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The Journey Of My Life - First Year Of College, Complete.

Well, I did it. I finished my first year of college.
Man, it's been a crazy ride. I've talked a bit about some of the experiences in previous posts. I know I kinda started this experience blindly. I didn't know what I was getting into and I didn't think about it too much because I didn't want to drive myself insane trying to wrap my head around the idea. But of course, by now I've mostly accepted the idea.

But it's over now. At least, my first year. It's so crazy thinking it went by so quickly!

I now I shared openly about my first Semester, but I didn't disclose all the details of the second. I just didn't have time to share all of it.

I had some amazing classes! . . . and some okay classes.

INQR 101 was online and a little confusing. INFT 110 was a little basic (except for some elements of Excel) and some of the students didn't have the best vibe. (Also it seemed to conflict with ARTS 222).

Then there was DIGI 175 (Intro to Editing). The professor was a ton of fun! But there seemed to be some sort of disconnect between us and the professor. Even he said, "All my other classes are like clay: I am able to shape them how I want. But you guys are like slime. I try to shape you guys one way, and you guys just become flat on the table. Put you in a cup to shape you guys, but you guys slide out." Welp.

Most everyone else I talked to really enjoyed the class and expressed deep love for the professor. I came to the conclusion that each class of his just needed a Natalie Bassie.

But I did learn a ton from the class (which is the point), met a couple people, and got some Instagram follows. Okay, sorry!

But, Professor Jake, thank you so very much for introducing me to Adobe Premiere and encouraging us! And trapping us so we could learn key-framing!

I also took BIBL 105 (Old Testament Survey) and was fun hearing Professor Hulshof explaining key aspects of the Old Testament. One of my favorite parts of that class was the fact that he opened each class with a song or two. The first day he opened with Hillsong Young & Free's "This Is Living" (but stopped it before Lecrae's verse). Then on the day he talked about Noah's flood, he played "Flood" by Jars of Clay, which made me get overwhelmed by nostalgia and fall all over again in love with that song. (I begged him so bad to play a Stryper song, but he said if he taught a NT class, he would play "Abyss," which is the intro for "To Hell With The Devil." I probably also should have begged him to play an ApologetiX song.)

But that class was quite fun! Thank you for introducing me and others to the first half(ish) of the Bible!

Also another class I took was EVAN 101 with Dr. Wheeler. So many people had recommended the class to me (the first one to do was former Liberty soccer player and alumi Lauren Nicholas). In that class, I was encouraged in my faith and to step out and take risks. (And, of course, to share the gospel.) But I also found a listening ear from Dr. Wheeler whenever I needed someone to talk to. I also met several people in that class (and still some others I want to meet from that class haha). Also, we had assigned seating. (I'll try to get to that in a moment.)

I saved the best for last. ARTS 222! This was the introduction to graphic design class. And boy did I have fun! Of course, the first few class sessions, we were all shy and quiet, but soon most of us grew to be great friends! True, most of us complained that there was too much work during the first half, but the outcome was prized graphic design work. I'll get to the friends later.

I also tried to get to know some of the people in the commuter lounge and was able to make some connections. Now I feel a little more welcome in the lounge and started to frequent there.

Anyways, I think I want to recap this past year and shoutout people who've made an impact in my life.

Let me try to tackle the first semester. I want to thank the various teachers who taught me so much and invested in their students to help us learn and become better people.

One of them that stand out the most is one of the GSAs, Miss Stalcup (of COMS 101). She so lovingly led the class, asked us for prayer requests, and was very gentle and encouraging. Also, the first semester was a period of transition, confusion, and loss for me, so she lent her ear to listen. It meant a whole ton. Thank you so very much.

One of the students I met in that class was Raechel (yes, I spelled that correctly). She was one who reached out to me multiple times and encouraged me many times. Thank you so much! And keep smiling and serving the Lord! (I haven't read "Love Does" yet, but I still do plan to!)

The two mentioned above were probably the only two that really encouraged me during the first semester exclusively. (I bumped into both a couple times during the second semester.) Let me thank some who have impacted both semesters.

I met Justin when I audition for an audio drama on campus and we have bumped into each other several times, which is super cool! I hope you had a great year at Liberty and I hope we can work on the audio drama soon.

Anthony Halufska, thank you so much for being a leader in my life. I didn't fully understand how you tried to encourage me and help me to mature; I was pretty resistant at times. But when I look back and think, I feel very touched. Thank you so very much for helping me get connected with other people. It means a whole ton!

Tevin, you've been an interesting friend, but a friend nonetheless. I enjoy our conversations (when we don't fight about music and the like). Thank you for attempting to be my conscience. Can't wait to see you again!

There's been a ton of people from the commuter tribe I was part of that I got to know a bit and such. It was pretty awesome! Thank you, Ace and Wynn, Bayley, Drew, Greyson, the multiple Hannahs, Isaac, James, Lee-Roy, Mark, Shannon, among others.

