Senior Year Showdown

Dear Online Diary,

I almost forgot about my blog! After my Africa/Europe travels, my life this summer mostly became about work. Target was great, and actually offered me a full time position as an Executive after I graduate from APU! I start next summer after graduation and will receive a salary and benefits. It feels good to know I can go through this last year at school and not have to worry about what will happen when I graduate.

I don't really have much else to fill you in on from this summer. I got a haircut, I turned 21, I went on some really fun dates with Buck, hung out with friends, I got addicted to Jillian Micheal's workout dvd, and I went to the beach here and there. There, now you're caught up! 

Although, I know the ending to this year work-wise, I still have a whole year ahead of me. For starters, I am living in Adams Dorm AGAIN, this is my third year living here. I was here my freshman year, and last year as an RA, and this year I am my good friend Shayna's roommate, and she is an RA, which makes me a RAR (RA's roommate). Shayna LOVES pink, which makes my room a princess room!

Shayna's wall

Taylor's wall 

 

 

 

 

 

After the third attempt at beautifying a dorm room, I think it finally might be right. I didn't really have much contribution to our room decor, but at least I covered my wall! And because I am living with freshman again, I feel like a freshman! Maybe this is my year to be a kid again.

I have a slightly easy school schedule, which I feel like I earned after working hard for the past three years. I am still working at Target doing an extended internship, and I am doing my social work agency internship, as well as a rezlife internship! The year of Internships! Monday marks my first day of school and I am excited to get this year started. I can't wait to see what this year brings, and how it wraps up as I walk across that stage in May.

Here is to my last year as an undergraduate student at APU!

Summer?

Dear Blogees,

I am so sorry it has been a while! I have been working for Target as an 'Executive Intern' and it has been sucking up all of my free time, which has lead me to the topic of this post. I realize that the older I get, the less fun summer becomes. This summer has been all about stretching myself, going outside of my comfort zone, and is very much not carefree. This past week I have been awake before 5 am, and already at work... I have responsibilities to go to work everyday, 40 hours a week, to make money.

 

My co-intern and friend Allie and I! 

I think this job has provided a wonderful and realistic view into the future. As much as I dread homework and tests, I think one day I will miss it. I don't love waking up every morning realizing that I have a full day of non stop, crazy, hectic learning and working in front of me. I don't hate it, but I don't love it. It is hard, and challenging, and sometimes leaves me cranky if I don't get enough sleep the night before! haha

Something that has been so beneficial about working for Target is that I have the opportunity to tap into the business side of things. Being a social work major doesn't necessarily give me those opportunities. However, through this experience I have realized that I cannot wait to do social work. I don't think I could have picked something I would have loved more. Retail and business is great, but it doesn't make me feel motivated or passionate. I feel excited about social work and where that will lead me. I can't wait for this year to unfold at my social service internship, I can't wait to talk with people and look at life through their scope.

More than anything, I want this summer to reflect. I want to prepare myself for my final year in school. I want to be ready to go after the things that I want. I am so grateful for this summer, no matter how chaotic it is.



Going to sleep early,
Tay

World Traveler

Dear Blog Readers,

I have finally returned after a month long trip including travels to South Africa, Lesotho, Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, and London! Wow. To say the least I am exhausted. Each place was so unique and different to me considering I have never been to Europe or Africa before. To make it easiest, I am going to summarize my experience by place. Buckle your seat belts, here we go!

Lesotho, Africa- This was the primary reason for my travels. We stayed at an Orphanage for 3 weeks. Its called Beautiful Gate Orphanage and it is absolutely amazing. Here is there website if you are interested in checking it out (http://www.beautifulgate.org/BGLesotho/about.html) We lived here and got to know the staff and the children. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, it's true. These kids are all either HIV/AIDS infected or affected, or abandoned. There were countless stories of children being left as trash, literally thrown away in a dumpster or left in a field, or abandoned in the hospital. There were also children whose parents died from HIV/AIDS. Despite this completely overwhelmingly sad story, these children have been given a second chance. Beautiful Gate offers a family atmosphere, and they immediately welcomed us into that. We were able to hold and play with the kids every day which was so special. Some of these kids are brilliant, and I would love having them run up to me and ask to be held. They love being hugged and kissed.

