In just a few short weeks, my goodbyes will have been said, my room will be packed up, and I will be heading back to Chicago for the summer. It seems absolutely crazy that my freshman year is almost over. I remember events from August and September that feel like they happened just the other day. It feels impossible that this year is ending so soon.
They say time flies when you're having fun, and this certainly is the case for my freshman year. As I look at the past year, I think back to the amazing memories made with people I have grown so close to over such a short time. It is hard to sum up all that has happened, but I wanted to take today's post to share some of my most memorable moments of the past year. Here's a look back at my favorite memories (in no particular order):
Big/Little Reveal
I think this night will be one of my favorite memories of college. Meeting my big sister Emma in my sorority was one of the biggest blessings of the year. Amazingly, we became fast friends just a few weeks before big/little reveal. The week leading up to reveal, she, her big and grandbig tricked me into believing that I was not going to be in their "family." But, when I saw Emma holding a sign saying, "Welcome home, Kathleen," I was so happy and don't think I have ever run so quickly to hug someone. I am so thankful to be in such a close-knit family full of successful, kindhearted and talented women. These girls have become my closest friends and quite literally my "home away from home." Whether it is sitting at Dairy Queen for hours and talking or watching endless episodes of Gilmore Girls, many of my favorite memories from the year have been with this great group of friends.
Capstone Agency & CreateAthon
Applying for Capstone Agency during the fall was one of the best decisions I made this year. Capstone Agency is the student-run integrated marketing communications firm here on campus, and for the past year I have worked as a digital associate for my team's client. I love this real world experience and the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and passionate students. One of my favorite memories with Capstone Agency was the 24 hour marketing pro bono marathon we did to produce work for local nonprofits. It was a blast to work for an outstanding client, stay up late with new friends, and watch the sunrise from the top of the communications building. I have grown so much this past year in Capstone Agency and can't wait to see what next year brings.
Football Season
You may be rolling your eyes to hear me rave about Alabama football, but experiencing a season full of (almost) all wins and an overtime National Championship win created memorable gamedays and a fun school environment. From watching the opening game against FSU to attending the National Championship parade, each game consisted of a full stomach of southern food, long days of tailgating on the Quad, and watching the games with my closest friends.
Room 105
I ended up switching rooms between first and second semester. My best friend Julia's roommate transferred after first semester, so I moved downstairs in my building to live with my her. Living with my best friend means there is never a dull moment of the day. From conquering overflowing toilets to Disney sing-a-longs, being in the same room as Julia meant I was always laughing and always had someone to talk to after a long day. The endless small moments of fun made this semester fly by, and I am so thankful she will be living next door to me next year so our shenanigans will still be in full swing.
Industry Immersion Trip
Looking for some adventure and wanting to explore a future career, I applied for an Industry Immersion trip offered by the communications school at UA. I was so nervous getting on the plane, but spending the week in New York City was one of the highlights of my year. I fell in love with the city, became such close friends with the other students on the trip, and learned more than I could imagine about the communication field and what it's like to work in New York. The trip opened my eyes to the career possibilities in this field and provided networking opportunities with UA alum. I have also wanted to go to New York for years, so being able to be a tourist and explore the beautiful city was unforgettable.
There are countless other amazing moments from the semester, but these experiences shaped my year into a positive one where I grew on both a personal and professional level. I couldn't be more thankful for the people that came into my life this year and the doors that opened for me to get involved on campus. Here's to hoping that sophomore year tops this one!
What are your favorite memories of this past year?
xo,
Kathleen
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