The Beginning and the End of an old journey

I would like to take a moment to share the monumental event that just occurred in my life: I just submitted a paper, but not just any old paper, THE FINAL PAPER that I will ever have to write as a student. Ever. That's it! No more!

That's trippy. I think the first paper I ever wrote in college was about Harry Potter. And my last paper was on childhood depression. Interesting. (Was I always destined to be a pediatrician!?)

I've been thinking a lot about my time at FSU-8 full years!-and how it's coming to a close. I'm constantly reminded of bright eyed 18 year old me whenever I use my FSUCard (yes, I'm still using that thing) and I'm so deeply happy and blessed to say that #1-my hair has improved since that photo was taken and #2-I think my soul, or at least how I relate to it, has improved.

2009: MS1
Disclaimer: There was A LOT of humidity the day I had to take this...and I had to walk across campus in semi-sprinkling rain prior to this picture being taken so the weird side-swept bangs and goofy shirt isn't all my fault. Well the shirt was my fault. Whatever, we all go through awkward stages. Mine has just lasted a lot longer than most.

2013 MS4. Thank goodness.

A lot has happened in the past 8 years, a lot of growth and a lot of hairstyles and fashion trends. I no longer sport cheerleading shorts and flip flops everywhere I go. I go through a lot more mascara than I ever had before.  I think I know how to dress and do my hair finally.

I'm still mistaken for a 16 year old, however. That hasn't changed.

FSU has given me so much and I'm eternally grateful for all of the time I spent on that campus. My college and Medical School years have challenged me to never settle for mediocracy, to always strive for greatness, but most importantly, to do so with a humble and joyful demeanor. My time at FSU has supported my constant discovery of what a deep faith in He who loves us means, and through that- a great and constantly expanding understanding of His creation. I have learned to cook, I have learned to love. I have learned what it means to be a person with flaws, but how to work within those flaws to be better, a more whole individual. I have learned how to be ok being single and am learning how to be ok with being a spouse. I have learned many of the intricacies of football and accepted that I'm a bad luck charm for FSU Football (it's ok, I've come to grips with it). I was given the gift of yoga and the importance of a life-long journey to health. I've acquired the taste for curry, tacos and Gumby's Pizza. I have laughed in the middle of the night with my roommates over our weird obsession with chips and salsa. I have skipped class to go to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I've adopted a cat (I don't know why I felt that was necessary to include...). I'm a lot less 'rough around the edges'. FSU has given me the opportunity to love and serve people for the rest of my life, both personally through loving the great love of my life and friends, and professionally as a pediatrician.

As I leave the beautiful campus that I have come to love, a piece of my heart will always reside in the halls of Fischer Lecture Hall or Dirac Science Library. Or maybe not...let's say at Doak...that sounds a lot less dorky (disclaimer, I was a pre-med after all).

I'm excited (and scared) to begin my new life-and I hope to have time to write a little to document the journey to becoming a physician and wife. I hope my random thoughts and not-well-put-together postings serve as a lightness in your day and maybe as an occasional encouragement that we're all imperfect beings striving for perfection.

OK that was the most random post ever. Lots of caffeine happened today, I'm still a student after all. At least for 10 more days.

!!!