And we’ve finally made it! We’re officially “Class of 2009” alumni of our respective schools. Although many of us thought the day would never get here, the end is here and it brings a new, exciting beginning. Walking through the halls of Frenship High School for the last time as a student was very refreshing. I was able to recall countless memories that I will take with me from high school; now I’ll focus on new goals and aspirations that I have set for myself.

The past few weeks or so have all flown by so rapidly. Our baseball season ended in a tough 5-6 game that went into extra innings. Personally, I was disappointed because I didn’t perform well and didn’t step up when my team needed me. The frustration lasted a few days, but I must say I did enjoy the extra free time to spend with some of my long- time friends from school before we graduated and went our separate ways. Graduation parties have been a lot of fun — just hanging out, spending time swimming, attempting to learn a new dance, and playing ultimate Frisbee have been a relaxing way to end a year of hard work.

On Sunday, May 31, our graduation ceremony arrived. It was very lengthy and, I must admit, rehearsal was a less than enjoyable experience. There were more than 325 of us, and we had to practice going through each of our names the correct and proper way.  However, during the official ceremony, I paid more attention to all of my fellow classmates, many of whom I won’t see for another 10 years! Our final time together was the evening of graduation at our school event called project graduation, held at the Texas Tech University Recreation Center.

This tradition began several years ago as an alternative for students to spend an evening together in a safe and drug-free environment. The night was an absolute blast! Some of our activities included basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, racquetball, blow-up jumping games and mazes, a rock wall, swimming, and literally hundreds of fantastic door prizes — everyone left with something! It was another amazing memory I will take with me to college.

Speaking of college, it’s a whole lot more work to get prepared for college than just applying and being accepted. I was actually quite surprised at all that goes into the process. Filling out scholarship applications is obviously the biggest one. Also, a housing request, medical forms, financial aid application, freshman orientation, and various other forms must be completed. I believe I have already turned in the majority of my forms and have even received my fall schedule. Biology is now my officially declared major. Ironically, I was going through some old worksheets from my freshman year (yes, I had all my papers from high school and even junior high) and I found one where I “declared” on the bottom, “I stink at biology!” With my growing interest in pharmacy or some medical field, I now enjoy biology much more than I used to. As I’ve mentioned in prior blogs, I have approximately 30 college credit hours. None of them are in the sciences, however. So this fall I have a chemistry class and lab, biology class and lab, and a natural science class. While a degree is not necessary to be accepted into pharmacy school, I would really like the background, and it looks good on applications. The more I’m around a hospital setting through my pharmacy clinicals, the more I think about other medical professions, such as radiology. I’ve still got several years ahead of me to make my decision though.

Firstborns are typically the guinea pigs for the parents to “figure out” how the parenting thing goes, so the prospect of moving off to college and the increased responsibility is new to all of my family. While we have had a few typical arguments and disagreements, my parents really have done a wonderful job, and I’m thankful to have their love and support. As we get accustomed to me being in college and getting older, I’m sure we’ll have more disagreements, but I will always respect their opinions.

Looking back at my four years of high school, I have experienced so many new and thrilling things. I was privileged enough to be on the Varsity football team for three years with an overall record of 35-7. I played basketball my freshman year, and I had a couple of successful seasons on the Varsity baseball team. Academically, I competed in Future Problem Solvers (FPS), UIL Accounting, and Pharmacology through Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). I spent a year in theater, media, and cooking to broaden my experiences. I was in the top 10 of my class every year. I had a girlfriend for almost a year and a half. At our church camp, I have been a counselor and enjoyed working with the kids and peers at church. I got my first vehicle, a 1998 Chevy truck, which belonged to my granddad until he passed away a couple of years ago.  I was very fortunate to be chosen for the position as one of two national ACT bloggers for the 2008-2009 school year. As a senior, I was nominated to Homecoming Court and Prom Court and chosen “Best Person to Take Home to Parents.” I have made hundreds of new friends and built close relationships with them, and I have received the guidance of many coaches and teachers who I thoroughly respect. It has truly been a wonderful experience!

