Stolen from Meghann.
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? Well, I didn’t have any single moment of greatness, but probably the most exciting moment (MOMENT) was when my UVM coach finally told me I was definitely going to be put on both the indoor roster and the outdoor roster. That was pretty awesome. When I first arrived at UVM, I just assumed I had an automatic spot on the team (seeing as I was more or less recruited by the coach), so officially making the team was a huge relief. This is the single best thing which happened during 2011. Growing my relationship with Ms. Monteith is easily the most important…well, thing. Our relationship is so much more than a thing, though, and it didn’t just happen, so I don’t see it as an appropriate answer to this question.
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? I had several extreme disappointments last year. First, I was coming off a terribly upsetting break up with a girl I was pretty much obsessed with. Second, despite my incessant efforts, I didn’t qualify for indoor or outdoor nationals, and at the end of my high school season, my PR was about a foot and a half lower than I wanted it to be. Third, I didn’t get into any of the schools I actually wanted to go to. This was a crushing blow, especially since I was told by so many people (especially my freaking good for nothing ‘guidance counselor’) that I would be going on to a some impressive university. Oh well.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? Hmm. Getting 5s on all of my AP tests was a definite and somewhat unexpected bonus.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? Well, honestly, I haven’t found many awesome new friends at UVM. I mean, not that I was expecting to, but I would love to just find a group of adventuresome, moral, fun loving, knowledge seeking friends at UVM so I could plug in with them. This is really the only reason I would ever consider going to a Christian College. Living out my faith at UVM has been somewhat of a challenge, but not more so than high school.
5. Pick three words to describe 2011. This is useless question/request.
6. What were the best books you read this year? Uh, the Bible, obviously. But seriously, Paradise Lost was pretty eye opening. I haven’t read nearly as much recently as I would have liked though…
7. With whom were your most valuable relationships? Sarah. It is important to evaluate a person holistically, like a package, almost, right? Especially a girlfriend. And what amazes me is how well Sarah does in every category (Sorry for sounding like such an engineer, but I’m not sure how else to put this). Emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, intellectually…she is like a best friend, a girlfriend, and almost like a cousin or something, as she gets along soooo well with all of my family members. She rocks.
8. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? I wouldn’t say I’ve changed very much. My approach run is soooo much more technically proficient, it’s not even funny. Seriously, that might be my biggest change.
9. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I don’t know.
10. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I was extremely spiritually active this last semester, so that was awesome. I’d say I’m a little bolder in my faith, in so far as I care less about what those around me think when it comes to MY PERSONAL FAITH.
11. In what way(s) did you grow physically? Actually…I’ve shrunk. The strength and conditioning which I have done at UVM is extremely different from what I did through Mansfield Athletics last December through March. I’m pretty sure my February 2011 self could beat up my January 2012 self. I did soooo much more lifting at the beginning of the year.
12. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? My relationship with Sarah has grown tremendously; I truly appreciate her for who she is more and more every day. My relationships with many of my other friends, though, have back-slidden. Especially with Cullen. Despite that he has lived less than a quarter mile from me for the last five months, I just haven’t put the effort in to maintain the relationship. I’m not worried about it though. We’ll bounce back.
13. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Working at Chevalier Drilling over most of the summer was a huge joy. I worked with my uncles, I learned tons, and it was a great experience. It is the kind of job which I probably wouldn’t want to do forever, and it was an extremely inconvenient one, but I want to go back next summer, as I still have soooo much to learn from my uncles. They’re all geniuses.
Now, because these questions were probably written for the working age individual, I will count my academics as my work. First off, My senior year education at CVU was absolutely fantastic. I can’t imagine it being any better. Seriously. (OK, AP physics was kind of a joke sometimes, but I still got a lot out of it). My schedule was challenging, but one lesson I have learned is that I have the ability to rise to any challenge presented to me (so far, anyway). Academics at UVM have been a little disappointing, but I’m assuming semester 2 will be a little more challenging and invigorating. We shall seeeeee.
14. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? As far as working at Chevalier’s goes, all the driving was a pain in the butt. It as like 50 minutes to the HQ every morning, then I was on the road for most of the day. Academics were not overly challenging, as aforementioned.
15. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Eh. probably Facebook. I’m generally pretty good about wasting time though.
16. What was the best way you used your time this past year? I am generally pretty good at being productive, so academics, pole vaulting, time with Sarah, spending time at camp, working, mini ball, etc…
17. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? Awe man, I don’t think I can just come up with the biggest thing I’ve learned. I’m gonna come back to this one…
All in all, 2011 was an extremely good year, I am an extremely happy individual, and I am an extremely blessed individual. That is all. Thank you.
