Halfway

It’s hard to believe that I’m home already – it’s only the first week of May!  You see, this time a year ago, I was packing up to head to Europe for two weeks.  So I wasn’t truly home for summer until the end of May.  This is a first for me!

Leaving school yesterday was full of “last times.”  It was the last time I would be in DeHority as a resident; the last time I will ever have an actual roommate; the last time I’ll be living on campus; the last time I’ll have to spend a meal in the dining halls; and more.

My cousin, Allison, graduated this year - I met up
with her during my Jr. Marshal duties at Commencement 2012

I spent most of the day Saturday volunteering as a Junior Marshal for the commencement festivities.  First, I worked with the main university commencement bright and early, helping to set up, pass out programs, and make sure graduates got where they needed to be.  Then, I moved to the Miller College of Business ceremony at noon.  This time, I was actually assigned to work with a faculty member and a department (mine was Accounting).  It was more fun to do the business ceremony, because I actually knew several of the graduates.  Of course, I couldn’t help but think about how that will be me in just two years!

Two years…gosh, that means I’m halfway through my college career already.  The last two years have literally changed my life.  I am nowhere near the same person I was when I graduated high school.  But I suppose that’s one of the greatest parts of college:  not only do you learn and receive higher education, you also learn and grow as a person too.

Just this year, I’ve accomplished so much.  Take a look back through my blog posts and you’ll read about how BSU beat IU at Lucas Oil Stadium, how I finally went to the Learning Center for help with Stats and ended up with a job (and an A!), how I attended a luncheon with the CEO of Pepsi, how I felt like an honored guest at the Alumni Awards Dinner, how I’ve spent my time on Immersive Learning projects this year, and how I danced in, not one, but two ballroom competitions.

I am so happy to be where I am today.  I’ve truly been blessed with a wonderful university, an incredible boyfriend, beautiful friends, and a great family.  For what more could I ask?  It’s been an incredible year and I’m so glad I got to share it all with you!

For those of you wondering, I’ll be in my hometown this summer, working and saving up some money.  Next year, I’ll be returning to Ball State and living in an apartment with three of my best girls.  I’m beyond excited to begin my junior year and get started in more classes within my major!

Even though I won’t be returning as a blogger for Ball State next year, I’ll still be keeping a blog – you can follow it here:

http://nicole-dancingthroughlife.blogspot.com

For those of you still finishing up school, good luck!  Thank you so much for keeping up with me the past couple years; it’s been a pleasure to share my experiences with you.  Have a wonderful summer!!

Greater Than Me

It’s hard to believe Winter Break is completely over, everyone’s moved back into the dorms, and classes have begun already!  It seems like just yesterday I was excitedly packing my car to head home.  Where does the time go?

Well, mine went into a roller coaster of a break!  I spent most of the first week at my job – working retail during the holiday season is stressful!  It was a great learning experience though and now I can proudly say I’ve survived the holiday shopping rush!

Christmas arrived before I knew it and our family was together exchanging gifts.  The best part of the holidays is spending time with family, I think.  And friends too!  It was really nice to get together and catch up with some friends from back home over winter break.  I especially enjoyed spending time with my boyfriend and his family and then having him visit with mine.

I have to say, though, a truly great experience from Winter Break was the Indianapolis Christmas Conference.  It’s a gathering of all the Great Lake Campus Crusade (CRU) groups, which included over 2,000 students!  The days were filled with excellent speakers, inspirational breakout sessions, incredible worship, moving outreach time, and fun fellowship!

Over four days I made a lot of new friends from my school and others, all the while learning so much about what God is Greater Than (that was the theme of the conference!). It was amazing how much valuable information was given to us in such a short period of time. For me personally, I found a new understanding of my identity in Christ, expanded my idea of love by miles, and so much more that I can apply to my walk with the Lord.  IndyCC was a time of fellowship, worship, learning, and growth.  And it was definitely an experience I will never forget!  I’m already looking forward to next year!

[caption id="attachment_248" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo by Ashley Lentz"][/caption]

Many of my friends also went to another national conference called Passion. I hear it was amazing too. Keep an eye on my fellow blogger Nicole B’s posts – I have a feeling we’ll be seeing something from her soon!

