’t cause a commotion like she does.
There’s something about you I just can’t get over. Your whole atmosphere is amazing. I am very fond of your bright lights and your fast-paced lifestyle. Since I am from a small town, I never really experienced the big city life until I met you. You always have something going on, so visitors are guaranteed to be entertained. I have tasted some of the best dishes while with you.
Each time we reunite, I feel so much joy. There is something so enchanting about you, and I just can’t get over it. I feel like Taylor Swift’s song “Welcome to New York” was written for me because the lyrics go “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you.” I know New York City will always be there, waiting for me, and my hope is that I one day get to spend time there, a whole lot of time there.
Hope to see you soon, New York!
xoxoxo
Six Bible Verses To Get You Through Stressful Times
I know I can get caught up in the heavy workload of life sometimes, which eventually leads to being stressed out. I’m sure many of you can relate, and if not, I’m sure you know someone who can.
Over the last few months, I’ve come to discover that the best remedy for when I get stressed are a few Bible verses and a lot of prayer.
Here are some of my favorites right now.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not turn away, for I am your God.
Luke 1:37
For nothing is impossible with God.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Peter 1:6
Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
Mark 5:36
Do not be afraid; just have faith.
An Open Letter To Texas State University
Dear Texas State University,
I absolutely love you. I remember the first time I stepped foot on your campus. I was in seventh grade. My mom and I were on a summer road trip and decided to stop in San Marcos on our way home to check out the campus. At the time, I was still so young I had no idea what I wanted to study in college. I didn’t even decide a major until about a month before my freshman year.
The first time I was on campus, I knew this is where I wanted to go to college. There was something about the atmosphere here that made me feel at home.
When it came time to apply to colleges, you were the only college I applied to because I knew that’s where I wanted to be. As my time with you grows to an end, I am soaking up every minute I can. I will be starting my last semester of college this fall. My time here has been way better than I could have ever imagined. In my opinion, Texas State is underrated. There are so many amazing things about Texas State that make it such a unique school.
How many colleges have a river running in the middle of campus?
How many colleges can say that George Strait, a country music legend, graduated from their school? (Spoiler alert: only one.)
I’m going to miss the walks uphill to Old Main, seeing prospective students on tours, the professors who are so passionate about their fields of study and even the Alkek stairs (I know, that’s probably hard to believe).
I look forward to the opportunities I will get to return to this beautiful campus after I graduate, if only to reminisce on my time spent here, as well as see how much it has grown.
Sincerely,
A Proud Bobcat
The Retreat That Changed My Life
Three times a year, Texas State students who attend Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish put on a retreat, Bobcat Awakening (BA for short), for other students. I was lucky enough to attend BA #43 in the spring of 2015.
I went into the weekend not knowing much about what to expect. I have a couple of friends who attended previous BAs, but I never really talked to them about what actually happened while they were on it.
It had been a while since I had been on a retreat, so I was a little nervous about going. After almost backing out last minute, I decided that attending BA #43 would be in my best interest, considering I had already turned down the opportunity to attend a previous BA and let me tell you, I am so thankful that I decided to go.
There are many things that make BA unique, but there are three things in particular that stand out to me the most.
1. The People
For starters, through the retreat I met a lot of amazing people, many of whom have become some of my best friends. Not only that, but I am now involved in the BA community, and now have the opportunity to staff future BA retreats to give back. All of the staff members I encountered on my BA were so welcoming and you could tell they really cared about the retreat goers.
2. The Activities
I don’t want to give too much away in case you decide you want to attend BA, but the various activities planned throughout the weekend were great. Each one was set up in a way that allowed you to get to know the other retreat goers, as well as learn things about yourself. I walked away from that weekend with a better sense of who I am and the direction I want to go with my life.
3. The Faith
Although the retreat is put on by students from the Catholic Student Center, the retreat is not just for Catholic students – it is open to any student. When I attended BA, I wasn’t super strong in my faith. While on the retreat, I developed a passion to learn more and pursue my faith. Since the retreat is run by college students for college students, it was really helpful to see the staffers, who dedicated their time to plan and prepare for the retreat, act as mentors, and encourage the retreat goers along the way.
Looking back at where I was in my faith before the retreat, and where I am now, I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to attend. I learned so much about myself and what it means to be Catholic, and for that I am forever grateful.
Five Things I Am Looking Forward To On The “1989” World Tour
If you didn’t already know, I am an avid Taylor Swift fan. I have been lucky enough to see her a couple of times in concert, but I think it’s safe to say I am most excited about her most recent tour, The 1989 World Tour.
First let me address the non-Swiftie population who might think seeing Miss Swift multiple times in concert is dumb. Every time I’ve seen Ms. Swift perform, I am mind-blown. She doesn’t just stand on stage and strum a guitar while singing. She puts on a theatrical production. If I had to take a guess, she changes outfits at least every other song. No tour is ever the same in regards to her performance.
