WE GRADUATED!

After four long years, I finally did it. I graduated from BYU with an undergraduate degree in public relations, communications. 

How can a simple two-hour ceremony close such a monumental chapter in my life? The fact that I have a degree and a few pictures in the royal blue cap and gown doesn’t quite give me the assurance that I have actually finished this thing called “school.” It never really ends. The tests, the peer reviews, the case studies, the long hours spent cramming for tests, the job interviews, the hot bike rides to campus, the boy drama, the apartment hysterias, etc. 

How?

I definitely finished my undergrad with a bang—accounting is really a shot to the heart. As I was in the midst of applying/interviewing for jobs, working two part-time positions, and figuring out this little thing called love, I was attempting to excel in accounting. Okay, not really excel, but do relatively well.

Boy, did I pass by the skin of my teeth. It’s safe to say accounting was a love-hate relationship: I loved what I was learning but I didn’t appreciate the pace and manner in which the material was required to be mastered. 

Rough. Let’s just say the bike ride home after the three-hour final (two days prior to graduation) never felt so good.

The funny thing is, I don’t feel relieved. I only feel a little bit sad. But even more than that sadness of nostalgia, I came to the realization that my longing for education exists and is thriving more than ever...

I haven’t been graduated for more than two days, and I already have my eyes set on getting a master’s (November 1^st).

Life is funny. Sometimes it’s so funny I find myself missing the joke, asking my neighbor, "What was that?"

One thing I have learned these past few years (that don’t seem so few):

·          Learning is wonderful. 

      Find what you love and do it. Wise words from a mentor of mine, “Do what you love. No matter what it is, you will find a way to make money—enough money.” Because all of my interests (non-profit, social work, humanitarian efforts, teaching) all seem to be less treasured by society (at least financially), I worried about studying the things that make me excited. ---> stop worrying and start learning. Everything will work out. Passion is the driving force for success. Stop searching for practicality—in some regards—and start doing things you enjoy.

Though I don't have a cent to my name (literally). No wonderful job offer at an amazing PR firm. No place to call home. I have an education and a dream for my future. 

My Graduation day>>

It was a dream. I have the most lovely family. They are so supportive and loving in all that they do. It is safe to say that I am a product of their loving hands and minds. 

8:00am ceremony

"Is this real life?"

I rode my bike to graduation ^^^

Rachel graduating!!!

I have the most wonderful support system! 

I cannot believe how far we have come. We started preschool together, now look at us, graduates from a wonderful university.

I owe much of who I am and what I have accomplished to my grandparents. The chances that two angels marry is rare-->they are one of a kind. 

Me and one of my favorite couples.

I love my family! They are the reason I am wearing blue. So rather, to make it a more truthful statement, I should've started this post:

"We (my parents, my grandparents, my sisters, and friends) graduated!!"

the new project

so....nick woke up with the idea that he had to buy a beater truck for project flyboard. for those of you who know nick, know, that once he get's something in his little mind, nothing will stop him.

so saturday morning we ventured to payson to check out a truck nick saw on ksl.

this is the truck we found:

we took it out for a little spin; nick found love (well not exactly, but it will be sufficient enough to drive him to and from the lake to board:)

sold.

nick is now the proud owner of ____ (the name of this lil guy is yet to be determined)

our saturday:

immediately we drove from payson to the nearest home depot to get screws, paint and sandpaper to doll up (Jeffy-that's my vote for the truck name).

similar to the way sandra bullock was "remade" in miss congeniality, this lil guy had a long way to go...

luckily we did it with happy faces!!!

 we, then, took our trucks for a spin to the car wash.

{getting wet was necessary to deep clean nick's truck--he ended up spraying the entire inside of his car} 

after drying the lil guy, we prepared to paint. we used more than a full roll of duct tape to cover the nooks and crannies of his car that he didn't want painted.

then the fun part -- paint. we spray painted his entire car black, flat black. i felt like we were vandalizing private property; i have never spray painted a car before. it was so fun! 

of course, it took many layers. we would spray one layer, then go out for a drive.

it wasn't until we were driving around that i realized how ridiculous we looked. the truck looked TERRIBLE -- definitely trash. we stopped during the first and second coat to get a burger. there were two boys in the diner. one boy leaned over to his mom and said, "mom, look at that truck." it was then that the (not so discrete) stares and whispers from this family at nick's hideous, soon-to-be beautiful truck made nick and i realize how ridiculous we were. oh well. 

