Hunting.

Hunting is a very important aspect of anyone who has been raised in the south especially in the country. People of all ages hunt, including old men all the way down to young girls. I started hunting with my dad when I was about 10 or 11. We would always sit in the same stand because he was not ready for be to sit alone. I shot my first deer when I was 12, it was just a little doe but i was still so proud of it. The more I hunted the more dad trusted me to sit alone and allowed me to begin going to a different stand but still close by. Since then I have killed several deer and continue to hunt whenever it is possible. This current deer season hasn't been the best because of the hot weather which make the deer not move as much.  Hunting is considered a very good way to bond with your parents because it is a hobby that you can not only share but participate together. I have loved every moment of it and can not wait to teach my children how to hunt one day in the far far future !

This Class?

What have I learned this semester? Coming into college I didn't have the foundation I needed to begin my English class. I had never written any kinds of the papers required, so I had to start from clean slate.  This class has taught me you write a lot more then you think because it is in everyday life. On Facebook, twitter, text messages, and even emails you write something it maybe personal or not grammatically correct but it is still a type of writing. Ms.Simms has taught me that asking questions isn't a bad thing but that it shows you are trying to understand the material to better your education. With these papers that we wrote I had less mistakes then I had thought because having no prior knowledge I was not confident. This class has shown me that I can write paper and with a little help I am pretty good at it. I am so glad to have had this class as one my of first semester in college to make me grow and become aware of what I can do !

Procrastination

Procrastinating is something every person does some more than others but the older I get the more I seem to see of it. All throughout school I have made good grades and never really had to try, so when I go to college it began to kick my butt. At the beginning of the school year I was always on top of things to make sure I wasn't in a panic to get things done.  I see myself beginning to procrastinate more and more as the weeks go on. The bad thing about procrastinating is it normally shows in your grades and your appearance. The reason I say your appearance is because when you stay up all night long trying to finish something that is due the next day or cram for a test you are just worn out. The thing about cramming before test is that you don't retain as much information because studies show that if you study for 30 minutes each night you will learn more then if you crammed for hours at a time. Procrastination is just a way of life but I have began learning my lesson and am going to try to do better the rest of my time in college and throughout my entire life.

Introduction Psychology

Coming into college everyone told me how much they loved psychology and how easy it was. I began taking it and thought it was one of the most boring classes I have ever taken. In the first couple of weeks I made bad grades and begin to panic. I went and met with my professor and it began to make the class run smoother with some of the study ideas he shared with me. The on thing that is dumb with this whole class is the fact that to get the credits you have to do the PREP requirement and also complete the departmental final. The PREP requirement consist of either summarizing two articles into a 500 word essay or participating in two psychology experiments. This semester every student in intro to psychology had to write the two papers since they didn't offer any experiments. Some of the teachers told their students they didn't have to do the papers until the day before they were due, because they didn't know it was imperative to get the credits for the class. Now at the end of the class I have became me interested and it has been showing in much grade improvement in everything we do. This class may not be easy but it is interesting you just have to work for a grade, it's not just handed to you!

Diamond Dolls

In high school I was a Diamond Doll and absolutely loved it. It was a way to socialize and get to know everyone. You would always make the players little goody bags and pep them up before each game. I absolutely loved it, so when I found out that AUM had Diamond Dolls I jumped at the opportunity. When I got the email that they had chosen me to be a part of the group I was so excited. It is going to be so exciting to get to be a Diamond Doll again. It really is fun to be a small part of what helps pep the boys up before their games. It is also really fun to get craft when making their goody bags. I have always had a creative streak so when I get the opportunity to get crafty I take it. Not only do we give them goody bags, but we also do things to help raise money for the team and the university such as fund raisers, door prizes, working the concession stand, and raffles. Another good thing about Diamond Dolls is that it is a good way to show your school spirit. You are cheering your school on and supporting the athletics department. You can support just by coming out and watching them play. I am so excited for this season to start because I cannot wait to be part of such an amazing organization with such an amazing group of girls. It is going to be the best season ever.

Black Friday

Black Friday was absolutely crazy this year. I had never stood in a line for four hours before in my life until then. There were people everywhere and they were acting like the world was coming to an end. I could not walk down an isle in Target without almost getting knocked out. On the bright side there were some really great deals. You should always get a paper before going Black Friday shopping so you know where to go and who has the best deals. Every year me and my mom both get our own newspapers and go through them to find out where exactly we want to go. This year we only found a few places that we really were interested in going. I got a lot of great deals and got so much for so little. When I went into Target I remember seeing movies that were four dollars. Last year was even crazier. I went into Wal Mart and there were literally fights breaking out over towels that were one dollar. There were people pushing other people into bins and there were ladies getting into fist fights over toys for their children.  It is so hard for me to see this, because I cannot imagine myself acting like that. I would be so embarrassed. These people act like it is not anything though. I think that is what I really do not understand. It is just crazy to me. Overall though, if you like to shop , Black Friday is a goodtime to go.

