New Beginning

Sometimes the second chances we're given help to define who we are and show us what we are capable of. They are a chance to prove that we have learned from our mistakes and to test our mettle, in the end they define who we are and show us what we're made of. Not everything in life you're given a second chance at, and when you do get one, it is wise not to snub your nose to it, or let pride get in the way. You just have to do and be grateful for the opportunity, especially if it's an opportunity to turn your life around.

I wont lie, I was borderline failing out of college, out of my dream school, and trying desperately to think of a plan B for the worst-case-scenario. For a while there it was looking grim. I was stressed out and freaking out. It came down to summer semester, if I did not make A's in each course I took, I was done. It may not seem like much, but it was a huge gamble. A few days before my first round of exams, I actually started to cry just in telling Joss the way things were. Saying it out loud made the reality sink in, that this could be it. I was very near losing all I'd come to love and care about and had worked so hard for.

Needless to say, I busted my butt studying and doing homework assignments. I may have hated it, but I spent six hours per day in one of three various libraries, by myself, studying. I might have come up for air for 5-10 min, half an hour at the most for a break. At home, I'd read my book assignments and finish up online homework, then it was off to bed. My horses were my only distraction that I'd allow.

I felt horrible, even when Wes was down, he'd come up to campus with me so we'd be able to spend some time together, and even though we were in the pool hall, I was memorizing Greek passages, or trig. equations...he'd shoot pool. We'd study together, him with his math, me with mine. It was nice...but I felt horrible about it. We didn't go and do anything.

That was life: horses, class, homework, more class, horses, homework, and bed. Only to repeat it all again the next day. Weekends threw work into the mix.

It was intense, each round of exams had me on pins and needles. Even though I knew I did well on them, so much rode on these classes I didn't let myself get optimistic once. I fretted so much over my finals I was actually ill. Then entire day just dragged on, I thought I was going to go crazy. To top it all off, I walked out of each final thinking "yeah, I did alright, but not sure I made the mark."

I ended up making A's on both of them, much to my great joy. I'd gone into the finals with A's in both courses, and ended up keeping them. It was such a relief and load off of my shoulders. Not to mention tremendous joy at seeing all of the hard work pay off. I'd prayed every day for help and guidance and the strength to preservere. Without the helping hand of the Lord on my shoulders, I'd not have been able to do it. In one semester, I brought my GPA from a 1.8 to a 2.5. that's a 0.7 increase. Having only taken 2 classes, it's a blessing.

My life is beginning a new chapter as well. Yesterday was my last appointment with Dr. Vlasak, my trauma doctor. Almost one year later, I've been released on MMI. I've also started the first round of interviews with the press for coverage on my myoelectric prosthesis. The first of which was printed this morning, which I have been told is pretty decent.

Tomorrow is the actual press release interview. I'll be put through the paces and show off the capabilities of TouchBionics and ProDigits/ iLimb Pulse. I am nervous as all get-out, but in the end this may benefit many other lives, so I'm going ahead with it. Well, I'll be embarking for Montana to see Wes and his family. It'll be an exciting trip, I've always wanted to travel there. Never thought I'd be going so soon. Also, his mother will be getting married while I'm up there. The whole family is going to be together, so it should be an awesome time. Anyway, I'll head off of here and get going. I'll keep this updated.