Reminiscing

T'was but about a year ago when I received a very special email.

On February 17, 2012, I was accepted to the university of my heart's desire,

Brigham Young University.

Today I have gotten word via Facebook, text message, phone call, email, that many of my friends a year younger than myself in school are receiving their own acceptances to BYU. My heart is full and I can't help but smile as I see these dear friends' expressions of excitement on their acceptance. 

There is nothing more rewarding than yearning, almost aching for something so badly, that your heart seems it will burst at the thought of your dream coming true....and then it does. Your head spins, heart pounding, butterflies dancing inside your gut; is this moment REALLY HAPPENING?! This is how I felt about my acceptance to BYU. And when the times get tough, when that test seems unbearably hard and long, or that paper impossible to finish, I remind myself of those feelings I had on 2.17.2012...I remember why I'm here, at BYU, this INCREDIBLE university!!

Congratulations my dear friends! I'm so proud of you! I sure hope that you learn to love BYU as much as I do.

Rise and Shout!

~ Natalie

My parents knew about my acceptance before I did....they sent me to run errands and when I got home there was a banner, Y flag, and blue and white balloons in my front yard. I couldn't believe it! (hence the tears and red face from crying...)

 BYU's newest freshman!! :)

Moving into my apartment, Fall semester, August 2012