Recognition Series: pt. 24 - Tyler M

I didn't want to end this wonderful series on a gloomy note, so there is one last person I want to talk about. Though I haven't known this fellow for too long, he has been there through it all. He's one of the first people I think of to get in touch with if I'm struggling with something (after my brother), and he always has a very practical perspective that brings you back to reality from your blinded notions. Grounded, I guess is a good way to put it.

He has always opened his ears and his home to me. Whenever I'm upset, he'll listen to all the nonsense that I spew. He'll accompany me to church, even though he doesn't go himself. He is all the things that you look for in that perfect friend. Laid back, but hardworking. Pensive, introspective, yet aware of all that's happening around him. He's as close to being a brother as you can get without sharing blood.

Tyler is the only person that has adamantly told me that no matter what, he'll make it out to Oregon at some point to come visit me. The cool thing is, I know he's telling the truth. Some people will say stuff or promise things that they may not follow through on. But I have no doubt in my mind that I'll find myself driving to Portland Airport at some point over the next two years to get him as he walks off a plane.

This summer he has undertaken a research opportunity in Japan, and will be there for quite some time (I wanna say that the program is 8 weeks or so?). What a huge accomplishment and I'm really proud of him. It's people like him that make me wish I would come back and see off the class below me on their graduation day, but alas I will still be studying in Oregon (our school year doesn't end until the end of June).

Tyler will always be one of my best buddies, I have no doubt about that. I look forward to hearing from him often and reading his life's adventures on his blog, Inner Ramblings of a Fellow Human Being.

And with that said, the Recognition Series comes to a close. There are countless people who have touched me in various ways over the past four years, and some more than others, so I just gave you guys those who made the most impact. I've really enjoyed looking back on all the people over the years, and I maybe I'll do this again after I graduate from Oregon. It's a great way to remember for sure. Thank you as always for your attentive and vigilant returns back to my blog, and feel free to stick around for more!

Recognition Series: pt. 23 - Courtney B

I have struggled long on this one, debating whether or not I should bother writing anything down. Debating whether I should acknowledge something that involves so much hurt that is so recent. However, I know that despite the difficulty that still haunts me daily, that later in life I will appreciate having written it down now. And so I'll push through. After all, Courtney ended up being a pretty large part of my life for the better part of my senior year.

I guess what it really all comes down to is what I learned from the experience. Embrace the good times, struggle through the heartbreak, and just look at what I can and should take forward with me. I'd like to think that each day gets a little easier, and that each day I can allow myself to heal a little more. I'm still not sure if I'm confident in saying that, but that's what I try to convince myself.

It was amazing to have some to connect so easily to. Amazing to have someone you thought would never give up on you, and amazing to have someone struggle everyday with not being able to see you, but still send you the cutest texts, sweetest emails, and pictures. And at the end of the day, to call that person, and have them excited to tell you about their day, and to end the night with a smile on your face as you confidently tell the other that you love them with all your heart.

We only had the opportunity to see each other 3 times once the long distance started. Four days during Fall Break when she came and visited me, the couple of weeks I was home for Winter Break, and the week of Spring Break when I flew down to Florida and visited her. That time collectively was about a month -- and we dated for almost 8. I feel accomplished in that alone, for it's so hard to go 8 or 9 weeks without seeing someone you love. And even seeing them, you can't hug them, can't hold their hand, can't cuddle with them, can't kiss them or tell them face to face you love them. Relationship-wise, it is the hardest thing I have ever done. But I found myself treasuring every moment, and always bragging to everyone at school that even though I couldn't see her every day, that I had the best girlfriend in the world, that despite the odds that we were making it.

I guess in my mind we could have at least tried to make it work through the time I was at grad school. If at that point, it didn't, so be it. It wouldn't have been easy to be that far for two years, and I get that. It didn't help that the breakup occurred through email, and I came home from a bike ride to find that email sitting in my inbox when we were supposed to Skype as soon as I got back. That hurt just as much as the breakup in general, that someone didn't think I was worth it to even tell over the phone, or on Skype. Maybe it would have just been too hard, I don't know. But I would have had a lot more respect for her if she did it that way; it would have been the better way to go about it.

I've always wondered about what pushes people to the breaking point. When do you take your doubts and worries and decide that they will prevail over your heart? How to you rationalize it all to yourself? I guess at the end of the day we all have to be a little selfish and just know that sometimes we have to do things for ourselves that might end up hurting others. Being selfless is great, but we need to be happy too. At least I can take solace in the fact that I truly gave it my all. I tried to take everything to heart, to always be there even when I wasn't physically there, to do the cute things that showed I loved her. And I can get down on myself and tell myself it wasn't enough, or I can tell myself that there was nothing I could do, and that it's just her loss and move on. It's never that simple, but it's a start.

