Happy 2009 to everyone! Our incredible class is hitting the home-stretch. It’s hard to believe that 12-plus years of school have come down to this moment as we face the new frontier of college. To keep from being overwhelmed, I need to step back and clear my head from what was and what is to come. The Christmas holidays were very refreshing — and much needed — to me and many others, I am sure.

My family followed the traditional trip to a grandparent’s house to spend time with extended family and relax from the routine of school. We actually left immediately after school and drove to my mom’s parent’s house in Maumelle, AR, just outside Little Rock. This is the home of my “Nana” and “Papa;” they’re the ones who came to see my football game a couple months ago. It was nice to see them so soon after spending the weekend with them. We had our Christmas and enjoyed being with relatives and eating great food. Both my grandmothers are very blessed with the ability to cook and I love eating like royalty when I’m there!

Our journey continued eastward to the old-fashioned town of Floyd, VA, to stay with my “Mema” – the name given to my grandmother by my eldest cousin. With approximately 1,200 people in Floyd, it was a nice change to experience the closeness of the relationships and the relaxing atmosphere. My cousins from Alabama were also there for a couple days before they needed to head back to be with other family; we thoroughly enjoyed the time with them and the rest of our family. It was so nice to see the beautiful scenery of rolling hills and magnificent trees that west Texas doesn’t provide. But before I knew it, it was already time to head home. A couple days later we pulled into our drive, accumulating more than 3,000 miles on the round-trip.

I had a wonderful time, but nothing can beat sleeping in your own bed. Am I right? Sadly, my own bed also meant easing back into the routine of school. Making sure I had all my books and binders ready for school wasn’t exactly the highlight of the break. Baseball is coming up in the spring so I’ve spent some time throwing with my dad outside our house, which is pretty exciting.

I am pretty sure that I will be attending Lubbock Christian University next fall, and I have already received the financial aid amount allotted to me based on my first college entrance tests. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I had intended to take college entrance exams again to see if I could raise my scores and increase my chances for scholarship money. However, while I was in Virginia, the deadline came and went. My grandma doesn’t have a computer at her house and my focus was on other things, so I failed to register in time.

Don’t make that mistake. I think it will be okay because I was able to register late this time, but don’t stress yourself out by waiting till the last second. I encourage all of you juniors, and seniors who have yet to take the ACT, to take it on February 7. You can late register for it up until January 16. You can also sign up for the April test date up until February 27.

During this time of year, it’s also VERY important to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Most, if not all, colleges require it for scholarships and financial aid. You may need some help from a parent or guardian.

Well, I hope all of you have a smooth start back to school. For all of you seniors, just remember it’s only five more months until graduation! Wow, that’s still hard to believe. But I encourage everyone to smile and make someone’s day. Have a blessed week!