Bellingham, you've changed...me.

I truly cannot believe it.  Just over two years ago, I moved to Bellingham with the hopes of going to school, making friends, having fun, and enjoying the beauty of this part of the country.  I could not have imagined that these hopes would become a reality and so much more.  So much more.  I honestly cannot stress that enough.  Sure, there have been posts in the past where I discussed my love and appreciation for this place (okay, the appreciation can clearly be reiterated in the title of the blog but besides that...), but right now, at this very moment, I'm feeling very overwhelmed with the positive thoughts on Bellingham, as well as the deep sadness I have toward leaving such a life-changing place.  The majority of my favorite memories have happened in the past two years.  The majority of my favorite people have appeared in my life in the past two years.  The majority of wisdom that was shared with me related to the health of diverse communities was passed along in the past two years.  The majority of the growth and closeness in family that is so distant now has left me lucky in the past two years.  The majority of personal changes have occurred within the past two years.

If I could pick only four major factors that relate to how this place has changed me, it's simple.  Are there more?  Obviously.  This is already going to be a long post so let's stick with four, shall we?

The scenery

I can see the same mountains or the same view of the bay or the same green trees every day but I'm always blown away.  Sometimes I wonder how these people have been surrounded by this all their lives when I have just gotten a taste of it!  It's luck.  No matter what the weather appears to be, I enjoy it.  I like that it's so unpredictable.  I like that umbrellas are unheard of around here.  I like seeing it rain in the morning and seeing sunshine in the afternoon.  Weather isn't perfect anywhere, but I prefer this climate.  After all, how would everything be so green without the rain?  With all the running I did when I first moved, I learned my way around through the neighborhoods. The houses are incredibly unique.  I spent more time looking around than where I was going.  Don't worry, I never ran into the deer, I just dodged it on the sidewalk that one time.  Even still, the scenery has been something I'll never get sick of in Bellingham.  For that, I'm thankful. 

Community Health 

The love of following a health-related field was something consistent throughout my entire college life.  I knew that I wanted to work with people.  I knew that I wanted to encourage people to stay healthy.  I knew that I wanted to share what I would learn so that it could prevent further health problems.  That being simply said, I wasn't set on a specific major, it just had to be full of health.  Luckily, I had heard wonderful things about the Community Health program from my uncle when I was planning my move.  I heard it was a small program but allowed for close interaction between the rest of the cohort and professors.  Sounded good to me.  The program lasts two years and it wasn't until the second year of the major that I was emotionally attached.  Everything finally made sense and related to "the big picture" that we'd heard about.  The women in the major had allowed me to realize the amount of talent I was surrounded by each day.  Each one of their minds are special in their own ways and I am constantly blown away by the work that they present and the thoughts they provide.  My professors have also provided me with feedback, support, and stories to carry me through my entire life.  

I know that APA format takes practice but someone has to learn it.  I know that all corrections on every line of a paper will only make a paper stronger.  I know that cultural competency reigns supreme when dealing with diverse communities.  I know that there is nothing wrong with a resume that's three pages when you are a health educator.  I know that three of my best friends will be in my classes every day and we will not make it 30 seconds without laughing.  I know that 90% of the things I say relate to my major (or Beyonce).  I know that I feel comfortable blurting out dumb jokes in class.  I know that we are prepared for the real world and we are prepared to put our skills to good use, regardless of how scary it may seem.  I know that I can come back to the resource room just to sit and look at books, portfolios, and projects, because there are millions of ways to improve.  I know that regardless of the amount of difficult tests, projects, or assignments, I would not have survived with my classmates and my teachers. I honestly cannot imagine myself in another major, in another school, or in another state.  I cannot remember myself before Community Health. 

My House

Last year I was living in an apartment on my own and while that was all fine and dandy, I felt like I needed something different for my senior year.  I wasn't sure what I needed until I saw a Facebook post from the beautiful woman in the picture directly above (Briana) about an opening in their house for this school year.  Without much thought, I said I was very interested in moving in.  I knew Briana a little bit from class back then but had no idea of the friendship to come in the future.  I remember calling home and telling my parents that I wanted to live with people (okay, I wasn't a total loser loner)!  I didn't care about the house or the room or the location.  I cared about the company.  I moved in and the school year started before I could think about it.  Living in the house was incredible.  All of my roommates were so fun and friendly.  At that point, what more could you need?  I did not realize how close I would become with these girls.  I look forward to coming back and catching up on the day.  As my mom likes to say, "there's never a dull moment."  To be honest, that is the absolute truth.  I am constantly laughing or crying from laughing because of the conversations we have.  When people surprisingly respond with "that must be difficult" after hearing that I have four roommates, I have never once I agreed.  I always say it is the best time of my life.  That is also the absolute truth.  Lately, we have been reminiscing about this year and it's been pretty emotional.  In fact, I'm starting to cry now.  I don't know how I got so lucky.  These girls are so beautiful and dear to me.  They have shown me different aspects of friendship I never knew before and I'm confident that we will remain close throughout our lives.  With each unique personality, we all bring something incredible to the table (usually I bring the oatmeal).  It devastates me to know that we will be separating next week.  I realize that we all have our own lives and things to deal with but they have been a backbone for which I do not want to replace right now.  I cannot be greedy, but I just wish we had another year to live together.  I'd be lost without them.  I love them like family.  We are thick as thieves.  

The REC Center 

I wanted a job at the REC center the day I arrived, basically.  After some time reffing intramurals, I was finally able to get a job.  I loved the atmosphere and everyone seemed so friendly.  Sounds simple enough but I began to find friendships with coworkers.  They are hilarious and always entertaining.  Since at least January, I have grown close with so many incredible people there.  I may get paid to swipe cards, but I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to work closely with students that have allowed me to bring my stupid jokes and weird Illinois habits to the gym.  Truthfully, some of the greatest people I've ever met have a second home at the REC center just like me.  

School is over in one week and I'm off to Seattle in no time.  Good thing Bellingham is so close because I know I will be back often.  It's hard to think about not being here all the time, but I know that I will be enjoying the city, too.  I feel like I will forever owe Bellingham for how much it has given me, allowed me to accomplish, and changed me.  There is a reason we end up in a certain place at a certain time.  Two years later, the reasons are clearer than ever.  Another successful day in the life...

       Best, 

              Anne