12/19/08

From Stephanie (Oh No--Tuesdays with Morrie?)

These pics are of Stephanie (who just wrote me this beautiful note (which follows--she really gets you down) on Facebook and another of Travis (on the far right) standing next to Chan's brother Tanner.

Title--: I'm lame

Hey Sister Morgan, This is a note to tell you how lame I am with good-byes. Something about the military fixed me for life as a nomad who can't cover-up her tracks in the snow. I wanted to let you know how much working at the writing center has meant to me. I am grateful beyond measure for that opportunity. It was the first job I actually enjoyed--probably because it is more than a job. Even though I know I can't write very well, I felt like I was surrounded with kindred spirits (who also live independently from time and deadlines). I learned something from all of you.
Meghan is the perfect balance of kindness and professionalism, she knows how to get the job done. Jacob is a diligent worker and He and Alyssa are such a stabilizing influence. I hope to be as pure as Alyssa someday. Ivor is an example of living life with passion, something I hope to get the guts to do if I ever let myself feel that deeply about anything. Dan and Kiersten's logic astound me, yet despite their intelligence they are so down-to-earth. Danny and Sarah strive daily to live by the spirit--so humble despite being so talented. Katie and Brittany are a lot deeper than I first thought they were. I wish I could have gotten to know them better, but I learned that outward appearances are so misleading. I wish I could have had more sessions with Katie; I would have learned a lot more. Her ability to discern a patron's need and clarify a paper is astounding. I love Brittany's subtle humor; no doubt she will be an asset to the center. Matt is just Matt. I wish I could relate to
people as easily as he does. I also need to take criticism as humbly. Thanks for being the scapegoat. Miriam and I had a writing class together the semester before I started working at the Center; I have never met someone so virtuous and without guile. I feel that I can relate to Matty who reminds me a lot of myself growing-up. I wish I could be that humble again. I knew Adam before I knew Rebeckah, but I could not see a more flawless match for her. She takes the initiative in befriending people and is so honest with herself. I also wish I could have gotten to know Kaitlyn better, I think we could all due to know Kaitlyn better. There is something deeper there I haven't discovered yet. You know how to pick 'em sister Morgan; It's not fair to hog so much of the school's talent in one department.
Most of all I have learned from you. I have never met someone who maintains a balance between being truly open-minded and living the gospel. You have an earnest desire to learn about people and you care about them more than in a superficial way. Honestly, during my first seminar I didn't know what to think. In an effort to understand your mind, I drew that diagram. I don't think it can ever be thoroughly understood ;-) As you shared pieces of your life with us, my respect grew... that one person could endure so much and still remain faithful...I hope to become such a spiritual giant. Seminars became my own "Tuesdays with Morrie". Life lessons to take to the bank. Thank you for seeing something in me; I have been given a glimpse of who I want to become.
I wish I didn't always breeze through life.I'm horrible at keeping in touch. I make so many friendships and assume it will just continue the way it was when we meet in the celestial kingdom, so everyone better be there. I feel like I have divided my heart and left pieces in England, Germany, Japan, and scattered throughout the US. I think being perfect means being whole. I look forward to being whole again.
I don't know exactly what I'm doing from here, probably Camp Anasazi then grad school. I'll do my best to keep you posted.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So why does Stephanie think she can't write very well?

Katie said...

To Stephanie:(Does she get on the blog?)
I think you summed up the current assistants accurately. Your writing is clear and easy to understand. I don't think I had to reread one sentence twice. I agree with Crystal. You’re great and modest. I wish I could get to know you better too, but ah--the afterlife! Can't wait.

I'd like to share another quote. I can't help it. I think, until I'm better at explaining what I mean, or until I'm confident I get the message across without reinforcements, I'll keep using quotes:"We have more friends behind the veil than on this side, and they will hail us more joyfully than you were ever welcomed by your parents and friends in this world; and you will rejoice more when you meet them than you ever rejoiced to see a friend in this life." I think that includes ‘friends’ or acquaintances we didn’t fully get to know here.

You think maybe if we didn't really get a chance to know each other now, it might be possible that we were great friends in the pre-existence, and that friendship will continue when we meet again? I think so. That’s something I look forward to.

P.S. Now everytime I make almond crescents, I think of you and Germany. Good luck with everything!

Eric James said...

I miss my Tuesdays with Morrie too. I was talking to a fella today who worked at the writing center at UVU. I told him I worked at the WC at BYU-Idaho, expecting an instant connection and understanding of each other. He responded, "Oh yeah, that was a piece of cake job. I never had to do anything." I wanted to bash his head with a big stick and tell him how awesome it was that he worked at a writing center, but then I realized he never worked at THE writing center.

The only real reason I want to go back to BYU-Idaho is because of the writing center. I'll see ya'll in a year or so!

PS - Sister Morgan, I think that exclamation point is quite appropriate.