Thank you so very much to all of my friends, family, teachers, and other adults who helped me along the way. Your influence has been much appreciated, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Also, thank you to Ms. Dana Engelbert, Mr. Scott Gomer, and Ms. Nancy Owen from ACT who have so patiently helped me through this blogging process. You were extremely helpful and kind and I thank you again. To other students who are in high school or will be within a few years, I encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity you are given. This quote may be cliché, but it’s very relevant, “Carpe diem” or “Seize the day.” Make the most of every chance you get to experience something new while you are in high school. Don’t dwell on events of the past or worry about events in the future, but enjoy each day that you are blessed with and make the most of it! To everyone, good luck and God bless!

The countdown of days has now reached single digits — 9. After next week’s classes, we will have the following Monday off, and the rest of that week is finals. It is so hard to believe that the end is finally near. It seems like just yesterday we were in early April talking about graduation and end of the year activities. Now they’re here. These last few months have absolutely flown by.

Prom, which took place two weekends ago, was a lot of fun! It was held on the campus of Texas Tech University. My date and I were on prom court, although neither of us won. Along with a large group of our friends, we went to a nice steak restaurant before the prom and then had fun watching movies afterwards. It hit me — for the first time — that I don’t have much time left with my high school friends. We’ve been going to school together for many years, but we’re about to go our separate ways. It was a bit sad, but I know I’ll stay in touch with my really close friends. Although the college I will attend is in my hometown, I will be living in the dorm. Several of my friends will be going away to school.

Baseball has maintained a constant grasp on my life, even with the two-week layoff, due to the swine flu. However, we are now back on schedule. During the “break,” we had several intersquad games. The “Pinstripes” played the “Grays” in the inaugural Swine Series, and my team, the “Grays,” won the series 3 games to 2. Our guys had a blast competing with each other and making each other better. It showed during our first playoff series. We won the first game 11-4 and the second 10-5 to move on to the second round. Our next game is Tuesday against a team from El Paso. I think our team has the potential to make a deep run if we stay focused and work together.

I mentioned that finals are in a couple of weeks, but I have actually completed my coursework. The finals I needed to take were all for dual credit courses and the college needed those grades earlier. When I receive my diploma in two weeks on May 31, I will have approximately 30 college hours.

For that last week, I will only have to go to school for a couple of hours a day before I’m eligible to leave. We have blocked scheduling (four classes every other day) and on one of my days, I have had just one class for a couple of weeks. On Monday, I will be receiving a meningitis vaccine at a clinic at our school, which is recommended for seniors who will be attending college or joining the military.

Graduation presents are starting to come in with a steady flow. It is nice to be thanked for the completion of school. For all of you seniors, make sure to send people thank-you notes if they get you something. I actually sent little letters in my graduation announcements to many people simply saying thanks for their influence in my life for the past 18 years.

Well, we are almost there! Continue to do your best throughout the last few weeks, and it will be over before you know it. As my parents have always encouraged me . . . finish strong!! I hope you all have a blessed week!

As most everyone knows, the swine flu has been the talk of the nation during the past week or so. Personally, I didn’t realize the grand effect it would have on me. The Texas UIL (University Interscholastic League) shut down all competitive UIL activities (athletics, academic meets, etc.) until May 11. Our baseball team had just finished district 8-0 and was playing well until we received the news. Also, the regional track meet has been temporarily cancelled, or postponed if nothing else. Hopefully we can rid our country, continent, and world of the threat that the swine flu has brought.

On a lighter note, school is still managing to wind way down. However, “test” is beginning to find its way into conversation. The majority of my teachers stress “tests” frequently. I will be taking my final dual credit speech test tomorrow and my English literature test next Thursday.

Our official high school finals week is the last week of school.

