Make a new year's post

In 2011, I, Joshua D. Friedberg:

• Graduated from college.
• Performed and wrote some original music.
• Was a first-time camp counselor and gained new confidence in the process.
• Finished a major paper after over 2 years of intense research, writing, and revision, and got it accepted at PopMatters for forthcoming publication in 2012.
• Moved out of my hometown... at least temporarily.
• Continued to re-think and problematize various ideas, including about music and race.
• Read at least 5 complete books and a whole bunch of essays and critical articles.
• Walked dogs for money.
• Applied to graduate school for 2012-13.
• At least partially moved on from some tough stuff from the past.
• Started saying "it's all good" and "wonderful" a lot.
• Strengthened some important friendships.
• Cut caffeine out of my system, hopefully for good.
• Started this blog.
• Stayed strong.

Graduate from college!

So, after five years--nine full semesters and then one semester retaking one Gen Ed course elsewhere--I am FINALLY graduating from Earlham College with a BA in English. So I thought I'd share some feats and experiences from my time at Earlham that I, and others, have found particularly meaningful:

During my college career, I...

• Came out in front of my freshman class at New Student Orientation
• Got a standing ovation walking at graduation
• Expanded my thinking about race
• Spoke the truth
• Acted with kindness and dignity to just about everyone.
• Stayed sober
• Made more friends than I ever had for the first 18 years of my life
• Impressed people with my knowledge of music
• Earned the respect of professors with Ph.D.s
• Spoke out on issues I care about
• Started important conversations
• Gained confidence and social skills I'd never had
• Earned two standing ovations for original songs
• Learned that things can and do get better
• Spoke out about seeking help for depression
• Completed a really difficult major after changing majors 5 times
• Got told, "I love you" by people I didn't know well
• Got called "an encyclopedia"
• Stood up for myself when I was hurt
• Learned to reach out to others effectively

Comment if you want elaboration on any of these.