Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
This summer, I took on a task that I'm not so fond of doing—reading. I have always struggled to find books that I can fully commit to and enjoy. Maybe that's because I've been forced to read books in school or I've just not found the type of book I like to read yet. I'm not an avid reader, I'm not the best reader, but I thought this challenge would be something very beneficial for me while I had the free time to do it over the summer. To my surprise, I was able to read five books in two months—all because of Reese's Book Club.
Reese Witherspoon launched Hello Sunshine which is a media brand that's full mission is to foster storytelling, creating, and discovering content that celebrates and idolizes women by putting them at the center of the story. Whether or not you've noticed these yellow sunshine-like emblems on books, I took it upon myself to read five fiction novels and pick my top three to share my initial thoughts with all of you.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book was on The New York Times Best Seller list of 2019 for 20 weeks and is probably my favorite book I read this summer. I am very into nature and ethereal imagery, which Owens far exceeded my expectations with her detailed illustrations of an isolated North Carolina Marsh and an orphaned girl, Kya, who grew up on it.
There's murder, family dysfunction, romance, and all the while Kya is trying to discover who she is all by herself. More importantly, documenting her findings of nature reveals so much more to her than school ever did. It's a story that makes you want to run into the fields and be one with the sunshine, birds, and mud. Truly a beautiful read.
This was a heartwarming story about a little boy, who believes he's a girl—and is a girl. Inspired by the author's transgender child, this isn't just a book about being transgender. It is an honest story about a family that goes through this process and all are affected by it.
It will bring tears and smiles; including realizations and transformations that make every small detail in parenting crucial. It is full of bright, nostalgia and whimsy fairytales, but deeper truths of identity beyond a "happy ending" that we would all wish for our kids and families.
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
If you're really looking for a page-turner, I would recommend this book. As I was reading this, it was sending chills up and down my spine. The best thriller books are the ones that leave you feeling like someone is watching you in your own house. Spooky, I know.
You are in for a treat with some "dizzying" plot twists and thrills set in Littleport, Maine. The perfect setting for a cozy fall evening of reading. It's a story about an affluent tourist town and the suspicious death of their own, Sadie Loman. Good friend, Avery Greer, is trying to clear her own name and uncover the mystery as a resident on their property—is she to blame? Find out in this addictive read, you won't regret it.
Reading for pleasure is one of those things I need to get better at. Especially when I have the time and motivation to do it. There are so many great books out there, and following Reese's Book Club made it easier for me to find books and get suggestions of what to read next. If you also struggle to read, I would highly recommend finding a book club like hers to give you some options from a varied range of books.
Fall is the best time to snuggle up and delve into stories, which is why I hope I've given some inspiration as to what to read next this season. Reading these books over the summer has given me a new appreciation for reading. There's an addictive and immersive feeling of escapism that a movie on Netflix could easily accomplish, but by reading a book, I create the story, the characters, and the setting.
For a while, I had a distaste for reading. I was impatient and couldn't wait for the story to develop, but now I've come to realize that there's richness to stories incomparable to my own. Give a book a couple chapters, believe me, you'll be amazed. What's on your fall reading list?
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It's September!! And if you don't know what that means, it means its ihavetoomuchtodoandnotimetodoit season! Also known as, Virgo season! Which, I am a Leo-Virgo cusp and this time of year means chaos for me. All chaos aside, I've actually had quite the summer and was anticipating fall to roll around sometime soon. Everyone's back into their routines, or at least trying to cope with their routines, and I have just completed my first week of my junior year of college. Yay.
It can be overwhelming when the to-do lists, responsibilities, deadlines, assignments, projects, and every other stressful thing possible lands on your plate all at once. If there's one week I hate, it's syllabus week. When your professors hand you a packet of every single test and paper due in the next ten weeks of your life.
This weekend I needed to ground myself: I did some yoga, ran some errands, walked my pup, babysat, and tackled what now is an entirely full planner of commitments and things I don't want to do. So I took a step back and thought about ways in which I can make this overhaul of chaos better. Much better.
