It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

This time of the year always stirs something deep within me. Seeing the Harding lights up, while sipping hot cider is a priceless memory to hold very dear to your heart. However, when you add someone you love to share it with, it's an absolute indescribable feeling. I am currently in the process of decorating our dorm. The Christmas tree is up, and the lights are hung. Everyone around campus either has such joy on their faces cause they know the semester is coming into a close, or they are stressed due to having to do so many projects. It's bittersweet at the end of every semester. Sweet that your one step closer to having your degree, but it's also one step closer to leaving Harding, for good. I think I would honestly stay here forever if it were possible. Getting the honor of being here means more to me than anything. Thanksgiving break was great since it was a break from all the stress. However, I have to be honest with myself, I was ready to come back after just three days. They were giving carriage rides on Monday night, which was fascinating. There were a total of three horses each pulling one carriage around the campus. You could hear the jing-a-lings in the air from their bells attached to their reigns. Their presence was captivating and I was mesmerized by the sound of their shoes clanking on the concrete sidewalk. Chapel was absolutely incredible on Tuesday. ‘The Holiday Band’ here at the university played and was spreading a little Christmas cheer around the Benson. One number they did, they had the audience participate. The band director that led them asked everyone to get out their keys and jingle them on “Jingle Bells.” I love the Holidays here at Harding, it brings a little more joy to my soul than usual. 

Coming to a close.....

It's crunch time, or at least that's what I call it. The last few weeks of each semester always seem to slowly torture you. Turning in the last few projects and assignments for the semester is usually the most detrimental to your grade. The Christmas lights are currently being hung from the tree tops. I have heard there are over seventy-thousand lights all together. I feel like I could explode with excitement from it. This is always my favorite time of year, even if it does come with a lot of stress due to so much procrastination. Thanksgiving break is coming up and everyone is so giddy and excited about getting to see their family and loved ones over the holiday. The joy on everyone's face is priceless and could not be captured in a thousand words if someone tried. There is so much to do this week. I keep telling myself that nothing is impossible and I know that somehow and someway God WILL get me through it. This semester has seemed to just fly by and I can't believe it's already almost over. God has most certainly blessed me with some wonderful people in life. I never thought I would make lifetime relationships here, but I have. I am so lucky to be able to be in such a place as this. As far as club stuff goes, we have two new beaus in Zeta Pi Zeta. The process wasn't as complicated as I thought it would have been. It was very simple and quick. Also, our very first function is coming up next month, and it's a Christmas theme. I know next semester has a lot to look forward to including more involvement in the club and maybe even internships. Whatever is in store for me, I know I will do it with a smile on my face because He is always by my side to help me through the toughest and best of times. 

The Aftermath

Ze..Zeta Pi My....My oh My....Zeta Pi...Zeta Pi....WE ARE ZETA PI. These words will forever be a part of me. I found it ironic how I said I would totally go out for Kojies, but I wound up surprising myself in the end. I had checked my mailbox at the end of the day and found an invitation for a third round mixer, but f a different club. I found it strange that I had not participated in any open house or first round mixers for this club, and received an invitation. Then I realized, this was the club that was still in the works and had just been established. These girls that were made up as one are known as Zeta Pi Zeta. The girls in Zeta Pi Zeta have left a big impact on my heart, and I hold a special place for them. Our colors are scarlet, Teal, and Champagne. Some people may not fully appreciate the process of 'club week' but it is an experience I think everyone should share. Not only do you create life long friends, but you learn how to communicate better with one another. The first few days however can make you or break you. I was so sick. Not getting very much sleep and not eating right can certainly effect your body in more ways than one. I wound up having to miss some of the activities with the girls. The nurse gave me a prescription for sleep and told me to drink plenty of fluids. Even though the girls were disappointed that I couldn't spend as much time with them as I would have liked to, they still understood the need for me to get better. Hearing the roars of the crowd in the bleachers pounded in my head like a heart beat, only a thousand times louder. After getting sleep for the first time in three days, I felt like a little kid again. Over the week everything seemed to fall into place, like I knew it would. God handled everything just like I had faith that He would. Again, He was right there by my side when I needed him most. 

Time marches on....

It's about that time. Every year, Harding has what we call 'Open House', 'Mixers', and 'Pledge Week.' These all lead up to the big finale of joining a club.  Joining a club at Harding University has it's advantages, such as meeting new people and making new friends. This is my first time going through the process and I'm expecting it to be a great experience for me. I attended open house for three clubs altogether; Ju Go Ju, Iota Chi, and Ko Jo Kai. The open house for Ju Go Ju was very laid back. I walked in and immediately heard the beat of my own heart. I had butterflies, because I didn't know what to expect walking into something as new as this. All of the girls were wearing their jerseys, which were royal purple. They were all down to earth and easy going which made it easier.  Iota Chi was the same night. The girls who were wearing hot pink jerseys were very bubbly and attentive, which I absolutely loved.  Ko Jo Kai was two nights later. Fire engine red was everywhere. I am looking into Ko Jo Kai farther because I know most of the girls in the club. Some of them are in the same work of field as me, which is Communications. Knowing a majority of the girls is very comforting, and I am looking forward to what pledge week has in store for me. 

I knew as soon as I stepped on to Hardings campus, that I had to become a student and live here while pursuing my degree. There is truly nowhere else I'd rather be in the whole world. I have finally gotten my dream come true. I don't know what it is about being here on campus. Living at Harding is like my own personal Heaven on Earth. I have never experienced something like this in my entire life, until now. Lots of people my age tend to take for granted the things that are most important. The days we experience right is now is a perfect example of just that. In the real world, there is more violence, hatred, and disrespect than Harding ever thought about having. I think that is why I craved such a place as where I am now. I needed the carisma and faith inside the walls of Harding that it holds. I am so blessed to be here and I thank God for every day I wake up and get to experience such a day all over again. I'd have to say Chapel is my favorite part. It truly is a wonderful way to start the day off in a right way. Hearing the harmony with the Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and last Bass. Everyone chimes in so intricately and it sounds heavenly. I have enjoyed all of the time that I have been blessed with here. I also know without a doubt that there will be many more wonderful memories to come, and I can't wait to share them with each and every one of you.

Call me Danielle......I am a twenty-one year old fun loving southern girl who believes nothing is impossible. I attend Harding University and am a Broadcast Journalism major. In the short time that I have spent at Harding, I have learned so much. My faith has grown even more in My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I live only for Him and I couldn't imagine living any other way. He has given me so much...even His own Son's life...so why wouldn't I? :) I believe that He is the Son of God and I will continue to do everything through possible to pattern my life after him. My family is wonderful, they encourage me to push through each day like it is my last and to not dwell on the past. I have been blessed with a few good friends and a wonderful man that inspires me each and every day. I strongly believe in the quote, "Your education is the one thing no one can take away from you." I am a non-smoker that does not believe in alcohol consumption, there is absolutely no need for it. I have brown hair and blue eyes. My nickname has always been shorty because I am only five feet tall. :/ Blue and Purple catch my attention the most. I have an extroverted personality and I absolutely and one hundred percent.....LOVE LIFE. ♥