Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
I remember what my first month of college was like: I was so excited, nervous, anxious, and ready for a new adventure. I'm sure some of you are at that point in your life when you are also ready to start a new beginning, whether that be at college, a new job, or a life stage achievement. It seems like it was yesterday when I was reflecting on the first couple of weeks. From this year alone, I've learned more about myself and the person I want to be—that's one of the major discoveries in college.
Not everyone who goes to college knows exactly what they want to do or where they want to end up. Personally, I still have no idea where I want to be and what I want to do. My major is still Public Relations, but to be honest, I have no idea what I can really do or what I would want to do with it yet. I have declared a minor in Spanish because I miss taking a language and knowing how to speak another language. Not only will it allow me to communicate with way more people, it will take me out of my comfort zone and hopefully I can travel more with this useful skill.
With majors and interests in college, I would highly recommend choosing ones that interest you the most and not just because your dad or mom told you it would make you financially stable in the future. It's 2018, do what you love. That said, college has allowed me to break free from the academic constraints at my high school. I have taken so many classes already that I've genuinely enjoyed and succeeded in because I chose them. Next year I'm taking a mythology class!
I thought I was going to be really stressed this year and surprisingly, my stress levels have probably decreased since high school. I was so worried about where I was going and once I actually got to college, there was sudden relief of weight off my shoulders and I can just fully apply myself without anything bugging or distracting me. Of course, my anxiety never leaves, but I've found it easier to manage.
I have also been more in the moment when it comes to making bolder and riskier decisions. We get so comfortable at home and I made it a priority to get out of my comfort zone a bit and just live my life while I'm still young (wow cliché Nat). While it does seem very pretentious of a college student to feel so much independence and freedom, you still need to remember who you are and what you value when you go off to college.
I have also been more in the moment when it comes to making bolder and riskier decisions. We get so comfortable at home and I made it a priority to get out of my comfort zone a bit and just live my life while I'm still young (wow cliché Nat). While it does seem very pretentious of a college student to feel so much independence and freedom, you still need to remember who you are and what you value when you go off to college.
College is not for everybody, but for those who are going or are currently in college, I offer you my thoughts on Freshman year and more advice in this post I wrote last week, here. It's a continual learning experience, more about yourself than anything else. Accepting others, as well as yourself, embracing failure and growth, applying yourself more, is what's to come. You will hit highs and lows, but as long as you stay true to yourself, you'll have a happy, healthy, and memorable four years.
As I sit in my hammock on my university's quad, I thought it would be the perfect time to reflect on a few things that I have come to realize over this past year in college. Also, I wanted this post to be really helpful for any college newbies and freshman because you are in for a treat.
I wanted to plug in this really helpful and insightful college guide. It's called The Gyne's Guide for College Women and was actually thrown at me by my dad before I left for college. While I would have loved to have had an adult chat with my parents about the freedom and independence of college and so forth, this book truly explains it all and I would highly recommend it. Its contents primarily focus on women's physical and mental health throughout the next four years because college is a wild ride.
01. You Will Take Time to Adjust
It probably didn't take me until after winter break to feel comfortable in my dorm and being away from home for so long. Don't worry about other people who are so independent that they could care less about being away from home and their families. It's different for everyone, so don't feel bad if you need to facetime your dog or call your mom.
02. You Will Be Sad
Sometimes you might just feel really down and have a short crying sesh in the shower. No big deal. You will get through it and you will have better days. Acknowledge it, talk it out, and move on.
03. You Will Get Stressed
You will also have varying amounts of unwanted stress. It's normal. No one told you to go to college and be as cool as a cucumber. It's hard and finding ways to cope with stress and handle it such as working out, meditating, or treating yourself is a great start to relieving the angst.
04. You Will Make Friends & Love Interests
You are probably going to meet your best friends some point in time and you will think the coffee shop barista is really cute. Embrace social moments and get out there! Say hi to that cute barista or just wave at someone in one of your classes you see on the quad. You'll find that you meet your best friends in the oddest of places and times.
05. You Will Make Bad Decisions
You might stay out until 3 am, miss a class or two, you might drink, get a tattoo, you might try illegal substances, but you need to remember how to be responsible and realize that college isn't about wasting your experience and education on dumb mistakes. Everyone messes up and you're gonna pay for it.
06. Your Communication Skills Will Improve
It will be uncomfortable trying to meet new people and get in front of your college seminar, but just like high school, you'll find your ease and talking to people and being upfront will get easier with time.
