4. Many Different Types of People, One Main Goal.

I am very interested in politics, especially this year's historic election. Never before has there been an election like this, and I consider myself lucky to be able to vote for the first time during this particular election. So when I heard that the first debate would be taking place at Ole Miss, where all of my friends attend college, I just had to go check it out!
After our little scare that John McCain would back out, the debate went off without a hitch. It was so nice to visit the Grove before the debate and see every national news company you can think of, in Mississippi! We also listened to bands and senators up for re-election during the afternoon.
When the debate started everyone settled down, and for the most part put our political differences to the side, and listened to the two men, one of which will lead our country very soon. I was amazed how many different types of people were there. And that while the Senators were stating how differently they feel about the world's issues, we could sit and listen as a a group of people who all want the same thing: to better America, no matter how differently we feel about arriving there.
This experience reminded me of what Dr. Miller talks about in class, not only should we listen and respect others' opinions. But, we should also be able challenge each other mentally without prejudice or ignorance. I think this weekend helped grow in many different ways I, not only do I feel more responsible to my country, but also to myself, to understand the world and people around me.

4. Not enough hours in the day!

I thought, up until this week, that I had this whole college thing down. But then, teachers decided it was time to start assigning work, and now I am stressed to the max. In highschool, I found it easy to juggle my, oh so important, social life with my work load. I have realized that not only do I have more work in college, but more social freedom. Which makes this whole juggling my life thing alot harder.
I haven't slept in almost two weeks, and I try not to fall asleep in almost every class. This is probably because I feel like I am living in a constant slumber party, and Grey's Anatomy, my addiction is about to start a new season. Physically, I am drained, and I have only been at college for three weeks.
I have began to make friends and go out, but I also need to start prioritzing. I need to start making sure I get what needs to be done, out of the way before I go socialize. This needs to happen especially because rush has begun! I am very excited about this, but it will make my schedule alot harder.
So from now on, I am going to prioritize and sleep! I am going to focus on my work. Once I get my schedule flowing and understand my new enviroment, I can be more efficient everyday.

2. Waiting on the Difference

I went back to my hometown this weekend. After returning to my cozy 11x13 new home, I realized that over the past few weeks, I have changed. I could not wait to claim my independence last month, I was so excited about no curfews, and being on my own. This past Friday night I went to the high school football game, where my brother plays quarterback and my dad is a coach. The game was bittersweet, I didn't belong there anymore, but it was a nice visit. Saturday, I hung out with my family, and then went to my friend's cabin. But along with the visit came my annoying curfew. I was also under the watchful eye of my townsfolk once again.
In the mission statement MC talks about encouraging the students to grow emotionally, here I have independence and responsibilities that I do not have at home. I can't say that I emotionally feel different this quickly, but I see how after four years a person can't help but be different. I have always been very close to my mom. When I am away I have to fend for myself much more than at home, and this will help me grow. My mother has two favorite, in my opinion, overused sayings.
"Your allowed to be picky," I have to decide now who I surround myself with in this new setting. I believe friends can have a major influence on life. I want to make friends that help me grow, and make these next four years memorable.
"To whom much is given, much is expected." I have the best parents. They have given me so much in life, and now that I am away from them I have to remember that everything I do is a reflection on them. I take this responsibility seriously, and hope to make them proud.
These are just a few ways I think MC will help me grow emotionally over the next four years. I want to become someone my parents will be proud of, and surround myself with loving, good friends while I receive my education.

1. Where I Need to Be.

If I had a dime for every time a upper class man or teacher asked me "Why did you choose MC?," I don't think I would have to worry about gas prices for a month, and that's saying alot.
The question would not bother me so much if I had an answer, but I don't, so that particular question bugs me.
My parents are both graduates of Ole Miss, as well as most of my aunts and uncles, and nearly all of my cousins. Everyone in my small home town just assumed that this fall, I would head to Oxford. Well I am a person that likes the shock value; so I chose MC.
I have never understood the people that say they hated high school, I LOVED high school, I made my best friends there, friends I hope to keep for the rest of my life. Those friends all went to college together, ironically to Ole Miss. So you can imagine my jealousy, when I call one of them and they are all experiencing something new, together. It doesn't help that their idea of a joke is to send me transfer papers, or that when I visited last weekend, they had arranged a campus tour for me. I know I should feel loved, but I also feel pressured.
The saying, "things are what you make them," defined my first week at MC-miserable. I wanted to be with my friends. I didn't see the need to make new ones, and those transfer papers were looking mighty tempting. So I spent most of what the welcome week leaders termed "our best week ever" in my dorm room, wondering what momentary lapse of judgement brought me here. Then the weekend came, and I went to Oxford to see my friends. After that mini vacation I remembered why I chose MC; of all the campuses I ever toured, this one felt like home.
No matter how flashy Ole Miss was, or convenient Southern Miss could have been, Mississippi College just felt right.
So, maybe a few months from now, I will have this amazing answer to that frequently asked question. Until then, all I can say is this is right where I need to be right now, and for me, that's enough.