Lessons Learned

I am more than half way through my first semester travels as an ELC! I am still loving it! Right now I am in West Virginia at West Liberty State College. It is so beautiful here! I literally up in the mountains and the leaves are all changing colors. Fall has always been my favorite season and being here just makes me love it more! When I walk outside it just smells like fall, so crisp and fresh. It’s a combination of the dry leaves and campfires, I just love it.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you all a little update of where I will be headed in the next few weeks. I meant to do that originally, but I forgot, so here it is:
Purdue University- October 22 to October 29
University of Iowa- October 29 to November 5
Lycoming College-November 5 to November 9
Slippery Rock- November 9 to November 12
Kansas State- November 12 to November 16
Omaha for the Concert- November 16 to November 18
Purdue University- November 18 to November 24
Thanksgiving Break in Omaha- November 24 to December 1
University of Central Oklahoma- December 1 to December 6
University of Iowa- December 6 to December 10
Fraternity Headquarters in Indianapolis- December 10 to December 14
Christmas Break in Omaha- December 14 to January 3, 2009

So, I went back and read my very first post. In it, I wrote about how I was excited about how much my life would change and all of the things I would learn over the next year. Well, I’m not even a year in, but I have already learned so much. I’ve come up with a list:

1. You can (and will if you have to) wash a few essential clothing items in a sink. My Grandma gave me these little laundry detergent packets made specifically to soak clothing in the sink. I honestly did not think I would ever need them, but last night I came to the realization that I have not been able to do laundry in a while, so I put those little sink packets to work! Thanks Grandma, they were a lifesaver!

2. Even if you are not a very good navigator and driver, you can become one! I did not realize I would be doing as much driving as I have been. I’ve never been the best driver, but let me tell you, I’ve had to improve my driving and navigational skills. Having a cell phone with internet access to mapquest.com and Google Maps has come in handy! Now I love driving! I get to see more and I get a little me time on the way.

3. Don’t take stores like Wal- Mart and Target for granted! Contrary to popular belief, not every town has one or the other, and when you are in the middle of nowhere or feeling homesick, walking into a Wal- Mart or Taget can make you feel like you are right in your hometown! I’m not sure if it’s because they are all set up the same, if it’s the smell or the people, but regardless, I always love when I can make a stop to one of these stores!

4. Even with all of this amazing technology, nothing can beat the thrill of getting actual handwritten mail. Being on the road, I tend to pick up my mail whenever I go through Indianapolis, so when I get my mail, I have a big pile of it. Everytime I go through my pile I get that same thrill I get on Christmas morning! I love it!

5. Plane rides can be considered a time to catch up on things such as sleep or reports. It can also be a great place to network. I was on a flight from Cedar Rapids, IA and I met the director of the education department at the University of Northern Iowa. He told me to contact him when I am applying to teaching jobs!

6. If you roll up your clothing really tight and pack lots of ligfht weight clothing, you can pretty much fit an entire closets worth of clothing into your suitcase! It is possible! I’ve also learned that Downey’s Wrinkle Release is one of the best inventions in the world! I may never need to iron again!

7. The easiest way to rev- up the same wardrobe is to accessories! I never thought I would appreciate a scarf, cute shoes, tights and jewelry the way I do now!

8. The best way to handle a stressful day is to do one of the following: call a fellow ELC/ LC to vent, call mom to vent, call Stef to vent or just listen to Carrie Underwood’s Lessons Learned or other inspiring songs! I’ve just learned to not sweat the small stuff and laugh about the crazy/ stressful stuff, after all, it’s all part of the adventure!

9. Never be afraid to try something new! Sometimes the best food you’ll ever eat is from the sketchiest looking restaurant in town!

10. The ones we love are never too far! I carry everyone’s love and support with me wherever I go, and I know you’re all just a phone call away! Thanks for all of your love and support!!