Our main objective was to create a change project after spending our time interviewing the staff at Beautiful Gate, and the surrounding community. We determined that while financial need was the greatest need they had, we wanted to throw a party to celebrate the staff and the hard work that they do everyday to care for these children. There is a staff of 40 workers for the maintenance, social services, health care, office staff, and the house mothers. All work to care for the kids. We saw a few adoptions when we were there (coolest thing ever!) Anyway, I got side tracked! So, we threw them a party to know that they were appreciated, even if they don't have enough money to get paid on time every week these people still show up and dedicate themselves to these children. We had a Braai, which is what we would know as a BBQ.We cooked for the staff, and gave them some warm socks since they are going into their winter months.

It was a full house! The staff was so appreciative, and it was really the least we could do. Our last step in our project was to present our findings and our change project to Beautiful Gate owners, and management team. Our professor even invited the US ambassador of Lesotho to come and listen to our presentation, to which surprisingly she showed up for. It was a great way to wrap up our stay at Beautiful Gate. Before we left South Africa, we went on a safari and then ended the night with a dinner at Carnivore! They serve you meat on large skewers, and I even ate crocodile meat! 

 A big THANK YOU to everyone that supported me on this trip!

So after the big Africa trip, I made plans with two friends of mine to travel throughout Europe. Here is what we did.....Keep in mind, we went to 4 different countries in 7 days!

London, England- What didn't we do? We went to Big Ben, The Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Eye...Everything! We also saw The Phantom of The Opera, which was so amazing. We rode on the underground everywhere we went, and had a blast. It was a great way to start our Europe trip.

Dublin, Ireland- This was my favorite place that we went to. It was so beautiful and very lively. We went to the Guinness Factory and had a free sample, to which I found out that I don't like beer very much. We also ate lunch at a pub and saw the Irish men in their kilts! The second day we went to coast and saw the most beautiful green hills and the water. The people were so dang friendly in Dublin!

Barcelona, Spain- This trip was a whirlwind that involved A LOT of walking. We went up and down La Rambla street and ate dinner on that strip. It includes many stores and restaurants and isn't too far from the beach. I couldn't bring my camera this day considering theft is a big problem in Barcelona. We saw many famous buildings, and got lost a few too many times. It was a bummer we didn't have more time to do more sightseeing, because I think we missed a lot. The weather was beautiful and the sun didn't go down until 10PM! 

Amsterdam, Netherlands- We arrived in Amsterdam so exhausted from Barcelona. However, Allie arranged for us to stay with a family friend, so we were picked up from the airport and we went a boat ride! It was such a nice break from trains, and planes. We had a tour of the city she lived in and ate a wonderful dinner. The woman we stayed with was named Anke, and she was so much fun. She was probably the youngest 63 year old I've ever met. We went into the city the next day, and went to the Anne Frank house. We were able to tour exactly where Anne Frank lived while she was hiding out for 2 years. It was very chilling to be in the same place that many of us read about at a young age. After that we went to do more sightseeing and eating! I should mention that EVERYONE rides bikes here. I will include a picture of the bike parking garage. We went on another boat tour which was nice and after a full day we were so hungry. I ate a full pizza!

We then spent the night in Amsterdam, flew back to London for one last day- and the hopped on a plane back to the US! 

Whew! I'm impressed if you are still reading, but there it is! 

Glad to be home and stationary, 

Taylor

Gifts and Goodbyes

Hi! I know it has been over two weeks since my last blog (Nichole). These past two weeks have been incredible and difficult in so many different ways. Even though I am getting ready to travel to South Africa (in 2 days!!!!) I am saying goodbye to some really important things in my life. I have spent this year living and learning alongside 29 incredible women. Some of those residents won't be returning to APU next year, and I will miss them. I have also had the opportunity to work with a staff of 9 wonderful women, who are now some of my dearest friends. 5 of those women will be graduating this year and moving all of the world! I will miss them.

