Out with the old; In with the new
Today is the first day of the new year. I'm so excited because it's a new year to learn from mistakes, take on bigger challenges, and experience wonderful surprises along the way. Last year, has probably been the first year I actually stuck to my new year's resolution. It may not have been consistent, but at least I was able to continue on with it. My 2 main resolutions: that my life would reflect Jesus and that I would try new things. I would say that sometimes the two would correlate (depending on the circumstance), accomplishing both resolutions at once!! lol. So here were somethings that really made an impact in my life in the past year:
1. Valentines Day cards
I don't know what compelled me to do this, but I decided to buy those boxes of Valentine cards,write bible verses on them that relate to love, and hand them out to random people on campus. I also had some candy and I gave those away to. I think what I was thinking was that some people tend to not receive anything on that day and I just wanted them to feel a little special--that they are loved and thought of in a unique way. And many times, it's just nice to do something for someone, especially to those you don't know.
2. I drank alcohol for the first time in my life
I turned 24 last year and you may think it surprising that all this time I haven't had one sip of alcohol since I legally turned 21. Drinking is not really my thing and I had no desire to even try. So last year was the first time I actually tried it, while I had dinner with a friend. I didn't like the taste...it tastes bitter. I thought to myself, "I don't know how anyone can be an alcoholic...this stuff is gross." I couldn't even finish my glass, lol. I tried alcohol a few times after that, at a cruise and while on our family vacation. The time I drank/tried alcohol at the family vacation was at a winery. So we tried different wines and they were gross. I only liked the slushy fruit kind because it was a little sweeter, but still...gross. The time at the cruise was probably my worst experience. Since it was our second time taking this particular cruise line, they decided to show an appreciation event for all the "loyal" customers by giving out complementary drinks. I had maybe a few glasses (because I was surprised it was pretty sweet). Afterwards, we were heading to dinner but I felt really sick. I felt hot and cold at the same time and my stomach was hurting so bad. I felt like I needed to throw up. We later realized that I hadn't eaten anything prior to "drinking" so my stomach absorbed the alcohol pretty quickly. UGH! Never again!!
3. I graduated with my bachelor's in Social Work
I consider this a big milestone for me because I've lasted 6 years in college!! I had thought that I would only be there for 4 years...but obviously I was wrong, lol. My whole college experience had been pretty interesting. The most memorable were the last 3 years. That was the time I switched from nursing to social work. All my life I honestly believed nursing was my calling, but when I actually got into the FIU nursing program, that all changed. I failed 2 nursing courses and got kicked out of the program. I was so lost, confused, and discouraged. For a year I had no idea what I was going to be doing for the rest of my life. I considered working in retail (to pay for an LPN program I could apply to) and/or work with Disney! lol. The possibilities were endless but my parents were apprehensive of big dreams since they're all about practicality, which is understandable. My mom told me that all they really wanted was for me to finish school with a college degree. She found social work in the FIU course catalog and suggested I apply for the program. Although I had no prior experience or exposure to the social work field, I went ahead and applied. Surprisingly, I got in and registered for my classes. Mind you, this was already a year after I dropped the nursing program. On my first day in an intro class to social work...I fell in love with the profession. I felt like this was the perfect place for me and that social work was my true calling!! I can't begin to explain the most wonderful, amazing, and awesome experiences and opportunities God has opened up since switching majors. All I can say is that God has His fingerprints on everything!
4. Started an Epic Movement on Campus
Last spring semester, I met with my discipler from Cru@FIU and we talked about my plans for ministry after I graduate. Somehow, as we were talking and planning, we came up with starting an Epic Ministry at FIU, as part of the subministries of Cru. Epic's focus and aim is to reach out to the Asian community on campus and to develop & cultivate Christ followers. Since the summer, it has grown and it is an amazing thing to God's hand in and through it all.
5. I dyed my hair and shaved my legs for the first time
It might not be such a big deal, but I've never done them before. I made a ridiculous vow that I wouldn't do any of these until I got married....Yea, that was a tad foolish to think that way, lol.
6. Applied and got into grad school for Social Work
Umm, so I would have never ever imagined I'd be going to school for a higher degree than my bachelors. I would have never tried and applied if God wasn't in the center of it all. That's all I can say. :]
7. I became a Big Panda to two Little Pandas for ASU
ASU started this Big/Little Panda program since last year. So, last year I was considered a little panda to an older member of the club. It might not mean much because they don't stress it to much. But when I got the opportunity to be a Big Panda to two littles, I used the opportunity to really get to know my littles a little better and to be an example to them. (Btw, by height my two littles are not so little, lol). At the end of fall semester, we've bonded so well.
8. Attended a Cru Fall conference & tried skim boarding
Ever since I was a part of Cru@FIU, I never attended the fall conference...which they constantly promote every year. Praise God I was able to attend. And this was a first for me, I decided to also try other new things. One of those new things included skimboarding. It is so much harder than it looks. I fell 3 out of 3 times. At least I tried.
9. Did a personal video testimony
Sometimes, when I meet people face-to-face, I feel comfortable enough to share my personal testimony about how God has been working in my life. This year, I took it to a whole new level with Cru@FIU. Not only will my video be shown to all my friends and family, but it will be posted on youtube for the whole world to see. The idea behind this project is not to bring the attention to myself, but to see God's amazing power working through my own life story.
