The chapters are closing like a swinging door

More milestones this week – the last week of classes – I did my last issue on Sunday, picked up my graduation tickets and today is my last day at the Herald.

I have two papers and an exam and I’m done with my undergraduate studies. It seems unreal … like it shouldn’t be over already.

Dad said it best when he said that this has been my identity for the past four years. It’s scary not knowing what is next.

Last night was my roommate Mandy’s last night in our apartment. She’ll be in and out this week but she won’t be staying the night. We had an impromptu movie night and I rented Juno on the way back from running errands. Because of our busy schedules and various habits, we don’t all typically hang out all together. Last night was a good last night together.

The dreaded Person on the Street assignment came to an end; today was my last day and I went out with a seasoned reporter, Yvette. We did it in less than 14 minutes which is a record for me. She snapped pictures while I talked to them and helped me approach people which was really helpful. One gentleman named Ken commented on my North Face jacket that I’ve worn the majority of the time I go out on the street. “I see you’re a hiker,” he said to me. I was caught off guard but agreed with him and moved on. I never considered myself a hiker … I don’t think going twice makes you a hiker, but I definitely enjoy it.

10 days left — so crazy! I’ve decided to take my time figuring out my next step. But with money I have, I’m thinking about how I can stretch it and make the most of it … either traveling or relocating or something.

Give me a brown bag

So here’s my schedule for the next 10 days.

Tuesday

• Last day at the Herald; finish article, do person on the street, have lunch with my editor.
• Picket Advisory Board meeting (kinda a big deal).
• Finish paper and prepare for history debate.

Wednesday

• History debate – turn in paper.
• McMurran scholar convocation to see friends.

Thursday

• History of TV paper — start now!
• Student Recognition Day; have dinner with dad and Myra.

Friday

• Communication graduating senior celebration.

Saturday

• Apple Blossom; Kayden’s birthday party (?), San Fran reunion.

Sunday

• No Picket!

Monday

• Turn paper in for History of TV.

Tuesday

• Breakfast with high school friends/room mates … traditional thing we do every semester during finals.
• Study for History.

Wednesday

• History final.

Thursday

• Picket pizza party.

After this, I’m done with undergrad. 10 days! It’s so hard to believe. I’m gonna be a busy girl. After all this is over, I’m going to do something completely fun. That and take it easy and sleep.

Announcements

The best thing about addressing graduation announcements at home … asking dad what Uncle Peachie’s REAL name is.

Get busy

Two weeks of classes – including this week. Next Tuesday is the last day of my internship.

I have 2 papers, a presentation and a group debate in the next two weeks.

Every weekend is filled with social gatherings that I hate to miss because I’m leaving in three weeks. I haven’t been home in two weeks and it will be another two weekends at least before I can go home.

I’m anxious to see how things transpire. I’ve faced the realization that I’m going home for a while to get things in order again. This may include a trip to Marshall. Who knows.

The conclusion of a chapter

Last night I said good bye to one of my best friends. This morning, he left for Dallas, Texas, where he is going to live for the summer before going to Montana to go to school.

I had been trying to prepare for this for months – it’s kinda bittersweet. This friend was just an acquaintance 17 months ago. Since then, he’s been my first kiss, my first “boyfriend” even though things never were defined with us and someone who has been influential in where I am. Most of my college memories will be remembered with him there. Swimming in the river, going to Wolf Trap to see Guster last summer (I’ve since taken them off my iPod … Satellite was “our” song) and many late night walks in the streets of Shepherdstown. When it came down to it, we both knew that the only way we’d both move on is to move apart.

So last night, our college campus ministry, Common Ground, had a bonfire at our church. Somehow, during our discussion, one of the student leaders, who is a good friend of mine, brought up the people who would be leaving at the end of the semester. In the course of the evening we talked about people stepping up for next year.

After all the younger students left, it was seven of the regulars that have grown to be some of my favorite people – Kyler, Jason, Bonnie, Tim, Josh, Casey and myself. We sat around catching up; the guys talking about girls; Casey and I sitting there shooting each other “oh please” looks.

As we watched the embers burn and the fire die down, it was late and evident that it was time to start putting the fire out. I stood watching the fire and suddenly realized how symbolic it was.

Casey and I said our good-byes and as I started the car, it hit me like a wave and I started crying. I guess it finally sunk in that we were starting to go our separate ways and soon, it will be my turn to move on. It’s scary to think I don’t know what will happen in the next 6 weeks. I keep praying God will open doors and give direction.

I have an idea of what I want to do but no direct path of how to get there. Ever since last night, I’ve been thinking about the past year, about all the memories I’ve made. It seems hard to believe that a few weeks from now, I won’t be here anymore (unless of course something changes).

Last night, I went to bed at 3 a.m., tired, emotional and with an upset stomach. This morning, I slept in until 11:30, sat in my PJs till 12:30 and this afternoon just enjoyed German Street and visiting with friends. Aside from Picket duties, I’ve done no homework and have tried to just enjoy the weather and take as many snapshots as possible.

I called dad after I had gotten up. He knows of my frustration and as I lay on my bed crying, he said what I had already been thinking; this chapter of my life is coming to a close and a new one is about to begin. The chapter of josh has finally come to an end too.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34.

(Photos by Katie Reeg.)

Look!

I asked a family friend who is a graphic designer for a local print shop to design my graduation announcements. I told him I wanted something non-traditional. Together, we came up with this. I picked the font and we both agreed on this image of one of the iconic buildings on my campus.

I’m so, so excited. I love them.

Thanks Greg!

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Update: Greg is having them printed for me as a graduation gift! Amazing : )

And today …

So my feelings keep fluxuating on this whole I’m-getting-ready-to-graduate-what’s-next crisis.

Today, I’m thinking about San Francisco again. I think it’s all the design blogs I have that keep sending me little squeals of delight from across the continet. All those beautiful photos of the Golden Gate Bridge keep pulling me in.

I got a LOT done on my weekend in Shepherdstown … not so much homework-wise, but I rearranged, cleaned, cooked, etc. I didn’t however get around to blogging, organizing music or editing photos. This week though.

I have so much to process.