Quarter Three

Wow! I can't believe I'm already entering my third quarter of classes at the university. Time really has been moving at a much faster speed than I anticipated. My first quarter there, all I was concerned about was what I missing out on, moving to Nashville, wondering what kind of job I was going to get when I graduate, what kind of guy I'm going to marry, and was all of this going to be worth it? It was SO toxic, daydreaming of what life could be like, instead of looking around and enjoying the view.

"The end is nothing. The road is all," is something I am constantly reminded of. I've learned to let go of the ideas that I have and what life could be, so that I can be open to whatever God places in my path. I've had to overcome a lot of inner struggles each quarter, but I'm learning that with those, I'm only getting stronger. 

This quarter my schedule has changed up just a bit, meaning I have to get up much earlier. I thought a 10 a.m class was bad…I sure hadn't seen it all. I woke up at 7:15, got ready, grabbed a quick breakfast bar, then headed out. 

SIDENOTE:

Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves are doing a Crossroads taping together in LOS ANGELES…Now, that's what I'm talking about!!!!! I'm crossing my fingers I'll be able to go to the taping. 

 My mom dropped me off, since I don't want to drive the SUV or pay for parking. I walked into the library and down the stairs to my first class. It's actually the same classroom where I had feature writing last quarter, so I knew exactly where I had to go. I ran into my friend, Angel, and he said he was in the class, too. So, I sat by him. The class started pretty shortly after…convergence journalism; meaning it combines all forms of media to tell a really unique story! I'm excited about this one, because I love to make videos and edit, as well as interactive features on the web. It sounds like it's going to be a fun class. 

My next class, public affairs reporting, is with the same professor and takes place in the same classroom. Therefore, I stayed exactly where I was. There are a lot of the same students in the class, as well, which makes it nice. But, I'm a little worried with this class. It focuses a little more on government issues and news, which aren't many things that I'm extremely passionate about, but it could be a new learning experience. I want to be well-rounded and able to jump into anything, but this might take me out of my comfort zone a bit. We have to cover an agency and attend meetings, speak with local officials and write really clean, concise reports. YIKES! 

When that class was over, I had an hour or so lunch break. I met up with my friend, Sarah, at our usual spot and we had a lot of catching up to do. I also noticed that the campus seemed much busier than usual as I walked to the lunch tables. That's how you know it's the first week of the quarter! ha. After that, it all mellows out. I caught her up to speed in my life, as far as journalism/ school goes; being editor of the features section this time around, as well as my other classes…Because right now, that's pretty much the thing my life revolves around. And she filled me in on her life. Let's just say, God is work in MANY ways for both of us. I could already tell that spring was going to fill up my spirit, but I can really feel the change in the air, and I couldn't be more thankful for it.  

The end is nothing, the
road is all. 

When we were finished, I had to get to the newspaper, but I stopped to take a look at the plaque that has been inspiring me from the beginning. Then, I had some butterflies stir up from all the excitement that is happening right at this second.

The newspaper office looks much better now! After doing some spring cleaning and some moving around, it looks like there's much more room.
The editors still have their section to sit in, while the staff writers get the rest of the room. We hung out for the first few minutes, waiting for everyone to arrive, then all went around the room, giving short introductions. It was so weird standing with the other editors, giving my title, when just a short time ago, I was nervous to even be a staff writer. God is doing such work in my life, and I wouldn't be where I am without His grace, that's for sure.
The staff writers filled out their "applications" as we each met with some of the staff writers for a few minutes, to answer any questions they might have. To my surprise, we only have two features writers so far. Usually, that's the section everyone wants. On the plus side, we seem to have a lot of dedicated team members who are pursuing journalism or english, and seem to be excited about the class.
When we finished up, the editors stuck around for a few minutes, then I headed out to meet one of my best friends at The Marketplace. I was not in the happiest of moods, I have to say. But, we bought our Captain America tickets! AH! So excited! They don't do "midnight premieres" anymore, so we got the 9 o'clock show instead. It will be just as exciting! Then, Marissa and I talked with my mom for a few minutes about jobs and school..Fun, fun. It was more like we complained for a few minutes. I felt much better about everything.

WOO!!! :D

From there, my mom and I went to Winco for some candy, so I can take it to the movies with me. Then, we came home, I had some chocolate and sweet tea, and relaxed for the rest of the evening, letting the events of the day sink in. The first day of anything is a lot to process, so it takes some time to get used to.

I'm excited to see where the rest of the quarter goes.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)