Make Your Schedule
It always helps me when I can visually see all of the tasks I need completed by a certain date and time. Choose what works best for you. I like to use a planner and highlight all of my classes, along with meetings and clubs, and other commitments in different colors. I also utilize a weekly desk calendar that only shows what I need to do that week. Even using sticky notes on your computer works!
Engage, Then Disengage
I am a victim of doing other things when I should be doing something else. Especially when I should be relaxing and I try to take advantage of my relaxing time for more work time. I understand time crunches and totally stand by that, but when you need a break, take it. Even if that means dedicating an hour to going to the gym, watching a movie, or getting your nails done.
Remember Priorities
Taking time for yourself is a priority. You have to remember that you will be working for basically your entire life and balance is key! Do what needs to be done, but don't push yourself if it's feeling like you can't handle so much at once. People are there to support you and want to see you succeed, sometimes that means taking your foot off the gas pedal.
Make Time You Need to Relax
Everyone says that "there's not enough time" for anything, but that's usually because they don't make the time to do something. "There's not enough time to relax," "I can't fit yoga classes into my schedule," or "I'm just too busy to get some time for myself," are some things I often hear. One thing to consider is your sleep-wake cycle. Are you getting enough sleep? What time do you normally go to bed? Could this be effecting your energy levels? Sleep is something to consider when you're staying up until 2am trying to finish work for Monday.
These are all things to consider that might help alleviate stress, anxiety, and a feeling of overwhelm as the new season transitions into a busy one. Balance is something I cannot stress enough. Divide up your day so that you have breaks and time to re-adjust and reset. What do you do to not overwhelm your busy ass life?
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I've always loved a good, long weekend. I mean, who doesn't? An extra day to do nothing is the best. Knowing me, an extra day means an extra day to prepare myself for the short week ahead. Mostly an extra day to relax and rejoice in other people's company, read a book, do some yoga, and eat some ribs! Truly the best.
On Saturday, the parents and I drove down to visit my younger sister, Emily, at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She is a freshman studying Kinesiology and has adjusted quite well! It was nice being on campus and also bringing Cooper along to go see her. We had lunch at her fave, Culver's, met her sweet roommate, Sydney, and played fetch with Cooper on the quad.
Exploring downtown Valpo on a nice, breezy Saturday was all we needed. Especially their cute square with boutiques and artesian coffee places.
On Sunday, I connected with my best friend, Mikayla, who's my sweet friend from high school. It's always a nice time when we get the chance to hang out. We are the brunching buddies! I don't know if there's a duo that loves brunch so much more than we do. We walked around downtown La Grange, which I always forget is so nearby and a lovely place to explore, and ate at Blueberry Hill Cafe for the best banana pecan pancakes and bacon.
It's so nice catching up with friends and just enjoying each other's company when you can. Yesterday we had ribs with the neighbors and a chill day reading magazines and doing a whole-lotta-nothing. I have one more week of summer left, so I've been trying to use the most of my free time reading, getting things ready for school, writing for the blog, and working on my internship!
You don't realize just how great free-time is until it's gone. I'm usually one who loves to make the most out of a free day and be as productive as possible, but lately, I've just loved not doing much as time gets nearer to the busier days. What did you do over the long weekend? Or better, what didn't you do?
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Many people deal with having to go through the process of purchasing a new phone—you know how it goes. Your old one "breaks" and you're instantly made to think, by some god of Apple, that there's no more use in trying to get it fixed, so you resort to the process no one really wants to go through, or pay for, but since society makes you believe that you should get a new iPhone, you get a new iPhone. We've all been there.
This past week I bought a new phone. The iPhone Xs to be exact. I will not beat down this phone, because it is a really nice phone—fancy cameras with depth effect and a facial recognition passcode system that makes me feel like I'm James Bond. The phone itself is one thing, but the reason I got the phone was another. Details aside, my old iPhone 7 was perfectly fine. It was just that "time".
Earlier this year I took an environmental science class that focused on sustainability and one of the things that stuck with me was the idea of perceived obsolescence. That "time" which urges us and our very consumeristic selves to buy the next iPhone, upgrade to a better car, replace something out of "trend," all of these disposable and subconscious desires pop up out of nowhere—we're left dissatisfied and conform to what companies tell us we need to buy, replace, upgrade, and all for something better.
