Hey everyone! I am the principle blogger for the day! I hope every body's week is going well for them and they are not becoming stressed out with turning in assignments on time and taking/studying for test and quiz's. For those who are stressed then I suppose it is a relief that Friday is not that far away.

So, how is college going so far? Is it what you expected? Were you able to make new friends along the way? I know for some people that this is their first time away from their home, parents, and siblings. For me, this is the longest time that I have been able to live without seeing my parents faces and every single day. Although it comes as relief to get away from their nagging, I am starting to get somewhat homesick (which is why I am trying to see them on fall break!)

 College on the other hand is pretty good for me. I always thought that I would be buried down with pressure/work and not be able to keep up with all the assignments my professors hand out to me;  I guess I proved myself wrong. Most of my teachers are pretty laid back and the assignments they pass out are usually easy and self explanatory.  Before I came to WCU, people who were in college always told me how they were not doing that well because they allowed their "new" responsibility and judgement misguide them to making bad choices. And for some reason I believed that what happen to me; once more I proved myself wrong.

As for making friends. I am really surprised at how quickly I bonded with so many people. It comes as a shock for me, because I was unable to make a lot friends during my middle and high school years. I some how got listed off as a "loner" since my classmates would normally see me by myself. The few 'friends' that did have were either people who liked using other people to get what they wanted, or 'school friends' since we never visited or talked to each other outside of school. Thus were never able to really know one another. That's why it makes me happy that the people here truly want to get to know me, without judging the type of person that I seem to be.

Well I don't really know how to end this, so I'll start by saying the first thing that comes to mind: if you ever have a difficult moment in your life, remember that your not alone. Someone will always be there if you need to talk. And you shouldn't judge another person you don't know or made no effort to become acquainted with, since you don't know what problems they may be going through in their life. With that being said. I'll see you in class!!

Kristen McClure Scott Blue MW 5:00

Today after my 2:30 class, I went out to see the clothesline project on the UC lawn. As I walked around, I had mixed emotions. I was happy, sad, and sometimes mad. All the shirts had so many different meanings. I felt so sorry for children that are abused and have no one to help them. Also, there were all kinds of shirts that had descriptions of murders that had taken place as a direct result of domestic violence. Seeing this project really inspired me to get involved at the Women's Center. I'd love to be able to help prevent domestic violence and abuse as well as many other issues that women and children all around the world face everyday.

Missing My Family

Well... This is the first weekend that I have not had to go home since I came to school.  I really love a family that I baby sit for.  There is one little girl and two little boys.  The little girl is 3 and told me that I missed her ballet class and that she was sad I really felt bad.  One of the little boys that is 7 is still mad at me because he does not understand why I would go to school for 4 years instead of only 4 months.  The past few weekends he would not speak to me when I came home. He thought I was coming home again this weekend now he told me he is mad at me again and does not love me.  I know it is crazy that I miss the kids so much but I have pretty much seen these kids every single day for the past few years and now I see them maybe once a week or once every 2 weeks. I may be eighteen but I still miss my little ones! But I will be seeing Blaire ( the little girl) this weekend and her ballet class dance! I am very excited!! Well have a good day everyone!   

Finding the Words!

Hey girls, its Taylor and I get to be the principal blogger... yay! I dont know if I am doing this exactly right but I'm trying. I want to thank Holly for allowing her best friend to speak to us today. I didn't remember her name because I was to caught up in what she was saying. I think today was the day for me to here her because I just felt that my best friend and I are not growing anymore. This is really hard on me because she is my best friend. No we haven't known each other for 10 years actually not even one year but when I met her it felt like we had known each other all of our lives. We have so much in common and then again we have so much that is different.

She has had a hard life and has had a difficult time letting go of stuff that has happened. And I have had a hard time getting her to understand that, that is her past and she has to let that go because it will always bring her back down. She takes almost everything seriously and I have a hard time with this to because I joke around so much. Today in class our speaker really got to me when she said that we have to inspire as a friend. I think that I have found myself. I am confident and I know who I am. Thats not common for many girls our age. But I want to be that friend that inspires. I want to be able to inspire my best friends to be able to find themselves don't try and be like who I want them to be, I want them to be who they are! My best friend recently started dating this boy and it seems like she has changed..... I get a long with the boy but its like she isn't who she was when she was single. I don't know what happened.

