Here Is The Low Down: April 2015

BYU Grad

I remember walking into my new dorm for the first time, 3 years ago. I remember being a nervous freshman, going to orientation, meeting new people.

I remember trying to navigate classes those first few days. I remember singing in my new ward on the first week and being so nervous. I remember learning how to buy my own food and do my own laundry.

I remember making friends that I never expected. I remember reading and studying sooooooo much, late into the night. I remember when this new place started to feel a little bit more like home. I remember driving back to my apartment after Randy left me for two years. I remember cabin trips and movie nights and eating dinner with all my roommates.

I remember getting into my program. I remember debating about what to do with my minor. I remember applying for jobs and landing one at BYU Radio that I loved. I remember new friends and wards, roommates getting married and friends going on missions.

I remember days of feeling lost and days of feeling so sure of myself. I remember dates and bonfires and dances. I remember hours of reading the news and trying to crack computer code. I remember walking out of the Testing Center triumphant, and sometimes very defeated.

I remember breakdowns involving brownie batter or cookie dough. I remember writing letters, papers, talks, and lessons. I remember calling my mom or roommates or Randy as I walked to campus.

I remember study sessions and group projects that lasted forever. I remember hard classes that made me think, and easy classes where I pinned about my future wedding. I remember finals weeks that hit me like a tornado. I remember summer nights filled with laughter and the promise of being able to sleep in the next day.

I remember hours in the Student Alumni office, and days put into service events. I remember internship hours, research, and lots of applications. I remember nights of prayers for help, and confirmations about the direction I was going. I remember nights where I cried myself to sleep, and nights I fell asleep with a smile on my face. I remember bringing Randy to my apartment for the first time.

I remember long hours in the newsroom, writing and anchoring. I remember too many trips hauling a camera around for a story.

I remember long phone calls with my dad to figure out html and php. I remember finding favorite places to eat and shop. I remember rooftop concerts and weekend parties. I remember camping and cabin trips. I remember late late late night trips to IHOP and Denny's and In and Out.

I remember devotionals and stake conferences. I remember long hours of church meetings and activities that were too much fun. I remember the excitement of each new semester and the relief when it was over. I remember driving home to my apartment after getting engaged, to cute roommates and a surprise party.

I remember so many nights of thinking, "I need to remember how this feels. Right now." I remember countless football and basketball and baseball games. I remember cheering until I lost my voice and wearing blue to represent my school.

I remember having so much love and support from my family, friends, roommates, and Randy Low. I remember walking around campus, and realizing this wasn't just BYU, this was home. This is home.

And yesterday, as I walked across that stage, all those memories came flooding back. My time at BYU has been absolutely incredible. It's been hard, academically, emotionally, and spiritually. But I wouldn't trade my time here for anything in the world. I love BYU with all of my heart.