The point is that goodbyes are hard. They are sad, and they mark an ending to an experience. I will be sad to say goodbye and not know when I will see that person again, or when I end an experience and know I will not get to do it again next year. However, I can remember the gifts that I have received from this year. All of those gifts are invaluable to me. They have been gifts of friendship, laughter, dancing, or late night snacks. There have been gifts of support and scrapbooks to remind me of how wonderful these women are. God has been good in providing me with a good group of girls to cherish and have fun with!

All of this to say, it has been great! I've been more than absolutely amazed by Adams Hall 2010-2011, and especially with 1st East!

My room is packed, and my suitcase is all ready to go. I am just awaiting my next adventure, and remembering that as I say goodbye there is still a lot to take away and to keep with me. I'm sure my trip to Lesotho will not be an exception.

I will be sure to write about all my adventures as I am traveling, but also when I return! Please pray for safety as I travel!

SPRING BREAK!

I feel like I have been awaiting this break, since January 10th, the first day of the Spring semester. I can't believe that there are two weeks of school left, and then I am off to Africa! Time is flying by, and I still need to find a place to live this summer, a job for the summer, and finish fundraising for my trip. There is so much to do in a little bit of time! I do however appreciate this brief break before we take off once again.

So far I have done nothing besides lounge by the pool, get a pedicure, and spend time with some people that I appreciate the most! It has been the best way to start Spring Break!

In the beginning of break, a few friends and I went to the Ellen DeGeneres show! We ended up being asked to go to a secret taping with Ellen, and we were able to be on camera and interact with Ellen! It was such a surprise, and we had so much fun! We were even guaranteed tickets to come back for Ellen's 12 day giveaway in December as a thank you for going to the secret taping! It was amazing!!

I am so excited for Easter, and an ending to a very special chapter in life. 

Happy Sunday, 

Taylor!

Internships, Internships, Internships!

Next year I'll have two internships, and I'll have a job on the side! Senior year isn't supposed to be relaxing! That's a lie.

The first internship I applied for and was chosen to do is a position as a Residence Life intern... I am so excited about this position since I have loved my time in RezLife so much this year! I am able to continue to plan events, and help be an aid to the new RAs next year, as well as work in the office with some of my absolute favorite people. I don't know why, but I just love sharing from my own personal experiences. Maybe I'm conceited? Just Kidding, but I do like to share my successes and failures to other people who are in the same boat as I was or currently am. But hey, some people have to learn from their own mistakes, and their own successes. Cheers to that!

My other internship is something I have been anticipating my entire college career. The senior year social service internship....dun dun dun.... This is like the final release before I enter the real world, as a graduated BSW student. I will be working in Santa Anita Family Services with teen aged parents, and domestic violence victims. I am so excited for this opportunity and I can't wait to see how this develops me professionally, and as a person. I need to look into buying myself a woman's pantsuit- It's time to get on the horse and get going!

There's an I in intern but no I in Taylor!

I'm growing up so fast!

Hey Faithful Blog Readers,

I have so many updates for you! First of all, I have just under $1,500 left to raise for my trip this summer! I am so excited that it is coming up before I know it, and I am becoming more and more prepared and learning more about the area I will be serving in.

If you are interested in giving to me (which I would be more than appreciative about) the link is: http://apps.facebook.com/fundrazr/activity/7e8a30fe69584af9a3b72d42b2818625?srid=ee493021d3eb4d5b8ab2a0f5b53c2431&ref=nf

or my address of course: PO Box 9521 Unit 4110 Azusa, CA 91702

Secondly, I just registered for my last fall semester of COLLEGE! I can't believe I am going to be a senior next year. I am graduating before I know it, and it crept up on me so fast! I find out where I will be interning on April 5th, which I am sure you will be hearing about once I find out. I will be at a social service internship 16 hours a week, and the possibilities are endless.