07. You Will Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
You will probably have to talk and present in front of the class, go to a frat party, stay out really late, deal with a drunk person or two, have to write a 12-page research paper, travel alone, deal with bad roommates, or whatnot. Embrace it and learn from it.
08. Classes Will Be Hard
I wrote a 15-page research paper on Buddhism and Buddhist thought, so at times things will get challenging and it will feel like work builds up. Time management and prioritizing things you need to get done in college is crucial. Don't procrastinate and stay at the library for 12 hours the night before an exam.
09. Classes Will Be Suspiciously Easy
I've even had some classes where there were only two papers due for the entire course. You will have 100 level classes like that and they're usually the most interesting. I had my caveman anthropology class that only had three small papers due, but it was probably the most engaging and interesting one I've taken so far.
10. The Food Will Suck
After the first week, you've already tried everything from every cafeteria kiosk and it starts to get a bit repetitive. Switch things up and try to eat healthy when you can. I know it might feel like you can't get away from cafe food, but treat yourself on the weekend and find a new hotspot in town.
11. You Will Be Broke
If you don't already have a job or a way of constant income, you'll find that your bank account will start to cry. I have picked up many babysitting and nannying jobs on the weekend because I live close to home, but take advantage of your school's career center or Facebook groups to find and pick up extra jobs and extra Uber cash.
12. You Will Be Homesick
You are going to miss your fam and your pets, you'll miss the easy access to food, good showers, a nice bed, and privacy for sure. It's important to bring things that remind you of home to keep you going and motivated to get through the semester. It might seem hard at times, but time really does fly in college. Look at me! I'm already done!
13. You Will Be Confused
You will have moments of utter confusion: assignments might be hard, people might not know how to communicate as well, you might get lost on campus, it's all a learning experience. Don't be afraid to ask for help in desperate times of need.
14. You Will Feel Lonely
Going about your 9am classes, then to yoga, and spending the rest of the night at the library might get to be a bit lonely. You're gonna find that some weeks you'll be really independent and things might just get really busy and you're routine will daze you. Try to find something fun in town or study with a friend. Also, don't worry about being alone in college, finding yourself introspectively is one of the most important parts of it!
15. You Will Have A Great First Year
Your attitude and approach to college will highly affect what you get out of it and make of it. Embrace all moments because it goes by fast. Go at your own pace, meet new people, be open to new perspectives, reach above your comfort zone, apply yourself, and you'll have a great year, just like me!
Part of me is still kind of in shock, it was only two weeks ago when I thought about getting a tattoo. Never did I ever think I would go through with it at this young. I'm 18, so it's totally legal and up to me, but part of me still can't believe it happened. I texted my best friend and told her Miami was when I was going to get it and that's it. It was only going to go down then and there. At the time only my roommates and my two best friends knew. I was not planning on telling anyone in my family, partly because I didn't want their opinion to sway my thoughts or decision on it.
When I was thinking of what to get and where to get it and how I was gonna get it, I knew I wanted my first tat to be small and minimal. Excuse my arm hair haha. I ended up picking out a waning crescent and just a simple black outline. I was going to get stars, but the tattoo artist and I decided we just liked the moon. There's no specific significance of it, I just liked it a lot. I think that's a very viable reasoning for getting something you like and won't regret later.
I'm interested in space and I read online that the waning crescent symbolizes getting rid of the bad stuff in your life, so I guess I'll have that on my wrist as a reminder. As for where I wanted it, I originally thought my ribs would be a good place, but my best friend suggested a place like my wrist so the pain wouldn't be so bad. And it wasn't for the most part. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and I described the pain as a pen vibrating and scratching your skin for like two minutes.
I would recommend for other people who are getting their first tattoo to find a quality place that knows what they're doing. I had a great experience at this place called Oriana Tattoo in Miami, Florida and my artist's name was Ruben. Super sweet and made my whole tattoo experience relaxed and comfortable. He was open to ask me about designs and help me with taking care of it after that.
I know that tattoos can be a controversial topic for some people and put permanent ink on your body is something that should not go unconsidered and well thought out. They're basically wounds in your body so I would make sure that it's something you really want and talk to people who have experienced it and are knowledgeable about the process.
My whole family was not extremely surprised. My mom thought I was joking and my dad was like, "whaaa", but they all seem to like it and where I put it. My sister has a couple tattoos, so I guess they weren't as new to it as I thought they would be. This might be my eye-opening to getting more tattoos in the future, who knows. Getting it will be a moment I will have forever.
