The Evening Star

Once upon a time there lived a young princess. Each night she would gaze out her window and wish upon the evening star that every dream within her heart would come true. As she grew older, the wishing grew less and less until the evening star was nothing but a lingering hope within the distance.

Fairy tales are the hope of every young girl. To find that perfect someone and share a happily ever after with them. Tomorrow my Big sister of Alpha Phi begins her happily ever after with her long awaited Prince Charming. It is hard for me to believe that after all this time of wishing on stars and coordinating weddings that I finally am blessed of watching  those closest to me experience the happiness that goes along with them. But beyond the fantasy of it all, the reality dwells deep within my mind.

Tonight as I drove home from my second wedding rehearsal, music played in the background and I stared out into the starry night sky. And sure enough the evening star found it's way into my view, even if it was in my rear view mirror. At twenty one, I still hold on to that dream, of one day finding someone. But honestly, as of now, my life is still something I'm in the process of figuring out. How can I possibly expect to allow someone in, if I am still searching for an understanding of myself? Someday I'll be ready for that step in my life, but for now I remained blessed to watch the two women closest in my life, my Glinda and my Big Sister, find their own happily ever after.

Now it is on to a new chapter in life. A chapter where the young princess reliqueshes a connection with her other princess friends as they begin a new chapter with their Prince Charming's. A chapter where the young princess will begin to branch out on her own, establishing herself, and accomplishing dreams that she wished upon the evening star for decades. Each princess has their own journey, and this one hopes that their paths continue to cross for years and years. Until then, let their happily ever afters take place with an enchanted "I Do". And let the young princess gaze out her window once more to "I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight."

Peter Pan Syndrome

Second star to the right and straight on till morning. If only finding Neverland were so simple. It is difficult for me to understand how time has flown so quickly by, how in one moment I'm walking down the isle as a three year old flower girl and the next a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. When did I grow up?

Age is simple when boiled down. Year by year we progress, move forward in our lives. Yet in this moment, the eve of a wedding, the actuality of age hits me. In one year I have left my University home, sought a full time career, prepared to buy an apartment, and witnessed (or will witness) the engagements and marriages of multiple friends. What ever happened to listening to boy bands or playing with dolls?

The future is exciting, in ways. I look forward to having a classroom of my own, and yet the uncertainty of not knowing every detail of life becomes a terror unlike anything I have ever faced. Whats more, the pressure of the future has left me in question. Not of my career, not of myself, but perhaps of ties in the past left loose without a proper ending. It becomes the question of "have I known the answer all along, yet was too blind to acknowledge the truth?" Perhaps the answer is yes, but then again that certainty will only come with time. Time and days gone by. Days gone by to months, then years. To think of growing up, of letting everything in my comfort zone dissipate.... it's the most terrifying and exciting sensation.

The Need for Independence

Four weeks. Days, months, years have passed and the schooling has come to an end. Nineteen years of education, twenty one years of life and the moment of graduation has finally arrived. Words of congratulations, whispers of the future; they try to tell me how to feel. How do I feel about graduation? Not even I am sure.

On the cliched graduate side, the need for freedom, the yearning to break free from the classroom walls is at my fingertips. I finally enter a world without professors lingering papers, without meetings and practices beckoning for my attendance. The opportunity to move out arises. Many new chances for freedom... and yet...

To leave a world that I have known for 19 years. To leave a place that I established as a home after 4 long years. To leave relationships to the dependence of communication from a distance. To leave ends untied, with lingering "what ifs". Two words enter my mind : heartbreaking & terrifying.  

I want to feel at ease, as though life will continually work to my benefit. To feel that this is the life I had always dreamed, where I can accomplish anything. Yet instead I'm left looking into a dark abyss, with no idea of what the future holds. 