Dating Courtney was the best and worst possible thing in senior year that could have happened. It's never fun to have your heart put through a wood chipper and delivered back to you in pieces. But, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it has been tested. And so I persevere. My faith has been tested and I have to give myself up; I have to trust and believe that there is a much greater plan out there for me, and whether that includes a girl or not, I know that my life will be as fulfilling as it can be. A good friend told me recently that I was 'created to be loved.' I have never heard a greater compliment in my life. I think my heart will always yearn for another to share life with, to love unconditionally, and to give the world to. And I haven't found the right person yet, clearly. Who knows, maybe I never will. But I think the great part about life that you can always hope and you can always dream, and no one can ever take that away from you. Your heart is your own, and you can choose to give it to whoever you please, no matter who they are. And if things don't work out, you mourn, you recover, you learn, and you keep trying. The important thing is to never stop trying.

I'm sorry if this didn't make sense or whatever. It wasn't easy to write. While I'm doing better, I do still struggle sometimes. Thanks for all the wonderful people who have been there.

Recognition Series: pt. 22 - Andrew M

Andrew was one of those people that I always knew but never got to really know until later in my college career. A quiet guy but a great designer, Andrew is a really stand up guy who I really respect. He was in my sophomore year studio for both semesters (I think) and really thrived despite the workload and high expectations. He also was known for always being able to finish his work without pulling all-nighters, which some of us still don't even have figured out...

This past year, Andrew and I took a few classes together and became quite close. We got in the habit of going to lunch together and chatting, a luxury that soon began to really look forward to all the time. Being able to take a break from your work and go and grab lunch and just talk about life and studio and everything in between is time well spent in my eyes.

Andrew did the long distance relationship thing, too, kinda. He dated a girl who went to school a few hours away, so never really had a chance to see his lady during the week. I've been there and that of course means sacrifices in your personal life and your work, to make things go smoothly. Mad respect for that too.

I'll be living with one of Andrew's good friends from studio (and one of my friends of course too) in Oregon and Andrew and I have joked about Skyping so that we can still have our lunches. I think that would actually be pretty cool, to be honest!

This month, Andrew will be getting married and this fall he'll be going to NC State for graduate school. I'm happy for him, and really hope that we'll be able to keep in touch. He is one of the most practical and down to earth people that I know. His soft personality and undying friendship will always mean a lot. Best of luck, buddy.

Recognition Series: pt. 21 - Erin C

Though Erin and I had been in studio together for a year already by the end of sophomore year, we never really became good friends until the Spring semester of junior year, when we sat across from each other. That semester we ended up having very similar if not identical schedules, and we got along so well that we actually planned to take classes together from then on.

We would wait for each other in studio to walk to class with and discuss life on the way, from grad school to studio woes to everything else. We'd sit together and make jokes about the material, competing with scores and me poking fun at how she'd still always be working on her architecture projects in other classes.

During Junior year we worked on a project together to redo the entirety of the campus planning proposition that Clemson University had put together, and in my opinion this is one of the best projects I've ever been a part of. Our presentation was extremely successful and very well-received, and kickstarted me into another of my best projects when we each designed a different building from our overall plan (the second project of the semester).

Erin is a genuinely nice person, and quiet until you get to know her (and even then she's sort of still quiet). She laughs easily and works hard and loves doing those crafty projects around the house. I'm so happy for her that she has found the man of her dreams (she got married the summer after our sophomore year) and that she even added a couple of pets to the family.

As far as I know, I think she's moving to Charlotte and trying to find a job there. Regardless of where she goes or what she does, though, she'll be a success. She has this innate ability to just pursue things with fervor and vigilance, and follows them through to the end. I'm not sure how much we'll really be able to keep in touch, but I'll miss the silly little emails with class notes and reading materials, or the architecture jokes or whatever else there was. Sometimes, at the end of the day, it's just great to have a friend around.

Recognition Series: pt. 20 - Emily S

Emily and I first met in studio I think, but we also were part of a group that went to church together. There were four of us in all (I think I mentioned them before) and we went every Sunday before going to brunch. Over the course of sophomore year, Emily was also in my studio section and I think just having all of Dave's projects to struggle through brought the entire studio together, in addition to Emily and I.

I remember asking to take her out for dinner at Olive Garden, and we got all dressed up for it and stuff. It was really fun! Though I can remember being very nervous. Not only for the usual reasons, but also because my roommate lent me his car (which blew my mind and still does). His stick-shift Civic survived, thankfully. He was so nonchalant about it, too. He basically shrugged and said, "If I was taking a girl out I'd want to be able to pick her up."

Olive Garden was a blast and we continued to spend lots of time together, whether it was working in studio, or meals at dining halls, or savoring those few free minutes of time we managed to carve out of our busy schedules. I remember being so happy just to have someone special around to share my time with.

As we neared the end of the Spring semester, I really wanted to make things official. However, we were both going to be studying abroad over the next year; her in Barcelona in the Spring, and I in Barcelona in the fall. Tack that time onto the summer, and we were looking at a good year and a half apart before we even saw each other. I brought the idea up anyway, and she smartly and calmly pointed out how hard it would be.

We left things be at the end of the school year, saying that if our feelings were still there when we got back from our trips, we could definitely still pursue them at that time.

As it turned out, they weren't the same as when we left, but I think that was to be expected. She's still a really cool girl (one of the few you could go longboarding, snowboarding or waterskiing with), and had such a cheerful and bubbly personality. There will always be a special place in my heart for her, and I wish her the best in the future.

