Officially Offline!

My personal blog is officially offline. For more information on me, my work and my writings, please visit www.williamhallowell.com. My new blog is there as well.

Birthday!

Okay, so I'm 24! Seriously, I'm an elderly man who is most likely entitled to some sort of senior citizen discount very, very soon. At any rate, I'm writing on here (which I never do) to tell everyone how happy I was to share my birthday with some of the most amazing people I know.

I think one of the biggest downfalls I have is that I often fall into this expectation mode -- a mode in which I simply do not remember to tell people how amazing they are or how much I appreciate what they've done for me. Sometimes, I'll let months -- or even years go on without telling people just how much their actions mean to me. Okay, I'm starting to sound like a soundclip from a Dr. Phil spectacular, but it's the truth.

If you're close to me, you know how rough the last few years have been. With that said -- and with all of the horrible things that happened from 2005 to 2007, I have been unequivocally and immesurably blessed. In December 2006, I was engaged to the most amazing woman ever, which was undoubtedly the biggest blessing of all. After the New Year, I was so excited for what was to come (and I still am). Unfortunately, the high hopes I had for 2007 deflated quickly after two very personal events. With that said, I found myself surrounded with love and support. I'm not going to get into details. I'm sure you've either heard rumors or maybe you have no clue. Whatever, lol.

In July 2007, I moved into a condo, which has been absolutely amazing. It was just what I needed (nasty, crampy NYC apartments are not my style). I found an excellent media/research position that I'm loving and I'm slowly taking clients back on with Path-U-Find. In the end, I've really started my life in the midst of all of this chaos and strife. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Prayer has totally gotten me through and I'm the happiest I've ever been.

Now, let me end the rant and let's get back to my birthday. On Friday, September 28, 2007 I turned 24. Wow, it's totally creepy when I type it out and see it on-screen. Anyway, Friday night was amazing. My fiance and I planned to go out to dinner, as most of our friends weren't around (or so I thought). So, she drives me to this restaurant and we go in...and in the back I see Brian, Jane, Bridget and Sarah. It was a surprise birthday party!

Honestly, I know it is hard to see through my text, but it was one of the nicest things that anyone has ever done for me. I've had some amazing moments in my life -- I've gone on speaking tours, traveled, written and worked on national projects -- but nothing beats the feeling I had on Friday. It's wonderful to know that people care. When things get tough, it's so easy to look past the important things, as one constantly searches for answers to his or her future. Friday night was an amazing time and an excellent break from the crappy months that have passed. After dinner, Andrea (my fiance) and I headed to blockhuster, while everyone else went back to the condo to get ready for our chillaxation and when I got back there was a surprise cake, singing and baby Stanley (it's a long story -- don't ask).

Anyway, I'm not sure if I illustrated to Andrea, Brian, Jane, Bridget and Sarah how nice it was that they all went out of their way for my birthday. You guys have no clue how amazing that was. I'm blessed to have amazing friends who care and who are there in the midst of chaos.

Honestly, I know ENFP has it's moments, but in the end we're all blood brothers (except for that time that Jane stole the orange juice off of the bar; I wanted nothing more than to disassociate...oh, and that time that Andrea bought the rubber-chicken purse from Grand Central. Yup, definitely horrific ;) ).

Thank you guys again. You are my best friends.

Andrea, I love you all the muches in the world (now, America...wipe the vomit off of your screens).

We're Back!

So, I've totally been fibbing for some time now, claiming that Teen Web would be back up and running! Well, the fibbing is finally over, and we're back! We've got great interviews and plenty of content to share with you all -- only this time, we want you to get in on the mix.

I want to build a community where young people get engaged. I want movies, home videos, films and other pieces of teen life, so shoot us an email at info@pathufind.com and you just may land yourself on Teen Web! Seriously, we really want your work as well as your help in making Teen Web a premiere source of youth-produced content.

In the meantime, stay tuned for updates and for everything we have to offer. Speaking tours will be starting up again too, so if you'd like to see us at your school or in your community, log on to www.pathufind.com.

