Advice To My Younger Self

Dear 18 year old Mel,

When you arrive at UT, don't be afraid to sit by yourself in Presidential Court to eat. It's best to go early in the morning for breakfast when no one is there so that you won't feel awkward.

Trust your own judgement when meeting new people. Don't forget that fraternity guys make fun friends, but horrible boyfriends.

Stop wearing your baby phat jeans just because they're stretchy. Go to the mall and buy a pair of actual jeans or else people will begin to think you have Asperger's disease becuase you hate the feeling of stiff pants.

Go ahead and drop Math 119 because you end up failing it. 

Please try to take more than 12 hours after this first semester because eventually you'll have to catch up by taking summer classes and that wasn't fun.

Dont ignore your gut instincts about people and situations. When little red flags come up, each one counts.

Find a church and start going to a Bible Study NOW because you'll really need that support later.

Love,

Mel

Emotion Evoking Spring Break Story- Still in progress

For spring break I stayed at home in Chattanooga where I contracted a stomach virus and spent at least four days being nursed back to health by my mom. Although my illness was miserable, I was greatfull for the opportunity to spend child-like time with my mom. Before spring break, I could not tell you the last time I let my mom take care of me. Although this was spring break of my senior year, I felt 8 years old again as I sat in  bed and yelled  "Mooommmmmm!!! Mooommmm!!!".