As of right now I have finished my first week of the Fall Semester at MCC.
Monday morning I drove to MCC, arriving at 9:30 a.m. Boy, did I hit the busy time! The parking lot was jammed back, they even had a traffic director. I parked way out in Timbuktu & started walking into Building B for my Music Appreciation class ( MUS 151). It was a typical music class, a very energetic teacher, excited about anything musical! The class was dismissed an hour and twenty minuets later. It was like I was at a completely different school. The hallways that were jammed full when I made my way to my first class were now walkable, only a few students sitting on the benches on the side of the halls. I was later told the 10 o'clock class starters are one of the busiest times at the school. I made my way back to Timbuktu for my yellow car! I had a few hours to kill before my 2nd class. I found my mom in town & went out to lunch.
Once back at MCC at 2 o'clock I parked, this time so much closer, and made my way to Building A, floor 3. I walked into my Comp 1 (ENG 151) class and took a seat. Instantly I was struck with nerves. English has never been my strong suit, and looking at the teacher, she looked tough. My Music class didn't scare me with the expectations and work load, I felt as if my English was going to make up for that. The class begun, and what do you know, I was wrong. My English teacher is hysterical! I absolutely love her, and look forward to that class the most, shocking! After the class was let out I made my way to the parking lot, you see on my way into English I had a spaz-out-moment, and dropped my keys in my car. Then locked it. Smooth move, ay? Luckily my mom met me in the parking lot at 4p.m to give me the spare keys. I swear, God is laughing pretty hard at the fact that this FORD is giving me some trouble.
After I corrected the key situation I made my way to building A, floor 2. I had math. Now normally I would be terrified at math, but because of a summer Math class I took, it was smooth rolling. I was shocked by the amount of kids in my class, but other then that, it was math. I was let out at 6:20 p.m & headed home. I had made it through my first full time college day.
Tuesday afternoon I started yet another class. World Religion (PHI 261) I was looking forward to it the most. Once seated and handed the syllabus, I chocked. The biggest part of the class: interviewing a religious leader of a belief that you don't practice. After lots of encouragement, and suggestions I am now very excited about it, but I did find a class that would make up for the lack work I was given in the other three classes. Lots of expectations.
A few blogs ago I talked about how I felt God was getting me ready for big things, like He had a challenge in store for me. I think this class is my challenge! As soon as I got the syllabus I thought to myself "I'm dropping this class! There is no way I am doing this!" The more class went on and the more the (very interesting) professor kept speaking and explaining, I realized this could be a very good opportunity for me. In the beginning of the summer I explained how much I loved FCS, what they had done to shape me, and how I felt I could take a bit of FCS and spread it at MCC. I think this class offers me an opportunity to spread FCS.
Wednesday & Thursday repeated Monday & Tuesday. Now today, Friday, I started another class. Intro to Sociology ( SOC 151). I assumed because it was a Friday morning class that was three hours long, it would be fairly empty. Boy, was I wrong again. 36 kids! That is almost four times my graduating class! Anyways, again, it seems very interesting & I'm excited to dig in.
Overall my class loads are not un-doable, and I am looking forward to it. Now talk to me in a few weeks when they are all in full swing, ha!
In between all my classes I have committed to a few consistent babysitting jobs, with the occasional sporadic jobs. I feel like I have been going 100 mph and I am loving it.
I suppose the lesson I learned in the last week is God has a plan. Junior Year when our guidance counselor started talking about College and our plans I freaked out. I wanted nothing to do with College. I was happy in High School, why would I want to grow up and be given more responsibility? As each month went by through out my Junior and Senior year I became more and more open to the College idea. God as a timing for everything, He has plans to prepare us so that when the time comes we are more then ready to embark on the new journey/ challenge.
My next goal is to get a more consistent job rather then babysitting (hopefully I still have enough time to fit in all my wonderful families!) so that I can start saving money. After a I budget myself with a consistent income I plan on finding a few roommates and moving into my own apartment. I want to have a great educational journey at MCC, putting in more effort then High School and having great grades. In a year from NOW, I hope I will be writing about my new apartment & new experiences. As much as my goals frighten me, I know that God will give me the strength, knowledge, and opportunities to make these goals happen when He wants. Thanks be to God.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Friendships
Today was a hard day, and tomorrow is going to be even harder.
