In Memorium of Cedar City

For the past 4.5 years of my life, I've lived in the oh so lovely Cedar City. Sadly, I will be leaving to move up north and do my student teaching. So in memory of my time here, I'm going to reminisce each year I've been here and what I've learned.

Freshman year (Fall 2012- Spring 2013):

I lived with these beautiful ladies, Cami, Kori, Britney, Ashlee, and Jessica (I couldn't find a picture with her in it) in Stadium Way apt. 9. We had a lot of good times. Like truth or dare, cheesy chick flicks, llama pinatas, and water fights. That is the year I also bowled a turkey in my bowling class. That was the year the mission age changed as well. I had a hard time deciding to serve a mission or not. When I got the answer not to I felt guilty about not going and I talked to my institute teacher, Sister Cox, about it and she helped me see that it's okay if I didn't go on a mission. I'll be forever grateful for her support in my decision. I was also a part of SUUSA doing "special projects". Mostly I helped get decorations for dances and stuff. It wasn't my favorite thing, but it gave me something to do. Cami taught me you can never watch too much tv/movies. Kori taught me it's okay to speak your mind. Britney and Ashlee taught me to be kind all the time.

Sophomore year (Fall 2013- Spring 2014):
The first half of the year I lived back at Stadium Way with these beautiful girls.

We had fun having LOTR marathons, watching Hallmark movies and just having a good time. One time I got a balloon stuck on my nose, which was exciting. Another time Cami locked me in the pantry and Brittany wouldn't come to my rescue. Rude. Cami taught me to always have fun. Brittany taught me it's okay not to wear pants in your own house.

Halfway through that year I got accepted into Scholarship Housing and moved in with these amazing women. 

We had a rough start, having to move out of our apartment because of a roommate problem, but the three of us grew closer together because of it. They are both so sweet and were so nice to me. That was the year I started to figure out I had depression, so it was a little rough for me. They stuck with me through my moody days though and helped me feel loved and appreciated. Mostly we watched "Charmed" and said puns. It was fantastic.  Also on St. Patrick's Day we drew pictures of leprechauns and put them up in our window. Also Sam's fiance, Derek, would hit people with the bible and say "repent!" it was hilarious. This year was my first year as a Presidential Ambassador as well. I had wanted to be a PA because my sister was one and the people seemed cool. It was fun giving tours and convincing high school students why SUU was the place for them. Shannon taught me that confidence is a great thing. Sam taught me that I am noticed and loved.

Junior Year (Fall 2014- Spring 2015):
I lived with a girl named Amy the first part of the year, then she graduated and Kim moved in. I have no idea why I don't have pictures with either one of these wonderful girls, but I searched and can't find any. But here's a picture of me with my Valentine's date for that year.

 

Amy was very theatrical. She sang in the shower and didn't care what anyone thought of her. Kim was a very recent RM, so we were basically companions that semester. We had a lot of boy drama that semester. Mostly it was her being chased by multiple boys while I watched. But I did have a huge crush on a boy. Too bad the minute he started showing interest I backed off and ignored him. I feel so bad for leading him on, but he's married now so he's fine. That semester my depression was at it's worst and Kim was a trooper for sticking with me. I was not a very nice person at that point but she was great to me. Thanks for being there for me Kim. Also shout out to my therapist for helping me get through that year. I also watched a lot of Netflix that semester because I hated everything and everyone. I binge watched Gilmore Girls, The Legend of Korra, and BBC's Robin Hood. I also became friends with a crazy girl named Koye. She's the best. I also quit Presidential Ambassadors after this year. Turns out it wasn't for me, but I'll always be grateful for my time as a PA because of the friends I made. Amy taught me to sing at the top of my lungs whenever I'm in the shower. Kim taught me that even though I didn't serve a mission doesn't mean I'm not a missionary.

Summer semester (2015):
For two weeks I lived in the beautiful U.K. where I studied Gothic literature and made new friends. Strangely enough we don't have a picture of all of us, except this one where you can't see any of our faces. Trust me, they're great people.

 

Going to London was the best decision I've ever made. I felt like myself there. I was the happiest I had ever been. When the plane landed in London I felt like I was home.

Senior year and a half (Fall 2015- Fall 2016):
Last year was when I moved in with these gorgeous gals, Alexa and Kaeli.

We had hot chocolate parties, Gatsby parties, karaoke parties, just so many parties. It was always an adventure living in this house. They are crazy, loud, and hilarious. I'm very lucky to have lived with them for 1.5 years. Over this last year and a half I have learned a lot about myself. My relationship with my Heavenly Father has grown. I added a film minor, became friends with my professor, watched Netflix, got kissed by a boy who resembles Chris Pine, did my practicum at Cedar City High School, and got my student teaching assignment. I feel like I've grown a lot this semester. Mostly because it's almost time for me to become a true adult (gross). Alexa taught me how to have a better relationship with the spirit. Kaeli taught me to look at my problems and decide whether they are truly problems or not.

Also over the last few years I met these wonderful people who saw me for who I am, accepted me and made me feel special and useful. They helped me find and accept myself. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them the last few years.

 

Devin taught me that I'm unique. Chris taught me that everyone is smart in their own way. Nathaniel taught me that my opinion matters. Jo taught me to not be afraid to show who I am. Alexis taught me it's okay to disagree with people. Lexi taught me that friends are there for you no matter what, even if you just need to watch a movie and eat ice cream.

 I'm so grateful for the people I've met and befriended over the past few years (even if I didn't specifically mention you in this post). I sincerely hope we stay in touch and that we remain friends for a long time to come.

The thing I will miss most about Cedar City is Hermie's Drive-In. They have the best french fries in the whole world.

This is pretty much how I'm feeling right now

I honestly didn't think it would be this hard to move on from Cedar, but it is. I never realized how many good memories I had here. Every time I think about packing I almost start to cry because it's not just going to be for a summer this time. I most likely won't be back here, except when I come back for graduation or I'm driving through to St. George. 

This song also is my situation. It's called "The Last Goodbye" by Billy Boyd. It was featured in the film The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies.  

This song is perfection. I feel like the lines "to these memories I will hold", "I turn to paths that lead home and oh where the road then takes me I cannot tell". So goodbye Cedar City. I'm grateful for the memories I have made here and the people who have entered my life. I will never forget you.

 "I bid you all a very fond farewell".