Schession 8 and the Bank-wet

Oh Session 8...it started off very emotional for me, but then I got focused for the job as hand and didn't let my emotions get the best me of. The only times when my emotions were really running high were the 3 times we said the creed. Once before session, once at War Eagle Welcome and then finally at Auburnmania. I felt so honored to be standing among of the most amazing college students...speaking words so powerful, meaningful and true.

Session 8 itself was crazy...we had over 600 students and just as many parents. It was a little wild at times, but we were able to get control. All the "lasts" were sad, but I made sure to enjoy myself to the fullest at each. At the Pep Rally I got a picture on the football field and another picture with Aubie which was wonderful. I was also "amped" to yell all the cheers in the stadium knowing that the next time I'll be there saying those cheers I'll be there with 87,000 of my closest friends.

It was a nice relief to be done with session 8, a nice some of completion and accomplishment. We were only able to get a short break between breaking down all the CWE stuff and working on top secret banquet stuff before the prof staff all went to Mark and Sarah's for dinner. It was really cool being at Mark's again with the same people I had had dinner with my first night in town, but this time knowing them all so well and loving them all so very much. Dinner was clearly yummy..it was a Mexican theme and Sarah held nothing back. After dinner and a lot of laughs it was down to business. We talked about improving CWE, changes, new ideas etc. Amazingly I contributed like 5 great ideas...to the point that Mark and the rest of the staff was like "who are you." In my defense I have great ideas...but I prefer to shock people with my brilliance when they are least expecting it. haha. Anyway lots of camp counselors convos etc. It was all very intense, but again fascinating to mostly watch and at times chime in. We left Mark's around midnight and I went directly to bed, I was lucky to get my shoes off I was so tired.

Saturday we were back bright and early in the office prepping for phase two of the banquet that took place in the training room. After we were good to go a bunch of us went to Mellow Mushroom for lunch, which again was a very good time, but then again the CWE prof staff rocks, so how could it not be fun. After lunch it was time to get ready. I'm not gonna lie we all clean up pretty well. All the ladies in their dresses and the boys in with nice pants and button downs (or Jamie in his full on seersucker suit and saddle shoes....no worries I have pictures). The picture/dinner portion of the banquet was at this pretty hotel. We had a cute room that overlooked a wedding that was going on outside. I intend to be brief in regards to talking about the banquet because nothing I can write could possibly do it any justice. The whole night was magical. After we left phase one of the banquet which was from about 5-8pm everyone went back to the dorms to change and get comfy. We all met us again in 189 for phase 2 of the banquet. At each of the seats everyone got a group pic, an engraved key chain, a CWE shirt, the CWE quote shirt (quotes from the whole summer on a t-shirt...absolutely amazing...there were a few quotes about me and a few said by me on it...i felt special), lots of freebies, 2 cds one which was a slide show and the other was over 2,000 pics that Dr C. took throughout the summer. Oh Dr. C how we love you...you are absolutely amazing...thank you. The second part of the banquet was when things really got emotional. There were 2 movies, awards presented, baby pictures shown etc. The CCs got me a beautiful framed copy of the Auburn Creed as well at 6 beautifully framed black and white pictures from campus...it was truly amazing and I will have them proudly displayed in my office and apartment. Thank you all again...even as I type about it I get tears in my eyes. Then at about 10:30pm or so we started speeches. All 36 counselors and staff members got a few minutes to make a little speech. Well Ben Majors (the biggest teddybear ever) went first and cried right off the bad...the whole room erupted in tears. All the speeches were very special...so much so that they lasted til 5am. There were lots of laughs and tears...no words could describe the magic that went on in that room. The prof staff really said some wonderful things to me as well... the HCCs and I also each got what can only be described as the stanley cup of awards. I can;t even describe it...I'll have to take a picture...I may also have to buy it it's own ticket on the plane. Working with the staff has been so rewarding and just hearing that Mark, Star, Melissa, the HCCs etc has to day about me and each other was so special. Here I go crying again as I type this. Hence why I referred to the banquet as the bank-wet, lots of tears...lots and lots.

After the speeches concluded we all circled up for the creed which was very difficult to get through as people choked back tears, we also sang the alma mater and then ended with the fight song. Lots of hugs, lots of tears and lots of love can sum it up. After we finally trickled out of 189 a bunch of us went to the Samford lawn to watch the sunrise..about 20 of us were out there...it was really special. We were all so tired, yet none of us wanted the night to end. After the sunrise we went to waffle house for breakfast? (I suppose). I finally went to bed at 7:15AM...I hadn't been up that late in a long long time, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

It was really a great summer and Camp War Eagle officially ended perfectly. This week is for me to finish up projects in the office, say goodbyes, pack, have some meaningful conversations, take in some of my new favorite places one last time and to have fun with people who have filled me with more love and passion than I ever though possible.

War Eagle!
Jenntern
(oh how I will miss that nickname...which has really turned into a term of affection)