Now, for the personal life...I'm engaged! CRAZY, I know. I'm so excited. In 2008, I'll be marrying Andrea Fontenova, Teen Web's new advice columnist. Pretty cool, right? Stay tuned for more details, as I'll be sure to write and share.

2006 was a year of serious ups and downs, but in the end it all worked out. Well, I have to head out! It's a crazy snowy mess outside and I have a flight to catch! Stay warm and stay tuned. I'll be back soon with much, much more.

At the Airport!

So, I'm at the airport. As usual, the flights are delayed. I'm sitting here next to the JetBlue counter so I can hear what the woman says on her walkie-talkie. After all, I do want to be the first to know if we're leaving or not...GOSH! (minor Napoleon Dynamite lingo). So, who knows. Not much is going on here. It's been a very relaxing weekend with my parents up in Rochester, NY.

There's a lot to update you on, I suppose! I got an apartment with my friend Sam, which rocks. It's nothing special, trust me. NYC is madd expensive (yes, I'm sophisticated). It's actually not too bad...just not what I'm used to. I'm looking forward to fixing it up and stuff. I'm sorry, allow me to take a break to share the insightful complaints I'm hearing accross the row from me...

"They only had Dasani, which is undrinkable!" - Quote from an old man who was clearly experiencing some sort of thirst.

Anyway, the apartment is an amazing thing. God really does provide. I've been really stressed. Honestly, graduating was amazing. For the last seven years I've had everything. I've had an amazing time speaking, interacting and doing media work, I really have. But, now it's time for the next phase. I've really taken a lot of time off. At moments, I took on too much. Right now, I'm focusing on getting myself in gear and only taking on manageable projects and jobs I deem fruitful and worthwhile.

I'm working a normal job in Manhattan for a web development company and I love it. I work part-time there and then I start teaching summer school (tutoring) throughout July. These jobs rock, because I'm laying low, focusing on getting my faith back in order and enjoying myself. In the near future, I'll finally finish the book, start a new one and start graduate work (which also rocks).

I'm really excited for the future. It's been a year since I've really traveled to speak and stuff and I do miss it. With Path-U-Find being nearly closed, I'm looking to start a new communications initiative in honor of my grandfather, who really impacted my life in so many ways. I plan to keep some of the same speakers, while looking for others who can truly inspire.

I've also spent a lot of time reflecting on my life. I've had an amazing life, with opportunities I couldn't recreate if I tried. It's been amazing. With that said, I've also had a lot of loss, but who hasn't? Throughout life, God tests us and develops us. Other people may choose to hurt us, but God's there to catch our fall.

I'm all about moving on with the people who matter. I've thought so much about my best friends...Kirk and Krissy and my best friend and girlfriend (she's so much more than that), Andrea. She amazes me. The three of them as well as my parents truly keep me grounded. I've committed myself to making those relationships stronger. I've also thought about Brian, Bridget and other friends who have shaped me (you may not know these people, but trust me, they're amazing). Too many times I've ignored people for work - I've looked at others calling me and hit reject, because of an interview or a project. Yeah, work's important, but these relationships are even more essential.

Now, I'm 22. I'm looking forward to marriage, graduating, becomming an even better journalist, getting my life in gear and just being where God wants me. Being where God wants me is the most important of the grouping. I truly believe EVERYONE in this life is meant to have a relatio nship with God. God wants each of us to be right with Him and to truly work to get to know Him better, and in turn, become more like Him. This isn't a judgement. If people choose not to follow Christ, that's fine. It's their choice, but I believe we're intended to. God loves us and He wants us to love Him. Knowing and Believing...they're two different things.

Oh and an update on the old man with the water...his wife just stood up and boldly stated, "I'M GOING TO GET WATER! Even if it's not the water you like!" Case closed.

Anyway, in my new book I'll be talking about truth and God. This is roughly what I'll say toward the end of the book. "Truth is truth. We can spend our whole lives denying it. It's not your job or mine to condemn people for not accepting Christ. Should we be there to help? Of course, but helping and judging others are two different things. God's there. Christ died for us. God and Christ are one in the same. These truths are evident and present whether we like it or not. I could go through life and tell every one I meet that peanut butter is blue, that the sky is purple and that the ground is made of jello (I love food), and in my heart I could truly believe those things. Are those beliefs okay? Well, from a psychologist's perspective probably not, but to every one else, it's a harmless outlook on life. In the end, the truth is that the sky is blue and peanut butter isn't. Get my drift? Believe what you want, but truth doesn't change."

