Forever in my Heart

It was two years ago today when news broke that my high school would be closing in June. I remember the day so clearly, I still get chills thinking about it. It's been two years and I still think about Loretto everyday. Loretto was not just a school, it was a community. While I was not best friends with everyone in my class, I knew I could approach any girl and she would be there for me. The bond our class had was so special, and it comforts me to know that while we are no longer on campus we will always be the Silver Superheroes, class of 2010.
As sophomores we went through getting our class rings together, which now is one of my favorite memories from Loretto. My friends and I spent days figuring out something to engrave inside our rings. We ended up writing "forever in my heart", originally I thought it was cheesy but now I look at my ring and know that I couldn't have chosen better because Loretto will forever be in my heart.
I came to college this year feeling completely confident as a student because I was challenged through out high school. My English teachers were right, I would already know how to write in college. In fact, I was way ahead of most kids. While I was in school, I resented how hard Loretto was and envied other schools who had it easier but now I realize how much more prepared I was for college.
This whole day I've been thinking about what I would blog but now that I'm finally writing I cannot properly put my feelings into words. It is hard to think about everything I missed out on senior year but at the end of the day I have to remind myself of how fortunate I was to experience three amazing years at Loretto. Loretto made me into the woman I am today.
Our closing song at liturgies was " I Will Be" by Natalie Grant and as I listen to it (yes I bought it) I realize that this is exactly what Mary Ward would want us to do. I will be a candle in the darkness, the hope among hopeless, and when there is conflict I will be peace. I will forever carry on the spirit of Loretto through my actions. I have a feeling Mary Ward would be pretty proud of all of us for continuing to carry on the spirit of Loretto.
I wear only my class ring today to honor Loretto and all it has offered me.
LHS '10 forever and always.

Life's Little Lessons

It's been a while since I've posted anything but school has kept me extremely busy. Now that I have a little time, I figured I'd write. I have had quite the night, I had some type of allergic reaction and was convinced my throat /tongue was swelling so I called the paramedics and they met me at my dorm. This was by far the most stressful and scary situation I have encounter since I have left home. Fortunately, they said I was fine and I just had some type of mild reaction. While I was being questioned and hooked up to machines I tried my hardest to stay calm but eventually my tears broke through (which they were bound to do at some point, crying is second nature to me). That is one of the hardest things about being on your own is that your parents aren't there to handle the situation or physically comfort you. Tonight was one of those times where I realized that I'm growing up and it's a little scary.
Now, a year ago I wouldn't have called my parents, woken up my friend for support, or called 911 because I didn't want to disturb anyone but I realized that's what they are all here for. As I was pacing the hallway talking to my mom, I didn't want to wake up my R.A. but my mom asked her infamous question, " what's your biggest priority?" and I knew it was taking care of myself. While I didn't wake up my R.A. I realized she was right and I needed to wake up somebody. Luckily I ended up being fine but I could've been in some serious danger if I decided to not "bother"anybody.
This is what's so great about going to college, each day I learn something new about living on my own. Tonight's lesson was a little bigger than usual but regardless, I am a much stronger person because of tonight. and I'm proud of myself for handling it without my parents physically there. So while I sit here at 3:30 in the morning still processing my night, I advise anybody to ALWAYS reach out for help, no matter the situation.

When I first thought of this idea I assumed I would have an order to when I wrote about certain issues but I've decided that writing what I feel strongly at the moment will produce a more insprirational post. So today I am writing about friends. Value your friendships. Boys will come and go in your life but your true friends will always be there for you. I have given up my friends for a boy and I can tell you it is not worth it. Not to mention if the boy really cares about you, he wouldn't put you in that position.
Finding true friends is a bit of journey. As you grow older and mature you realize who you want to surround yourself with..hopefully it is someone who makes you feel good. If you have a friend you puts you down or blows you off, do not put up with it!! I have let (and still do at times) people push me around because I have never stood up for myself enough. Your life will be SO much easier if you stand up for yourself as soon as possible. I am not saying be rude back but be assertive and honest. In the Princess Diaries, Joe (the driver) tells Mia, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Eleanor Roosevelt said that and it is so true. Don't allow people get you down, you are better than that. You are the only one in control of how you feel. This goes back to my last post about about making yourself your number one priority. Don't be pushed around by a "friend" because you are worried about them getting mad at you..take care of yourself first. In the end people will admire you for respecting yourself and not take advantage of you.
I am pretty sure this goes without saying but if your friends are respecting you and always there for you, make sure you do the same. A healthy relationship requires both ends to be working. This is a topic I feel strongly about because I have seen it, been through it, and still deal with it. So this is not the last time I will write about it.You will have to deal with friend issues your whole life but learning how to handle them sooner than later will save you many conflicts. Communicate, respect, love and surround yourself with good friends! :)

My Number One Rule

With a new year ahead I have made many new goals that I am determined to achieve. This year is all about being organized and staying productive. If I can stay productive and positive through out the year then I know I will feel more in control of my life and happier. While being organized and productive helps me, it might not work for everyone, but there is something that I believe can work for everybody. The number one rule I wish I learned earlier in my life is, you have to love yourself!!! Loving yourself is healthy and effective! I have found that you have to love yourself before anybody else can.  My mom always told me that my first priority in life is to take care of myself, you should be your main concern because if you don't like yourself, who will?
 I want to keep this post short and sweet just like my main point. Rather than dwelling on all the things you might not be crazy about, focus on the things you do like. Try writing down something you like about yourself each day for a week. I will  do this as well and post it at the end of the week. Tell your friends to read this and/or do this challenge with you. To sum it all up, love who you are and rock what you got. If you do that nobody will even notice what you don't got. :)