It is now September of 2010 and I cannot believe that my sophomore year of college has begun already! It blows my mind that the last year and this summer have gone by so fast, but I am so happy to be back at Linfield. Over the summer I was at home in West Seattle. I worked as a counselor at an outdoor day camp through the YMCA. I also performed in a musical, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, put on by Twelfth Night Productions, a community theater group I have been involved in for many years now. These commitments kept me very busy, which I guess might be why the summer flew by so fast. I had a lot of fun this summer getting to see old friends and making some amazing new friends as well. I also was blessed with opportunities to see many family members, some of whom I had not seen in years. Despite wishing that I had more time to spend with family and friends in Seattle, I could not wait to come back to school and spend time with my amazing friends at Linfield!
Already knowing people at Linfield made returning to McMinnville extremely exciting. Last year I was excited but nervous as well, because I had little idea of what to expect. This year, moving in was a blast because my friends and I got to reunite and catch up. This year I am living in Terrell Hall in a double room with my friend Rachelle who lived across the hall from me last year in Hewitt Hall. I love our room, which is quite large and has a sink! Brushing my teeth without going all the way to the bathroom is definitely a perk, as is washing dishes without carrying them precariously downstairs to the kitchen. One thing I wish is that I did not have to be on the meal-plan, but I have to be since I am living in a dorm. I still do not like the food, but it is just one of those things I have to deal with I guess.
I am working toward my major in Environmental Policy, although I still have not declared this as my major. I am still deciding who I would like to ask to be my advisor. I am also working toward my minor in Spanish, although I am not taking Spanish this semester, because it would not fit in my schedule. I am taking Ecology of Ecosystems, Human Ecology, and Archaeology. I am also enrolled in the Environmental Issues Forum and Concert Choir, each of which is for one credit. So far, I am enjoying all of my classes. Choir is especially fun because I get to spend a little time each day singing, which never fails to put me in a great mood! I will be swimming for Linfield again this year as well. We begin practicing on the 27th of this month, following our weekend retreat to the coast. This retreat is the weekend following the choir retreat to the coast! I am very excited for these retreat opportunities this month!
I was involved with Greenfield, our environmental club on campus last year, and I plan to be involved again. Our first meeting of the year was last night, and I am excited for all the new energy and ideas new members will be bringing to the group. I hope that we can make a significant impact on campus and continue to make awesome changes to Linfield this year! I became interested in gardening last year as the Garden Club launched the community garden outside of Renshaw Hall. I worked in the garden some in the spring, mostly moving dirt around, and was amazed to come back and see how the garden has bloomed! My friends and I have been enjoying the delicious, fresh, and fabulous produce! By my next blog we should have ripe pumpkins! I will also write about my retreats!