my roommate knows thomas jefferson

...ok, so that is not totally true, perhaps a little fabrication, and a little false advertising! But, I hope it drew you in because I have big news!

So, my "roommate" Virginia, doesn't really know Thomas Jefferson, but yesterday was awarded  the ever-so prestigious Jefferson Scholarship and the already prestigious University of Virginia! A few months ago she was chosen as the nominee from her high school, then earlier this year she was chosen as the one nominee from the whole city of Dallas. She spent weekend up at UVA with 100+ other finalists for a grueling few days of seminars, debates, interview, and cocktail parties (minus the cocktails of course).  After a selection process that rivals sorority rush (please sense the sarcasm here...it's just the most intense thing I have experienced that I have to compare it to), my sweet friend, Virginia was one of 25 students to receive the University's most prestigious award.

Today, she told me not to buy her a cookie cake or something (seriously? I wanted some!), so instead I thought I would give her a shout out on my blog! Who wouldn't want that more than cookie cake right?!?! (don't answer that!)

Virginia started out several years ago as one of "my girls"...we would ride our bikes to Wild About Harry's and she would vent to me the woes of being in the 7th grade while doting a rather large chocolate mustache from her double scoop cone. About two years ago, her amazing family invited me to live with them thus causing Virginia to become my roomie, my pseudo-sister, and most of all one of my dearest friends. 

Unfortunately, the scholarship committee did not ever call or consult me about why Virginia should be the recipient of such an award. (Probably because I wouldn't understand one word of the 50 page theses they sent Virginia to read before this weekend). But believe you me, I was ready if they did, with this....

My Top Ten Reasons Why Virginia Deserved the Jefferson Scholarship:

10. She is ridiculously responsible. (I have been staying with her for the past 5 years when her parents go out of town..I'm supposed to be the responsible adult, but more often than not, she is taking care of me. If you know us, this assuredly does  not come as a shock to you). 

9. She is motivating. She got me to run 8 miles this year...I feat never accomplished by anyone before and will not be accomplished by anyone in the future.

8. She has incredible taste in music. (The only person who thinks the ridiculously random mix of music on my iPod is worth steaking :) ).

7. She is super intelligent....about all sorts of things that are happening the world- including how you buying a fake Gucci bag on Canal Streets feeds the chinese mafia and world terrorism. Bottom Line...DON'T DO IT!

6. She has the ability to make really simple and normal things exceedingly interesting and fun... like regularly hosting pancake parties for 50 of her closet friends

5. She is a leader, and the kind that is worthy of following.

4. She lives every part of life with utmost passion and zeal.

3. She is constantly wanting to push beyond what is comfortable and "normal". She loves to take on things that she know will humble, grow, shape, and change her. Thanks for challenging me like this, Virginia...I need it!

2. She really loves people and desires to see them know and walk with Jesus!

1. She loves Jesus Christ with all her heart, and is constantly hungering for more of him!

I LOVE YOU, VJ! I am so proud of you!