we didn't get very far before it started to rain. the truck is still 2-3 coats away from being finished. but here is the progress of all our hard work.

before:

after:

{the lighting isn't great in this parking garage. this is where we came to avoid the rain}

ducks and sunshine

today is a good day.

i woke up to clean sheets and the sun peaking through the window. no nightmares. i did my daily routine of reading a conference talk, fixing a quick breakfast and heading out the door.

this song has put me in such a good mood. there is something about country music and the sunshine.

as i walked up the GINORMOUS hill, i saw these little ducks snuggling up next to each other, basking in the sunlight. part of me wanted to join them to avoid my time-pressing capstone campaign this morning.

no matter. i turned the corner and saw my second home (the building i have lived in the past two years). i will only be trekking this journey to the Brimhall a few more weeks before i am on the homestretch to graduation.

my how time has flown.

 i do love school. i have definitely had my fair share of struggles living in Provo, but the good definitely outweighs the bad.

i still wonder what life will be like when that safety blanket of being a student is ripped off and we are thrown into the "real world"... i'm excited to find out.

finding clarity in the midst of finals

With finals on the horizon, including many group projects and client presentations, stress is in the air.

As a way to cope, I tried to shake things up a bit by studying conference talks in the morning and attending to the Temple in the afternoon.

The baptistry was fairly empty tonight, which is quite a rare occasion for anyone familiar with the Provo Temple. I sat down on the last bench next to a teenage girl, who appeared to be reclusive to those around her. I did not mind this because my heart was set on bigger matters. I had felt heavy all day trying to sort through reoccurring nightmares, academic coursework, NY preparation, etc. I came to the Temple hoping to ease my heart.

As a way to cope, I brought with me A Prophet's Voice, Messages From Thomas S. Monson--a compilation of all of President Monson's talks as prophet--in preparation for this weekend.  I highly recommend this book. It has so many wonderful messages.

As we progressed to the confirmation room, I noticed the girl behind me was making interesting hand gestures. I thought maybe she was overly expressive or trying to be reverent. However, as the night progressed it became obvious--she was deaf. She was signing with a man who appeared to be her father. It was one of the most amazing things I have seen. What may appear to be a simple process for me, was much more difficult for her. Yet, her "caretaker" selflessly loved her and helped her understand everything that was going on around her by signing every step of the way.

After watching them for an hour, I felt humbled. After having read a talk, in which President Monson encouraged all the women to study, pray and serve more fervently, I figured out my problem-- I am thinking too much about myself. As I watched this man and teenage girl interact, I felt honored to be in their presence.

Sometimes in the midst of finals, or time-pressing situations, we forget what truly matters. We forget how to serve. We forget how to properly prioritize. We forget to stop, take a moment, and breathe. We are capable of far more than we think we are.

As President Monson said, "My dear sisters (and brethren), do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your task will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

I wish so badly that I knew sign language in that moment. I would have told her,"Thank you for being an example to us all, for not allowing a physical disability get in the way of what truly matters."


 Note to self: next time I am feeling heavy, love myself enough to forget myself once in awhile.

Brandon Flowers

The Killers-Be Still

I got a phone call early Friday morning. It was Caleb Ward. He called to invite me to The Killers' concert with him and his siblings that night. We are concert buddies. It was just a few months ago where we were singing and dancing with Kelly Clarkson as loud and long as our bodies would permit. 

I am one lucky girl. 

The concert was unreal. Who knew that a rock concert could be a spiritual experience. Among the craziness of the drummer, the uncontrollable fans and the beer in the air, I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe hoping to release as much stress and pain that I tend to foster in my soul. Rather than worry about the countless other people and things demanding my time, I wanted to be there with my body. Listening to Brandon's genuine emotion and heartfelt lyrics, I felt alive. 

Things I know:

I love Brandon Flowers, more than ever! He is truly a powerhouse in every sense of the word.

Dancing cures any sadness.

This song speaks to me soul right now. 

"Don't break character, you've got a lot of heart....BE STILL."

aging with purpose.

I am a senior, what?

