Leaving but never Forgetting

On May 18th I graduated from my undergraduate Alma Mater: William Jewell College.  

Receiving my diploma from the President of William Jewell College, Dr. Sallee.
Photo credit: Kyle Rivas

I have been blessed to get to know the Sallees over the past four years.
Photo Credit Kyle Rivas

High School was not what I would have liked it to be so it was a humbling experience to attend a new school where I could not only be myself but also feel at home.  At Jewell, we are a community and it is a community that I am going to miss after graduation.  Never before have I been surrounded by such an amazing group of peers and mentors to guide and mold me into the person I have become over the past four years.  

During graduation with my fellow graduates!
Having a last name that starts with a "B" put me right up in front for the action!
Photo credit: Kyle Rivas

On my last day at Jewell I wore one of my favorite William Jewell College shirts, had breakfast with my favorite senior women, engaged in conversation about evolution and educational reform, had lunch with my favorite mentors, and took my last final at this beautiful school.  The reality had set in that the next Fall I would not be returning to my home upon a hill but rather onto other campuses across the country.  On this day, in particular, it was difficult to hold back the tears and I often did so unsuccessfully.   It was my last day before graduation and I was a big ball of emotions.  

While I'm going to miss it dearly I also know this school has prepared me thoroughly for what is on the path ahead of me.  Jewell has a funny way of doing that sometimes.  

There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. ~ C.S. Lewis

I love this school.

Here are some great photos from the day!

Cardinal is her color; 

Jewell is her name. 

High upon a hill she stands, 

And we will fight to keep her fame. 

Loyalty, allegiance, Alma Mater true, 

We will love thee, serve thee forever, 

William Jewell.

Photos are courtesy of Kyle Rives or my sister, Roberta Harvey

Great Example

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Today, I witnessed one of the best leadership acts from the head of facilities at my school.  He was in conversation with a woman working for the college and she asked if the back door could be unlocked during business hours so they could use it.  After this request, the head of facilities finds a nearby chair and makes the call right then and there to resolve the issue.  This struck me because he is a very busy man who took the time to listen and care.  More importantly, he resolved it right away rather than saying, "Oh, I'll take care of that later" which is a common response of busy leaders.  

He gets it.  

He has mastered the skill of taking the time when you have it and not pushing it to the back burner just because it's not an emergency.  

I am blessed to be surrounded by such strong leaders.  

Here's to Another Good Year

Here's to another year in this wonderful world! 

2012 was a year of immense learning and growing as a women and as a leader. It was also one of great heartache and great joy.  This is definitely not a year I am going to forget anytime soon and I look forward to what the next year will bring.

This is 2012 for Grace in pictures.

January:

 Welcomed some wonderful women into our sisterhood.
  

My Alphie became a hit sensation!
  

February:

Attended DLC in our own District V and got to know some
 great women from Alpha Gamma Chapter at Mizzou!

Also, this little baby kitten joined my life.

March:

Initiated my first group of women as President
(sorry no photo) and volunteered with our new Deltas at
Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City

April:

Gamma Nu Chapter hosted RMH week and Change a Child's Life.

Also, I got to sing on stage with Graham Colton!  Best April ever!

May:

Attended Black Diamond with my lovely sisters!

Then I got to see some pretty great women graduate.

June:

Celebrated a great 21st birthday.

And I started Human Physiology as my summer course which was my favorite class yet!

July:

July: Marked another off my bucket list.
Read about it here: Glow Run 5k

Most importantly, I attended Leadership Seminar on behalf of my chapter.

I met and was able to dine with a wonderful past 

International Grand Council President: Mrs. Goddard!
A very humbling experience.

August:

 Had to say goodbye to Miss Wall as she
headed off to her adventure in the cold North.

Served on the greatest Orientation Team ever.

September:

Planned and implemented the Gala Silent Auction for the
Harriman-Jewell Series with the help of these wonderful women.

In the same week I also served on Homecoming Court for William Jewell.

October:

Attended Mallard Ball with this man and celebrated our 2 and a half year!

Then Celebrated Halloween with ice cream and my dear friend AuBree.

November:

Gamma Nu Chapter hosted RMH week with a
Powderpuff Tournament and Pop Tab Poker.

FINALLY got to meet my dear Long Distance Diamond Sister (second from the left) and spent some time with my dear friend, Taylor, who moved to Wyoming.
Oh, and not mention my favorite Mr. Graham Colton!

Ended the month of November with Lighting of the Quad, my favorite tradition!

December:

 LOVE Christmas and this large Santa in Semple Hall!

Ended the year with a bang by a trip to Florida for Christmas!

The year of 2012 was a great year but I believe 2013 will be even greater!

three down, one to go

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Three years at Jewell are almost over.  The best three years of my life thus far.  My final year at this beautiful place is planned out to the credit hour, extracurricular activities, and when to apply for future endeavors.  

It's surreal, this feeling of organization and plan because I am one of the few that loves and braces change.  As one of my very good friends said to me recently, "You're all about change!"   While I do not know exactly what I will be doing after graduation, I do know that I'm taking a year off to explore the world around me.  This has been a difficult decision for me to make because my fellow pre-med Jewellians will all be heading to Medical School in Fall 2013 while I will be ever learning.  Seemingly, left behind.

With my year off, I want to travel, be pushed outside of my comfort zone every day.  I want to partake in scientific research.  I want to watch some surgeries.  I want to love on the people around me.  I want to "study abroad" if you will.    Throughout my college years I have always been slightly jealous of my peers who have had the opportunity to study abroad but I know in my heart of hearts my place has always been at Jewell.  There has always been work for me on this campus and I know I made the right decision by staying in the states.  

More than anything, I am excited for the opportunities on the road ahead.  

Here's to the last month of my third year at Jewell and summer waiting soon after.