My friend Ali leaves for college. I am beyond excited for her to go off to EIU. She has huge opportunities ahead of her & I am so proud of how hard she has worked.
I however HATE that she is leaving me! In no way does the college experience sound thrilling to me just yet. MCC sounds great, well I'm a tad nervous now, but thats natural. It just sucks that she is leaving.
I'd like to dedicate todays blog to Ali!
It was junior year. I was really good friends with Luke. I decided to meet up with Luke at their High School's Homecoming game. I went, found Luke in the stands, and he was with a group of his friends. He introduced me to Ali and several others (like he did every gathering I joined him at). She seemed nice, but that was it. All I knew about her was Luke had a crush on her. Well the year continued & I every once in a while saw Ali at youth group or a gathering at Luke's house.
Senior year began and I went to yet another football game at North. Ali & I became closer and closer, eventually doing things on our own, or with other people besides Luke. I joined a Bible Study with her, and saw her every Wednesday & Thursday. I went to prom with her & some other friends.
This summer we became extremely close, we spent most days together, spending probably every other night over at someones house. (That would be our friendship in a nutshell)
Ali is my best friend. I have had a lot of good friends in my life, never a friend so genuine and concerned about me! And as odd as it sounds, never had I had such a great friend that is a female! Boys are easier to deal with (or so I thought..) Our friendship is one of those things you just know is going to last a while.
Because of Luke & now Ali, I have a lot of great friendships from North. People who I think I am going to have around for a while & can't wait to see succeed at college! Some are leaving, going to new places, starting a new chapter in their life book. Some are sticking around with me at MCC, starting slowly at this college thing (& cheaper ;) .
I think another huge part of adulthood is relationships. You have to decipher who is good, who is not so good, who you will hang around, who you only talk on Facebook, and who you kick to the curb! Just like my previous blog a few weeks ago, being an adult means de-bombing drama. Some people in your life are more drama then others. The only people you need in your life are those who care about you, who like you, and who want to spend time with you. {Now that is saying it in a simple way, all the complications fall under that.} But another huge part of friendship is you care about them, you like them and you want to spend time with them. I have recently learned that there is no such thing as a one sided friendship. Eventually you feel empty and worthless and it's just not true.
I am super bummed about my best friend, Ali, leaving. It's going to be hard not to call her in the spur of the moment to hang out just because I have nothing to do. It's going to be hard not to have a random sleepover just because we want to. It's going to be hard not to see her every other day. But I know that with todays technology it's easy to stay in touch. Between Facebook, texting, and Skype, we will talk. But its a change, another change we are forced to go through as we transition from high school to adulthood.
This change is opening a door for both of us. She is going to make lots of new friends at EIU, as am I at MCC, or at least I'm going to have the chance to make existing friendships stronger. But the beauty of finding a best friend is that no matter the distance, the time, or the situation, when the two unite it picks right up where it was left off.
I will always consider David my best friend, and I pray with all my strength that one day soon I will be able to be contact with him again. But the Lord works in crazy ways, Ali came along in my life at the perfect moment and here today I am dedicating a blog to her. Saying "See you Later" tomorrow is going to be so difficult, and I may even cry (God, I hope not) but the bottom lines is, tomorrow is just a beginning. One day she will be coming over to my new apartment, eventually, Lord willing, we will watch each other walk down the aisle, we will welcome each others children into the world, we will have memories forever.
The dynamics of all relationships change, as life changes. But having good friends that stick by your side makes everything a whole lots easier.
{To my Best Friend: Best of luck as you embark on this new journey. Don't let any boy break your heart, don't make stupid choices, enjoy the ride while you can, and keep my posted. Prayers of love flying your way. See you soon :) }
My friend Ali leaves for college. I am beyond excited for her to go off to EIU. She has huge opportunities ahead of her & I am so proud of how hard she has worked.
