Dear Mom

Over the last few years, I've found myself saying "well, that was my mother," in response to something I'd say or do. This has happened to me way too many times over the course of my life and I'm convinced that one day I'm just going to shrink four inches and start going by Angela.

My mom always taught us that we are fully capable of doing things ourselves. Never just give up and let someone else do it. So, the other day when some men attempted to carry a couch up the stairs to Laura's apartment, I thought I'd help. When one of them looked at me and said "now hold on, this is man's work" I held up my hand, said "no, you're done," then picked the end of the couch up that he'd dropped. I immediately looked to Laura and said "well....that was mom."

This evening I'll be taking an Omnibus trip to King's Island, so I just sat down to go through my purse and figure out what I'll need to take with me. While transferring cards into another wallet, I picked up my debit card and said "for food," and slipped it into my wallet. Next, I grabbed my license and student ID and said "in the event we get into an accident and they have to identify my body." Okaaayyy. Last, I grabbed my health insurance card, nodded my head, and put it in my purse. That, ladies and gentleman, was my mother.

These are just a couple of incidents within the last week. I can't say I mind it, though. I'm glad my mom taught me all of the things that she has and still continues to teach me things all the time. She's the greatest woman I know and I wouldn't want to be like anyone else. (except maybe Beyonce...but, like, who doesn't?)

So, if you happen to see me in the future and I've started playing computer games, drinking copious amounts of Red Bull, and talking about roses, don't worry. I'm just my mom.

Senioritis, Senior Thesis, Senior Year

Yes, it's been awhile. Being a college senior takes more time than I thought. It's difficult trying to stay focused on classes, gather information about graduate school applications, spend time with friends to have as many "lasts" as possible, and the most important of all projects, my senior thesis.

Let's talk about senioritis really quickly. It is a completely different concept than it was in high school. By the time my junior year hit in high school, I had senioritis. I'd spent the last 12 years with the same people every day. We'd watched each other grow up and move through our awkward phases and when it came time for graduation, we all laughed and cried with each other, but no one was too sad to leave.

Senioritis in college is completely different for me. For example, I should be writing a paper right now for the History class I put off for the last three years. I'm always torn between wanting to nap and spend time with my friends, because Lord knows how many "chill" days we have left...but how many naps do I have left? I also have this love/hate relationship with class. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the classes I'm in now. But....like, I've got the syllabus. Can I just follow along at home and show up for the exams? Doesn't work like that at Hanover, thank you participation based classes. And, although I'm going to be so sad to leave, I'm just trying not to think about that right now. There are too many things I've become used to these last four years and I'm just not ready to walk away from that yet.

I will say, though, the best part about this year is living on Garritt Street. I never have to see anybody! Besides the occasional encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Dean Jobe, I hardly see anyone outside of class. I can't say I mind. I'll make my way to the CC a few days a week to creep on a couple people, but to be honest, I'm perfectly content locking myself in the apartment with my entertaining roommates.

Now, when you come in as a freshman at Hanover, you always hear the seniors whispering and stressing over two mysterious things they have to do. 1) Senior Thesis. 2) Comps.

I'm going to be honest, I'm putting off all thoughts of my comps until I get this thesis together. Senior Thesis. Sounds fun doesn't it? And, to be honest, it kind of is. Stressful, but it's nice to have all the power...once I ask John, Kati, and Skip if it's okay. Ask me again about my thesis when next semester rolls around and I'm standing on the street begging people to participate. But, right now, I can handle it.

You know, it's funny sitting here and thinking about all I've done in the last four years. I met some of the best people I've ever known, while staying so close to my friends spread all over the state and soon the country. I've spent countless hours sitting out at The Point thinking about my life up until that particular point in time. I designed my major and have been so fortunate to study all sides of my favorite thing, the brain. I completed an unbelievable amount of Liberal Arts credits, studying things from The World Since 1945 to my Great Works classes, Art and Music/Literature and Theater. I've taken music conducting classes, because...why not? Hilariously enough, my undergraduate career has made a full circle with my thesis involving both Neuroscience and Music. Talk about well-rounded.

I can't believe we've already hit the midterm of the Fall of my senior year. In just a few short weeks, my applications to graduate schools will be completely out of my hands and my future is left up to everyone but me. I'm excited for the future and I can't wait to see what this world has for me to do, but I'm also unbelievably worried until I find out where I'm going.

Prayers are always appreciated. Thanks to everyone that has been along for this ride at Hanover. It'll be coming to an end before I know it, but I know you're all as excited as I am for "Emily in the Real World" blog posts.

Smile always,
e.