Happy Weekend!

I had chicken for lunch, got some work done, hit up some schoolwork AND I'm about to go to a concert. This has been a wonderfully productive and well planned day! :)

Had to answer some questions about my job, that didn't take much time and I had a forum to post on for a ministry class which is actually pretty fun. Now I'm getting ready to hop out the door to go to the Andrew Peterson concert tonight.



Isn't that song adorable? The cool part is that the show is presented by ACC, so as legit as this guy is (meaning people like Randy Travis and Toby Mac like him and he's toured with Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Caedmon's Call and some other folk...ah!), ACC has the hook-up. Basically, this means that ACC is legit. :)

So I'm off to the concert soon! And yes, I will tell you how it was. :)

Jamie-Grce

The Zoo!

I wasn't planning on staying at ACC this weekend, but I am really glad I did!

Last night, we had a Bon Fire by the Volleyball court. It was very relaxing and extremely funny. I love sitting by a fire with the people I love. Laughing, playing games and telling stories. This is the life!

Today, me and four of my friends went to the Atlanta ZOO!!!!! I seriously haven't been to the zoo since I was about 4 years old. It was awesome! To spice things up, there were little kids running around with their Halloween costumes on. The best outfit had to go to this little girl dressed as a cheeseburger haha. It was fantastic. They were also giving out free candy.

PARTY

-Shelley

The Stretch

This is one of my more personal entries yet. Although I've only blogged once, out of the two, this is the most personal. Who knows? Maybe I'll just make this blog a public diary in the life of Aaron Lewis @ ACC. I'm not here to talk to you about safety procedures before working out, neither is it about yoga. This preparation is more for the spiritual journey at ACC and the rest of your life. You never know as much about people as you think, and if you think you do, THINK AGAIN!!!



I consider myself to have somewhat of a childlike spirit. God has given me a pure heart through his son Jesus Christ. But at times I often feel misunderstood. Some of the things that I say or do are taken the wrong way and offend others. I don't at all mean to offend but somehow I do! "People just don't get me", is what I'd often say, until today it dawned on me. Although I meant no intentional harm to my peers, I have caused harmed unintentionally through my insensitivity to the lifestyle of fellow Christians.


It's like what Dr. Haralu was preaching, excuse me....teaching in class, we have to take time to get to know one another before we can be effective as Christians. I was hitting a cultural barrier but I didn't realize it until today. Everyone is not like me, and neither should I expect them to understand me. While I was busy criticizing others about their sensitivities, I should have been examining myself. My comfort with who I am was causing others discomfort and that's not the way it should be. I had to learn to be true to myself, without being truly me. This means we have to respect others, even when it doesn't feel like its who we are. It's not about us anyway. It's all about Jesus!!!!!


Mr. Jimmy Street said it best when he mentioned the 2-1-60 rule in Chapel. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth. Lets spend more time listening and less time talking so that we may be able to LOVE our brothers and sisters more effectively and unify with one another in Christ. Lay aside assumptions of who others are and truly get to know them for who they are. Think before you speak! And once again listen. It requires hardly any energy.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF, AND YOU WILL DO WELL!

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA, THE WORLD, AND OF COURSE A-C-C!!!!!

GO CHARGERS! GO! or should I say GO "SKY PILOTS"




Yours in Christ,
Aaron L.

I thought college was the last step! It's not? Dang!

So today for the special event chapel, about 7 different seminary/graduate school representatives shared with us information regarding their specific school. I have never been the type to...uh....stay in school longer than I have to :) BUT, I have so far chatted with TWO representatives from Richmont Graduate University who have both been SUPER nice and welcoming. Why am I getting attracted to GRADUATE SCHOOL!!!!! That was never in the plan. Is God trying to tell me something? :/

I just recently decided that I am going to pursue a degree in counseling. Richmont is specifically for counseling students. The irony is killing me!

What should I do...?