One Step Closer

I couldn't be further from Florida. Geographically yes, but mentally I'm as distant as one could be. When I was in Florida for student teaching, I was the happiest I ever remember being in my life. Student teaching went so well, with a mentor I could relate to, a family who treated me like their own daughter, and a community that was so heartwarming and welcoming. 17 hours later and I've arrived in Ohio.... and all of that happiness, all of that peace of mind was left to dry out and wilt in the southern sunlight.

I find now that I am more frustrated... more willing to run away and never speak to my family again that I ever have been. For 21 years I lived a life knowing that they were there for me, that I was loved, that I was their child or sibling who would do anything for them. For 4 years in college I've been led to believe that student teaching would be the greatest and most rewarding experience in my life. For 2 years I believed my sorority sisters would be there to help me through it all....

Never again.

As of now my plans are to escape. From here on out I shall distance myself from those in my life who cause me heartache, frustration.... even my own family. I have never felt more distant from them. I find them choosing others to replace me in their lives... causing fights among themselves, making me a target from the long distance. One step closer to Florida.  My mentor teacher will not let me teach, to her I am just another body in the classroom, there to work for her, there to learn from her styles through means of book-led learning completely inside the box. Not once have I taught in a style the students enjoy without means of being interrupted. One step closer to Florida. I arrive home and only a select few in my chapter acknowledge that I have been gone. Others merely come closer and choose to personally attack me for my desire to help, disregarding everything I have ever given to the chapter. I seek comfort and receive none. One step closer to Florida.

When graduation comes, this state can kiss me goodbye. Forget me Ohio. I'm moving to Florida, where I was the happiest I'd ever been... where my family still loved me... where my sorority sisters missed me... and where I had a teaching experience of a lifetime. Until then, I face personal destruction. Frustration attacking me from all sides destroying the confidence I spent years building. I'm under attack.... with still 7 weeks to go until I can move out, move away, and start anew. 

One step closer to Florida.

Weeks Gone By

To think that it has already been three and half weeks doesn't seem realistic. So it's time to catch all of you up on what has been happening down here in Florida, and how I'm feeling about it all. Don't fret, this is not a tell all confession diary, but instead one of motivation. To motivate everyone to find a goal outside of their comfort zone and reach for it, because the impact that it may bring to your life is incredible.

The school is amazing. I feel as if this is one point that I continually say, but it is the truth. My mentor teacher has been really good for me. She is showing me tips and tricks on how to grade papers more efficiently, and what to look for in essays and reading content. Overall, I feel very fortunate for being given her as a mentor. We have very similar personalities, and it is refreshing to see an educator with a philosophy so close to mine. 

My students are hilarious as well. Every day is something a little different with them. Some classes are amazing, others I dread, and others still leave just bring their books and knowledge to the table. I think that is one aspect of Celebration High School that I really enjoy. They have such a diverse group of students, not only in their ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds, but in the way they learn and how much help they need. Each class has a personality of it's own, in which some cases is good, and others bad. The only downside is seeing what a lazy group of students they are. I'm not trying to insult when I say this, in all truth, they are lazy. To give you an idea, only about 1/2 of the students turn in their assignments and homework, even when extension dates are given, or they are reminded on numerous occasions. I think that overall, there are close to 60-75 F's out of 128 students. That's not good at all. 

On the more positive side, outside of the classroom, I am in LOVE with Florida. It has truly changed my mindset from the "What if" mentality of the past to, "What could be" mentality of the future. I find myself changing my life plan to move here, and every day I'm here, that thought becomes less frightening and more welcoming. I find myself knowing that I would never be alone. I would know all of the host families, and their friends I have met and who have demonstrated much kindness to us interns. I would know my mentor teachers, and many of the other teachers in the English department at Celebration. Not to mention, the few relatives I have that live close to the area. It is slowly becoming a more realistic vision of me picking up my life and moving South. I continually replay the words that one supervisor from AU once spoke, "If you have the  opportunity to move, do it while you're young." I want to harness that advice.