Now that that is settled, here are the top five things I am looking forward to the most on The 1989 World Tour.
1. The Costumes
On Miss. Swift’s tours, she has some of the most extravagant costumes I have ever seen. Like I said earlier, she changes multiple times during the concert. Let’s take a second to appreciate her outfit from The Red Tour when she performed “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which has been one of my favorite costumes.
2. Special Guests
Occasionally while on tour, Ms. Swift brings special guests to perform with her. When I saw her in Houston on the Speak Now World Tour, Nelly made an appearance and the two sang “Just A Dream” together.
3. Hearing Her Live
While some people disagree with my next statement, I believe Ms. Swift sounds incredible live. When she is performing live, you can really see and feel the emotion behind the song. I think it is super cool because she writes all of her own songs and when she performs them, you can feel the emotion behind the song.
4. The Fans
I’m not going to lie, Ms. Swift has some crazy fans, myself included. They go all out in costumes with lights and signs trying to get noticed by Taylor, her mom, or one of her staff members, which leads me to the last thing I am looking forward to. (I convinced my mom to dress up with me for The Red Tour.)
5. Loft 89
You might be thinking, “What the heck is Loft 89?” Well, let me tell you. Every tour Taylor Swift has done, she has had an “after party” after the show, for which fans that are selected. It started with the” T-Party” on TheSpeak Now Tour and “Club Red” on The Red Tour. Basically, lucky fans are selected during the concert and get to go backstage after the show and hang out with Taylor. HOW COOL IS THAT?! I personally have not been chosen for one of these yet, but here’s to hoping that I get my turn on The 1989 World Tour.
See you on tour, Taylor!
Five Things I Learned My Junior Year
Going into my junior year of college, I didn’t expect it to be as life changing as it was. This spring semester I learned a lot more than just what my professors were teaching me in class. During those months, I learned a lot about myself and the direction I want to go in life. Before I start, I want to thank the people I have met during college who have challenged me along the way and helped me develop into the person I am today.
1. It doesn’t matter how long you have been friends with someone to consider them your “best friend.”
You could know someone for 10 years, but when things get tough and you need a shoulder to cry on, they might not be there for you. It’s all about who’s there for you and who isn’t. The friendships you make in college might be some of the strongest friendships you have – I know mine are.
2. Don’t worry about what others think of your plans in life.
Recently a lot of people have been asking me about my plans for after graduation and if I have any interviews lined up. It can be stressful when people are constantly waiting for your next move in life. At the end of the day, do what you want to do because that is what will make you truly happy.
3. Don’t waste time on the things that don’t make you happy.
I can’t stress this enough. This applies to any situation in life. Life is short so we shouldn’t spend it doing something just because everyone else is doing it, or because you’re afraid of what others might think of you.
4. Working hard really does pay off.
One class I took this semester challenged me more than any class I have ever taken. I never missed, studied at least a week in advance and participated in any extra credit opportunities that were given. This was one of the only classes I’ve actually done all of the assigned reading for (sorry Mom). In the end, I managed to make the grade I needed on the final. I realized that all of my hard work throughout the semester really paid off.
5. Goodbyes aren’t forever.
I have had multiple close friends graduate, either this past December or this May. They are all going off into different directions in life. Some are getting full-time jobs, some are going to graduate school and others are becoming missionaries – which I think is awesome! Regardless of where they go in life, I know the “goodbyes” we shared won’t be forever.
Why I’m Thankful for High School Yearbook
Even though I graduated high school three years ago, there are things I learned in my yearbook class that have helped me to this day.
When I was 10th grade, I joined my school’s yearbook organization. At the time I went to a small private school that had about 300 students from pre-k to 12th grade. I transferred schools for my junior year. My mom convinced me to join yearbook at my new school since I had already been involved with it. My new school had about 2,400 students in ninth to 12th grade, so it was a big change.
At first I was a little apprehensive about joining an organization at a new school, right away, but looking back I’m thankful I did. For starters, the yearbook advisor we had was one of the coolest teachers I’ve ever had in my entire life. She was more than just our yearbook advisor — she was like a second mom to a lot of us.
During my time in yearbook, I learned a lot of lessons that have prepared me for life and my future career, like working on a deadline and my passion for journalism. For those of you who weren’t in yearbook, it can be a stressful, but very rewarding, class. At the beginning of the school year, we were assigned pages we were responsible for. We were required to get all of the content for the page, including pictures, captions, stories and sometimes coming up with a theme. Once we began working on our pages, we had a certain amount of time before we had to submit them to be edited and, eventually, printed.
One of the biggest things I learned during my time in yearbook was my passion for working in the field of journalism. My yearbook advisor suggested public relations as a degree choice for me multiple times, but I never really took it into consideration. Here I am, three years later, about to graduate with a degree in public relations.
By the end of my two years in yearbook, we had become more than just a class. We were like a family. I am forever grateful for the things I learned during my time in yearbook.
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