Another big thing that I took out of class today was the quote that she used or made up.
"Friendship isn't one big thing, its millions on little things." I love this because I am the type of person to do little things like send a text to someone I haven't talked to in awhile or just leave a sticky note on the mirror for my roommate saying I love them.

life.. and then some.

Since moving into Western, things have been kind of rough. First of all, I was in a relationship that lasted over a year. I put up with a lot because I was scared to let go. When someone threatens your life, it's kind of hard to walk away with your head held high. I was put down everyday and called a whore just because he felt like it. I was grabbed and pushed up against walls only because I was scared and didn't know where to turn. I knew coming up here would be the best thing for me and I would finally be free from him. So, that Friday night, I done it. I told him that I wasn't happy and I didn't want to be with him. He went completely crazy. He drove up here, cussing me the entire way for everything I was worth. I stayed in my room like a recluse because I was terrified to go outside thinking he would be there. Finally after I quit answering his calls, he left me alone. That was a huge weight off of my shoulders. I could finally go out and not be scared of him attacking me. Sounds strange huh? He would do it though.

Now, I am exactly where I want and need to be. I couldn't be happier; I have never been this happy. I am talking to a new guy and he treats me like an angel. I have never been treated like a princess and that is exactly what he does.

Classes are going okay I guess. Just a lot more papers than what I wrote in my entire highschool career, haha. I love it up here though. I can't wait for it to get cold and for it to snow, even if it is just a little bit. I going to learn how to snowboard =]!! How exciting is that!

I hope everyone is settling in okay and I wish everyone the best of luck!!!

Jessica McClure
Kim's class
MW 5-6

MWF Scott Blue Kimberly...

I'm limited:
Just look at me - I'm limited
And just look at you -
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
(spoken) For both of us
(sung) Now it's up to you:

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good


It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:


Because I knew you:

I have been changed for good


And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

But then, I guess we know

And none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled Like a ship blown
From orbit as it Off it's mooring
Passes a sun, like By a wind off the
A stream that meets Sea, like a seed
A boulder, half-way Dropped by a
Through the wood Bird in the wood


Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?

And because I knew you:

Because I knew you:

Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good.

This was a song played at a funeral of a Freshman at my school who died 2 years ago Tuesday September 16. She and her best friend were in a fight when she died. "And just to clear the airI ask forgivenessFor the things I've done you blame me for"I dont think you should ever leave someone mad at them, you never know when it might be the last time you see them

REMINDER FOR EVERYONE - Laura (instructor)

Hey all,
I just wanted to remind you that there are three classes supposed to be blogging on this blog-site! Please remember that you need to identify yourself when blogging or commenting, also include what class you are in, etc.

Also, please do not log on using the best of friends site to post a comment unless you are an instructor! It is free to create a log-in...all you need to do is have an e-mail address.

Thanks friends,
Laura
Scott Blue, MW 5:00

Monday Mornings (Holly Taylor)

So, I guess this is my first blog here (I think I'm the second one to post for Holly's class :)) and there isn't really much that comes to mind. My first weeks at college have been rough since I am trying to balance both school and a full time work schedule. That will be fixed soon so I don't come in on Monday mornings feeling like crap (now would be a good example of this). It does help me though knowing that my best friend and boyfriend will only be a phone call away if I ever have one of my mini meltdowns and need some calming down.

I've missed the first football game here, which kind of bums me out. I'm not really that into football, but I do love watching the marching band, I have my boyfriend Robert to thank for that. And, that climbing wall in the new fitness center is calling to me, but time and work schedules keep me from doing anything here on campus. Hopefully soon, I will have more time to do the things that I want to do while I can still keep a job (after all, everyone can use the gas money right about now).