It needs some work, but it gives you an idea about what I'm doing.

Can you believe my flight is totally behind? I was supposed to leave at 7:20 p.m. It's 8 now! AHH! Thank God for this laptop...anyway...

I don't want to brag, but for the first time in my life I know what true love feels like. Andrea Fontenova amazes me. We've been best friends for months. I know you probably don't personally know me if you're reading this, but she's all I need. It's crazy when you meet the person you know you'll marry. This relationship is unlike anything I've ever felt or known. I thank God every day for her.

Well, that's all folks. I'll be in touch! Read on!

Yo!

Eeeeek, so it’s 6 a.m. I am up, because I not have a real job. That’s right folks! I get up and go to work in Manhattan. It’s a really cool transition job. I basically re-write copy and text for this company’s clients (hotels and such). I really enjoy the challenge and I’m learning a lot about web development and stuff! It’s such a great position.

Well, I really miss home. I sometimes miss my parents, Kirk, Kristen, Jessica…the whole gang, but I know NYC is still where I’m supposed to be. It’s been an absolutely amazing summer. It’s different than any other summer I’ve experienced. First off, I’ll be here for the next two years (I’m going to graduate school at Hunter in the city). Exciting!

I found an apartment too! A friend from college and I will hopefully be signing the lease this week! So scary, right? I’m really bad with this whole uncertainty thing. I really am. Everyday I pray harder and harder. My mom sent me an e-mail and at the end she wrote, “God is in control.” I’ve been thinking that more and more everyday. I’ve just been praying and trying to rely more on Him, because I know that if I rely on Him, I’ll know where to go…my future will be set.

Right now, I’m looking for a job at a non-profit organization. It’s been an interesting process. I need to work 20 hours per week for a not-for-profit to satisfy requirements for my fellowship! Path-U-Find Communications has come to an end. Lot’s of change…last week Anne and I ended the three-year agreement. It was such an amazing way to reach out to people…I learned so much at an early age. With this said, I may launch something again in the future, but for now I want to focus on God, school, work and being in love.

Yes, folks, I said LOVE! It’s been some time since I have been happy in a relationship. I love Andrea so much…she makes me a better person. I love her more than I love myself. For the first time I’m completely amazed and taken back by her beauty, both inside and out. We’ve both changed each other a lot, which is also amazing. I look forward to just learning and growing more with her. Never before has someone tried with all her heart not only to understand me, but also to love me (aside from my really amazing parents). I’ve never been this happy.
So, that’s my rant. It’s been a really interesting few months as always. It’s so hard when you leave school…graduation leaves so much uncertainty. For the first time in my life I feel a little lost in everything. I’m not sure what step to take next. That’s okay, though. Sometimes God sets it up that way so we have to stop, turn around, walk back toward Him and let Him take the reigns of power for once. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Miss you all!

College is OVER!

So, it's the end.  Typically, I have a really hard time when I know change is about to happen.  This week, after a whirlwind of events, change did occur.; I graduated from college!  While it seems totally and utterly unbelievable, somehow four years have passed, I obtained my degree, and I'm ready (with a few fears and hesitations) to enter what my parents and their peers call "the real world." 

 

I spent four full years at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in NYC.  It seems like it was just yesterday it was 2002 -- I was packing my bags, getting into a huge van (my parents rented this monstrous vehicle that seated 15 people…no joke), and heading down to the city that really does NEVER, ever sleep.

 

Now, here I am in 2006, listening to My Humps (sad, I know) and trying to figure out what my next move is.  I can announce a few things.  I will be taking a college course this summer in research methods, and attending Hunter College in the fall for social research!  Yea baby!  With that said, finding an apartment in NYC and getting a job are still on the horizon. 

