Monday, May 23, 2011

I never cease to amaze myself...

After I heard back from BYU about the scholarship and the assistantship, I went back and read the letter I sent in. This is what I was able to write and it was truly from the bottom of my heart.

Everyday on my mission I would stop and talk with young people at the bus stop or walking down the street. Through just a short conversation with these people I was able to feel not only their great desire to know more about God and Jesus Christ, but Heavenly Father’s love and desire to have them as part of his fold. Disappointedly, these people always refused a visit. They did so not out of disregard or malice, but because they literally didn’t have the time to have a meeting. They worked all day then took night classes all night, the only hours they were at home was after college at 11:30pm until they were out the door at 6am to head to work. The truth was being held back from them because they were too busy. I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let that be the case for me anymore.

Since I have had that experience, I have worked less hours and focused on my family and schooling. Consequently, my family relationships have gotten stronger and each semester for the last two years my grades have been better and better. As I battled the grades from my carefree days, I was able to graduate with an above average GPA. I will be starting this program with a passion to do my best and without past grades to battle with, making me an ideal scholar for the communication department. Any award of scholarship would be a great stepping-stone in helping me keep my promise to myself and to reach my future goals.

Financially I am in need of assistance because my parents are unable to support me through my college pursuit. They are both public school teachers; my mother teaches high school English and my father teaches second grade. Growing up in a household that believes “if there’s a will, there’s a way,” has taught me to reach for the stars and not settle for mediocrity. Through their example I have learned that I can make a difference in the world and have been placed on this path, hopefully, to do just that.

Thank you for this opportunity to be in the communication department and for taking the time to consider me for financial assistance.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Leap of Faith: Update One

What a month!

I have been here in Virginia for a month now!
I figure it is about time for me to update my friends and family so I will jam as much in as I can...

I am working for a company named Moxie Pest Control. I am a door to door sales girl and I am actually enjoying what I am doing. (That could have something to do with the fact that I have only been here 4 weeks, ask me again at the end of week 8 and we'll see how I feel.) I work with a group of 25 sells people and each of them are amazing in their own individual way. It is great to get to know them and feel part of such an instant family.

We work until about 10 or 11pm each night Monday-Friday then on Saturday we get off between 4 and 5. So, essentially we work really hard and have a day and a half to fit in all the playing we can. (Which isn't too much because we are always so tired from the week.)

We've gone down to DC a few times to see museums and monuments.
I drove down to the DC Temple one Sunday. It is hard to get there during the week so instead, I just went on Sunday and read my scriptures there. It was quite beautiful.
It's nice to just go to a movie sometimes. We can still get out of our work clothes and just sit and relax. Needless to say we've seen a movie two of the weekends: The Fast Five and Thor. Of the two, I would say I liked Thor better but watching The Fast Five with a bunch of boy fans, made it impossible not to like.
Those were some of the fun things that I've done. As for the personal side, I have had some great things happen too! Most of you know that I was accepted into the Masters program at BYU for Communication. Well, just this last week, I was sent an email from Dr. Thomas telling me that I was granted a half scholarship and that I was accepted for an assistantship with another professor for the fall semester!

When I started looking back into school, I never in my wildest dreams wanted to go to BYU but through a long process of prayer, I knew that was where the Lord wanted me to apply. With it being such a competitive school, I didn't think I would get in and I could just kinda laugh at the Lord for making me do such a silly thing. Well, for some reason he really wants me there. He not only got me in but he keeps sending me these little jabs, "you know you can't go anywhere else if you get a scholarship." "I can make it even harder for you to pass up by giving you a job too!" "Who's laughing now?" Needles to say, there is really NO doubt that I am supposed to be at BYU come August... Wish me luck!

Another success since I have been here is with my health. Most of you all know that I was sick a bit before I left. I had an ulcer and was sick all the time... Well I went on an organic detox diet with the ladies from work (at A New Leaf) and it made me feel a lot better. I haven't had any health issues since I started on it. It was originally just for a month but I am still going strong and am feeling great. When I weighed yesterday, I was down a total of 20 pounds! I am so proud of myself for being so good. I have never been successful on a diet before. I think the difference of this one is that I am afraid that if I do give in and eat things I am not supposed to, I will end up sick. And when my paycheck rests on my daily performance, I can not afford to be sick!

There you have it! That is what I am up to. I am missing everyone but most especially Rachel and Nathanael. Beijitos fofinhos!!! Te amo.