with each ending...

So it seems that I started this blog at just the wrong time. With the end of my senior year wrapping up, I have had very little time for writing blog posts. Now I'm in the middle of my very short two week summer break, so I'll take the time to reflect on this transition from undergrad to big girl life.

Actually, I'm not entirely sure that I can put this transition into words. Partially because I haven't fully experienced it yet, but mostly because when people express emotions about events like graduation then other people listen and take these emotions to be the way that it will be for them. So, let me start by saying that not all recent graduates are experiencing the same thing, so this is the way I see it, please take it with a grain of salt (and a tequila shot if you must).

Big girl life, how do I feel about it? I'm sad. I know that I am going to miss the people who have shaped me over the past four years, yea, I'm going to miss them a lot. How-so-ever, I cannot help but think of how selfish i seem sometimes being so sad about this transition, I feel selfish because this transition is actually such a cool thing. I think about all of the wonderful things that each of my friends are doing next year/this summer.

The people I have met over the past four years are going on to study things that they are passionate about in grad school/med school/law school, they are going to give of themselves in beautiful volunteer programs where most of them get to live in community and share the faith that grounds them, yet others are off to put their beautiful personalities and presence into action in the work force as teachers, advocates, and so many other professions, I have friends leading camps, teaching others what it means to pray, who God is, and how to live a life for God's greatest glory. I have friends all over the country, sharing the wonderful personalities I have been blessed to know. I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU. I actually couldn't be more proud. I can confidently say that this group of people have taught me what it means to follow my own heart, my own desire and drive to follow God and to do God's will. So, thank you, thank you to each and every recent graduate, past graduate, and future graduate of SLU, thank you for teaching me what it means to choose a life of passion.

As for me? well tonight will be my last night in the residence hall that I have called home for the past 4 years, the place where I have grown into a woman that I am proud of. Yea, I'm so ready to move out. I'm ready to move on to make a different mark in this city, in this world, but not without a few tears and and not without transition that is most likely a little rough.

I'm typing this up as I'm listening to Carrie Underwood's "Ever Ever After." Pretty cheesy, but she proclaims "Each ending is a great new beginning." How beautifully cheesy and true. So, here's to this new beginning. That we may all have the grace and knowledge to overcome the inevitatable obstacles, to hold tight to those we've left and share ourselves with so many new wonderful souls. Here's to the class of 2010, my heart (steadily :) pounds with pride for you.

Praying for each of you Sons and Daughters of Saint Louis University forever.

May

I probably should have been born in May, although, if I were also celebrating a birthday in May, I may just have too much to celebrate. Here's why:

May = National Speech and Hearing Month and National Runner’s month

Not that I practice either of those things on a professional level… yet.

However, to share a little more of my perspective on the world: I love studying speech and language and I love to run.

I will dedicate this post to May and to the reasons why I feel so drawn to running and to speech-language pathology.

Speech-Language Pathology

I study speech and language because communication is SO interesting! Think about how different your world would be if you could not convey your beautiful thoughts or ask your interesting questions. We begin communicating at such an early age, it's quite remarkable- I could really talk about this for ever. (Good thing I get a life time to practice it!)

My interest in speech and language increases with every class that take. Learning how to be an active helper in people's lives to help them to be able to convey their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a communicative way lights something inside me, sets a spark, makes me feel...alive.

So, Happy Better Speech and Language Month! I hope share more about my opinions and experience in this field in the future, get ready...

to learn more about topics of speech and hearing: www.asha.org

Running

Some people get it- some people understand why someone would want to be up at 6:30 to make it into the park before having to get ready for class. Others just think we are out of our minds. What do I think? I think that running is, well, running can be a truly beautiful, often times painful gift.

Running teaches me about myself (my physical self, my emotions, how food affects me), about the city I live in, and about being human.

The grace I receive from running is the grace to understand my human body, its limitations, and the power of my body to overcome its obstacles- no matter if its a leg cramp or a heart that doesn't quite beat to a convenient rhythm.

It doesn't have to be a competitive thing, it doesn't have to be for speed or distance- it just has to be for you. So, for me- it is for learning and for experiencing life and my humaness more fully.

Want to go for a run?

Additionally, May is the Month of Mary- I really don't have time to go into my relationship with Mary...but that's another great thing about this month.

Here's to celebrating everday of May!

welcome to my perspective

my blog. A look into my ever moving mind. After much reflection during 4 years of this Jesuit education, I have come to know that my thoughts, as yours, are a unique and beautiful gift. They may be scattered, grammatically incorrect, strange, or misunderstood, but they are a gift worth sharing. So...here goes.