Today is December 4, 2011.  I can't believe that this year is already drawing to a close, it's insane!  December is a time for many people to reflect on their lives, what they've done, and what they would like to do.  I realized that after looking at 2011, the theme of my year was Strength and Relationships.  I endured a lot of hardships, but also opportunities that continued to push my limits and help me grow as an individual.  It's been a trying year, with lots of relationships made, fallen apart, and rekindled.  I am so thankful for everything that has happened to me in this monumental year:

• I started off this year by falling prey to a Mary Kay email scam, losing $1,750 because of it.  Not the best way to start my year, but I faced this situation and moved on.
• The very next day, I was hired as a Wellness instructor at Williston State College.  Little did I know that through this relationship I would start a whole new chapter of my life later on.
• I had surgery on my right wrist.  I never knew how dominant I really was with my right hand until I couldn't use it for approximately one month.  I had to type, use a mouse, drive, do my makeup, shower, put in my contacts, you name it, with my left hand.  That was an experience that made me appreciate the diligence I have.
• People should never travel with me, because in 2011, I had some horrible travel experiences.  Early in the year, I was stranded in various towns because of the weather 3 times.  Because of some complications, I was late for my Zumba training in Fargo.  On the way back, all of aboard the train had to get off in Minot and ride charter buses to our final destinations.  Thank goodness I was only going to Williston!  Thanks for the Subway food package, Amtrak :)  I fortunately missed out on the nasty blizzard in April/May since I was on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever!  Lastly, it wasn't my fault, but my sister and I missed our return flight to Williston from Phoenix.  I think I bring back luck to trips! I learned that when it comes to unexpected things, you just have to grin, bear it, and laugh.  Trust me, it'll make a good story later!
• Like I said, i went on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever with my sister and a mutual friend of ours.  That was an amazing trip that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It was funny though, because we missed some big events while on the ship: the Royal Wedding, bin Laden's capture, the major storm in Williston.  Being on a cruise ship is like being in Vegas: you have no concept of time at all, and what's worse, your cell phones don't work!  We had to plan like we did in the 1990's, actually be where we said we'll be at a certain time and pray that everyone else will be, too!  Tampa is a beautiful city, I hope to visit again.  As for Cozumel, well, that was a big touristy town.  I'd rather see the real Mexico next time.  But the best part were the shows, holy cow!  I ended up meeting the pianist from "Crowfield," so he got us into the VIP sections on the ship. too bad I never did talk to the lead singer of Lifehouse though!
• Saw some great productions by Williston's theatre group, Entertainment, Inc.!  One of my favorites of all time was "The Dining Room," which was presented this spring.  Fabulous work!
• I met lots of people who felt the need to tell me that going to college, especially graduate school, was a waste of time.  One man even dared say that an MBA was pointless, even though business is a pretty big aspect of our world.  With the crassness of so many people now in Williston, I've learned to build up quite a tolerance for people's bluntness and tactlessness, if that's even a word.
• In June, I won the title of Miss Queen City.  I wasn't expecting to win a title at my first pageant in over two years, but I did!  I was the first titlewinner announced for the 2011-2012 pageant season, which is neat.  It's been great having a full year to prepare for the state pageant.  I have had many opportunities to get involved in Williston (not just because of the pageant, but because I love it!), promote my platform, and prepare for the various areas of competition.
• When I first moved back to Williston in 2010, I felt a void because I wasn't involved in anything like I had been for practically my whole life.  This year, I decided to take the initiative and am now involved in Rotary International on the local and regional levels, National Business Education Association, North Dakota Business Office and Education Association, Mountain-Plains Business Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education and Leadership, Upper Missouri Relay for Life, Muscular Dystrophy Association, leadership consultant for Northern Lights Students Against Destructive Decisions (serving ND,SD, and MN), North Dakota Phi Beta Lambda, AAHPERD, National Association of Professional Women, Williston Concert Association, and Williston Young Professionals. I just became an Ambassador for the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, too!  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/serena-christianson/14/16a/6a4
• How did I get involved in so much so quickly? Through networking.  You hear from people about the power of it, and it is so true.  I've networked my whole life, and I am the first one to praise its benefits.  I now rub elbows with a lot of the leaders of Williston, which is just crazy to me.  I have made some good friendships with these individuals, which has given me more insight into our local government and the issues they face with the oil boom.
• I tried a lot of new things, which I focused on in one of my previous blogs.  I've really held on to the motto of "I'll try anything once."  What an enriching experience that is!  Nothing brings people closer together than new endeavors!
• My mom's side of the family had a reunion in Colorado in August.  That was something I'll really cherish.  We rekindled a lot of relationships and I now actually speak with my extended family on a regular basis.  I have wanted that for so long, and it finally came true.  I can't wait for our reunion in May 2012!
• If something doesn't work out once, don't give up hope.  The tax initiative didn't pass in June, but because of the determination of the supporters, we got it passed in October! So excited for Williston's future!
• I dated a few guys, some amazing experiences, not so much.  I had my heart broken twice this year, which was hard.  It's a difficult thing to open yourself to someone, but I will keep on doing so.  You can't give up hope!
• My family has endured some hardships these past few months.  Instead of falling apart, we have had to build up strength to keep moving on.  Sure, there are times when I break down and cry, but that's human.  It's been really scary, I won't lie.  But because of the relationships I have with friends and family, I know I'm not alone.  We will get through this nasty stuff together, as long as we don't panic and stay strong.
• I started a new job this year:  I am now the Program Coordinator and Instructor of Business at Williston State College (http://www.willistonstate.edu/Community/Human-Resources/BiosProfiles/Business-Faculty/Serena-Christianson.html).  It is a lot of pressure being the person the administration hopes to revive the business program, but I relish it.  Hands down, this is the most stressful experience of my life, but what an opportunity!  I am one of the leaders for the new bachelor's program we are developing.  It is mind-blowing to think that at 22 I was hired as a college instructor and at 23, will probably develop the first four year program! Ah!  What a blessing.  There are days when I wonder what in the world I'm doing in this position, but because of my two amazing mentors and support team, I know I have the ability to really make a difference.
• My sister and I are house shopping, which is such a scary experience! I mean, that's what adults do.  Filling out the loan paperwork, I had to calm myself down because of how big of a commitment it is.  But I'd rather have my money go towards building an asset and my financial portfolio, not wasted away on rent.
• My sister and I are also working on our dance studio, expected to open in early 2012.  This has been a huge process, and I thank Sarah so much for taking on a lot of the responsibility.  I have been able to help out because in my strategic management class for my MBA, we have to develop a business plan.  So for the entire 8 weeks, we are looking at different aspects of the business (finances, organization, operations, marketing, etc.) and creating a kick-ass strategy.  I have the utmost confidence we will do really well.
• I was named a Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women!  Check out my profile at: http://www.napw.com/profile/10749203/Serena-Christianson/