 

Now, there are about 1,000 things I could tell you about my college experience.  Since starting public speaking and writing in 1999, I’m a totally different person.  When I came to my school (affectionately called “The Mount”) I was so supported and was able to really grow in these areas, which in turn further developed my character.  I spent the first few years traveling, but I am really, truly happy I spent my senior year relaxing and not really leaving NY.  It was nice to be grounded and more involved in school.  If you are a regular reader I’m sure you know all about my failures during the first semester of my senior year…and my struggles. 

 

I suppose the one big surprise was how amazing the end of the school year was.  I went into the second semester with fear.  After all, my heart was ripped out and stomped on in December, I regretted a lot of my failures during the first semester, and I was recovering from a foot surgery.  Things were messy.  In the end, though, I found love again second semester, got into grad school, got closer to God, finished with a 3.92 for the semester, worked on my book, got to know some amazing people, won some awards I am very, very blessed to have received, reached out to others, saw my friend Bridget accept Christ and start really understanding the Lord, the list goes on.

 

Overall, my senior year was the biggest learning experience.  It was filled with triumphs, failures and some other moments that have not only defined who I am, but have enabled me to take a glimpse into the depths of my soul, showing me what needs to be changed and what areas really should be improved.

 

Right now, I’m living on campus.  I’ll be flying home on Wednesday to see my dad, who just had surgery (please keep him in your prayers).  Then, it’s back to NYC to search for jobs, take class, and enjoy my last real summer before the real world smacks me dead in the face.

 

I know this post is long, but please bear with me.  I think it’ll be worth it to read the entire thing.

 

So, looking back at these past four years, I am so amazed at how fast time flies.  I came in as a freshman.  I was so scared and didn’t really know very much about the world around me – other cultures, other practices.  Sophomore year, I was deeper in my faith, but lost myself and secluded myself.  I didn’t look beyond what I believed to be true, and did not let myself help others see God (I basically stuck to myself and made some friends that seemed good on the surface, but that actually weren’t as good for me as I thought they were at the time).  Junior year I recovered and got back on track, but still…I wasn’t the person I knew I could be.

 

Then there’s senior year.  To spare you from unnecessary text, please read past posts to see what happened, but it wasn’t too pretty.  I felt alone at times, depressed (it was the first time I was really depressed), unsure and really just made some dumb decisions.  I gave up a lot of the things and values I had held onto for so long.  With this said, every mistake turned into a lesson learned.  I am so much more connected and understanding of others.  It’s amazing.

 

I’m never going to forget the Mount.  This school -- the staff, the faculty and Adele Gatens, in particular, have collectively worked together to make my experience amazing.  Even when I didn’t realize I had it, there was a support system ready and willing to help me, not only scholastically, but also socially and in some cases, psychologically.  Never before have I had people so willing to help me develop as a person.  Not only am I amazed, but also I am so grateful I found this place.  It was an accident when I stumbled upon it, but it was truly meant to be.

 

I’m going to miss the people, the places (even Spellman, the cafeteria), and the experience.  Here I am, 35 pounds later (honestly, the freshman 15 really hit me hard, lol), happy, healthy and so blessed.  When I got my diploma yesterday, I was so overjoyed.  Seeing my class – the same people I came in with, walk off that stage and into a world of opportunity, I realized how amazingly blessed (sorry for the repetition) I’ve been – not only to graduate, but also to have met some of the most impactful people ever.

 

I’m going to miss walking down the hall and seeing the familiar faces.  This place is a part of my history.  When I look back, all of the memories come in flashes, but collectively, they show me a timeline of growth.  As I sit here, I realize that change is a part of life, whether I like it or not, and while I hate change, it’s an essential part of life.  The Mount has prepared me for what’s ahead.  God is the only one who knows what that is, so for the first time, I’m putting all of my faith in Him.  I know He won’t fail me.

 

So, with that said, CMSV, class of 2006, I’m so proud of you.  I love you all and I wish you the best of luck.  I know it’s sad, but our paths will cross again.  After all, we’ve got Facebook, MySpace, reunions, and most importantly – our memories at the Mount, and trust me, they’ll never fade.  I can’t wait to see where we all end up!  Here are a few very specific messages:

 

Mom/Dad:  Thank you for working everyday to make sure I succeed.  Thank you for providing a life for me that enables me to gain an education.  Thank you for your love and for my faith, which was my decision, but which you so greatly instilled in me from an early age.  Dad, I’m sorry you couldn’t be in NYC for graduation, but you were there in spirit.  I love you.