I’m really looking forward to a great semester here at Ball State!  Second day of classes begins bright and early!  Check back soon for an update on all my classes!

When A Door Closes

Believe it or not, this week marks the end of an amazing summer. It's gone by so quickly. With my jobs, dance, and new friends, this summer is probably one of the best I've ever had.

It feels like so much is coming to an end so quickly. My last dance classes were Wednesday evening; I am going to miss my little (and big!) dancers so much.  It came as a surprise when my summer dance team suddenly disbanded a couple weeks ago. It’s strange to me that we've already had our last practice, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to dance with those girls!

This weekend was also the end of my summer job, for a couple months anyway. It may sound strange, but I actually liked my job. It's been exciting to learn something new each day and to interact with customers and other associates.  I have really enjoyed it!

I’ve had so many great opportunities this summer that I hadn’t thought would be possible, like traveling to Europe for instance.  Watching those doors close is a bit overwhelming…

But my light at the end of the tunnel is going back to Ball State. It feels just as much like home to me as my real home. I'm most excited to see my friends I've missed so much this summer. I'm ready to go back to CRU, ballroom dancing, MCOB activities, and football games. I'm even looking forward to dorm rooms, dining halls, and new classes (only a little).  Plus, there are so many new experiences awaiting me that I don’t even know about yet!

So you see, as disheartening as the end of summer can be, there is still so much to look forward to in the fall.  You know, they say when a door closes, a window is opened somewhere else.  Things are changing, but in the most exciting ways!  Don't worry though, I'll still be Dancing Through Life. You can count on that!

Learn Something New

Every day. That’s how often I’ve learned something this summer. No, it’s not like the learning I do on campus, but it’s learning nonetheless. It’s also just as important. I feel like everything I take part in and everyone I meet teaches me something. I’ve never had such a desire to learn as I do this summer!

Studying abroad taught me so much about Europe because I was actually experiencing it. Then the process of creating my class project showed me more of what I want from my future. This trip is likely what jumpstarted my desire to learn for the rest of the summer.

The tiny dancers I’ve taught at the studio reveal to me why I love teaching dance. The young men and women I met during Faith’s wedding have shown me what strength in your faith can do. I’m learning new dance routines through the team I joined and soon will be teaching classes again. Every day I work, I learn something new – there is so much to learn there!

I learn from my mother, who reveals life lessons to me and her secrets for finding medical solutions. I learn from my father, especially when he’s explaining to me how to noodle a snapping turtle. My sister will always be able to teach me something because of her spirit and passion for life.

My friends from my Bible study are spending their summers working for the Lord and, at the same time, encouraging me on my walk with Him. Especially the sweet girl I’ve been communicating with this summer, also from my B’stud; her heart and excitement is so encouraging to me!

The young man I met at work inspires me with his positive attitude and radiant joy. Every day we work together, I walk away in awe of the spirit I see in him. Each week at church, I learn something and every day during my quiet time, I learn something.

Sometimes the things I learn break my heart for the world around me and sometimes they bring me joy. No matter what I’m learning, though, I’ve realized that there is always something new to discover. Someone will always know a little bit more than you, no matter how much you think you’ve got it together.

This summer has already been one of the best I’ve ever had. It seems there is something to learn everywhere I look. They always say, “Learn something new every day.” What will I learn today? What will YOU learn today?

Happy.

Tonight, my sister was teasing me about how giggly I’ve been lately (and sometimes, down in the dumps on rainy days). She insists it’s because of a boy that I may or may not have a crush on, but what she doesn’t realize is that, these days, my entire life makes me happy.

My new job is going swimmingly – I love it! Next week, I have been ensured more hours since I have a mediocre 8 this week. I am honestly disappointed in my lack of hours this week, because I actually like working. Sometimes I feel like a little girl having too much fun on the cash registers, because I love it so much. It’s great, and I can’t wait to spend more time working next week.

