senior year part 1

lIt’s crazy to think that my last semester of college is only a couple of days from now and then another chapter of my life will come to an end *cue sad music*. I haven’t had a chance to write any new blog posts this break because I went to NY (will make a separate post on that soon) and I’ve been studying for my MCAT, but I can briefly recap what happened in my last fall semester of college. I gained a new perspective of my future, re-learned the definition of “trust” and I learned so much more about God’s love for me. However, the biggest thing I learned was to not compare my path and my journey to medical school as well as my journey in life to other people. I knew many people who got into medical school, dental school, etc. and I am so proud and excited for them!! They really deserved it and worked hard and I’m excited for the day when it’s my time to celebrate as well.

But in the back of my head, I was comparing myself to them. After all, this isn’t really how I pictured myself senior year of college. But nevertheless, in this season of my life, I really learned to rely more and more on Him. I haven’t give up my dreams of becoming a physician and doing medical missions in Latin America/Philippines, but I stopped gripping onto it so hard and I gave it to God... Like actually be willing to sacrifice it to God the way Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac. I dedicated my dreams and everything in my heart to Him wholeheartedly. After all, He was the one that put those desires in my heart in the first place, who am I to be selfish in keeping God away from them?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pursuing the pre-med track & it's still my heart's desire, but I learned that despite it all, He is what I want more than anything that this world has to offer. I’m still learning to be satisfied in His presence, His love and His plans for me. I may not always know what He’s up to but as Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” That has been one of my favorite verses since high school, but it really has meant more now that I’m older. So I’ve been dedicating my studying and every aspect of my life to Him and it really has changed my mentality. The more I seek Him, the more I find myself in Him and the details become smaller as my pastor says.
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I’m not too worried about the details anymore but I’m just going to give my last semester my all and let God use me for His kingdom. His plan, His timing, not mine (literally my new motto in life right now).
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So recap of the semester:
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It was my first semester as the Texas Public Health Social Director and I had sooo much fun. We had so many socials this semester and it was a great way of getting to know other students in the org. I tried incorporating a lot of typical Austin tourist-y things as our socials so we went to Mt. Bonnell, the Greenbelt, swing dancing (my first time) and Trail of Lights along with some sweets like Red Mango and Moojo’s. Being social director is fun because I never had to worry about being alone b/c there’s always socials to attend with some really cool people. Our officer board is all girls and honestly girls get stuff done soo. ;)

I really didn’t try new food places or any new coffee shops this semester because I was just so busy on the weekends. Literally every round of my exams were on the same week all the time. It was crazy to me though that I was celebrating 21st and 22nd birthdays with the people I’ve known since freshman year of college. Talk about time flying tho alright. Even though it was my second to the last semester of college, I still managed to meet some amazing people and become closer to friends that I wasn’t as close to before which is always a great feeling. It just shows that time doesn’t have to do with anything especially when you just click with someone. Like where were you these past four years??? Nevertheless, I’m still grateful I had a chance to get to know these friends better and spend as much time together before we go our separate ways.

I had a chance to mentor another wonderful group of freshmen this semester and of course I had to take them to Hula Hut and enjoy the view at Mozart’s. We also went to Blanton Museum of Art on campus (it’s free on Thursdays and free for UT students) and I’ve actually never went so that was really cool. Museums to me are underrated and it was fun playing model with my mentees and taking pictures.

The new public library on Cesar Chavez opened up and it was so beautiful. They had a teen section and so many floors and areas to study. My favorite part was this outside-is area that had really pretty lanterns that were hanging from the ceiling. I didn’t realize that you have to pay for parking though but if you park on the street it’s only $1/hr which isn’t that bad. That and the new engineering building that also opened up on campus are my two favorite.

As normal, I went to one football game this semester. We lost against OSU after we went into overtime (13-10), but I got a picture with D'Onta Foreman (hehe thanks Kayla for letting me tag along in your pic). But hey at least we ended up winning our bowl game  against Missouri! 

I reached a milestone with the clinic I volunteer for since I officially have volunteered for a year now so that was always exciting! 

I also got my class ring this semester!! I was putting it off for a while, but I finally got it. Ring by spring, am I right?? Special thanks to my mom and dad for my late birthday gift. If you know me I’m not really a ring person, but I actually wear this ring everyday. It makes me proud to be a longhorn and makes me a little sad/excited about graduation. Hook 'Em forever. ​

My Filipino friends and I made Filipino food for our Christian fellowship group and it was my friend and I's first time making pancit (pahn-sit) and it was a success!!
​My sister and I had our annual Thanksgiving photo shoot (where we dress up really nice and actually put on makeup and go around taking pictures, it sounds silly but we have a blast).  We also had the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with family friends this year instead of just us four so that was different, but fun. Of course, we had turkey and Filipino food like pancit palabok (pa-la-bok) and lumpia as well. 

Although I didn’t get to try any new coffee shops this semester, I did get a chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a regular at a coffee shop. My friend Laura and I would study for 8+ hours at Bennu and we even met other cool regulars so you can say that I’m cool now. I did try this place called The Village in Bryan where I had brunch with my dad. I forgot what it was called but I had eggs, toast and bacon. Their coffee was really good though. 

Every year the Bravos-Valley Filipino-American group hosts a Christmas party for everyone in the area. This year’s theme was Filipiñana and we wore traditional dresses and barongs (what my mom is wearing in the picture, there’s also some for males). So Filipino culture lesson here, the barong is our equivalent of the suit and tie and it’s usually reserved for formal events like weddings. Barong Tagalog is only in the Philippines and wearing it is like showing off how proud you are for being a Filipino.

Last but not least, Christmas time in Austin is always so merry and cute. Even though it was hard to get into the Christmas spirit (we got out really late this year and my last final was Dec. 20th). IT SNOWED, even though the snow didn’t stick to the ground, it did stick to my car and I still made a snowball... so I guess I’m okay with that. I went with some of my public health friends to the Trail of Lights (my third time ever) where I ate a very delicious funnel cake and took some pictures at the giant SAC tree with my OG day 1 friends.

I'm excited for what my last semester will be like at the Forty Acres. I am grateful for my supportive parents who are my number one cheerleaders throughout my college career. I'm grateful for my sister and for my friends who continuously are down to have study marathons, get wings, pray for/with me, make me dinner, share their food with me and late night heart to hearts with my roomies. Here's to my last semester and to making it count. Next stop: graduation!!

Sincerely,
The girl with upside down dimples 

P.s. Follow my Public Health Instagram page: @publichealthpotato that I started this semester. It's my IG dedicated to promoting public health and sharing my love for it (after all, I am a public health major).