The past class of BoF really moved me, despite what I looked like that day. While other girls started tearing up, I kept a straight face as I quietly listened. I thought that I was the only one that had gone through something horrible and had to grow up as fast as I did, but there are other people, other women, that are like me. It is comforting to know that so many have been through something, and that in some way, on some distant level, we can all connect and comfort each other and rejoice in the fact that we are who we are today and are better women because for what we have been through. Thank you everyone for sharing. Maybe one day I will have the courage to stand up and share my story.

-Malissa Gispert

The Things I Would Have Never Known

Hey ladies! So I haven't ever even used a diary so forgive me if this isn't the greatest blog you will read. :)

Today's class really changed the way that I saw the different types of girls in class. Before today I was thinking how can these girls have anything to say to me that will relate to the things that I have been through, but now I no longer see us as so many different types of people. We have ALL been through things that we don't care for anyone else to know about or things that show our weaknesses that we so often keep hidden inside. I just wanted to say thank you all for sharing your stories they really did touch me and in ways that I do not even know yet have changed my life. Upon hearing the stories that you guys wrote I can honestly say even if we haven't spoken to each other I respect YOU because you are all such strong women. No longer girls but now we are all women. Thank you all for sharing the heartfelt triumphs that you have been through. I wish you all the best and I have faith that you can achieve it because to have come through the things we all have there is no way that we can't make it through anything and just come out stronger than we were before it started. To end this blog I would like to leave you guys with a quote that I believe we all strive to keep, " I hope I am strong enough to make up for your weakness" (unknown). This to me means that I am constantly hoping to be strong enough to handle anything that may come my way through others' weak moments.

Have a GREAT weekend!
Kate

stressed to the max!!UGH!!!!!

Keep your sense of humor. There's enough stress in the rest of your life to let bad shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy." ~Amy Alcott

So is it only me or is everyone starting to become a little stressed... College life is a blast but it is also stressful. With all the school work and of course the social atmosphere we sometimes get lazy and decide we will do that later. Well later becomes later and later. I have realized though that the more we wait the more we don't get are work done and the more stressed we become.

I hope that everyone is having a great experience but is also not getting to stressed. This college is a great place to learn and have fun so hopefully we do. have a great week. Relax and don't stress!!

New and Old

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

I don't know about the rest of you, but I left a lot of old friends when I came to Western. Whether it was friends that were still in high school or friends my age going off to different places. I was nervous about making new friends...I'm very outgoing but I was still intimidated. Turns out I've made loads of new friends and stayed in relatively good contact with my old ones. It's funny the friends you make too. Girls that were total rivals in high school are now friends. Guys who come across shy and embarrassed end up being the most talkative ones!
I really like this quote because to me it shows how true friends should act. We're all reaching the time in our lives where we find out who we are and what we want to make of ourselves. Things have and will continue to change but know that your friends, no matter what, will always be there tears and smiles. I hope to make many new friends in this class and am very excited at what the future holds for us all and the ones I am already becoming close to.

A Golden Oldie! S Club Seven

REACH

When the world, leaves you feeling blue You can count on me, I will be there for you When it seems, all you hopes and dreams Are a million miles away, I will re-assure you  We've got to all stick together Good friends, there for each other Never ever forget that I've got you and you've got me, so  Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher Reach for the stars Follow your hearts desire Reach for the stars And when that rainbow's shining over you That's when your dreams will all come true  There's a place waiting just for you Is a special place where your dreams all come true Fly away swim, the ocean sea Drive that open road, leave the past behind you Don't stop gotta keep moving Your hopes have gotta keep building Never ever forget that I've got you and you've got me, so  Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher Reach for the stars Follow your hearts desire Reach for the stars And when that rainbow's shining over you That's when your dreams will all come true  Don't believe in all that you've been told The sky's the limit you can reach your goal No-one knows just what the future holds There ain't nothing you can't be There's a whole world at your feet I said reach  Climb every mountain (reach) Reach for the moon (reach) Follow that rainbow And your dreams will all come true  Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher Reach for the stars Follow your hearts desire Reach for the stars And when that rainbow's shining over you That's when your dreams will all come true Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher Reach for the stars Follow your hearts desire Reach for the stars And when that rainbow's shining over you That's when your dreams will all come true Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher (fade to finish)