observations from 32,000 ft.

I can see the moon hovering in the distance, while the morning's rays engulf the world below me. People moving about with their hectic, repetitive lives- work, work, play, work, then more work again. I should probably still be asleep right now. I like flying though; being free of your duties for a little while, and although I'm confined to this tiny space, it's still relaxing to be able to look out of the window and take in the world with a different perspective.

The lady sitting across from me is from South Africa. She's currently been flying for 16 hours and is now tackling her last 4 to end her journey in Orange County, California. She's quaint and speaks with a gentle tongue. She reminds me of someone I know, yet I can't think of exactly who. Her husband died this past July, and she is going to stay with her son and his family for the holidays. She seems interesting, and a part of me wants to know more about her story. After all, everyone has a story. I wonder if she has always lived in South Africa, or what she does for a living? I even wonder if this is the first time traveling without her husband? She eventually lays down in her seat, trying to get some rest. From the expression on her face, it would probably do her well.

The man in front of her is reading some newspaper with Cam Newton on the cover. He keeps shooting glances at me...it probably has something to do with my Auburn bag that's sitting next to me. However, I'm assuming since I haven't received a hearty "War Eagle!" that he isn't a member of the Auburn family, but nonetheless I give him a smile. I do this partly out of pure kindness and partly out of knowing that my team probably stomped his at some point in the season. Oh, Auburn...I do love thee. WDE!

Two hours have passed, no sleep accomplished, but I have listened to the entire John Mayer- Battle Studies album and caught up on some much needed writing. I guess you could say the thing I love most about flying is the time it gives you for reflection; it demands you to conjure up something to keep yourself occupied, yet I fall short of being successful almost every time, unless you count this entry as being successful.

The flight attendant has asked me four times now if I would like something to drink. Please note that my Sprite is still fizzing from when she first handed it to me. She's a kind, blonde lady and it makes me laugh, so I guess I don't mind.

We're almost to Cali, flying over deserted land with the rivets of a river cut into the earth so precisely that it doesn't seem real. As many plane rides as I've taken, it still blows my mind at how beautiful (this word doesn't serve it justice) the world is and how great God is for creating it all. I still sit in awe at each, new glimpse I'm offered.

the world is MY playground

Every now and then, I think about how grand it will be to travel the world.

Conveniently, images of Asia, Europe, small towns, exotic paradises, magical deserts, and foreign lights lay across glossy pages for the avid dreamer to soak up, yet only a few people get to experience them. Fortunately, I've been blessed to be able to indulge in some of these already. Some may call me crazy, but there's something absolutely endearing when you visit somewhere foreign, whether it be across the world, or across the country; being dropped into a sea of culture and the unfamiliar- it'll change your life, I swear by it.

When I was a Junior in high school, I received my first stamp in my passport, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days: Paris, France. When you see the Eiffel Tower beaming at you from the pages of National Geographic, you think you've experienced beauty, but it doesn't even come close to serving its reality justice. When I stood under one of the most beautiful fortresses known to man, I felt a sense of awe, peace, appreciation, life, intimidation, wonder, strength, and love. From that point on, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life engaging in moments like these.

Since then, I've also ventured to England, Italy, The Bahamas, and various cities across America. Each has offered something that I won't find anywhere else in the world; something that I don't want to find anywhere else in the world. Admitting what a dork I am, I am a subscriber to National Geographic. When I flip through their pages, I can't contain my excitement for what the world has to offer. If I so allow it, the world can be my playground.

Although I'm not venturing out of the country anytime soon, in the near future I am going to visit family in California, as well as take my first, real ROAD TRIP with some of my sorority sisters. I am so ecstatic that I can't even talk about it without beaming with happiness! Although I've used the means of a plane for a million adventures for 11 and 12 hours at a time, I've never been in the car for more than 5. However, this will soon change. At the end of this semester, I'm getting the opportunity to sit back and relax with great company, jam to good music, and see America from the way it was meant to be seen: from a 2010 Honda CRV named Chad :)

Along with my gal pals, Julia and Elizabeth, we are starting from Auburn, Alabama and driving to Newnan, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Williamsburg, Virginia, and ending in Bel Air, Maryland (while there, making a day trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania). You may say, "who cares, everyone's heard of these places and some have been to all of them," BUT actually making the journey from Point A to Point B with the intention of experiencing the sights, the smells, the culture; it's a little different. Each mile that we put behind us opens up a door way to something fresh and impacting that lies ahead. What I'm most excited for is the chance to stop at ridiculous signs, hole in the walls, natural landmarks, and the most exciting: "America's largest/smallest/oldest... (fill in the blank)."