Now I've save the best for last! All of the fun adventures we have set out for while in Florida. Thus far I have been to MGM, Epcot, Downtown Disney, CityWalk, the Disney Boardwalk, the Polynesian Resort, and gone for an air-boat ride. Sounds like fun, no? I'm loving the opportunities I've been given. It is so nice to be able to spend the weekends relaxing. I think thus far, my favorite has been Epcot. It is such an incredible park, so many cultures to learn about and travel through. And Hannah (my roommate) and I accomplished the entire park in one day. Which is an incredible feat. Riding on an air-boat was also something amazing. I've never been on one, let alone saw one outside of the television screen. We soared quickly through only a shallow one foot of water, pushed down the weeds in the swamp like it was nothing, and spotted gators and snakes throughout the journey. It was so different from anything I've ever done before, but it was worth the time and money to do. 

This week has marked the first week I've fully taken over my classroom. And this weekend will hopefully mark the adventures of Universal Islands of Adventure, springs in Florida, Animal Kingdom, and who knows what else!

Teaching Kiddos

This week marked the first time I taught in Celebration. All of my classes are 11th grade honors English, which is amazing when it comes to teaching. On Thursday (yesterday) I taught two periods. The class is just beginning the novel Beloved, which is a brutal and horrible depiction of the life of slavery through the eyes of an escaped slave.  The lesson that I taught was the first chapter and acted as an introduction to all of the characters for the students. I was incredibly happy, because I had the ability to observe my mentor teach the same lesson before I had the opportunity. 

Teaching the class was much different than I had expected. The students were very quiet, and the amount of questions they had was slim. This is unusual, because both periods that I taught were very talkative, and the first chapter of Beloved is incredibly confusing. The silence threw me for a loop, and unfortunately I ended the first period I taught eleven minutes early.... what an embarrassing moment for me. I was able to extend the second lesson a little longer, but specifically instructed the students to work on their homework until the bell rang. This policy worked well and many of them had half of their charts (homework for Monday) completed. 

Thursday night was absolutely magical. The interns gathered together and we traveled down to the Polynesian resort at Disney. We walked through the doors and it felt as if we were in a Hawaiian getaway, complete with tiki torches and Hawaiian type architecture. Out back we passed the pool with a volcanic looking stone feature built above it, to a white sand beach that overlooked a man made lake, surrounded by other Disney buildings that were lit in white Christmas lights. These other buildings included the Wedding Chapel, The Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian resort, and several others. But on the opposite side of the lake, just above the treetops, we could see the color changing night lights of Cinderella's castle. At 7:30pm the music began behind us and we laid on beach chairs as we watched the sky above the castle illuminate with fireworks. It was beyond magical.

The magic of last night, of staring out across the waters to a land of lights, surrounded by children whose dreams are coming true and of parents who are filled with joy is astounding. I could not help but think as the interns and I sat there that I wish I had chosen the twelve week internship. But the thing is, each of us are beginning to think that exact thing. There is something about this area, maybe it's Disney, maybe it's being away from home, maybe it's being somewhere new... but the point is there is something that draws me in. It feels like home, it feels like somewhere that I can honestly picture my future. That concept... it's comforting in a way, because up until this point my life after graduation was a complete blank. Slowly, the pieces of my life are falling in together, and I am able to see a life in Celebration. Who knows what else this journey may hold for me, but I look forward to each and every minute.

School Days

Today (Monday, 23) marked the first day of student teaching. Arriving at the school was simple, but figuring out who our mentor teacher's were, well that was a bit more complicated. It took a few phone calls and a few little meetings, but after weeks of waiting two names were given to us. The only downside, the other AU intern and I were forced to choose between the two who we wanted. But enough about this process, what is important is the school and how it differs from Ohio!

The high school is a mini-campus comprised of seven different buildings. Together they form an oblong oval shape around a concrete patio area. This is "the beach" or a common area for students to go in between classes or before the first bell of school. It is this way because there are no long hallways, but instead the entrances to different sections are from the outside. To get from the English section to the History section a student must go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather! It is quite a drastic change, but I think I like it.

