from California to Calvin

It’s been about a month since school started and things are starting to settle down. Over the past month, I’ve been writing down the things I love about Calvin and thought it would be good to share. 10. Seasons Experiencing fall and winter for the first time is so going to be so exciting (and so COLD)! I woke up this morning and it was 42 degrees. The coldest it gets during winter in California is around 50 degrees. I’m dreading the cold winter but I’ve loved watching the leaves change color. Michigan weather isn't comparable to the mid-80’s weather in California right now, and at some point, I’ll probably be really jealous of California weather. For now, I’m going to enjoy fall and the leaves changing color and be extremely happy to see the California sun in December. 9. Grand Rapids Downton Grand Rapids is about 15 minutes away. I’ve been able to explore some of Grand Rapids through Art Prize, getting coffee with my secret sister (thanks Mars), and playing ki

This past week has flown by.  My family and I flew out August 26 and arrived at the home of some family friends about ten minutes away from Calvin. Thursday was spent shopping at Meijer, Costco, Target, Nordstrom Rack, and getting a suitcase full of my bedding that I sent to a cousin (thanks Kristen!). On Friday, my family and I were able to visit my roommate at her home in Grand Haven. We went on a hike to Lake Michigan and on a trolley ride around Grand Haven. It was so great to meet Christa and her family before going to Calvin. Sunday night, I was able to move into my dorm with the other students from Passport 3. Students attending Passport 3 were mainly from out of state or other countries. Passport is an orientation program that all new students at Calvin participate in with their parents and/or families. I learned about college life at Calvin and was able to meet with an academic advisor and plan my schedule for this semester. My family left Tuesday night and Quest, Calvin’

Last year in English, our teacher assigned a project called “Book of Reflections.” Each Monday we turned in a paper on various topics such as what some of our favorite things were, who we were, and summarizing our high school years. One week, I chose to write advice that I would give to incoming freshmen, and since I (and so many of my friends) will be a freshman again next month, I’m sharing what I wrote. This paper was written as if I were giving advice to freshman at my high school but the three points that I make are good reminders at any age. As a senior with eighty days left of school, I’ve learned a lot. I’d like to share some advice based on what I’ve learned over the past four years. Time goes by fast, so make friends that you will enjoy school with, and say thank you. This advice may seem simple, but it is the three most important pieces of advice I have for you. I remember being in elementary school, riding the bus home, and watching the high schoolers walk off the

In 30 days, I begin a new adventure in the Midwest. I’m beginning to realize how much I still have to prepare before I move 2,000 miles away. I need to buy school supplies, print Pinterest quotes and pictures of my friends so my dorm room can look awesome, figure out how I want to arrange my dorm room, order warm clothes, and much more. In the midst of all this craziness, I’ve been spending time with my closest friends, my family, and learning that Jesus is by my side and will guide me through the new adventures that lie ahead. He is the only one that will be with me as I pack, say goodbye to my family and friends, fly to Michigan, meet the people that will become my friends, and He will be with me as I live my life as a college student.  In church today, we sang “It Is Well” sung by Kristene Dimarco ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI ). This song is one of my favorites right now and is a great reminder that Jesus is with us at all times. When we are focused on Him, all