Recognition Series: pt. 19 - Maggie P

It was my sophomore year, and I was a director of Central Spirit, in the webpage position. For whatever silly reason, I had volunteered to go and sit at a swim meet and take the sign in sheet for our members so that we knew who attended that day, and who gained points for going. As boring as the swim meets were, had it not been for this swim meet, I never would have met Maggie.

As she walked in the aquatic center, she awkwardly looked around searching for fellow Central Spirit-ers and a person to sign in with. I noticed her and waved her over, though it's possible that she sat by herself by awhile before realizing I was there. Eventually, we met, and she of course got her credit for going to the meet.

The time from when we were mere acquaintances to good friends is virtually nonexistent in my head; it's like I've known Maggie for ages. We must have gotten along well really fast! We hung out at balloons, had some meals together, and that same year were already pretty good friends.

Then we started going to church together, along with Emily and Nick, and of course went to go get brunch afterwards. Who could forget the delicious Oreo pudding!? (even though they slacked on it pretty hard last year) Maggie is one of those people you can always count on to put you in a great mood. Her face lights up when she sees you and I don't think I've ever seen her upset, only happy and bright and smiley. What a great way to be, we could all learn from her and just be a little bit more positive in life.

Maggie is so thoughtful and caring, and even sent me a graduation card that was handmade. It made my day, and means the world to me that she did that without me saying anything, without me sending any letter first, nothing. Just completely of her own accord.

I am so thankful to have met such a wonderful positive addition to my life. I really think I was sort of steered to become friends with her by some sort of spiritual force, because of all the similarities we share. If you ever come across a bubbly and cheerful (and sometimes silly and crazy) girl in your travels, hold on to them because they'll most definitely enrich your life!

Recognition Series: pt. 18 - Haley N, Greg S, Nick K, Katy L, Brandon B

Though they are all grouped together each of these people have affected me in college, and each have some fun little anecdotes for me to share.

I first met Haley at a midnight breakfast. Basically this is usually around or during finals week, and the dining halls open at midnight and go until 2am or something like that, serving breakfast-y items like pancakes and the like. Maggie also happened to be at this event, which was where my roommates and I got the invite from. At the time we didn't know Haley but got introduced. However, Haley must have had something she really needed to attend to, because she kept telling Maggie "We gotta go!" From that point on she was known as 'We-gotta-go-girl' (a name she didn't take too kindly to, but still laughed with us about). Since she spent a lot of time with Maggie we got to know her as well and I must say she is an extremely kind and genuine person. You'll always have a good time with Haley.

Greg was one of my roommates for a semester junior year, the semester after I was in Barcelona. We didn't know each other at all upon moving in, but as it turned out he was in the grad program from architecture and really was an all-around friendly guy. He had some great wisdom, gained over the years and really was close in his faith and I had many life talks with him. I admire him very much, respect him endlessly, and hope that he is finding success and joy in the architectural work he has undertaken in Charleston, SC (I think...). He deserves the absolute best. I'll never forget walking in to see him lounging on the couch, watching repeated episodes of Frasier (his favorite show). A movie fanatic, Greg saw pretty much every movie when it came out in theaters, and even though it's just watching movies it was cool to see someone engulf themselves in a hobby with such fervor. I'm sure that he's doing amazing things, and maybe someday we'll get to work together.

I met Nick through a t-shirt sale I did of a kid in our year who became somewhat of a local celebrity. After convincing the kid to let me put out a t-shirt with his face on it to raise money for Haiti, Nick and I met while I was selling and he would often plop down next to me to keep me company, whether I was waiting for money or waiting for people to pick up their shirts. The time together became known as gingerpaloozing, and it happened often. He helped me out a lot, letting me do laundry at his apartment where it was free, spotting me for meals when needed. We used to run together and ran the Cooper River Bridge Run together also. I'll never forget, though, the night the two of us decided we were going to just get drunk even if there was no party to go to. We bought Four Loko which was already a bad idea, but we did anyway, and that night I bowled a 299 on Wii Bowling while sitting on the floor drunk!

I met Katy through Nick, as they were both in Tiger Band together. The occasion was actually breakfast for dinner, and Katy was cooking pancakes on the griddle. As such, she became instantly known as Mom, and still to this day is in my phone as "Mom" (which is such an honor, really, because even my actual mom is not named "mom" in my phone). Over the years we didn't get together too much but we'd always make it a point to say hello, and she'd have these goofy mannerisms that you couldn't help but smile at. She was always happy to say hi, and give you a big hug, as good moms should. We now continue our shenanigans via Twitter, and though she's working at Subway now, she's going to make it big one day, I just know it.