I've had my fair share of Marie Kondo-ing my life and organizing, decluttering, or taking inventory of everything I own. It's just a part of me that gives me release, satisfaction, and room to grow. The tangible "things" that exist in my life have been greatly thought about—no I don't name my knick-knacks—but, I have found that dwelling on the things I have and don't have has no place in my life.
I've come to this conclusion before and push it aside—prioroties and all. It makes me sick. Why this "urge" takes over, I don't know. Monkey see monkey do. We are creatures of desire and want. This urge hasn't just occurred with the tangible, but during times when I'm at an all-high in my life and the dark cloud wooshes over me like no bitch, you don't get to be happy.
Gratitude and finding it is hard. I've talked about it before. It can be like a cow grazing in the grass, so much grass to choose from, but the cow just eats in the same, overeaten hole in the ground every single day. My metaphors need more work, but the point is, the cow is perfectly content with its overeaten hole of dead grass. No other cow to please.
Maybe I'm the cow. Maybe I'm not. Maybe you're the cow.
Don't take offense to me calling you a cow. I love cows. Anyway, finding appreciation in the disgruntled, dilapidated, and average or less than is a challenge, to say the least. Things we wish we had, but are forced to settle with: our hair, our car, our home, our relationship, our degree, our job, etc. There's always going to be more, but we are so impatient with life. We run on double-shot lattes and malcontent.
Being active online and a blogger has come with its malcontents. You always want to have the nicest photos, perfect outfits, and a perceived aesthetic. You think your photo is good? Wait until you see hers—posted five minutes after you worked two hours for the perfect selfie.
I'll be honest, I have never had to sit in front of the camera for that long, but I'm sure others have. It's the culture we have created. Perfection is emanated from our screens day and night. We keep up by having this urge tell us we need to change, spend money, photoshop, etc. I'm distracted, obsessed, and at times I am so frustrated with myself for feeling like I can't be present with the people I'm with or the things I'm doing because there's something else I need or want slapping me in the face.
I always think about ways I can be more grateful. I am so lucky to be where I am right now. I think I can be very hard on myself because I fear that it could all just vanish. So much so, that I find ways to control it. All of the good in my life has been painted over with my inability to envision this life as it is, nothing more, nothing less.
My teen years resulted in me beating myself up with "what ifs" and I'm ready to start thinking more of "what is". There are many ways I have tried to cope with this urge I have been talking about. Meditating and having a mental break to just check back in with your values and priorities has helped. I do yoga, so any time I can redirect my focus has allowed me to re-connect with things that matter: my family, my friends, my health, my drive, my mood, my gratefulness, all of the above.
It is not an easy feat. I'm with you. You don't have to do yoga to be grateful. You could be in your car during rush hour, finishing a load of laundry, in an Apple store buying a new iPhone you think you "need," anywhere you are gratefulness comes with great power—and responsibility. We are responsible for fostering it into our lives, our interactions, our relationships, our daily urges. What we have is all we got. How do you graze in gratitude? 🐄
In a matter of five weeks, I will be starting my junior year of college. WOW. How has the time gone by? I don't like to toot my own horn, but I am very excited (and nervous) for this year—but mainly excited. I had no idea where I was going to be my junior year of high school, let alone college.
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I have to say, these have been the most amazingly challenging and discovering years for me. Having this blog along the way has helped me through it to say the least. And I hope you, too! College has been a fun ride and I'm really not ready for it to end. Of all the experiences I have had, friends that I've made, opportunities given and found, DePaul has without a doubt been one of the best decisions I've made in my life and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Here is what I will be looking forward to this year...
01. A better sense of belonging. Freshman year was hard to get my footing, especially when everything is new and unknown. I struggled to find a "group" or club and this year I have two that I love, Her Campus DePaul and DePaul PRSSA. Both career-driven organizations, but also just amazing groups of people.
My junior year will be filled with new responsibilities, new chances to get involved, and more people to meet and connect with.
02. Being the co-president of Her Campus DePaul. This group means so much to me. Her Campus Media is a student-run online magazine where students can completely express themselves. It's my baby. This past year I was an editor, social media director, and copywriter for it—my passions grew so much so that I was nominated for the lead position and I am so excited to start this journey and see this group of powerful ladies grow! It's groups like these that stay with us forever.