There will be a few enjoyable breaks between now and then, though. Prom is actually this weekend, and I’m looking forward to it. Since I didn’t go to prom last year, I’m excited to see what it is like and enjoy a fun night with my classmates, since there is only one month left of school with most of them.

Another fun thing I’m looking forward to is going to clinicals with some kids from my pharmacy class. Next week, we will spend two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a couple of pharmacists from a local hospital. My teacher even mentioned that the hospital is looking for potential employees, and this would be a good job opportunity for me while I’m in college.

Signs of graduation are becoming more evident. It is hard to believe it is now officially less than a month away! I’ve gotten many graduation party invitations from friends, and I have been organizing my own graduation invitations. There is actually a considerable amount of preparation that goes into that. Making a list of potential guests, copying addresses, sealing and mailing, then writing thank-you notes . . . there is a lot involved. Our church is having its annual “Senior Sunday” in a couple of weeks, and that is always a neat occasion. We have approximately twenty seniors in my church youth group, and I have become very close with most of them as well. My mom happened to hear the song “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C and almost cried. Even though I’m staying in town, it will be a new experience for all of my family.

As I talked about tests earlier, it is nice to have some of them out of the way. Since I am a senior, I did not have to take the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test this year. It is a standardized, state-mandated test beginning in the third grade and finishing in eleventh. Juniors — and even underclassmen — it makes things a lot easier on you if you get your college admissions tests completed early. Juniors should think about taking the ACT this June or September. Even after you take the test, there are still application forms, housing request sheets, and financial aid information to fill out. Don’t get behind by delaying taking your college entrance exams.

School is almost finished, but pay attention to the keyword “almost.” Continue to work hard over the next few weeks, and it’ll be over before you know it. Then you can relax and have a blast during summer! I hope all of you have a blessed week!

Lately, my attitude has fluctuated as often as the weather. Temperature-wise, one day it will be sunny and low 80’s, then in the low 40s only a day or two later! It even snowed a little one day. West Texas isn’t supposed to see snow in April; we didn’t even get much around Christmas! Like the changes in weather, one day I’ll be anxious and eager to graduate, but then I will find myself unsure and nervous about what is to come. Much of that is natural, I suppose. I just wish the weather and I could make up our minds!

For the past couple months, travel has been a big theme in my life. In fact, I realized that I’ve been out of town six of the last seven weekends! Two of those weekends involved my church youth group, two were for baseball, one for the state HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) competition, and one for a visit to my grandparents for spring break. From the Texas Panhandle, I’ve been to McAllen (in south Texas about 30 miles from Mexico), Austin, Dallas, and over to Little Rock, Arkansas. All of these very memorable trips added to an incredible senior year!

Baseball is going well and we remain undefeated in district play. We are 5-0 in the district and in sole position of first place. If we win the next game or two, we will be guaranteed district championships, despite what happens through the rest of district.

Due to my other activities and a conflicting schedule, I’ve been forced to make some tough decisions. Coincidentally, we’re discussing opportunity costs—what is given up as the result of a decision—in my dual-credit Economics class right now. That’s part of life though, and I have no regrets!

One of my “opportunity costs”—my state HOSA competition—was an eye-opening experience. I didn’t do as well as I had hoped, but granted, it was only my first year of competition. Many of my competitors have competed for multiple years. The atmosphere was crazy! Imagine 3,000 people in an enormous room; throw in balloons, signs, noisemakers, strobe lights, and performers and you begin to get the idea. It strongly resembled a pep rally for an important football or basketball game, but it was all for health careers! The experience was awesome.

The following weekend, I participated in something a little more familiar to me and had a great time. It was my 10th and final year to attend a convention in Dallas called Leadership Training for Christ. I got to see some old friends I had made in previous years and compete in events such as puppets, drama, and chorus. However, it was bittersweet. As much as I enjoyed it during the past ten years, I realized it was my last event. High school is beginning to come to a close, and a new chapter, college life, will soon open.

