My curriculum is different than yours

This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately...maybe because I am realizing that my life hasn't completely turned out the way that I thought it would.

A little over a year ago my friend, Ashley, and I were talking about life and how our lives take different courses, twists, and turns from one another's. Ashley, being the articulate one that she is, explained an amazing analogy to me that I feel that I should share with you (probably more for my sake than yours).

When we go to college, we all pick different majors. Because of this, the classes we take to graduate are different from each other's. As a history teaching major I took different classes than my pals in the business program or my friends in the music department. We may have taken some of the same classes (most likely generals or religion classes) but in the end my college "MAP" (as BYU calls it) will look different than yours.

However, one thing is the same: our end goal is to graduate. No matter what major you are, whether an international relations major or a mechanical engineer, graduating from college is feasible for everyone.

Now comes the real life application. In my life, I am on a different curriculum than all of you. My "classes" have been different than yours. Many of these "classes" consist of experiences, trials, friends and family members that are different than yours. Yet, our end goal is the same: We all have the potential to live eternally with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families.

These "classes" are tailored to fit our individual needs. They help us grow in ways that Heavenly Father knows that we need improvement in. These "classes" stretch us yet will never be too much to handle. Although I may think that someone else's "class" may be easy to pass, that person may be struggling profusely just to understand the lectures.

I realize that this is not doctrine by any means, but what I want to emphasize is that I can't compare my life, and its circumstances, and its trials to my friends or family members' life experiences, blessings, or tribulations. We're all different. Some people are not meant to have children. Some people are meant to be raised in the Gospel. Some people are meant to have great health. Some people are meant to get married young. Some people are not meant to live in a free country. Some people are meant to die young. Some people are not meant to receive an education. Whatever it is, the Lord has different plans in store for all of us.

Regardless of our own personal circumstances, the end goal is the same for everyone. But, why do we compare our lives and trials to others when they are on a completely different curriculum?

It's because we lose sight of the goal. It doesn't matter the means, just the end. As long as I am worthy to "graduate" (with honors) to my Heavenly Father, that's all that matters. The "classes" He has given me will help me to personally reach that goal.

I have to trust that God has a specific plan for me. My plan is different than your plan, but I know that He has a plan for everyone.

If I lose sight of that plan and that end goal (which will happen because I am not perfect, shocker, I know), then at least this post can remind me that my curriculum is different than yours.

Thank you, Ashley, for teaching me this vital lesson over a year ago. And thank you, Holy Ghost, for confirming this to my stubborn heart and mind over and over again.

The world is now (officially) my campus

BYU Graduation 2009!!

It's official! I am finally a college graduate! It has taken me six years, but it has been accomplished. Check.

I didn't really think about what a major accomplishment this was until I stood in the Marriott Center with 6,000 other graduates. Now I realize that this was quite the feat! (cue pat on the back).

Here are some of the highlights:

THURSDAY

The "Y" and I...it was beautiful later that night when it was all lit up in honor of graduation. tear.

Here I am about to walk up to the Marriott Center. Random commentary, but enjoy!



The Marriott Center was packed full of peeps supporting the grads!


Three General Apostles attended! Elders Nelson and Christopherson and President Uchtdorf. Can you find them??


My DC roomies and I before the ceremony began


Proud college graduate

The DC roommates and I plus the token boy, Jared. He was one of our friends in DC.


Mama Baer and Baby Baer...I am so cheesy. Couldn't have done it without ya mommy!


FRIDAY

I was part of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. This doesn't mean much to any of you, however, I only say this because it's the biggest college at BYU. Therefore, it was the longest graduation ceremony with the most names read = kind of boring. Not the talk part, just the reading of the names.

Before we went in...

Filing into the Marriott. Where's Susie? Can you find me?


Where's the apostle? Can you find him?


Matt Holland spoke at my graduation. He is the son of Elder Holland and is incredibly well-spoken.