 

Adele Gatens:  I’m not sure if you will actually see this, but you are my mom here at the Mount.  You really got me through some tough times.  You always supported me, gave me the resources I needed to accomplish so much, told me when I was wrong (even when I didn’t want to hear it) and let me vent.  You saw me grow from an 18-year-old kid, to a 22 year old, well – kid, LOL.  I love you and I truly will miss you.  Thank you more than you’ll ever know.

 

Andrea:  Thank you so much for coming into my life.  I love you and I thank you for everything.  You are so supportive.  I’m lucky to have a girlfriend like you.  Thanks for the talks and for everything you do for me on a daily basis.  I’ve never met anyone like you.  Thank you for loving me the way you do and for being so, so, so amaaaazing.  I love you.

 

Brian Cremin:  Well, well, well.  I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish at the Mount these next two years.  You are truly an interesting person.  From those times in student life I’d call you creepy, to the times you sat and listened to me talk about first semester and all the tragedy that occurred – thank you.  You are a great listener and an amazing friend.

 

Bridget:  Wow.  You’ve grown so much.  I’m really going to miss you.  Your hard work, your heart.  Babe, seeing you accept Christ was amazing.  You are headed for success.  Just keep taking everything as it comes, be calm, enjoy today and look toward tomorrow.  I love you.

 

Kyria:  I’ve already said so much to you.  Honestly, I love you.  Keep it Haitian.

 

RA Staff:  We had a rough year.  I will miss you all.  Most importantly, I’ll miss being a part of a staff that has such an impact on students and on the life on this campus.  Thank you for your hard work.  Keep working and keep helping others.  You guys rock.

 

 

That’s all for now.  If you weren’t listed, don’t worry.  I still love you, but it’s 4:30 a.m. and I have to go running at 8 a.m.!  Do the math!  I love you all.

 

College is OVER!

So, it's the end.  Typically, I have a really hard time when I know change is about to happen.  This week, after a whirlwind of events, change did occur.; I graduated from college!  While it seems totally and utterly unbelievable, somehow four years have passed, I obtained my degree, and I'm ready (with a few fears and hesitations) to enter what my parents and their peers call "the real world." 

 

I spent four full years at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in NYC.  It seems like it was just yesterday it was 2002 -- I was packing my bags, getting into a huge van (my parents rented this monstrous vehicle that seated 15 people…no joke), and heading down to the city that really does NEVER, ever sleep.

 

Now, here I am in 2006, listening to My Humps (sad, I know) and trying to figure out what my next move is.  I can announce a few things.  I will be taking a college course this summer in research methods, and attending Hunter College in the fall for social research!  Yea baby!  With that said, finding an apartment in NYC and getting a job are still on the horizon. 

 

Now, there are about 1,000 things I could tell you about my college experience.  Since starting public speaking and writing in 1999, I’m a totally different person.  When I came to my school (affectionately called “The Mount”) I was so supported and was able to really grow in these areas, which in turn further developed my character.  I spent the first few years traveling, but I am really, truly happy I spent my senior year relaxing and not really leaving NY.  It was nice to be grounded and more involved in school.  If you are a regular reader I’m sure you know all about my failures during the first semester of my senior year…and my struggles. 

 

I suppose the one big surprise was how amazing the end of the school year was.  I went into the second semester with fear.  After all, my heart was ripped out and stomped on in December, I regretted a lot of my failures during the first semester, and I was recovering from a foot surgery.  Things were messy.  In the end, though, I found love again second semester, got into grad school, got closer to God, finished with a 3.92 for the semester, worked on my book, got to know some amazing people, won some awards I am very, very blessed to have received, reached out to others, saw my friend Bridget accept Christ and start really understanding the Lord, the list goes on.

