Ok so it's been about a month... I apologize for that... I am a horrible new blogger. Although I do have a good excuse, finals and checkouts. The end of the semester is always a busy time for students, especially RAs. Well, I guess that kind of gets to the point of my post... former RA. About a week ago I finished my 2 year service with ResLife and my 4 year streak of living in a Residence Hall. I know what you're probably saying... "4 years? You're crazy!" Well, yes, actually I am and you will come to see that as I hopefully begin to post more here.
The past month has been a whirl wind... I don't really know what to think and feel about it yet. I learned a lot about myself and just the difference one person can make in the lives of others. First of all, I learned just how much I personally have impacted those around me. I had some many residents tell me that I made a difference in their lives, and for many of them I had a hard time coming up with in my mind just how I have impacted their lives (sometimes it's easy to pinpoint, sometimes it's not). Either way it made me feel sort of accomplished as an RA and a person who strives to change the world. Besides my residents telling me how much of an impact I have had on them, I was also recognized by my campus that I hold so dearly to my heart. First I was given the member of the year award from the National Residence Hall Honorary, a high honor in our organization. Then I was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the sociology anthropology and social work department for an essay I wrote about my future career goals, I was the only social work student to win this year. Finally, I was nominated by my hall director for a service award, an award given to an RA who has made service a daily part of their life, presented at our annual ResLife banquet and was one of two recipients of the award. All in all it was an amazing and surprising end to the semester! What's funny is that the awards themselves mean nothing to me... it's the comments that people say about how I had made a difference to them or their organization that really mean a lot. They mean a lot because God has given me some amazing talents and gifts and those words that others say to me are like in essence praising God because He gave me the ability to serve and do Him well. I feel as though He is proud of me using the gifts He gave me to serve others, and that is so cool.
This month has been kind of bittersweet for me. All the recognition is cool, but it's hard for me to leave behind the lifestyle of Residence Life and those people I have connected with for 4 years. The hardest to leave is my mentor, Cathy. Cathy has been there for me all 4 years in ResLife and has guided me all of the way. She is a mentor, a friend, and a mom. If ever I was going through something or a situation was difficult for me Cathy was always right there to comfort me and give me words of encouragement. She's been there for me since my 1st day of college. I know that I am not leaving CMU for good, but sometimes it feels like I am because Residence Life is the only life I have known. But. It's time for the tide to change. Time for a new adventure off campus, away from Cathy and Calkins, and a new beginning to end an amazing collegiate career. I'm nervous, but yet excited at the same time.
Another exciting thing that is happening in my life revolves around the Peace Corp. There's a bit of a story that goes along with it though... See, I have known for a year that I am called to go into the Peace Corp, unfortunately... my parents are not supportive of this decision, they feel it is too dangerous and not a good career move, basically they are scared. Well, this past weekend my brother was graduating from MTU and my parents went up there for the ceremony. After the ceremony my mom called me. She told me she had cried during the whole ceremony, but not because of my brother, because of me. She cried because the commencement speaker was the Vice President from the Peace Corp and she talked about following your dreams, making a difference in the world, and that your career will wait for 2 years for your PC service and you will be more likely to be hired because of it. She cried because she finally understood why I needed to go, and she supported me in my decision. That was such a weight lifted off of my shoulders! Now all I need to do is apply and get accepted, not an easy task, but I know the if God wills it He will provide. I am nervous, but again excited to see what God has for me! It will be so good! I am going to change the world!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A Whole New World
Well, this is my first post, this idea of blogging is like a whole new world for me. I am excited to write my thoughts about life and the world and more than willing to share them with anyone who is willing to listen.
It's ironic that today is the first day I am actually sitting down to post because the world is a new world than it was yesterday, the world has changed again. Yesterday, as I am sure you all know, there was a Mass Murder at Virginia Tech where 33 people were killed including the lone gunman. This tragedy is not a new concept to the US with similar tragedies happening at Columbine HS, and other schools across the country, but senseless violence like this is always shocking and horrifying.