SO...here's to my infatuation with traveling and the desire to experience life, whatever it may offer. Being kept up in a little town is not an option. There are too many opportunities just waiting for me to grasp. As Natalie Kocsis cleverly puts it, "The world is a playground, and life is pushing my swing."

exiting writer's block

Life, recently:

1. I've become a firm believer in Karma, even when she's a sassy, little bitch.
2. I've come to respect and cherish the friendships that I take for granted.
3. A regret for not pursuing my French minor has cultivated.
4. Cam Newton is boss, as is the entire Auburn football team. War Eagle!
5. Journalism doesn't seem as exciting as it did two years ago.
6. I have an obsession with the outdoors.
7. A Mocha Frap with extra whip is the key to my heart, seriously.
8. An urge to serve others selflessly has instilled itself within me.
9. Completely outspoken and honest, yet always tactful.
10. Writer's block is finally broken.
11. "Always do what you're afraid to do." -Emerson
12. I have a genuine interest in philosophy.
13. Being a free spirit is the only way to live.
14. I want to learn to play guitar, but the actual motivation is lacking.
15. Looking for a frat daddy. Kidding.
16. I made my first, real meal: success! (love for cooking has still yet to form)
17. I've taken note on where my roots are firmly planted.
18. Change is for the bravehearted. Change is good. I'm conducting the change train.
19. There's a blissful reward in appreciating the quiet/serene moments of the day.
20. I've realized everything doesn't always happen for a specific reason. Sometimes it just happens.

taking flight

August, where have you gone!?

I have officially been sucked into the lifestyle of The Plains, but I couldn't be happier! August has rushed by me and we are about to enter September going full speed ahead. Whoever dubbed Sophomore year as the slump year, was highly mistaken though. I am high on energy from everything going on in my life right now. Between school, sorority, family, and just being an Auburnite, there's no way I can even manage to come close to a slump, so give me the mountain tops because that's where I'm headed!

With only a few weeks of Sophomore year under my belt, I feel complete bliss and an amazing wave of positivity for the future. Maybe it's cliche for me to say this, but I can feel it in me that this year will be everything I've ever hoped for and more. So many opportunities have knocked at my door, and I have gladly accepted them. Being in college is a time to explore every orface of possibility, so I willingly accept this challenge to do so. Benjamin Franklin once said, "The greatest question in life is what good will I do with it," so here I go, spreading my wings and taking flight, beginning my journey of figuring it all out!

we all want to be living proof, too.

Sometimes I like to take a few hours out of my day to simply think. Lay paralyzed, listening to music of some sort and just allow my mind to have a little recess. Today as I laid on my bed, listening to the invigorating voices of Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk's "Paperweight," I began to reflect on the idea of soulmates. It's so cliche, yet very original.

When I was little, I could have sworn on Santa's life that every person had a soulmate, but now I just believe it because it just feels right to believe it. The idea that every person has someone that completes them- now that's beauty in its purest form. Some may disagree with me, but why not believe in something so profound? I have an aunt and uncle who are soulmates; they're living proof that they exist. I also know other couples who are living proof that even if they do exist, most will never exist together. It happens all the time: too early, too late, and sometimes and most frequently, never at all.

But then again, maybe soulmates also come in different forms. They come in lovers, best friends, sisters, brothers, colleagues. A wise Aristotle once said,"Friendship is one soul dwelling in two bodies," and I think he was correct. The one person that completely understands you for you. The one person that does something a little extra for your life. I believe, that, within itself is enough to convince anyone.

