Welcome to Bluefield at 100! Bluefield College is celebrating 100 years and has undergone a name change! Each week, in honor of this milestone, The Confusing Middle will shine the spotlight on an individual who spent time at Bluefield University, giving them a chance to fill us all in on where they are and how they’ve been doing since the college years. I hope you’ll join us back here every week as we get reacquainted with some old friends!

This week we’re hearing from Kelly Bittler!

1. What have you been up to since your time in Bluefield?
   Well its been 18 years since I graduated from Bluefield  and I have lived in 7 different places, had, 7 jobs, 1 husband, 2 kids, traveled to 3 countries, lots of states, 1 post grad degree and 3 pets 
2. Where are you living now? For how long?
   I live in Aylett, VA in King William County for 3 1/2 years
3. Did you pursue any education after college? If so, what degrees have you obtained?
   I did, but not immediately after graduating from BC.   I waited a year or so  I received my Masters in Human Relations and Counseling from Liberty Universtiy in 2008. 
4. Where did you earn your first “grown-up” paycheck?
   I guess it was from Bluefield College as a Roadrunner  
5. Who is your current employer and what is your job title?
   Shalom Baptist Church, Ministry Assistant (part-time)
6. What are your hobbies? What do you end up doing in your spare time?
   I have 2 kids…I don’t have hobbies. I’m kidding I’m really into genealogy and love studying up on that. As a family we love to hike and take walks around historical places. I enjoy reading, playing board games, fishing and spending time at the bay.
7. Have you done much traveling? Where have you visited?
   I think my 20s were full of traveling  I went to NYC twice, South Africa, Italy, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Tennessee, DC a few times, OBX a bunch! 
8. Are you married? If so, who is your spouse?
   Yes I am married to Caleb!
9. How did you and your spouse meet?
   So, Caleb came to Bluefield to finish his degree and I ended up hiring him as an RHD. He liked me being his boss so much he thought he’d make it official and marry me.  Maggie Lavoie said that she prayed he and I would get together because he is so dreamy. Ha!Ha! But for real she just thought we would make a good match. Another friend Nicki helped get us together. 
10. Do you have children? What are their names/ages?
    Yes we have two amazing kids: Jeremiah (7) and Kathryn (5).
11. Tell us a funny story about your kids…
    Oh gosh…where to begin. I’m forever sharing their funny antics on FB. Check it out they are a hoot and a half. 
12. What was your favorite class at Bluefield?
    I enjoyed my CRJ classes a lot. I don’t know that I had an all time favorite.
13. Which teachers influenced your life and made a lasting impression? Why?
    Dr. Walls, Dr. Farmer, not faculty but Ranae Bailey, Dean Dan, David Taylor, Angela Stewart 
14. What was your major and/or minor?
    Major: CRJ Minor: Psychology
15. What did you want to be when your “grew up?”
    Honestly I don’t really know. A dream job would have been a park ranger. I think my intentions were to work with at risk youth as a parole officer. I worked with at risk youth but not in that capacity and not for long.
16. What was your funniest moment in college?
    There were so many. Aaron shouting to Shannon that he didn’t speak skank, playing Crazy Taxi with Aaron, Heather and Josh, any moments shared w my girls, shenanigans with my friends, trips to the lake with the crew.  
17. What was your most embarrassing moment?  
    I don’t think I had one! Did I? Have I blocked it out? I feel like I was pretty annoying at times. Sometimes I feel embarrassed of my immaturity especially my freshman year. 
18. What is your most vivid memory from Bluefield College?
    It’s hard to think of just one. When I think about my time as a student I think about all the amazing friendships I had. There are so many people that I think of fondly and truly miss! I worked at Bluefield for almost 12 years and again it’s the friendships I have that stand out. I have been blessed with amazing friendships and I miss them. Watching Friends in Kim and Laceys room. The smallest room in the dorm.
19. Was there ever something you wanted to do during your college days but never did?
    Nah
20. What was your go-to during Late Night in the Shott Hall dining room?
    Anything fried so the entire menu. Cheese sticks and pizza
21. Did you play any sports?
    I played club soccer
22.  How about intramurals?
    I was on the Gerties flag football team
23. Did you pledge with a fraternity or sorority?
    Unity unity unity SHABOOM ALPHA DELTA
24. Were you involved in any other extracurriculars (theater, yearbook, clubs, etc.)?
    RA, BSU, SGA
25. What on-campus events did you enjoy participating in or attending?
    I loved BSU, and RA programs, Mud Pig Day
26. Did you jump into the mud pit on Mud Pig Day?
    Yeah not every year but once or twice
27. Did you have a work-study job on campus?
    I worked with Dean Dan and Ranae my senior year
28. Did you have a job off campus?
    No
29. Which dorm did you live in? Or did you commute?
    Cruise and Alumni (lived in Rish and a cottage when I worked at BC)
30. Tell us your craziest roommate story…
    I only had roommates my freshman year. Shannon and I were suitemates and one time she stayed the night in my room on my futon and was talking in her sleep and said “come on let’s pray!” And I was amazed that Shannon prayed. 
31. Which classmate influenced you the most?
    Ehhh I don’t know  
32. What personal experiences since college would you like to share?
    Life  has had its difficulties that is for sure. But God has sustained me and my family and provided in ways I couldn’t even imagine. 
33. What plans do you have for the next 10 years?
    Raise my babies, pour into our church and love my family!
34. Give us a quote to live by…
    “Trust in the Lord…” 

I want to thank Kelly for taking time to answer all these questions and for sharing with us this week! Come back next week when another Bluefield survivor takes the hot seat!

And if you spent time at Bluefield College and want to participate, please reach out to me at confusing.middle@gmail.com and I will send you the full list of questions! Until next time, GO RAMS!