The VT shootings, however, hold a place in my heart because I feel connected to one of the victims. Ryan Clark, the first victim in this tragedy, was a Resident Assistant, much like myself. Rumors have it that Ryan was an RA on the floor that the murder's girlfriend was staying. He was called early to deal with what he thought was a domestic situation and arguement between his soon to be murder and his resident. By responding to the situation Ryan was shot and died. This hits me hard because I myself am an RA. I've thought a lot today about all of this and I know if I was in that situation I too would be dead today. I am a bit scared about that, but know if the situation arouse I would not be in pain and would meet my savior. The whole situation does make me think a lot though. When you sign up to be an RA you do it to help people and make a difference in the lives of others, but you don't consider that it could cost you your life. It's a numbing feeling to think that. What I am saddened by is I know that all of the members of my staff family would respond like Ryan and I would be so saddened by the death of one of my brothers or sisters in Res-Life. From what I have seen and read Ryan was a well loved and couragous individual, my thoughts and prayers are with his soul, his RA staff, friends, and family. I pray that they may find comfort in this difficult time. I am also praying for all of the members involved in this tragedy and their families. This is a devastating lose to our country.
My thoughts are also with the lone gunman. What could make a person so lonely to go on a mass killing spree? From what I have heard about the shooter he was a quiet man, not known by many, not expected to act in this manner. It was completely unexpected. This makes me think about those people we pass on a daily basis who we overlook. People we sometimes forget to love. What if what he needed someone to show him love and he was bypassed? I don't have hatered towards him, only sadness. I pray that he and those who knew him may also be blessed and find comfort in their pain.
The US tonight is in mourning.
Lord, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change...
Courage to change the things I can...
and Wisdom to know the difference.
It's ironic that today is the first day I am actually sitting down to post because the world is a new world than it was yesterday, the world has changed again. Yesterday, as I am sure you all know, there was a Mass Murder at Virginia Tech where 33 people were killed including the lone gunman. This tragedy is not a new concept to the US with similar tragedies happening at Columbine HS, and other schools across the country, but senseless violence like this is always shocking and horrifying.
The VT shootings, however, hold a place in my heart because I feel connected to one of the victims. Ryan Clark, the first victim in this tragedy, was a Resident Assistant, much like myself. Rumors have it that Ryan was an RA on the floor that the murder's girlfriend was staying. He was called early to deal with what he thought was a domestic situation and arguement between his soon to be murder and his resident. By responding to the situation Ryan was shot and died. This hits me hard because I myself am an RA. I've thought a lot today about all of this and I know if I was in that situation I too would be dead today. I am a bit scared about that, but know if the situation arouse I would not be in pain and would meet my savior. The whole situation does make me think a lot though. When you sign up to be an RA you do it to help people and make a difference in the lives of others, but you don't consider that it could cost you your life. It's a numbing feeling to think that. What I am saddened by is I know that all of the members of my staff family would respond like Ryan and I would be so saddened by the death of one of my brothers or sisters in Res-Life. From what I have seen and read Ryan was a well loved and couragous individual, my thoughts and prayers are with his soul, his RA staff, friends, and family. I pray that they may find comfort in this difficult time. I am also praying for all of the members involved in this tragedy and their families. This is a devastating lose to our country.
My thoughts are also with the lone gunman. What could make a person so lonely to go on a mass killing spree? From what I have heard about the shooter he was a quiet man, not known by many, not expected to act in this manner. It was completely unexpected. This makes me think about those people we pass on a daily basis who we overlook. People we sometimes forget to love. What if what he needed someone to show him love and he was bypassed? I don't have hatered towards him, only sadness. I pray that he and those who knew him may also be blessed and find comfort in their pain.
The US tonight is in mourning.
Lord, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change...
Courage to change the things I can...
and Wisdom to know the difference.
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