Having returned to home from my fifth semester of study at JMU, I am convinced that my trip to Spain will be one of introspection and re-evaluation of my collegiate work thus far. This past semester has been unrivaled in its stressful nature and forward looking uncertainty: with conflicts and issues entering my scholastic, professional and social lives simultaneously I have never before lost so much weight and confidence over so little time.
Throughout the semester, usually with a large load of work ahead of me, I would often take time to inwardly stare at the alternative possibilities that I never pursued of perhaps a more reputable university or perhaps a more consistently and easily achievable course of studies, or school-year employment more befitting of my demeanor and leadership attitude or even a more productive fraternity... I have stared down the voice of doubt and perhaps I have not reached an impasse but a fork of possibility.
If I take the blue pill, I continue my concerns and go back to life as usual, feeling sorry for myself, rolling with the punches and weaseling in my input into life when I can - business as usual. If I take the red pill, I can take what I have done and I can peer into the future of opportunities I have built for myself and achieve something beyond. I would like to think that with the guidance of my infallibly reliable and constant companion and friend (and inarguably the best decision I have made at JMU), Bethany, I have managed to drink down the red pill.
JMU is the place I am happy at because I have incredible friends who understand me and that I understand in the circle of musicians, which I manage to keep in contact with because of my fraternity - which has taught me much and helped me sharpen my skills and understanding, and which I hope to continue serving in the future as best I may.
I chose my heavy course-load of studies in International Affairs, Economics, Spanish and Jazz because they are things that intellectually challenge and interest me and are a collection of subjects that I think can best serve my abilities in the professional world and can also teach me important lessons for my personal life. It turns out that perhaps I did, after all, do quite well for my hard intellectual application.
Lastly I chose my collegiate occupation because residence life is something that I have always believed I could improve upon since my first experience in a residence hall. I may disagree with the best way to go about that with some people, but in the end I have found that my instincts have proved not only correct but productive and fulfilling in my initial intention of improving the 'system,' as it were. We shall see if the powers that be agree and nominate me for the position of Hall Director for the '08-'09 school year.
Another fun note would be that this past Tuesday I turned 21! At my pseudo-party Thursday night I was so stressed out over closing and my final Spanish project I was too sick to drink anything or eat anything - my stomach managed to reject the entire D-Hall dinner placed in it prior to the gathering. After that I have since quite enjoyed the alcoholic privileges - responsibly, of course - Bethany and I visited a vineyard together on the side of Afton Mountain named Veritas, where we had an extraordinarily pleasant wine tasting and I chose a spicy Cabernet Franc (with grapes unique to Virginia) to bring to my host mother in Spain when I study abroad! I rather think I want to visit as many wine tastings as I can in the foreseeable future. Furthermore for my birthday, my parents gave me a new AWESOME digital camera! I don't really know the specs, but it's compact, black and versatile - in short I hope I don't lose it. There is not enough space, time or reader interest to describe my times with Bethany up until now and for the future, so in this blog I will not - that is between us and Bethany will only be mentioned when necessary, which I will tend to think is still often.
Christmas is coming - I wish you all a good one and much cheer! Drink some eggnog (bourbon included) and give thanks to whomever you like for the company of your friends and family. Whatever way you look at it, the meaning of the season is to appreciate what others have done for you and to find a way to give back.