A few weeks ago, the news showcased a couple that had been married for several years, not knowing each other prior to meeting in their early, adult years. One day the man came across a photo that was taken of him at a theme park when he was about 5 years old. In the background, walking with her mother, he noticed a familiar face. That familiar face was now his wife. Never had they imagined that earlier in their lives, they had crossed paths. It's funny to think that walking down the street, you pass thousands of strangers, but you could be passing your soulmate, your potential spouse. Fate works in interesting ways: the story of the photograph proves it, as well as gives us romantics hope that one day we can be a living proof, too.

evolved

The seasons change.
The days change.
The nights change.
People also change.

Normally I'm an advocate of change, for it signifies new beginnings and growth in one's life, but sometimes change is one's worst enemy. Today I had lunch with my two best friends: note the "best" part. It was like any other typical day, but as we all three sat around the table, struggling for conversation, we were each at a loss of words, at a loss of interest, seeming as though we had a loss of friendship. After being apart for a year, significant change had occurred in each of us, forcing the unthinkable question of whether or not change had made such an impact that we no longer were compatible. How could one year change us so much that we no longer could muster up interesting conversation over something as measly as a lunch time sandwich? For 4 years we have had numerous ones: conversations and lunches, but today we were strangers... just three, insignificant people eating together.

Maybe my mind overanalyzed what had happened, but my gut tells me I didn't. As I drove back to work, I couldn't help but allow tears to stain my cheeks. And what's more is that I didn't freely choose change, this time.

Thanks, Lady G.

I never thought I would say this, but Lady GaGa has inspired me. Don't get me wrong, she has incredible talent that no doubt captivates millions, but I feel as though Lady GaGa and I are on different ends of the spectrum, so to speak. However, today as I clicked my way through one of my many daily Facebook breaks, I ran across this quote from her:

“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.”

I would just like to say that I love this quote. Seriously, dive a little under the surface and you can see what beauty there is in it. When I read this, I immediately thought of how people are constantly telling me to find something passionate to do with my life, and I thank God that he has blessed me with that insight already. I don't feel that GaGa is trying to say that if you want to accomplish your dreams, you aren't allowed to fall in love and be happy, but I think she used that extreme to make a point: at the end of the day, your passions will never give up on you, or abandon you; they will stick with you when everything else fails. Of course I want to have a great love story and marry the man of my dreams- you know, all that cliche stuff that Disney filled our heads with, but I'm also extremely career driven, which some would think conflicts with Disney's happy ever after. The key is learning to balance the two, so that when you wake up in the morning, not only do you have someone who loves you, but a career in which you love when the afternoon presents itself.

Just recently I purchased a wooden block for my apartment that was inscribed: "Obey thy heart," quoted from the beloved Emerson. This, I feel, encompasses every word Gaga said in her quote. These days settling is a common trend that so many people frequently bandwagon, and it's honestly sad. No matter what you venture into in life, you should always remember to follow your heart, for it is pure and truthful and will never set you astray, nor disappointed.

living in the summer warmth

I feel like I haven't blogged in so long, that I forget how to even begin an entry. However, I guess there's no real format, so I can begin anyway I want.

It is so true that as you get older, the time flys by so much faster then when you were younger. I've already been out of school for about three weeks now, when it feels like just yesterday I was finishing up with final exams. The past few weeks have been entirely too enjoyable, catching up on sleep and doing whatever I please. I kind of forgot what it felt like to be able to do whatever you wanted, without anything to worry about. I guess you could say I'm a big advocate of the easy life.

However, the easy life is only restricted to the weekends now for me, because as of the beginning of last week, I am a full-time, working woman! Yay, for money and waking up earlier than the roosters. Well, I don't actually have to get up at the crack of dawn, but it sure does feel like that. I'm not complaining though, because I absolutely love working- being part of the real world will be fun for the summer :)

