#ghp 2012

[justcallmehopeful]

If I could relive any year of my life, it would be 2012.

[write-with-light]

I owe so much to GHP it's not even funny. I'm taking the sociology of higher education, and for our midterm we have to write an "integrative essay" (which are very popular in socio classes because the point is to situate your own experiences within a larger social context- i.e. using your sociological imagination), and I'm examining my education. I wouldn't have placed such an importance on individualized learning and learning in a way that is adjustable to each person based on their passions if it weren't for this program. GHP was the first educational institution that placed the emphasis on my own abilities and utilizing my passions. 

GHP was the first place that I was ever made aware of a larger system at work, and the acknowledgment that it is okay to be different- that we should acknowledge our differences and be ware of how all our identities interact. It was the first place that I ever experienced equity- educators meeting me where I was at instead of where they wanted me to be. It was the first time that I ever heard the word "privilege" or was encouraged to do activist work, or was told that learning doesn't just have to happen in a classroom and measured by numerical tests. GHP was pure love, pure zest for life. It was about knowledge for the sake of bettering one's self in order to better the world, not just to make more money and live a more comfortable lifestyle. It was learning because we wanted to learn. 

Without GHP I have no idea where I would be today. It was an "island of decency" amidst all of the blandness and harshness in the world around me. GHP was everything that I wish I could embody and set in place every day. If I don't get the RA position I'm going to cry. 

[write-with-light]

PSA: I still miss GHP every day of my life and probably will forever

[justcallmehopeful]

GHP 2012

Remember when I got to live at college without all the responsibility that comes with adulthood? Remember when I got to sing all morning & do theatre all afternoon with some of the most inspired people I've ever met? Remember when I feel in love with the only guy who has ever treated me like I was truly extraordinary? Remember when I was surrounded with love, laughter, & support every day for four whole weeks? All perfect things live only in our memories.

[write-with-light]

GHP, you still take my breath away

It's been two years since I began the application process for GHP. I was selected as a Communicative Arts major for the summer of 2012, and there is not a day that goes by in which I am not grateful with all of my being that I got to participate in such an amazing and unique world for four weeks. 

It's been two years. And now I am in college. I am an adult. I live on my own, I apply for jobs, I buy my own food. I do my own laundry. And I am writing a persuasive speech for my Public Speaking class about why we need to save GHP in Georgia and instate it in all 50 states. Having to write about it means having to delve into some of the most emotional and joyous times in my life, and it still brings tear to my eyes to know that I can never go back. 

But I am so grateful that I got be a part of something that meant so much. When I left the Magic Square, I was so afraid that I was never ever again going to feel like I was part of something, something that was bigger than me and that actually matter, like I would never fit in that same way that I did there. And it took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I probably never will feel that way again. But GHP has absolutely made me who I am today and I wouldn't change any of it. I will never stop talking about it. Hell, I got a tattoo to commemorate it. I know that I will always have Valdosta, and the amazingly intense friendships that I built. 

GHP and 2012 GHPers, I love you guys so much. Each one of you is still my family. Special shout out to Yvette, Constance, and Kenna for being my sisters. And shout outs to Aasees, Sheridan, Caroline, The ever lovely Anna Squires, Sophie, Charlotte, Sam, Dalton and all the rest. 

[verygothmoth]

[justcallmehopeful]

Y'all. All these GHP feels... It's been a rough day.

[write-with-light]

I can't put into words how much I wish I was going back to GHP on Sunday. 2013 GHPers, good luck to you all. You're about to fall in love 700 hundred times over. 2012 GHPers. I love you all so much. I'm taking a roadtrip down to the magic square once the program is in full swing. I live in metro atlanta. If you want to ride down with me, message me. You're totally welcome.