Another highlight of my life at the moment is the fact that I will (finally) be finishing up my study abroad project this week! Hooray!! It is coming together quite well, just so you know. I have a feeling I will be very proud of the finished product. I am still amazed that it has now been a month since we returned from Europe; most days, it still feels like a dream.

This past weekend, my best friend from high school got married, and the happy couple is celebrating on their honeymoon as we speak. I am so happy for her, because she has truly found the right guy for her. Plus, it was a beautiful wedding and reception. I am honored to have been part of the wedding party and to have made some awesome new friends!

This summer also finds me dancing again! I’ve realized that dance is an inescapable part of me and that resistance is futile. So I have joined a local dance team that performs at semi-pro football games during the summer. The girls are fantastic dancers and were kind enough to let me join them. Practice feels so good, even if I am super sore the next day. Who knows, maybe I’ll get back in shape this summer!

Summer is also allowing me the opportunity to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Last year, I experienced the greatest form of forgiveness and consequently realized there are many people in my life to whom I owe forgiveness. Holding on to those grudges has only led to misery; letting go of that pain is a rush of freedom. Facing those memories again isn’t an easy task, but opening my heart up to forgiveness (on both sides) allows healing.

It feels like this summer is a time for me to start fresh. There are new people in my life, and this time, I want to do things differently. Already these relationships are founded in something more unyielding, longer lasting. I am growing in my spirituality and feel a renewed strength in my faith each day. This summer has been so refreshing for me – I feel more like myself than ever.

So, that is why I am so happy.


A beautiful bride and her bridesmaids (minus one) on her wedding day!

Days Since Europe

After one of my most productive days all summer, I feel super inspired to write a blog. The problem is, I really have nothing significant to write about, except what I’ve been doing in the days since Europe. You see, now that I’ve been to Europe, it’s all I can think about. How incredible my trip was, when I can (hopefully) go back, how soon I can print pictures… Besides that, having been to Europe suddenly gives you something in common with a LOT more people in the world. It’s been incredible. All I have to do is mention my trip and off they go: where they went in Europe, how long they were gone, what they saw, and what they wished they had seen. It’s not like I am annoyed by it, really; actually, I find it quite interesting. Who would have thought that something like a similar vacation (or study abroad) spot would yield so many conversations?

What I’ve been up to since Europe revolves around two things: my best friend from high school’s wedding and the studio’s dance recital. As soon as I got home, I was sucked into bridal shower planning, which is awesome because I have met so many incredible young women through this process. Seriously, by the time vows are said at this wedding, these girls and I will be forever friends.

I was also immediately recruited to help with dance recital, mainly because I want to teach classes at the studio this summer. What I wasn’t planning on was being drafted into three numbers of the performance! So I quickly choreographed a dance, learned another, and pulled a third from my long-term memory. This week has been full of rehearsals, since the recital is this weekend. Honestly, I am looking forward to it, since I’ve missed spending time with the little ones and dancing with them. And guess who’s teaching this summer? That’s right, this girl has a clogging and tap class PLUS a ballroom and swing class! Yes!

My productivity today started off right when I received a job offer first thing this morning – finally! Then I had a successful shopping trip for last-minute recital costumes. My evening has been spent working on my individual project for our study abroad class (told you Europe has completely consumed me!). It is coming along quite nicely, though I am looking forward to having it all done.

Tomorrow, my sister finishes middle school with an 8th grade Graduation ceremony. It’s hard to believe she will be going to high school in the fall. I am so very proud of her though. They say you follow in the footsteps of your siblings, but Jessica has far surpassed me already! Her intelligence, leadership skills, and initiative never cease to amaze me.

The process of writing out my busy schedule has shown me how much this summer already holds for me. Add Europe to the mix and the mystery of the next two months, and I have a feeling this will truly be a summer to remember…

Coming Home

We arrived home in the United States this past weekend. Flying from Charles de Gaulle to JFK to Indianapolis and then driving two hours to my house made for quite a day – 24 hours in fact. To make matters more interesting, my suitcase disappeared when we arrived in New York. It was quite the ordeal and I would have been a mess had it not been for some of my supportive classmates. They helped me figure out what to do and who to talk to. And they stuck with me when we found out a girl from Manhattan accidentally picked it up and took it home with her.

