1 year later...

So i've finished my first year at A&M. In some respects, I can't believe that year 1 is already gone...in others I think holy cow...only 1 year down!?

This year I handled student death, suicidal students, personal health issues (2 ER trips, surgery, and dental issues), and many other shenanigans. I advised 4 student organizations, 5 trips (3 conferences, 1 alternative break trip, AND a camping trip), and countless hours spent preparing and working with students.

As I get older, I'm beginning to figure out what I really want in my life...or what makes me happy. I've come to a few conclusions this summer:

Academics/Professional
- When I do a PhD program, I want to go back to being a grad student...working PLUS class is insane.
- When I do a PhD program, I want a strong cohort where discussions and challenge take place often.
- I will spend this year trying to gain experiences so I can be competitive in a job search for Asst. Director/Coordinator level positions in Greek Life or Student Activities.
- I want to propose a community service learning community this year...service is essential and I feel serving others is something I'm committed to doing for the rest of my life.

Personal
- I don't like people to who take themselves too seriously. I believe in work hard play harder. I will be serious and professional...but I want to live an awesome life that will NEVER leave me wondering what would've happened if I'd _____.

- I am a beach person. i've always loved the beach...but it has become evident through my travels this summer (to San Diego and Maui), that I must live at the beach. I am a happier and nicer person. Looking at the water, walking on the shore...all of this mellows me and just makes my soul happy. I guess this is from growing up on the water...Island life will do that, I suppose?

- As much as I've fought to stay in the south, I think my next move will be to CA (maybe FL or SC).

- I am 26, single, and kinda clueless about who I am. So far I have a few things:
friend, Christian, lover of the beach, traveller, student affairs practitioner, and avid reader.

I feel like I don't know much outside of that. I have lots of thoughts/dreams/ideas...but sometimes that is terrifying. I believe I want a family, a husband, kids...but that is scary--that would change my identity, and my ability to do what I want. Of my knoxville girls that started 2009 single...every single one is engaged--except me. And yes, that can be disappointing, and at times make me wonder what on earth is wrong with me, I still am kinda ok with singleness. At least for now. I can do what I want when I want. I can spend money, go places, do whatever, without answering to anyone. It's kinda nice. The other side of that coin is--who do you share life with? What if "the one" never comes? I look at older colleagues in the department who are single women, and I can't help but wonder if they are single due to choice, circumstance, profession or what? Am I destined to be a single old lady with a dog (i'm too allergic to cats. and cats are lame)? Will my strong desire for a family be just that...a want that never comes to fruition?

What I do know...is that it is now August 1. I will spend the next month in training for weeks on end, welcoming new students (and parents) to campus, accommodating changes and requests, and responding to (hopefully not too many) duty calls. My next piece of freedom will be Sept. 6--but such is the life in ResLife. I'm hoping that this August is easier, especially since I've done it once before. So, here's to a new year--may I learn a lot, do more (FOR ME!!), and accomplish great things!