A little bit about me :)
My name is Shary Bouvette, and I am a junior here at The University of Oklahoma. It almost doesn't even seem real saying that— a junior! It feels like just yesterday, I was that scared little freshman entering those dorms. As time as gone by (and way too fast), I have learned to value an important piece of advice my dad gave me on a letter sending me off to college: "Most importantly, be unapologetically yourself. Because before you know it, these college days will be over, and you will regret being anything other than that." Reading it then, time didn't seem like a big deal, but now that I'm over halfway done with my undergraduate journey, this was exactly what I needed to slow down, enjoy the ride, and embrace who I am.
It's ME!, personal image
By now, I'm sure you've caught on that I am close to my dad (Chris)— him and my entire family. I also have a beautiful mother (Kim) and two, way less beautiful, brothers (Adam & Max).
I am the only girl, stuck in the middle of two boys, which means I have an army to protect and keep an eye on me. Adam, the older one, is 23 years old and is a medical student in Oklahoma City. Max is 18 years old which means he just started his freshman year here at OU! Living with a sibling here in Norman makes it feel even more like a home away from home.
My favorite people, personal image
And my home? I was born and raised in Edmond, north of Oklahoma City. When together, my family loves to have game nights consisting of every card and board game known to man. The competitive blood in our bodies makes for loud and very entertaining nights. We also love to travel all around the world. I find nature takes me to peaceful state of mind, and someday, I hope to check all 58 national parks in this country off my list. I am over halfway there!
At OU I am studying chemical biosciences hoping to pursue medicine. I am passionate about health care, and I want to make an impact on people's lives by prolonging and maximizing individuals' health. When not studying, I also love being involved in The Big Event and orchestra. I have played the violin since I was 4 years old, so music has always been a huge comfort in my life. And as my friends know, music is always playing from my Spotify playlist on shuffle.
Welp, that is where I am right now, but we will see all where life chooses to take me.
Hi Shary! I too have my brother on campus this year, and I am excited to see him experience all of what OU can offer! I too share your passion for healthcare, and I am excited by the prospect of entering the medical field. I too am involved in The Big Event and cannot wait to participate in it this year!
ReplyDeleteHi Shary! That's wild, we're both middle kids and both love music! Although my younger brother doesn't go to OU, it is crazy that we're already juniors. I am also pursuing medicine, and my major actually used to be Chemical Biosciences! We have a lot in common, and I look forward to reading your stories as the semester goes on.
ReplyDeleteHey Shary!
ReplyDeleteI also had a very special moment with my dad when my family sent me off to college - he put on the song "Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon as I was walking away, and to this day that song makes me cry when I remember my younger self entering a new world as it played. My family and I are also very into board game nights; our current favorites are Scategories, Sushi Go, and Mysterium. My cousins and I will meet up in cafes to play board games and see what kind of shenanigans we can get into (we often end up making our own rules and taking things to a whole new level of silly). Best of luck hitting all the national parks; that's an awesome goal!
Oh, how cool to be sharing part of your OU adventure with your brother, Shary! That is so cool! They talk about OU family, and that is family for real. And yay for card games and board games. I come from a family of game-players also. My dad is 92, and he's pretty confused about some things... but he is still intent on winning every single domino game. We are not so much a musical family, though; you are really lucky to have the violin as an instrument that has accompanied you all your life. Have you seen the movie The Red Violin? Oh my gosh, I really like that movie; talk about a storytelling adventure! Music, and legends about music, are a big part of the mythology and folklore tradition, so keep an eye out for music and musicians and musical instruments as you are reading... I'm guessing you will find lots of them!
ReplyDeleteHi Shary,
ReplyDeleteYour dad is right, it's important to be yourself. That's been huge for me recently as I feel like I've finally figured out my identity, not the identity I should be, and it's been an incredible boost of confidence. I like that your family has game night on a regular basis. I might have to steal that idea to try and get my family to spend more time with each other.
Shary,
ReplyDeleteYour story is so heartfelt, I actually teared up a little. Your relationship with your family is so lovely! I have one brother so I kind of get it. I love nature too! Your tour of the national parks is very inspiring; I would love to do the same. Never stop being yourself! You sound too awesome not to. I hope your studies are going well and you succeed in your endeavors.
Hi Shary :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but notice that we have several things in common. My husband and I enjoy hosting games night at our house with our friends. We often play Phase 10, Uno, and video games. I have always loved playing games, and now that we have two boys, I am so happy that we can start involving them in our game nights! Another thing we have in common is our love for nature and traveling. You're right-nature is very calming. I especially love being near wooded mountains and creeks. I used to live in Rapid City, SD, and it was absolutely gorgeous. It's located in the Black Hills, and I definitely recommend you add it to your travel list! It is incredible that you and your two brothers all attend OU. Did your parents also attend OU? I'm the first one in my family of 5 to actually attend a university. I am jealous at the fact that you can play the violin. I think the violin is one of the most beautiful instruments!
Hi Shary!
ReplyDeleteI feel like we have so much in common. I also have a brother named Adam and he is a freshman at OU. It is so so weird having my brother at school with me. It feels as if he isn't even old enough to be a freshman in college. It also makes me feel extremely old. I also want to pursue a career in medicine. It is my dream to either become a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Additionally, I have taken a interest in public health. In my public health class, we talked about all the different aspects of healthcare and I think that it is so great of you to want to improve the system. We definitely need more kind and passionate people like you to improve health care for the future! Good luck with your studies this year and enjoy having your brother on campus with you.