Finals/ Christmas Break

With this being my first semester of college and it getting so close to finals has made for a very stressful couple of weeks. In all my classes I have had multiple things due and other tests to study for other then the final exams. I am still working, going to school, and babysit for a couple making sure I am prepared is about to wear me out. I have gotten everything done and i think am ahead of schedule but I have never taken college finals so I am pretty intimidated at the idea of them. I have had people tell me different things, some say that they are nothing to really stress over just to look at it as another test, while others are telling me I should be freaking out and studying every moment possible. Out of all the classes I am taking this semester I feel like I am most worried about psychology since there are so many small details. I am ready for the break and ready to start over fresh in the Spring with all new classes and a clean slat. Over the holidays I will get to celebrate Christmas, my birthday, and new years with family and friends! I feel like this is a much needed break from school and other stressful things.

My Maw-Maw

My Maw-Maw is my father's mother and has always been on of the grandparents I am closest with. She had heart problems the older she got, the year I was born, which was 1993 she had a massive heart attack and had to have open heart surgery. She continued in good health and was very much a busy body. Her and her friends would meet at Eastdale Mall and walk Monday- Friday at 6 in the morning. Up until the day she had her most recent stroke she was upbeat and always doing for others. About three years ago she had a stroke and they didn't think she would make it through this one. She was in the hospital for about a month when they released her to go home. She is now in a wheelchair and only has use of her left side, she isn't very talkative and as time goes on the worse she gets. My Pawpaw has been taking care of her every need since day one of this traumatic event, without him I don't think she would have made it this far. Apart of me wishes it would have taken her so she wouldn't be suffering now and so miserable with her life. We had our family Christmas this past weekend and they gave out all of her jewelry, took family pictures with everyone, and told us what she wanted at her funeral. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to hear, I'm not sure how well I am going to handle it when she does pass. But I do know she loves God with all heart, meaning she will go to heaven and one day I will get to see her beautiful, vibrant smile again.

Christmas Time

I think the Christmas decorations start going up earlier and earlier as the years go on. Many places begin putting up decorations right after halloween meaning we are celebrating one holiday for almost two months. In my opinion the decorations shouldn't start going up until at least the day after thanksgiving to be sure that it gets celebrated as well. Many people forget the true meaning of christmas and are just worried about the presents and decorations instead of celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. I am not going to lie I am guilty at times but I think the true meaning of Christmas is getting pushed further and further away because people are becoming more greedy and simply worried about Santa. Christmas music is meant to be played to celebrate and spend time with family and friends but stores and radio stations begin playing it so early by the time you would want to start listening to it way to soon. Christmas is just way over celebrated and the true meaning is starting to be forgotten.

Series Sentences

Parents are responsible for their kid’s health, their clothes, their food, their education, and most importantly their morals.

When I have a big test coming up I make notecards and study guides, read over the chapter, and am sure to give myself plenty of study time.

At sport’s practice athletes normally lift weights, run bleachers, run through plays, and have discussions dealing with the upcoming game.

Thankful?

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for everything you are blessed with in life. I am thankful for my freedom that our ancestors fought so hard for, without them we wouldn't be where we are today. My education is something else I am truly thankful for because in so many countries as a women you are not entitled to an education and here in America we all get the chance of having an education. Not only do I have a high school education I am continuing my education onto the college level in hopes of making it possible to get a career that I will have to one day support me and my family. I am also very thankful for my relationship with God and the opportunity I have to choose my own religion without having to hid it or being afraid of what will happen to me if it is discovered. My parents are another thing I am very thankful for, they always support me and encourage me in everything I do. They always put me first and try to make sure I have everything I need and even desire. They have raised me to be a successful, independent young woman and I wouldn't trade them if I had the chance. My sister and my niece are my whole world and I wouldn't know how to function without them. Needless to say I am very thankful for my family and friends. I have many other things I am thankful for these are just a few of the important things to my heart.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the time for friends and family to get together to just spend quality time. Of course with every holiday there comes food. Thanksgiving with my family is a big deal we all go over to my Aunt's house and everyone bring some sort of dish of food. My favorite part is the ham and rolls but there is always much more to eat then just that. We have smoked turkey, salad,corn, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, yam, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and a lot of desserts to choose from. All the grandchildren always sit out in the sunroom and eat while all the older women sit in the dining room and the men in the living room to enjoy our meals. At our thanksgiving there is no limit to what you eat, this is a time of celebration and you get to just relax and enjoy time with you family. I am so glad we are blessed enough to have the food and have the freedom to spend together.

