2006 to 2010 -- this me

Dear Friends I Used to Know at Payson High School,

I just looked through my 2006 yearbook. I saw all of your pictures and notes to me about who I was then. Sadly, I don't remember most of you. But, somewhere in my forced reverie, I realized something: I don't really remember the "me" of 2006 either. So, I want to introduce me to the 2010 Edition of S. Katie Hill.

You said I was shy, quiet, nervous, and easily embarrassed. I'm not shy; I'm coy. I haven't been told I was quiet in years. Yes, I am still a little nervous, but I cover it much better. Hives can be an awesome accessory. Easily embarrassed? Would someone who is easily embarrassed run around a residence hall with their underwear on over their pajamas and a pillowcase cape? I didn't think so.

I used to be good at English. Correction: I used to be really good at English. You commented on my love of grammar, reading, and how I was writing a novel. Very little of this has changed. I will graduate in May with my BA in English, Creative Writing emphasis. I thought I wanted to be an English teacher, but then I realized that I wanted to go into Student Affairs. Writing is my core, but I can't say that I'm as good at it as I used to be. I hate writing papers. Reading classic literature hasn't been fun since AP Lit (well, once in a while it is, but mostly it's just long, boring, and difficult to get through in the time provided). Someday I will publish a novel, but that time isn't now.

You probably don't remember me. I didn't leave a very big mark on my high school. But, I'm leaving my mark on SUU. After five years (I'm doing a voluntary victory lap), I know that I will have contributed in multiple ways. I've worked for University Housing for the past three years.  I'm in the midst of my third year as a Resident Assistant (again, if I were shy, could I help 18-year-old freshmen girls come out of their shells and embrace college life? I contest that I could not). 

I still love Carly Simon, but her music doesn't make everything all-better anymore. Not entirely, anyway.

I've changed a lot here. Some people like this new me, some people don't. I'm not passive, complacent, or content with choosing textbooks over life. I have a lot of friends, big dreams, and plans to leave my mark on the world. I hope, in the past four years, you've done something awesome, too. I'm terribly sorry if you haven't changed like I have, you've been missing out. 


Best wishes for the next decade of change,


S. Katie Hill