Ode to Finals

As the dreaded week of finals approaches quickly, I'm not so sure that I dread it. If anything it means I'm that much closer to going home, which is always a joyful experience. But, I suppose that it's the dread of the actual "final"...those exams, projects and papers...It's never the thing that people look forward to. And as I sit here in the library on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with the luminous light pouring in through the windows, I wonder to myself, "Why me, why do I have to write this dreaded 4-5 page paper!?" Although, I look on the bright side because I might, just might, have the better end of the stick compared to those unlucky 10 page souls. Let's take a moment......okay.

Recently I've been learning a lot about contentment of the heart, and with that I've been challenged to be grateful in every situation. I've been challenged to have an attitude of gratitude. It's not as easy as it sounds. So with this in mind, my attitude towards finals and the fact that I have to support the educational giant of learning that I've seen things in a different light. Just walking to the library was very fulfilling. With iPod in hand and the lyrics of Seal's "Crazy", I had this amazing feeling sweep over me. I'm thankful that I'm able to be here in Athens, Ohio and to be learning. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have the time and carefree spirit of a college student. I'm thankful for collegiate athletics and the break from it. I'm just plain thankful.

So I hope you can find the amazing joy of just stepping back and being thankful. Take a look around you and admire what we so often take for granted. I may be a photojournalism major and appreciate light more than the next guy, but, really, take a look around. Well, here we go...the time is now. This 4-5 page paper doesn't know what's about to hit it! Mahalo.