For those of you who took your ACT on April 4, your scores should arrive soon. Seniors, remember to begin taking care of final college preparations. Send your final high school transcripts and meet your area scholarship deadlines. Once you have determined where you’ll attend school, the university will most likely send their own requirements regarding housing, meals, and so forth. Good luck with the upcoming months and “finish strong.” Have a blessed week!

I’ve decided the creation of spring break was the work of a true genius! Who else had a great spring break? Whether you traveled to visit relatives, spent time working, or positioned yourself on the couch, I hope everyone had a very refreshing and useful spring break — I definitely did. I played a little baseball on Monday and Tuesday then drove to Arkansas for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them on that remarkable accomplishment! Nevertheless, since we only had one week, the following Monday brought the familiar routine of school rushing back like a flood.

As I’ve talked about before, these next couple of months are full of activity! Youth retreats, academic competitions, baseball, and college prep will dominate my weekly schedules. My mom and I have spent several days rushing to arrange several scholarship applications. After talking to several of my classmates, I’m very thankful I have already decided which university I will be attending in the fall. Many of my peers have yet to make a final decision. I’m already beginning to hear rumors of early class scheduling for the fall semester. It still hasn’t quite hit me that I’m about to graduate from high school.
Our baseball team hasn’t had quite the success our football team had this past season, but I’ve enjoyed it, nevertheless. Our three tournaments were great, and we gained lots of experience and built some team unity. Although our record isn’t very attractive, we’ve played several tough teams and competed well, but fallen short. We began district play last week and we won 9-1. Hopefully we can make a strong run through district, continue to play hard through playoffs, and end our high school sports careers on a good note. Speaking of which, I got nominated to play in an area all-star football game this summer. The details are still unknown, but just getting nominated is an honor. I would love to be able to strap on the helmet one more time and have a blast in a game like that. Intramurals in college will be lots of fun, but it won’t quite have the same adrenaline rush and excitement.
Last week in my pharmacy class, several students from Texas Tech School of Pharmacy in Amarillo came to speak. A girl in my class named Hope and I are really interested in pharmacy and got to ask lots of questions and learn about the two Texas Tech Schools of Pharmacy (one in Amarillo and one in Abilene). The speakers offered to take us on their intern rounds through the pediatric unit of the hospital. As much as I have loved sports in high school, I continue to look forward to branching out and starting to move on into pharmacy and other interests.

For those of you who will be taking the ACT on April 4th, good luck! The regular and late deadlines have already passed, obviously, but there is still a test June 13th. The deadline for that test is May 8th, so don’t let it slip up on you. Make sure to focus on timing. Again, ACT practice tests are the most accurate representation of the real thing. Make sure to get your timing down so that you aren’t forced to rush during the last few minutes.

Seniors, we have only a couple of more months remaining. We’ve been working toward this goal for more than 12 years. The time is almost here. Remember to make the most of every opportunity and enjoy what time you have left. I hope all of you have a blessed week!

College scholarships continue to take up a large portion of every day. Over the past few weeks, I have filled out several of them. Many different scholarships have their own individual deadlines; some have already come and gone, so make sure you prioritize them according to their due dates.

Whatever bug was with me a few weeks ago is still lingering. My parents say my illness comes from a lack of consistent and sufficient sleep, but all my fellow seniors know we don’t get chances to sleep — at least that is what we tell ourselves.    Baseball is coming along well. We had a great time in Austin this past weekend at a tournament. Although we didn’t perform as well as we could, we’ve improved a lot and, above all, gained much-needed experience. I’ve decided I’m glad I went ahead and played baseball during my senior year. It has been really exciting so far, and there are still tons of games to be played. In fact, we are going to another tournament this weekend in Midland. This same weekend is also my parent’s anniversary and my younger sister’s track meet. By the way, she is a high school freshman on varsity track and got third place in her first meet. She is an exceptional runner. (I just thought I would brag about her a little bit. After all, she’s supported me all of her life.)