CJ Ward, you've been a blessing and encouragement. It's been Fun Talking to you before church services and at The Edge. You make racing sound exciting, and it's fun talking to you about music! Thank you for being an awesome friend.

Jesse, it's been fun getting to know you. Thank you for all the encouragement you poured into my life. Blessings to you!

Brandon Kamin, it's been so much fun talking music and music and music with you! I really enjoy those conversations and trading our opinions of the songs we like, even if we pretty much repeat ourselves each time we see each other. I think it's a ton of fun!

John, it was super cool meeting you through the auditions and now you attend my church! It's super cool seeing you every week and talking to you!

Esther Lusenge is one I met on accident. I was telling a story to CJ and Jesse about me at a basketball game. I was being kinda beastly and someone jumped out of their seat and dabbed at me. And to accent the word "dab," I did the best I could at a dab. At that exact moment, Esther walked by and got offended: "Did you just dab at me?" I was kinda embarrassed (partially because she was black and was hoping I didn't come across as racist) and repeated the story and admitting that I didn't know what "dabbing" was. She tried to teach me. "You put one arm in the air. You bend the other and tuck your head in it like you're sneezing." I instantly invented something. A "snab." (sneeze + dab = snab) We bumped into each other a couple times since and even voted for her to be vice-president of the student body (she didn't win). Continue to be a light to others and continue to love!

Tyler Lamb, I first met you once during the first semester, but then we were stuck with each other in ARTS 222. You really encouraged me that one time we talked. I was struggling a ton, and you so encouraged me. I can't forget that. May the Lord bless your steps.

Now, here's to my second semester peeps!

Honestly, you ARTS 222 classmates deserve to go first!

And I assume I should start with my self-proclaimed biggest fan of my Instagram Stories: Emma Mercer. She's one I can count on to get cultured. But she has also tried to encourage me when I felt discouraged. I just appreciated anytime she answered my questions about random things. Thanks for being a friend and fan!

Josiah Frisbie was one who reached out to me in a very special way. He saw that I was weird and different (in a good way) and chose to accept it. And he saw something very special about it. Man, I see many special things in you. You have compassionate eyes and love people. I'm sure you've impacted many people because of that. Thank you so very much. (And thanks for the mega Smarties. I haven't finished them yet.)

Natalie Bassie, you're one of the funnest people I've ever met! Your energy and joy, I'm sure, has encouraged people left and right. And continue to desire the Lord! I see that heart burning for him. It's beautiful.

Ashley, you're such an encouragement and an attentive person. You've brought smiles to the whole class and to my face. Thank you for always encouraging me to do my best and to excel.

Bailey, the little I did, it was great getting to know the last semester! I pray blessings for your future! God has it all planned out and I believe that you're gonna be blown away!

Addi, thank you so much for reaching out to me and being attentive of my unspoken feelings. It meant so much

Jon, you're somewhat better than me. Fight me.

Nik, thanks for all the laughs.

Carter, thank you for letting me talk to you when we were in the bus together.

Ruth, Hannah, Andrew, and Zach. I wish I got to know you guys better, but I just want to thank you for being awesome classmates.

And to Hannah, Grace, Ben, and Belle. Met some of yous at the class party, but y'alls all were there. Thanks for the company! Great to meet y'alls. (And thanks for posting hilarious IG stories, Belle.)

Brady Couch (in my BIBL 105 class), I just want to thank you for being so enthusiastic and happy each time I sat next to you. Super thankful.

Camryn, I so apologize for confusing you all the time (But I swear I thought you looked familiar each time I reintroduced myself to you.) Thanks for being so kind every time!

Sydney, thanks for putting up me as your seatmate in EVAN 101. Even though you were relatively quite, especially in comparison to me, it was cool getting to know you a bit.

Drew Lafferty, it's been super fun getting to know you the past semester! You have such a fun, dramatic personality and it's so much fun hearing you sing (and care so much about your hair). And it's been fun getting to know other commuters who frequent the lounge often, such as Kathlene, Kyra, Roger, Jonnavin, and Laura. Will, Bethany, and Nathanael graduated, and I'll miss you guys!

Dani Schick, it's been great bumping into you the few time I have. Seeing your joy and smiles made me happy, and it was great recently hearing your heart for the Lord and your plans for LAITY (his alt/indie worship collective). Super excited to see what the Lord has planned for you!

It was also really cool meeting random members of the Liberty Worship Collective: Hope Cross, Ashley Dennis, Joey Watson, Judd Harris, Rachel Halbach, Fiona Barbosu, Steve Kim, Samantha Iveliz, and Alana Rivera. It's been awesome meeting y'alls and hearing about your hearts for the Lord. Continue in that and continue to glorify Him!

I think that's it. I met so many people the past year and I'm sure I missed a few. But thank you for playing your part in impacting my life and others.

Super excited for next year!


This post first appeared on Christopher 164, please read the originial post: here

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The Journey Of My Life - First Year Of College, Complete.

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