My fan club that came to support me. My nieces Megan and Anna, mom, Julie and Chrissie who is probably taking the picture. Thanks for coming!


In line to receive my diploma. I waved to Chrissie and Megan


Here's a video of my name being called. You will notice that there is no applause (they had to save time and my cheering section was just too small). So, I will invite you to applaud as you hear my name. I am sure I will feel those hands clapping in my heart.

Oh and I did get to shake Elder Christopherson's hand as I walked by! That makes 2 General Authorities that I have shaken hands with....



Right after receiving my diploma...it's in a white envelope so it doesn't look too snazzy.


Here I am again...

SILLY picture with the sisters plus Anna! Missed you Kath.


Bow chicka bow wow (that's for you, Erin)...Sexy college grad. My dress is really cute but you don't really see it in the picture.


The college grad with 12/23 nieces and nephews. We had a little family shin-dig after graduation. Just had to get some pics with these darling human specimens.


Take 2...actually we took about 8 pictures. I hope that I inspired these kiddos to graduate from college in the future.


Bethany used her agency and decided she didn't want to be in the big group picture, so later she felt sad about her choice and we had one together, just the two of us.


Now, reality truly begins. Bring on the real world. Peace.

Misfit

I have now been home for a week and I have been down to Provo a total of 5 times.

It has been wonderful to see old friends, coworkers, ward members, and roommates.

I bask in the beauty of the mountains and soak in the unique culture of BYU.

However...

I no longer feel like a part of the campus, but rather a misfit.

No longer do I feel that BYU holds all of my hopes for the future.
No longer do I feel that I need to be a BYU student to feel comfortable in my own skin
No longer do I feel that my happiness rests on whether or not I am currently attending BYU

Rather,

I am excited to burst the BYU bubble
I am excited to use my BYU education to thrive in the real world
I am excited to meet more people, outside of BYU, and see how they perceive the world
I am excited to take what I have learned in Provo and apply it to my future
I am excited to fly my wings and grow

Thank you, BYU, for your education. It has been a life changing and highly influential experience.

Maybe being a misfit now isn't so bad after all.

Return to the Big Apple part ?

So my time in DC ended over a week ago, but I decided to go to New York afterwards to visit the Newmans. I have been to NY many times, but I simply just can't get enough of it.

I can't get enough of these AMAZING cupcakes. Okay, lets face the facts. I am not the biggest cake lover but these cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery=heaven. They put the good frosting on too...not just the fluffy whipped cream stuff...I'm talking sugar. Oh and the cake itself was blissfully moist. Moral of the story: Go to Magnolias!



I can't get enough of Central Park and hot chocolate...



I can't get enough of potential facebook profile pictures. I like this one.



Or this one...(I still like the other one better though)




I can't get enough of hanging out with Kath and having fun photo shoots in Central Park!



I can't get enough of Singin' in the Rain pictures. The best part-no rain!


I can't get enough of random bush statues in the park. Who doesn't like bunnies? Or Easter? mmmm...Easter candy.



I can't get enough of Broadway musicals! This time I saw South Pacific with Kathryn. Loved it! I want a Frenchman myself. Bring it on.



I can't get enough of cool historical sites like the Tenement Museum! Freak! This place is awesome. They have restored old apartments of immigrants from the 1850s-1930s and the tour guide tells their stories. I know I am a history major and I am supposed to love this stuff but I will tell you that there are not many museums that I like all that much (gasp, I know), but this one is definitely a must-see!



I can't get enough of the Merry-go-round at Central Park. I am a kid at heart (I love fruit snacks too)




I can't get enough of my cute nephew, Sammy! What a doll!




I can't get enough of myself...haha...I'm so full of it...no, really, I can't get enough of the city/park feel that you get in NY. So unique.


I don't know what this expression is all about but it's different than my usual ones so I thought I'd post it. Random.



Creeper.


I can't get enough of polar bears at the Central Park Zoo. Check it.




Whoa Bessie!


I can't get enough of Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate! holy! This stuff was dang good. Up there with Magnolia's Bakery.