Other than working and the occasional hanging out with a few friends, life right now has been slow and relaxing. The only problem is that I have had writer's block a lot recently. I haven't had anything to write about, nor even the desire to do so. This makes me sad, but I guess even the greats needed a little time away. It's funny though how things work, because although I haven't been able to write, I've had time to catch up on some lovely reading that I've been wanting to do for the past six months, but failed to ever accomplish. I guess when life doesn't hand you one thing, it gives you something else to captivate your attention.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. I feel like a different person writing this, because I usually go into an entry with a philosophical thinking behind whatever I'm going to write. Hopefully soon I'll get back into the swing of things, and if not, I'll just accept change and go with it.

change is for the bravehearted

The long, new days have turned into the familiar, and finally there has been closure as summer has rapidly approached. It feels so good to know that I have added so many exciting marks to my life thus far, but it's also sad to know that yet again, another chapter has closed. This past year has been full of adventure and excitement. I feel that each day that I have been given has transformed into the woman I am now. Even with just one year under my belt, I feel stronger, brighter, happier, wittier, and even more blessed for the life I have been given to live. So thank you, freshman year, for the lessons that you've taught me, the friends you've given me, and the opportunity to check a couple more things off of my bucket list.

So summer, I give you the challenge to make something that may seem excruciating, or even boring at times, into something worthwhile and miraculous. I feel that I should probably embrace all of my not so free time, and make it into something that in twenty years I'll look back and smile upon. I've always felt that I've wasted away my summers sleeping in until late afternoon, worrying about being tan, when instead I could be doing something actually rewarding with my time. The years go by quickly, as I most recently saw this freshman year, and I don't want anything that has the possibility of being good, slip away from me.

So, here's to the best summer ever and I'm only three days in. I have no idea what lies ahead for me, but I do know that as long as I have the wonderful people in my life that I do, the next couple of months will be nothing less than amazing. I feel that summers are for change and being re-born, so to speak. Everyone can use a little change in their life; it makes us continuously evolve into even more interesting people than we already are. It allows us to re-evaluate who we are and move forward. Change, I believe, is for the bravehearted. It takes real courage to embrace it; acknowledge it, and even more to accept it. Therefore, I believe that summer and change, are synonymous. They are both an opportunity to expand your horizons, live a little on the edge, and further yourself in all areas of life. Anything is possible in these warm days that capture so many of our hearts and embed themselves in our memories forever.

AND BECAUSE OF THAT, I AM SO READY!

Don't Waste Your Pretty

Okay, so today has been a complete fail of a day. Seriously, for once I would like to be a boy. I think that about sums up the day's problems. On the contrary, it was a beautiful, sunny Auburn day, so I should at least be thankful for that.

Anyways, so today I was talking to one of my best friends in the entire world, and out of no where he told me to listen to the song, "Don't Waste Your Pretty," which of course I did. WOW! What a beautiful song. Honestly, it was the sweetest gesture. Michael, if you read this, thank you. It made my day and really opened my eyes to some different things.

I feel that so many of us are caught up in trying to do the norm, that we forget what we truly stand for, therefore we settle. I am not an advocate of settling, let me tell you. I do not want to be that one woman who wishes that she would have pursued her most cherished dreams, but instead settled for a life that she secretly regrets. You only have one shot in this life, so why waste your time on people and things that are not going to benefit you in the long run? I've been having trouble with this lately, and coincidentally so have a few of my friends. I always try to see the best in the situation and try to pull out the best in others, but I think there comes a point where you can't anymore. You have to take people for who they are, then decided whether or not they should be apart of your life. It's probably one of the hardest things to realize, but it's something that we all must do; we all must make the choice.

I know I'm not perfect in any sense, but I have my beliefs and morals, I have my goals, my priorities, and have a general direction of where I want my life to go. Whether or not certain people should join me for the ride is the question I have to ask myself. I encounter too many settling people and it breaks my heart to see this. A wise, Barbara De Angelis quotes, "Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.” I feel that this is such a strong and valid point. Why do anything that does not better yourself or the rest of the world? Why constantly submit ourselves to the lowest of life, when instead we should be embracing the positive, empowering aspects. We should be rejoicing in what a beautiful life we have been given, even with the ugly struggles that we must endure.

