lauren_wappelhorst

Happy New Years Eve!!

First off, I hope that everyone has a very safe New Years. This is the one night every year that my mother wants me as far away from the road as possible. Once the sun goes down she doesn't want anyone driving. It gets a little extreme, but I know that she means well. She doesn't want us to get hit by others, because some people are no considerate on New Years. The point is that I hope everyone is safe. I think that is one of the most important things to take into consideration when you are going into college. I am not here to preach about underage drinking or partying in general. I just hope and pray that you are safe about it. One bad decision could change your life forever. You can always get a DD or even call a cab. There is never an excuse not to. Even when it comes to cops, they just want you to be safe. Tonight I hope you remember all of the good times of 2010, but I hope you get ready for an amazing year! If you are getting ready to come to UIW next fall, then 2011 is YOUR year! I hope to see you this semester for visits and overnighters! Also, if you have a change TIME did some amazing lists of the top 10 in 2010. They have great news stories, photos, and even a list of top TWEETS. I know, I have never been into twitter, but if TIME writes about it, then maybe I will check it out this year.

Enjoy the countdown!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Today was a beautiful Christmas!! I haven't really been feeling the holiday season, because it has been so hot in San Antonio. However, today it was chilly. Ok, forget chilly. Today was cold. I brought one outfit home for Christmas Mass, and I completely regretted my decision this morning. I wore a dress. I followed the rules of dark colors, but it only went to my knees and it had short sleeves. I was freezing walking into the Church! It was great, though. Mass was beautiful, and I saw some friends from high school that I only get to see on those occasions when I come back home. Those are always fun, though. It's like going over the best highlights of the past year. My friend goes to UT, and always has these incredible internships. I found out today that they are probably going to take him on full time after graduation, so that was really exciting news!! I got to see my neighbor who graduated a few years before me and is now working as a teacher in Dallas. We saw a couple of families that have kids my sister's age, and my best friend from high school came over after Christmas dinner! We have this tradition of making burn lists and freezer lists for the New Year. I realize that today is only Christmas, but I am leaving back for San Antonio tomorrow, so we rocked a tradition a few days early. Coming home has been so relaxing and so delicious!! I am so thankful for the holidays, because now I feel like I am rested and can go into my final semester and really do my best. I hope everyone is having a great break! Happy Holidays and Safe Traveling!

Graduation Packet

This semester has been a whirlwind preparing for graduation, but I can now sit and take a deep breath. I got my official audit back this week through my Cardinal Mail. A few months ago, our application for graduation packets were due. I had been dreading the packet for weeks, but it turned out to be an extremely easy process. All you have to do is turn in a form saying when you plan on graduating and with what degree. Then the amazing office that is the Registrar's, does the rest of the work for you. They go through all of the classes that you have ever taken and let you know what you need your last semester. It is actually a very great thing that I got my audit back before the next semester starts up, because I misinterpreted my class needs. I signed up for far more hours than I need. This is exciting!! Instead of being stressed about not having what I need to graduate, I can drop a couple of classes and really focus on graduation next semester. It has been an interesting few months, and I am finally into the phase where EVERYONE asks me what I plan to do in May when I finish. This has forced me to start putting major thought into post grad. There are several options, which at times can make my head spin. I am looking into travel, seasonal work, MAYBE a permanent job, and volunteer work. I will expand on all of those as I get more information. It's my last semester at the WORD, and I plan to soak up every moment of it!!