Just Another Manic Monday

This morning was not off to a good start. Actually, it wasn't a bad start..It was just weird. First off, I did not want to get out of bed when I heard my alarm go off. I tried to pretend that it was the weekend and I didn't have to go to classes, but no such luck. It was indeed Monday. I got dressed, put my makeup and was starting to worry about my class mix up situation. I was SO wanting to take Young Adult Novel, but because it was "Children's lit," I couldn't. Apparently I was signed up to minor in English lit, so it wouldn't count for credit. I was trying to figure out anything I possibly could to take it (and so I wouldn't have a Tuesday/Thursday class, like the one I had signed up for after I dropped Young Adult Novel).

The morning was a little more out of whack from there. I grabbed my stuff and off we went. We were already running a little later, and hadn't gotten very far when I realized that I had forgotten my lunch. We turned back around, I rushed in and...Take two! I walked into my convergence journalism class a few minutes after roll and the Power Point had already started, and had to just find whatever seat was on the end. Luckily, they were talking about the inverted pyramid, which I know a lot about, so I didn't miss much. We listened to the lecture, did an activity and called it a day. My next class, public affairs, followed the same pattern. Our prof talked to us about story ideas for the beat we're covering and gave us a chance to do some research.

Class got out earlier, so I decided to talk with my english adviser to talk about my class mix up. Luckily, she was in her office, so I was able to chat with her for a few minutes and she's so incredibly helpful and nice. I officially signed the papers to switch my minor from "English lit" to "Children's lit" and I am so excited about it. I figure if it's a goal of mine to write books, this would be the route I'd take. Plus, English lit can be a bit stuffy. And I get my Tuesdays and Thursdays back! WOO!

After I finished up there, I picked up a key from campus police, then found a quiet spot to eat lunch. While I was sitting there, some thoughts came to me.

So many people my age keep getting engaged. I do have an opinion on that, but at the end of the day, it isn't my place to say and it really doesn't matter what I think about it anyway. I'm no expert in the relationship field in the first place. 

There are several moments when I stop to think "Am I doing everything right?" "Am I doing okay?" I've never really had a relationship, like somehow that gives  meworth, and it doesn't. That's something I've really had to take a step back and learn over quite some time now. And you know what? I really do feel like I'm a good track right now. It's just a little different than I pictured. 

I'm so close to being done with school. I've had a lot of amazing opportunities and have been able to get out there and experience life with friends and family a lot more than I probably would have. I'm working towards a career in something I've always dreamed of. I'm finding out what I like, what I'm into, what kinds of decisions I make when it's solely up to me and not anyone else. I'm learning how to control my weaknesses and the things that set me off, becoming a better version of myself (or trying), and going where God has called me. This is by far the most exciting journey I have ever been on.

It's difficult, yes. It's challenging. But, at the same time, it's everything I could have hoped for! I remember just waiting and daydreaming about these moments in high school. When I wouldn't have a set plan, could pick my own schedule, could have a life OUTSIDE of school (well, I'm working on that a little) and could have new experiences. I'm living that out every single day.  

Each morning when I wake up, there's always a new battle that needs to be fought, whether or not I win, whether it's believing in myself that I have what it takes, finding the willpower to write a paper, call a source, get a meeting set up, etc. Some days, the challenge has just been getting out of bed and taking a chance on all of this; having faith that God has brought me to this and He will bring me through it.  

So, after all of these thoughts and finishing my lunch under the shade of a tree (where I used to sit when I didn't know anyone just a few months ago), I decided to go to our newspaper classroom. There are usually people in there, so I thought it'd give me a chance to hang out with them. A few of the editors were in there already, so I talked with them and started asking questions about what we were planning on doing for the day.

When class started, we all broke into different groups (photographers, returning writers, new writers and digital media), so we could focus on the things we needed to. I had one returning writer, so I mainly just chatted with him about some of the things he's interested in, which is Korean culture. He was telling me all about that, I told him about my interest in country music, and we talked about some of our connections/celebrities we've met. It opened my eyes to how we all have our things that we're into and passionate about, and we can all learn a little something from each other. After awhile, we decided to join the rest of the staff writers, where the other editors were doing "boot camp."

And then, we assigned/talked about stories that the staff writers wanted to write for this week. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous...I mean, now I'm totally in charge. I don't necessarily have to run things by someone above me. I get the say. Well, unless I'm really unsure of what to do about something. But, it's really weird being the one to call the shots, so I'm still getting used to that. And I think I'm going to like it. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone in all kinds of ways this quarter, and I can't help but be thrilled for the opportunity.

Once all of the stories were passed out, I hung around to talk with some of the editors. I also decided that I'm going to join the journalism club, which will be meeting on Wednesdays. I figure it's a good way to get involved, and I spend most of my time in the newspaper class already.

When I finished there, my mom picked me up and we went to Starbucks. A long day always calls for a treat from Starbucks. My drink of choice was black tea with 10 pumps of vanilla that one of my best friends got me hooked on. We came home and I've been catching up on all of the TV I didn't get a chance to watch last night. It has been a good day, and I have a feeling that it's going to be an even better week.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

Amen to that!