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Today marks my first month of college and boy oh boy has it been a long and crazy ride. I think I had higher expectations for the first month of college, but it has honestly been one of the best months of my life. In all fairness, it has been tough sleeping with two other roommates, but on the bright side, they're awesome people and I am actually happy with how my rooming situation turned out. I mean at least we have air conditioning for our 90 degree heat stroke in the beginning of fall.
I was put into a dorm with two other girls and a shared bathroom with another two girls and it has truly been so much fun. Not only has it taught me more about sharing space and being considerate of other peoples' lifestyles and cleaning habits, but it has also opened me up to meeting new people and new friends.
I've met so many great people and am blessed to have created new friendships off the bat, while also getting to explore my lovely city. In comparison to high school, it has been way more easier opening up to people because we're all in the same boat and are looking for genuine friends and relationships at this point in our lives.
As for college itself and my academics, I have already written two papers and completed my first digital camera assignment which I think went pretty well. I am in a photography class, a writing class, an orientation class for freshmen, and my intro to mass communication class, which is an introductory course to my major, public relations. I have no idea exactly what I want to do with my major or what it has in store, but I do know I want to get very involved in the college of communication and take part in newspaper or my school's online magazine.
I am still getting used to being at college and on my own, but knowing I'm not far from home makes me very comfortable there because I am just one or two train rides away. That's one of the main reasons I chose to be in the city. I am getting very comfortable with public transportation and finding my way around that I actually prefer it over driving myself places. It's also allowing me to explore more because at my school, public transportation via bus or train is free for all students.
I've already been to a Cubs baseball game and to a Nick Jonas concert for my school's welcome week, which were probably some highlights of this month. The city will never bore me and my classes incorporate a lot from the culture and surroundings of Chicago. I am pretty much immersed and will be well knowledgable of it when I graduate.
I know I will accomplish some great things at my school and am so excited to see what will come next. I know it's just the first month, but there's still a lot more experiences to come that I just cannot wait for. It will fly by in an instant and hopefully I will enjoy every minute of it.
While college move in is right around the corner (a week from yesterday), there are still many things I need to consider before starting college. Trust me, I am just as nervous and anxious as the normal college freshman and I have yet to find my own routines and develop my own time management skills.
I am so excited for what's ahead: the experiences, new people, new places, and just having the freedom to make my own choices. Especially when it comes to using my time wisely. This won't be set in stone or anything and I clearly have no wisdom for this because I haven't even moved in yet. However, I feel like all of us new freshies have some type of routine or mindset when it comes to how much we want to actually study or actually workout in college. Amirite?
In college I hope that I can create a routine that I am comfortable with and can deal with while staying on top of my studies. Personally, I do want to stay focused and not dilly dally through college winging most of my exams and projects--that's just not how I have done things, at least through high school I never did. Sure there will be low points and I will get through it, and hopefully I can reflect on this post and say "Oh, yeah you totally rocked it and graduated" at the end of college. I know that routines change and people change, too.
Ask Yourself, "Who Do I Want to Be?"
Obviously the answer should be YOU. I'm not asking you to change into an alter ego or anything, but consider what type of person you want to be and what morals or beliefs you want to have or keep. I know going into college I might be exposed to alcohol, parties, drugs, boys, all that stuff. Decide before going into it or at least think about types of situations you can be exposed to and how you can make the safest and most YOU decision. I can't decide for you and I know my opinion can't really sway anyone from going to a party when they should be studying--I ain't yo mama. I know that I want to be safe and also enjoy the experiences, while also having fun and keeping up on my studies.
Having Some Self Control
Something as simple as the abundance of food at college can seem like Heaven on earth, but did you really need that extra bag of chips? Or that bowl of just-okay soft serve? I think the main thing I am kind of scared about is tuning into self control and knowing when enough is enough and how I should really be making healthier decisions. Instead of binge watching Netflix, maybe take a 20 minute run instead. Or even watch The Office while you run!
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
I am in this little safe bubble in my town and everyone knows where they are and who their friends are, and to be honest, I am so ready to meet new people. I have been with the same class for about 13 years and I am so ready to see new faces and also new cultures. I want to join different clubs and get involved on campus, too. I want to really get the most out of my college experience and I am sure many freshmen do too. While I have no idea what to expect, I am ready for a new start and new activities.