Lastly, I have been working with some fifth graders at a local school based on the topic of self-esteem! It has been such a joy and an incredible learning experience working as a group facilitator. I feel so blessed to be in a hands on learning major that I truly get so much enjoyment out of. I go to the school every week, and I work with eight 5th grade boys and girls, and we talk about self-esteem and do exercises that encourage deeper learning and growth.

I am so looking forward to next year, when I can get straight to the point. I don't need to go to stats, or Spanish, or any other classes, but I can just focus on what I am earning my degree in! Life now is good, and I realize attitude is everything. So even though, I am looking forward to this summer and to this next year, the moment now is sweet, and stretching. Therefore, I am working on enjoying the now... Don't be fooled I'm not a perfectionist at this by any means. :)

Embracing the now but excited for the future,
Tay

Balloon Rides and Pool Side

This past weekend was a blast, and just what I needed since our Spring Break isn't for another 10 years.

Men, listen up because I'm about to let you know about a perfect spot to take a date to!

Okay, so this weekend my staff and I took a trip to a helium balloon in Orange County. This is much differnet from a hot air balloon but basically serves the same purpose! A ride in a giant balloon! Best part- it was all free! The parking, the balloon ride itself, and there was a carousel to jump on after the balloon ride.

Needless to say, it was fun even though I am incredibly terrified of heights!

Big Balloon! 

Before take-off!

Mid-air!

This experience was so wonderful because I got to share it with great people! The women on my staff have truly been life changing. We have seen bumpy roads together, and smooth roads (metophorically speaking and literally) I couldn't have picked a better team to work with! We ended the day poolside at a little hideaway apartment complex, it looked like a rain forest! Now I understand what Taylor Swift is singing about (see song"Best Day" if you don't know what I'm talking about!)

In love with  my Adams Staff!

Taylor

 

Patterns

There are a few things I've noticed about myself throughout the past few days, months, and years. Some of these patterns I've developed I like and I dislike. For example, I have a pattern of misinterpreting first impressions of people..some of the people I didn't "like" at first are now some of my best friends. I have a pattern of working best at the last minute. I have a pattern of not making my bed in the morning. You get the point.

This past week I found out I would be living in Adams Dorm for the 3rd year out of 4 years here at APU. Many people switch around their living places, and possibly never live in the same place twice while at APU. This is not the case for me. In fact, this is a very rare situation for students here. My freshman year I lived in Adams, and then moved in to the apartments my sophomore year. For my third year, I was selected to be a Resident Advisor in Adams AND for the grand finale, my dear friend (who I agreed to live with next year) was selected to be a Resident Advisor in Adams next year. Does anyone else see a pattern?

I laughed knowing I would be back in the same place again next year. Especially as I have spent so many years making memories in this building. Each place holds a special memory. I have spent anniversaries, birthdays, sleepovers, making new friends, engagements, fire alarms, move-ins, and move-outs. It's all happened here. I love what this building has been for me, during my college life. 

Looking forward to another year as an Adams girl!
Tay

Life as we know it??

There are many questions that are asked, that we aren't supplied an answer for. Questions about life and death, questions about tomorrow, or questions about God. No one really knows the truth to these questions but they think they might have an idea. The only thing I really know is that I don't know anything for certain. I can plan for tomorrow, or next year, but I don't know for certain that those plans will follow through. Things change, circumstances arise, and life looks different. (this might be one of those posts you hate me for)

BUT I don't feel in despair or worried. I actually feel relieved knowing I'm not in control. I can't imagine picking out everything that my life will hold. All I can really do is each day.

