UTM: Land that I Love

     My goodness, how time flies! It's hard to believe that my time in college is almost complete, and the future is getting ready to knock on my door. There are only two days of classes left, a week of finals, and then my time as an undergraduate is basically done. I'm this close to fulfilling my dream of becoming a teacher, but with that reality comes feelings of both elation and sadness! I'm so happy that tests, quizzes, papers, and projects are almost done. I'll soon be the one assigning those things, and I'll be happy when the shoe is on the other foot. Also, along with that comes independence, and I'm beyond ready for that (ask me again when the bills that come through the mail are in my name, ha ha)!

Me and a few of my fellow Education majors before our Senior Walk!

An action shot from the Walk.

Of course, I have student teaching in the fall, and my graduation won't come until December (12-13-14 to be exact, pretty cool, huh?), but I'm definitely feeling the perks of being a senior! Yesterday was Senior Appreciation day, and we all went on a celebratory walk that ended with graduation practice and a "party" in the form of delicious food and a few giveaways. Even though it was fun to celebrate the end of an era, I was a bit saddened to know that my days as a college student are almost over. The last few weeks have been bittersweet, and that feeling has been increasing as the semester wraps up here.
     Speaking of "here," that happens to be the University of Tennessee at Martin. This has been my home away from home, my refuge, my safe harbor, for the last three years. Upon coming to college, I had all of these grand ideas about falling in love; however, I didn't think it would be with my school. 

     I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is where God wanted me during my college years. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, and UTM is everything I could ever ask for in a college. Sometimes I'll be walking through the Quad, to and from class, or back from the library, and I'll get this overwhelming feeling...I don't even know how to describe it...it's a feeling of happiness-contentment-love-peace-joy-gratitude and so many other things! UTM is such a gorgeous campus! I love the Quad and all of the trees;

The Quad in the fall from a few years back.

I love the provided benches so that we can enjoy that beauty! Though there are many, many, many more people here compared to my high school, UTM still offers a small town, close-knit atmosphere. I also love all of the activities that students are offered throughout the year! There is always some type of athletic game happening, free food from this or that organization, or some other way for students to get involved. This is a very student-oriented campus, and I'm very grateful for that!

This is last year's Quad City, an event during homecoming week.

Captain Skyhawk - Yay for school mascots!

Pyramid, a Greek Week event.

UTM Rodeo

     I'm just so grateful for all of the friends and memories I've made over the the last three years. I'm desperately going to miss this place and all that it has to offer. However, I'm forever grateful for the impact that this school has had on my life. I've heard many people talk about how much they loathe college and would rather go back to high school, but I'm definitely not one of those people! I've had the time of my life here, and I'm so happy that God brought me to UT Martin, the land that I love.