Finally, Brandon B, aka Bags. I initially met Bags early on in my college career through playing volleyball, but never really knew him too well. As it turns out, we had a mutual friend that was a good friend of both of ours, and we all ended up eating lunch together senior year. Though Bags is extremely athletic, he is far from the typical douchebag jock. Never have a seen a guy so aware of the language he uses, nor with the modesty and humility that he exudes every day. He is so into his faith and religion and always remember to thank people and thank God for the life he lives everyday. Him and I got into the routine of shooting hoops before I lifted at the gym with Kendall, and that time was really good for me. Not only did it warm me up, but we also got to chat and he would never make fun of how terrible I am at basketball. Bags is in the Air Force and has another year at school, but I know he'll be flying high (pun intended) upon graduation. I'm so proud of him, and his parents should be incredibly proud of the fine young man they have raised. I'll be praying for you when you're up there protecting our skies buddy.

Recognition Series: pt. 17 - Maddie "Mazzie" Z

I actually only just met Mazzie this year but already I consider one of my closest friends from college. Our meeting place was actually from Central Spirit, a club that I was a part of until my final semester at Clemson. The club regularly does T-shirt sales to help raise money for our organization in addition to promoting athletic events at Clemson.

The way we get people to work the sale is basically just an online sign up sheet, and each member is required to do an hour or two over the semester. It just so happened that Mazzie was signed up for the same hour that I was that day, and so we both showed up at the required time to "pay our dues" so to speak for the organization. I usually try to talk to the people I work with, if only to make the time go a bit quicker but in this case we got on well and chatted a good bit. She had given me her email that day in order to make some change because she wasn't getting the emails from the listserv for the group, and later that day I emailed her asking about getting lunch some time.

The rest is history. We ate a good number more meals together, and hung out at the Central Spirit events. One interesting thing was that she got involved with a sorority and still hung out with Central Spirit. It is not often that this happens, a, because of the type of people that are in spirit groups, and b, because Greek chapter meetings are often on Sunday nights, the same day of the week as Central Spirit meetings. She did manage to balance both, and that is certainly admirable.

Though she just finished freshman year and I just finished Clemson in general, she'll definitely be missed. The one year we did have together enriched my life and opened the door to some great times, whether it be lunch, study time in the library or at my house (where I tried to play mom and get her to study her chemistry), time out on the boat, or a companion to go to church with. Believe me when I say her man has got himself a lucky catch.

One last bit before I sign off on this one -- during that first email conversation we had about lunch, she said some really amazing things about me. And I treasure those to this day. It's the kind of thing that you really save and hold on to, because when the going gets tough, and it most certainly will, you can look back at those amazing things people said to you and about you and it makes your day a hell of a lot better. Her and I always watch each others' backs, and are always there for each other in a tight spot. I have no doubt we'll keep in touch!

Recognition Series: pt. 16 - Kendall R

Kendall was another guy I became real close with over my years at Clemson. Though Kendall had been in a few of my classes before sophomore year, my second year English class was where I first got to know him. Before then he had always been that long-haired-always-wears-a-backwards-hat-and-looks-kinda-asian-skater kid. In fact I sat next to him in that English class specifically because I knew he was in the architecture major, but that was the only reason.

Over that semester, Kendall and I would often compete in that class, and he would always manage to literally get 1 point higher than I did on everything. In fairness, he is an absolutely brilliant kid who works incredibly hard, and fully deserves the perfect 4.0 GPA he achieved for his four undergraduate years (super impressive).

Later that year we took the same statistics class and began lifting together, at which point we began to make goofy names for kids at both at the gym and in our stat class. Among them were Mystique, Complaining Girl, Ginger Kid, Ripped Asian, Aslan, and others. Everything was always a big joke and it was great to bring some laughter and humor into life during the long nights of architecture.

One thing I always admired about Kendall was his seeming ability to manage his time perfectly. Keep in mind this kid had a perfect GPA throughout college. Yet almost always got a good night's sleep, was involved in religious groups, went downtown with friends, played intramural frisbee, lounged at Y-beach, took trips hiking or back home to Greenville, and came on bike rides with us. It's just insane. I'll have to try to model his dedication in grad school or I may not survive...

Kendall also was in the group that I went to Barcelona with, and provided a lot of entertainment there. He made good friends there from both Texas AM (another group we went with) and some of the local kids there. Kendall is another one I'll miss for sure, if only for someone to motivate me to get to the gym (though that's far from the only reason).

Though Kendall also applied to UC Denver and UOregon like me for grad school (and got in both places) he decided to go to Clemson to earn his master's in architecture. He'll do great things I'm sure, and is now on his second summer working for a firm, so I'm really happy for him. Keep an eye out in the papers for this guy, because he'll be doing great things in the future.

Recognition Series: pt. 15 - Ryan N

I first met Ryan freshman year, in Arch 101. At that time, my year was huge and as such we split up into little groups that six different TA's sort of taught. We all did the same assignments, but reviewed in these small groups and they actually had a good bit of freedom when it came to what we did and some of the exercises to help prepare us for the mini projects along the way. I'll never forget striking up a conversation with Ryan one of the very first days, simply because of his last name (withheld for privacy).

We ended up getting together to work on one of our first little projects together, which was honestly a joke compared to what we have to produce now (it was a simple six-sided cube out of chipboard). No one really had the right materials or tools at that time, and I remember distinctly using a kitchen cutting board to cut my stuff as we sat at Ryan's mini ping pong table that was in his apartment at the time.

