The past two weeks in Berkeley have been a whirlwind. We swam Wisconsin at home, participated in the bi-annual Aquatics Gala, flew to Utah to swim the Utes, and have learned at least three new dances in dance class. We've done this all while watching the temperatures steadily drop, the trees turn bare, and Starbucks begin to serve our coffee in holiday-colored cups. Now, it's this point in the season where we get a little break in competition and really get to focus in on our training.

This week marks our final full week of classes of the fall semester. Next weekend is Thanksgiving, the following week we travel to Georgia for an invitational, and then finals will be upon us before we know it.

Now, being a senior, this is a pretty scary and slightly saddening thought. It's easy to see the weeks pass without really noticing, but then eventually those weeks add up to a whole season. Just like that! In light of this, this past weekend I slowed down a bit and enjoyed one of my absolute favorite traditions of the year: my class's Thanksgiving dinner.

Ever since the eight of us moved into apartments and learned how to (kind of) cook, we get together every year to celebrate each other with a potluck-style “friendsgiving.” It definitely fills both my heart and my stomach. Whenever we all get together, the memories start pouring out. We reminisce about freshman year, wonder how we've endured all of the crazy workouts, laugh at the inside jokes and muse about the future. We've all done this together. Every day for the last three years, we have fought, endured, thrived and sometimes failed, but we've done it all together. It's amazing the kind of bonds that come from this experience. I'm grateful for Camille's sweet compassion, Caroline's fighting and fiery spirit, Kaylin's jovial and contagious passion, Taylor's mood-lightening smile and humor, Yvette's understanding and listening ear, Catherine's adventurous soul, and Melanie's easygoing but feisty attitude. Each woman has transformed into the amazing person she is today, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of that process for each person, as I am grateful to have these women come along with me on my own journey. Can you tell I love my class?

I say the last two weeks have been a whirlwind, but really, it's always a whirlwind. A crazy, busy, extremely fulfilling whirlwind that never lets up. But it's worth it when the people you're with make it that way.

Winter's coming in with a force, so its time to button up and buckle down. It's time to get some work in before our fall invitational, and to earn some A's in school so Teri will give us candy (great tradition – she throws out candy to whoever get's A's on assignments and tests! Talk about motivation!). Now, back to work – GO BEARS!

Eva

Eva Greene is a senior from Falls Church, Va., while Maija Roses is a freshman from Durham, N.C. Eva and Maija will alternate producing blog entries each week during the season, with Eva writing her piece and Maija creating a video.

Miaja's Video Blogs
Nov. 12, 2014

Eva's Written Blogs
Nov. 3, 2014