I guess to sum it all up, to go back to the song that Michael showed me- we are all worth more than what we give ourselves credit. Each of us are capable of achieving the highest, yet some of us still submit to the lowest. Not to name names, but I have people in my life that settle all the time, and all I want to do is just scream until they understand that they are so much more worthy than that; that there are so many other wonderful options for them, than what they are choosing in the present. But it's give and take, and they must be willing to take the advice, which is not always the easiest. However, whether or not any of us listen to the advice of our friends and take it to heart, we all should realize that we are much better than settling and are all capable of awesome things. God did not create us to stand still and watch our lives pass by before our eyes; He created us to jump right in and take control, living vicariously through Him and in a sense that is always satisfying at the end of the day.

And Michael, the picture is for you for your inspiration :)

"live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air..."

God, for one moment I would just like the world to pause. I feel that my entire life has been on speed for almost a month now. One of my professors the other day threw out a random question for thought: what would you do if you could pause your day for one hour? Of course no one really acknowledged her saying this, but it's actually an interesting question if you think about it long enough. Would you do something daring? Would you sleep for an extra hour? Would you lay in the grass and listen to the great outdoors? Would you sit and ponder on your life and how you wished it could be changed? Would you continue on like nothing happened? Would you spend it doing something worthless, or would you take full advantage of the moment? That's another thing... everyone's always talking about that- "you just need to live in the moment." Honestly though, I keep asking myself why? My past is apart of who I am today. Without it, I would be a completely different person. Even with my lowest of lows, I still believe that they were significant and important contributions to my life. And what about the future? I think about the future constantly! Have I chosen the right major, what if I never fall in love, how am I ever going to manage an even more hectic life than I have right now; where in the world am I headed in this great big scheme of life!?

However, if I could pause my life for one hour, I would stop and pay tribute to all the beautiful surroundings. I feel that the little things are constantly overlooked and are never appreciated. The always cheerful drunk bus driver that people say thank you to, but never in a sincere way- mostly out of habit. The beauty of the flowers and the way they trigger your senses, constantly reminding you of sweet, warm spring days. The journal that I've kept for quite some time, but hardly ever pick up, for blogging is the new replacement for random thoughts. The random acts of kindness that people share with one another, but are hardly ever noticed by anyone else. Things like these- random, small things that are hardly ever recognized or thought twice about. I feel that we are completely absorbed, that we forget to "live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." We should take these words as inspiration- we all could use a daily pause in our lives to bring us back to the basics of it all.

We should take these words and run with them.

triangle lovin', beeee-yahhhhh.

Hmmm, I don't know why, but at 11:33, when I should be reading some enthralling sociology, I started to look at some old pictures, reminiscing on old times. When I think about all the friendships I've had over the years, some of which at one point or another I've regretted, I can honestly say that each one of them has contributed to who I am today. I am merely lucky that I was privileged enough to have these people in my life. I suppose there's a reason why we were friends, there's a reason why we're not anymore, and there's an even bigger reason why I have the people I have right now in my life. My dad always says that in the end, if you can count on one hand the number of true friends you have, then you're lucky. It's funny that I never believed him, but now I understand that.

My two best friends, Becky and Maggie, have been through so much with me. It's actually funny though, because all three of us are completely different, but I think that's what makes our friendship work. Each of us adds certain qualities that the other two desire and we complement each other in that way. And although I don't get to see them very much, I think about them often and how they are my support. Out of all the wonderful people I've met here, if something is wrong or I just to need to have a "real talk," I call one of them- because they understand. It's the little things like that, that make a friendship worthwhile.

All of the years before, when I cared so much about what other people thought, and worried about being friends with everyone, was a complete waste. It's comical to me now to think that I cared so much, when instead I had all I need right by my side. The two people that toughed it out and stuck with me through everything. The two that never doubted me, never gave up my confidence, and always accepted me for who I was. Now in college, I see all the time, false friendships being created and it makes me even more happy to have the people that I do in my life. I guess to sum it all up, I'm incredibly thankful to have such wonderful, intelligent, beautiful, caring, and insightful people in my life. And in the end, if I only have two, it'll be just fine with me.

TRIANGLE FOREVER, beeeeeee-yahhh :)

WDE!

