Spring Semester Wrap Up

Yes I am writing this months after the semester has ended. But I couldn't not write up a summary of last spring.

I just sat and read through all my blog posts from this past semester and I just kept smiling :) 

How was spring semester?

It was wonderful. I LOVED spring semester 2017. I was busier than I have ever been, but I cannot believe the smiles, tender mercies, and people God sent me this semester. I felt my Saviors love and Atonement stronger than ever before. 

Comfort, Joy, Love

Three words for my semester.

Gods Timing

This is something I mention a lot on here. Its something I think and talk a lot about with other people. Our timing is very rarely God's timing. We have certain trials and sometimes the lessons we need to learn and the person we need to become means that the trial lasts a little longer than we would like. But they last the length we need them too!

Christ's Atonement

This goes hand in hand for me with God's timing.This semester I felt a trail physically lift off my shoulders while performing The Lamb of God. Christ suffered for me. He knew exactly how I have been feeling the last two years. Every tear and heartbreak he was there. Because of the Atonement and the Enabling Power I have been given strength. My burden isn't my burden anymore.

Others Need to Lift You

I love my friends at SVU. I love the opportunity to be friends with literally everyone and grow so much from so many different groups of people. I started to hang out more with one group of people the last few weeks of school. I realized that as I spent time with them I would laugh and laugh and just smile. They lifted me and were on the same plane as me. We helped each other equally. I sometimes find that with certain circumstances and personalities sometimes you have to be more of the 'mom' or adult. But I appreciated this group of friends and the way they lifted others and myself. And I think in order for that to happen we have to allow others to lift you.

God is aware of all his Children
I had so many people I needed to be aware of this semester whether it was friends, my Relief Society sisters, or my girls. But I found that when I was sometimes the busiest my presidency had stepped in and already accomplished something that I needed done, or someone else was sent to help the person in need. God always has a way to accomplish his work, and he will never let someone go without help. 

The Greatest Week! April 24-May 2

I didn't take a lot of pictures of the greatest week ever and I don't know if I can really explain why it was the greatest... but it was just so much fun! 

I kicked off finals week by leaving at midnight Monday morning and going to Cook Out with friends. Did we all have 8am finals? Yes. Did we blast Taylor Swift songs in the car till almost 2 in the morning? YES!

I definitely went to cook out again Monday night and goofed off in the library for forever. I've never had such a funny and fun finals week. I studied in groups a lot more and it seemed like we all helped each other and also just got really distracted. Like when three of my friends all had me download Fun Run Arena and we sat and played on separate phones but against each other in the library till 1am. Yup. HAHA!!

My finals all went really well though! 

It was also my last few days of work. I love these kids. I know I say it every blog post. I am just so grateful for them and so grateful for the wonderful ladies I have gotten to work with almost everyday. They are just amazing!


Its always bitter sweet to say goodbye to all my residents as well. This year was so different than last year! These girls were a lot more independent and didn't spend as much time in my room which was totally fine. But I loved talking to them and visiting them in their rooms! Watching them grow and learn about themselves is always so amazing.

Deciding not to be an RA again next year was a really difficult decision. It was something I felt for a little while but still went back and forth about till the very last possible second. I LOVED being an RA. I loved serving and watching over 24-28 girls. They kept me laughing and busy. I ADORE working with the other RA's and the Rogers and Tuttles. I loved growing and learning more about myself through them. It was definitely hard somedays. Oh yes it was hard. But I would never change it in a million years. I NEEDED to be an RA! I just love it!

Commencement is always so exciting and sad at the same time. I had so many friends that graduated this year. Brigham and Jared both spoke and they made me cry! I love them and the things they have taught me. I love singing Shenandoah all throughout the year but especially at Commencement on the front steps of Main Hall. It is something so special. 
 
 

I was walking around the day after Commencement and can I just reiterate how peaceful and amazing Southern Virginia University is? 


At the beginning of the year I hung up a whole bunch of pictures from Sophomore Year. That year was so hard and those pictures were there to remind me of who I had become and what I had endured. I loved the reminder and when I went to take it down I was really sad.. Obviously the pictures I will always have. But it was just kind of sad.


This was the ending of a huge season of my life. I have lived in the lofts every year I have attended SVU. I have been an RA two years in a row with a very similar routine. I have grown and cried and laughed till my stomach hurt in those rooms. It was my home. And It was so weird to pack and know I wasn't returning to that building. But also... a little exciting and terrifying.

One thing I will really miss? MY VIEW!


The last morning everyone was there the Rogers fed all the RA's breakfast. The Rogers are moving to Arizona and I am going to miss them and the opportunity to play with and watch Baby Marshall grow up! Here is an adorable picture of Marshall being one of the boys.


Also, shoutout to the bug catcher that has been with me since Sam made it my first semester. It has done well :) 


Shoutout to Chalae for being my travel buddy down to DC. I love this girl and learned so much from her every time we talk!


Now. 

Off to the first great summer adventure. AH!

The Greatest People I Have Every Met. April 17-23

The week before finals is the worst week of the whole year. And this semester's last week of classes was ROUGH.

But,

I am just full of love for the people around me. I LOVE these people. I love my friends and their support and amazing ability to make me laugh till it hurts. Let me give you some examples...

Cody Rogers

I was sitting in the library attempting to study when I get this text.

 

Thats right folks. I got handed pizza. It was the best!

Colby, Jessica, John John, Chalae

I was studying on my own...but like I said, I have some of the greatest friends ever. So of course I moved by them when they came in.

