The Graduate?

Well, I have to say it. Graduation day is almost here.

For the past 10 semesters (3.5 years), I have been a super-involved college student. I must admit that when I first came to Kennesaw State University, graduation was the last thing on my mind. It's amazing how you can change in just a few, short years.

I have a lot to thank KSU for. I met the love of my life here, have made lifelong friends here, and will never forget the lessons I have learned - some more painful than others. Does that sound too cookie-cutter? Lighten up. This is my one time in life that I can say all of that. I will never forget my  time as a "fighting owl." It's been one of the best and most difficult times in my young life. However, when I place the tassel on the opposite side of my cap, there will be more symbolized than one may realize. 

While graduation is one milestone in my life, and in the life of my love, I believe that it is an equally important milestone to those who have been irreplaceable in the process. My family is one of character, integrity, and love. Had I not had the constant support and encouragement from my family that I have so graciously had these past few years, there is no doubt in my mind that this day wouldn't have existed. 

They say that college flies by so fast, that you're lucky if you can even slow down to enjoy it. I sped my experience up - on purpose. When you know something is right, you just channel everything you have into making whatever that "something" is a reality. My something has been being in step with Jon. He has stuck out a long, hard road in the realm of higher education. He has been the driving force behind my desire to finish. I know that our achievements have been given to us - just as much as we have been there to do our part. 

I don't blog often. Mostly because, contrary to popular belief, I am quite private about things. I communicate in different ways I suppose. It seemed appropriate, however, to document the eve of my "Grande Finale" in education. I hope that one day I'll be able to think back to this moment and say, man - those really were the days. Right now, it all seems so unclear and almost fuzzy. Meaning, I don't know for sure where God will lead Jon and I. I pray that He will give us His unique purpose for our marriage, and that we will rise to the challenge.

My favorite movie of all time is "Rocky." I don't tell too many people that either - they always think that I would like something stupid like "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion." Don't get me wrong, I like stuff like that sometimes - but Rocky delivers a message. The underdog thing is always a tear-jerker, I guess. But that's not what gets me. I have been captivated by that story since the first time I saw it because of Rocky's never-failing love for Adrian. He would do anything it took to make her feel special and happy. I must say that Sylvester Stallone's got nothing on MY Rocky. He's young and handsome, and I'm graduating with him tomorrow. 

Oh Maymester, How I Loathe Thee... Until This Year!

Well, it's been that time of year again. It's been time to cram an entire semester's worth of work into just 10 days of 4.5 hour long classes. My previous "Maymester" experience was quite possibly the worst academic college experience of my entire college career. This year? Things have changed.

I am one morning away from completing Organizational Publications, a communication course at KSU. It should be called some funky graphic design name, but it's not. It could even be called Corporate Communication, but for what ever reason, it's not. (Basically, the title is just a little vague about the actual content of the class.) 

However, even with a strange title, one thing is not so vague to me - and that is my sudden awakening for the love of design.

As a kid, I was one those loud, outspoken, but shut up when it's time to watch Dad kind of kids. Let me explain... 

My dad is probably the most creative person I have ever known. He is beyond talented, and God has blessed him with His own heart for creativity. I truly believe that some people were put on this planet to give a glimpse of what God's imagination and artistic hand can impress upon people. Trust me, you'd have to check out my dad's work.

Growing up, I have been exposed to some really cool design "stuff." My basement has never been anything less than, well, a design studio. I grew up talking about things like drawing boards, oil pastels, Pantone Matching System, stock photography, and other things like that. All of these terms have just sort of been absorbed by my brain, and until last Monday, I hadn't really given it a second thought - nor had I truly appreciated my exposure to some of the most fun ways to spend time. 

Our class has been working on a series of several projects in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, etc. I have been given a crash course on the "skeletal systems" for these programs. Class ends tomorrow, but I want to learn more. 

I say I've had an "awakening," because I've always loved the smell of ink, paper, and glue. Let's be real - there's a lot of other fancy names, but that's what it is. So, what does that mean for me? Who knows. All I can say is, I've had a wonderfully challenging past nine days; so bring on number 10.

On with the blogs!

For a while now, I've been considering starting up a blog. I don't know how or where to begin explaining who I am or what I'm about any better than this: I am forgiven and loved by the Savior of the World. 

I'm so excited about being in this stage of my life. Not only am I graduating from college in a few months, but I am also enjoying a wonderful relationship with an inspiring man named Jon. He is one of the most reliable and open people I have ever met - and I love him dearly. My family is my rock, they are by far the coolest of the cool! The best part about being in my family is simply that we are connected. I think most families these days don't care about being connected in the right way - at all. There are many things I'm passionate about in life, and the concept of a true family is at the top of my list. 

As a 22-year-old college student, I wear many hats. I'm a resident assistant (or slave) to my university, a barista ("coffee artist"), girlfriend, sister, daughter, and of course, I'm a "talker" - but that one's pretty much all the time. "Prettyloud" came to me because that's how most people describe me, and they pretty much have my entire life. It's a blessing and a curse, really. Growing up in my family of seven made being loud a nice advantage - at least when it came to which movie we were going to watch. However, I have pulled many a foot out of my mouth begrudgingly over the years. 

Recently, God has been smacking me in the face with truth about contentment. There are so many "stages" of life that seem so much more appealing than my current situation at times. It's always something more. But what if it weren't? What if this day, this moment, were more than enough for me? I'm going to simmer on that one for a while.