Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Be Proud.

I know I've shared with you a lot about my struggles with school over the past year... or two.
I went through times where I was so easily discouraged, and felt like I would never get where I wanted to go. And not to say those days aren't over... but I've had an overwhelming feeling of peace the past few weeks.

I stressed and stressed... and STRESSED over hearing back from pharmacy school after my interview. I checked our mailbox every hour, and let it consume my thoughts.

When the news finally came, I found out I've been put on the alternate list. They don't tell you where you fall on the alternate list, and they only evaluate it as they have an opening. So in a nut shell, I'll be reapplying next year. At first I was heartbroken, but I know there are improvements I need to make on my application. I started thinking if I had gotten in this year it would have just been TOO easy. It's a bit of a blessing that I have another year to really prepare myself before investing four more years into intense studies. I mean, I thought O-Chem was intense... but I know Pharmacy school is going to be a whole other level. So in the meantime, I'm making preparations for next year's round of applications. 

But for the MAIN message of this post.
I've come to love this quote by Leo Buscaglia:
There is so much truth to it. 
I can't tell you how much a kind word from someone can turn my day around, and lately kind words have been much needed. 

My family has been so encouraging to me, particularly in the last few years of college. I tend to bottle up a lot of my emotions, and then they build up until I just spill out into an emotional wreck. Mama tends to be the lucky one to deal with it... and she's given me some of the most encouraging words out there. 

"I'm so proud of you."

Just that simple sentence alone brought me so much reassurance. 

For so long I've worked for myself, and to have someone recognize it and tell me they're PROUD of me really brought it home. It made me really sit back and realize how much I have accomplished over the past few years.

 In my small group last night, our leader spoke to each of us about how much we've grown over the past year. She expressed how PROUD she is of all of us for the transformation she's been able to witness, and the young ladies we've become and are continuing to become. 

There's the word again, proud. 
It just gives me such an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that someone recognizes my actions enough to acknowledge them and be PROUD of them. Kind of cheesy.. but until someone tells you they are proud of you it's easy to just overlook how far you've really come. 

I've accomplished a lot, and I've really grown as a person over the past few years. I've matured SO so much, and blogging has really given me the ability to witness it. I love that I've been able to document everything over the past few years, and look forward to continuing to do it. 

I want to challenge you to look at your accomplishments and be PROUD of them.
Don't let your hard work go unnoticed, because I guarantee someone out there has noticed it... even if they haven't told you. And not only that, but extend the compliment to someone. Tell someone you admire their hard work, let them know it hasn't gone unnoticed by you.

Never underestimate the power of a simple compliment.

Source: google.com via Leslie on Pinterest


And if you've made it this far... I'm proud of YOU! ;)
Thanks for reading my long rants. 
:)

14 comments:

Lindsay Colvin said...

This was perfect for my past few days/weeks. I'm also burnt out on school, overwhelmed with interviews for internships and rejection letters and keeping up the search for where I belong.

This just made my day...thank you SO much, so so much.
I know that you will have many blessings in life ahead and that your perfect path will be laid before you!

Anonymous said...

I needed to hear everything that you had to say!!!! I know the Lord has a big plan that He is preparing for you :) oh it is going to be awesome. I am so proud of you as well, & keep it up ! :)

Kristen said...

So much truth in this post! I'm proud of ya for keeping your chin up despite being on the alternate list. Think of it as another year of freedom along with prepping. ;)

Portuguese Prepster said...

You having such an amazing attitude! I agree that everything happens for a reason and God has an awesome plan for you! It will all work out in the end.

Neely said...

You are awesome friend with an amazing attitude :)

the girl in the red shoes said...

You have such an amazing attitude and your mama should be proud! You will achieve everything you hope for I just know it!

Abbey said...

Oh my goodness, when I first started school and went home to visit, my mom used to tell me she was proud of me, right before I got in the car to leave. I cried. Every time.

She stopped saying it. Probably isn't proud anymore. (Ha! Jk, jk.)

Leslie, this is an amazing way to think about your future and being on the alternate list and the opportunity to grow. What better way is there to feel encouraged than to think about all the awesome things you've done?? Although it seems like everyone goes, it takes a lot to go to college, to make the commitment to go to class and to do your best. And it isn't always easy and it takes dedication. So don't forget even the things that seem commonplace--you're at a point in your life right now that plenty of people would give up before reaching.

Good things will come, I know it, because your passion, dedication and hard work is visible.

Good luck, love!

Kelly C said...

I totally understand. Not getting into nursing school the second round was ROUGH! The first time I was ok because that gave me more time but the second time I fell apart. But now I have even better prospects for my future and I'm so excited!

Anonymous said...

I've said this before but it bears repeating: I wish I had as much maturity, wisdom & poise when I was your age. One of my favorite quotes is from Chuck Swindoll "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." Attitude is everything. I know the news was a not what you wanted, but your attitude of seeing this as just a delay and an opportunity to hone your resume is so very impressive! Truly, I am so very proud of you, Leslie. And most importantly, your Heavenly Father and the people in your life that love & cherish you, know what an impressive young Lady you continually work hard to be. Kudos my dear! Thank you for such a lovely, encouraging post.

Heather said...

Leslie, you are such an outstanding young woman! You have more courage and determination than I ever thought about having. Keep that amazing attitude!

Jordan said...

Amazing post, Leslie! I love your outlook on being put on the alternate list, most people would be beating themselves up but you're looking at it in a positive way. I was originally majoring in nursing so I'm incredibly proud of you for sticking out all the science classes! ;)

Melissa said...

I am proud of you. You are focused and you have a plan. Get some rest & relax this summer, but have FUN. You are going to be a pharmacist before you know it.
I wish you all good things & happiness because you are a good person and you give it your ALL.
oxox

Suzzie Vehrs said...

Everything I've heard about pharmacy school is that it is hard, but worth it. You should be proud of yourself! Even just starting the journey on a feat like that is impressive. I am sure you will get in soon. Best of luck, and thanks for the positive thought at the end of my day.

Jessica said...

Great post! Be proud! You've worked so hard. And it sounds like we're kind of in the same boat school-wise. I'm sure everything will work out just the way it's supposed to for both of us :-) Praying for you, girl!