On May 9th, 2015, I will be receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in
Sport Management with a Minor in Marketing from Arkansas State University.
The past 4 years have
flown by….so let’s start from the beginning.
Freshman Year (University of Central Arkansas)
I was SO excited to finally be out on my own. I got to go to
bed when I wanted, eat whatever I wanted, and do whatever I wanted. I quickly
learned that those things might not be all they are cracked up to be. I should
go to bed at a decent time, I should NOT eat whatever I want, and I should NOT
do whatever I want to do. I still needed to listen to mom and dad’s advice over
the phone. I still needed to call my sister since this was the first time we
were apart in 18 years. Let’s just say I should have taken freshman year more
seriously but I did meet some amazing people.
Sophomore Year (East Arkansas Community College)
I never imagined myself going to a community college but it
was the best decision I could have made. I going to be honest, I struggled my
freshman year and did not make the grades I needed to. Going to EACC was a
reality check for me. I started studying and taking school seriously. I got to
live with my grandparents that year and it was amazing getting their advice and
encouragement every day. Plus I got to have my gram’s cooking every night. I
have my mind set on going back to UCA but God had other plans for me.
Junior Year (Arkansas State University)
Oh hey, school I should have been at from the beginning ;) I
declared my major, Sport Management. I finally found something that I loved to
learn about. I enjoyed going to class and interacting with my classmates and
professors. Everyone was so nice and welcoming from the beginning. It amazed me
how everyone joined together to help each other with assignments. I feel in
love with Arkansas State University and finally figured out what I want to do
with my life. I also had an awesome job at Discovery Island Learning Center,
which was a HUGE blessing in my life.
Senior Year (Arkansas State University)
The year I had been dreading because I knew the real world
was up next. My senior year started out by me getting strep throat (joys of
working at a day care). BUT, everything went uphill from there. I was offered
an internship with Arkansas State Athletics Marketing. I had the time of my
life with this internship because it taught me SO much. Second semester started
off bad also. I was in a horrible sledding accident that could have caused me
to be paralyzed but the Lord was watching over me that day and I am thankful to
be walking. BUT, everything went uphill from there. I finished my internship
and my job. It was a busy year, but an amazing one.
Now I would like to make a few shout outs to some people
that helped me get here.
Mom- Thank
you for always being there to talk when I have had a stressful day. Thank you
for helping me move in and out countless times. Thank you for going shopping
with me on the weekends and buying me things. I would not have made it the past four years
without with love and constant support.
Dad- Thank
you for always make sure my car is in good shape because you know I know
nothing about cars. Thanks for asking me “Kristen, how did your test go?” because
you always knew my answer was “at least it’s over.” Thank you for brightening
my Wednesday’s with hump day posts. Thanks for the endless support these past
four years.
Kelsey- When
we left for college it was the first time in 18 years that we were separated. I
honestly did not know how I was going to survive without you but look we
managed. Thanks for letting me keep up with your life over Twitter when we were
too busy to call each other. Thanks for being spontaneous with me on school
nights. Thanks for letting me vent to you ALL the time. Thanks for everything,
twin.
Gram&Pop-
Wow where do I begin. Thanks for letting me live with you for a year of
college. Thanks for coming up to visit me all the time. Thanks for letting me
crash at your house on the weekends and do my laundry. I could not have
survived college with y’all. I will miss living an hour from y’all but I will
still be visiting as much as possible. Love y’all so much.
There are so many people I could thank but that would take
up pages and pages. Thank you everyone for the support and prayers over the
past four years. Just know that I could not have made it without you.
As for the future, I am moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas on
Tuesday to start an internship with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. I will be
there until August. At the end of August, I will begin grad school at the University
of Memphis. I am so excited for this next step in my life.
Thanks for the memories stAte. #wolvesup
Kristen Leigh
Buynar