As you can see, I've had a lot on my plate, and still do.  Would I change any of it? Heck no! I have met the most incredible people this year and really pushed myself.  You never realize how strong you are until you're tested, and this year, boy oh boy have I been tested.

How about those new year's resolutions from last year? Let's do an update:

-   Continue to stay fit.  Lose 10 pounds.  I have done pretty well on this.  I will admit that with this new job, I have become an emotional eater to deal with my stress.  However, I recognize that I need to stop and will continue to be physically active!  I have been teaching 6 classes, 5 days a week since August.

-          Continue enjoying life Check!  If you know anything about me, you know that I really love life and all the little things in it.

-          Continue on this path of self-acceptance It's a day-by-day process, but I've gotten a lot better!

-          Learn a new language (I know I didn’t fulfill this one from last year) I've sorta worked on this.  For next year, I'm really going to work on this once I'm done with my first year of teaching and MBA.  I bought these two language CD sets from B&N: one is Italian, the other, French.  You listen to them in your car, which is perfect for all the traveling I do.

-          Keep on pursuing my interests Always.

-          Don’t be afraid to take risks and to be different Definitely have done this.  I love doing things differently.

-          Show my love and appreciate for what and who I have in my life I think I do a good job at this, but could always show it more.

-          Become more involved in my community Oh yeah. I am smack-dab in the middle of a lot of stuff.

-          Keep learning and reading I wholly believe that everything happens for a reason, you just have to open your mind and heart to learn why.  I haven't been able to read as much, but I am looking forward to it once I'm done with grad school!

-          Finish my Williston Photo Portfolio Project This is one thing I have not worked on, but that's not the end of the world.

I didn't even put this one on my blog last year, but a new year's resolution for 2011 was to learn guitar.  I am no professional, but I've learned a little bit.  Nothing soothes me like making music.

2012 Resolutions:

- Challenge myself even further physically

- Don't sweat the small things, especially with everything on my plate

- Halt spending money on so many frivolous things.  I have enough clothes, makeup, perfume, toiletries, shoes, accessories, books, etc. to kill someone.  So in 2012, I am going to use what I have first and buy things only when they're necessary.

- Continue showing others how much I appreciate and care for them

- Prepare myself as much as I can for Miss North Dakota in June

- Continue learning the guitar

- Starting in May, when everything will slow down a little, read at least one book a month FOR LEISURE!

- Learn a new language starting in May

- Do one thing every day that makes me happy (I already do this, but I want to continue it!)

- Really promote health prevention, especially cancer and stroke.

So that was my 2011 in a nutshell.  I left out a lot of details, but the essence of it was this: I learned a lot about myself and others, especially how strong I can be when I have to be.  Nothing is more important than the relationships in your life, so make those a top priority.  Otherwise, what's the point of achieving success if you can't share it with anyone?

Here's to a fabulous end of 2011 and beginning of 2012!  I love you all :)

Doesn't it seem like time flies quicker the older you get?  It sure does to me; I have made a point in reflecting on what I've done and what I'd like to do in the future as I get older.

