GRADUATION IS FINALLY HERE!! I had to put that in all caps to make it sound like I'm really excited because it actually hasn't been as hyped up as I feel it should be. There's something about already having a job that makes it seem a little overdue. I feel like I should be stressing about finals, maybe trying to pack at the same time, and participating in student activities on campus. But nope. I just make my 25 min drive every day to spend time with my cute little second graders who are such a joy and challenge all in one bundle.
But as with all endings, there are not only great beginnings in the future, but also time to reflect and reminicse on the experience as a whole.
Six years ago I couldn't imagine going anywhere but BYU, but I was not thrilled about leaving just one short week after graduation to start in the summer term. That ended up being maybe my favorite semester of my entire college career. I have been blessed with so much over the past 6 years and have had so many opportunities to learn and grow and become. I will forever be grateful for my time at Brigham Young University.
Here's my top 10 favorite places at BYU:
Lavell Edwards Stadium
No school year was complete without attending every single home football game. There is such an energy and excitement there and so many memories were created with people that I love!! I'm not complaining about those blue and white colors and hearing RISE AND SHOUT frequently throughout the game. The stadium is also a favorite place because Stadium of Fire is always a highlight every summer.
JFSB Courtyard
I spent so much time here, not because I had classes in this building but because it's absolutely GORGEOUS. I would just sit outside and work on homework or plan or just think about life, taking in the sun, the peace, and the sound of the fountain. It is just so serene and the perfect backdrop to taking a small step out of the world. On a completely different note, it's a great place to have a Tuesday night EFY dance!
HFAC
I wanna say the whole building but I'll narrow it down to the DeJong concert hall, the art gallery, and the practice rooms. Over the 6 years, I spent a lot of time in this building taking classes, going to shows, and just hanging out. I loved being able to take piano and violin lessons while I was here and developing my talents even more. I loved seeing others use their talents in a variety of shows and concerts, and also performing myself! And I loved just walking through and enjoying the art that is always on display. It's also just a nice place to go if you ever need a grand piano to play.
CREAMERY on 9th
I don't know if this place has as much meaning to others as it does to me, but since I was an RA for forever, it was the convenient place to shop. But more importantly, the ICE CREAM. It's so dang good and I never get sick of it! Top three favorite flavors: Graham Canyon, Earnestly Chocolate, Mint Brownie
Heritage Halls
I spent majority of my time at BYU living here. It was such an incredible experience with obvious ups and downs. People would make fun of me a lot for being a "professional RA" and wondering when I was moving off campus and always asking if I got sick of the freshman. But. They kept me young and reminded me of all the excitement of BYU and Provo and why it was such a blessing to be here if I ever lost sight of that amid the craziness of getting a college degree. It was so nice to be within walking distance of everything. I was able to watch the transformation as the old buildings went down and the new ones went up. I saw a lot of change and met a lot of amazing people. These buildings have become my second home.
Provo Temple
The temple has always been a safe haven for me. It's technically part of campus because of the MTC so I thought I would throw it in here because my college experience wouldn't have been the same without it. I can't tell you how many times I walked up there as a freshman, whether on a crazy adventure with friends, a nice walk with a boy, or just by myself when I needed some peace. It didn't seem that far away, but now I don't know if I would ever walk up there ha! It was so cool to have a temple so close where people are lined up to do baptisms all.day.long. I've had a lot of sacred experiences there individually, with friends, and as a missionary. I've also spent a lot of time on those grounds taking in the beauty of not only the temple, but the backdrop of the mountains.
Jerusalem Center
One of BYU's mottos is "the world is our campus". My college experience wouldn't have been the same without studying at the JC. It's where I came to know my Savior on a deeper level. I got to study my favorite topics in the world: the gospel and history. I loved every minute of traveling and seeing such a unique part of the world. It was indescribable and unforgettable and I'm already dying to go back!
Marriott Center
Yes, it was always a blast to go to basketball games and cheer them on from the ROC (or go find a place to sit down haha) but it was also the place where I got to go to devotional every week. I cannot say enough how much I loved attending a university that places an emphasis on spiritual AND secular learning. I can't imagine getting an education any other way. But back to basketball. Since it was a smaller venue and basketball has smaller teams and is more fast-paced, you really got to know and connect with the players. Although they never made it very far in March Madness, it's always good to be a cougar fan.
HBLL
Now, this definitely was NOT one of my favorite places for majority of college. In fact, I avoided it like the plague. But. the more I realized it could be a place for leisure reading and having access to endless materials, the more I started to enjoy it. It is incredible. Sometimes if you just go exploring in there you can find the coolest things! And it's been a lifesaver this year as I went almost weekly to get books for my classroom. Until they revoked my privileges...that was actually a really sad day. Don't ever graduate!
RB
This one is purely just for fun! I played and watched A LOT of intramural games here. It was always a blast. I also tried to take advantage of the pool occasionally aaanndddd it's where I completed the lazy man ironman which was one of the most rewarding things I've done! You can't go wrong with a building full of gyms just waiting to be used. And don't forget the infamous RB stairs. They can always guarantee a good workout and quite possibly a loss of breath. I'm tellin ya, this altitude is killer.
Although there's many more places that could be included, I would say this is where I spent majority of my time, where I lived and learned the most, and made memories with so many people that I love. I can't get over the incredible experience it has been to be here and for the many lessons, good and bad, that I've learned over the past 6 years. BYU will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm so grateful that it's not just a place where I got my degree, but a place where I can continue to go and experience new things and have fun!