Nothing right now, I still have two years to see what God is going to throw at me :) I like that. HA

-Shelley

FALL FASHION

It’s definitely that time, ladies and gents. That’s right fall is hear, goodbye summer. It’s time to pull out your blazers, hats, scarf’s, and boots. Oh how I love the fall. It’s a time of inspiration; it’s a time where you can layer up on the clothes. The good thing about fall is that you can always go back to last season’s fashions and mix and match. The must haves for the fall, Ruffles on shirts, leather jackets, denim jeans, cardigans, pull over sweaters, and pea coats, are definitely in. Now footwear, Uggs, Sperry’s, Toms, and always knee boots. Now you can always catch deals, so don’t worry about the cost. And it doesn’t have to be name brand, I myself love name brand jeans, so instead of purchasing two expensive items, I’ll get the brand name jeans, and my shirt unless on sale will be an off brand. So learn to mix and match, and have fun with it!!!!!

-Destiny

Remember to breathe.

It seems that the common theme of school-life is that as soon as Fall Break (or Spring break in the case of the Spring semester) is over that I find myself welcomed by numerous assignments, papers, exams and presentations. There hardly seems to be room to breathe sometimes.

I can hardly call myself an expert when it comes to avoiding stress, but here's my personal tip.

However, as silly of a statement as this may seem, it is important to remember to breathe and to relax. I've learned from experience that stress usually disables me from getting any work done and really only causes me wasted time fretting over the possibility of not completing work or failing an assignment.

Also, if you're anything like me (and by this I mean if you procrastinate as terribly as I often tend to) then making a list for yourself of practical goals for the day (for example, are you really going to tackle three research papers in one day? Probably not.) can help manage your time better. And this may seem like contradictory advice, but sometimes taking a shower, watching a movie, or taking a nap can help you relax before you begin to tackle an assignment. Sure, it's a form of procrastination, but if you're stressed and can't focus on your assignment, then step away from it for a bit. Drink some tea or color in a coloring book.

If it helps you, write your frustrations out - write your stress out. I often do this in a prayer-journal because who can better handle the weight of my stress than God?

And lastly, as I said before: remember to breathe.

- Rebecca

Mix up!

So.... Today I met with my advisor (also known as my favorite teacher). Our goal was to sign me up for classes next semester, which we did. Good news, I have no class on Fridays!!!!! YAY COLLEGE. I am finally getting into classes that are specifically for my major (counseling), which is very exciting! I love the fact that I can make my own schedule :) I am choosing not to have early classes for next semester! haha I love this...

There is bad news coming, don't worry...

As we were looking at the classes that I have already taken/am taking now, we noticed something strange. One of the classes that I have been going to since August DOES NOT go toward my major (I thought it did). Sad thing is- I JUST NOW NOTICED! AHHH I was so mad.

More good news: This class (that seemed pointless) has helped me a LOT in one of my other classes. I really think God knew what He was doing the whole time ;) College classes seem to come in handy in real life.

I AM HAPPY at the end of the day!

-Shelley (the one who makes plenty of mistakes and laughs uncontrollably at them)

MINISTRY DAY

Ministry, the act of serving. Not to be served, but being the servants God has called us to be. Today we went to the City of Refuge and experienced many things. Some experienced separating clothes, washing windows, mopping floors, and picking up trash around the city of Atlanta. I myself got to interact with the people. I met some very interesting people, and although they were homeless, they had insight of who God was and what it meant to serve and not be served. I spoke with a lady named Tennette and she stayed in the homeless shelter, and she really didn't have much. I asked her what she wanted to do in life, her response? SERVE, that just blew me because she didn't have much herself, but she still wants to serve others, and to glorify God in what she does. We should learn to be more like Tennette, willing to give God our all, and Glorify Him in everything we do. Ministry day should be everyday because its's not about us, it's about loving each other and showing the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Served all his life, so should we.

-Destiny

Shoes under bridges.

Every morning I wake up with barely enough time to make it to class. I'm terrible at getting up in the morning and this is mostly due to the handy little "snooze" button on my alarm clock which lets me think I can actually afford to sleep another five minutes four times.

I wouldn't consider myself very "high maintenance" by any means, but I do like to look fairly presentable most days. This usually is not a hard trick to pull off, but I am always stuck when it comes to matching shoes with what I'm wearing. This morning, I made it late to class by a few minutes simply because I couldn't decide what shoes I was going to wear. And after my class was over, I came back to my room and changed shoes! Ridiculous, I know.

