August, 2025

Summer Sun Safety Month - sunscreen is a good thing, y'all!

Highlights

August 3-6th I was at my final dog- and house-sitting job.

The 13th was my last day interning at Whitewater Financial. I had a great exit interview where I learned things about myself that I had never realized before. I truly enjoyed my work at WFC. I learned so many interesting things, I got to meet some very nice people, and I loved the work. I am very grateful for the opportunity!
It is also the day that I met with one of my best friends and we went hiking and caught up after our very busy and different summers.

Early on the 17th, my mom and I headed to Chattanooga. We arrived on the mountain in time to attend church at Rock Creek Fellowship, my church when at school. I was also able to meet the nursery coordinator to start the process of volunteering to help out there. After church, mom and I drove up the Covenant, I got checked it, we moved my things into my new room - the Halcyon four-man - and then we went to Mr. T’s for lunch of pizza and ice cream. Then mom dropped me back at campus and we said goodbye until the whole family comes back for Homecoming in September.
I started to unpack and rearrange my furniture because I knew I wouldn’t have much time the coming week to do much set-up.

Beginning at 6 in the morning, I was up Monday through Friday (the 18th through the 22nd) for work. My job on campus is with the Grounds Department. Monday through Thursday I worked from 7:30 am to 5 pm with an hour break at noon for lunch. We worked hard and by lunch on Wednesday, all of campus had been completed. Of course, everyone on our six-person crew was worn out after that hectic pace but we also were very proud of our work and felt great about ourselves.

On the 19th, the international freshmen moved in, and I got see my friend Eris again. Emily and I hosted her back in February for Scholarship Weekend, and now she is a freshman living on our sister-hall! That evening, I went over to her room and met one of her roommates and some of her friends.

On the 22nd, the rest of the freshmen moved in, including several people that I know: my friend Stephen from church, Elizabeth’s brothers David and William, Elijah’s brother Noah, and another friend’s brother also named William. That evening, Stephen’s family invited me to join them for dinner off the mountain - which was very nice as the Great Hall line was ridiculous and has been since the freshmen got here. It was also good to hang out them, they are all good friends.

My friend (and Caroline’s boyfriend) Elijah also moved back on the 22nd, and after work on the 25th I helped Elijah pick flowers from around campus to give to Caroline when she moved back on the 26th.

Everyone moved back on the 26th and at 6 pm, the whole room was back together. The final room arrangements were finished that day and the next, though even as I write this it isn’t completely finished yet, but it is very close, and it is already so cute!

Classes started on the 28th and the 71st Convocation with the largest freshmen class in the history of the college was also on that Thursday. It was just as amazing as the first time last year!

The evening of the 28th, I had my first DA training session, and I am so much more excited to be Halcyon’s DA!! We will be studying 1 Thessalonians beginning midway through September and the Halcyon Prayer Hour will be starting up beginning in September as well.

Writing

Sadly, but not surprising, I didn’t do any writing in August.

Reading, Music, and Cinema

I brought the World of Warcraft book to campus with me, so at some point soon I plan on starting it. The only other books I’ve been reading have been schoolbooks.

My Theme Songs playlist has basically been on repeat this month, with songs changing - some added, and some removed - every few days. I like the idea of a theme songs play list that reflects my overall mood and mindset as time goes on. It’s been an interesting way of processing how I’m feeling through song.

Common Place Quotes

Olivia, playing Exploding Kittens: boom, I'm dead. winks but wait, NOT! slams down a diffuse card and cackles

"I hate that I have to get up at 6 tomorrow. I just want to wander campus in my cloak and be mysterious." - Me

"I wish water was colored or at least not wet." - Me

“The final is blank because I just didn’t want to put forth the effort to the find the date. Deal.” - Dr. Bunn

“Bunnies are fluff surrounding a heart of love. That’s not poetry, that’s science.” David F

Looking Forward

In September, classes will be in full swing and Bible study will start. Homecoming is also in September, so I’ll be able to see and hangout with my family for that weekend.

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1) Leeli loaf. 2) cool mushrooms. 3-4) my many hexagons....and yet there are still more to be made. 5) Olivia and I played around with the telescope one afternoon. 6-7) a friendly turtle from Elachie and selfie with Savannah! 8) I'm going to miss my Leeli. 9) All my things packed and ready to go.

1) Move-in day #2 photo in the elevator. 2-4) Sunrise pictures before work. 5) cool clouds. 6) Eris and her friends; we played a game together before I went to bed. It was great to meet them all! 6-9) Elijah looking for flowers for Caroline behind Carter. He didn't need much help from me, just a boost in his confidence. But I was happy to help.

1) August weather on the mountain is weird.... 2) The eagle has landed, and the President arrived safely on the morning of the 26th. 3) Caroline was not too far behind. (Not pictured because I apparently forgot to get a photo, Emily also arrived on the 26th safe and sound.) 4) a rather stubborn tea bag. It refused to sink into my hot water.