Friday, June 15, 2012

Summer Lovin', Havin' a Blast

It's done. The first week of summer is done, high school is done, my life in the public school system of my district is DONE. Oh, except my education continues at the U of M Morris this fall! On to bigger and better things, right? I sure hope so. I graduated high school last Thursday, June 7th. It already feels like a year ago, and I can't believe it's all gone, just like that. I think the perfect word to describe this time of my life would be none other than bittersweet. Gosh, I can't imagine what I'll be like after I graduate college...

Just to update everyone, I started volunteering at my local library, shelving books and whatnot. It's wonderful. The two women I work with are just the sweetest stereotypical Minnesotans I have ever met. You know the kind of people that just make you feel all warm inside? I just met them for a few hours, and I felt like family. That just makes my day a whole lot better, and I'm excited to see what this summer at the library brings for me.

In other news, I'm completely enjoying my summer before college. The weather here in Minnesota has been gorgeous so far, and I've got a whole stack of books just waiting to be read. I hope you all are enjoying your summer as well. : )

Yes, these are my feet, and no, that is not a tattoo...
I got free henna at the "Senior All-Night Party"!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The End of Something and the Beginning of Something

Oops, sorry about that promise I made in the last post...looks like I owe you guys a bunch of posts this summer! I just thought I'd give you all an update into my life. It's been crazy...literally. Warning: Long Post Ahead.

May 4th: My last violin recital. Thursday lessons from 4:30-5:30pm ended on May 3rd, 2012, with my wonderful violin teacher, Don. He's been such an inspiration in my life. It was sad to end it, but my final recital was one of my best solo performances ever. I played Accolay's Violin Concerto in A minor. Look it up; it's a beautiful piece.

May 18th: Registered for college classes! My schedule consists of Spanish Conversation/Composition/Culture, Chamber Orchestra, Scenic Design (Theatre), War and Terrorism, Physical Geology, and Social Revolutions in 20th Century Latin America. You may be wondering, "what's the plan, Laura?" Great question, readers. To be honest, I've been planning, planning, planning for college like CRAZY since Junior High. Now that it's here, I'm freaking out. So far, the plan is to do a double-major in International Relations (I have to self-design it!) and Spanish and get a minor in Global Business. That, plus studying abroad a few times, clubs, orchestra, working...so hang on guys, you're in for a ride. Things are about to get interesting.


By the way, I took these pictures with
my fabulous new DSLR! I'm officially obsessed.
June 2nd: Brought 200 red velvet cupcakes to a friend's wedding that I baked a couple days earlier. Also attended by best friend's grad party. Senior year is coming to a close...

June 3rd: Final Student Council banquet at a local park. Five years of being in Student Council, working in committees, setting up for dances, countless Blood Drives...all done.

June 4th: Academic Awards Night. I got to see one of my favorite teachers being inducted into the Hall of Fame for my town (Ms. Sten-Rog, you rock!). Also won a $1,000 scholarship for a violin solo recording I sent in, another $1,000 academic scholarship, and a $500 from my town's elementary PTA. My parents were very happy!

June 5th: "Hammies," or informal award ceremony for Theatre students (Tech and Actors alike). The event was held at one of my best friends' houses. Consisted of sunburning while playing volleyball, swimming in a pool, eating like high schoolers eat, and enjoying time with our Theatre directors, one of whom is leaving for Arizona next year for his PhD. I also hand printed the wall in the theatre with paint, a tradition done for decades at my school.

June 6th: Here it is, guys. Last day of high school EVER. First hour, orchestra, consisted of a small group of us practicing the Brandenburg Concerto for the graduation commencement tomorrow. Second hour, CIS Spanish 5, we took a reading assessment exam from the U of MN. My Spanish teacher hugged me and gave me a gift. Too sweet, that woman! Third hour, Independent Study Spanish Lit, I already finished so I went to the library and hung out with a good friend. After that, we were set free to the soccer fields to enjoy Famous Dave's BBQ sandwiches, volleyball, yearbook signing, and picture-taking. From 5pm-10pm, I went to my Orchestra teacher's house for a senior party. More volleyball, sunburning, and yearbook signing ensued.

And tomorrow, back to waking up at 5:50am! I get to arrive at school at 8:00am for graduation rehearsal, then the commencement begins at 5:30pm. After that, I am going to the Senior All Night Party (literally, 10pm-6am), sleeping on Friday, and back to work on Saturday morning. Then, it'll hit me. No more high school. College starts August 19th. All of these moments have made my day. They've made my year a great one. It's strange to feel like it's all ending so abruptly. Everything will change--hopefully for the better. College will be amazing, but it's hard to leave behind so many "made my day" moments and memories. It's been great, Class of 2012...now it all begins.