On our final day of vacation, the other AU intern and I headed to downtown Disney. It was probably the best location I could think of to relax and enjoy the positive atmosphere before returning to teaching. Yes this happened yesterday (Sunday), but it was worth every minute. Now that vacation is over, I look forward to teaching 6 periods of 11th grade honors. I am very excited, yet at the same time, I know how much work it will be as well. Thank goodness I've read all the text before and now I can call on all that college education that I never thought I'd actually use ;)

First Weekend

This weekend was my first weekend in Celebration, Florida. Before I get to that, it is time for a weekend update.

Thursday - Thursday was one of the longest days. This was the day that I was to leave for Celebration, by car. Packed up the night before my dad and I jumped in the car and drove off at 6:00am, before the sun had even risen into the sky. It was peaceful for the most part. We traded on and off driving and sleeping. We watched the sun rise over the trees and escaped the North before a single drop of snow fell to the ground. We landed at Savannah, Georgia 13 hours later and crashed.

Friday - Although not quite as early, 7:30am we left again. We made it to Orlando, Florida by 1:30pm. I was incredibly nervous to meet my host family. The thought of living with people I had never met for 6 weeks was beyond nerve racking. After a long lunch we finally drove into Celebration. The town is absolutely stunning. The homes are as if a movie set pulled them directly from a story book. Each has the same white trim, each home in a different color, each with different pillars & patios & levels of flooring. It was picture perfect.

Friday Night - Then I met the family. I could not have felt more at home than if I were actually at home. The family that I am with is beyond incredible. The host mother is as welcoming and chipper as can be, and the host father, well he reminds me a lot of my dad. I now have one host sister & brother, both in high school, both with an amazing sense of humor. 

Saturday - Saturday is my first full day in Celebration. The other AU intern and I awoke to a knock on our door. Our host brother saying, "I bought you Chick Fil A for breakfast!" ((Let it be noted that the brother & sister are obsessed with Chick Fil A)). After breakfast we were taken on a bike ride through Celebration. The bike paths were carved through native plants, in what appeared to be a jungle of pine trees. We rode to the high school and then to downtown. It is the perfect blend of a big city and a small town. The big Orlando/Kissimmee city is only minutes away, but downtown makes you feel at home. People are fishing off the pier, others are sitting by the water and admiring the view, while others eat outside at restaurants and greeting passers by. 

Not every post will be this long. But now you have been caught up. Life has never looked so good.

The Night Before

I leave for Florida in less than 6 hours. Why am I awake, I don't know. There is a lot running through my mind right now, but I found a song that I believe encapsulates everything that it is. So enjoy a classic song and listen to the words. Every word is me, has been me for years.

Florida Prep

In one weeks time I will begin embarking on a journey of a lifetime. My entire career in education has led me to this point, the point of student teaching. For over a year I have been planning to leave the state of Ohio to accomplish this task, and through the growth of my character and the opportunities at my university, that dream is coming true! In only 7 days I will be leaving for the state of Florida to teach in the Celebration district. 

The idea of being a senior in my final semester of college is beyond surreal. It is hard for me to grasp the fact that in one week I am leaving for a place that could become my future employer. It is hard for me to understand that all of the work we have put in to countless papers, working on updating resumes, and playing secretary to mentor teachers in past experiences has finally come to the end. Everything has added up to this! Although there are a few loose ends to tie up here in Ohio, I am slowly beginning to embrace the endless possibilities of my future that await. And to think it shall all play out before May of this year. 