Being in this group has not only allowed me to explore career options, but also get hands-on experience in the public relations field by going to agency visits, hosting workshops, writing for their exPRess blog, and also being able to network with some of the top PR professionals. I am looking forward to our district conference this year and to take part in the production of it all.
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What are you looking forward to this year? |
04. My new roommate! I am so excited to be living with one of my good friends, Taylor this year. We'll be living on campus in an apartment together and have already started planning how everything is going to look. It'll be really nice to have a shared space with someone I know since the past two years I've lived with random roommates. I will probably do an apartment tour as I did last year, I got very lucky with last year's apartment, as it was much bigger, but I think you all will still be curious to see how we decorate it.
05. Internships and internships galore. I already have an internship that I am beginning to love. It's with a boutique PR agency in Chicago called Papergirl PR and Marketing. Already I've learned so much, and it doesn't stop there! I want to have multiple skillsets so I will be on the lookout for paid internships this year like crazy. Might stress me out, but who knows what will come my way.
06. Seeing my writing evolve this year. I hope that with this writing tutor job I will be taking on that I will learn a few more things about writing and also other people's writing. I get so used to seeing and reading my own, Her Campus has helped with that, but tutoring will be beyond another level. I start training for it at the end of the summer and am curious to see how big of a job it will be.
As amazing as it all is, I have many worries to be quite honest. One of them is if I can manage to balance it all this year.
My roommate says she'll try to keep me sane, but I think it will take a lot of horsepower and caffeine to do it all without burning out. I believe in myself and am definitely not alone. It can just be very overwhelming when all duties need to be done. This year will be a lot that's for sure, but I'm up for it because this is what I love doing.
It can be hard to find your spot in college, but within a matter of time, you will have fifty things on your plate and wonder how it all got there. I think this year will be the best yet. What are you looking forward to the most?
Summer Flies, Honeybee
Here we are, a month later, carving out my goals for the next month—August! Leo season is now upon us and my birthday is up and coming towards the end of the month. July went by quick as I got my routine back together and returned from Europe. The first week of July I was in Spain, made a quick trip to Missouri to see some family friends, and finally got back into somewhat of a routine again. July has shaped up to be a productive month and August will be one of last summer vacations and productivity. Here's what you might see from me this month...
01. My internship! A week back from Europe I started my public relations internship with a small boutique PR agency called Papergirl PR & Marketing. I interviewed for a public relations position in May and just so happened that they were happy to have me on board with all of the experience I have had at DePaul. It all occurred very fast and now I'm doing work for their clients which are restaurants, cafes, and bars around Chicago. Some of these include Umbria Coffee, Weber Grill, The Beer Garden at Navy Pier, and more. I am thrilled to be working with the team and will share my experience as the month goes on.
02. Getting back on it. I've felt out of sorts lately. Maybe it's because I have been away from a routine since the beginning of June, but I really want to find my footing again this month and get back to my organized and motivated self again. I want to try out new fitness classes, like barre or boxing, and take up new skills to get me motivated again. Possibly try out a new yoga studio? Read a book? I don't know, but hopefully, I can be less bored with the same old and more enthusiastic about trying new things this month.
03. I would really like to get my camera back out again. I didn't take it to Europe, and I was a little disappointed that I didn't. However, carrying it everywhere and worrying about it getting stolen was going to be an anxious nightmare. This month I really want to go out and find some aesthetically pleasing fields or murals to take pictures at and try to test my photographic abilities with other subjects. As much as I love photos of me (ha), I also love taking photos of other people. A few months back I did graduation photos for a friend and realized how much I love going on photoshoots and making people look good—to say the least!
04. My birthday! This year I turn the big 2-0 and am quite thrilled to be in my 20s. As much as I embraced my teenage years, I feel as though my maturity level has always been in my 20s. I haven't really made any plans for it yet, but I'm really into low-key birthday dinners and just a bonfire with friends. I just heard that Crate and Barrel has a new restaurant called Table at Crate, which I am eager to try out. Apparently, not all Crate and Barrels are transforming their stores yet, but it's a way to showcase their products which I think is brilliant.
