I am incredibly blessed by the gift of opportunity. It seems like the last five years of my life have been filled with them. From traveling, to building relationships I have had nothing but incredible chances to experience life to the fullest, and part of that goes to credit MVNU.

The most recent opportunities in my life have been travel. As I blogged a few weeks ago, I was able to travel with the Men’s Basketball team to Branson, Missouri to document the NAIA National Championship journey. Unfortunately we fell short in a tough first game, but the week long experience was absolutely incredible as I stood behind the camera catching just a glimpse of all of the time and dedication that goes into MVNU athletics. I had to pass on an opportunity to go to the Women’s NCCAA National Championship, which our Lady Cougars won!

Last week I had the opportunity to travel with a group of 46 other MVNU students and faculty to Orlando, Florida for a Work & Witness trip in partnership with One Heart Many Hands. Two years ago, I travelled with the same leadership team to New Orleans, Louisiana to work with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. This experience touched my life in so many ways, and many of the relationships I made on that trip continue today. The trip to Orlando was incredibly unique in itself as I spent a lot of time in the Florida sun working with some awesome organizations. The Orange Blossom Trail Development Board is a county funded organization that works to clean up one of the dirtier places in Orlando. Two years ago, I lived in Orlando while interning with Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com) and was constantly advised to stay away from this area. I had the chance to help with numerous tasks that are turning that community around one step at a time. I worked with some WONDERFUL people including Chris and Rhonda, whom hold a special place in my heart. I also worked with Wycliffe Associates, one of the largest Bible translators in the world. I was involved with a community of retired couples that traveled to Orlando for several months and lived in RV’s together while volunteering for Wycliffe. These people truly loved God and I was very humbled them. Throw in a day at Cocoa Beach, a chance to hang out with my good friends David and Lauren Ranzino (you may recognize them from the pilot episode of MTV’s “Engaged and Underage”). It was an excellent time.

So NOW I am writing after only two days back in Mount Vernon. In 4 hours I am heading to Oklahoma City for my final presentations as MVNU’s Student Body President. This marks the final weeks of my service as President, a position that I am very privelaged to have this year. I will be presenting to the sister schools and their representatives while introducing Robert Audia, the incoming SGA President. This is an awesome trip to watch the development of the Executive Leadership team. I also look forward to spending time with my peers that have shared in the President position all across America (And now Canada thanks to Ambrose!)

So there is a quick update. Thanks for listening. Please interact with me through comments, I’d love to hear more about who is watching. Don’t be a creeper.

Much love.

Here is a picture update from B213 Night on 2/13 for Walking Taco’s. Birch 213 with their favorite gals.

Here is a look at the Cougar Crazies, our university fan support group. We had a rough start this year, but they prevailed when it mattered and we were able to pack the house for Homecoming and this is Toga Night against Cedarville University. Cedarville forgot their jerseys so they got to wear our old JV jerseys. It was quite a sight.