Four years later.

Freshman Year- 4th East Emerson.
Seems just like yesterday, and yet so
long ago at the same time!

It's 2am and I am running off my second wind that kicked in about midnight. Today marked my final day of college!! I woke up around 7 and took two finals this morning, finishing around 11:30. I worked at church for a few hours, went to dinner with my family and brother's friends, went out for drinks and fondue with some girlfriends, came home exhausted, and in the last few hours I've seemed to pack up a good portion of my room. As I pack (and wait for my laundry to finish) I'm thinking about how far I have come in four years. Ups and downs. Struggles and challenges. Joys and strengths. Doors have been closed, but much better ones have been opened. Four years ago I moved to Seattle terrified because I didn't know anyone. I spent most of the year thinking, "Why did I do this?!" But was determined not to move back home. I knew, deep down, that this was where God had called me to be (even if I didn't understand it!) I have made friendships that will last me a lifetime. I have taken almost 200 credits (198 to be exact) at SPU alone. That's a lot of classes! New Testament Letters, Family Housing, Greek, Morphology, Life Cycle Nutrition, Gender in the Global Context, Curriculum & Instruction, Youth Ministry, Women in Christianity, Contemporary Mathematics, Abnormal Psychology, Child Development & Educational Ministry, Appearance & Culture, Holy Spirit, Four Gospels, Music & Worship, Cultural Anthropology....seriously, 198 credits- I could keep naming classes for a while. While some might point that out as weird bragging rights, I look at it differently. I look back and think, "Wow, I have truly earned a liberal arts degree." I have taken classes in almost every department on campus and learned about a variety of subjects. Both my majors lean towards a more holistic way of studying to start with so it has allowed me the opportunity to take these kind of classes that appealed to me.

With many classes comes many professors. Some that I loved; some that were not my favorite; some I had on repeat occasions; some I had only once. The best part is when you see a professor you had two years ago and they remember you and ask how you're doing (or return a paper you never picked up...why did you still have that UCOR 2000 paper Dr. Stiling?!) I have been tremendously blessed by the faculty at Seattle Pacific and the time they have invested in my education and personal life. I have been to numerous professors homes, because they are more than just teachers- they are mentors, friends, life-coaches, parental figures, etc. They are wonderful and I will truly miss them. [Luckily for me, I will be working across the street so I can visit them next year even though I'm technically "gone"]

The last four years have led me to where I am today: a graduate. I am forever thankful for my experiences and memories in this place of learning and will miss it dearly.