I feel like I have changed so much in these past two years, from long dark hair and red lipstick, to a hiking helmet and NO makeup and even though these are appearances that have changed, the inside is different too. I would have NEVER thought I would be in this place that I am today. I'm in a very wonderful relationship, I am in a leadership position I wouldn't change for the world, and I have such an exciting future ahead (well at least some exciting plans, they could change though :)) Even though life has been more than exhausting and just hard, I've changed for the better.

With love from serious thoughts on Sunday,
Tay

Future Freakout

Here I am in the middle of my Junior year of college, in the spring semester. Next week, I get to do a field orientation for the Social Work program. Basically, I get introduced to the internships that are offered (and required) for Social Work Seniors. In a time of excitement, I feel worried! I am not sure what direction I want to go in, I know I want to be in Social Work, but which concentration? Just when you think you have it all figured out....

In other news, I am going to an elementary school here in the area today and for the next six weeks,  and leading a therapy group focused on self esteem. Maybe that will help answer some questions (not just about whether I want to have kids or not, haha) about which concentration I want to go into.


This time next year I will be ordering my cap and gown, and finishing up my last assignments (probably at the last second) in order to graduate, and I will be thrilled to walk across that stage in May. However, the future is an open space filled with a bunch of question marks.

 I guess only time will tell.


Until then,
Taylor

That would happen....

This is officially the 3rd Valentine's Day that Buck and I have spent together! However, this one has been completely different than the others. We aren't the biggest Valentine's Day fans, but still appreciate the idea behind it. V-Day 2011 was one for the records though, I spent the evening in the hospital with my undiagnosed boyfriend. It's amazing to see the physical toll this year has taken on the both of us.. In one year both of us have been admitted to the hospital and spent a few days there, both for very separate issues, but still just as serious.

SO, we made the best out of our situation and celebrated Valentine's day in the hospital! We had dinner together with Buck's sweet parents who drove down to be with him here, and I even got him to watch the Bachelor with me. :) All to say, sometimes when things don't go our way, the only choice we have is to make the best out of our situation.

With love from the hospital,
Taylor (and Buck)

P.S. Please be praying that he gets out of the hospital, and he is diagnosed soon so they can begin treatment!

Junioritis.

I have developed a nasty disease called Junioritis.... Everyone has heard of Senioritis, and the symptoms of it, such as laziness, lack of interest, and the wonderful ability to zone out anytime, anywhere. However, there is a just as threatening disease called Junioritis... I have never had so much school work to do in my life. My bedtime has now been moved from 12am to 2am, because of the amount I need to get done in such a short amount of time. Therefore, my days have now been extended to give myself the time to complete everything I need to do. I just keep thinking how badly I want this semester to be over, and to have those final grades added into my completed checklist, so I can coast all the way to graduation. Junioritis is when you don't care, but you HAVE to care. This also is the semester where I have been putting off some of the classes I have had to take but haven't gotten around to it (aka stats, and spanish). Both of which I am terrible at.....

I just wish I could play all day, and only go to my social work classes! BUT.... I am paying for the full experience, right?



Wishing it was Friday,
Taylor

That time of year again...

At this point in the academic year, everyone wants to know what you are going to do next year. What classes are you going to take? Where are you going to work? Or live? There are so many questions I don't have an answer to.

The reality is, I don't know what my life will look like next year. For as much as I know, I am only guaranteed today. I am glad I don't know where I will be next year. I am learning to take it one day at a time, and trust I will be taken care of.

To follow up with that, I have been more than blessed and taken care of by others around me. Some people have supported me to go to Africa this summer and I am amazed and can't describe how wonderful it feels to know someone cares for you and will rally around you when you are in need. I am not just talking about donations, because many people have encouraged me with the words or actions. However, this morning I went to check my mailbox and someone had anonymously placed a letter and some money for Africa. Whoever you are, THANK YOU! I really can't put into words how much it means to me. I just feel so right in this choice, right now. I don't know what my next year will look like, but I know this year and this trip are right and align with the plan the Lord has for now.


Giving Thanks,
Tay

And just like that.....

.....My Summer Plans 2011 are set!

