Scribner says thanks to friends and family

When I left Bonney Lake in August for college, I had a feeling of bittersweetness. I was sad to leave home and all that I knew to be familiar or the routine of my daily life as a teenager in high school. I didn’t want to leave my family and all the familiar faces, but at the same time I was so excited to experience college. People said how lucky I was to be able to go to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. I just ignored their comments until I actually moved onto the beautiful campus. Now that I am attending Pepperdine, I realize not only how lucky I am to be able to go to this amazing school, but also how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life back at home.

Being 1,123 miles away from Bonney Lake, I have had time to realize how fortunate I am. After experiencing the typical homesickness, I appreciate how my life has been shaped. I enjoyed my days back in my hometown. Although my time at Pepperdine University has been amazing, I still miss everything that I associate with being back at home. Now I fully understand the old saying, “You don’t realize how good you have it, until it’s gone.”

I can count the days that it has rained on one hand, unlike in Washington. As we all know, it rains quite often. For example, I hated Washington weather, but now I miss it. I miss the rain. I miss the fresh smell of the evergreen trees. I miss the cold. I miss being able to bundle up next to the fire, toasty in layers of clothes and blankets with hot chocolate. I miss being able to drive two minutes down the road to all the familiar stores in the growing town of Bonney Lake. Most of all, I miss the people who were prominent in my life. Now having them literally out of my sight makes me appreciate all of the help I received through my years of growing up. Although I still have a lot of growing up to do. I just turned 18 this past summer. Now is the first time that I have to figure out things on my own with no support. I miss not having an Albertson’s grocery store in every town, to stop in for some tasty maple bars. Now I do my own grocery shopping. My friends and family give me support over the phone but it’s not the same as the embrace of hugs and kisses. I never realized that these little things would be so important in my life until I entered a totally different atmosphere.

Even though there are many great aspects to my home in Washington, I have also come across many great aspects while living here at Pepperdine. The atmosphere is very relaxing. Many people are very friendly and laid back. I think it’s safe to say that some are “beach bums.” After surfing at Zuma beach, next to campus, my dive team and I like to go to the bustling Lily’s Breakfast Café and to eat their delicious breakfast burritos. Since we’re next door neighbors to Los Angeles, it is normal to see occasional celebrities in the limelight of expensive stores, dinner places (or more like palaces) and clubs. The big-city lights and festivities of the Santa Monica Promenade and Pier remind me that I’m not in Bonney Lake anymore. I thought that Bonney Lake was big. Although it’s still growing, it will never be the size of L.A. There are many differences when comparing Washington and California, Bonney Lake and Malibu. 

Instead of a lake, Malibu has the ocean. Being out on the beach is a normal activity, like Lake Tapps on a hot day. Everyone is there. It’s crowded but sociable and exciting. Famous attractions such as Muscle and Venice beaches are not far away from Malibu. If you want to learn how to surf, there are regular classes down at the beach. I’m not scared of the ocean here because it’s reassuring to actually be able to see my feet through the clear water. It is unheard of to body board as a regular activity in Bonney Lake because there are no waves. But here, the waves come crashing down hard. While lying on the hot sand I often see dolphins (my favorite animal) bobbing up and down.

I’m thankful to be in this area of opportunity, the opportunity to learn more about God, Christianity, education and responsibility. I wouldn’t take back this chance because God has a plan. There was a reason that God sent me this blessing. Without hefty grants I wouldn’t be able to attend this very expensive school. While I’m figuring out the reason why I was so lucky to have such a blessing, I am growing every day in my faith. I would encourage other people to come to Pepperdine because it is a holy sight of God’s beautiful creation and anyone would feel at home.

At this private school where I have grown not only academically, but also in my faith, I have truly discovered the love I have for the people back home. Thank you to all the people that have impacted my life: all my family, friends, teachers, coaches and acquaintances. I have learned so much from all of you. I miss having you in my life and want to let you know that I think of you often and you are definitely not taken for granted.

Although I miss home, I’m so thankful for the new home that I have here in California. The beach awaits me here but I can’t wait to run into the arms of family and friends when I come home for the first time during Christmas.

So, to my fellow alumni or current students at Bonney Lake High School, I encourage you to go as far as you can imagine. I didn’t think I would end up in this amazing place where I feel blessed every day.

Kristin Scribner
Pepperdine University