So with that now comes the answers to all of the questions. I will be traveling to Florida and staying with a host family from January 20 until March 3. We have been in contact and I could not be more excited to meet them. The last part of my student teaching will be done back near the university. Now comes the answer to the main question I've been asked : Do you hope to get a job in Florida? The answer is complicated. In many ways, yes I would absolutely love to teach down South as a part of my career. The area of Celebration is wonderful and many students have gotten teaching positions there, and they love every minute of it. The difficult part is leaving my friends and family from up North behind. It would be difficult, but the closer this experience gets, the more I feel a strong connection and pull from the South. 

But for now these are all future worries, and the answers will come soon enough along with gowns and tassels and diplomas. Until then I cannot wait to begin this journey. Follow me here to learn all about my experience, or I will have another blog later on provided by the university to follow as well. Student teaching 2012, final semester of Senior year, let's make it happen!

Truth be Told

It's as simple as  this:

"Missing someone isn't about how long it has been since you've seen them or the amount of time since you've talked. It's about that very moment when you find yourself doing something & wishing they were right by your side" - This feeling is true. 

When that moment occurred, I found this quote: "I miss you. Not in some cheesy, let's hold hands way. I just miss you. Plain and simple. I miss your presence in my life. I miss you always being there for me. I miss my best friend." - And always will. Someday, I pray our paths may cross once again. Maybe then that friendship can we begin again my best friend.

2000 Mistakes + 11

2011 has come and gone. Hello to the year 2012, the year my life changes entirely. In the year 2012 I will graduate college and become an entirely independent woman. It is strange to think that my entire life has built to lead me to this position in my life and it has finally arrived. 

As the new year begins it is important to reflect on the lessons of yester-year. So here is what 2011 has taught me, lessons that I will be certain to carry with me throughout my life.

1. Humility is important above all - Know when is appropriate to step forward and when to dial back.

2. Regret is a powerful emotion - Live life now. Live life without regrets, for it is a sensation stronger than any.

3. Patience is a process - Learning to manage to level of patience, learning to grow further each year.

4. Leadership is Unique - Take charge of your life and lead as an example to the younger generations.

5. Love. Love is not only that of a significant other, it's of friends, of family, of brothers & sisters, of mothers & fathers. Love abounds eternally.

So go forth. And let the new year ring in. Happy 2012 everyone. May it be a year that fills your lives with more happiness than ever before.

The End of a Sanity

Hello 5:00am. It has been some time. Hello 4 blank pages. You present a challenge. Hello finals week. Your presence has not been missed. How do I get through it?

It is simple. Pandora radio plays with instrumental soundtracks from incredible movies. I remember watching each one of them with my family. I remember the thrill of the adventure from watching the plot unfold, the chill the music sent throughout the room, and the expressions on my family's face when the movies end. Those memories keep me holding on. They instill within me that sense of peace, that sense of motivation to reach the end. It is the goal : to push through finals to be with that family once again and make new memories.

This year : finish Harry Potter. Each time a Harry Potter soundtrack appears on Pandora I think of this. Even though I was at the midnight premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2, my parents have yet to see Part 1 or Part 2. They are waiting for me to be home, because they have never seen one without me. I push through the papers, the late nights, the blistering headaches from caffeine withdraw all in the hopes of seeing my parents experience what I felt in the theatre : the end of a generation. Maybe, just maybe, they will see the end and realize what Harry Potter meant to those in my generation.

Whatever the reaction might be, I look forward to those nights. I type through the suffering of finals and pray to be home once again. 2.5 papers left in 4 days. 18 pages in 77 hours and 30 minutes. Trade for 3 weeks of family time without homework. 3 weeks of a final Christmas break before graduation. 3 weeks of Christmas normalcy in my life .... finals week may be torment, but the priceless feeling of home is worth a hundred tormenting hours.

A Week of Love

This week marked the week of recruitment here at Ashland University. It was a week packed full of planning, talking, emotional rollercoasters, but most importantly; love. Seeing girls from across campus come to join in Greek life filled me with excitement and joy. I remember the feeling of wonder, anxiety, nerves, and happiness all bundled into one during recruitment week. This year was different, this year I was on the other side looking in on a process that was thrilling. 

