Remembering 2011
Sometimes when I think back on a year, I start at the beginning of a school year, but soon realize the year is clearly much more than a few months. As I think about where and who I was exactly one year ago…it’s mind blowing.
Going way back to the first part of 2011, I think about softball and the great time I had last year with my teammates, but I am also reminded my dumb shoulder injury. I would have never thought I wouldn’t be playing this year. But it’s taught me a very important life lesson: You simply cannot do it all if you really want to do something whole heartedly. This is a decision I still struggle with, but it’s a HUGE situation that shaped my 2011. I had to put Shalom first, and I know it had to be done, but I still miss my team. I will never stop loving the game, nor will I ever forget my teammates.
Last spring was full of Graceland Rep training, which leads me to the awesome summer of 2011. I’ve already written numerous blog posts about my experiences, so I won’t go too far into detail. But my summer traveling and meeting people was absolutely amazing. I still think of my campers, the staff, and people that I met quite frequently. I am so thankful for the friendships I made through the experience and I wouldn’t trade the little moments for anything. I learned so much this summer, and really had a blast!
A year ago I was planning on running for House President and I was passionate about being the best I could be, and now I’m sitting here having completed one semester of being Shalom’s House President. WOW! I could have never imagined back then how much I would be going through within this year. I have heard from past House Presidents that the it’s the best and worst year of your life, and I completely agree. But I don’t regret the experience whatsoever. It has been such a fulfilling, challenging, and awesome year. Not to mention it’s given me the chance to get to know some incredible people who have supported me along the way. Now onto the next semester! 
There are simply too many things to touch on when trying to reminisce on a whole year, but I can say 2011 has been one of the best years of my life. I have dealt with unimaginable circumstances, sometimes all at once. But I can now say that I lived through it. I’ve learned more about myself and how to handle a variety of situations. I can say I’ve grown this year. In so many ways, that I may not even realize them all. As for the new year…I plan to make some big changes. I plan to live healthier, think more positively, laugh more, use my creativity, make opportunities, do the best I can, and be the best that I can possibly be.
This is Leah Wheeler, wishing you a happy new year! 