It took a couple days and a lot of hassle, but my suitcase finally showed up on our doorstep yesterday afternoon. After much celebration, I was able to unpack and get settled at home again. I had a lot of fun presenting my family with their gifts too. My sister received a purse from London, my dad a coffee mug from Paris, and my mom a pair of earrings from Kensington Palace in London.

When I had a chance, I transferred my photos to my computer and discovered a grand total of 1,798 photos. And that doesn’t include the ones I often took with Ashley’s camera when mine was inaccessible. Needless to say, it is going to take awhile to sort through and upload the best of the best. I will update past blogs with photos soon!

Another part of coming home is finishing our projects. As I said before, each of us has an individual project to work on for our study abroad class. One of my classmates, Austin Hostetter, kept a blog throughout our trip as part of his project - check it out here! Now that we are back in the U.S. we are responsible for finishing those, as well as other assignments, in the next month. Aside from recovering from jet lag, I am going to be a busy bee!

I finally realized the other day that summer has officially arrived for me. Hooray! This also means I need to be finding a job. My luck up until this point has not been so good, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that I would be gone for two weeks. Now that I am super available, perhaps my luck will improve! The next month will also be exciting because one of my best friends from high school is getting married, and I’m a bridesmaid! Now that I’m home, I can help more with the wedding plans. So exciting!

I hope your days are going well as you wrap up the end of your school year or high school career. I wish you all the best of luck, and as always, feel free to ask me any questions you have about Ball State!

Cheers!

Happy Easter!

Happy Spring Break!

Ball State is on Spring Break this week!
Have fun and be safe when it's your turn!

Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!

Now that I'm home for Winter Break, my family and I are happy to be back together. My sister, Jessica, even had a snow day today! Actually, it was more of an "ice day" since there was half an inch of ice on everything. So we basically had an ice skating rink on our driveway, and the idea developed to create our own version of "Skating with the Stars." This video is the result. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Let it snow...

Yesterday was the first measurable snowfall on campus this year (it actually snowed the first weekend of November, but didn’t stick very long). It snowed all day, from flurries to big flakes. We got about half an inch or somewhere around there. Last night, the sidewalks were icy enough to slide our feet along – ramps being the most fun, of course.

Today, the sun is shining and slowly melting away the snow. Ball State seems to do a good job of keeping salt on the sidewalks when classes are in session. There is quite a bit out there today.

It’s definitely getting cold in Muncie. Since I’m not a huge fan of winter weather, I made sure to bring LOTS of things to keep me warm. I’ll share my list with you.

Winter Checklist:
-parka (or just a winter coat)
-snow boots (the kind that actually keep your feet warm - not Uggs)
-gloves (invest in Isotoners)
-scarves (nice, warm ones)
-ear muffs (I haven't gotten any yet, but I feel like they would be really nice...)
-hat (I want one with fur)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the dorms...especially in Becca and Nicole's room!

Giving Thanks

This holiday break, I am at home with my family. Tonight, I spent some time talking with my dad. For my Honors 199 class, we were asked to interview someone we know who is at least 15 years older than us. So I had a conversation with my dad about his childhood. We talked about everything from television to music, and fashion to technology. I love hearing stories from when my dad was a boy. He told me about his cowboys and Indians fort (which I’ve actually played with myself) and his 3-inch afro from his trip to Europe. Entertaining, believe me.

It’s been a wonderful Thanksgiving. And it all began with Fruesday…well, maybe I should explain. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving Break has been dubbed “Fruesday” by Ball State University. It is a day on which we have Friday classes on Tuesday, hence Fruesday. The whole idea is to make up for all the Monday holidays we have off, thus missing out on class time those days. I’m not sure how effective it is, but hey, at least it makes us unique!

It’s hard to believe there are only two more weeks of classes and a week of finals before the semester is over. It seems like not so long ago I was just moving in. But I’m thankful to have made it this far!

I’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving at home with my family. These days, my list of things to be thankful for is growing ever longer – and I’m grateful even for that!

Happy Thanksgiving!


(Psst! Click on the picture to learn about another unique part of Ball State!)