 For those of you who know, I will be taking a trip this summer! Now, normally during the summer many people take trips and go on vacations, but this trip is especially special to me. I will be traveling to Lesotho, Africa this summer for a study abroad opportunity. 

Many people I have talked to don't know much about Lesotho. Here are a few little facts: it is a landlocked country and entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over 11,500 square miles in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. It's capital and largest city is Maseru.  

This trip is being hosted through my school and more specifically with the Social Work program, which for those of you who don't know is my major. During this trip we will be assessing the community in light of social services and even in comparison to American social services. We will have the privilege of working in an orphanage in the city of Maseru, while also following a curriculum designed for this study abroad trip. I have never had the opportunity like this before and I am completely thrilled and excited about the possibilities of this trip. International Social Work has always been something that sparks my interest and I believe this trip will be a true learning opportunity and I can't wait for the adventures to unfold. 

Through my learning in my social work classes, I have learned a great deal about compassion.. It is something I feel like all social workers must have to make it through the end of the day. I believe this trip will teach me a new definition of compassion, but that it will also teach me the importance of social services throughout our world. The thing about being a social worker, is that there is no glory involved. Many people misunderstand our purpose or our intentions. I am fully prepared for these realities of the job. Even though this is most often the case, I still feel like this is what I am supposed to do with my life. Being accepted into this trip is another learning opportunity for me, and another way to show compassion that God has shown me.

Lastly, this trip is rather pricey as in $5,450 pricey... I currently am 1/5 of the way there on fund raising, but if for some reason you are reading this blog and it is in your heart to donate to me, my address is PO Box 9521 Unit 4110 Azusa, Ca 91702. I would be more than appreciative and truly do consider it such a blessing!

Currently awaiting summer,

 Taylor

 

Good to be back!

I already have such high hopes for 2011 especially since my New Years Resolution is to only wear sweatpants once a week! That is an easy enough goal... well unless you happen to love sweatpants like I do.. However, I am calling this year my year of thanks. There are so many things to be thankful for that slip right out in front of us. I don't give thanks to God enough for the blessings I have been given.

I am mostly glad to be back with my roommate, with my friends, and with my residents. It was an eventful winter break (more details on my last post) and I am glad to get back into the swing of things.


Most importantly, Happy Birthday to Buck Rice!!! There are so many things I love and appreciate about Buck. One thing is his new haircut which is an improvement from his uncut hair of one year. But really, I love you and am so proud of the man that you are. I couldn't be happier to have you in my life, and I couldn't have chosen someone else to love me and support me better than you do. You are a wonderful boyfriend and I can't wait to see where life takes us together! Happy Birthday :)

All my love

Surprise Surgery!!!

Winter Break quickly approached this year, and I was eagerly looking forward to taking a break from my daily life stressors. I spent a week in Arizona with my family and friends and then hopped on a plane to Colorado to spend the rest of my break with family! However, my trip in Colorado took a turn for the worst on the first day of the New Year. I was experiencing extreme pain that landed me in the emergency room, yay! I spent that night in the hospital that evening and woke up the next day wanting to go back home. Feeling like an 80 year old, the doctors pried me out of bed and asked me to take a walk up and down the hall before I was able to be released. The moment I got back from that mini walk I knew something was terribly wrong. The pain I was feeling earlier came back much worse than it had before. The next thing I know I am being rushed into emergency surgery to remove a large ovarian cyst that I was diagnosed with a month before.

There is a positive side to this of course. My ovary was saved! The way that the cyst had twisted was cutting off the blood flow to my ovary, which is NEVER a good thing. The bad thing is that I am a terrible patient. I hate sitting in one place for any amount longer than a few hours, and I especially hate being in pain. I also have discovered Morphine makes me a meanie!

I am recovering at home now and feeling much better that my ovary is now no longer in danger. I also gave the pictures of my cyst to my mother to frame since the cyst is the only grandchild she will be getting from me!


Rushing Recovery,
Taylor