Summer '11

Seeing the Knoxville skyline for the first time in months was awesome. I admit, I was jumping, giddy, super pumped to be back in K-Ville for sophomore year in college. Of course, this marked the end of summer for me. Back up north, my friends are still having three more weeks (ish) of summer, still hanging out, still working, still relaxing like there's not a care in the world.

I do not get such luxury, but I couln't be happier. Of course, this sudden change in routine does allow one to look back and analyze how the summer went.

There were two simple sides to this past summer.

The first side involves all the "positive" aspects. I got to travel to many amazing places (i.e. Puerto Rico) and meet/hang out with some extraordinary people that make my life that much more fruitful (see NSCS blogpost, for instance). Great memories were made and I loved every moment. Plus, I made money. Always awesome.

The other side involves the "negative" aspects. Not necessarily in a literal sense, but more in a way of improvement and growth. Coming off such a monumental year, I was really excited to continue to grow and mature and what not. I had a long, long list of books that I planned to read. I planned to talk with many people that would keep me from straying off course, so to speak.

To an extent, I succeeded. In reality, my laziness came back to bite me.

So, I didn't read every single book I wanted to and I didn't have all the conversations, but I believe that I was extremely encouraged and inspired by what I experienced, what I saw, and what I felt over these two months. I have noticed sides of people that I would not have expected to witness and I was able to tell people my story, while at the same time note on what I have to do in order to mature and become a stronger person.

Overall, a great, successful summer. I am happy.

School life starts back up now and I am back on Rocky Top.