Spring is officially in bloom and so are all the amazing events that come along with it. With only three weeks left until freedom, I would have to say that spring in Auburn is absolutely beautiful!

Today was A-Day, where our Auburn Tigers scrimmage, so the fans can have a look at what the team will be offering in the fall. I honestly didn't believe it to be that big, but oh is the pride and spirit of Auburn alive today!! There are thousands of people here; generations of tigers walking through the streets, while everyone allows a hearty, "WAR EAGLE!" to random, extended family members. I think that's one of the things that I love the most about this wonderful school. Undergrads, grads, alum, and all the other fans-- we're a family. We're a family of people that have one thing in common: our love, pride, and spirit for Auburn University. Everytime I hear someone yell, "WAR EAGLE," my heart flutters a little. This past summer when I went to Italy, my mom was wearing an Auburn t-shirt, and out of no where, in the middle of Rome, some random girl yelled "WAR EAGLE" to her as we passed by. Now that is something you won't find anywhere else, in any other school around the enture world! Some people don't understand us, but for me that's alright, because not just anyone can be a tiger. As beloved George Petrie so eloquently put it...

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

-George Petrie (1945)

All of these things are what make Auburn men and women stand out from the rest of the world. Our tiger spirit doesn't just die after The Iron Bowl ends, but it's still alive right now in the middle of April. I'm so proud to be apart of this wonderful family. WAR DAMN EAGLE!

coffee cup brilliance.

Although I should be sitting here in RBD doing something actually relevant to my studies, I would rather being writing about other things than technological advancements' negative impact on the spreading of AIDS in Africa. However, I was the one that concocted this topic, so the only one I can play the pity card with, is myself...

Moving on...whenever I come to the library, I always imagine myself being productive, but then it usually ends with me staring blankly at the infinite rows of beautiful books. However, today I decided to take a break from writing my paper, and I started reading my coffee cup. I know this sounds ridiculously weird, but Caribou has developed a new coffee cup design that has abstract advice that you've probably heard from your elders a time or two. Each one is in creative fonts and scattered randomly across the cup. Here are some of my favorites (They all seem to be weird coincidences paralleling to my life, or maybe there's no such thing as coincidences, as someone once told me):

SPIN THE GLOBE THEN PACK YOUR BAGS
POUR YOURSELF A CUP FULL OF KARMA
LEARN TO SAY THANK YOU IN TEN LANGUAGES
BE THE RULER OF YOUR OWN LIFE
YOU'LL ONLY BE YOUR CURRENT AGE ONCE
DON'T WAIT FOR NEW YEAR'S TO MAKE A RESOLUTION
BE THE FIRST TO APOLOGIZE

I think all of these are little life lessons that each of us can take to heart. The way my world of Chelsea works, is that I want to get from Point A to Point B in every aspect of my life as quickly as I can, but I've come to realize that I should probably slow things down and just enjoy the ride.

One of the other pieces of advice on the cup says, "Spend time with your kids, tomorrow they're a day older." Although I don't have any kids of my own, this particular piece of advice can be used with any relationship you have with others. I have a wonderful family and a whole slew of friends that I think about daily, but I always neglect for other things. Everyone always talks about living in the moment, which I do often, but I usually forget that "the moment" includes my family and friends too. I fall victim to neglecting the little things, in replace for bigger things that in the end turn out to be a waste. Time is not always on my side, so in order to take full advantage of it, I should probably start noticing the little things, and focus on each day as being equally special.

I should probably remember to call my grandparents weekly, because I love them. I should probably start thinking of others more often than myself, because it's the compassionate thing to do. I should probably remember that even though I am one person, I can still make a difference. I should probably realize that this world is enormous, and that I should remember to pay tribute to both the beautiful and ugly aspects. I should probably pay attention to things that my parents and elders say, because one day I'll look back and wish that they could repeat them. I should probably acknowledge differences, and take them as well-rounded attributes. I should probably start remembering that each day I have been given is a blessing, because it is not at all my given right to have this life.

And I should probably keep this coffee cup, because it has inspired me so.

"THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON ON EARTH IS THE HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE." - Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Ever since I was little, my dad has always taught me that I can achieve whatever my heart so desires as long as I have the passion for it. This never really hit home until I came to college and was choosing a major. I've always had a deep appreciation for the written word and it's impact on people, therefore my natural choice of study would be Journalism. I adore writing, and I love to read literature. It's something that I can envision myself being surrounded by for the rest of my life, not because I can tolerate it, but because I'm passionate for it. As Emerson so profoundly put it, "Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM,"and boy was he point on! I'm one of the lucky ones that know exactly what I want to do with my life, and for that I'm extremely grateful.

The other day I was conversing with some friends about different majors, and somehow the "MRS" degree was brought up in regards to Elementary Education. Of course I laughed as well, but then later I started pondering on it for a little while longer. People perceive some majors as a joke, because they're "easier," or because they don't seem as prestigious as an engineering degree. Well the more I thought about people making fun of these majors, mine included, it honestly offends me. Not every person is called to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. I feel that God has given each of us different paths for different reasons that we may never know. I'm not a science whiz- I NEVER will be, but I can muster up a pretty good paper. My point is, is that I don't understand why people feel the need to put themselves on higher pedestals because they chose to take a different path. Without Elementary Education majors, there would be no one to teach children the basic fundamentals of education. Without them, no person who is an undergraduate would be at this level, had he/she never started at square one. So to think that these women and men are merely taking the easy road to an education, is completely false and demeaning.

I know my choice of major is not the most extensive that Auburn provides, but at least it's something that I'm passionate for. I have fervor for the subject, and I can see myself being happy with my decision for a very long time. When I hear friends and other students making derogatory comments towards other people of lesser majors, it really rubs me the wrong way. Of course I would love to make 200 grand a year for being a physician, but that's not something that I would enjoy in the long run. It's not that I'm uncapable of it, because I sure as hell am, but it's not what I'm meant to do.

I guess my whole point of this rambling blog entry, is that I do not appreciate when people try to extinquish someone else's passion that they have for a subject. Yes, so what if one person's classes seem harder; it makes them no better of a person. It doesn't matter what studies one does, as long as they have passion to succeed within it. Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch once said, "The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." Maybe one day more people will understand this, and they too will have passion as I do, and then the rest won't matter.

"As we grow old, the beauty steals inward."

As I sit inside on this last, beautiful day in March, I've realized that everything that has happened in the past six months has been absolutely joyful. I look around my room, wondering what would have happened had I chosen another path...what if I had not chosen Auburn, what if it was UGA, or even a school across the country? WAR DAMN. That's all I have to say about that. I am so blessed to be able to attend such a wonderful school. I am so proud to be an Auburn Tiger. All the days I spent wondering where my future would take me, all the times I prayed about Auburn; well, it's all been answered, for sitting in my room in Auburn, AL, happiness flows through my veins.

Every single day I am challenged with new obstacles, endure new types of criticism, and each day I am thankful for the life I have been blessed with. Appreciation is easily ignored when you have all these wonderful events and people in your life, but right now while my roommate is gone, I'm giving the thought of appreciation a minute or two longer than usual.

It astonishes me that I only have five weeks left until I have one year of college under my belt. They said high school would fly by, but they never mentioned college having the same effect. I have met some of the most caring, interesting, and beautiful people here. Leaving high school, I thought the world was coming to an end: the familiar would be shattered by a dark future, and nothing would ever be the same. Boy, was I wrong! My future is shining bright with guidance from my God. It's funny that even when I neglect to give Him praise for what has happened and is happening in my life, He never turns His cheek on me; He is always with me, always guiding me on the right path. Someone once told me that it's silly to worry about anything, because whether you like it or not, that day will come when you have to face your fears, then it will be over and you'll smile because you made it through. I've honestly taken that to heart this year at Auburn. I try not to dwell on what I'm afraid of, "The LORD is my light and salvation- whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1).

I hate New Year's resolutions, for no one actually keeps them. However, I am making a resolution right now: to live each day with the absence of fear, replaced by the utmost joy and appreciation for each moment I have been given.

Here's to a blog of random thoughts. Here's to the end of the first year. Here's to a new me!