Without a doubt my favorite thing about ACC is the people here: faculty, professors, and students. I went out to a rougher part of Atlanta tonight with a few peers and we gave out some pizza, water and toiletries to some of the homeless people in the area. They were obviously very appreciative of this act of kindness, but they were more touched by our willingness to open up and talk to them, to share life and love with them. It was my first time going, and a lot of the people who went along have been doing this for months so they've built relationships with a lot of the people there, but it was such an incredible and humbling experience.

I often think that missions work involves going to another state or country, forgetting that there are hurting lost souls under the bridge I drive on every week. And the amazing thing is that these people are so hopeful and so willing to share the little they have. I have close to 24 pairs of shoes in my closet, some of these people only had socks.

They thanked us over and over again for what we were doing, but the truth is, I feel more indebted to them than I can think to express. Their love is genuine and their hope is steady.

Tomorrow, we have Community Ministry day at our school, which basically means we get a whole day off of classes and go and do projects in the surrounding areas of Atlanta. But what it really means is that we are intentionally taking time of to do what we're called to do as Christians: to minister to the hurting, the lost, and the needy.

It reminds me of a song, and this is one I pray quite frequently,

"Make of me Your hands and feet,

I want to be to the people around me,

what You want to be to the people around me."

If we don't take time to love people under bridges, who will?

- Rebecca

I love not having class

I simply love all of our random holidays/breaks throughout the year.

This past weekend was Fall Break=Thursday-Sunday off. I went home to relax and spend time with my family. For all of you high school students out there, I know how you feel when you say "I can't wait to move into a dorm and get away from my parents!" Believe me, I said the same thing. It is so true though. Living on my own is marvelous thing. I love how my mothers voice is not my alarm clock in the morning anymore. Let me tell you this...

Moving out really does get your emotions rolling. Me and my mothers relationship actually got stronger since I moved out. I call her more frequently, I tell her I love her and I don't take our time together for granted anymore. I actually miss her! Relationships are a very important thing in life. You will begin to seriously realize this when you get to college. Friends are needed (real friends, not the crazy ones from high school that had your parents worried...you know what I am talking about) I am talking about friends who truly care for you and have your back. My friends at ACC love me for ME! What I am hinting at is.... LIVE ON CAMPUS! :)

Back to my 4 day weekend story...

The 9th grade girls in my small group came to ACC to hang out for a night. It was super exciting! We went to a church service at Grace Midtown, then went to the Varsity, and to top off our night, we stopped at Krispy Kreme!!!! Living close to Atlanta has its advantages. After our exciting, stomach twisting food runs, we came back to the campus. We then watched disney movies for a good while.

College :)

-Shelley

Fall Break

Well, some people go home and crash for fall break. I spent my break listening to people speak from longer than I did at school.

Ha.

But seriously, I got the opportunity to go to Catalyst on Thursday and Friday and it was splendid.

As much craziness and show that it was, when it got down to it, it was some challenging stuff.

I would recommend anyone to go. Especially if they are in leadership.

On Saturday, I worked (oh, the glories of being a janitor).

On Sunday, I traversed up to Chattanooga with a friend and a younger sister to be at the launch of my former youth minister's church. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. David is such a mentor and really believed in me and let me lead worship for my senior year of high school.

After which, it was Taco Bell and one of the coolest places in the country (McKay's), where we got food and I picked up many used DVDs. I walked away with $50 less but 13 movies richer. that's a deal, right there.

Came home, did some homework, watched a movie and slept.

Nonetheless, my break was wonderful. it was exhausting, though. I am not getting any more sleep than I was a few weeks ago (possibly less, due to homework). So, it wasn't the rest that most people got on their breaks. I am slightly jealous.

but I am most thankful for my chance to grow and would not change my break in the least.

I hope that you had such a rewarding break.

peace.

Zach

10-10-10

really...how could i not mention the most exciting day of the entire decade? it was yesterday, incase you didn't get the chance to celebrate, and it was the 10th day of the 10th month of 2010. cha-ching! (really?) legit dates right there. so, in honor of 10-10-10 (belated), i have a request for you. really quick, think of the first 10 (didn't see that number coming...did you?) things that go through your mind the second you wake up on the average weekday.

for me it goes a little something like "ugh, i have to get up!" and from there it's snooze button... bathroom (it's true!)... food... "man, i should've written that paper before now"... gotta check my facebook before class... and the list goes on and on. how about yourself? what are the top 5...6...10 things that go across your mind in the AM?