Recently, I realized that this year, I have experienced a lot of firsts.  It is not like I made up my mind in January to do a bunch of new things, but somehow, that's what happened.  I was dating a guy who would repeatedly say "you gotta try everything once, right?"  I almost wholeheartedly agree with that statement.  Why not try new things, you might learn you like something that you didn't think you would!  But then again, you shouldn't try something incredibly risky, like jump off a bridge, just to say you've tried it.  

Here's my list of firsts for 2011 thus far:

• Traveled to Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado (I've flown out of Denver, but that doesn't count)
• Parasailed
• Rode a horse
• Wakeboarded
• Attended a rodeo
• First headshots with my curly hair (I used to be self-conscious about it but am not anymore)
• Ran a 5K
• Sang in front of a crowd (and it wasn't even karaoke!)
• Taught a class (and all the firsts that come with being a first-year teacher)
• Got a professional massage (highly, highly recommend doing that!)
• Used an iPad
• Drove a stick shift
• Dyed my own hair (so much cheaper!)
• Shot a gun
• Taught myself guitar
• Attended a wing cook-off
• Was in a wedding
• Had physical therapy
• Used my left arm as a dominant arm - that means brushing my teeth, doing my makeup, using a mouse, everything!
• Taught zumba
• Ate jambalaya

I think that's it; there might be more, who knows.  Either way, I've experienced many new things this year, growing as a person because of it.  I encourage you to push your boundaries, stretch your limits.  You never know what a little adrenaline rush and confidence can do for you!

...and you'll never have to work a day in your life."  Confucius said it best!

I first stumbled upon this quote when I was compiling my portfolio in my senior English class.  I'm big on quotes, as you already know, and this stuck with me.  When people ask what my dream job is, all I can say is "one that makes a difference in others' lives and uses my skills and abilities."  I have finally found that job in my new position with Williston State College.  I am so blessed to be able to find something I truly enjoy at such a young age.  I've had the jobs where they truly are a means to a paycheck, but now I haven't something better - a career with a purpose.

Now that I have a few weeks under my belt, I can reflect on what it means to be the Program Coordinator and Instructor of Business at WSC.  There is nothing more rewarding than sharing something you have a passion about.  I find business really interesting, but what excites me are the opportunities that lie in it.  All of my students have different goals on what they want to accomplish with their degrees - some want to transfer on to a four year school, some want to show their kids the value in a college education.  I've had moments so far where I question what I know, but I tell myself there is a reason that I was hired - someone saw in me what it takes to be an effective educator.

I know there are going to be days where I want to pull out my hair from frustration, but that's to be expected.  I have always loved a challenge, and I can't see any bigger challenge than the job I'm currently in.  WSC is looking to add a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Management degree - I am pretty sure I will be the go-to person for developing this curriculum.  Talk about pressure!  Instead of seeing it as a scary endeavor, I see it as an opportunity for growth.  Who knows how that'll turn out.

I have learned a lot about time management through this job, but have learned that I need to take time for myself, too.  I am so thankful for the people in my life, consistently checking in with me and making sure I'm not losing my mind.  I have come to accept that I will not be a perfect teacher this first go-around, that it is a continuous process.

One thing I have been concerned with is my age - I was worried people wouldn't take me seriously because I am relatively fresh out of undergrad.  I see that as an advantage though; I know the current trends in business classes and what students should know when they graduate.  I met with my mentor last week, who I bounce ideas off of and vent my frustrations to.  I asked him if he had heard any students mention me in any way and this is what he told me:

"Serena, the students say that you're tough, know your stuff, but you're fair.  Oh, and the hockey guys think you're really hot and are going to see if you'll hang out with them or something."

I was relieved to hear that people thought I was tough, but fair.  That was my goal walking in and will continue to be my goal.  I want to push my students to fully prepare them for when they complete their studies here.  As for the "hot teacher" comment: hey, it's a compliment!  I've already been hit on once, not by my students thankfully, but will accept a compliment nonetheless!

As for the rest of my life:  when I was in CO for my family reunion, my mom, sister and I stopped in Denver to do some pageant wardrobe shopping.  I am happy to say I found my evening dress and two options for walk on gowns!  I am so excited and relieved to get that portion done!  Now I need to get my talent costume and interview outfit.  I have a couple options for swimsuit, but they're in my possession so no worrying about choosing a style.  Now all I really have to focus on is fundraising and further development with my platform.  More information about both will come later.

I am beginning my third-to-last class in my grad program.  I can't believe I'll be done so soon!  It's crazy to think that at 23, I am a college instructor and will have my MBA completed.  All I can say is Wow!

Final thoughts:  I am so thankful for where I'm at today - I have my health, family, friends, and plenty to fulfill my wants and needs.  If anything, remember this:

Everything happens for a reason.  Your heart and mind must be open to learn why.