Seeing the other side reminded me why I love Alpha Phi. Standing with my sisters and singing whilst looking into their eyes brought back the memories of all my sisters have done for me. Being there on late nights to help me write papers, being my home away from home, but most importantly, being my support system when it seemed I had no one else.

Tomorrow marks a new chapter in Alpha Phi. Tomorrow we welcome new and phi-nominal women into our chapter. They will be filled with excitement, but what they do not realize is how excited we are. Having the opportunity to embrace them as family, and being able to share all new memories with them... well in one word: Priceless <3

Growing Stronger with Time like the Ivy that Twines.

AOE sisters <3

Unexpected Sister

    In life there are many bittersweet moments. These are the moments in which we cannot help but be happy for another, while feeling the sorrow ourselves. As the summer progressed, I knew one of those moments was coming ever closer; saying goodbye to my best friend. Tomorrow she is transferring to another University and I will miss her more than words can express.

    Goodbye is such a definite term. In life, in moments like these, the phrase "see you soon" is what I prefer. Although the words goodbye may escape my lips, this phrase continuously repeats inside my mind like a never ending record. See you soon. A way to say this is not over, this is not the end. I say that tomorrow as I bid my friend adieu. Our friendship will not be over, I refuse. As should we all. Friendships that build us up and restore our confidence have become rare in the world today. To find someone who I can laugh with until we cry is worth the efforts to keep. 

    Over our time at work together, this girl has been tremendous. After some tragic happenings of the past semester (more specifically the last 2 weeks), I lost all confidence and my perspective on life was shattered. She introduced me to her favorite childhood memory Harry Potter. Somehow, by reading the entire series over the summer I found a best friend. Not in the books, but in the girl that is transferring tomorrow. Through laughter, hilarity, movies, cookies, and HP, the pieces of myself were restored. If it was not for her, I would have still been in a state of daze and confusion, lost in the never ending maze. 

    So here is to tomorrow. A bittersweet moment. To Amanda : I wish you the best of luck at your new school. I hope that you conquer your major and love the new surroundings around you. Thank you for everything! I can honestly say you'll always be a best friend of mine, and let's make it to never change! I'll miss you!

A Summer Gone By

It is hard to believe that summer has come and past. Next week the school season officially begins for me and other fellow students who are moving in early for campus organizations. But before all of that begins, I want to step back and recall all the memories of this summer.

Living Away From Home

I must admit, living on campus over the summer is not what I expected it to be; however, it still brought memories. Two of my Alpha Phi sisters and I lived together, and I appreciate those two women more than ever. It was such an amazing opportunity to grow closer in friendships with both of them! Living with them over the summer just brought the idea of graduating to a more realistic level, knowing that I can do anything I put my mind to, and knowing I will not see my family every day.

Me & My Summer Roomies!
Harry Potter Mania!

This summer I had the opportunity to become friends with my co-worker! We had been friends before, but working with her over the summer just brought us that much closer as friends. She encouraged me to read the Harry Potter book series over the summer, which is something I had never done before. It was incredible to me though, not only the story line, but how much I should thank HP. By reading the books and just talking about it, it brought me so much closer to her. I can honestly say she is one of my best friends!! She somehow managed to bring that sense of childhood back to me, that I had forgotten over the past semester.

Me & My Best Friend at the Wizards Gathering. Yes we're house elves :)

Alpha Phi!

This summer was an amazing opportunity for me to grow in my love for my sorority Alpha Phi! Many of our sisters visited over the summer and stayed in our room on campus. The joke became our room  was the APhi hotel. But I would not trade it for the world. It gave me a chance to know so many of my sisters in a different way, and love the fact that I can call them sister! Shopping for recruitment made me incredibly excited for this fall. I cannot wait to begin recruitment and see all of the amazing new sisters we will get! 

The Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi after Greek Week is over!

Senior Year!? Wha!?

