University

Writing my presidential campaign speech is way harder than I thought it would be, mainly because I wander so far off topic all the time.  I started reflecting on some of the challenges and rewards I faced this past year. Should you be in the mood for a sappy "I love university" story continue reading, if not I won't be offended you turned away ;)

The first thing I can remember about university is driving in the parking lot, beyond excited to leave my parents and everything else behind and start a new chapter of my life. I remember the crazy wild people in red jerseys storming my car, so eager to help me get settled into what was to become my new home.  University students typically fit into one of two categories- the scared first year that is afraid to leave home and everything they once knew, or the student who can’t wait to get away, counting down the days until they leave and pushing their parents out the door. I definitely fell in the last category.  I could not wait to leave home, and when I pulled in the parking lot and saw all those wild people so happy and enthusiastic I knew I had made the right decision in choosing Tibbits.  This year has been wild. I have met so many amazing, crazy people that I couldn’t imagine my day without. It is funny how bonds between people can form in such a short time, and how you gradually grow more and more comfortable as the time goes on. My Tibbits family has, and will always, have my back. I have had so many good memories in here, from frosh week, to relay for life, to being elected charity rep. I have taken so many chances while in university this year, from being brave enough to get my first tattoo, to running for charity rep, stepping so far outside my comfort zone and going for things. I haven’t crashed and burned too hard yet, so it must have paid off ;)

It hasn't all been warm and fuzzy times though. There are a few tender spots in my university experience ( not including the tattoo which still isn't 100% healed, after three months). I applied for a proctorship and didn't get one, didn't even get alternate proctor. That one stung a little bit, and is still a fairly raw wound. There were a lot of situations where I ended up 100% alone until I got to know people, like in class the first few weeks, going to curling the first time, but then I realized we were all, more or less, in a similar boat and people as a rule generally aren't going to cause you harm if you ask them a question, or start a conversation. 

As I mentioned earlier I am running for president right now. I don't know what part of me is allowing this, but it is a huge risk. So soon after not getting a proctor position, I really don't know how I would react if I lost again. It's not something I am used to. That sounds like I'm being superior, but I'm not used to losing because I don't usually put myself out there enough to lose. Until a few months ago I was afraid to step outside my turtle shell fully, but now I'm there, and I've got myself into a situation that I can't back down from.I pray it all turns out alright, and that whatever happens I will be strong enough to accept it.

Until next time, 

Britt