Yet another quarter comes to a close, and I am forced to reflect on this past year’s events.

In the year of 2002-2003, I have experienced a growth spurt, but this one cannot be measured in inches. Instead, it is a growth spurt of mental capacity. I have gained more knowledge based on friendships and relationships with significant others. Most importantly, I have grown as a person.

This year I vowed that I would involve myself more in extracurricular activities. I joined two student groups that focused primarily on my major and have managed to hold e-board positions in both. Mission: accomplished.

Secondly, I vowed to bring my GPA up to the place I know it should be. Mission: still in progress.

Although I have not accomplished all the goals I have set forth for myself, I have taken strides to complete them.

It’s so weird that, when I look at myself, I see little changes in my personality. My sophomore year I would parade around campus in the highest heels no matter what kind of discomfort they would cost me because outfit coordination was my main objective. Now when I try to squeeze my size ____ (I will not disclose shoe size) foot into those cute Aldo boots that I got for only thirty dollars, or the cognac-colored sandals that match perfectly with my purchases for this year and summer’s past, I find myself uncomfortable and miserable. The other day I put on a dress with my infamous shoes and I went out the door. Then I turned right around and changed into a pair of my trusty sweats and Nike’s.

This may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is to me. College has taught me to value less what people think and hold my own standards to a higher accord. I know better than anybody what I am possible of and what knowledge I posses. I do not need a form fitting dress or four inch dress to tell me that.

I have also realized that there is a baby boom happening within our peer group … I guess that would be 18-25. I went home this weekend only to find that a neighbor who was a virgin throughout high school was eight months pregnant. My best friend of nearly eight years has a three year-old daughter and is six months pregnant, and my other best friend of the same time is expecting her bundle of joy six months from now. Whew! If that isn’t a mouthful. Essentially, this brands me as “the last soldier standing.” I know what you’re probably thinking, but, no, I don’t live in a trailer park. This may have something to do with my demographic, or perhaps there’s just something in the water.

These have been a few of the milestones along my road to discovery. Yours are sure to be different. The lesson of these random ramblings is: you’re never too old to learn and experience new things.

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