Kath loved it too...



Thanks for the wonderful time! Until my next Big Apple trip...

Second best?

This is the first time where I am admittedly fishing for some validation.

I'm not second best, right?


hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..............


Yah, I know I'm not. Then why do I constantly feel like I am second to everyone else? Somehow, this is my ongoing curse in life.


I want to be best to someone. Just one person. Besides God.


When you find me, will ya let me know that I am first in your life?


Thanks.

The end of the beginning

Well folks...

I am officially done student teaching! Today was my last day at Bell Multicultural and I "passed" my observations with flying colors. It's hard to believe and I don't think it will sink in until I am back in Utah.

As I am now finished with this aspect of my life, I can't help but think that some aspects of my life are ending and other aspects of my life are now just beginning. Let me break this up for ya'll.

The end of things:

1. I just ended student teaching. Goodbye teaching under somebody else's direction and watchful care!
2. I am about to end my time in DC as an intern. :(
3. In two weeks I will no longer be a BYU student. tear.
4. I will no longer live in a SWEET penthouse.
5. I am ending my time as a pseudo adult. Allow me to explain...in the Gospel of Susie, true adulthood does not begin until one is graduated from college or married. You may refute this philosophy, but I am sticking to it.

The beginning of things:

1. I am now beginning to look for a job in this horrific economy. Pray for me!
2. I will soon (fingers crossed) begin my first year of teaching.
3. I will begin to have an actual salary. What, no more $8/hour!
4. I will be totally and completely financially independent...mom, I know you're beaming about this but please give me till September.
5. I will begin to settle in a place for more than 3 months at a time. I am so tired of living in different places every semester!

Hence, my dear blogger audience, this is truly the end of the beginning.

Oh joy!

Lovin' the Cherry Blossomin'

I love DC for many reasons. However, as of late, I love it so much because of the...

Cherry Blossom Festivities!

Here's just a sneak peak. Beautiful, right??

It all started with FHE at the Jefferson Monument. We walked around and took in the beauty of the blossoms. My roommates and I...oh I love them!


The Washington Monument and I. I love it, even though it's just a long white tower!


A few days later I met up with my soulmate, Sarah J. We bonded with the blossoms.

Sarah and I with the beautiful blossoms...I adjusted the color of the picture because there were some creepy shadows.

Then we just happened to see people paddle boating and wanted to follow suit.

Here we are on the tidal basin (with the Jefferson in the back) on a freakin' paddle boat! Yah baby. The only drawback of the paddle boat excursion: me wearing a skirt and paddling at the same time. I think I probably flashed a few innocent paddlers....oops.


Next stop: Lincoln monument. Ohhhh...sassy (that's what I do best)



And here's an awkward pose, but check out the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Sweetness.


At the FDR memorial on Sunday morning, pre-conference. I am tuning in to the radio with this dude of a statue. (I also look like I am counseling him on his unemployment situation during the Great Depression).


Then we decided to get comfortable in Albert Einstein's lap with my new friend, Jenny. Raaar.


Oh and later that night I decided to go back to the National Mall area with the roommates. Hooray for the Cherry Blossom festival! Can you find Susie??


Then we walked around and took beauty shots. I think this one actually turned out well...so well that it's my facebook profile picture.


Another glamor shot...after walking 3 miles to the Jefferson Memorial. I am also in love with Jefferson. I am becoming BFF's with all of these former presidents' monuments. Can you see the blossoms??


And because the evening was so romantic, I just had to take a picture with some good-looking men...

"Engagement" picture #1 with Otso, He's Finnish. Mom, how would you feel if I married a European?

"Engagement" picture #2 with Steve, former BYU 177th ward member and four-square finalist (I won the four square tournament). Mom, how would you feel if I married an accountant? A very quirky one...

Oh there's magic in the air!

One last thought...the number of Mormons I ran into as I perused the Cherry Blossom festival this past week = 45.

I LOVE DC!