It’s so hard to believe that it’s already March! This second semester is absolutely flying by. We only have a few more action-packed months till graduation and summer. I actually got a prom date a couple of days ago, too. Her name is Kelsie, and we’ve been really good friends throughout high school. We’re just going as friends and I think it will be lots of fun. I thought prom and graduation was a long way away, but it’s quickly approaching. Another upcoming event is the TAKS test, or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Many states have their own standardized tests; this is ours. Seniors, however, are exempt from taking it! We only have to go to school for a brief time on the test days.

I recently received scores on my final college admissions test. It wasn’t awful, but I was definitely hoping to do better. It wasn’t a huge deal because I had already been accepted into the college. Better scores would have just provided a little more scholarship money. I think I have done my best on them and am satisfied. Taking each test at least twice allows you to have a better idea of where to go from there.

There is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months. I will be competing in several school-related activities as well as an annual church trip to Dallas for a youth leadership conference. All these extracurricular activities are very pleasant, but I will also need to stay on top of my academics. For the next couple weeks I will be playing catch up. Until then, I hope all of you are blessed. Talk to ‘ya later!

Senior year is supposed to be the most enjoyable year of high school. Recently, I’ve realized it’s all about the attitude that you bring to each day. During the past couple of weeks, I’ve tried to stay positive and to enjoy everything each day has to offer. I honestly think this outlook has helped. As I mentioned in the last blog, a major portion of my English grade involved my research paper. Instead of stressing about it too much, I did what I needed to do and didn’t waste too much time worrying. Now it feels good to have it in the books.

From two Saturdays ago to the most recent Saturday, I spent about 35 hours involved in baseball activities. That’s A LOT! Our coach told us after the first week of practice we would hit the ground running hard; he really meant it. So far we haven’t started off too well, but our team is young and will have a tremendous season once we hit our groove. I briefly entertained the idea of not playing baseball during my senior year. I wanted to move on to other things. Obviously, I changed my mind. This was going to be my last chance to play organized sports — not including college intramurals. I’d encourage seniors to take advantage of every available opportunity because the same events may not be offered in college.

Speaking of college, my “Chap Day” went very well. It solidified my decision to attend Lubbock Christian University. Many building projects are underway there. In the next few years, the campus will house one of the most “green” buildings in Texas. The space will contain basketball courts, a soccer field, racquetball courts, a rock wall, a fitness center, a theater, and many other entertaining features. For a school with only about 2,000 students, the new building is an exciting addition.

For those of you who took the ACT on February 7th, I hope you all did very well.  If you were unable to take the test on that date, there are still dates available in April and June.  Seniors, your time is slowly running out.  On the other hand, juniors still have ample amount of time, just don’t procrastinate too much. Also, make sure to check online once in a while for your updated scores. Some people think the most recent scores are the ones for which you receive credit, but that’s untrue. You can take the ACT as many times as you want and send colleges your best score. Good luck to all of you in your college search and preparation!

I hope all of you had a Happy Valentine’s Day — even though I think it’s the most overrated holiday. I spent Valentine’s Day playing baseball in Amarillo — a city located a couple hours away. We also had a school holiday on President’s Day. It was much needed! As much as I’m enjoying baseball and my last few months of school, spring break cannot come soon enough. Who’s with me?

Well, I hope everyone has a blessed week, and I’ll keep in touch.

Sicknesses have plagued me throughout the last few weeks. The longer school continues to drag on, the worse my case of “senioritis” becomes. However, last weekend it was accompanied by an upper respiratory infection, fever, and flu-like symptoms. As a result, I got behind in my schoolwork after missing two days. While physically I have made a drastic improvement, I am dragging emotionally. These next few days will be catch-up. (Seniors – As a side note, being behind and having to do twice the work while originally struggling to do my regular assignments is not a fun place to be!)

The “break” from mid-December to February is now over. My advanced placement English class is in the midst of our senior research paper – mine focuses on C.S. Lewis – which we’ll be wrapping up in the upcoming weeks.