yesterday at my church was the once a month girls group followed by teen night. my sister and i lead both and we decided to start a new series of discussing the ten commandments. of course it's cheesy to start them on 10-10-10 but it's an incredible rarity for any of us to let Exodus 20 slip our minds now since the entire night was based on 10.

in the girl's group we listed the 10 things that come across our minds in the morning and segwayed (is that a word) into the first commandment. "You shall have no other god's before me." i shared how i often times don't think about God's name when i first wake up which i don't think it's wrong to have to pee or think about homework right when you wake up but how much time are we spending thinking about the things that don't actually matter? how much time do we spend stressing about homework or classes when we could just set our priorities straight in the first place so God could be on our minds first.

and that's what it always seems to boil down to... priorities.

when i take the time to do my homework on time and not procrastinate (which trust me...isn't easy) or when i limit my facebook/twitter time, my stress levels are near as high as usual. and when i wake up i'm not panicking trying to get to class on time or wishing i had more sleep because i pulled a near all-nighter writing an 8-page. i'm instead waking up without my head pounding and without having to think if i need an energy drink. i'm waking up feeling like i've accomplished something and that i'm ready to face whatever is coming that day. and when my mind is free like that? the number one thing on my mind is God, because i know i've put Him at the top of my priorities list.

i don't wanna get all preachy, but it's something that's hit me hard lately and i wanted to share it with you. the connection between homework and God may not be the same for others, but when I put Him first He puts my mind at ease and i'm able to focus on things that matter and get them done in time. i'm also not yearning to check someone's facebook or twitter updates and spending more time there than I am with God.

i hope this isn't all a blur of confusion to you and if is i totally agree that i could be that i'm not explaining myself well, so i would love to elaborate or edit. i just want to encourage you to put God first in everything and allow Him to ease your mind of the stress and craziness we often face. if you have a top 10 list? put Him at #1. and if you know me, please encourage me to do the same.

love, peace & jamie-grace

gotta love break!

I'm pretty sure if Fall Break was early in September or early-mid November we (students) would say it was perfect timing but really this second weekend of October Fall Break jazz... it feels like the perfect timing. Right around mid-terms, the change of weather... a great time to head home for a few days and regroup. Eat your mom's food, sleep until noon, kinda sorta look over your homework or drive four hours and work a lot... yep.

Nah, nah I love my job so it's all good! So now, over my break, I'm hanging in the recording studio in Tennessee waiting to head to the vocal booth and lay some tracks. It's crazy, I've always wanted to do this but now that God has opened this door I find myself still looking toward Him with a smirk on a face and a ridiculous amount of "pinch me" going, "Really God? You're letting me do this? Ahh I love it!" Haha it's my reality, but it still feels a bit like a dream.

I got here yesterday and actually head back today but it's been a good and productive trip. When I get home I have a test on Wednesday to study for and my sister's wedding next week to finish getting ready for. I'm also leading a girl's smal group and teaching the message to the youth so I have to get ready for those two Sunday night events. Oh, and I'll probably squeeze shopping in there somewhere. I have an education class to buy materials for to set up an art station for kids on Monday because I can't do it on Tuesday because I'll be in Texas doing message training for a girl's conference I'm doing in the Spring.

So other than those very few things to check off of my list, I'm excited to be back in Atlanta, sleeping in (ha?), eating my mom's food and enjoying my fall break... is this even a break? Haha regardless, I'm excited about it and I actually can't wait to get back to school on Monday... I kinda miss my dorm!!

Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

the munchkin, the fair and the people on campus.

her name is Senuri! :)

She's the little munchkin I talked about in my last blog that I am sponsoring through World Vision. (i say munchkin in a good way…haha.)


She's two years old and is from Sri Lanka. I won't receive a letter from her (well, she's two… so her parents haha) for about 6-8 weeks but I can't wait for her to know someone's sponsoring her. Ahh! It'll be so exciting!

