Everyone loves the excitement that comes with a new year. From all the parties and vacations that will take place to all the shopping and eating you will get to do, a new year is full of possibilities. The new year also means that it is almost time to go back to school. I know, you are doing all you can to block out that information, but we all know it is true. To help you not have the back to school blues, here are some exciting things you can look forward to this semester.

1. Basketball season

The Flames basketball teams are no where near done with their seasons, so go ahead and grab a few friends and go to a game. I promise that it will be fun!

2. Convocation

Convocation is a great time to come together as a university and grow closer to God. God already knows what He has planned for this semester's services, and I cannot wait. Plus, who doesn't love playing Convocation Bingo?!

3. Frontline days!

I know that Frontline is really for potential students, but the food in the caf is always on point on those days! Take advantage of the deliciousness!

4. Lee Theater Performances

We have some pretty talented actors and actresses at Lee University. This semester they will be taking on "The Odyssey" and "The Diary of Anne Frank." Be sure to check both shows out because students get free tickets with their Lee ID.

5. Athletics galore!

Basketball isn't the only sport that will be in season this semester. Baseball, softball, track, golf, and tennis will be in full swing as well! What does this mean? It means that there are tons of opportunities for you to go cheer on your fellow Flames!

6. Potential snow days

There is nothing like Cleveland weather. One minute it's raining and the next it is sunny and hot! Winter in Cleveland is no exclusion to this weather pattern. Snow in the south is never off the table. This winter has already been crazy across the United States, but don't let the warm temperatures fool you... Winter is coming!

7. #SpringBreak16

Ah, I can hear the beach calling my name as I type this. Truly, I have no idea where I will be going for Spring Break, but I do know that I cannot wait. Who doesn't love having a full week off school to relax?!

8. Spring rain...

They say that April showers bring May flowers, but in Cleveland, it doesn't have to be April for us to see water droplets falling from the sky. I mean, just look at last semester... You better go ahead and buy an umbrella if you do not already have one.

9. Easter

This year Easter falls in March. That means that you will get two school breaks in one month! Easter is definitely one of my favorite holidays because if Jesus had not risen, then we would have no reason to live. God sent His son to save us.

10. LEE DAY

I love Lee Day! I look forward to it every year. From meeting all the potential students to the great food to Life at Lee, Lee Day is fun for everyone. Get ready, people, because it will be here before you know it.

11. Ring By Spring

It is engagement season, folks! Yes, I know it is a clicé, but it is still pretty exciting! Why? The answer is simply because engagements mean weddings which mean cake!

12. U-Church

The lineup for this semester is dope! We will get the opportunity to worship with groups like Rend Collective and the incredible Andy Mineo! Now, I don't know who will be coming in March or April, but I can tell you that whoever it is will be amazing.

13. Graduation!

The finish line is near for some of our peers. In just a few months, they will be walking across the stage and receiving that diploma that they have worked years to get. I know it is only January, but I want to go ahead and congratulate all of you who are so close! Enjoy your final semester at the greatest school on the planet.

14. SUMMER

Need I say more? No, not really, but I think it is important that you know that Finding Dory comes out this summer! Use that as your motivation to "just keep on swimming" through the semester.

15. Jordan Smith Homecoming?

I have no clue if this will happen, but I sure hope it does! Guys, one of our fellow Lee peeps just won "The Voice"! This is so cool. I hope he returns this semester so that we can give him a proper celebration. Plus, Dr. Hammond promised that we would get cake if he won... Jordan needs to come back so that we can eat cake!

Hopefully, you are no longer absolutely dreading returning to Clevegas. This semester is going to be amazing! Just you wait!