Another Update on Life

I realized I had not written in a while and thought I should give everyone an update. Life has been crazy, but good. I'm smiling and happy with life. As most of you probably know, I completed my first full year of college. I am three semesters into my college career, putting me at half way through my sophomore year. I can honestly say the year flew by faster than I ever thought possible. The best part is I can look back and be happy. Not everything went perfectly smooth sailing the whole time, but I am happy with where I have ended up. I also did not think I would be where I am. Over the past year I have almost changed my major, left the country for the first time and had a job for a decent amount of time. I had fears and doubts that I never thought would enter my mind. I question if I was doing what was right for me and whether or not I was where I was suppose to be. I had to grow up and learn responsibility, something that does not just get planted in your brain. You really do have to learn it. I also learned to embrace new things and not be as terrified to. Don't get me wrong I am still terrified to do certain things, but I can say I have at least made some improvements since I first got to college. I think it would be fun to list a few of the things I am proud to have accomplished over my first year of college.

1. Survive without my parents guiding me every step of the way. I love my parents and for everything they have done for me, but to be able to say I can live out on my own is pretty neat. 
2. I maintaned at least a 3.6 GPA. Thought I did not hit my goal of straight A's all of college, with the classes I took, I am proud of this GPA. Music Theory III, I am not looking forward to you this fall. 
3. First month of school I jumped off a rock that was about 20 feet up. Not sure what over came me that day, but I did it. Have I jumped off that rock again, nope. 
4. I can hear a difference in my voice for singing. This has been the first time I have had actually voice lessons and after two semesters, I am happy to be able to hear a difference and improvement.
5. I started dancing again. One of the things I look back and sometimes regret about high school is not continuing in dance. I have always loved it, but I made the decision to try other things. This past semester I took a leap and joined Hip Hop club. By far one of the best decisions I have made. I loved every minute of it. I got to perform with them at culture night. I made some sweet friends, and now I already can't wait to get back to it in the fall. 
6. I joined Gamers Club. Yes, a club for people who like to play games. Oh and the best part is that I am actually in the presidency for this club. I have loved every minute of it and can't wait for the game nights again in the fall. 
7. I jumped off a water fall. After three semesters and a little (maybe a lot) of encouragement from a friend, I did it. It was a super short waterfall and I screamed on the way down, but nonetheless, it happen. Jumping off a waterfall has always been something I wanted to do whether I said it out loud or not, but I was always too terrified to. Im clumsy, there is a high chance I would have slipped when going to jump and, well you can see where my brain goes and lets me be terrified. Anyway, I am definitely grateful for the friend who helped me. I definitely don't regret jumping and who knows, maybe one day I'll do it again. 
8. I left the country! I had the awesome opportunity to audition, make and go on tour with the concert choir at BYU Hawaii. The choir only goes on tour every three years and this year was Japan. Japan was amazing. Words can not describe it in truth. Though there were moments where I struggled, I would not give up my experiences for the world. The people, culture and simply all of Japan are truly incredible. 
9. I have learned to rely wholeheartedly on the Lord. This one is one that I have learned more recently. When I got back from Japan I started a goal board up. It is a simple chart that has goals to accomplish for the day and spaces to mark whether or not I did it that day. Two of those spaces included at least one daily prayer and at least verse of scripture every day. Just through the past week I have felt a closeness to my Heavenly Father that has not been there before. He has taught me that I need not fear and only trust Him. No matter what I think I know, He knows more and He knows best. I need to trust Him and His timing. If I am struggling with anything at all I can turn to Him for peace and comfort. I look forward to only strengthening my relationship with Him and hope that all of you can gain a relationship with your loving Father in Heaven if you haven't already. He loves you so much and cannot wait to hear from you.
10. Oh and I have managed to survive without my mom waking me up when I sleep through alarms. Woot woot! That was probably, definitely a major fear leaving home. I did it though, no biggie :)

Life is good and I am happy. It has definitely been hard not getting to go home this summer, but I know that I am meant to be here and that things will turn out how they are suppose to. I love each and everyone of you so much, even if it is only a few people who read this badly written blog. I love hearing about your life and everything going on. I also have to brag that my sister is amazing and going to be a senior in high school this year. Go her and her awesomeness. 

If you haven't heard from me in a while I am sorry. Life gets crazy and sometimes I forget to keep up with the world back home. Never me afraid to reach out to me. I will always love talking to you. I hope every enjoys their summer. Summer is meant to be enjoyed, oh and for all those back home. No worries, I will enjoy the beach for you ;)

Much Love,
MJ







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