It is hard to believe that summer is already half over. What is even more difficult to believe is that three years ago I was stepping into the University summer orientation pumped and ready to move in, and now, my last year here has arrived. Time has flown since being at Ashland University, and so many wonderful things have happened along the way. Let's re-cap my top 3 moments from years 1-3:

3) Traveling!

I have been so blessed in the area of traveling in these three years. For Spring break Sophomore year we headed to Myrtle Beach (the picture above). During Junior year I was able to attend a conference in Orlando, Florida and in Michigan, both sponsored by the University. 

2) O-Team!

 Orientation Team has been one of my all time favorite experiences. It has helped me break out of the "shy" shell and really meet some wonderful people along the way. Not only has it provided me with many a nights of laughter and hilarity, but practical teaching experience as well.

1) Alpha Phi

Alpha Phi has been my favorite memory. These women have given me a home away from home, and I feel so blessed that I can call all of them my sisters. It has given me opportunities in leadership positions, decorating fabulous events, and so much more. aoe.

~*~

With my senior year just around the corner, I cannot be more excited for the future. I know this coming year will provide struggles and test me as an individual, but it will allow me to grow into the adult I was destined to be. I have so many hopes and dreams for the future and thanks to the organizations and opportunities I have been given while at school, I can cross my fingers and pray that one day they will indeed come true.

An Apartment of Dreams

       Time. It is a concept that frightens even the strongest men. There is nothing we as humans can do to slow it down, as we are continually moving forward. It is a concept that I have begun to realize more than ever as Senior year at Ashland University comes closer. With the end so close, I have begun to think more and more about the future and where time will take me. There are hopes and dreams I hope to achieve, and when it comes to my career, I have a very good understanding of where I want to be. 

       In the Spring of 2012, my student career will take a large step forward as I begin to student teach. The ultimate goal for this path is to spend six weeks in the Celebration district in Celebration, Florida and pray that my efforts earn at least an interview, or an offer, for an English teacher position. It has always been my dream to live outside the state of Ohio, but with the salary of a beginning teacher I began to question whether or not it was possible.
       As time races onward it was important for me to begin planning far in advanced. For weeks I had been looking on realtors webpages searching for available apartments outside the state of Ohio, but none of them met my standards; until now. Thanks to Vacancy.com I had the opportunity to search for the most attractive and affordable apartments that I had yet to find. My perfect match was a 2 bedroom 2 bath located at the Fountains At Millenia apartment complex. 

       Everything about this apartment is perfect for me after graduation. I wanted a two bedroom apartment so that anytime someone wanted to visit, there was a room for them to sleep in. I also figured having this available room would allow me to have more storage space, use as a workout room, or for many other purposes. Not only does it have 2 beds and 2 baths, but there is a walk-in closet, perfect for accommodating large shoe collections. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, and instead of sharing a laundry room with all of my neighbors at the local dry cleaners, the apartment has hookups for a washer and dryer of my own. 

       What else is perfect about this apartment? Location, amenities, community and so much more! It is a secure gated community with a beach entry pool, green by the pool, fitness center and wi-fi. Not only that, but the location is sheer perfection when it comes to imagining a home in Florida. Just down the street is Universal Studios Resort, where a world of adventure and fun is waiting to be had! Universal also equals City Walk, a place where the night life is just waiting to get started. If that is not good enough, just head 20 minutes down the road to Disney. There is everything you can imagine from their theme parks, to Pleasure Island and much more! What else is 20 minutes down the road? The school district I hope to be teaching in. Talk about perfect location.

       Not only does this apartment have the perfect location and available space, but it puts all of my fears about affording a nice place to rest. I have seen the apartments around my town, and for the price one gets the bare minimum. This apartment is completely affordable for being in the Orlando area. It shows me that the perfect place does not have to be expensive, it is out there if you look. Now I know that even on a beginning teachers salary, I can afford a fabulous apartment. 

