Month: July 2015
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