 

Overall, my senior year was the biggest learning experience.  It was filled with triumphs, failures and some other moments that have not only defined who I am, but have enabled me to take a glimpse into the depths of my soul, showing me what needs to be changed and what areas really should be improved.

 

Right now, I’m living on campus.  I’ll be flying home on Wednesday to see my dad, who just had surgery (please keep him in your prayers).  Then, it’s back to NYC to search for jobs, take class, and enjoy my last real summer before the real world smacks me dead in the face.

 

I know this post is long, but please bear with me.  I think it’ll be worth it to read the entire thing.

 

So, looking back at these past four years, I am so amazed at how fast time flies.  I came in as a freshman.  I was so scared and didn’t really know very much about the world around me – other cultures, other practices.  Sophomore year, I was deeper in my faith, but lost myself and secluded myself.  I didn’t look beyond what I believed to be true, and did not let myself help others see God (I basically stuck to myself and made some friends that seemed good on the surface, but that actually weren’t as good for me as I thought they were at the time).  Junior year I recovered and got back on track, but still…I wasn’t the person I knew I could be.

 

Then there’s senior year.  To spare you from unnecessary text, please read past posts to see what happened, but it wasn’t too pretty.  I felt alone at times, depressed (it was the first time I was really depressed), unsure and really just made some dumb decisions.  I gave up a lot of the things and values I had held onto for so long.  With this said, every mistake turned into a lesson learned.  I am so much more connected and understanding of others.  It’s amazing.

 

I’m never going to forget the Mount.  This school -- the staff, the faculty and Adele Gatens, in particular, have collectively worked together to make my experience amazing.  Even when I didn’t realize I had it, there was a support system ready and willing to help me, not only scholastically, but also socially and in some cases, psychologically.  Never before have I had people so willing to help me develop as a person.  Not only am I amazed, but also I am so grateful I found this place.  It was an accident when I stumbled upon it, but it was truly meant to be.

 

I’m going to miss the people, the places (even Spellman, the cafeteria), and the experience.  Here I am, 35 pounds later (honestly, the freshman 15 really hit me hard, lol), happy, healthy and so blessed.  When I got my diploma yesterday, I was so overjoyed.  Seeing my class – the same people I came in with, walk off that stage and into a world of opportunity, I realized how amazingly blessed (sorry for the repetition) I’ve been – not only to graduate, but also to have met some of the most impactful people ever.

 

I’m going to miss walking down the hall and seeing the familiar faces.  This place is a part of my history.  When I look back, all of the memories come in flashes, but collectively, they show me a timeline of growth.  As I sit here, I realize that change is a part of life, whether I like it or not, and while I hate change, it’s an essential part of life.  The Mount has prepared me for what’s ahead.  God is the only one who knows what that is, so for the first time, I’m putting all of my faith in Him.  I know He won’t fail me.

 

So, with that said, CMSV, class of 2006, I’m so proud of you.  I love you all and I wish you the best of luck.  I know it’s sad, but our paths will cross again.  After all, we’ve got Facebook, MySpace, reunions, and most importantly – our memories at the Mount, and trust me, they’ll never fade.  I can’t wait to see where we all end up!  Here are a few very specific messages:

 

Mom/Dad:  Thank you for working everyday to make sure I succeed.  Thank you for providing a life for me that enables me to gain an education.  Thank you for your love and for my faith, which was my decision, but which you so greatly instilled in me from an early age.  Dad, I’m sorry you couldn’t be in NYC for graduation, but you were there in spirit.  I love you.

 

Adele Gatens:  I’m not sure if you will actually see this, but you are my mom here at the Mount.  You really got me through some tough times.  You always supported me, gave me the resources I needed to accomplish so much, told me when I was wrong (even when I didn’t want to hear it) and let me vent.  You saw me grow from an 18-year-old kid, to a 22 year old, well – kid, LOL.  I love you and I truly will miss you.  Thank you more than you’ll ever know.

 

Andrea:  Thank you so much for coming into my life.  I love you and I thank you for everything.  You are so supportive.  I’m lucky to have a girlfriend like you.  Thanks for the talks and for everything you do for me on a daily basis.  I’ve never met anyone like you.  Thank you for loving me the way you do and for being so, so, so amaaaazing.  I love you.