05. Sprucing up my portfolio. Over the three weeks, I was in Europe for the international advertising abroad program, I had the chance to work on creative campaigns for clients each week and execute advertisements to go along with it. All of which I am proud of and would like to showcase on my blog. By next month, I want to have all of those campaigns on here, which will be under my portfolio tab for you to explore!
This summer has been jam-packed with things to do and I am looking forward to a new month with new goals! It's always refreshing to turn the calendar and make a plan for the time being until I start school back up in September. Anything fun on the agenda this month?
As I sit here, watching the rain pour outside my window, the only thing I am inspired by is the peanut butter toast waiting for me in the kitchen. I planned today to be a day to shoot and write, but Im really just feeling like I need a nap. The worst part about vacations is leaving that vacation and having to come back to reality. It's been a real treat being able to travel so much already, but when you get home, responsibilities hit you hard. At least, they hit me hard.
Over the past years, I have dealt with creative ruts and being uninspired. Some other creative writers or bloggers might find it easier to find a new strategy, new product, new medium, etc. to foster this new creativity, but as a college student who has an internship started, a nannying job, and a dog to take care of, it can be difficult to balance it all. If only I can balance it all once school starts! I guess I wanted to make this post a check in and also a way to find creativity and inspiration in places you might not realize—because eating this peanut butter toast is going to do any of that.
Luxurious week or even month long vacations can be amazing and there's lots to get inspired from, but the motivation to do anything after is a real struggle. Sometimes I feel like it takes me another week or so to get back on my feet. My mom had me double checking my calendars because I started overbooking myself as soon as I got back from Europe. Finding the will to continue work, especially in the summer, can be the worst. Here's what I've realized:
Stop What You're Doing
The only way I've actually gotten back into creative projects and blogging is just by leaving everything where it is and doing nothing about it. Sounds like a reverse way of handling it, but I guarentee that taking a break from what you're doing is going to give you a better headspace about it. I always find what makes it easier is to put my energy towards something else, whether it be yoga, being outside, biking around the neighborhood, taking a walk, reading a book or magazine, or even shopping can spark new ideas.
Take a New Perspective
When I come back to the drawing board of blog posts I want to write, it can be so hard to figure out how to make the next one different and better than the last. Developing my own brand on my blog has taken hours on end, so fluidity and consistency are key. However, if it seems like your old ways are biting the dust, change them. Try writing from a different perspective, using a new photography technique, or going out and being the subject of the photos. Find something in your work that can be changed or modified—as they say, spice it up. Take a new direction. New ideas will come.
Embrace the Process
It's going to be even harder to get inspiration if you don't embrace the creative process. Ideas take time, but they can also pop up in the middle of nowhere. It can be very challenging when we put deadlines on ourselves to get things up and published, but I would rather much have a developed idea than a last-minute, half-assed one.
Change the Environment
Sitting in the same living room or at the same desk during a time of writer's block and lack of inspiration might be one of the reasons no ideas are coming to you. Change your location, change the desk you are sitting at, create outside and hear the birds chirp, go to a local coffee shop, the library, someone else's house, etc. Find a place that gives you inspiration or at least isn't the place you always write or create at. You will get a fresher sense of atmosphere and if nothing comes, observe your surroundings. What do you see? Smell? Hear? Feel? Start thinking and relax wherever you are.
There's only so much you can do when inspiration becomes an agonizing feat of despair, but to put it lightly, it takes time and you need to allow yourself to get there. The internet is filled with content and creative work, so I always find myself looking for ways to be different.
The truth is, you probably won't be, but you have to love the work you're doing no matter what. Sure, I've had better posts than others, but I am satisfied with it and if you're not—I would suggest thinking about what type of work makes you passionate.
We all get into these ruts every now and then, but don't let them consume you. Vacations and relaxing are necessary for our bodies to take physical and mental breaks, it's normal if you feel like you can't get right back into it yet. If you're truly stuck on an idea, maybe it's time to change it. Write some goals down, outline, make a plan. Come back another day and try again. You will be thankful that you took the time to think things through, rather than rushing to figure out just an "okay" idea.
It felt like a dream.
