livin’ on a prayer || and other assorted things about college

“Load the car and write the note,

Grab your bag and grab your coat

Tell the ones that need to know

We are headed (east)” and off to Samford we go!!!!!

Such was my Instagram caption the day I left Oxford, Mississippi, my home of 9 years, to begin the journey east towards Samford University.  That was 6 and a half weeks ago—or 46 days, 12 hours, and 57 minutes ago, to be more precise.  So much has happened between now and then that I will never be able to put it all into words…but at least I’m going to try:

I’ve met so many new people that it is impossible to remember who I’ve met/from where/where I met them.  It’s actually turned into a game of mine to try to recognize people before they recognize me (unfortunately I usually lose).

I now have friends from both geographical extremes of the country (aka Seattle & Tampa) and everywhere in between (including a few Texans who have so much state pride that I felt they needed to be addressed as well).

I’ve made approximately 27 hours’ worth of phone calls home.

I’ve seen my sister twice in 46 days.

I’ll go home for fall break in 10 days which happens to be the day after I turn 19 (whoop whoop) so apparently I’m getting old as well.

I’ve had to check social media to find out what is going on in the people I love’s lives (thank goodness for Snapchat amirite).

I spent time with my best friend on her campus and realized that both of our lives are continuing on despite the fact we are in two seemingly different worlds.

I joined a sorority (go phi mu!) and have already made so many wonderful friendships that I can’t wait to see what’s in store in this sisterhood.

My phone still autocorrects Samford to Stanford… well I guess our #SamNotStan campaign just hasn’t reached Apple yet.

I’ve read approximately 16 books (yes I said 16), written 3 papers, taken 4 exams, and delivered 2 oral presentations, and I believe I spend more time with Plato and Aristotle on a daily basis than I do with people from the 21^st century.

I learned how to do laundry, but I still have to call my mom every time I go to pick a washer setting (aka the hardest decision for an 18-year-old).

I’ve recognized that the most difficult thing about living in a dorm is having to have a key to get into the building; I cannot tell you how many times I’ve taken the garbage out only to discover I’m locked out (shoutout to the roomie for always having her key).  fyi, sandals don’t work well as door stoppers (maybe that’s why there’s a $100 fee for sticking them in doors…)

Despite all efforts, I still never seem to have my card out in time for the lunch lady when it’s my turn to swipe (my apologies to the unfortunate souls in line behind me).

Group Me=so important to daily life that I had to move it to the dock on my phone.  who knew??? (it’s a blessing and a curse)

I keep up with new music only because Spotify emails me every time my sister adds another song to her playlist, and I can’t figure out how to stop it (shoutout to Kaitlyn).

I have not had near enough Netflix time as was guaranteed to me by my older college-going friends.

I’ve discovered that naps and having your own microwave are like frenemies, they can be wonderful things but at the same time the worst ever.

I now associate myself with the same mascot as that of the school that shall not be named—a bulldog! *gasp*

The first time I cried was in the middle of CVS.  Go figure.

I’ve discovered I have the greatest support system of family and friends.  shoutout to everyone for all that you do ❤

I learned a little about a big subject—patience.

And above all, I’ve never been so challenged academically or spiritually in my entire life.

Today my professor told us we’ve made it halfway through our first semester of college.  She even reminded us as we walked into the classroom of Bon Jovi’s wonderful advice:

“She says,

We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got

It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not

We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love

We’ll give it a shot

Woah, we’re half way there

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear

Woah, livin’ on a prayer”

I guess I just wasn’t ready to address this until I knew I could make it, until I had some sort of assurance that I was doing something right.  Thank you to Caroline for showing me that today, and for giving us enough hope and encouragement to make it through—even in our 10 am sleepy-stupor.

I’ve learned so much about myself and about the world in my time here.  These past 6 weeks have been some of the most challenging, difficult, amazing, insightful, shocking, exciting, and overwhelming (+ the list goes on) days of my entire life but I am so grateful to be here and to be a part of what’s happening at Samford.  This really is a special place.

until next time, Go Sammy U—oh and go bulldogs 😉

xoxox