I'm a year ahead of myself these days.

(Not really. That's just Elton John's way of putting it.)

Hello, all!

I realized the other day that I jumped into things without even having the decency to introduce myself to you. So, let's start over, shall we?

I am Leslie, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I have two wonderful parents and three fabulous brothers. My older brother is a sophomore at The University of the South in Tennessee; my two younger brothers are 12 and 14 and already have ideas as to where they want to go to college. I suppose, with two older siblings, they have that advantage. While my brothers were always busy playing soccer, I had my hair pulled back and my dance shoes on. I have been dancing since I could walk, and I do it almost as frequently as I breathe. I also love to read; I enjoy anything from memoirs, to biographies, to novels, to plays, to poems. My favorite books are The Poisonwood Bible, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. If you have a free moment, pick one up. You won't be disappointed.

I suppose my love of reading has transferred to a passion for writing and for the English language in general. I write as the mood seizes me, which is why a blog is all-too-convenient. I tend to focus more carefully when I know someone else will be reading my work. But I also write randomly, and for myself. I learn a lot from these scattered musings, especially when I go back and read them weeks, months, or years later. I can watch myself grow, fall, learn, stand, seek, succeed, and fail, but I don't regret these moments. Every moment is a gift, and I can choose what to do with them. Sometimes I choose wisely, and other times I choose foolishly, but I always learn something from every decision I make. And for that, I am thankful.

But I digress.

I graduated from Providence School in May and began my freshman year at Queens this fall. People often ask me how I found Queens, being from Florida. My response? They found me. After I took the PSATs in 9th and 10th grade, I began getting literature from schools all over the country. Queens sparked my interest because of its intricate abroad program, something that was very important to me. After further exploring their abroad program (which still thoroughly impresses me) and looking into their English program (I knew I wanted to be an English major), I applied. In October, I found out I had been accepted and was encouraged to apply for the Presidential Scholarship. February, for Scholars' Weekend, was the first time I visited the campus. I instantly fell in love. I met students who were vibrant and interesting, I interacted with faculty and staff who were engaged and encouraging, and I made friends that will, I'm sure, last a very long time, hopefully a lifetime. I made my decision to attend the following week, and went back to visit again in March. I fell in love all over again. The people I met those two different weekends are still a part of my life both on and off campus. These relationships that Queens cultivates are genuine and long-term. If you are unsure about Queens being the place for you, VISIT! Your heart may not skip a beat like mine did, but I can guarantee you will be impacted, in some way, by the amazing people that you meet there. And know that you will impact their lives as well!

Now, my post is getting quite long enough, and I have still said very little about myself. I don't enjoy writing about myself. Hopefully, you can figure me out by my rantings and ramblings. And if you have any questions about who I am, what I do, or why I love Queens, please do not hesitate to ask. I love answering questions. :)

Continue to enjoy the merriment of Christmas time!

Fondly,
Leslie Virginia