Over the years Ryan and I became really close friends, and we were in the same studio section with the exception of only 3 semesters, those being second semester Freshman year, second semester Junior year, and second semester Senior year. He was the guy I roomed with in Barcelona, the guy I lived with upon returning to Clemson, and the one who inspired me to get a road bike.

Despite his exponentially better skill on the bike (he rides professionally) he was always inviting me out to rides, encouraging me to stick with it, waiting for me at the tops of hills, and slowing down the pace when I was getting worn out. It's because of him that I am so in love with going through life on two wheels, and because of him that I am the cyclist that I am today. He's really the reason I bought a road bike in the first place.

Rides with just the two of us were the best. We'd cruise around, and while on occasion we would work real hard, most days we'd ride at a semi-leisurely pace (14-18mph) and talk about life. He was one of those people who really clicked with the same sorts of virtues and values and morals that I have, and because of that we could often share similar sentiments regarding relationships, religion and the like.

Ryan would always include me in whatever he was doing, whether it was going out to eat (and even if I didn't go he'd offer to pick up something for me if I needed it), going to see a movie, coming over for a movie, or going downtown for a drink.

Looking back on college I have become so accustomed to having Ryan around that I think it will actually be difficult over the next two years. I really hope that we don't lose touch. He was and is probably one of if not my very best friend from college. I will always look up to him and I completely see him as a role model in my life, whether that is from Clemson or from across the country. Honestly he was the perfect friend for me to link up with while down at school. Ryan will be entering the packaging science graduate program at Clemson, deviating from the field of architecture. I wish him the very best in pursuing something that he truly loves.

Recognition Series: pt. 14 - Tish W

After putting together a T-shirt with a friend's face on it (he was a bit of a local celebrity, and we actually sold around 100 shirts, with all profits going to Haiti after the big earthquake), I met a girl named Angelica, who was also an avid volleyballer. Between meeting her and having another friend Michael who was very into volleyball, I somehow ended up playing in a sorority volleyball tournament. Now, mind you, I am definitely not one of the kids on the Greek scene, it's not my thing and never has been. Plus, as much as I'm down to get in a speedo for the beach, pastel plaid shorts with 4 inch inseams just seems absurd...

Anyways, during the volleyball game, Angelica had also invited one of her friends, Tish, who went to another university in the area. I was immediately taken with this girl, and couldn't stop sneaking glances in her direction; she was gorgeous. We added each other on Facebook (this was freshman year, back when I had a Facebook) but never really talked too much. Back then I was a lot more shy and I guess I figured I'd never really have a chance to see her again after the tournament.

By the end of freshman year I had made up my mind that I was going to delete my Facebook for good. However, wanting to keep up with the connections I had made there, I posted several statuses saying that I was going to be leaving the Facebook world, and that if you wanted my phone number or email or whatever else, to just let me know. It was then that Tish messaged me asking for those very things! To be perfectly honest I was shocked -- and also thrilled. Here was this gorgeous girl and she wanted to be able to get in touch with me!?

Long story short, we got to talking and decided to hang out. Unfortunately, the timing was bad and the first time we really got together was the night before I was going to leave to go home for the summer. But, we had a great time and took a really long walk around campus just chatting and talking. As we got back to my apartment and I was getting ready to say bye for the night, we exchanged a long hug, and at that moment I knew I wanted to kiss her. And yet I chickened out and didn't.

Over the course of that night and the next morning I begged her to stop by in the morning to say one last goodbye before I left. She may not have known it, but I had told myself that I refused to leave SC without giving her a proper goodbye. When she came by we talked a little, and when my parents texted me saying they were close, we said goodbye again and I just went for it. I'm so glad I did.

Over that summer, despite the distance we emailed each other all the time talking about our lives, and filling out these little surveys of questions we created for each other to get to know one another. I will treasure these emails for the rest of my life, and I'm sure I probably found out a lot of new things about myself too. She was smart, sweet, into church, and athletic and I couldn't really ask for more.

When I came back down to SC she came the day I moved in to welcome me back, and went to lunch with my parents. My parents seemed to like her and my dad even remarked to me much later down the line that she was truly a great girl. We eventually made things official (I wrote her a big long poem; I like to try to be creative), but unfortunately for some reason things only lasted for a few weeks. I was really disappointed, seeing as how I thought we really kicked off an amazing start, bonding so much emotionally over the summer.

As time passed, we didn't talk much, but we did every once in awhile and while we don't talk now I'd have no problem chatting with her and seeing how life is on her end at all. I know she had a lot of interesting ideas about the direction in which to take her life and had some really great aspirations about things she wanted to achieve. She was and I'm sure still is a great girl who deserves the best, and though I may never see her again, I hope that life deals her some good cards.

Recognition Series: pt. 13 - Brindley F

I met Brindley through my buddy Michael who I often played volleyball with. If I remember correctly we were out on Bowman, peppering with a volleyball and she joined in. The details are extremely fuzzy, but I remember that we grew pretty close and I definitely considered us good friends. Brindley is probably the coolest girl you could ever meet. She longboarded, played guitar, was into her church, loved her family endlessly and could hang out with all the guys even if she was the only girl.

