A little explanation about the title: well, my name is Amber (obviously) and I am more than tree sap. My brother, Josh, was definitely a big part of my inspiration in creating this title. He's pretty much the best ever. He would always joke about how amber is literally just tree sap in which bugs and random things got stuck in. While this is true, it is also amazing in that you can make beautiful jewelry out of it. It is like my own spin on the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, yada yada." We've all heard it before. Anyway, this "motto", if you will, has become a model for my life. We aren't always given the most admirable substances to work with at first, but with a little optimism and hard work it can become something wonderful and far more valuable.
I am a Sophomore at Brigham Young University, where I have had the best time of my life. I do indeed love the south, but there is just something amazing about being so close to the mountains. Moreover, I love being able to get a creditable college education taught in a Gospel-centered approach around people with the same beliefs and standards as I hold. I would not trade moving to Utah, 2000 miles away from my family, for anything in the world. It has taught me so much about myself - things I don't think I would have figured out as easily had I stayed home in Alabama. It is often really hard being so far from home, especially when you only get to see my family twice a year, but it is so worth it. I know that they will always be there for me, but you can't always expect to be able to do what I am doing now - enjoying being single, going to college, and just loving what life gives you. I only have myself to worry about in addition to relatively low responsibility in comparison to what it will be like in the future. I have learned that when opportunities come your way, it is best to take advantage of them while you can! There are so many memories and friendships I have made that are precious and I can't believe how much of a change I have observed in myself upon coming here in June 2011. Here's a little recap of my year!
- I lived on my own! I didn't go home for 2-6 month increments, and to be quite honest, it was exhilarating, and definitely exhausting at times.
- I bought my own groceries, cooked my own meals, and lived to tell the tale.
- I had a total of 15 roommates (including my current ones), all of which are amazing girls that I am so blessed to know.
- I moved 5 times, and lived in 4 different buildings.
- I got my first job (which I still have today!) working at BYU Catering.
- I made lifelong friendships.
- I stayed up too late, watched too many movies, laughed to the point of tears at too many Youtube videos (Glozell), and ate a little too much sugar... on a regular basis.
- I had my first surgery ever this past summer, package complete with an IV. Wisdom teeth are awesome.
- I missed my family more than ever and I can't even begin to describe how much more grateful that made me for them.
- I flew by myself for the first time.
- I learned (okay, so I'm still in the process of learning) how to work the Utah Transit System. I only got lost a couple of times...
- I completed a total of 39.5 credit hours and after being in school from June-June, and I only changed my major once.
- I asked a boy out! Mormon dating is so much fun. ;)
- I ate too much ice cream. And that's an understatement... you think I'm kidding. Graham Canyon is my kryptonite.
- I touched dead bodies! It was awesome. Mom hates it when I talk about it, but oddly enough that doesn't stop me from doing it. Sorry, Mom! ;)
- I saw real snow! Yes, my first winter in Utah was a fake-out, but it was exciting! However, I am reluctant to say I am ready for this upcoming winter...
- I went to General Conference for the first time last October in Salt Lake.
- I had the ability to go to the Provo temple weekly in past semesters. It is such a blessing to live so close!
- I came to college with maybe 2 bottles of nail polish and ended up with 12 by the end of this summer (it may be more than that...don't judge!). I blame it on living with girls. ;)
- The highlight of my year was definitely getting sealed to my family in the Birmingham Alabama temple in December. It was a truly amazing experience and I am so thankful for the joy and blessings the Gospel brings to my life.
- I made some self-discoveries...it's amazing the things you don't know about yourself. More to come on that later. :)
This list could literally go on forever. Hopefully I kept you intrigued enough in telling you what I consider to be important (and hopefully you don't think I fit the stereotype of a typical blogger...you know, the ones that write so much but say so little? Yeah, I don't want to be THAT blogger.) Stay tuned for more about me trying to make the best out life as it comes. :)
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