I think this often as I come into contact with new people on a daily basis. This usually comes as a shock to everyone, including myself, that I am a senior at THE Brigham Young University.

 Do you know what that means!?!

I am old. yes. I am still unmarried. yes. I still do not cook gourmet meals. yes. but it has been-

THREE YEARS of meeting absolutely incredible, inspiring people.
THREE YEARS of challenging myself academically.
...of becoming an adult.
of self discovery.
of church callings.
of traveling.
of heartbreaks.
of running...and running...and running.
Three years of absolute bliss...well except for the times that weren't and then it turned out to be a time of much needed growth.

I feel very blessed to be attending BYU. Despite the challenging times, BYU has been an absolute dream. I am grateful for all those (my parents and grandparents) who have helped contribute to my education.

As a senior approaching my last year as an undergrad, my mindset has been quite different than it has been in previous semesters. I have a seed of desire burning within my chest, waiting and willing to do anything it takes to be successful in public relations.

This in part is due to higher level classes. My classes are picking up the pace and I am beginning to work with clients this semester. You know what that means, I AM APPLYING WHAT I AM LEARNING!

I feel experience is the best way to learn-just throw yourself in without the fear of getting wet.

I love my classes. I love my teachers. I love what I am learning. I love my whole HOUSE (CLAP). Yeah (stomp), yeah (stomp), yeah (stomp, stomp)...ok you get my point!

I feel, for the first time in my college career, I know why I chose my major.

When I tell people what I am studying, it is often accompanied with a crusty (scoul of confusion), followed by the question, "What is that?"

Well I will tell you, IT IS THE BEST MAJOR EVER!

This seed of passion was planted during freshman year in a general English class. We were assigned to work with Catholic Community Services (CCS), an organization working solely to help incoming refugees get on their feet and become self-reliant. We as students were assigned to blog about Sebastio Salgado's photography (photography solely focused on refugess in various countries) as well as our experiences with the refugees we met at CCS.

This class changed my life.

I found myself blogging on behalf of many individuals who didn't have a voice -- I was their voice. I realized then, in that semester, the power of writing and social media. What could be better than being an advocate for a company and message you whole-heartedly support? I do not know.

However, I would be a liar trying to sugar-coat this major if I didn't tell you public relations does generate disappointment and discouragement. It is a fierce major. By fierce I mean super competitive, cut-throat, every man/woman for him/herself type of major. Everything is public and up for criticism. Nothing is secret or private. Through this, I am learning to toughen up and learn from my mistakes.

Yesterday, was one of those days (a terrible, no good, very bad day). It was an absolute war zone. It was one of those days that I wonder, why did I pick such a major to dedicate my time and emotional energy to?

To combat this war zone, I did as any other girl on campus naturally does, I called my mom. Best decision-it never fails. She is wise. Sometimes it is just good to hear the sweet, positive words of affirmation from someone who loves you. Mother or no mother, it is good to hear that I am doing alright.

My mother has a way of putting things into perspective. Look how far I have come...just a year ago, I was wandering around trying to decide which major to study. Now I am in a nationally-ranked program, at a nationally-ranked university. I am one lucky girl. It is moments like yesterday that motivate me to be better. Mistakes will come and go but ultimately it is our response to those mistakes that matter.

After all...

Courage does not roar. 
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." -Mary Ann Radmacher

School is fun. Learning is rejuvenating. however, without passion, it is simply not worth it. As my mother told me, you will always go farther in life doing the things you love (heart>logic). Thanks mom.

My thoughts as of lately:

Although I am a senior heading into the Communications major at BYU this year, I have kept a low-profile when it comes to social media. I do much more observing than contributing. However, I feel I need to embrace my communication roots a little and become more involved again.

My sisters and I have vacationed home away from home this week to Arizona where my Dad is currently abiding temporarily for work. Due to the long car trips, low-maintenance agenda, and time set aside for relaxing -- my mind has been racing. My summer work schedule has been one speed: fast. Therefore, the little things such as good exercise, sleep and time to myself were the first to slip through the cracks. This past week has been a much needed break for many of my family members, myself included.

First conclusion: Thinking feels good; meditation is beautiful and therapeutic. It is essential.