During freshman year I seem to remember going on "adventures" as she would call them, doing silly things like climbing trees to see if we could see into the President's yard, or touch these flags that someone had tied to the top of the tree as if it was Mt. Everest or something. Every minute spent with her was something new and exciting; every adventure was different from the last.

Being a graphic comm major she often came and worked with us while we were in studio sophomore year. After all, that year we pretty much never left. The best moment I had with her was during one of these times. Sophomore year the grad students built this structure in the courtyard of Lee Hall that was designed to be a stage of some sort. It was awesome, which several levels and a little balcony thing on top. It's not like you could fold this thing up and put it away, so basically I'd go up there and just look at the stars. Brindley joined me one night and we talked about life, gazing up at the stars with a black and mild in hand. Man did I relish that experience. It's very seldom that I find someone who is that easy to talk to.

The adventures continued, and Brindley even organized a "prom" (sort of as a joke, but sort of serious, even) and we got 12 or so people to get all decked out, take goofy pictures, and then go into the dining hall in our suits and dresses. As I said, always a new adventure.

I'm not sure what happened after the year I met here, because we really seemed to lose touch. If I'm being honest I kind of always had a thing for her, but it just never seemed like it would work and she was always taken by someone else (lucky them haha). She got into some modeling (and the result was incredible) and eventually joined a sorority, but I have a feeling regardless of those types of things that might make air go to a person's head, that she remained the same awesome, independent Brindley as before.

I've missed her company dearly, but I wish her all the best in the future, and maybe one day if the Fates have it in them, our paths will cross again.

Recognition Series: pt. 12 - Kelsey U

I got to know Kelsey through volleyball, as with many others. She is a year behind me, and thus will be graduating next year. Kelsey was actually one of the few I knew that went to Catholic mass. There were always lots of college-aged kids there, I guess I just didn't know too many of them. Kelsey is probably the sweetest, most adorable, friendly, selfless and kind person on the planet. The only time I've ever seen her upset is the split second when she tells me she's taking an exam, and then just as soon as the sentence is over she's back to smiling again! Always the positive person, Kelsey is enthusiastic and makes you feel like the greatest person in the world.

Any time spent with Kelsey was always worth it -- study time in the library, church together, volleyball, or even just seeing her at the gym in the mornings when I was walking in. I never told her this but I learned so much just by experiencing her good character and fantastic personality all the time. She is the whole package! I'll miss seeing that smile all the time, but I'm hoping that, as with others we can correspond via mail or something like that.

Recognition Series: pt 11. - Walter I, Chris B, Joe M, Dave L

This is a little bit different, as all three of the people above are teachers, not students. Walter I was my first semester English 103 professor. Though I exempted this course through my score from the English AP test, I opted to take it anyway, and I'm so glad that I did. We did some interesting studies of music videos and even ended up creating a video about cell phones for our final group project. Walter was one who loved setting a class dynamic and really making the course more about discussion than assignments and essays. Sure, we still had homework that focused on various parts of the art of language, but most of the time in class, we were discussing. He was very young, from Chile, and I believe that this was his first time teaching this particular course. I'd recommend him to anyone in any year.

Chris B was my English teacher the following year, though this course was required. It was much more focused around epic poems, short stories and the like. But in terms of writing, I became so much more inspired and really enjoyed writing the essays for his class. If I remember correctly, this class was a lot of the reason why I really wanted to start a blog. I felt so mentally challenged and the comments he would write on my papers were so flattering. He was one of those professors that was very easy going and understanding, really knew his stuff and really was engaged in what he was teaching. Again, he enjoyed discussion much more than assignments. I could actually totally see him as a writer...

Joe M taught my very first semester of studio (which was the second half of freshman year). Only a PhD student, it was the first time Joe had every taught a studio. Given that we were freshmen and didn't know what to expect, Joe had us do some really unorthodox, or rather atypical, things that ranged from watching movies in class to reading long articles that really made no sense to us at the time. Coming out of that class, we all loved him. He gave us the reins to our projects, he challenged us to do things on our own and only ask for help when help was needed, and he was encouraging, positive, and knowledgeable. He even let me use a brand new program that I barely had any idea how to work. But he helped me along and got me resources and everything worked out. While other studios slaved on drawings and things like that, I think we really embraced the full essence of architecture that semester. I don't know if Joe taught again after our class, but he was amazing.

The final teacher is Dave L. Dave was well known as the hardest professor for sophomore year. A couple friends and I decided we wanted a challenge. We pulled more all nighters than any other studio, moved at ridiculous speeds, learned new computer programs and were just pushed, day in and day out, for the entire semester. It could not have been more difficult, since we had him sophomore year, first semester. This was the first time studio was truly studio, and not just the fun "arts and crafts" version of freshman year.

Despite all the work and seemingly unreachable deadlines, about 2/3 of us decided to take him again for the second semester of the year. Dave is the reason I use Rhino for all my projects, he is the reason why I'll put getting my project done over all other things if need be, and he even was a cyclist, and took our studio to Greenville to go on a trail ride. I think that all the hard work brought the people in that section together, and I actually have a lot of really good friends from that studio. It was clearly how it was meant to begin!

