Graduated

I say this honestly and genuinely; I think I had the best undergraduate experience of any single person I have personally talked to. No other time of my life has encouraged such growth academically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, mentally and philanthropically. No other environment has allowed me to be as open-minded and adventurous as my heart was meant to be. In reflection, I can narrow my experiences down to four simple lessons I was fortunate enough to learn.

1. Trust my intuition. My family is always the first to point out how unrealistic my aspirations are. I always listen to their concerns, but rarely take their advice. In the end, I am the only one who can make the right decisions because I am the one who has to live with them.
2. Surround myself with people who are better than me. Whether they are more intelligent or more athletic, the people in my life inspire me, challenge me, encourage me, and (above all) make me better.
3. In Hellen Kellers’ words, “Life can be a daring adventure or nothing.” …IF YOU LET IT. I think I expect more from life than most, and my expectations have been surpassed thus far. It can be scary taking the adventurous path because it requires bravery, confidence, and a faith that knows everything will turn out just the way it should. 
4. Everyone has a story worth sharing, even me. It wasn’t until I became involved with Texas 4000 that I learned my voice, and it changed my life. It was a powerful lesson to learn that my experiences can bring others to tears, and others’ experiences can bring me to tears.

{Texas 4000, Alaska 2009}

{Murderhaus roommates, Austin 2011}