Journeys That Make up Life

If you think about it, we take an extraordinary amount of journeys throughout the course of our lives. I have chosen to participate in three journeys recently.

It was a year ago that I really took an interest in my faith. During the beginning of that year, I thought about getting confirmed in the Catholic Church. I wanted to do it because I saw that this community was supporting me and any community who chooses to support me is a community worth my time. I started going to Catholic Students Association at the beginning of this year and I loved it. In December, I asked the Co-Chaplin of Elmhurst College, Kevin if he could help me with the process of confirmation. Well, Kevin personally took it on. After eight weeks of meeting once a week and creating an acquaintanceship with the local church, I was confirmed April 23rd! It was such a joy! In the process, I have become extremely close to Kevin. We were forced to talk about personal issues and share stories. I remember going to a meeting once during a particularly stressful week; after he asked how I was doing I started crying-the ugly cry. I felt so safe and comfortable with Kevin that I knew I was OK to break down. You all have to understand that Kevin opened up to me as much as I did so if I cry to someone, it means we have an equally open relationship. Kevin, along with my family, and two friends were standing by my side as Father Tony crossed my forehead with the oils. I was very proud of myself for finishing something that was just a small thought a year ago.

Another journey I've been actively participating in is one involving film. I had this idea to create a documentary way back freshmen year. I was starting to realize that my story had to be shared, certainly not bragged about but shared. Also, I was learning that some people had a very hazy vision of how I did things. I would use words and realize they were not enough. It was difficult to find a camera crew to say the least. I e-mailed twenty schools and explained my idea, only Columbia College was interested. The people that were interested are actually my parent’s friends. I am so grateful that they not only agreed to do it but are genuinely interested in sharing my story. So far, we have filmed a sorority meeting, class, and me getting out of bed along with interviews from friends and professors. Ultimately, the documentary will compliment my motivational speeches. This has been a dream come true!

The other journey I've been on is continuing the process of understanding how to be a good friend to others. The night of April 9th which was the night of my sorority formal was wonderful. I took Jimmy who is president of Alpha Sigma Phi and a true gentleman. He did not leave my side the entire night. I loved that he treated me like a complete lady and also walked me to the door just as his predecessor, Jeremy had done a year ago. Part of deciding to actively participate in a journey is sometimes as simple as being a good friend.

The thing about these three journeys that will and have contributed to enriching my life and happiness is that they probably do not apply to you. This is where you can think about what you have always wanted to do and MAKE IT HAPPEN! Nobody sat down with me and asked what two dreams I really wanted to accomplish this school year. I took the initiative! Yes, I recognize the fact that I am in college and have more free time and don’t have children to take care of. I get that you have kids, life partners, co-workers, and multiple other commitments and people to tend to but your dreams are still very important. So, if nothing else, take this post to remember how important YOUR dreams are and how dreams need attention to. Dreams are not just ideas to be stored away, they are for coming true!

Keeping You in my Dreams,
Hannah!

P.S. Camp! I have decided to go to a different session since I have slim to no chance of getting into my normal session. This session is about exploring the national parks of Minnesota so it should be very interesting with my ladylike personality but I still want to go since Camp serves for a time for rejuvenation more than anything. Most importantly, a huge thank you to my mother for moving the family vacation so I can go to Camp. That is not easy or something she wanted to do so I truly thank her for her never-ending selflessness.