Education.

WATCH THIS VIDEO.

I have discussed this topic with friends many times. Especially as finals are starting tomorrow, I find myself memorizing information so that I can pass a test. A test that measures how much I have learned. A test that is strategically made so that a certain number of students will get A's, B's, C's, and/or D's. I once heard a professor say, "The average was too high. The test must have been too easy." He didn't think that perhaps, the students just performed well. I study for tests. I don't study to remember. I have spent the last two days studying in the library hoping I can regurgitate the information on a test so that I can forget it as I leave the Testing Center. Those tests determine my grades, and those grades determine my future plans.

I understand that this is how the education system works; however, I find myself learning and remembering more in the classes where my grade isn't solely based on 3 midterms and a final. I am not a good test taker. I talk myself out of the multiple choice answers and spend way too long trying to decipher the questions, as one wrong word can completely change the question. 

I love this video because it made me think. What is education to me? What do I want to achieve with my education? I know I'm not necessarily going for a career so that I will make x amount of money. So... if that's not the reason that I am in school, than what is? I went to college to gain an education, but that's not what I'm doing right now. Right now... I am trying to pass tests. Tests that will determine my final grade in the class, tests that determine whether I graduate, and tests that decide which PA School I will get into. 

It looks like I have some reassessing to do on how I'm going to spend the rest of my time in college. I can't change the system, but I can change how I educate myself and redefine my personal view on education. 

I Love Music

If you know me... you know that I love music. I can't sing or play an instrument well; however, that doesn't matter. I still love it. One of my favorite things to do is look for new songs. I love finding those hidden gems that you'll probably never hear on the radio. 

In preparing to leave for my mission, I have been trying to find more gospel/religious songs. There are some great songs in that genre; however, I am really going to miss the rest of my music library. Today, I took a break from looking up songs for my "Mission Playlist" and went back to my "Be Chill" playlist which has some of my very favorite artists that I hadn't listened to in awhile. I thought I'd compile a list (for myself, and for anyone wanting some new music). These songs are all very.. "chill" :) haha.. which is my favorite kind!

Ben Rector: His "Into the Morning" album is fantastic. Favorites are "She is", "When a Heart Breaks", "Without You" and "Loving You is Easy"

Elle Mae Bowen: "Holding Out For a Hero"

Tyrone Wells: "All I'm Thinking of" "Happy As the Sun" & "Give Me on Reason"

He Is We: I'm obsessed with this band. Different style, but I love all of their songs. Check out "All About Us" & "Happily Ever After".. then all of them..

Tim Halperin: "The Last Song"

Steve Moakler: "Thing About Us" & "Hesitate"

Andrew Ripp: "You Will Find Me"

Parachute: "The Way It Was" Album is all really good. 

Mat Kearney: "Count on Me", "Where We Gonna Go From Here" & "Ships in the Night" Saw him in concert. Love his songs.

Jon McLaughlin: "Beautiful Disaster", "Maybe It's Over" & "Human" Looove him.

Boyce Avenue: "Dare to Believe" & "On My Way"

Cam Nacson: "The Words I Couldn't Say" & "Crazy Kids"

Ed Sheeran: "Kiss Me" & "Give Me Love"

Gavin DeGraw: His new song "You Know Where I'm At" along with many others

The Maine: "Thinking of You" & "Whoever She Is"

Graham Colton: "Hold onto my Heart" &"Love Comes Back Around"

Matt Nathanson: "Still", "Bent" "I Saw"

Jason Reeves: "Reaching" & "To This Day"

Joshua Radin: "Paperweight", "Brand New Day"  & "The Fear You Won't Fall"

Holiday Parade: "Driving Away" & "Look out Below"

Lindsey Ray: "You Make Me Happy"

Andy Grammer: "Miss Me" & "Fine By Me"

Ron Pope: "A Drop in the Ocean" & "Our Song"

The Script: Their popular ones, but also "Science & Faith" It's great.

Stephen Speaks: "Out of My League"

Icarus Account: "Unpredictable".. and others 

Maybe you've heard of some of them. These are just some favorites of mine that aren't very popular, I have many more but I think this is a good list. I, of course, love all my country and other popular music, but... there's a lot more out there besides what the radio plays. :)

I suppose I should get back to my Physics homework now.. 

Cowntdowns

4 days until Mom and Megan come to Utah.

24 days until I get home. 

57 days until I leave on my mission.

Today I realized I have been looking forward to these things a lot more than I should be. It's that whole "enjoy where you are" saying that I often overlook. 

As the weeks are winding down with school (right before they pick up again with finals), I have realized how much I'm actually going to miss this place. Sure, Utah isn't Oklahoma, but it's become my home away from home. When I drive into Utah Valley and see the big Y on the mountain.. I feel like I'm coming home. It's the same feeling I get when I look out the window of the airplane as it touches down in Oklahoma and I see miles and miles of flat land. I really have grown to love Utah for the friends I've made, the school I attend, the gorgeous mountains, and even the culture that sometimes drives me crazy. Sure, it doesn't compare to Oklahoma, but I'll miss it all the same. 

I'm really going to miss my roommates. There have been days where I've wanted to duct tape their mouths shut and put them in the trunk of a car... but besides those days.. I've loved the last 2 years we've had together. :) A lot of us are going different directions after this year, but nothing can truly break us up.

As much as I'm going to miss BYU, the roomies, and other friends.. It doesn't come close to the amount of excitement I have towards serving a mission. I've been reining it in as I finish up school, but once those finals are over... :) Let's just say it will be a great feeling.