Ever Changing

This past year and a half has brought so many changes in my life, and it wasn't until recently that I really realized the full extent of it all. It seems as though, in each phase of life, we are thrust into a new world with wide eyes and an unparalleled sense of curiosity. College has been an adventure to say the least.

Coming to the U last fall I could not have been happier. The prospect of saying goodbye to all my best friends was unbearable but they were all leaving so I decided it was time for all of us to move on to the next phase. The first month at school was a whirlwind with highs and lows. I thought I loved everything about school until I joined AOII, when I realized that my life was about to take a 180 I didn't even know was possible. I went for being happy in my little dorm room at Bailey Hall to elated in the stairwell quad of our little 5Th St house.

As I moved through my freshman year, I experienced so many things I would have never expected. I was challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. Emphasis on the latter. I never realized that effect that really loving someone can have on our lives. Last year, I knew who I was. I knew what my future looked like and I couldn't have been happier. But before you know it everything changes. Needless to say, I am in a much different frame of mind this year.

I have learned so much about myself. Many of the ideas I had about who I was have remained the same, but quite a few have changed. I no longer have any idea where my future will take me, and for once I am perfectly fine with that. It's a sense of freedom I've never truly allowed myself to feel. For those of you know know me, you know that I am a bit of a control freak and need things done my way. I have learned that my way is definitely not always the best or right way. I live with two very different girls from me and I love everything about them. They brighten my day simply by being themselves and doing things the way they want them done.

More than anything I have learned to love the people around me to the fullest extent. I can't express the level of appreciation and love I feel for all of my friends and family. I think that falling in love last year opened my heart in so many ways I never knew possible. My mother used to worry that I would never be a compassionate person. If you asked her now, that would not be anywhere near her list of worries. Now, I want to be a prenatal and family dietitian, i'm working at the pediatrician's again this winter and starting my new job at Kindercare next semester. A far cry from the girl who couldn't stand children until she was a senior in high school.

What makes me truly happy in this life are the connections I have made with people and my ability to show them how much they mean to me. My mom once told me that people were put on earth for one reason and one reason only: To make connections with other human beings and show them the love from within. I agree with this statement with all of my heart. I think it is so easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like the world is coming down around us. The old end of the world theory as my dad's always told me. If we take a second to think, it's easy to see that no matter what happens everything will be alright as long as we open ourselves up to the possibility of love.

I don't know what happens to change people but it's important to realize that while people come in and out of our lives,no matter what they all deserve the same love and respect you show those you claim most dear. Every person has a special gift and something wonderful to offer. I know that some of this may sound sappy but it has been occupying my mind for the past couple of months. I am so blessed to have so many people in my life that I would do anything for.

My friends from high school remain my soul mates to this day. Whenever I hear people around me talking about how they just don't feel the same way about their high school friends as they once did I am reminded how amazing it is that I still have that support group to lean on who knows they can lean on me for anything.

My college friends have been the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Allowing me to be who I am and become who I'm supposed to be without the preconceptions of those I grew up with. I have found myself here at college and am continuing to define what really matters to me.

That brings me to my family. In this category I feel I have changed the most over the past year and a half. Being in college has opened my eyes to the miracle that I have in my family. They are always supportive, always looking on the bright side and always there to love me. I have two amazing parents, the best sisters a girl could ask for and three fabulous grandparents. It hurts me to say that for the past 20 years I've taken them all for granted. Things change and although I wish it hadn't taken me this long, I have realized their importance now. The sacrifices that have been made for mine and my sister's sakes are unimaginable. I hope that I am able to show my family this holiday season how much they mean to be. Because as someone who was once the closest person to my heart told me, "If someone can't tell how you're feeling, the emotions are wasted so why not do everything you can to express yourself?" Very wise.

Time is limited in this world, a fact which has become abundantly clear to me this past month since we found out my grandpa is sick. So now, more than ever, I want to show everyone how much I care.

Today I am thankful that I am done with four out of six finals and although I feel like I don't have the energy to push through to the end I know that I will because it's what I do. I can't wait to be home with my family baking cookies and watching holiday movies. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

All my love forever,

Kate