10. Became vegan/vegetarian for about 6 weeks
If you read my previous posts while doing this diet, you would know all about my experiences on that. Even though I am not strictly following the diet anymore, I learned so much about how important it is to watch what I eat. Since then, I've been avoiding as much pork and beef as possible.
11. Met and spent some time with some really incredible people
This seems really vague and uncommon, but I've really treasured the times I met new people and actually spent the time to talk with them. I was able to share my life story and hear of their own story as well! Through the year, I've learned that I must really continue to take the time to be genuine and authentic in my relationships with others! :]
1. Valentines Day cards
I don't know what compelled me to do this, but I decided to buy those boxes of Valentine cards,write bible verses on them that relate to love, and hand them out to random people on campus. I also had some candy and I gave those away to. I think what I was thinking was that some people tend to not receive anything on that day and I just wanted them to feel a little special--that they are loved and thought of in a unique way. And many times, it's just nice to do something for someone, especially to those you don't know.
2. I drank alcohol for the first time in my life
I turned 24 last year and you may think it surprising that all this time I haven't had one sip of alcohol since I legally turned 21. Drinking is not really my thing and I had no desire to even try. So last year was the first time I actually tried it, while I had dinner with a friend. I didn't like the taste...it tastes bitter. I thought to myself, "I don't know how anyone can be an alcoholic...this stuff is gross." I couldn't even finish my glass, lol. I tried alcohol a few times after that, at a cruise and while on our family vacation. The time I drank/tried alcohol at the family vacation was at a winery. So we tried different wines and they were gross. I only liked the slushy fruit kind because it was a little sweeter, but still...gross. The time at the cruise was probably my worst experience. Since it was our second time taking this particular cruise line, they decided to show an appreciation event for all the "loyal" customers by giving out complementary drinks. I had maybe a few glasses (because I was surprised it was pretty sweet). Afterwards, we were heading to dinner but I felt really sick. I felt hot and cold at the same time and my stomach was hurting so bad. I felt like I needed to throw up. We later realized that I hadn't eaten anything prior to "drinking" so my stomach absorbed the alcohol pretty quickly. UGH! Never again!!
3. I graduated with my bachelor's in Social Work
I consider this a big milestone for me because I've lasted 6 years in college!! I had thought that I would only be there for 4 years...but obviously I was wrong, lol. My whole college experience had been pretty interesting. The most memorable were the last 3 years. That was the time I switched from nursing to social work. All my life I honestly believed nursing was my calling, but when I actually got into the FIU nursing program, that all changed. I failed 2 nursing courses and got kicked out of the program. I was so lost, confused, and discouraged. For a year I had no idea what I was going to be doing for the rest of my life. I considered working in retail (to pay for an LPN program I could apply to) and/or work with Disney! lol. The possibilities were endless but my parents were apprehensive of big dreams since they're all about practicality, which is understandable. My mom told me that all they really wanted was for me to finish school with a college degree. She found social work in the FIU course catalog and suggested I apply for the program. Although I had no prior experience or exposure to the social work field, I went ahead and applied. Surprisingly, I got in and registered for my classes. Mind you, this was already a year after I dropped the nursing program. On my first day in an intro class to social work...I fell in love with the profession. I felt like this was the perfect place for me and that social work was my true calling!! I can't begin to explain the most wonderful, amazing, and awesome experiences and opportunities God has opened up since switching majors. All I can say is that God has His fingerprints on everything!
4. Started an Epic Movement on Campus
Last spring semester, I met with my discipler from Cru@FIU and we talked about my plans for ministry after I graduate. Somehow, as we were talking and planning, we came up with starting an Epic Ministry at FIU, as part of the subministries of Cru. Epic's focus and aim is to reach out to the Asian community on campus and to develop & cultivate Christ followers. Since the summer, it has grown and it is an amazing thing to God's hand in and through it all.
5. I dyed my hair and shaved my legs for the first time
It might not be such a big deal, but I've never done them before. I made a ridiculous vow that I wouldn't do any of these until I got married....Yea, that was a tad foolish to think that way, lol.
6. Applied and got into grad school for Social Work
Umm, so I would have never ever imagined I'd be going to school for a higher degree than my bachelors. I would have never tried and applied if God wasn't in the center of it all. That's all I can say. :]
7. I became a Big Panda to two Little Pandas for ASU
ASU started this Big/Little Panda program since last year. So, last year I was considered a little panda to an older member of the club. It might not mean much because they don't stress it to much. But when I got the opportunity to be a Big Panda to two littles, I used the opportunity to really get to know my littles a little better and to be an example to them. (Btw, by height my two littles are not so little, lol). At the end of fall semester, we've bonded so well.
8. Attended a Cru Fall conference & tried skim boarding
Ever since I was a part of Cru@FIU, I never attended the fall conference...which they constantly promote every year. Praise God I was able to attend. And this was a first for me, I decided to also try other new things. One of those new things included skimboarding. It is so much harder than it looks. I fell 3 out of 3 times. At least I tried.
9. Did a personal video testimony
10. Became vegan/vegetarian for about 6 weeks
If you read my previous posts while doing this diet, you would know all about my experiences on that. Even though I am not strictly following the diet anymore, I learned so much about how important it is to watch what I eat. Since then, I've been avoiding as much pork and beef as possible.
11. Met and spent some time with some really incredible people
This seems really vague and uncommon, but I've really treasured the times I met new people and actually spent the time to talk with them. I was able to share my life story and hear of their own story as well! Through the year, I've learned that I must really continue to take the time to be genuine and authentic in my relationships with others! :]
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