13 more days until graduation!

Graduation is inching closer and closer, and there is still so much left to do! I started working on my next KOMU story. Professor Henry Nguyen, at the University of Missouri, finished the first stage of his “soybean genome project.” Nguyen and a group of researchers identified more than 1 billion base pairs in a soybean. Since soybeans are a valuable crop, his research could be beneficial for many reasons.  And that’s exactly what I want to explain in my story. I already spoke with Professor Nguyen. He showed me around the lab, as well as the green house. The next step– to find a soybean farmer. Nguyen hopes his research could mean an increase in soybean production, which of course would help a soybean farmer. Missouri is the fifth-largest soybean producer in the country; its economic impact is great. As a result, Nguyen’s research would not only influence the state, but the entire country and possibly world.

As for the rest of my life, this past weekend truly made me feel like a senior. My weekend was jam-packed with sorority, senior events. It was so much fun to finally get a chance to be with sorority pledge class. I feel like I’ve been so busy with school, KOMU, work and therapy, I’ve been neglecting an important family, my sorority sisters. On Friday, we had our “Senior Night” at Forge and Vine. It was a chance to hear senior speeches, present senior superlatives and reflect on memories from our past four years. Every one of us couldn’t help but laugh and cry throughout the evening. On Saturday, we had one of our sorority parties called, “Flock,” a beach-themed dance. I had so  much fun, but it was sad to think that would be my last “Flock.”

Thirteen more days until graduation and I cannot begin to describe my mixed emotions. I’ve been thinking about the past, present and future all at the same time. The idea of graduating is scary, exciting and stressful. There is still so much left to do. I just hope I savor my last 13 days!