       Thanks to Vacancy.com, I have found a place that I can only dream to live in. It is the perfect apartment with day and night life for a future college graduate. It is close to entertainment all around and close to work, with the perks of a pool, fitness center, and appliances all included in one. Here is to hoping that I land that interview for student teaching down south. Here is to praying that I land a job in Celebration school districts in Celebration, Florida, so I can have the apartment of my dreams!

Click below to check out the apartment of my dreams!

Vacancy.com Dream Apartment!

A Decade of Memories

This week marks the end of an era. The end is marked by the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I have come to love the Harry Potter series over the years, more recently than before. That's why this weeks blog is dedicated to the series and the decade of memories it has brought not only to me, but to many many others along the way. Be sure to check out the Video of the Week which is dedicated to the new movie release as well.


For those of you who have not heard, or we have not met, this summer marked my first time of reading the Harry Potter books. It is shocking yes, considering it is my generation that has grown up with Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as the movie series grew in a new fandom for Harry Potter. I was never allowed as a kid to be a part of this. Churches across the nation were confused and overwhelmed with the thoughts of black magic, wizardry, and "evil". My father was among one of those critics, and he forbade me to read and or watch anything Harry Potter related. Although I found it too difficult to smuggle books past my parents, I found myself retreating to friends houses on the weekends to re-watch the movies. 


As the years passed on, many people turned to realize that the books were not bad at all. My parents included. They are excited for the final movie, they even recorded two of the movies during ABC Family's Harry Potter Weekend. To them, it's an adventure, it is something unlike any other movie franchise. Children, teenagers, and adults everywhere have literally spent a decade following Harry. And to those like my parents and I, the movies were the only source we had waiting to see what would happen next. 


Then there are the truly dedicated fans. You fans are the ones who make the experience worth while. To those who have created things such as Muggle Net , Muggle Cast , The Wizarding World in Orlando, and The International Quidditch Association, we thank you! It is because of these fans that the world of Harry Potter has exploded, creating a pop culture sensation that will be so difficult to beat for decades to come. The last thing that J.K. Rowling has left her fans with is Pottermore, a website with so many new details to explore. 

So here is to a decade (or more!) full of adventure and memories. From those who changed their views, to those who were obsessed from the beginning. It all ends on Friday as the clock chimes midnight. But it is as J.K. Rowling said herself at the UK Premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2 : "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." Go ahead fans and followers of Harry Potter. Now's your chance to remember a decade of memories, and for my generation, now's your chance to remember who we grew up with. 

RLCC, Wait What? Not RLCA?

This week is incredibly busy for me, but I'm loving every minute of it! Not only am I working this week at my University, but I am also a dorm mom at my childhood camp. For years I traveled with my parents to this camp, and eventually became a camper. Whenever I worked as "faculty" it was washing dishes in the kitchen for the majority of the day, but this year it feels like I received a promotion! Now I am a dorm mom.

I never realized what a difference there was between high school students and where I am now. In reality I have only been graduated for three years, and one would think that in those three years, a person could change, but not so drastically. I listen to my girls talk and it makes me realize how different I am after three years of college. Especially in seeing the youth ministers interact with their youth groups. They are blocking hallways, singing loudly past lights out, pushing the faculty to see how far they can go. It makes me step back and thank this crazy college experience. Thank you for letting me grow up a little.

On the plus side, being back at camp after 1 year of not setting foot there is such a relief. It was always my favorite "mini-vacation" and I always looked forward to camp. You know that place? That place where you love to visit year after year and it always makes you feel slightly nostalgic? Yeah, that is camp for me. And to think after all these years I get to help in a dorm instead of the kitchen! It may not seem like much, but it just shows how things can go full circle. My mom used to be in the dorms, I grew up in the camp as a camper, and now I'm in the dorms. Wow :) Got to love Round Lake Christian Assembly (RLCA) ... despite the whole name change to RLCC.