Here's To You, 2015

Am I the only one that can not believe that 2015 will be over at midnight? What a year it has been! I've seen so many reminiscing social media posts about this past year and it fills me with joy to see what my friends have accomplished. One theme that seems to be prominent in these posts is growth. I started thinking back on my year and I realized that 2015 was definitely a year of growth and change for me.

I had many times where I felt like I was looking at the sky from a deep valley. I lost some friends. I had nights where I would sit behind the School of Religion and cry. I had times where I didn't know who I was. I had times where I didn't know if life was worth it and I had many times where I felt lost. This all sounds pretty down hearted for the new year, but these times happen for everyone. Along with these moments though, I had moments where I felt like I could conquer the world.

These times were when I successfully finished all ten seasons of Friends on Netflix and developed a love for Chandler and Monica's relationship like you all can not believe. I made wonderful new friends who bring so much joy in my life. I started this blog. I learned my passion. I became apart of the Say Something leadership family where I developed my passion to help people with mental illnesses along with people who are just hurting. I learned that I am broken, but everyone else is also broken in some way. I realized that sometimes it's okay to say no and I learned how to stick up for myself. I learned who I am as a human being.

Looking back at 2015, I realize that we all have highs and we all have lows and the Lord is with us through all of it. Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

So here's to you, 2015. You had some highs and you had some lows, but I count it all joy because boy, I sure did learn a lot. 2016, I am so excited for the moments that you will bring me.

Happy New Years, Readers. I hope it's full of growth, joy, and laughter. Remember that the Lord is with you.

A Letter To The Class That Proved Me Wrong

Dear Friends,

I can remember our first class period like it was yesterday. That's only because I had panicked for at least an hour before class. I knew how this class was going to go. Regardless of the fact that I went out of my comfort zone and took an acting class, knowing it would require me to be outgoing, I knew I was going to be the one... The one person that wasn't going to do something right. The one person that would make things awkward.

As class started, my worst fears were confirmed. We actually had to meet each other. We had to go up to each person and introduce ourselves and talk about our lives. My anxiety kicked in. All I wanted to do was leave and leave quickly, but I participated. I told the same thing to every person, "My name is Brook. My parents live in West Virginia. I like Georgia Football." Anytime the conversation got longer than that, I would be thrown off guard because I wasn't used to it. I wasn't used to walking into a class and actually having to get to know people. I'm used to walking in, being invisible, taking notes, and leaving. That's what I wanted to happen that day. I didn't want anyone to know me, because I knew they would find something wrong.

As the semester continued, we became closer and I began to realize that with y'all, I can be myself. We laughed together. We cried together. Most days we were just plain crazy with each other and I felt like I was with family through every minute of it. So as the semester comes to an end, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for proving me wrong and letting me know that I'm not a black sheep.

Thank you for making me build trust and for being trusting of me.

Thank you for making me feel safe.

Thank you for listening to my story.

Thank you for letting me know that's it okay to be awkward, but that I don't have to be awkward.

Thank you for proving to me that it's okay to be myself again.

Thank you for giving me the courage to start auditioning after I had promised myself I would never audition for anything else again.

Thank you for showing me what true community is.

Thank you for making this class something I looked forward to every Tuesday and Thursday.

This semester with you all has meant the world to me. Not only have I become a better actor, but I have become a better person. This is because of you all being yourselves. It is unlikely that we will have classes together again, but I have grown to truly love each one of you. As Thursday rolls around and we do our finals scenes and say goodbye (I'll get emotional. You can count on it.), I want you to remember this quote from the book Matched:

"Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that."

Sincerely,
The girl all in her feels on her recliner