Hi Shary!
ReplyDeleteI think your dad gave you fantastic advice on how to live your life. It sounds cliche but being yourself is crucial. I also grew up in Edmond. Where did you go to school? I think it is awesome that you are super close to your family. It's awesome that you have a sibling on campus with you now. My brother is a senior in high school so I am pretty excited that I will get to have one year in college with him.
Hey Shary! I am also a junior pre-med student in chemical biosciences!
ReplyDeleteIt's cool that you want to visit all the national parks! You must have collected amazing pictures that are scrapbook-Worthy! My Dad said something similar to me, about being yourself and enjoying life as a college student. I don't know about you, but when I was a freshman, I was eager to enter medical school already. Medical school's not that far away now. Good luck getting in! PS: Do you plan on going to the same school in Oklahoma city as your brother?
Hi Shary!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your introduction! You are an incredible writer, and writing just seemed to flow very naturally, I loved it. I am a Senior this year, and I graduate in the Spring. It doesn't seem like it's real, but it totally is. It freaks me out every time I think about it. I am also very close with my dad. He sent me care packages while I was a freshman in the dorms, and with each one, he included a note with words of encouragement or just a small message. I still have all of them, and they hang on my wall in my house. You are so brave pursuing medicine. I am an engineering student so I could never do that! Good luck this semester, and year.
Hi Shary!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great introduction. I'm from Yukon, so not too far from Edmond! It's really cool that you're passionate about healthcare and want to pursue medicine. That profession brings so much good into the world! I'm also a huge music junkie, so I can definitely relate to that. Playing an instrument is so rewarding. Hope your junior year is going well so far!
Hey Shary! I really enjoyed reading your introduction post. My dad is actually from Edmond, and he went to Memorial. I don't know which Edmond high school you went to, but my dad was one of the founders of Swine Week if you've ever heard of it! My family is definitely very competitive just like yours. We are the typical sports family, and my brother and I always competed with each other when we played soccer growing up. I definitely think that's something I've carried with me to OU! What kind of music do you listen to? I've got about six different playlists on Spotify that I listen to. Looking forward to reading more of your posts this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Shary! It is nice to meet you. I love how close you and your family are. Family is so valuable and I know a lot of times it is easy to push them aside when we are at college but they truly are the best. It is cool that your younger brother goes to OU and that your family is in Edmond, that is so close! My family and I love to play any card or board game whenever we are all home for the holidays. Thanks for the great insight into your life, I can't wait to read your stories!
ReplyDeleteHi Shary!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice getting to know you through your introduction! I am actually from Oklahoma City, so we are not to far apart. I also want to pursue medicine, and I hope we both reach this goal of ours! I completely agree with you about family. Family is everything. Without them, I don't know what I would have done. Anyways, I hope your junior year goes by smoothly.
Hi Shary,
ReplyDeleteYour family is so cute! I wish my brother lived here in Norman. Its so cool that you have travelled so much! I have always wanted to, but can't find the time, money or someone to watch my dog while I am away.
It is so cool that you play violin, I attempted to take up piano when I was about 8 or 9 but never really took to it (I didn't want to sit still long enough to learn)
It was nice to meet you.
Hey Shary!
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that once you get busy with the college grind that it seems like it goes by so fast. Just like you, I am very close to my dad he is my best friend. It looks like you guys do a lot of fun stuff together. I am quite envious, because my family doesn’t ever really seem to do anything that fun. Your major sounds very interesting and hard to me, but only because I stink at science. I hope the rest of your semester goes well!
Hey Shary! I can definitely relate to feeling like time has rushed by in the blink of an eye. It feels weird to be saying I'm a junior because I still feel like a freshman sometimes. I too lived in Edmond for a few years so that's another thing we have in common! It's so fun that your family does game nights and traveling. I've only visited a few national parks but going to all of them sounds like a dream come true. Good luck on the rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteShary, I love the advice your dad gave you. That is so true not only for life but for college as well! Also yes, freshman year feels so long ago - unreal almost. I think your body text really supported your title of "Free Spirit" so great job aligning those two elements. I am not far from Edmond, and it is always great to connect with someone from the OKC area. Great job on this intro!
ReplyDeleteHi Shary! It was so fun for me to get to read a little bit about you through your introduction. I think it is so awesome that you are super close with your dad and your whole family. I have always wanted to travel to the national parks around America- it's amazing that you've made it to over half! What was your favorite?
ReplyDeleteHi Shary!
ReplyDeleteI love how you describe your brothers as "an army to protect you." I have two older sister, but lots of guy cousins who are like my brothers because they are very protective of me. Me and my family love playing games, especially card games! We're all also very competitive, some more than others...(hint, hint: myself). A simple game of spoons can get very dangerous with some of my cousins.
Hi Shary!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you have such close relationship with your family members. It's awesome that you guys get to travel so much and want to visit all of the national parks. I also think it's really cool that you learned to play violin when you were 4. I wish I knew how to play. I hope you enjoy the final weeks of the semester!
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI am also a chemical biosciences major! I’m in my senior year and I’m not looking forward to taking p chem lol. It’s great that you’re applying to medical school, my stomach is too weak for that so I have a lot of respect for the people that do! My sister is in here sophomore year here at OU and as the older sibling I feel like I’m always feeding her. Good luck finishing off the semester!