The end of another Semester

Fall 2011 Semester was absolutely incredible! I grew so much physically, mentally, and most importantly spiritually. I think back on this past semester and all I see are times of laughter, adventure, smiles, growth, and friends. This has probably been my favorite semester here at BYU. I also have the best roommates anybody could ask for! We all got a long SO well! I don't think I went a day in that apartment without laughing myself to tears. I'll never forget the mornings where all we do is blast the music and dance! I'll never forget the sleep overs I would have with Laura and Alyssa! I'll never forget the moments where Lindsey teaches me some new crafty craft! I'll never forget rachel laughing at me when I'm trying to find my pen that I have probably lost about 100 times. I'll never forget Stefanie and all the times she has been there for me! I'll never, ever forget the countless amount of adventures I would have with Alyssa!
There are a countless amount of memories that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. To name a few:
1- Football Games with the roomies and rushing the Field with Lindsey! OH! and we cannot forget, getting a picture with Riley Nelson.
2-The many car adventures with Alyssa
3-Dance parties in the morning
4-getting locked out of the apartment
5-Making our own Haunted House
6-dishwasher flooding
7-Aceing a Chemistry Test
8-Getting called as Compassionate Service Leader and making wonderful Christmas Goodies with Alyssa
9- Relief Society Meeting with my wonderful Mother and Sister
10- Late night Bonfires that turn into a Marshmellow fight
11-Weekly "Greys Anatomy" and "Vampire Diaries" on Thursdays
12- Late night talks with Alyssa
13- Carving Pumpkins for FHE and with the Jonestroops
14- The many adventures of Grocery Shopping with lyss
15- Ice Skating with the Family at the Gallivan Center
16- milkshake runs with lyss
17-Forgotten Carols
18-Temple Square Christmas lights with the roomies

The list could go on and on!! I have the greatest of times with my roommates! I hope they know just how much I love them and how grateful I am to have them in my life! They are all truly inspiring!!

As I said earlier, this semester was a semester of growth mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I mentally grew in the aspect of handling my stress better and actually "learning" stuff in my classes. For the longest time it was just my goal to memorize the stuff for the grade, but this semester I really tried to learn the material and that change made the biggest difference in my education. I thoroughly enjoyed school and that I feel like was one of the main reasons. One class in particular I was really proud of myself for "growing" so much in; that class was Chemistry. I have never put forth so much effort into a class in my life! And it was all worth it in the end!! School was very fun this semester and I can't wait for the next.

It was my goal this semester to work out more! And alas, I did!! I saw improvement in my health! however, towards the end of the semester I got lazy in exercising because school was getting pretty tough. However, I got a gym membership to Gold's Gym with Alyssa and Laura! I cannot wait to start using this for Winter semester! We have all made it our goal to become fit, hot BABES!! haha we are all quite excited!

My last area of growth was spiritually! BYU is the BEST place to set personal goals and to have the ability to obtain them. I have the greatest roommates in the world! They all want to live a righteous ambitious lives which makes living my life that much easier. It was my goal this semester to wake up every morning a half hour early from when I had to get ready to read my scriptures and have a little "personal devotional". I can honestly say that by waking up earlier and reading my scriptures a new "light and happiness" was introduced to my life. It's incredible to look back and see just how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ played a role in my life. One of the greatest moments when I felt Christ's love for me was when I got an "A" on my 2nd Chemistry test. The first one I got a 61% one and about balled my eyes out. I was so down in the dumps. But I knew that I wanted to succeed in that class and with more studying and relying on the Lord I could accomplish that. I was terrified for the 2nd exam so I studied super hard, prayed, fasted, etc. I took the test, walked downstairs and saw my score on the screen. I almost fell over in tears when I saw that I got an "A". At that moment I felt Heavenly Father's love for me and just how much he truly cares! The little and simple things that matter to me do indeed matter to Him! That little story is just one of many that happened to me this semester! I love my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ! And knowing that has changed the way I look at this Christmas season. I always knew the meaning of Chritmas, but this year I feel like I truly to KNOW the meaning of Christmas. I have been learning more about Christ this semester in my New Testament and it is incredible to see just how much he truly does love us. There is no greater goal in my life than to become like our Savior Jesus Christ! His unconditional love, never ending service, and his atoning sacrifice is truly inspiring. This Christmas season, I want to grow closer to them and I cannot wait to do so! Just typing this brings a smile to my face. There is no greater joy in this world than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also grew to love trials and challenges that come my way because they give me the opportunity to come closer and become more like Jesus Christ. This past semester was amazing in so many different aspects but by far it was the growth I obtained spiritually and feeling myself progress to bigger and greater things.

One of the greatest feelings this semester was finishing up with my finals!! There is no greater feeling of accomplishment when you fill in the last bubble on the last final and then turning it in. I love BYU and I cannot wait to see what the next semester has in store!