How do you put six years into words? Six years ago I came to
Methodist slightly naïve, but still completely thrilled to have a fresh start
and a job that allowed me to not only return to my alma mater, but to actually
use my degrees! Six years later I’m beyond blessed to have grown both
professionally and personally in ways I could have never imagined. I could
recant a list of things I’ve learned to do as a sports information director and
assistant athletic director, but it always seems to come back to the people
more than the things.
I knew I was at the right place within my first three months
when I had the pleasure of accompanying the women’s soccer team to the NCAA
Tournament. The Methodist women's soccer team was a national championship contender in the mid 1990s, but returned to the "big dance" for the first time in 11 years in 2006. I had dreamt of reaching the tournament when I was a student-athlete so watching as a member of the travel party (twice) was a
close second.
For nearly three years I was able to watch my sister play
lacrosse. I watched her fall in love with her husband, shared my house with her and I am confident God
meant for us to be here together for those years.
I made friends and I lost friends, but I don’t regret any of
them. I've dated and I've experienced break ups and I only regret a couple. Just
kidding. I don’t regret any of the experiences and lessons learned from each
and every relationship.
For most of my time back, my cousin and her family have
lived less than 10 minutes away and I have loved having family here. Her kids
have kept me laughing and I will miss them dearly.
I have worked with a ton of amazing people both at Methodist
and throughout my travels amongst other colleges and universities. Sometimes it
was a phone call at just the right time or maybe it was filling in at the table or the press box when I was in a jam or even pulling me away from work when I felt like I was
drowning. Regardless… I am grateful.
One of my favorite things about Methodist will always be
FCA. The speakers have blessed me, but I have been even more blessed by the
students I have met there. I know it won’t be the same without having an office
on campus with a semi-cozy couch, but I pray I might still be able to encourage
the students and somehow make a difference in someone’s life.
I suppose it all boils down to… Thank you! To everyone I
have met, worked with, hung out with… you have made the six years worth every
minute. I am grateful for the experience and pray I might have left just a
piece of the impact on you that you have left on me. I'm not saying goodbye... just see you later.
"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because
I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord
Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in
deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of
Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you,
brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people." – Philemon 4-7
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