dance, dance, dance for the kids

photo by Ariel Williams

This year I had the opportunity to participate in Rebelthon, a 12-hour dance marathon fundraiser that benefits Blair E. Baton Children's Hospital. I was a little hesitant of being on my feet for numerous hours, but the cause was more than worth it. 

I didn't know what to expect coming into this event as a freshman, but it was lots of fun. The night was full of pancakes, glow sticks, bouncy houses, ballpits, hip-hop routines, lip-sync battles, and top of the hour dance numbers. Fannypacks were all the rave. Family stories were more than inspiring. And the kids had just as much fun as we did. Without a doubt, I left with a smile on my sleepy face.

Most importantly, we raised $265, 912.30 for the kids!

"Dancing with your feet is one thing, but dancing with your heart is another."

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first semester reflection

In all honesty, college was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a step toward the future I envision for myself and a piece of the freedom that I desperately needed. It has opened me up to so many things. Knowledge I'd never encountered, concepts I'd never thought to challenge, and people I'd always hoped to encounter.

Also, I love Honors College. I love Honors College. I love Honors College. Honestly, I can't express this enough. It's the best part about going to Ole Miss. 

Though, as you can imagine, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It's school, so of course, it is hard work. I had many late nights, exams piled on top of one another, and papers that I waited until the last minute to complete. And I cannot fail to mention that Spanish gave me a run for my money but in the end, hard work really does pay off. 

As usual, I kept myself busy. I joined the yearbook staff and the school paper, as well as freshman council among other things. It's become clear to me that I prefer to live life with a million things to do than an excessive amount of free time. I mean, by the time Christmas pasted I was ready to start back up again. The lazy days only seem full of contentment and bliss for so long. Then, I become restless.

With involvement also comes putting yourself out there. I have received lots of no's but also so many yes's. And I'm sure there are many more rejections to come, but they make me appreciate the yes's so much more.

In the coming semester, I want to focus more on volunteering. It's something that I enjoyed so much in high school, and I want to get back to that. I feel the most fulfilled when I am giving of myself to others. 

Ultimately, college is full of countless opportunities, amazing people, and memories that I'm sure will last a lifetime. You never forget the excitement of your first gameday, the nerves of the first class, the fear of your first exam, the worry of not making friends, and the relief when you find those people.

You don't forget the long walks, the late night conversations with your roommate, the excessive trips to Walmart, or the last minute runs to the Union.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hope not to take any of it for granted. I constantly find myself in awe of how truly blessed I am, and I don't ever want that to change. Appoxiately one eighth of this next great adventure is down. It's safe to say that I'm ready for round two.

"Months are different in college... especially freshman year. Too much happens." Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl

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twenty seventeen recap

The hope is that each passing year gets better. That life never slows or loses its ability to excite. This year was no different. It held my biggest life highs and its biggest lows. In honor of discovering happiness amongst the mayhem, here's a few of the things that made this year everything that it was.

I recieved a crown at a masquerade.
I cruised to Mexico.
I drew hearts in the sand.
I played the Baker's Wife.
I snapped photos on the streets of New Orleans.
I stood in front of Miss Robicheaux's Academy.
I delivered a valedictory address.
I loved every minute of HOBY Round 3.
I held a sign that read "Ole Miss Bound."
I learned to love dorm life.
I jumped in a ballpit with strangers.
I cheered on the Rebs.
I improved my Espanol.
I searched for pumpkins on the farm.
I binge watched "Stranger Things."
I sent way too many Spongebob memes.
I wondered through the Trail of Lights.
I ice skated on the roof of Whole Foods.
I ventured into a graffiti park.
I ate tex-mex in Texas.
I survived Atlanta traffic.
I drank tons of hot cocoa.
I wore matching pjs on Christmas.
I mastered the lazy day.

I graduated high school.
I left home.

I started my freshman year of college.

So many changes took place in 2017 that without a doubt it holds some special moments. This year could never be forgotten but it has set the stage for an even brighter year to come.

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