Hello friends,

It has been way too long since I last wrote; August to be exact. Need I remind you, this is January of a new year. I am absolutely ridiculous!

Anyways, I figured I would share what’s new and exciting in my life because a lot has changed over the course of a semester. Since I last wrote in August, I have completed my second to last semester of graduate school at the University of South Carolina, managed to land myself a 4.0 for the semester, established some pretty awesome friendships, presented at a regional conference with one of my best friends, ran two 5Ks, ran one 10K, got talked into registering for a half marathon, and moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Whewwww. It has been one long, stressful, and anxious semester, but going into the best holiday of the year (Christmas) so many prayers were answered. I couldn’t be more humbled, grateful, and appreciative.

Now, allow me to break down my list a bit. I have ONE semester left of graduate school. For those that don’t already know, I am in the Higher Education and Student Affairs master’s program at the University of South Carolina. Anyone considering higher education as a profession should seriously consider the HESA program at USC. I have absolutely loved my experience, and have met the most amazing people and established the greatest friendships. Anyways, I only have two elective courses and a comprehensive exam standing between me and graduation! I see the finish line, but it’s safe to say I have a pretty bad cramp in my side hindering my motivation to run any faster. Regardless, here’s to hoping this semester will be as good as others!

The second point about having a 4.0 doesn’t really need any elaboration. I was mostly just excited that I pulled it off because I was certain a 4.0 wasn’t in my future when I submitted my last research paper. Haha.

Friendships. Friends play an enormous role in my life. I have learned so many life lessons from my friendships. I made some amazing friends at the University of Tampa while I was an undergrad. Shout out to all my Spartans! Sorry for not keeping in touch the way a good friend would, but please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers always! My friends in HESA are some of my closest… shout out to all my Gamecocks! A very very special shout out to JB, KJ, CBall, Phillip, Asian, Ry, Laura, Andrew, Kate, LoCo, Jackilla, and Hayley. Another big shout out to  Romey, Carlier, Beggs, Katie, Jewels, Samurai, Humphrey, Denny, and Gilly. I know I am missing people… no hard feelings please. I am just so unbelievably blessed by the friendships listed and not listed. Taking it back a bit, I am so grateful that my friendships from high school are still flourishing. Through the weird days as teenagers, high school graduation, going away to college, college graduation, the summers in between, the parties in Cincinnati, and the always memorable riding parties- we’ve been through it all together friends! I love you all so much. Last, I am so excited for the friendships to come with colleagues, neighbors, classmates, and friends of friends here in Louisville.

I promise I’m trying to keep this short and sweet… well, drop the short and keep the sweet. 🙂 Moving on to the next bullet point on my list of updates: running. Oh, running! Running and I have a love hate relationship. I absolutely hate it while I’m doing it, but the feeling after a long run is so exhilarating. Anyways, one of my dear friends (Amanda) talked me into running a half marathon. I am so glad she talked me into it because I’ve always wanted to run a marathon… so this will be a GREAT pre-cursor. Haha. With a gallant effort to get in shape and start running more, I completed two 5 Ks and a 10K this past semester. I ran all three races straight through (minus a short walk to during the 10K). For me, it was a huge accomplishment, and I am super excited for the half in April. Wish me luck!

Last, but certainly not least, I moved to Louisville, Kentucky two weeks before Christmas! I applied for a full-time position working with Housing and Residence Life at the University of Louisville, but unfortunately did not get the position. However, the Director of Housing decided to offer me a graduate assistantship working directly with her and the leadership team for the spring semester. My goal was to be job searching in the Louisville area, so the opportunity was perfect! I am extremely excited to have been offered the graduate assistantship position. I am finishing my last two electives at the University of Louisville while I work as a graduate assistant for Housing and Residence Life. 

I have a feeling 2014 is going to be another great year! But then again, it’s all in our attitude, right?! If you keep up the positivity, do what you need to make a change, and commit to making yourself and others happy- then 2014 will be your year, too! Praying that God answers your prayers, and wishing you all the happiest this new year.

With love,

Court