Hmm…well, in other news! I am excited about the rest of this week here @ ACC and just in Atlanta in general. Tomorrow two lovely people I know are flying in Atlanta and speaking at ACC's Special Event chapel on Friday. Jenna and Chrissy are both involved with The Revolve Tour/Women of Faith conferences and it's an all-girls chapel this Friday. Afterward I get to catch up with them a little but then I have to take them back to the airport… *sniff*

After that though, I'm hitting up the North Georgia State Fair. Hawk Nelson's playing there - yes! - and I'm in need of a fair calzone. Going with my sister Morgan (ACC '10), her fiance Patrick (ACC '09-10) and my friend Hana. We're probably going to laugh way too much, each too many turkey legs and ride too many rides. …YES!

Then on Saturday my parents, my sister, her guy and myself are all going to the Third Day, Max Lucado and more people concert. Can't wait. But I really, really can't wait for Sunday - my sister's bridal shower! Ahh!!

So this week/end is going to be pretty awesome(ly busy) and I'm stoked about it. Also about the hours I'm not hanging out because I'll be here hanging out with my friends on campus so what what?? Hoping to catch some movies with some girls on my hall, maybe even hit up the theater to see "You Again." - Bring on the weeeeeeek. …end.

Peace, yo!
Jamie-Grace

Taking 18 hours and Sleep

So, my mother decided that it would be a good plan for me to take 18 hours for my first semester. She, being the supportive mother, knew that I could handle it along with my many other responsibilities.

Well, she was right. Is right. But I am missing out on something pretty important stuff. You see, in high school, I could go to school, work, do homework and then chill for a while before I crashed for about 5 hours only to repeat the madness. Well, in college, I am finding out that it is a whole lot more difficult to run on so little sleep.

So, I am learning to cope with less sleep, manage my time better, be patient, and cut corners. Just kidding. But seriously.

And I am not even studying the 6 hours for a 3 hour class. And I am still exhausted.

So, my recommendation: Don't take 18 hours for your first semester and certainly don't work a 20 hour job with it. You will lose sleep and no one wants to do that.

-Zach

My First ACC Experience

Atlanta Christian College is the one of the greatest colleges you could attend.
Before I even began taking classes there, I was captured by the warm and welcoming faculty and staff at ACC. They knew nothing about me but treated me as if I were family. I remember filling out my admissions forms and some of the students like Aaron J. and Shelley S. walked right up and conversed with me.It was then I knew that this was the school for me. People don't treat you like strangers here. The supportive and loving atmosphere at ACC is like heaven on earth. Although all have not grasped that concept, it's only opportunity for us Christians to display the kind of love the world needs. Coming from a secular school, I can see the big difference that a faith based education has on the environment. Even the professors are great and always have so much to share. I feel my faith and wisdom growing more an more each time I enter and leave the classroom. I now have a greater level of expectancy about God's plans for my future. Not only do I feel this when I'm at ACC but even abroad, as I'm faced with daily objectives. Go Chargers!Go!!!!!




*Aaron L.*

If I could describe my week with one word, it would be titled STRESSFUL! Have you ever had a Monday that was filled with sayings such as "I can't wait till Friday?" Are you kidding me? It is Monday for crying out loud. My entire week has felt like that! This semester has been absolutely crazy for me! Research papers, book reviews, and reading assignments are TAKING OVER MY LIFE!

Thank God for on campus housing. I would be so much more stressed without my girls. Example: The other night, I was in the weirdest mood thanks to the overwhelming amount of studying that I had done prior. I walk back to my dorm room to find my good friend Kara. She could tell that I was about to lose my mind, so she broke out her Ukulele (cute tiny guitar). We sat outside and sang Johnny Cash songs for a good 2 hours.

Lesson learned-Stop stressing! I am in college for crying out loud! I am having the time of my life!!!! I have learned so much, made amazing friends and grown so much more spiritually. God has everything under control. My friends often times remind me of that.

-Shelley

My Life, A List in Paragraph Form

So remember how last year I'd always write these really awesome (coughboringcough) blogs while doing my laundry and looking out the window of Upper Head? Yeah, we're back to that one. Only, now we're in Lower Head. There isn't a window, so the view isn't as good, but the vibrating washing machine is still making my back a little too hot for comfort, and I still have a limited amount of time before I have to be somewhere else, preferably in clothes a little nicer than what I'm currently wearing (shorts, sweatshirt, and bed head. Not that I just woke up or anything. No. For real. I've been up for ages).

The last time we spoke, I talked to you about Romans. This time, we're going to talk about something a little deeper: my health or lack thereof.