There's a lot more going on in my head right now as I begin to start school and I am sure that I will keep writing about my experiences on here when I start. I thought this might be helpful or somewhat relatable to freshmen in college or maybe seniors trying to help a newbie out. If you can take away one thing from this, then I would encourage any new freshman to consider what type of person they want to be seen as or they want to reflect off of others. It's a "fresh" start for all of us, so maybe it's time to be more open or contribute more? There's a whole list of things you could do to make sure your next four years are the best four years.
Also, I have no idea what my blogging schedule will be like when I move in or start school, so please bear with me for the next couple weeks. I would like to keep it the same as it has always been, but I will for sure be back with great stuff! I hope the transition is smooth and I am able to post regularly.
And to senior Natalie who is probably reading this, I hope you have continued to be the best you you can be and hopefully you graduated. Also, if you would like to discuss freshman topics or simply offer an opinion on becoming a new college student, please share! I'd love to hear your thoughts :)
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I know it's not the end of the year yet, but since it's almost the beginning of a new adventure and a new year for me, I thought it was most appropriate to get a new planner for my freshman year of college. I will be starting in a little over a month and I am so anxious and ready to begin a new chapter. With that, comes much responsibility, independence, work, fun, and decision making for my future life. Don't take your opportunities post high school for granted--I learned that the hard way after waiting a year to hear back from my first choice school. I got in and am going (long and stressed over), but there's still a lot more to it than just the acceptance.
When I get a planner, I open it up, skim through the organized calendars and note sections in awe. Many people don't get to opening their planners or never end up using them. I don't think many college students use planners or "agendas", however, I feel like nowadays their becoming more popular with teens and young adults all over. They're all trendy and hip now--I guess that's all it takes for a college student to get their life together (me). Designer planners? Can you believe it? Neither can I, but please sponsor me Kate Spade.
In college, I intend on using this sucker every day. Right now I have been using a weekly sticky note calendar to sort my summer out, so I at least know what day of the week it is. During the school year though, I feel like I can get the most out of my day if I have a plan or some to-dos to keep me occupied. I'm gonna have so much free time in college, if you can believe it.
I want to take advantage of my college experience as much as possible (more than high school). You only go to college once in your life and if it's going to go by as fast as high school did then I need to make the most of it. I've been so excited about college and who I will meet, what I'll learn, the inevitable mistakes I will make, and the things I will prove I can be capable of. I have already finished my dorm shopping and I think I will be a Target back-to-school ad, but that's totally fine with me because Target rocks. A Tour will be posted, so stay tuned.
It's strange to think that a lot will change in the next month or so, and it scares me to pieces. It will be eye opening and I plan on using my blog to talk about a lot of college stuff (and keep it to beauty and fashion as well) in the future.
I know I am ready for a new atmosphere and to get out of my comfort zone. My freshman orientation already verified it. The people are already so welcoming and I know I will be a great fit. What are your next future steps or plans?
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Now that it is officially the end to my high school journey, I am off on my way to college! I am so unbelievably shocked at how fast it all went by and all of the great memories I have had with all of my closest friends and I am so beyond excited to start a new journey at DePaul University in the fall.
I don't think I have talked in extent to what I have experienced in high school, but I hope I can help light the way for future seniors and even incoming freshmen. It goes by so fast. Please embrace all of the moments: the football games, the pep rallies, dances, teachers, your peers, and all of the fails or aces you make because it'll all go by like a blink in the eye. I know that when I joined color guard or flags with my marching band that I would forever have an amazing group of friends to be with. Going to Disney World with them was probably one of the best memories I have had from high school.
Thanks to all of the people that helped me along to my graduation and who really made my high school experience a great one. It wasn't about popularity or anything cliche, it was just a roller coaster of new experiences--ones that I will cherish and learn from. I mean, high school is when I started my blog and doing yoga, so I would say it was a success. I never thought I would be on this growing blog today and I am beyond grateful for everyone who has endlessly supported me.
As for this blog, I truly hope to continue writing on it through college and beyond. I want to share my college journey (and especially my dorm room) for the next four years. I am so psyched to be living in my beautiful city and I will be studying communications with a focus in public relations and marketing. Really, not a shocker.
I am currently enjoying my long summer break until I have orientation and move in day later in August. Tomorrow I actually leave for a week long camping trip, the one I blogged about here last year, and will still have posts up next week! I am not sure if I want to post another camping post for the sake of not bringing my camera to camp, but I know I will for sure have some pictures up on Instagram.
I don't know where college will take me, but I know I will always have my family and friends along with me supporting me every step of the way (so cheesy). And you guys! I just thought I would share my future plans, so feel free to share yours! Any new college freshmen out there feeling nervous as ever like me?!
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