I however HATE that she is leaving me! In no way does the college experience sound thrilling to me just yet. MCC sounds great, well I'm a tad nervous now, but thats natural. It just sucks that she is leaving.
I'd like to dedicate todays blog to Ali!
It was junior year. I was really good friends with Luke. I decided to meet up with Luke at their High School's Homecoming game. I went, found Luke in the stands, and he was with a group of his friends. He introduced me to Ali and several others (like he did every gathering I joined him at). She seemed nice, but that was it. All I knew about her was Luke had a crush on her. Well the year continued & I every once in a while saw Ali at youth group or a gathering at Luke's house.
Senior year began and I went to yet another football game at North. Ali & I became closer and closer, eventually doing things on our own, or with other people besides Luke. I joined a Bible Study with her, and saw her every Wednesday & Thursday. I went to prom with her & some other friends.
This summer we became extremely close, we spent most days together, spending probably every other night over at someones house. (That would be our friendship in a nutshell)
Ali is my best friend. I have had a lot of good friends in my life, never a friend so genuine and concerned about me! And as odd as it sounds, never had I had such a great friend that is a female! Boys are easier to deal with (or so I thought..) Our friendship is one of those things you just know is going to last a while.
Because of Luke & now Ali, I have a lot of great friendships from North. People who I think I am going to have around for a while & can't wait to see succeed at college! Some are leaving, going to new places, starting a new chapter in their life book. Some are sticking around with me at MCC, starting slowly at this college thing (& cheaper ;) .
I think another huge part of adulthood is relationships. You have to decipher who is good, who is not so good, who you will hang around, who you only talk on Facebook, and who you kick to the curb! Just like my previous blog a few weeks ago, being an adult means de-bombing drama. Some people in your life are more drama then others. The only people you need in your life are those who care about you, who like you, and who want to spend time with you. {Now that is saying it in a simple way, all the complications fall under that.} But another huge part of friendship is you care about them, you like them and you want to spend time with them. I have recently learned that there is no such thing as a one sided friendship. Eventually you feel empty and worthless and it's just not true.
I am super bummed about my best friend, Ali, leaving. It's going to be hard not to call her in the spur of the moment to hang out just because I have nothing to do. It's going to be hard not to have a random sleepover just because we want to. It's going to be hard not to see her every other day. But I know that with todays technology it's easy to stay in touch. Between Facebook, texting, and Skype, we will talk. But its a change, another change we are forced to go through as we transition from high school to adulthood.
This change is opening a door for both of us. She is going to make lots of new friends at EIU, as am I at MCC, or at least I'm going to have the chance to make existing friendships stronger. But the beauty of finding a best friend is that no matter the distance, the time, or the situation, when the two unite it picks right up where it was left off.
I will always consider David my best friend, and I pray with all my strength that one day soon I will be able to be contact with him again. But the Lord works in crazy ways, Ali came along in my life at the perfect moment and here today I am dedicating a blog to her. Saying "See you Later" tomorrow is going to be so difficult, and I may even cry (God, I hope not) but the bottom lines is, tomorrow is just a beginning. One day she will be coming over to my new apartment, eventually, Lord willing, we will watch each other walk down the aisle, we will welcome each others children into the world, we will have memories forever.
The dynamics of all relationships change, as life changes. But having good friends that stick by your side makes everything a whole lots easier.
{To my Best Friend: Best of luck as you embark on this new journey. Don't let any boy break your heart, don't make stupid choices, enjoy the ride while you can, and keep my posted. Prayers of love flying your way. See you soon :) }
Sunday, August 14, 2011
GOD is GOOD
Where to begin,
Well, I feel inspired to write, but I'm not sure on what.
Basically this next week is my last week of summer, the true and final good-bye to all high school connections. I start official college a week from today.
It's also a hard week. Several of my good friends leave this week. It's sad and inspiring all in one sweep.
Basically life has been good, and consistent. I'm excited to embark on the official college experience, start new things (other then college), explore new friendships, and take on more responsibility (but SLOWLY!).