Out of the classroom, baseball practices are now in full stride. We just finished our first full week of practice and I feel like I’m being yanked in every direction. On my room calendar, I notice all my weekends in April are already occupied with some sort of activity… and it’s just the early days of February. Baseball games and tournaments, scholastic competitions, and youth group events will each demand a significant amount of time and effort throughout the rest of my senior year.

I hope all of you are having a great day and staying busy with your various responsibilities and recreation. For those of you who took the ACT on February 7th, I hope you all did fantastic and that you feel confident about it! No matter when you take your test, remember to bring the necessary materials to the test site. Every time I’ve taken the ACT, there is always someone who forgets their ID or their admission ticket. You can’t take the exam without them. Laying out your ID, admission ticket, calculator, and pencils the night before will aid in the smoothness and sanity of your morning.

Lubbock Christian University, the school I plan on attending in the fall, hosts their annual “Master Follies” event this weekend, and I’m stoked. They put on the show Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening. I’m going Friday night and plan on participating in a “Chap Day” on Monday. Other prospective students and I will tour the campus and attend several planned activities. Although I have already made my college decision, for those of you who are still undecided, I’d suggest you visit a couple of your top college choices. The best way to get an accurate idea of what the school is like is to visit it in person. Most schools offer special days designed for potential students to come and tour the facilities. You should know when you’ve found the right place.

Valentine’s Day is approaching so make sure you tell all those special people you love them. I don’t have a special someone currently, but I have an exceptional family! I love them very much, as well as my extended family. I hope all of you have a blessed week and a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Studying and applying for scholarships seems to be all I’ve done in the past couple weeks. Does anyone else feel swamped with responsibilities and deadlines? I’ve found it helpful to stay as organized as possible. Perhaps you could make a list of all your potential scholarships and the requirements for each one; making a list for your colleges wouldn’t hurt either. While this process doesn’t automatically generate completed scholarships and applications, it does create less stress when searching through papers or documents for needed information.

Whew. Since school began, I feel like I have been going and going like the Energizer bunny…and after-school baseball practices haven’t even started yet. “Senioritis” has officially reached its maximum level; I just pray that I have the determination to finish what I need to do before the end of high school.

While suffering with senioritis, it’s nice to take an occasional break from the flow. During the last two weeks, I was selected to the All-City Football team and the All-South Plains 5A-4A team (the region where we live in west Texas is frequently referred to as the South Plains). In addition, each year my church participates in an event called Leadership Training for Christ, or LTC. Since third grade, I have been to Dallas to take part. This year I’m involved in a drama group, a puppet group, and three choruses. Not too many people know this about me, but I love to sing. We started practice a few weeks ago and I’m having a blast.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think all students should be involved in something, if only to retain their sanity! During senior year, students routinely hear “Finish your homework; you’re not out of school yet” or “Have you applied to that college yet?” But we are still kids who like to have fun. Whether it’s music, art, athletics, reading, or another activity, make sure to have fun and don’t get lost in the due dates and applications. Just don’t get involved with wild parties and things of a similar nature. Nothing productive can come from that, but that’s another subject for another day.

Meanwhile, my final college exam is rapidly approaching. I have tried to manage fifteen minutes studying here and there. My advice? Even though you may be busy with other extracurricular activities or responsibilities, make sure you don’t slack off on these tests. For those taking the ACT on Saturday, February 7th, I encourage you to prepare now. The sequence is simple: the earlier you take the ACT, the sooner you receive your scores. And the earlier you receive your scores, the sooner you can submit those scores to colleges for early scholarship consideration. This is why many professors advise students to take these critical tests even as juniors.

Prom, senior trips, graduation, and finals — events that once seemed a lifetime away — are now squarely on the horizon. I hope that each and every one of you has an amazing time at your respective proms, graduations, and so forth. Make it a senior year to remember forever. Have a blessed week wherever you go and I’ll be in touch!

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!