Learning Daily: May 2012

It's hard for me to believe that in the grand scheme of things, I've only spent four years at Mississippi State University. Four years isn't really that much time, but I can't even begin to describe how much these past four years have meant to me. Well, maybe I can begin to describe it, other wise I wouldn't have written a post about it.

My college journey basically started when I moved to Tupelo, Mississippi in the August of 2006 (my junior year of high school). I was pretty hell-bent on how my life was officially over when I moved here. My family had moved from Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, I was captain of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. I was also on the lacrosse team. I had a job. I worked hard for my grades. I was on student council. I had the best friends in the world, a boyfriend, and thought it didn't get better than that. So when my parents told me that we were moving to Tupelo, MISSISSIPPI... I pretty much lost it.

I arrived in Tupelo determined not to like it. Volleyball season had already started when we moved and I was devastated that I missed part of one of the only things I would allow myself to enjoy while here. I told anyone and everyone I met that I was moving back to the West coast for college and would not allow myself to get attached. Naturally, that didn't happen. My long-long-long distance boyfriend and I finally broke up in October and I decided to give Mississippi a chance. I fell in love with the volleyball team. To this day, some of those girls remain my best friends. I fell in love with southern boys. I even fell in love with Tupelo, Mississippi and Tupelo High School. I even went so far as to develop a southern accent myself... Y'all. It's probably pretty funny to those of you who know me know to think that at one point in time, I hated Tupelo. Because as it stands now, if there was a Tupelo Fan Club, I would not only be a member, but probably the president of the fan club. I do love me some Tupelo.

Well when my senior year rolled around, I had pretty much decided that I was going to stay close to home for college. I had narrowed it down to Ole Miss, MSU, University of Dallas, and Birmingham Southern. All very different, I know. Somehow along the way, Birmingham Southern got eliminated. It was left to the first three. After a visit to the University of Dallas, I knew I had to go to a large, public college with a huge sports program. Therefore, I was left with Ole Miss and MSU. My mom had gone to Ole Miss, so most of my family was pushing me in that direction. I began going to visit the schools with friends. I went to football games and big weekend at both schools. And then it happened. I vividly remember the moment I fell in love with MSU. It was in the Fall of 2007 at the MSU vs. UT football game. My friends and I had been ripped off more than I would like to share to pay for our tickets, we had to borrow money from friends for food, and sat in the nose bleed section of the game. Sounds like love at first sight, right? Well, regardless of those encounters, I was in love. I came home from that game and announced my decision. My mom, being from Ole Miss, was devastated. She would make comments like, "Do they even wear shoes down there?" However, that just made me more determined. I was very proud of myself for making my college decision for me. Many people I know had made their decisions for their parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. But, my decision was all for me. And it remains the best decision I have made.

At MSU, I spent most of my freshman year glued to my boyfriend at the time. I was suddenly terrified of not being around people I knew. I didn't spend a lot of time getting involved that year, and that remains one of my biggest regrets. In the spring of my freshman year, I realized that I had to get out of my cocoon because I would start to suffocate soon if I didn't. I began getting involved in my sorority, making friends, and I finally started having the time of my life. After my freshman year I became involved in the Student Association, FEA, various Honor Societies, MSU Panhellenic, and much more. I started the MSU Women's Club Volleyball team with the help of some girls that I played against in high school. I became more active in Kappa Delta. I even entered a beauty pageant on campus. Those of you who know me well are probably rolling on the floor laughing. While that was definitely not my cup of tea, I had a huge fear of not trying everything. After that, involvement became my middle name. You name it, I tried it or was a part of it. I loved everything MSU had to offer and have grown so much through all of those experiences.

The friends and memories that I have made through all of my experiences mean so much to me. I will never be able to forget these past four years. I can only hope that everyone leaves college with the love for their time there that I do. I have learned and grown from every experience. I will never be able to give back to MSU what it has given me. But I promise, I will be a loyal Bulldog for just about ever.

Learning Daily,
Annie

P.S.- Enjoy these MSU pictures :)