Bittersweet: a Sophomore Year Reflection

So today I was having trouble staying awake to study. I went to Port City Java, the coffee shop on campus, and ordered a mocha shake. It has the word mocha in it, but I don't even know if there is really coffee in there...mainly just ice cream and whipped cream (go big or go home).... needless to say, I got this guy and what did I do? Study tons? Run a marathon? Solve world hunger? More like I logged into the blog and here we are. just me and this big guy...But he got me thinking about coffee, and about how it's both bitter and sweet.

Over the years I've found that many things in our lives end up being bittersweet; graduating high school, selling our first car, and just change in general. Although I'll be back at State after the summer is over, there are still things that I'm saying goodbye to. First of all, my sweet friend Kacie is leaving for nursing school in Texas. I can't believe she's finally going! I'm so proud of her for making her dreams a reality, but I can't say that I wasn't tempted to call all the schools in Texas anonymously and tell them she's an awful person.......

In addition to telling Kacie bye, I'll be letting go of a lot of the memories I've made this year. This has been the most life-changing year I've ever had. I always joke with my friends that I used to be a "cereal dater." Obviously, I didn't realize it at the time, but I always had a boyfriend throughout high school and middle school. I've been single for almost a year now and it's been the greatest blessing. As cliche as it may sound, I've learned so many things about myself; I've been challenged emotionally and spiritually. And these challenges have been...(you guessed it) bittersweet.

And there are, of course, things that have just been sweet this year! I've lived on campus with a great roommate, enjoyed my classes, and made friendships that have been so refreshing. Freshman year of college I was homesick and went home often ALL THE TIME. Nothing is wrong with home...but something is wrong when you're not branching out. However, this year I've met some of the most wonderful people. I met a group of great guys that I always play volleyball with who are... hilarious. They are always light hearted and are some of the most refreshing people I know. Then I met Kayla, the twins, Bailey.... I know these are just names to you all reading, but they are precious people who have meant so much to me! Without all of these people, I don't know what I'd do. I can only imagine how different my whole year would have been.

Looking back on this year as a whole, I am just thankful! Thankful for hardships, and for good times. For friendships that have shaped me into who I'm becoming. Thankful for the bitter, the sweet, and the bittersweet.