I went to the doctor this morning. I've had a sore throat for a few days now and I have to preach in class tomorrow morning and I need to be able to talk. My 8:00 class had a test so I went to that, then hightailed it over to Camp Creek Marketplace where there's a conveniently located urgent care facility. A very nice nurse, a long wait at the pharmacy, a strawberry fruit popsicle, and one missed class later, I have a weird pastel pink vaguely cherry-flavored liquid that made my tongue go numb and some type of pill thing that may or may not make me feel dizzy. If you see me stumbling around campus, that'll be why.

Being sick always makes me want to go home. Our doctor is super awesome and, well... My mom is at home. Don't you want your mom when you're sick? Especially in the face of pale pink cherry stuff. He had to mix it up himself. They don't even sell it like that.

What was it that we used to do at the end? Oh, yeah, I remember. :)

Video of the Blog: Funny, cute, sweet, and we're not just talking about the song. Mike Lombardo's one of my favorite new artists and if you don't giggle when you watch this, you're probably an alien. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJRn0lnpUzc&feature=channel

-Elizabeth

Aldi over Publix & Wal-Mart over Target

For the longest time I have wanted to adopt. That sentence probably sounds strange because I'm a unmarried college kid and trust me I don't plan on adopting any time soon! Haha. But even as a lil kid, I really wanted my parents to adopt. I wanted to give love and hope to a little kiddo who didn't have some of things I was raised with.

My parents were unable to adopt due to my medical situation for a while so I always thought I would need to wait until I was a married 20/30-something to give to a child. However, I started thinking lately... what about sponsorship?



So I decided to sponsor a child. :)

Everything isn't final yet so I won't post her picture or anything, but we share a birthday and she's an adorable little munchkin. She isn't old enough to write letters back to me or even do chores around the house but that's OK. I know that I will be able to help her have food, go to school soon and take visits to the doctor.

I absolutely cannot wait to start giving to this little girl. The love my parents gave me was wonderful and has stretched beyond the hugs and kisses but to food, clothes, school and toys - things that not all children have. I'm so excited that God has placed this on my heart to give to someone else what they may not get if it wasn't for organizations like World Vision and Compassion International.

For the longest time my church has sponsored children and I love being able to drop a buck or two in the basket for them. But I'm at that point in my life where I'm realizing something. As many times as I go to Chic-fil-A and the movies, which isn't even that much, I could be giving a little baby something she needs. Instead of venturing out to get my monthly fix of The Big Zax Snak (spelling?) meal @ Zaxby's, I can put it that money away, sponsor a child, and be able to donate to the little boy my church sponsors.

I don't think I realize how much money I was actually spending on extra things and I'm not even a big shopper. But I'm gonna head to Aldi over Publix, Wal-mart over Target, the cafeteria or my house instead of Chic-fil-a, and do what I can do sponsor this awesome little kid. (I can't wait to show you her picture!!)

I hope this post encourages you to check out organizations that sponsor little kiddos and maybe even with 5 or 6 friends, work together and sponsor a little boy or a little girl that really needs some love! :)

Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

Weekends at ACC

Weekends at ACC are typically...quiet. Most of the students that go to this school are in-state and usually go home for the weekend. I'm an out-of-state student. I live 17 hours away from Georgia so going home every weekend is clearly not an option for me. That being said, simply because there are few people on campus does not mean that it HAS to be boring. Last night was Friday night and I went to our school's Volleyball game, then went over to a friends house to have a Babysitting/Disney movie marathon party, left to go see "I Am Legend" at the new ACCinema (which I helped to paint, in case you were curious), participated in a spur of the moment Tie-dying party (my first time tie-dying a shirt - it was rather exciting!) and then went to Dwarf House with a bunch of friends.

Today, I've taken to enjoying the lovely fall weather and catching up on some school reading after cleaning my room. Saturday's are usually the less-eventful days, but I typically don't mind it much because I enjoy having that time to relax. Tomorrow I'll go to church, do some homework and head to Sunday Nights, which is our only Student-Led chapel credit service. It's very low-key and chill and that's one of the reasons I love being a part of the team.

All in all, the weekend really isn't so bad as people make it out to be. The old saying, "life is what you make it" seems to be most applicable here. The weekend is what you make it. Free-time is what you make it.

College is what you make it.

-Rebecca