One minute I was in Chicago, the next I was walking around the beaches of Cannes not missing any of Chicago's inclement weather, and breathing in the fresh French Riviera ocean air. A dream it was. Now that I'm finally home after three weeks, reminiscing all of the moments and memories I made, I think it's about time to share my adventures studying abroad in France, The Netherlands, and Spain. All countries have very different, rich cultures, and I was eager to explore it all.
My two professors, Juan and Marshall, worked very hard to manage a group of 15 girls and one guy. We were all very grateful to have two experienced travelers and prestigious DePaul advertising professors who taught us during our three weeks. The international advertising program consisted of our professors giving us briefs every Sunday catered towards a global client that we had to create an entire advertising campaign for—an opportunity to really build our portfolios on a global scale. Stay tuned because I will be including my final portfolio within the next week.
Advertising was not something I considered to be a career trajectory because if you're like a lot of people, all you want to do is skip an ad, mute the commercials, swipe past catalogs on your browser, and upgrade to no-ad premium subscriptions. All of which I have participated, but this trip made me see ads differently. Not as a way to sell or manipulate, but to share messages and facilitate authentic connections with people. Sure I'll still skip an ad, but this industry is really challenged by the way that ads shape our culture and an impatient one at that. It takes real talent to make people like advertising and it amazes me at how impactful a slogan, a word, a picture of a hamburger, or a puppy-monkey-baby can make #1 on Superbowl Sunday.
Cannes, France
This is me happy in my new French dress that I bought at a store called Mango.
The festival is commonplace for creative minds and innovators. There were brainstorming workshops and creative presentations that everyone was able to experience. Every day we were required to visit two talks and reflect on them as our daily homework assignment. We saw the CEO of Edelman, John Legend, Laura Dern, Big Sean, Katie Couric, Kerry Washington, Jeff Goldblum, and many more.
The parties were filled with complimentary food and drinks (which we definitely took advantage of), fun activities like photo booths and playground equipment, and a chance to mingle with all of the professionals and presenters there. Though some of us just danced the night away and forgot we were here to get work done. It truly felt like a vacation.
I also met a Youtuber Caspar Lee, who I used to watch when I was a tween and just shouted his name at Pinterest Beach. We walked around the streets with an abundant amount of shopping and amazing seafood and French cuisine—escargot, of course. It felt like I was living in a fairytale and all of my stresses went away. No one can be unhappy in a place like that. Not even the accordion playing man.
We also took a free day to explore the island of Sainte Marguerite and took a train to Monaco to celebrate my group's success as we won our first campaign, named France 20/20, and did we gamble? Well, I definitely splurged a bit that weekend.
This was taken on Twitter Beach alongside Juan Mundel (middle) and a visiting professor Julie Ferguson (left) on a warm, sunny day filled with engaging presentations and happy hour.
This was taken after my big girl purchase at Gucci and a much-needed refreshment in Monaco, Monte Carlo. You can tell how blissful I looked and felt.
I fell in love with France, swimming in the sparkling blue water, perfect sunsets, beautiful people, amazing parties, delicious food, and constantly exhausting the phrase "Merci beaucoup". I really want to go back and explore different parts of the country. It all went by a little too fast, but we were all ready to move onto our next city, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We arrived in Amsterdam during an inferno heatwave and were all wishing we were back at the beach, but we were also very excited to see the brownstones and canals as we bused up to our hotel.
Bikers dominated the streets and everyone was ready to see the new city, but also focus on our work this week. We were earning for a bit more structure in our schedule after all that partying and met at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences every day from 9 to 12 to work with some of the students we got to meet and hang out with after class.
One of the many canals and bridges I saw during my trip. The bikes border the entire bridge.
Amsterdam is a very unique city, after class, we would work on our campaigns promoting a new coffeeshop to arrive in Chicago, these are basically cafés that legally sell weed, which was a very interesting thing to experience. So many people smoke weed there, it smells in every alley. We also toured the canals, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, did the Heineken Experience and explored the brewery, and biked along the countryside to see some windmills.
I felt like Amsterdam was very similar to Chicago in some ways like the amount of traffic, the proximity of every bar and landmark, the diverse demographics, and so many different types of restaurants. Moroccan, Indonesian, Argentinan places, etc. Also, the canals were as murky as the Chicago River. Some days the weather was actually breezy and cool like the city. I was surprised at how I could feel a little at home there.
