Hey everyone I just wanted to hop on here and write a more personal post than I normally do. Originally this blog was created so that my extensive family could keep up with me after I moved away for college and so every once in a while I like to do little life updates! With it being the Christmas season, unfortunately, we are all pulled in different directions so not everyone will be able to connect for Christmas, so I felt that this post was needed! So without further ado here is my life update!!
This year was full of twists and turns. God really showed me how much I needed to rely on Him and His plan for me rather than my plan for myself. At the beginning of this year, I was devastated by the news that the best man that I had ever known had passed away, my grandpa. He was more than a grandpa he was a man of incredible wisdom and the first Razorback of our family. He called me sunshine and little did he know he was my sunshine more than I was his. Losing him was the hardest thing that I have had to go through in my life thus far, but I wouldn’t wish death on anyone. Death is one of those things that you grieve when the person leaves you, and you grieve a little each day after. It takes a piece away from you that you didn’t realize could be taken.
College + What’s Next!
This year also started with me finding out that I would be graduating college a semester early, which in turn led to me deciding to study abroad over the summer while I still had the chance. I wanted to make sure that I finished strong for my grandpa and made him proud, because higher education was incredibly important to him, with him being an educator most of his life.
In May right after finals week, I left for Florence, Italy for 3 weeks. A trip that I have later looked back on and realized how much I truly grew on that trip. That was the first time I had gone out of the country without anyone that I knew prior to the trip and it was terrifying. Of course, God blessed me with the best roommates that I could ask for and I made the most wonderful memories and also gained 5 pounds of Gelato. I can’t wait to go back one day to that amazingly romantic city.
The rest of the summer I spent my time working full time at my dad’s office as a Real Estate Analyst. Working for him never really gets old and I have learned an incredible amount about life, real estate, and people in that office.
This past semester went by in a blur.
I took a second part-time job at a boutique as their marketing coordinator, which I considered doing full time after college.
I moved into my first big girl apartment with 3 other girls and realized quickly the true meaning of, “Pick your battles.”
And I prayed a lot about what I really wanted to do after college.
After many sleepless nights, I decided to not pursue a full-time job at the boutique for personal reasons and to pursue a full-time position at The McLain Group as a Mergers & Acquisitions Sales Analyst. I am extremely excited about this opportunity and in my heart, I know that it was the right decision.
A little over a week ago, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Marketing and Minoring in Supply Chain Management. I completed my college career strong just like I had intended despite the obstacles that I had over the semester. Next Fall my name will be engraved in the University of Arkansas Senior Walk, just like my grandfather’s name is. I can’t wait to join him and I am so happy that I am able to live on his legacy as a University of Arkansas Alumnae.
Merry Christmas!
Like I said earlier, God’s plan is far greater than the one that we have for ourselves. So, in the new year, I challenge you to be still and listen to his voice and guidance in your life into what His plan is for you!
Merry Christmas!
