Change.

Hello All!

The fall semester of my junior year is completed- all to-do lists thrown away, last minute coffee dates finished, and all that I have been busy doing this semester is finally OVER!!! I have balanced more than I ever could have imagined this semester- working 2 part time student jobs ( in the CEHD student services office, as well as TA-ing for an Intro. to Public Speaking class, volunteering, 18 credits, lots of different areas of work through the leadership minor, among many other things...) and I have to say I feel quite accomplished! It turned out to be one of the best semesters of my life- and now I am on to bigger and better things!!!

I am in Minneapolis until December 22nd, leave to go home to Wisconsin December 23rd- and depart for the US Virgin Islands January 5th!! CRAZY how time flies. So many things to do, people yet to see, planning and organizing, you name it- I'll be doing it!

I have mixed feelings about what I'm going to be experiencing- incredibly appreciative for being able to do something like this ( again, the opportunities you have in college) and CANNOT wait to meet new people and experience another area of the world; however, it really just fully dawned on me that I'm leaving something behind that I absolutly LOVE- Minneapolis, more specifically, the University of Minnesota. But as many have reminded me, the U of M will still be here when I return- my experience in the Virgin Islands won't. Additionally, as many know, change is inevitable, yet difficult. And what's even more difficult, is anticipating the change. However, I have recognized that some of the most difficult, yet most rewarding and best experiences of my life, have been introduced through large amounts of change. With that being said, let the packing of suitcases, running around for last minute errands/appointments, and preparing myself for the semester of a lifetime begin!!

Warmest Wishes,
Emily