Worst Holiday Memory.

I enjoy the holidays for many different reasons. Family, food, gifts, and most of the all the reason for the season Jesus. I have many awesome memories but one Christmas was the worst by far. It was about 3 years ago and my dad's best friend since he was about twelve was laying on his death bed. I had always called him my uncle just because he was so close to me and my family since day one of my life. My parents had went up to UAB hospital where he was located slowly dying, on the 23rd of December. We had never spent a Christmas apart, growing up we would always open one gift Christmas Eve, which normally consisted of me and my sister getting matching pajama's. Christmas morning we would all get up, open gifts, and then start cooking breakfast. Breakfast wasn't just for my family all of our close friends and family would come eat at our house and celebrate together. This particular Christmas we did not get to do things like usual. Me and my sister decided we wanted to still do the breakfast with only a few close friends and family, since my mom couldn't be there. Later that day we went to her husband's family Christmas and that is when we got the phone call from my dad telling us that he had passed. I don't think I have ever heard my dad that upset for all I can remember. This was the worst holiday memory that I have had thus far in life.

My Aunt.

I have a five aunts between both sides of my family but the one that I am closest to is my mom's oldest sister. She lives about 5 minutes down the road and has for as long as I have been alive. Our families are very close because of the short distance and she has two girls around the same age as me and my sister. My Aunt Patti is a very strong women who started a business with her husband that is now very successful. She and her husband have worked very hard for everything that their family has been blessed with. They always donates to many different charities and always helps people in any way that she possibly can. I look up to them both because they always support me no matter the circumstances and love to watch me succeed in life in hopes I will go far. All of my family supports me but there are someone I am very glad to have apart of my life and wouldn't want to have it any other way. I know I could call them both no matter the time or problem and they would be there no questions asked. My family is very blessed to have someone like them both in our lives.

Poltics

Politics can be very tricky and misunderstood. I know people that don't even look at what the Candidates are or what they have to offer just vote for the Democratic or Republican representative regardless. I think those kind of people are ignorant because what if those people that you are voting for have different values or want to do something you are completely against. I think as a citizen you should want what is best for you and your family and what you believe in. Before voting people should do research and see who has the most things they are looking for as someone to represent them. Many people vote because of what other people tell them to, or for young people whoever their parents are voting for. If you are scared that you will be judged or don't want people to know who you voted for just don't tell anyone, all votes are anonymous and not released to anyone. I just think that when choosing someone that has so much control over you or your country you should do you own research and choose by the traits you are looking for.

A New Beginning

Coming to the end of my senior year I began to get nervous knowing where I wanted to go but not knowing how it would turn out. Starting college is a huge step in life that some people aren't privileged enough to get to attend. The first day of college I pulled up in the parking lot of the gymnasium and began crying. I called my mom telling her i didn't want to grow up and I was really scared. The big campus and all these older people made me feel very intimidated, to the point where i just held my head down and walked around trying to find all these classes. A couple weeks into school I started a new job at which I love but it was a lot for a new freshmen in college. Looking at college at first was a very scary thing but if you really think about it, it is just like the schools you have been attending your whole just bigger and harder.

Difficult Decision.

Throughout life people have many different decision that could be life changing. Some of the decisions could be easier to make then others. While just graduating high school I would have to say one of the hardest decisions of my life so far would have to be where I would start the next chapter in my life, college. When choosing a college I had to think about finances and where I thought I would succeed the most in life. Many students want to move off to big college towns where partying is always happening no matter the time or day. I on the other hand would much rather put my studies first and partying/going out can come later on my priority list. The reason I chose AUM to be the college I would attend is for many different reasons. One reason was it was smaller school were I would have more help available to me and fewer students in the classrooms. I could also still live at home with my parents would save a lot of money at least for my first few years. I am so glad I made this decision because if not who knows where I would be today.

Chores.

Growing up many kids have chores and get paid an allowance to do them. In my house it was you do what you are told when you are told with no payment in hand. Now don't get me wrong we got most everything we asked for but we didn't get paid when my parents told us to do the dishes or something of the sort. My moms pet peeve was if me and my older sister were home all day to make sure the kitchen was clean when she got home so she could cook dinner and get things rolling right when she got off. We were supposed to take turns doing the dishes and picking up the living room but my sister would almost never do it and tell me that if it wasn't done when mom got home we would both be in trouble. So of course I would do everything that we were supposed to have done thinking that we would both be punished. The older I got it became apparent that as long as I did my half I wouldn't be the one in trouble she would be. So the more I became to resist doing her part she had to actually begin to do them. I think the whole idea of chores and allowance is dumb, children should do what their parents ask without expecting anything in return.

