After graduating from Concordia in May, I was able to enjoy a few days off before working again. My dad had back surgery (thankfully all went well) and It was nice to be home and take care of him, see my brothers on their last days of school, and participate in their school events which I have not always had the pleasure of doing. One of my best friends had her bridal shower, spent some time with Grandma, and also celebrated my nephew's 1st Birthday!
I was so excited to come back to campus to work here over the summer in the Infant Room and also live with one of my BFFS - Jordan :) Although this summer is not going quite as I planned, I have enjoyed very minute of time I am able to spend with my Concordia family. I have accepted a job in Indianapolis, still am looking for a job with benefits and possibly better pay, but I will be moving down to Indianapolis at the end of the summer to start the next adventure of my life; living in the same town, let alone the same apartment as my boyfriend! It will definitely be different, but we are both looking forward to having dinner together and cuddling up on the couch with a movie on the tv.
I am learning how to manage my time this summer between working full time and babysitting and still having somewhat of a social life. :) I am also learning how to budget. I have had my share of insufficient funds fees and I am so over it ;) I am learning how to budget and stretch money to last longer than what I am used to.
Mainly though, what I have learned my last four years at Concordia is to not sweat the small stuff, walk another day in someone else's shoes, and just live your life the way YOU want, not how others want you too. Sure, people may think I am crazy because I love little kids and would rather hang out with a five year old without receiving any pay than watch tv alone. :) I also get excited about the little things and deep down, I know I am a big kid at heart. I have also learned my inner strength and that is inspiration from those around me. I saw friends go through break ups, divorces, grades, family drama, and financial hardship and I have learned that if they can still have a smile on their face when it is time to get up and moving in the morning, I can too because I chose to stay on facebook those extra 30 minutes and I chose to procrastinate til the very last minute. All in all, my Concordia experience, I learned way more than just academics. I learned how to be a mature, responsible, and spiritual adult. I am by no means prepared for EVERYTHING I will face in the future, but I am ready to grow and learn some more and face what God has in store for me.
