Oh its that time of year again. Finals are almost finished, and this is my chance to reminisce and become nostalgic over the happenings of the last year. It is even worse this year that graduation is approaching and my time in Bozeman is quickly drawing to an end… That is another topic I will approach at a later time, but here is my last ode to MSU.
First of all, thank you 5th year. I seriously don’t know what I would have done without this last victory lap. I like to joke and gripe about it quite a bit, but when it comes down to it, this year has been such a blessing and I definitely was not ready to leave after 4 years. For one, there are so many discoveries I have made this year, from hidden computer labs that are never full, to the unwritten napping code in leigh lounge (so bummed I just discovered that one). Maybe I am just slower than some, but I have finally figured out how to find free/cheap food every single day of the week! So here is a compiled list of a few of my take away lessons from college:
- You never have to compromise coffee addictions. There is always a happy hour special, double punch day, or some money saver going on to get your fix.
- Peanut butter and Jelly is not just for kids, it’s more of a college staple and I love it.
- There may be solution manuals for you classes, but not for life.
- Who ever told you sleep was over rated is a liar.
- Your grade in a class is not your grade on life.
- During “homework time”, you will spend 10% of your time studying, and 60% of your time stalling and 30% of the time calculating your grade if you don’t turn in the assignment at hand.
- The majority of the knowledge you take away will not be from a lecture, but rather from your mistakes, your roommates, and realizing that mom isn’t there to stand up for you.
- To hang out with anyone, expect to go to a coffee shop regardless of the time of day.
- One word. Chunch.
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Just because you can “talk the talk” in your major, doesn’t necessarily mean you know what you are talking about.
And this is not all… there are stairwells I never knew about, tools in the shop that would have been useful about 3 years ago, and real live monkeys in Cheever hall (um awesome)! I have learned how to: slack-line, play Frisbee and telemark. I have fallen in love with running, hiking and camping. I can make a delicious latte, the best quesadillas EVER, and have learned to always ask for directions (and advice).
I have learned so much about myself and about the Lord this past year as well. He has given me so much joy and so many incredible friendships that have sharpened me along the way. I am not quite ready to say my final goodbye to Bozeman but I do want to give my thanks to those men and women who have come around me and have made this 5th year and every other year previous.
To my family:Thank you for making me so independent. For encouraging me to leave home and supporting me regardless of what I decided to get myself into. You backed me up in all my random wanderings and adventures (Breckenridge, Tahoe, Peru, World Race) and never once told me that it couldn’t be done or was too much.
To my professors and classmates: Thank you for teaching me. For working along side me these past few years. For helping me pass all my classes and putting up with me even if I was the only girl J. Although I will probably never be fluent in the language of MET (primarily because it is extremely inappropriate) I love you guys a lot. You all are an incredible bunch of men with huge hearts and I can’t wait to see where you all end up.
To my roommates: Thank you for making our house, home. Thank you for pillow talks and Crockpot Mondays. For listening to me and putting up with my complaining and/or venting. For giving me words of encouragement every time I had a big test. Coming home was always the best because I got a huge greeting whenever I walked in the door… even if it had only been a few hours since you last saw me. This year would not have been the same with out you.
To my friends: Thank you for becoming my family. I have never know what community was like until I moved up here, nor have I ever been around a group of people who are all so in love with Jesus and are hungry to grow closer and closer to him. You all challenge and inspire me so much. Thank you for welcoming me in and listening to me. For letting me into your lives and for supporting me in whatever I do.
To my Barnabus’s: You know who you are. Thank you for sharpening me. For calling me out when I was wrong, and never once letting me settle. You have taught me so much about the character of the Lord because you are Christ-like. Thank you for never giving up on me and for loving me relentlessly. It is because of you that I have discovered and embraced who I am. When I stumbled, you picked me up and set me running on the right course. I love you so much.
And so, MSU, it has been a pleasure. I may not miss walking to class in the ice and snow, or the 20 emails that I receive from you daily, but this was the best college experience I could have asked for!
