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I was given the opportunity to head Ophthalmology Consultant's Christmas Charity. Together our office was able to donate gifts for all three children and gifts for the parents.

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All the fun things I did during quarantine...

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I have been working as a bartender/server for the last five(ish) years and while most are quick to judge...I will be one of the few to say the job is enjoyable. The stories I have are unbelievable and honestly, make the job go from normal to ?????? in two seconds. One time while closing down bar a guest walks in and orders a shot of Crown. OK, nothing out of the ordinary. He then asks me to put on his watch for him (Weird but sure). Then he asks if he can smoke in the restaurant. I jokingly said "No, it's 2018!" He literally said "Is that not allowed anymore?" I gave him the rundown on the law. About 15 minutes goes by and he asks if I can order him a cab. "Sure, but it's going to take awhile since we are little further outside of the city. You should just order an Uber." He was confused. I said, "It's an app. Download it and someone will pick up". He pulls out a flip phone.

Long story short...He had been in prison for 15 years and just got out about an hour ago.

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My love for California continues after my recent visit to San Diego! The weather was not the best but still better than the Midwest. Partly Cloudy, rainy, and "cold". (Warm if you're from St. Louis..) But as always I enjoyed eating some great food and visiting my family. Already planning my next trip this summer. Thank you, CA.

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1. Click on any picture to enlarge
2. Enjoy :)

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"There is no such thing as a final copy when you're an English major..."
Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in English was a difficult decision but once I began writing I knew the decision was best. I enjoy the research and the freedom. How can I take a topic like deployment and relate it to Google? Or write about coffee and listening styles in the same paper? The stress of writing the perfect 6-7 page paper in the matter of four days sounds exhausting but really the degree is rewarding.

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I think I prefer both...

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YMCA's summer camp

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During the summer of 2018 I was hired as a Development Intern with the Gateway Region YMCA. Not to be confused with the normal gym branches that most associate the Y with, I was employed at the ARO in downtown St. Louis. While interning I was able to truly understand the in's and out's of a nonprofit organization. I worked closely with the marketing team, as well. I helped write grants, analyze budgets, and plan large events like the Lamplighter Dinner that occurred in late 2018. The experience I gained was professional and personally rewarding because of all the connections I made while there. Working with a well-developed non profit helped create a strong sense of where I want to take my career path.

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My younger brother made the official decision to join the Marine Corps in November of 2017. After months in the Delayed Entry program he left for boot camp shortly after the Fourth of July in 2018. The months that followed felt long and anxious as we waited for him to come as a new and improved Marine. Finally, the time came in October. We packed our bags for a very short trip to MCRD San Diego, CA. The day we finally were able to see my brother is still followed by a misty eye. Proud, humble, and awe come to mind when thinking back on the trip. The sun seemed to never set and the breeze was always just enough. As he packs his bags for Japan  I still love to remind myself that we once played "popcorn" on a trampoline, rode bikes to the park, and begged mom and dad to open the pool in April every year (only to freeze when our feet hit the water).

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I love to camp and have been making the trip twice a year since I could walk. Since my brother will be stationed in Japan for the next three years my family decided that we needed to take a camping trip ASAP. He's only home for the month of February so we decided our only option is camp in the snow. The temps were well below freezing and my three sleeping options were an RV, in my car, or outside. I consider myself a tough camper but not touch enough to sleep outdoors so I opted for the back seat of my SUV with my two dogs. Even though it was absolutely freezing, the campground was kind enough to let us burn some old plywood from their recent remodel. (Thanks Huzzah Valley). The short weekend turned out better than expected and having the campground to ourselves was an added bonus.

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Ever since I was younger I always wanted a dog...and now that I am 22 years old I finally have one...actually, two dogs that I can take with me any where. They are the perfect travel buddies and have the best listening skills, which is why they are my best friends. Dogs do not judge and will always love you...even when you accidentally kick them in the face while you're sleeping. Long story short, if I hadn't rescued these pit bulls then I would not have found my two best friends.