Lucy, Mariah, Anton

These three were my pilate partners in crime. Our mats were by each other everyday! And I mean everyday. We never missed once! (Except Mariah because she was dying one day). I love them and made them take a picture with me because I was going to miss working out with them twice a week! Also congrats Lucy on your pregnancy and Mariah and Anton getting married! Love these guys!

Raspberry Moosetrack Ice Cream

Yes. This is also one of my closest friends.

Lauren, Lauren, and Kamila

These girls rock! Heavenly Father knows who needs to be called to help keep a ward going. And in this case one Lauren wasn't enough. These girls were one step ahead always. I relied on them so much and grew from their testimonies, service, and examples. Thank you for being the best presidency members EVER!

Sarah Foster

This girl is great. She is wicked talented with a camera, has grown so much spiritually, one of my residents, and great friends. We are experts in the quick rant department. Love ya Sarah!

Leilani

This girl is one of the funniest people ever. I am going to miss her and her huge smile, but she is going to be one amazing missionary! Love ya Lei!

Jessica

I have learned so much from Jess this year. I work with her and she's in my ward. She is so aware of those around her, an amazing listener, and never fails to make me smile and laugh!

These are just a handful of the amazing people here at SVU that I get to call my friends and family.

This notification pops up every night. I don't think I could tell you the last time I listened to it...

Wednesday was the lip sync battle. 

Highlight: The one man Beauty and the Beast duet.

At one point I had to escape to the side of a building on campus to cram a little bit more for a test. You got to do what you got to do.

Other notable week activities:

Accolade concert and our pilates teacher taking the three of us that hadn't missed a class out to lunch where we found out we had a flat tire and had to get it fixed before we could return back to school haha!

It was the last Sunday as the 4th ward. I would be lying if I said I wasn't relieved...but it was also sad. I loved serving as Relief Society President. I feel like I could have done a lot more, but I think we always feel that way. I had an opportunity to really see the Lords work unfolding around me. 

 I learned that Gods work moves forward and that he is always there to help make up the difference when we are trying but come up a little short. Which we all do because we are human! I love these women. They taught and shared their testimonies endlessly.

I had the impression that I needed to write a note to every sister in my Relief Society. Even though it was an absolutely crazy week I did it! 47 notes later. Everyone is important and God knows us each individually. I loved writing those notes! They helped me think about each sister personally and how amazing they are!

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." 

-C.S Lewis

It was an absolutely hectic week, but I loved it. I smiled and laughed. I love my life. Its amazing!

 

The Lamb of God April 10-16

I love recognizing the tender mercies from the Lord. 

This week we had rehearsals or a performance for Lamb of God every night, but it was Spring Break for Montessori so we didn't have to go to work! Wahoo!!

Ra's and pretty weather!

To celebrate Heidi, Rebekah and I went to Sweet Treats Bakery for lunch. It is one of my favorite places in Lexington! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

After rehearsal on Monday I went yet again outside to call my family. Guys.. I am pretty positive I live in the pretty place in the world. 

 

Only texts an RA would receive. Haha gotta love it!

Rehearsals continued everyday. This show is just beautiful. I felt so blessed to spend almost 2 hours every night singing and testifying of my Savior. I learned so much and found myself crying multiple times. It was an amazing spirit and I saw that we all had so much to do, but we were giving time to share our testimonies and God made up the difference.

 

Wednesday night I went over to Alex's house and ate this delicious creation! Then we sat and watched all the Prince of Peace 2017 Easter Videos! They are soo good!

Thursday I received the greatest gift ever. MY FAMILY! When my mom told me she was flying out to see Lamb of God I said, "Im happy you are coming! But.. I really want my brother.." 

I walked into the gelato shop and BAM! There were Will and Camille! It was amazing!!!

I frequently get told I talk with my hands.. I never believe it until Will snapped all these pictures of me without me realizing it..

 
 

I went to the senior art show Thursday which was awesome! I am so grateful for the talented and amazing people I have met here. 

Friday I finished up with classes and than my family and I went up to Staunton. We went to the Wilford Woodrow Museum which was really cool! We went and got gelato at this delicious place called the Split Banana. Also, the whole museum is guided by sheep.
 

That night is when my family came and saw Lamb of God. It was so fun having family finally in the audience for one of my SVU choir performances! I was so grateful that they were there! Afterwords we needed dinner so we headed over to Cook out! After my family left I stayed with some friends and partied hard. 


I just find this very accurate!


Alright. So Sarah has been keeping me updated for almost two months on the progress of April the giraffe and her pregnancy. The day finally came where the baby was born! Sarah could not be prouder.


I love these siblings of mine! I had so much to get done but I would just go over to their hotel and hang out!



I was so sad that I had to say goodbye. But I am beyond grateful that my siblings surprised me! I love them so much!

This Easter was really special for me. I loved being able to sing and testify of Christ the whole week. I learned so much about my Savior and felt his love. I felt burdens that have weighed me down for a really long time lift off my shoulders. I felt peace and comfort in a way I haven't. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. That he came to earth to set an example, shed blood for my sins, and die so that I can return to my Heavenly Father. 







After church and before the last performance of Lamb of God, I got to just sit with friends and enjoy the sun. What a blessing these people are in my life!
 
 
 

My cute hall this year!


When I came to SVU I met two amazing women, Genny and Alex. They are literally my sisters. Their older sister Catherine came last year. They call me the fourth Stiles sister. I love these girls more than I can express in words! And this was our last time performing together because not all of us can do choir next year. Also, I think we totally all look a like!


My heart was so full this week! I love this church, SVU, the people in my life, and my family.

Happy Easter!