Lately I feel like I'm moving 100 mph, but really not doing anything worth while. I just purchased my first car (my goal for the summer, check!) which is a big accomplishment, but I'm talking WORTH WHILE! Something that makes an impact on someones life! I'm a future event planner, I'm use to planning something, taking on a new challenge and making my life ten times more crazy! That is when I thrive! God is working on something for my life, I am just waiting for Him to reveal it to me.
I'm ready for the challenge and the new experience. This is the moment I have been waiting for, that moment when all fear of growing up and embarking on this change dissolves. Now I'm sure that ugly head of fear will strike me again, but right now I'm ready for what God is preparing to through my way.
Not a lesson, but the moment I've been waiting for. GOD is GOOD!
til next time...
Well, I feel inspired to write, but I'm not sure on what.
Basically this next week is my last week of summer, the true and final good-bye to all high school connections. I start official college a week from today.
It's also a hard week. Several of my good friends leave this week. It's sad and inspiring all in one sweep.
Basically life has been good, and consistent. I'm excited to embark on the official college experience, start new things (other then college), explore new friendships, and take on more responsibility (but SLOWLY!).
Lately I feel like I'm moving 100 mph, but really not doing anything worth while. I just purchased my first car (my goal for the summer, check!) which is a big accomplishment, but I'm talking WORTH WHILE! Something that makes an impact on someones life! I'm a future event planner, I'm use to planning something, taking on a new challenge and making my life ten times more crazy! That is when I thrive! God is working on something for my life, I am just waiting for Him to reveal it to me.
I'm ready for the challenge and the new experience. This is the moment I have been waiting for, that moment when all fear of growing up and embarking on this change dissolves. Now I'm sure that ugly head of fear will strike me again, but right now I'm ready for what God is preparing to through my way.
Not a lesson, but the moment I've been waiting for. GOD is GOOD!
til next time...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sweet Angels
I wrote this in my creative writing class over a year ago.
r.i.p sweet angels: hope fuller, jacob elkin, caleb bond
r.i.p sweet angels: hope fuller, jacob elkin, caleb bond
Why?
Cayla Learman
I sit in a cold and solemn room
The only noise the peeping of machines
I search the book I have hung onto for life
Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-years
He died at a good old age, full of years
(I dream now, a celebration of birth
Another year gone by
I awake with a tear-soaked face)
Moses lived a hundred and eight years
He lived and eventful and meaningful life
(I glance at old pictures now-
Holidays and programs
I toss them aside)
John the Baptist lived thirty years
A God-sent messenger
I stare at the tiny blessing lying in the room
Motionless and dazed
Why do I live on?
Sorrow
Cayla Learman
Dedicated to those who have lost a love one
I shift weight in bed
The pillow wipes me tear stained face
I drift back into dream land
How do I let God have my sorrow?
How do I let Him overtake this emptiness?
I walk through the halls at work
I see your face smile at me
Like a cloud of dust it vanishes
How do I not let this grief over take me?
How do I live in happiness and not sorrow?
I blow out the birthday candles for you now
A year has passed since you touched my skin
I shed yet another tear
When do I let go of the sorrow?
When do I start living again?
An image of His son on the cross flashes
The son's hand reaches for me
A smile spreads across my face
He died at a good old age, full of years
(I dream now, a celebration of birth
Another year gone by
I awake with a tear-soaked face)
Moses lived a hundred and eight years
He lived and eventful and meaningful life
(I glance at old pictures now-
Holidays and programs
I toss them aside)
John the Baptist lived thirty years
A God-sent messenger
I stare at the tiny blessing lying in the room
Motionless and dazed
Why do I live on?
Sorrow
Cayla Learman
Dedicated to those who have lost a love one
I shift weight in bed
The pillow wipes me tear stained face
I drift back into dream land
How do I let God have my sorrow?
How do I let Him overtake this emptiness?
I walk through the halls at work
I see your face smile at me
Like a cloud of dust it vanishes
How do I not let this grief over take me?
How do I live in happiness and not sorrow?
I blow out the birthday candles for you now
A year has passed since you touched my skin
I shed yet another tear
When do I let go of the sorrow?
When do I start living again?
An image of His son on the cross flashes
The son's hand reaches for me
A smile spreads across my face
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