Journal for elarkins

30 November 2007
Most people think that college is go, go, go...and for the most part that is true. However, there is a point when the clock hits the twelve and six (12:30) :) and I know that my Spanish class is done and the rest of my day is free! This also means that I get to take a nap and figure how to spend the rest of the day.
With finals approaching, stress and the homework load is increasing. However, there is never so much to do that I cannot make time for a nap. :) And colds are spreading faster than a fire. I am sure that my roommate thinks that I have gone over the edge because of constant use of antibacterial and Clorox wipes on the doorknobs and any other surface that I think may have been in contact in with germs. :) But, when neither of us are sick and prepared for our finals, the insanity will be worth it! Eek, off to read chemistry chapters!

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 01:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

14 November 2007
It is not easy for me to admit that I am a selfish person. As unpleasant as this concept is for me to accept...accept it I must. And the evil twin that tends to be attached to selfishness is taking things for advantage. A dorm room is most definitely not my own room in Sherwood with my books and my bed and my family. Goudy is not always your mom’s best homemade dish (sometimes it is better). :) Yet there are still those days when you do not do as well as you want on a big test or the homework load feels a bit daunting, everyone has those days.
The past two days have been kind of like that for me. A culmination of burdens and homesickness had left me feeling a little under par. This morning after returning from my chemistry lecture, I went to wash my hands and ended up talking to one of Willamette’s amazing staff that keeps our dorms sanitary and a healthy environment for its students. In talking, I learned that she started out as a student here and took a job here to help pay for her classes. Over time, her job demanded priority over her schoolwork and she is still working to earn her degree and balance such a time consuming job. She was so adamant about the importance of putting in the four years of work even though it might seem easier not to do so. I was so impressed and touched by her encouragement and her willingness to share her own experiences so that I might understand what a blessing it is to be here at Willamette learning from such intelligent, kind professors and the college “experience” in general.
That is not to say that I have changed my “ways” or am perfect. Instead, I feel that for where I was this morning, that conversation was what I needed to readjust my attitude and appreciate the blessings that I have, despite the stress and burdens that I had been focusing on.
Ponder and appreciate! :)

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2 November 2007
When you think of Halloween, do you think of crawdad racing? I know that I certainly did not...until now. Wednesday brought a night full of adventures! One of the Christian groups on campus had a Halloween party where we did the usual Halloween activities, bobbing for apples, eating cupcakes, and general merriment. :) Yet as the night progressed the activities became a little more unusual, i.e. crawdad racing and blowing up light bulbs in a microwave. Moral of the story: You never know what you will end up doing or whom you will meet when at college! :)

Posted by Emma L Larkins at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)