Recognition Series: pt. 10 - Grace Wa.

Since we're on the subject of Grace's, I figured why not talk about the other one?

This Grace was in my major, and for several years I was actually in the same studio as well. We even had the very first studio ever together, second semester in freshman year. We didn't really talk for this entire semester, and I suppose that you could say that we didn't really meet until the next year, sophomore year. We spent the entirety of that year in one of the toughest studio sections offered (if not the toughest).

In many ways, the difficulty, the long nights spent in studio, the endless projects and assignments bonded everyone together. The fact that Grace sat right across from me really helped our friendship become what it is, and I'm really glad it did.

Grace was always one to keep spirits lively in studio. She would goof around, tell jokes, laugh and smile. It's always great to have those people around, especially in studio. There are many times when you just don't think you can go on. You freak yourself out thinking about the long laundry list of things you have to do. And you begin to panic when you wonder if what you need to get done may not be finished.

But what you need to do is to remember to take breaks, get meals together, and keep a smile on as you keep your head up. Grace was never one to forget that. And while it's always hard, and studio always is a struggle, together we all got through it.

For her study abroad program, Grace went to Italy, the opposite semester that I had gone to Spain. Unfortunately that meant that we had lost a bit of the connection, but I think we rekindled it when she came back, at least somewhat. One of the times I'll never forget with Grace was at the end of sophomore year. I was feeling nostalgic, and it was one of the last few nights I would be on campus before I left for Jersey. That night we both went out and took a long walk around campus, talking about life, having one of those great heart to hearts that we all dream about. I'll never forget that night.

Recognition Series: pt. 9 - Grace Wi.

So I know two Grace W's, which is why included the second letter of the last name.

I met Grace during my sophomore year. Remember those volleyball games we had late into the night from last night's post? Well that's how I met Grace. Among the many who would oft show up to play, Grace was one of the regulars.

For some reason it's really easy to meet new people and quickly become friends when you play sports with them. You are constantly slapping hands, pulling for your teammates, and of course fit in some playful banter in between it all. I met a lot of good people playing volleyball, and a good number of them even ended up becoming good friends of mine. Needless to say, Grace was one of those people!

As the years passed, and the volleyball waned, I didn't see Grace as much but every time I did it was nothing but smiles. I have never met a more optimistic, cheerful and down to earth person. She always seemed as though she just could not begin to contain her joy! People like that are such a help in the tight spots (and really, well, in all the spots!). They pick you up, turn your frown upside down, and always make you feel loved and appreciated!

Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to spend as much time with Grace as I had wanted. Being in different majors with totally different focuses, our schedules rarely aligned. And yet the few times we did manage to fit in meant a lot, and I hope that in the coming years we still have the opportunity to call each other once in awhile, send some letters, and in general just remain friends! Whatever happens, I am so glad Grace was in my life. She taught me to be positive, stay optimistic, and remember that no matter how bad it may seem, life is good.

Recognition Series: pt. 8 - Michael C

Oddly enough, I have no idea how I met Michael. I know that it was through volleyball, but I have no idea how we started playing together. This was another friend of freshman year. Living on campus meant that all the people around were very accessible and there was a lot of opportunity for social interaction and events like volleyball games and hangouts. Even though I lived on the other side of campus as all the other people that played, I would regularly trek over there to play for 4 or 5 hours at a time.

I had started becoming interested in volleyball my senior year of high school, playing beach volleyball with a lot of the guys on the school varsity team, after I was cut from my final year of baseball. Volleyball, just like ultimate, is a really popular sport among college kids. It's fun, promotes competition, and of course gets you a good tan with all the time you spend outside.

Michael and I grew quite close, and as it turned out he was also from NJ. Despite his completely different major to mine, we still saw each other almost every day, whether from volleyball or meals or something of the like. Summer after freshman year, I actually drove up and stayed at his house for a weekend, and we played volleyball, watched movies, hung out with some of his friends and more. I really enjoyed it thoroughly.

Sophomore year, we still played a ton of volleyball, and ended up playing with huge crowds indoors. So many people would come that we could have three or four full teams -- and still have to rotate people in. It was almost too many people!! Regardless I preferred that than not playing at all. We would always go to Fike (the gym on campus) around 8pm on Wednesday, and it was not unusual for all of us to stay there until midnight when the gym closed.

However, over the years, either people lost interest, or got caught up in schoolwork, or moved off campus so they were less available. Between my study abroad and the amount of schoolwork I had, I didn't play much volleyball anymore, and I miss it. But I'll never forget the guy who really took my "like" of the sport and turned it into a "love."

Michael (or Chick as we called him) and his family moved down to North Carolina, and as far as I know he's got a job now working in Charlotte. Crazy to think that a lot of people are starting the real world now, and I'm still working a summer job because I'm going to graduate school.

