Five on Friday: Sweet Briar Style

Happy Aloha Friday!  (Every Friday is Aloha Friday here in Hawaii.  Jon and I are just starting to figure that out.)  I'm so excited to share with you guys today!

I'll be linking up with April, Amanda, Karli, and Andrea for Friday 5 and Friday Favorites. Go visit their blogs and show these ladies some love today!

Sweet Briar College is my dear sweet Alma Mater that almost closed earlier this year due to poor administration, but the Lord seriously performed a miracle and saved our school.  It truly is a Cinderella story and I couldn't be more proud of my SBC diploma than I am now.  Today I am delighted to share Sweet Briar with you!

1. The campus
If you have heard of Sweet Briar, one of the things you probably already know is how magnificent the campus is.  Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia, Sweet Briar is comprised of 3,250 acres for its 500-800 students.  Full of hiking and horseback riding trails, and home to the most peaceful lakes, it feels more like a resort than a college campus.

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2. The faculty

The largest reason I chose Sweet Briar over the other schools I was considering is the faculty.  In all of my visiting I was so completely convinced of the love and commitment  SBC's faculty has for their students and their academic standards.  The type of relationship I was able to build with my professors at SBC is one that we still celebrate as friends years after graduation.

3. Every night is a girl's night

That's right.  Sweet Briar is a women's college.  Never did I ever think that I would attend a women's college.  In  fact, almost every classmate I met in my first year said the same thing.  I always envisioned myself at a large co-ed university.  Honestly, I initially applied to SBC as a backup plan, but once setting foot on campus, and even attending some classes as part of one of their Accepted Applicants Weekends, I knew that Sweet Briar was where I was supposed to be.  You are able to engage topics and cover material in a completely different way in a single sex academic environment.  It felt completely comfortable and natural in a way that I believe really contributed to my ability to thrive there.  Plus, every night is a girl's night with the very best of friends.

4. The colors

Seriously, the colors are pink and green.  You will soon find yourself noticing everything pink and green while out shopping, and you will want all of it. Trust me.

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5. The mascot

This is one of my favorites! The mascot is a Vixen, y'all.  I don't think it gets much sweeter than that.  You will suddenly find yourself noticing all things that pertain to foxes.

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 So I know this is technically "5 on Friday" and all, but I have to include a 6 today simply because Sweet Briar is that wonderful.

6.The alumna

I know, every college brags about how great their alum network is, but Sweet Briar's alums seriously saved our college from shutting down, and that gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes everytime I think about it. I truly am convinced that the family of alumna at Sweet Briar are one of a kind.

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I could go on and on about my beloved Alma Mater, and I may just do that next Friday.  If you are considering where to attend college, I strongly encourage you to consider Sweet Briar.  That goes for all of you Mamas out there with sweet baby girls!  Check us out. You won't be disappointed.

Happy Friday!

Yesterday

My emotions were completely wrecked over a woman I don't even know.  I'm still pretty laid back in my involvement with this here blogging community, but I do follow a lady named Jessica.  I've enjoyed reading her light-hearted posts and seeing pictures of her adorable kiddos, but yesterday, her post was much different.  While the title included the name of a woman I had never even heard of, my heart instantly began to break.

I encourage you to read the memoriam Jessica wrote on her dear friend Leslie, a 30 year old mother of two baby girls. This post is just one of many that reflect the sweet soul of Leslie.

When Jon got home from work I couldn't help but share the story that  had weighed so heavily on me all day.  As I choked back tears, I kept repeating to him, "she's a stranger, I don't even know her, why am I so upset?". I felt so silly crying over the loss of a person I don't even know.

Today the Lord brought a verse of scripture to my heart about the Body of Christ.

"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
[1 Corinthians 12:26]

You see, Leslie is not a stranger at all, and as weird as this may sound, she's my sister, not through our own blood, but through the blood of Jesus, and that alone is enough to cause us to grieve along with those who knew her.

In honor of Leslie, a memorial fund has been set up for her two sweet babies, Caroline and Ainsley.  If you feel led to support their family, you can find the link here.