A Letter to Fall of 2012

Dear Fall of 2012,

I'm not a huge fan of being cheesy and sappy but with the semester that awaits me this Spring, I feel the need to express how much I will miss and cherish the four months I just spent this past semester. This has been one of the best years of my life thus far. There are so many people I want to thank so that's exactly what I'll do!!

First, I had like to thank my roommates: Tom Asp, Ben Henrickson and Robin Nault-Maurer. These three men were the best roommates I could ever ask for. They reminded me of how much I love St. Thomas. I met them all my Freshman year and wanted to live with them for my Sophomore year, but fate had other things in store for me. With finally having the opportunity to live with them, I enjoyed every moment. The late nights of League, the few nights of Ab Ripper X, the constant messiness of the apartment. Every detail was great. I will miss living with them and I look forward to being friends with them for the rest of my life. Thank you.

The next group of people I want to thank are the choir people. I joined choir back in January and now I feel like I found a family that could break out into song spontaneously. Choir was my retreat from my stressful schedule and the source of countless friends. Though Rome is going to be an experience I'll never forget, I will miss the choir a lot. Singing with them all has been the highlight of my year. I cannot wait for Fall 2013 when I return to this great group of musicians!!

The Men of Sigma Tau Omega will always have a special place in my heart. These men have formed my college experience from the very beginning. We have had our shares of success and troubles but we are stronger than ever. I am excited to see the future of the Order and I'm even more excited to be a part of this organization for another year. Thank you for reminding me what it means to be a citizen of this country and being a Man of Tradition.

The Summit Singers was the group I never intended on joining but the group I've never regretted joining. It has been amazing to see how much we've grown since our founding in late January. We've sang in some amazing events and we got club recognition. People love us and rightly so!! Thank you for making this one of the more fun years I could remember. I will miss singing with these men but I have confidence we will be even better by the time I get back.

And last but definitely not least, I will miss Emily a lot this next semester. She has become one of my best friends!! Spending two hours every week in a small radio studio has given me the opportunity to get to know her so much more than I ever expected. She is a great person and a SUPERB friend. She will also be abroad this next semester but in Argentina--literally, clear across the world. I look forward to Skyping her and sharing our experiences abroad. I'll miss you Emily!!!

So that is my letter to this semester. I look forward to my semester in Rome and I am glad to have this opportunity. Just know, I will miss all my friends at St. Thomas. You all are enough reason for me to get out of bed every morning. You all have changed my life!!

Happy New Year!!!

HALLELUJAH

Today was Rome decision day and….I’M GOING!!!!! 

As I have been waiting for several months now, I have worried a lot. I went through the typical process everyone does. I had my doubts as the decision approached but ultimately, I am extremely happy!

My application was turned in early January so I’ve waited a while. In that time, I faced many problems I didn’t foresee.

First of these was the cold feet after the fact. I had a solid week or two where I seriously questioned whether or not I’d actually go if accepted. I was afraid of many things and Rome seemed to be a dream. In a way, I thought that I couldn’t possibly be chosen but I got over that fear quickly.

Second was my 4-year plan. Being a double major, I had to think about how my Political Science major will be affected by studying abroad. Luckily, and slightly unfortunately, I realized I had to take a class in the Fall of 2012 here in St. Thomas. Because of that, I couldn’t go to Rome if I wanted to graduate in 4 years. I thought long and hard about what to do and I decided that I would switch my application to the Spring 2013 instead. As sad as I was knowing that I was giving away my chance of seeing friends graduate in May and studying in Rome with two of my very good friends, I knew that it was necessary if I wanted to go to Rome.

The last of the problems was again another wave of doubt. Is it really plausible for me to go to Rome? I didn’t know that answer until today when I opened the email with my acceptance. I was filled with joy an I knew this was what I was meant to do