First post, new life chapter

Hello friends,

It's been so long since I've written a blog post that I can't even remember the old blog address. Perhaps it's a good thing, because I'm just beginning a new chapter in life. Fair warning, this will be a lengthy post, but I hope you still get something out of this rambling post.

As most of you know, I recently graduated with my Masters in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport (Sport Psychology) from the University of Utah. In the weeks since receiving my diploma that officially deems me a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, I've spent most of the time reflecting on my time at the U. From an out-of-state freshmen on the Honors Floor in 802 Chapel Glen to becoming President of The MUSS to struggling to write a thesis in grad school to my final Masters presentation on student leadership, one could say that I got the most out of my time at Utah. Recently, a friend asked me a simple, yet significant question: "What will you miss most about it all?"

A quick side note. While serving on the MUSS Board and Student Alumni Board, one tradition that begins ever meeting is something we call a "Favorite Utah Moment." One board member is asked to tell the rest of the board their favorite moment while at Utah. It is open to the presenter's interpretation, but most of the time people mention the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, 2009 Sugar Bowl, or the moment they knew they made the right choice in attending the University of Utah.  I've been blessed with enough special moments that I could probably give a different memory for every meeting I've ever attended. 

But what will I miss the most? Out of everything I ever participated in, all the ups and downs, all of the amazing opportunities presented before me, how could I ever decide on what I would miss the most?

For those of you who know me pretty well, my answer should not surprise you. Quite simply, I will miss the relationships. I love just sitting down with someone and listening to their story. I have so many wonderful friends from so many different circles from not only at Utah, but from my entire life. Everybody has a story that brought them to where they are in that moment. Yet, just like an iceberg or a book, most people only see what's on top without diving into the depth that is a person. Naturally, I have some friends that I am closer with than others, but I still feel like I have a genuine connection with most people. From my freshmen friends to MUSS board/SAB friends to grad school friends to my favorite Pi Phis, I love that I have so many friends all over the place. 

I will miss being able to go just about anywhere on campus and running into someone I know and making each other's day just by saying hello with a hug. I will miss getting to meetings early and leaving late because I get to hang out with my favorite people. I do not make friends simply just to have another friend to add on Facebook, and I sincerely hope that those who have met me know that. There are few things in life that I enjoy more than seeing someone light up when I say hi to them. Even more so, there are few feelings more rewarding in my life than a friend surprising me by telling me that I am one of the reasons they loved some part of the U. 

Everybody wants just feel like they belong somewhere, so I always make it a point to make others feel like they are in a place where they are comfortable. I didn't hang out with everyone all the time, no one can, but I hope that people felt like they could open up and talk to me if they needed a friend to lean on. To everyone I worked alongside with during my time at the U, I hope I made you feel as welcome as I felt around you. As sincerely as I can express in text, thank you for everything.

If you made it this far, thanks for humoring me. Leave a comment or something if you have thoughts on this and/or topics you'd like me to write about!