Sisters.

Initiation into the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta has been something that I have been looking forward to since getting my bid from them at recruitment weekend. It is a very important and sacred thing to members of Alpha Gamma Delta. This is the time where you get to become an official member of the chapter. Growing up I never really saw myself as the sorority girl, but it was only because of all of the stereo types.Since going through recruitment and meeting all the amazing girls of my chapter, I honestly cannot imagine myself with any other group of girls. I am so blessed to be part of such an amazing organization with such high standards. There are no other girls that I would rather call my sisters than those of the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta at Auburn University Montgomery.We all get along and help each other with everything. We have study groups for those within the dame major. If you ever need help with anything all you have to do is pick up the phone. That is what sisterhood is all about; being there for those you love when they need you. These girls are going to be the ones who are at my graduation cheering me on, standing at the alter when I marry the love of my life, and the ones at the hospital when I have my children. These girls are my family and I will cherish them for the rest of my life.

My Big

Being in a sorority has helped me so much, but it was all with the help of what we call our “bigs”. My big has been there for me on so many different occasions. She has been there for me whether it is just to talk to or to cry on her shoulder. She is like the sister I never had growing up. You get a big when you are given a bid from the sorority of your choice, and she is there to just help you through your first semester. Mary Ellen, my big, has been there to help me with so much of my homework. I would be lost without her.If I am ever freaked out because of an assignment she is there in a split second to help me with it. I remember once I had a paper due and I called her crying my eyes out because I did not understand the topic. She was so encouraging and brought me back to reality. We sat down, went over everything, and she helped me get started. Your sorority sisters really are your best friends. They love you for who you are, and try to help you any way they can. I am just so lucky that I am part of such an amazing group of girls. I am also lucky to have such an amazing big who will devote so much of her time to helping me. I know that I made the right decision when I chose to become an Alpha Gam Girl. 

Recruitment

Getting ready to go to recruitment weekend was the absolute craziest time of my life. It was the first week of college and I had just started a new job. I was not even sure if I was going to go through with recruitment. I literally decided 30 minutes before I had to be there that I was going to go through with it. Once I got there I knew that I had made the right decision. The whole weekend we got to go through and visit each sorority individually and that was great. You got to see each one and experience exactly what they were about. Every sorority has a Philanthropy that they help raise money for. You talk about that and the retreats they go on, not to mention all of their fundraiser they do to raise money in support of the organization they sponsor. I also met so many great girls that I now call some of my closest friends. Before recruitment I did not know Haley or Meagan, and now they are two of my closest friends. You build friendships with these girls that will last forever. I never thought that just by going through recruitment weekend I would make so many great friendships, but boy was I wrong. I most definitely made the right decision by going to recruitment and choosing to pledge myself to Alpha Gamma Delta. It is a sisterhood that I will have for the rest of my life with a group of friends I will cherish forever.

Senior Year

My senior year was gone within the blink of an eye. Growing up you are always thinking about graduating so you can move out and go to college, but little do you know you are just wishing your life away. I was always the one who could not wait to get out of high school so I could go off to college and move away from home. Now I wish I was still at home. It is all so different once you are on your own and having to do everything yourself. I never really took the time to slow down and appreciate my senior year until the week before graduation. I was homeschooled so my experience with high school was a little different than that of a “normal” teenager. I had to be very disciplined in order to get all of my school work done. I remember after reading “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” we went on a field trip to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and watched the play. I also remembered around Christmas we went and saw A Christmas Carol. I really enjoyed my high school experience even though it was not what some people would call a “normal” experience. I had to be just as disciplined as everyone else.  

Crossroads

Graduation Day was a very exciting yet scary day.  Life changed forever but I didn’t realize how dramatic it would be.  You find yourself suddenly at the crossroad of where to go.  I knew I would go to college but where?  We went to South Alabama where I was pretty set on going.  We had all the paperwork in order and making preparation for the move down and for some reason something kept drawing me to come to AUM and explore all my options. Not really knowing what field I wanted to go into made the decision even harder.  My mother and I came up and spoke with some of the staff members and students here.  I was so torn.  I wanted to go to the school in Mobile and my father wanted me to go there but when I realized they weren't offering me any scholarships my mind was made up.  I made some people angry and some people have chosen not to accept me because I did not choose the path they wanted for me.  I just know in my heart I am where I am supposed to be and I have to do what I feel is best for my life at this time to have a successful future for myself.