I came across this quote on Pinterest, “women’s pornography” as my friend denotes it. However, I find many treasures on this beloved website like fun hair styles to try when I am bored or stunning wedding dresses I can refer to friends (my day will be someday… but until then, these dress ideas must not go to waste).  

It is golden and summarizes the thoughts that have been consuming my mind:

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

                                                                                                 -Elizabeth Kubler Ros

Beautiful people do not just happen. I love this. I look at my family, they have always been stunning and I definitely know why. When one of us is weakened, the others will pull their weight to carry them along this journey of life. Whether it is a simple text message, a phone call or an entertaining distraction-my family is amazing and I know why it is the central unit of the gospel.

When everything else becomes inconsistent in my life, it is family that remains constant. I am nothing without them.

The only way I know how to best contribute to my future family, and follow the example of my parents, is to become a beautiful person.

Beautiful people have a sound sense of self. They are happy and content with themselves, despite misfortunate circumstances, insecurities and weaknesses. Love for other people guides their thoughts and actions. Beautiful people don't need to say it, others just know it. I am grateful to be surrounded by beautiful people.

Cheers to all the beautiful people of the world.

The Sun Will Rise

  I haven't been at this for awhile, but it is therapeutic to write and therapy is just what I need right about now...

Well that's a lie, I do write, a lot. In fact that is all my day is consumed of, writing. I am currently writing for The Daily Universe. It is enjoyable. I LOVE IT!!! I am meeting lots of new friends. I am improving my writing skills. Looking cool carrying around my camera (well it is actually my mom's, if anything happened to it she demanded my first born-yup its her baby:) and a voice recorder to conduct interviews. I'm enhancing my resume, gaining experience with a student-run newspaper and slowly learning the ins and outs of the often daunting AP style book. 

Who would have thought I would write for a newspaper? I sure didn't.

Therapy.

    The thing about therapy is that it can be spontaneous, selfish, time consuming, charitable, loud or quiet. It can be as long as a week getaway or as short as opening the scriptures for five minutes. Therapy does NOT need to comply with others' rules or any sort of AP style book. Therefore, I am leaving the AP behind and writing, just to write.

Not only writing, but writing my thoughts.

    One thing I have struggled with as a journalist for the campus newspaper is not only the fact but the rule that I cannot have a voice! Complete objectivity is the goal. As a child I was taught to express my thoughts-->what I wanted, needed and believed! All of that is gone with a quick dash of an editor's red marker. I have had to eliminate my voice this semester, and ask my editors-IT DRIVES ME CRAZY (hence why I chose public relations-so I can be as opinionated as I so desire!-in fact I am paid to be opinionated-so there we have it!)

    I am convinced there is nothing better than being paid to be an advocate for a company or cause that I am passionate about!!! When I am passionate about something, I don't hide it. I only want to share it! Like my undying desire to dance with Celine Dion's crew for one of her vegas shows or my obsession with wearing horizontal stripes and a mustard yellow cardigan.

    However, the subject I am most passionate about, the thing that not only drives me to be a better person but motivates me to live is the gospel of Jesus Christ.I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I'm proud of it.

    I think it is safe to identify something as not only a passion but a firm belief when it is the first thing we look to when something incredible has happened to us and the first source of comfort and strength when we have been rocked to our core. That is how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ.

    Often, it is during trials when we are reminded of our dependence upon the Lord. Trials are a painful yet efficient way to be reminded of our complete dependence upon Heavenly Father. My favorite scripture of the week is Alma 26:12:

 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak;therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

It is through this humility that we are healed. I feel the way Ammon does in this chapter, gratitude and appreciation for the Lord.

    One of my favorite conference talks at this time in my life is "Lessons from Liberty Jail" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. It is beautiful and I am reminded many times each day of these beautiful words ringing from this talk. Here is a little taste of the power of Elder Holland's words:

   "In one way or another, great or small, dramatic or incidental, every one of us is going to spend a little time in Liberty Jail—spiritually speaking. We will face things we do not want to face for reasons that may not be our fault. Indeed, we may face difficult circumstances for reasons that were absolutely right and proper, reasons that came because we were trying to keep the commandments of the Lord. We may face persecution, we may endure heartache and separation from loved ones, we may be hungry and cold and forlorn. Yes, before our lives are over we may all be given a little taste of what the prophets faced often in their lives......Whenever these moments of our extremity come, we must not succumb to the fear that God has abandoned us or that He does not hear our prayers. He does hear us. He does see us. He does love us. When we are in dire circumstances and want to cry, “Where art Thou?” it is imperative that we remember He is right there with us—where He has always been! We must continue to believe, continue to have faith, continue to pray and plead with heaven, even if we feel for a time our prayers are not heard and that God has somehow gone away. He is there. Our prayers are heard. And when we weep He and the angels of heaven weep with us."

