Support Grou-I mean-Strategic Culture

As many people already know, and they probably do because I'm not good at keeping my mouth shut when I'm going through something, I've been in a class called Strategic Culture. It's a primary research course in which we are attempting to answer policy questions through a cultural lens. We look at four aspects of culture. Identity, how they see themselves. Values, the things that they truly value. Norms, the accepted actions and in contrast, the unacceptable actions. And Perceptual Lens, so how the group sees itself and others on the global stage.

Anyway, It's a really cool class that gives us a clear view of what an analyst really does at the CIA. So we've been researching our topics for about two months now and about four weeks ago Jeannie came into class and told us "You're all going to D.C. with me". She informed us that we had been invited to D.C. for a mini conference to present our research to relevant people who are interested.

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Anyway so we've all be working super hard to get our research in order, start writing the papers (none of us really have), and put together our presentations. So every class became, quite literally, a support group.

Walking into class every day was another opportunity to figure out where everyone else was and then not feel as bad because no one else had really started either. It was also an opportunity to bounce ideas off of one another.

As the youngest in this class (when am I not?), it has been a complete growing experience. I've had mentor's and proofreaders *cough* Molly *cough*. people who have supported me from across the country *cough* Sam *cough* and people who have put up with my "stained-glass" window.

But I think the most important group of people are those in my class, because venting sessions are the best kind of therapy.

Blessed Beyond my Comprehension

You wouldn't know it by the picture above, but today I turned 20. I was reflecting this morning in my prayers on the blessings of those 20 years. As I expressed to my Heavenly Father my gratitude, I realized that most of my blessings came in the form of people. As I thanked my Heavenly Father for my family,  roommates, future roommates, missionary friends, high school friends, Bridgerland friends and work friends, I came to one conclusion:

I have indeed been mightily blessed.

I have been blessed with a family that loves me so much. For a mother, father and brother who decided to text bomb me the exact minute I turned 20. Blessed with another brother and sister who tell me I'm old and make sure I know it. My family are my biggest cheerleaders. My parents are my biggest, strongest supporters. I am so grateful that I have them a phone call away. My Mom and I have become best friends since I moved away. It's incredible to me how many internet tests I take and my mom is the person who should be my travel buddy, sister etc.

My Grandparents, both sets are incredible as well. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for them, for their support and their unconditional love. My aunts, uncles and cousins who without a doubt love me. It doesn't help that I'm their oldest, and therefore first niece :).

I'm blessed with roommates who are incredible. They always know what little thing I need that day. And there are times when I no longer feel like I can move forward and then Alexis will say something that will buoy me up, or Tasha will freak out about spiders. Megan and I will share a geek moment. Talisha and I will tease Tasha. Or Ashley will make me laugh. And then it's all better. They are my rock. and there hasn't been a day when I wasn't grateful for their love and support. We got put together for a reason, and that reason was we each needed each other.

Krysta and I share the same obsession with Star Wars and methinks that means our relationship was meant to be. She's the Rey to my BB-8 (she can understand me when I'm unintelligible). Amy (Our R2D2) knows how to make me smile and Emilee is unfailingly kind. Knowing that we will get to be roommates next year gives me no end of comfort and joy. I am so excited and so happy that they are in my life.

 

It is incredible each Sunday and Monday to receive several emails full of experience and spiritual insight from each of my missionary friends. Even more wonderful is to feel close to them as I kneel down and pray for their well-being and success each night. I am grateful for strong friends in high school that became incredibly strong missionaries. And they start to come home soon, so that's crazy.

Even from Provo, there are three girls I simply would never have been the same without. Never. I would have been lost and alone. I would not know who I am. They have helped me find me. there are not many places in my life where I can be completely myself with no reservations. With Ashley, Alicia and Mary I can be. I can be completely myself and completely safe. I love them deeply. Our friendship is something that will not die because I will not let it. I am so exceedingly grateful for them. For their love. For their friendship.

And the Bridgerland group. I am so grateful for the summer when I was losing friends and was forced to go out and make new ones. For W-1/30 who reached out with open arms and accepted me. Who let me be me and loved who I was. Who talked with me about literally everything from dating (the eternal curse of the singles) to politics. Who purposely get me started on rants about Trump cuz they think its funny.

Brandon, Tyler, and Stew who are simply good people and who care for and about people. Who accept everyone and anyone, because they are amazing.

I'm grateful for Maren, my forever Valentine. The woman with whom I can do weird things like awkward hand holds and hugs and it's not awkward cuz it's just us. Camille who is literally the kindest woman I have ever met, save Alexis (Sorry Camille). She is always worried about everyone and I love that about her. Emily who is an incredible woman who knows how to care and how to laugh.

I'm grateful for Derek, Trevor, Josh, Chet and Jaimee. Each who have an amazing ability to make you trust and know that they truly care.

I'm grateful for the people I work with. The people who make it joyful and wonderful to come to work each day. Who challenge me on a daily basis and pick up the slack when I fall short. Who make me laugh and put up with my quotes, and my snark.

On this, the 20th day of my birth, I am incredible grateful and incredibly blessed to have so many people who have unequivocally loved me. Who have watched out for me, and who have cared for me.

Today Alexis gave me something that caused me to cry, and that was a little booklet of notes. She had taken the time to go to my work, to each of my roommates and to Bridgerland. Where she asked each of these groups to write notes for me. I cried. Each of the notes was something personal. Some inside joke. Or some political campaign they'll run for me someday. I am so incredibly blessed to have these people in my life who make me happy. Who make sure I smile. and who make sure I know I am loved.

Last year I had the worst birthday on record.

This year I had the best.

And it didn't come packaged in boxes or bows. It came packaged in great love. In people. And in gratitude. And I wouldn't have it any other way.