Amsterdam is known to have a lot of nightlife, so I was going to bed around midnight every night and the sun never set until 10:30. We kept saying that time never exists in Europe.
I really enjoyed having the whole day to do everything and not feel like I had to rush to do activities while it was still daylight. Amsterdam was very different than the two other cities. One that was more frugal, modernized, and progressive.
My favorite parts of Amsterdam were along the canals and finding small boutiques, thrift shops, bars along the water, and eating as many stroopwafels as I could before we left. I also really loved walking down the side streets in the residential areas and peeking through balconies and getting a feel of what living there was like. It felt like we were walking through a movie.
These were some of the Dutch students we got to meet, work with, and spend time with. I got close to the girl named Jette (pronounced yett-a) and two boys, Terry (left) and Nathan (right).
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has a special place in my heart. I think I fell in love with it the most. For some reason, I found a connection with this city more than the others. I was able to speak and understand Spanish and could communicate with the locals. It was a revealing practice of my self-confidence and boldness, for sure. It's empowering to know a language and that's why I plan on continuing my studies with Spanish at DePaul.
After a while, I got very comfortable talking to people and asking around for the best tapas places. Our first night there we made it a goal to get tapas and sangria. Which inspired our last advertising brief which was to make McDonald's now serve tapas–McTapas. This was the hardest challenge for me because I struggled to elevate something that was already as good as it is, Mcdonald's, but now with tapas. I tried so hard to think of something more creative, outside the box, but sometimes maintaining brand equity in advertising has the most successful feedback.
I was on a mission to find an authentic painted fan and I found this beautiful one, along with two for my sisters, at a Mercería, which sells handmade fans of all colors and flamenco costumes. I made sure to bring it to our flamenco show—it also saved me and my friends from overheating.
We explored the historic alleyways of Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the shopping district, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gaudi's House, and scoped out where the Cheetah Girl's filmed their second movie and all of the markets where I got to try kangaroo meat (it does taste like jerky) and drink lots of sangria.
We had a rooftop pool at our hotel, so on very hot afternoons during siesta time (between 1 and 4) we spent swimming after class and some people even made it to the beach. I also loved just staring at the architecture around every corner of the city. Terra cotta roofs, intricate balconies, breathtaking cathedrals, I definitely got some inspiration from them. Our Fourth of July was spent seeing Flamenco dancers and treating our professors to a final salud at a local pub.
I was very fortunate to have had this experience. I mean, it was a trip of a lifetime. Every moment was just amazing and there is so much more that I want to share, but also keep for myself to remember. Thankfully, there were no problems, issues, breakdowns, injuries—nada. I made lasting friendships and connections with people that I will carry on forever. I would one hundred percent recommend studying abroad to any college student thinking about it. Apply now, do it, you will regret it.
I never had doubts about applying for this trip. I knew exactly how bad I wanted to go and I persisted. I remember being so nervous because we had to interview for this program and it meant so much to me. On one of our first nights in France, I was standing on an old church ruin on the hilltop Notre Dame d'Espérance overlooking Cannes and just cried. I was so grateful to experience a view so perfect and a trip that my whole family probably wouldn't be able to ever go on together. Traveling is expensive. This was not something I could just "come up with," but every penny spent was worth it and I am willing to pay that debt.
There can be so much worry that aligns with travel and I'm sure there are lots of other reasons, such as financial, for why it is so hard to drop everything and get on an airplane. However, as clichè as it sounds, I want to lead a life of adventure and knowing that I can get out of my comfort bubble if I just allow myself to be open and spontaneous. I have to work for it.
I learned much about patience, maturity, problem-solving, adapting to a new culture, communication skills, and more about myself in the past three weeks than I have in college for two years already. I knew I was going to learn something more about myself and knowing that I can do it on my own makes me motivated to reach for these big, life-changing decisions and take risks every once in a while. These are experiences that I will take with me through life.
Traveling can be a very emotionally challenging, personality revealing, stress enduring, and life-changing time—I have proved to myself that I can do it. I hope you've enjoyed reading the beginning of my travel journey. If you have dreams of travel, continue to work towards it.