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the series thus far. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

Recognition Series: pt. 7 - Peter C

I first met Peter in a freshman year English class. If I remember correctly, the initial reason that we started talking was the huge tattooed cross on his shin. We started talking about tattoos, worked together on a few little class projects, had similar tastes in graphic expression (which we found out through one of the projects), and both had a great interest in music.

Peter, though initially from New York, had family in South Carolina and basically lived down there full time. He did have a well-established band from home, but they hadn't really wanted to continue stuff since he was moving so far away. I've listen to some of their music, and it sounds really professional -- well produced and everything. They even had a music video made for one of their songs (Just search for The Reserve - Ignite on Vimeo and you should find it). The band sounds a lot like Angels and Airwaves and I think that a lot of their music was actually influenced by this.

Regardless, Peter and I got to talking about getting involved in some music-making together. This kid was the real deal -- producing connections, recording experience, full professional tracks etc. He told me that if we got something together and it started taking off, he wanted to drop everything and work on the music. Tour, create an album etc. And not just tour in the region, I'm talking full tour in US and even in Europe. Now, I don't know if he really had THAT many connections... but regardless it was pretty mind-blowing.

As the year went on, we both sort of settled into our respective majors and areas of study, and of course we no longer had class together after the first semester. This was a really weird feeling, to have a whole bunch of people in your classes and then just have them drop off the face of the Earth after four or five months due to class changes.

A few years later, as I was finishing up my junior year, I happened to run into Peter again, after we had lost touch for almost two years. As it turned out, he lived pretty much just below me in the same building in my apartment complex. I don't think he ever really got a serious music project together that gained the attention he wanted. But I'm telling you, the kid is talented; and music is truly his passion. I'm too practical and logical to try to give up all my studies to shoot for the stars with music -- but I really hope it works out for him. And in fact, it did inspire to really start working harder on making my own music.

Recognition Series: pt. 6 - Josh V

At the end of freshman year, myself and two other guys had decided we were going to live together the following year. However, campus doesn't have three-person apartments, and so we needed a fourth. One of the guys' friends turned out to also be looking for a place to live, and had lived on that one friend's hall already. I only had the chance to meet him once before we all moved in sophomore year, and so I was curious to see how that turned out.

Yet here I am, and today I'd consider Josh one of my best friends from college. Him and I would often go out on our porch sophomore year (which was actually more of a bridge between two buildings), sit on the ground and just drink with a cigar in hand and talk about life for hours. Starting at night and lasting often far into the wee hours of the morning, we affectionately dubbed the time "Life Talks with Josh." At the time I had been struggling with relationship stuff, and I think that's how the talks all started.

Pretty cool to think that the person who I started off knowing the least probably turned out to be the person I knew the most by the end of the year. I also lived with Josh this past year at the lake house, and will never forget the little Joshisms that make Josh, Josh. These include but are not limited to "Dude man, fuck.", an obsession with trail mix, saying he was going to bed soon and playing Call of Duty until 5am, and other goofy things.

Josh actually came home with me for a spring break one time during sophomore year, and that was pretty cool. We did stuff like eat at Jersey diners, visit New York City (the first time he'd ever been), eat waffle sundaes at the Apollo, and of course hit up the legendary convenience store Wawa. Down in South Carolina, many a time was spent with Josh and Jordan (from yesterday's post) at Cook Out, or on some other silly late night excursion.

Next year, Josh will be going to medical school at MUSC. And after that? Who knows. All I can say is he's going to make a hell of a doctor one day.

Recognition Series: pt. 5 - Jordan A

Jordan and I actually lived on opposite sides of campus freshman year, which means that we really had no business running into each other whatsoever. We ate at different dining halls, had completely different classes, and spent our free time differently too. However we had one common interest -- ultimate. The epitome of college sport. For whatever reason, we both decided to go play with the club team. It was what they called Fall Season, which is free and open to all who want to play.

Little did we know we were signing ourselves up for drills, practice of specific plays, and of course, conditioning. Let's just say we never really looked forward to that part. Long story short Jordan and I ended up on the same team, as there were four or five to play amongst each other. We would scrimmage, and I remember my "coach" always saying, "Okay, guys, how can we have more fun!"

Just because we had seen each other, recognized each other and knew that we were both freshmen, we often ended up warming up with one another before practices and such.

Interestingly enough, it was not frisbee that brought us closer together, but rather Central Spirit. We had seen each other at frisbee and knew each other and therefore bonded more using frisbee as a base. Jordan even joined our crew of guys that would paint up all the time for various sporting events. Those were some crazy times -- painting up in the student union for basketball in the winter because it was so cold outside, then running all the way across campus to the game because we were going to be late.

By sophomore year, Jordan became my roommate and despite junior year (living situations changed temporarily because of my study abroad in Barcelona) we lived together until we graduated. The inside jokes, side conversations during friend hangouts, bonfires, life talks, smoking a cigar the wrong way accidentally, pre-gaming friend get-togethers when no one else was drinking, bonfires in the backyard, and of course silly texts to make sure I'm not dead in studio.

Jordan's been a hell of a pal, and though he was contemplating graduate school this summer at least he'll be working for the DC United soccer team in Washington D.C. I hope very much to keep in touch.