 

Brian Cremin:  Well, well, well.  I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish at the Mount these next two years.  You are truly an interesting person.  From those times in student life I’d call you creepy, to the times you sat and listened to me talk about first semester and all the tragedy that occurred – thank you.  You are a great listener and an amazing friend.

 

Bridget:  Wow.  You’ve grown so much.  I’m really going to miss you.  Your hard work, your heart.  Babe, seeing you accept Christ was amazing.  You are headed for success.  Just keep taking everything as it comes, be calm, enjoy today and look toward tomorrow.  I love you.

 

Kyria:  I’ve already said so much to you.  Honestly, I love you.  Keep it Haitian.

 

RA Staff:  We had a rough year.  I will miss you all.  Most importantly, I’ll miss being a part of a staff that has such an impact on students and on the life on this campus.  Thank you for your hard work.  Keep working and keep helping others.  You guys rock.

 

 

That’s all for now.  If you weren’t listed, don’t worry.  I still love you, but it’s 4:30 a.m. and I have to go running at 8 a.m.!  Do the math!  I love you all.

 

 

College is OVER!

So, it's the end. Typically, I have a really hard time when I know change is about
to happen. This week, after a whirlwind of events, change did occur.; I graduated
from college! While it seems totally and utterly unbelievable, somehow four years
have passed, I obtained my degree, and I'm ready (with a few fears and hesitations)
to enter what my parents and their peers call "the real world."

I spent four full years at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in NYC. It seems
like it was just yesterday it was 2002 -- I was packing my bags, getting into a
huge van (my parents rented this monstrous vehicle that seated 15 people�no joke),
and heading down to the city that really does NEVER, ever sleep.

Now, here I am in 2006, listening to My Humps (sad, I know) and trying to figure
out what my next move is. I can announce a few things. I will be taking a college
course this summer in research methods, and attending Hunter College in the fall
for social research! Yea baby! With that said, finding an apartment in NYC and
getting a job are still on the horizon.

Now, there are about 1,000 things I could tell you about my college experience.
Since starting public speaking and writing in 1999, I�m a totally different
person. When I came to my school (affectionately called �The Mount�) I was so
supported and was able to really grow in these areas, which in turn further
developed my character. I spent the first few years traveling, but I am really,
truly happy I spent my senior year relaxing and not really leaving NY. It was nice
to be grounded and more involved in school. If you are a regular reader I�m sure
you know all about my failures during the first semester of my senior year�and my
struggles.

I suppose the one big surprise was how amazing the end of the school year was. I
went into the second semester with fear. After all, my heart was ripped out and
stomped on in December, I regretted a lot of my failures during the first semester,
and I was recovering from a foot surgery. Things were messy. In the end, though,
I found love again second semester, got into grad school, got closer to God,
finished with a 3.92 for the semester, worked on my book, got to know some amazing
people, won some awards I am very, very blessed to have received, reached out to
others, saw my friend Bridget accept Christ and start really understanding the
Lord, the list goes on.

Overall, my senior year was the biggest learning experience. It was filled with
triumphs, failures and some other moments that have not only defined who I am, but
have enabled me to take a glimpse into the depths of my soul, showing me what needs
to be changed and what areas really should be improved.

Right now, I�m living on campus. I�ll be flying home on Wednesday to see my dad,
who just had surgery (please keep him in your prayers). Then, it�s back to NYC to
search for jobs, take class, and enjoy my last real summer before the real world
smacks me dead in the face.

I know this post is long, but please bear with me. I think it�ll be worth it to
read the entire thing.

So, looking back at these past four years, I am so amazed at how fast time flies.
I came in as a freshman. I was so scared and didn�t really know very much about
the world around me � other cultures, other practices. Sophomore year, I was
deeper in my faith, but lost myself and secluded myself. I didn�t look beyond what
I believed to be true, and did not let myself help others see God (I basically
stuck to myself and made some friends that seemed good on the surface, but that
actually weren�t as good for me as I thought they were at the time). Junior year I
recovered and got back on track, but still�I wasn�t the person I knew I could be.

