Archive for May, 2009

S.A.D.D.

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Yesterday my friends Tanya and Allison were coming home from the dunes by Pullman, WA. Their friend James chose to drive intoxicated and got in a car crash. Details of the crash are still emerging. The SUV they were in rolled and all three people were ejected from the vehicle. My friend Tanya died instantly, James is in critical condition and Allison is in fair condition. Speed, alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt were all factors in the crash.

With Memorial Weekend fast approaching, please keep this accident in mind. Drunk driving is so preventable. Whether you’re at a party, a bar, coming home from the river or mountain, we’ve all been there. We’ve all seen the person driving who probably shouldn’t be. I know I’ve ridden with people who probably shouldn’t be driving. This could happen to anyone. Please, please don’t let friends drive drunk. Tanya’s death is so tragic because she didn’t have to die. Even a seatbelt might have saved her.

Tanya was a beautiful young woman with her whole life ahead of her. On Saturday, we sat in the sun together and talked about life after graduation. I talked about China, she talking about teaching English in Prague. Tanya looked at me and said, “Where do you think we’ll be a year from now?” I don’t think she expected to be an angel looking down on us. With all the horrible people in the world, why would God choose to take my friend? The only logical explanation is that He needed an angel.

This weekend, and any other time, please don’t let friends drive drunk. Even if it means being the bad guy, take their keys. Please, please do not let friends drive drunk! I know on numerous occasions I’ve offered people rides home, and they insist they are ok when I know they are not. Remind friends to buckle up. It seems silly but it saves lives. Tanya, Allison, nine girls and myself were planning a trip to Chelan this weekend. The memories we should be making will not be made. I will never be able to hug my friend, laugh with her, tan with her, gossip about boys, BBQ together or see her make a difference in the world. Words cannot explain the sadness, shock and pain I feel. I can’t even begin to comprehend what her family is going through. Please keep Tanya, Allison, James and their families in your prayers. Tanya you were a beautiful woman and I’m sure a stunning angel. You will be missed, but surely not forgotten.

♥ BB

(The top pic was taken four days before the accident. From L to R: Briana, Sarah, Reanna, Julie, Tanya, Shae and Myself.)

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Washington State University Alumni

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

I did it, I graduated from Washington State University. I can officially call myself an alumni, class of 2009. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and earned my minor in Chinese. Working world here I come!


Graduation started at 8 am. This meant we needed to be lined up at ready to walk by 7:30. That was an early morning, especially for those of us who didn’t have Friday classes all year! After graduation we took the typical pictures outside Beasley Coliseum, around campus and at my apartment. Wow, I look so gross in these pictures. We probably took 160 and I had a hard time finding six worth posting. If I’d known my hair would look so bad in that cap I would’ve gotten up extra early to curl it. Oh well. My mom also made tons of food for my family graduation party. Thank you to everyone who made it. I was especially excited my cousin Katie could make it, since she’s a future Coug!

Wow, where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday I moved into Regents Hall, room 356. Before I knew it l moved into my first house on Alfred Street. Sophomore year flew by. Next thing I knew I lived on Opal Street and celebrated my 21 run. What a great year. I spent my senior year in the basement on Opal living with my friend Michelle. Each year completely unlike the last, yet each year a great experience.

WSU is a great school both academically and socially (not just the parties). Pullman is a small college town. The atmosphere is indescribable. Game days are a rush. Weekends get rowdy. During finals the library is packed 24/7. Everywhere you go you see familiar faces. It almost brings tears to my eyes to think about the great times and great friends I met along the way. I know the people I met here will be lifelong friends. These past four years I found what I was passionate about. I discovered my love of writing. I would say I found myself at WSU. There is something about being a Coug that, unless you’re one of us, you just don’t understand. WSU isn’t just a school, but a community and a lifestyle.

Thank you Washington State University for the most amazing college experience. It completely surpassed my expectations. I look forward to making bank with my degree and giving back to the University. Go Cougs!!

♥ BB

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