Being a College Graduate

Graduated!

Family picture

Eating at Olive Garden after the Graduation

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I am now an alumni of Bethel University. Crazy. However, it has been so hectic since the graduation that it hasn't really sunk in yet. I think it will sink in when my roommates go back for one more semester, and I don't. I wrote a letter to myself when I was 18 and packing up for my first semester of college. I wrote on the envelope "Don't open until you've graduated from a 4-year college". I read it last night and I can tell I have learned and grown a lot since then. I asked myself in the letter if I stayed true to myself and if I remembered where I came from--and I can honestly say that yes I have. My perspectives on life are very different now...but I will always remember where I came from. I'm glad I never got caught up in the materialism that can happen at a higher-priced university. I'm glad I went to Bethel because it has helped me think globally. My major has opened my eyes to the world and its needs. Although I now have a degree saying I know something about sociocultural issues...I still feel like I have alot more to learn by actually DOING, and putting my knowledge into practice. But that will come with time. As of now, I have one life goal complete.
Next life goal: Get a job =).

Making A Happier Life

For a going away and graduation present from my boss at my work study job on campus, I got the book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and It's All Small Stuff". It's just a little book with a huge potential to change your life in some way or another. I love that it has short, simple suggestions on how to be less stressed and happier in your own well-being and in relationships with others.
Here are some examples I've read so far:
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Do something nice for someone else, and don't tell anyone about it.
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Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences.
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Let others have the glory.
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Allow yourself to be bored.
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Once a week, write a heartfelt letter.
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Smile at strangers, look into their eyes and say hello.
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Although these are simple concepts...think of how much difference they can make in your life and the life of those you come into contact with every day!
I challenge you to join me in practicing some of these little tips for "making a happier life!"!

I Prefer the Sugar Rush to the Caffeine

Thursdays are "Commuter Days" at Bethel. This means, everyone who commutes to school gets a chance to enter a drawing for free gas money, eat some donuts, meet other commuters, and the best part---free coffee. My favorite part of Commuter Thursdays is the chance to make my coffee just the way I like it---with a little bit of everything. Couple pumps of hazelnut creamer, a splash of half and half, a small pour of french vanilla creamer, and my favorite--peppermint flavoring. Add a little sugar and its JUST right. Oh...I suppose I should add some coffee too. But just a tish. Honestly, the best part of coffee for me, is everything BUT the coffee. Fattening or not, I only drink my version of "coffee" once a week or less, so I don't really care. Call me a little kid, but this is the way I like it. The only thing missing today was some whipped cream and little Andes mints to sprinkle on top!

Love at First Sight...

If you know anything about me, you know I love to learn about other countries and cultures. While studying abroad in Guatemala I saw this book at a local touristy book store. I fell in love. It has two full pages dedicated to every country in the world, filled with vibrant, beautiful pictures of that country and its people. I didn't get it the first time I saw it because it was too pricey for my "Guatemalanized" sense of money. However, I could not stop thinking about the book so a couple days later I went and splurged because I knew I would always enjoy it. So far, I have not been disappointed. I love to look through it and escape from Minnesota for awhile. I am amazed by how this book so beautifully portrays the uniqueness of every country. Needless to say, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who truly loves to travel and learn about other countries and cultures!

Snow..Or Lack Thereof

I think it must be documented that it is December 2 in Minnesota and there is still no snow in the Minneapolis area. In fact, the grass is still surprisingly green. I have always been one to love the first snowfall...but hate snow for the next 7-8ish months. However...since it is getting closer to Christmastime and the Christmas music is already in full swing on every radio station, I'm starting to wait and watch for that bittersweet first snowfall. As long as I can watch it through the window while wrapped up in a blanket, sipping hot apple cider, watching tv, without having to go drive in it...I will be happy.