Then there�s senior year. To spare you from unnecessary text, please read past
posts to see what happened, but it wasn�t too pretty. I felt alone at times,
depressed (it was the first time I was really depressed), unsure and really just
made some dumb decisions. I gave up a lot of the things and values I had held onto
for so long. With this said, every mistake turned into a lesson learned. I am so
much more connected and understanding of others. It�s amazing.

I�m never going to forget the Mount. This school -- the staff, the faculty and
Adele Gatens, in particular, have collectively worked together to make my
experience amazing. Even when I didn�t realize I had it, there was a support
system ready and willing to help me, not only scholastically, but also socially and
in some cases, psychologically. Never before have I had people so willing to help
me develop as a person. Not only am I amazed, but also I am so grateful I found
this place. It was an accident when I stumbled upon it, but it was truly meant to
be.

I�m going to miss the people, the places (even Spellman, the cafeteria), and the
experience. Here I am, 35 pounds later (honestly, the freshman 15 really hit me
hard, lol), happy, healthy and so blessed. When I got my diploma yesterday, I was
so overjoyed. Seeing my class � the same people I came in with, walk off that
stage and into a world of opportunity, I realized how amazingly blessed (sorry for
the repetition) I�ve been � not only to graduate, but also to have met some of the
most impactful people ever.

I�m going to miss walking down the hall and seeing the familiar faces. This place
is a part of my history. When I look back, all of the memories come in flashes,
but collectively, they show me a timeline of growth. As I sit here, I realize that
change is a part of life, whether I like it or not, and while I hate change, it�s
an essential part of life. The Mount has prepared me for what�s ahead. God is the
only one who knows what that is, so for the first time, I�m putting all of my faith
in Him. I know He won�t fail me.

So, with that said, CMSV, class of 2006, I�m so proud of you. I love you all and I
wish you the best of luck. I know it�s sad, but our paths will cross again. After
all, we�ve got Facebook, MySpace, reunions, and most importantly � our memories at
the Mount, and trust me, they�ll never fade. I can�t wait to see where we all end
up! Here are a few very specific messages:

Mom/Dad: Thank you for working everyday to make sure I succeed. Thank you for
providing a life for me that enables me to gain an education. Thank you for your
love and for my faith, which was my decision, but which you so greatly instilled in
me from an early age. Dad, I�m sorry you couldn�t be in NYC for graduation, but
you were there in spirit. I love you.

Adele Gatens: I�m not sure if you will actually see this, but you are my mom here
at the Mount. You really got me through some tough times. You always supported
me, gave me the resources I needed to accomplish so much, told me when I was wrong
(even when I didn�t want to hear it) and let me vent. You saw me grow from an 18-
year-old kid, to a 22 year old, well � kid, LOL. I love you and I truly will miss
you. Thank you more than you�ll ever know.

Andrea: Thank you so much for coming into my life. I love you and I thank you for
everything. You are so supportive. I�m lucky to have a girlfriend like you.
Thanks for the talks and for everything you do for me on a daily basis. I�ve never
met anyone like you. Thank you for loving me the way you do and for being so, so,
so amaaaazing. I love you.

Brian Cremin: Well, well, well. I can�t wait to see what you�ll accomplish at the
Mount these next two years. You are truly an interesting person. From those times
in student life I�d call you creepy, to the times you sat and listened to me talk
about first semester and all the tragedy that occurred � thank you. You are a
great listener and an amazing friend.

Bridget: Wow. You�ve grown so much. I�m really going to miss you. Your hard
work, your heart. Babe, seeing you accept Christ was amazing. You are headed for
success. Just keep taking everything as it comes, be calm, enjoy today and look
toward tomorrow. I love you.

Kyria: I�ve already said so much to you. Honestly, I love you. Keep it Haitian.

RA Staff: We had a rough year. I will miss you all. Most importantly, I�ll miss
being a part of a staff that has such an impact on students and on the life on this
campus. Thank you for your hard work. Keep working and keep helping others. You
guys rock.

That�s all for now. If you weren�t listed, don�t worry. I still love you, but
it�s 4:30 a.m. and I have to go running at 8 a.m.! Do the math! I love you all.