highlights

I really shouldn't blog once a month because my blogs end up being the size of a novel. Sorry.
The past month lived up to its expectations in that it was extremely busy, a little stressful, but overall exciting and happy. I still remember my last month in high school and how I never wanted it to end. Though I think with age I've become a little better at accepting and adapting to change, the last month at USC was surreal. I was sad to leave L.A. and the friends I made there, but I know the relationships I formed are lasting, and I know I will see them soon!

Highlights of the last month...

1. The softball banquet. I spent about 8 hours working on the slideshow for the softball banquet this year. I always get so stressed out about stuff like that but I was pleased with the end result. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, especially our coaches. After high school I told myself I would never play softball again, but our coaches at USC really helped me to believe in myself and to rediscover my love for the game. They were very sweet and made awards for each of us. I was honored to be named Outfielder of the Year! I love these girls. This past year softball was my one escape where I was able to shut everything else out and just focus on playing. It was such a life saver.Our last team break, haha.The three graduating outfielders and our coaches, Bondor and Sayre.
   
   Here is the slideshow I made for the banquet...
   
   
2. The very last Tuscany 302 party. My roommate, Jasmine, was determined to make it a themed party. She came up with a letter theme, and everyone had to dress up as something that started with either a U, S, or C. In case you weren't aware, all of my roommates are Persian Jewish girls, and with the exception of Jasmine, they do not dress up in costumes except on Halloween. Jasmine was an ultrasound, our old roommate Sanam was a sunflower, and about half of the softball team came dressed up as... can you guess? Right. Softball players. It was a really fun night and I loved dancing the night away with my favorite people.
3. Graduation. My entire family including my grandma came out to L.A. the day before graduation and were able to be there for the ceremony. They were good sports to attend Jasmine's movie screening for the movie she produced this semester and Sanam's graduation brunch. We had beautiful weather for graduation. Our commencement speaker was our university's president, Steven B. Sample, who is retiring this year. He gave an tremendous speech that I absolutely loved. He said, "I want to talk to you about your personal development as human beings. Because, in the final analysis, what determines a person’s ultimate success is not so much his professional abilities or political brilliance as it is his character." He urged us to think about life's big issues, not just our careers. He encouraged us to really consider how we felt about money and its accumulation, the education and welfare of children, and our feelings about God or the absence of one. By finding personal answers to those issues, he said, "you will almost certainly gain a better understanding of the meaning of life, of your place in the universe, and of how you might live in productive peace and harmony with your fellow human beings. And that, after all, is what living is all about." I have been looking everywhere for a transcript, but unfortunately I haven't been able to find it yet. At my science satellite graduation ceremony, I was so excited because my favorite neuro professor, Michael Quick, spoke AND handed me my diploma! He gave a really amazing speech as well. One of my favorite quotes from his speech was, "You are a mammal and you have evolved not for happiness but for struggle." Haha, I guess you kind of have to know his personality to find that humorous, but oh well. It was a wonderful day. I am so proud to be a Trojan!
4. L.A. activities with my family. The rest of the weekend was spent with my family exploring Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, the Getty Villa in Malibu, and a quick stop in Beverly Hills. I had fun showing them some of my favorite places and introducing them to my favorite people. The weekend was entirely too short, but I hope they had a good time! Hannah took more pictures, but here is a sample of what I took.
5. Packing and leaving L.A. I was actually able to pack everything up in one night, with only one breakdown that lasted all of five seconds. I miss my apartment and my roommates a lot. Anyway, we sent half of the family back to Austin, and my dad and Hilary went on the 11-hour drive with me to Utah. Fun. I was pretty tired of taking pictures, so I actually haven't taken any since I was in L.A. My dad and Hilary left a couple days after we got there, but they helped me set up my new life here.
   
6. No highlights. I have not highlighted my hair like a majority of the Utah girls. Ha.
   
7. Coming soon. I plan on taking pictures of my new place to show everyone, especially my mother.
8. P-town. I've had fun seeing old friends from home, hanging out with my two best friends from USC, and the like. If you have any ideas for things to do in Provo, though, I would be very open to them. I can't wait for Hilary to get out here for the fall.
9. Book challenge. Throughout college, I always told myself that once I graduated I would start reading books again. My current roommate, Jamie, also graduated from USC. As an English major, she decided she would read 100 books in the next year. Since I am the slowest reader of all time, I am setting my goal at 50. Any recommendations?