Everything I Never Knew I Needed

Yesterday we had a PF (potential freshman) meet our softball team. Of course, wanting the school to make a good impression on her, we all sat in a circle and talked about our favorite thing about Macalester. My friend Anna said, "Macalester is everything that I never knew I needed, everything that I never knew I wanted." I can't even describe to you through this keyboard how much that struck home to me!!

To be quite honest, I almost dreaded coming to Minnesota. I mean, I knew it was a great academic school, but what did I, a small town girl from Utah, have to offer a multicultural four year private liberal arts college? What if all the people here were weird? Or crazy? Why on Earth did I decide to live states away when I could have lived just through the valley from my house? How could I possibly have made the right decision?

Then the end of August came. I was terrified. Both my parents were ecstatic. On more than one occasion, I thought to tell my mom that if it was such a great opportunity, maybe she could take it and I'd stay at home for the rest of forever. September- I was a brand new freshman. Everyone seemed to be doing just fine. Me? Eh, I was okay. October- first trip home. I cried on the way back. Christmas break came and I spent so long with my family I had no idea how I'd leave them again. But second semester, everything changed.

Suddenly, I walked the campus with confidence. I knew the ropes. I knew the places to avoid, my favorite things about Mac, stuff to do, places to go.. But the thing that made the biggest difference to me is the people. Suddenly, I had friends. We started to do some pretty amazing things together, like going to Lion King. And suddenly, I always had someone to eat meals with.

 If you'd have told me a little over a year ago that at this moment, I would be living in Minnesota and loving every single minute of it, I'd have called you crazy. Yet every day, I get to be a part of some of the most amazing classes. I get to spend time with the incredible girls on my softball team, that I am growing to love more and more each day. My favorite thing about Macalester is the people here. You wouldn't believe it, but you can find something that connects you to anyone from anywhere in the world. And just a few months ago, I knew none of these people who now are so important to me! So, I can honestly say that I am so incredibly grateful to be here. Macalester is everything that I never knew I needed, everything I never knew I wanted. It's perfect.  :)

Hakuna Matata

Last night, I got the most amazing opportunity. I have a great appreciation for a lot of things in this world, but every once in a while, I encounter something that absolutely stops me in my tracks. Something that renders everything else completely insignificant, if only for a moment. For me, it was Lion King.

My friends Lexii, Yangming, and I boarded a bus (or two, or three) and made our way to downtown Minneapolis to wait outside the Orpheum Theater for 3 hours to get our tickets. It was freezing and we passed the time drinking hot chocolate and making up games. It was absolutely my best college experience so far!

I literally almost cried as the opening song ended because I was so touched! And for a moment, I wasn't a college student but 3 year old Miranda, watching Lion King 3 or 4 times a day with my parents (bless them). The show had such a powerful impact, it was seriously one of the best days of my entire life! The music was incredible, the props and set were incredible, and I got to be with my friends watching my favorite movie on stage. All I know is that I would watch it again and again if I got the chance. So I guess I'm just gonna have to convince my family and friends that it is a must-see.. for their sakes and mine:)

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