   In times of heartache or trial, which they come in our lives one way or another, the thing that brings me the most comfort is knowing we do not have to do it alone.

Happiness is a choice. My mother's counsel has led me to make personal goals of things I want to do to be happy.

A few of my goals:

1. Take 15 minutes a day for myself to meditate (Hakuna Matata style)

2. Paint again.

3. Learn how to cook

(because my most often made meals include salad or pasta)

4. Become a better writer (in the process...a lifelong process)

5. Study the Book of Mormon

6. Open my heart

 (vulnerability, though it comes at a price, is worth it)

7. Meet a new friend everyday

8. Exercise daily (endorphins, they'll save you)

9. Find joy through the little things in life (i.e. reading a book, going for a walk, enjoying the sunshine, painting nails a wild, vibrant color).

10. Never settle

11.Be a better sister/daughter to the wonderful angels I call family.

12. Find myself.

Because music speaks to my soul. Kelly has been singing my ear off this week because I absolutely LOVE this song. Thank you to my darling sister who told me to listen to this song:

Let the New Year Begin...

Highlights of the New Year:

 Although we are only 15 days into 2012, many monumental events have taken place that must be documented.

Meet Brother Lemon.

He has been a good family friend to us. For the first time Bro. Lemon drove his light blue cadillac to our house to stop by for a visit. Although this may not seem monumental to most, it is a big deal. He is a gem and very loved by the Jackson girls.

The Green Bug is no longer.

Let me tell you about this car. When Rach and I turned 16-my Grandma and Grandpa surprised us with this precious, little guy (although this car is sentimental, we never officially named it-no name seemed fit for such a car). I learned not only how to drive in this car but how to drive stick. This car has taken me all through high school and the first two years of college. It has been with me through the finest dates, most embarrassing moments, and of course the summer days. No matter the stench of track bags after meets, potent lotion in preparation for cute boys:), or sunscreen for afternoons at the pool, this car ALWAYS smells of crayons. Anyone who really knows a Jackson girl, knows this car. It is very sentimental to me and it was definitely a sad day to say goodbye to him. The days of singing with the top down and the radio blaring will never be forgotten.

On a lighter note, I just began my first semester in BYU's Public Relations Program. To begin my PR endeavors I am writing for the Daily Universe, BYU's newspaper. I specifically write for the sports desk, track and field beat. I am PUMPED!!! Although it has been quite a task, I am enjoying the new friends I am meeting and the writing experiences I am obtaining.

Keep your eyes open Provo peeps...the paper is going to be bomb this semester.

I got a job!!! As many know, getting a job in P-town is like not regretting an early morning 8 o'clock class, possible but difficult.

 I work for this man, Professor Muhlestein. He was my professor in Israel and I am so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to work with him again this semester. Right now I am currently digitalizing film slides of archeological sites for a book he is composing. He has changed my life.

My Grandma turned 70!!! For my grandma's birthday, my wonderful grandpa Bill organized a surprise party for her of all her friends, family, and coworkers. It was quite a turnout and a wonderful night!

 Her first reaction to the large room of loved ones yelling "SURPRISE":

A little bit about my Grandma. She is one of the most beautiful women I know, inside and out. She is very involved in my life. She supports me in all of my sporting events, academic achievements, and church-callings. She is the woman who taught me my dark eyebrows should be two not one. The woman who died my hair brown for the very first time. The one to sew and create all my dance dresses. The woman who has taken me to places I would never otherwise have seen (i.e. New York City, Mexico, The Caribbean, California, San Francisco and most importantly Israel). Without her, I would never have had the opportunity to see the world in the light that I have. She is the most selfless, ambitious woman I have ever met. I am spoiled to have her as my grandmother.

Other roles and qualities:

She is a world-traveler, entrepreneur-boss of her own company, PhD holder, sky-diver, author of many books, and much MUCH more.  

