Week 14 Famous Last Words

Going into this Marathon, I knew I wouldn't PR. I knew it was going to be hard and miserable, but I think it honestly was my favorite race yet. I really just did some hard examining of the heart, and I came out with true thankfulness. I have an awesome mother that taught me how to be independent and never told me a dream wasn't realistic. I have the biggest cheerleader for a sister that I am more proud of than she will ever know. A role model that I have had in my life ever since I could remember that showed me doing things on your own is not only empowering but makes you a strong person. I think that is important, and everyone should have a Chanda in their life. I have a Bickel and Cheryl that treat me like a granddaughter and will take care of me as such. I have the greatest group of friends a girl could ask for. I have a Jasmine that made the best signs and has the sweetest soul, a Mikaela that is always up for any adventure and is absolutely hilarious, a Rhett that has a heart of gold, and the absolute best boyfriend in the ENTIRE world. I also have a Kristen and a Jill that got me an awesome shirt that I got to wear during the race, that was seriously so special to me for them to even think of me. What made this race my favorite yet was I got the opportunity to celebrate in my friends successes, and that seriously was better than any PR any day. My friend Emmily completed her first marathon. It made me tear up a little bit getting to see her with that medal around her neck. Her story isn't mine to tell, but she is the most determined person I have ever met. My friend Sydney also completed her first marathon. She completely kicked booty and is super fast! Kristen and Lauren completed their first half, and I could not be more giddy for them. We got to see them at mile 7 and that was my favorite moment during the race! I am so beyond blessed with the best! 

Rhett, Mikaela, Kevin, me, Jasmine, and Emmily

Photo courtesy of my mom :) 

Week 5: Famous Last Words

As I reflect on the week, I cannot help but be excited about how much I have learned about Hinduism and Islam. I absolutely love learning about new religions. That is probably why I am a Religious Studies minor, but I am learning so much about different religions. I am loving every second of it. I love how I can still pursue my diverse passions like religions while pursuing my goal of becoming a doctor. I know that better understanding different religions and different cultures other than my own will only help better equip me to not only be a better doctor but a better well rounded individual. I missed one of my readings this week but made it up by watching one of the videos. I am sad I missed it, but really glad I got the opportunity to learn about Hindu culture a little more. I am taking the Quran class with Dr. Vishanoff. He is such a phenomenal teacher. Words cannot describe the amount I have learned from that man in one year. I am not really sure what sparked my interest in different religions. It only happened within this past year, but it has really impacted me and my faith in such a great and powerful way. I am really glad that I have decided to take a leap of faith and really learn more about the different cultures because it is such a great way to get away from the hard sciences. Do not get me wrong, I have a heart for medicine and the hard sciences, but sometimes it is easy to be superficial and outright shallow. It may not make sense, but if you are a science major and a Christian, I think you can understand what I am trying to say. It is a lot more positive and supportive atmosphere. 

Be Uncomfortable