I just had my last class ever with Kevin and Jake, who by all accounts are the instructors that I have been with longest at Wells at 2 and a half academic years together. It's bitter sweet. I wasn't particularly close with them as I tend to keep a respectful distance from my instructors, but I grew a lot. I was able to explore the martial arts and realize how much I love it for all the ups and downs it puts me through.
I think that my biggest challenge in the class was myself...and dealing with other people whom I had contempt for because of their lack of respect.
I can push myself harder physically and still be okay. It is good for my mind and body, as long as I know when I hit limits.

I learned a lot about my body and mind with my instructors and I am thankful for that. As many moments as I hated them I think I came to greater peace this semester (mainly because I was in the right class finally). Kickboxing worked me hard with people that were willing to do the same and take it seriously. That was a better environment and I was happier for it.

I want to keep up with the martial arts after college. It's something I am passionate about. It makes me happy physically and mentally and reminds of the intimate line of mind and body. It lets me be aggressive in a controlled environment, to trust people and learn, to be in the moment and in the body. I may have had my last class tonight but it isn't the end of my journey.

I wrote Jake and Kevin a letter of thanks outside of the class evaluation form. I do appreciate them.

~~~~~

I had my last history class yesterday. I only got teary when my professor left the room and I realized it was the last time I would see him LEAVE that specific room where I have always had class with him. I wrote him a letter in the class evaluation, thanking him for challenging me and re-inspiring me to love history.

It was also weird because it was my last class with Doug, an older student who I have become close with this year. I have been his mentor and encourager and we have both commiserated over our assignments together or laughed our asses off together. Particularly memorable was last week when Doug was in hysterics after looking at a funny list of high schooler's analogies online during tea time. He was laughing so hard that the other two students and I started laughing at him laughing and the momentum just builds. Then our professor walks in and that's when I start snorting and the next thing WE ARE ALL HYSTERICALLY LAUGHING! It was freakin' great! It took us a whole two minutes to calm down back to normal.

Doug and I have promised to have a drink before I graduate. I told him he can message me or Skype me if he needs a pep talk next year. I'm going to miss him.
I will also miss Doug's partner, who is a really great sociology professor. His classes have been SUPER interesting and engaging and you can tell he loves every moment of his work.

~~~~~

-sigh- It's such a weird time right now.

I have my last art history class and my last theatre class tomorrow. I am not mopey about either of those. My art history professor is awesome and if I had taken his class earlier I'd probably be lamenting more but...I'll be done. Theatre, well, I've had an acting stint and realize I probably won't be acting again. I want to be involved with local theatre but not on stage. Being an actor is very challenging in ways I didn't expect. I have much greater respect for it but I'll stick to using my writing skills or staying backstage or just watching plays.

...And on a VERY HAPPY note:
I GET TO SEE MATT TOMORROW!!!!
It will be four months to the day since I last saw him. I get to see him earlier than expected since he came to New York to hit up some job fairs. Then I get to see him again in two weeks for graduation! I'm so happy!
Art history is going to be torturous since Matt will be here when I get out. He's coming to my seminar with me to surprise my (and his former) theatre professor and watch the class do their scenes. No, that's not more nerve wrecking at all...
After class I'm anticipating a walk, dinner and a nice night together. I'm glad that I get to wake up for my last day of classes next to him. :-) I'll have for about three days but I am content knowing I'll get to see him again soon after (and I'll be busy as forktards anyway).

Despite the fact that I KNOW I will see Matt tomorrow it hasn't completely registered yet. I don't feel a buzzing anticipation that I thought I would feel, perhaps because there is so much else taking up my thoughts at the same time. My college tends to shove a pumpkin in a tuna-fish can as far events at the end of the semester go. Just a bit crazy.

I have two papers to write and an exam to study for next week but I am not stressing. I am relaxing and enjoying life. Grades are not the end of the world. I will survive. I will graduate. I will finish my internship (but probably not the 6 and a half box collection I am working on unless I haul ass).

I am glad that the weather has FINALLY DECIDED ON SPRING! The last few days have been BEAUTIFUL! I forgot how much I missed the spring. :-)

Anyhoo, time for me to get some work done still and enjoy my last days. 17 days until graduation!!!

Peace.
~Lo