Did I mention Elvis-lover?

IT WAS A PARTY!!!

WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA!!!

 

Also, I am lucky to have this boy in my life:

Fond Moments of Sophomore Year

I have been so blessed to be acquainted with such wonderful individuals while attending BYU. I lived in room 108 of the Regency Apartment Complex just south of campus. I may be biased but this room proved to be the best of all Regency. I lived with five other wonderful girls: Rachel, Krista, Elise, Brenda, and Katrina. I shared a room with my twin sister Rachel whom I love ( If you dont have the privilege of knowing her, I wrote about her in my description of my family). We previously lived with Elise and Krista our Freshmen year. We liked them so much we wanted to live with them again. We all were delighted to be assigned to live with Brenda. She is wonderful and we couldn't have asked for a better roommate to add to our nucleus of four. As for our sixth roommate, she is currently engaged and soon to be married so we didn't see much of her but Katrina was very nice for the brief moments we saw her.

Krista. She is one of a kind. If there is a mediator in our apartment it is her. She has the amazing ability to relate and get along with anyone. She is spunky and fun. Talk about speed. She is fast at any task she is presented with. However, her most apparent speed ability is running. She runs anywhere and everywhere. She recently ran her first marathon. She ran such a great time she qualified for the Boston. Though if you ask her she will humbly say she likes to run but we all know better. Kris lives every day to the fullest. I am constantly amazed by her energy and desire to become the best she can be. I love her.






Elise. She is beautiful there is not doubt about it. She has porcelain skin and gorgeous auburn hair. She also knows how to do the best eye makeup I have ever seen. She is tender and knows how to comfort those in need. She is truly a nurturer and will become a wonderful mother. One unique quality about Elise is her passion for wildlife and nature. She thoroughly enjoys animals of any kind. Last year she bought cat food to feed the stray cats on campus (haha we love her). Elise is kind-hearted and truly strives to do what the Lord would have her do. I look up to her for her ability to be so grounded and independent. I love her!

The Many Faces of Brenda. Brenda is a wonderful contribution to Regency 108. We absolutely adore beautiful Brenda. She loves cats and her missionary Ryan. She is a Lord of the Rings guru. Brenda is simply the most expressive person I know. She can speak solely through the use of her eyebrows. She also has a fun, quirky sense of humor we cannot get enough of. However, one thing about Brenda is that she refuses to be in pictures. We have tried the sneak attack approach but nothin. The few rare moments she smiles...it is truly priceless!

Harry Potter Midnight Showing!

St. George Road Trip!!!

The Lamb Room. A nice couple let us stay at their house while we enjoyed St. George. We were all lucky enough to sleep in this room covered with every stuffed toy lamb ever made. Bonding!

Oh what happens when we get lost in Zions National Park...we stop to take a picture by a sweet looking, pumpkin covered truck.

A little Angels Landing.

We got a little tired by the end.

On the way to St. George Daniel Wade taught us how to "chip surf." Ya girl!

There is no story. I just love this picture thats all.

Triathlon baby! First, Second, and Third-"The Terrible Trio"

Our apartment's walls were oh so bare and uninviting... so we brought out the markers.

Hot Springs. Reminder: never wear flip flops to venture a rocky hike.

Smile! I love Brenda and her beautiful pink shades.

HAHAHA Krista's little ball of joy.

Curl till you Hurl. I was never the beautician.

Good Morning Gill. I said GOOD MORNING GILL off to school.

BYU FOOTBALL GAMES!

This is what we spend most of our time doing into the wee hours of the morning...looking at each other and laughing. This is one of my favorite hobbies and I will miss these pure moments with my beautiful, hysterical roommates.

Meet Tristram Jones!

Meet Daniel Wade Jones.

The Jones'.

This semster could not be complete without including Tris and Dan Jones. There is not a better picture to summarize how fond I am of these two boys. Witty, hysterical, charming, and did I say HYSTERICAL. These two boys have really taught me the importance of living every day to the fullest and finding joy in life. Random St. George road trip, skinny jean shopping, 80s rock band, donut runs/smuggle into the library, glowstick dance, triathlon, halloween half marathon, and most importantly doing absolutely nothing but laughing are some of our many adventures during these past few months. I adore them in every sense of the word.