and isn't life a splendid thing?

Three months ago I did not want to be here. I had decided on transferring to BYU and the thought of coming back to Rexburg was painful. The thought of meeting new people was stressful. The thought of building new friendships was inconceivable. The thought of dating was repulsive.

Three months later, I'm feeling a teeny bit sad to be saying goodbye forever. This semester has been hands down the best of my college career. Rexburg was never so sweet. I met tons of new people and loved it. I built amazing new friendships that I'm dreading leaving behind. My dating life increased exponentially compared to semesters in the past...and with it brought awkward situations and important lessons to be learned.

Remember how I got addicted to The Drowsy Chaperone this semester? There's a line in the show, it's the culmination of the plot and something that I've been thinking about a lot:
"But in the larger sense, in the broader sense, it's better to have lived, then left right?"
I think about this because it seems to encompass how I've been feeling lately. The thought of leaving some of these amazing people that I've only known for a few short months (Amanda, Savannah, TJ, Chris, Nichole, Moom), makes me wonder why it is that we have people placed in our lives if they are only going to be taken from us. True, they are being taken from me because of my own actions and choices. It makes you wonder if it would be better to become a recluse and not develop friendships because it saves so much pain in the end.

But no. It's better to have lived, then left. It's better to have loved than left. It's better to have made these friendships and relationships, to develop these bonds.

I am SO grateful for the things I have learned in the past three months. I am so grateful for my sweet roommates, especially for Merrie, who has made sharing a room with her such a delight.

In one week from today I'll be back in Utah for good! So many mixed emotions. To all of my friends in Utah, let's party. To all my friends in Rexburg, whenever you come to Utah, look me up so we can get Cafe Rio. Ok? Deal. :)