Someone once told me that if you aren't scared of your dreams, then they aren't big enough.
Where should I travel to next?
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As I begin to prepare for what seems like a trip of a lifetime, I literally today have started getting everything I need and packed. Honestly, packing is one of my favorite things to do, but one of my largest pitfalls because I overpack SO much. The places I'm going to, France, the Netherlands, and Spain for three weeks are all going to be pretty warm during the day, but I still can't rely on just my knowledge of Chicago weather and think that all countries get extremely hot days next to extremely cold and rainy ones.
This trip has required me to do some research and a lot of asking around to see what other people's experiences were like travelling abroad. I got a lot of mixed information from a lot of sources based on personal preferences, ages, time of the year travelling, and just an overall consensus that travelling is really dependent on many factors and is different for everyone. My feelings toward studying abroad is mostly excitment, mixed with a little bit of nerves, but I think it's all normal and my attitude about it all is go with the flow and open to trying new things.
For one thing I really don't know how I am going to be on an eight hour flight, but it has to be better than a 21 hour bus ride to Florida. The excitment of going and getting there will make it all feel fast. I would say I am a pretty good traveler, but going in a big group can be overwhelming at times just based on the fact that we all need to work seamlessly together.
Being with a group of students can really relieve discomfort and I am grateful that I have a big group to relate to and get to know more. To be honest, I have already connected with some of the girls in our class. I'm sure that I will come back with new friendships. You know while traveling with a lot of people can ease the feeling of homesickness, I also really like to keep to myself at times. I know we have packed schedules each day, but sometimes all I want to do is chill out and not worry about other people. Pacing myself in this aspect will be necessary if I'm going to need times to reboot during the trip.
I have the expectation that all is going to be great, but I also have expectations that there will be times that I feel sad, confused, distraught, lost, etc. Being in a new place, for an extended period of time with people I hardly know yet, can bring up these feelings and I want to make sure that my headspace doesn't dwell on these things because I am there to enjoy every minute of the trip and make the most out of everything available to me. Embracing the sense of the unknown, figuring out how to navigate, and adapting to new social sitations will be a test for me.
I know there are many people who have already travelled to a ton of different countries and probably remember the first time they traveled abroad for the first time, too. I don't really know what to expect, how everything is going to go, but the people that have made this possible at my college really know what they're doing and are well experienced in it.
The emotions I have are totally normal and I think I am more than ready to have this experience. As I am writing this now, within a week I will be away and my plans for blogging are going to be on hold as I take in everything I can while I'm away. I will be documenting my travel and of course, sharing a post about it as soon as I get back in early July.
When I think about all the things that could happen, I try to remember that fear is probably the main factor that pulls people away from experiencing the world and going beyond what they know. I really want to travel as much as I can and that takes a lot of strength and mind power to do, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Let me know what your travel plans are this summer! I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Bon Voyage!
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People ask me if I'm on summer yet—I'm not. I'm still in school, but that's okay! I like being productive and having a schedule keeps me grounded and focused. However, this past Memorial Day I had the chance to take a road trip down to Missouri to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and definitely the pool. Breaks like those are the best because you get to worry less and rejoice in eachother's company—something I need more than I think. So, yes summer is nearing around the corner and so is June.
There is so much going on in June. May was definitely a busy month for me academic wise, but I have one big trip abroad in two weeks! If you forgot, I am going to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Other than that, I am finishing up finals and taking advantage of the time I have over seas.
These next two weeks in June I will be working my butt off, finals is in the next week and I have been pushing through all of my assignments and group projects. It doesn't make it easier when all of my friends have already been done with school for the past month.
I'll be honest, I do have a bit of apprehension before going to Europe. It's my first time and only friends I know have been and experienced long distance travel. I know eventually I will get adjusted, but the fact that I don't know how I am going to adjust when I get there can make me worriesome. Before study abroad trips like this one, my instructors meet with everyone to lay down logistics and how everything is planned out—more or less, travelling leads to unexpected delays or obstacles that you just have to adjust to. I'm curious to see how well I can handle these situations and be aware of it.
My goal for June is to just simply enjoy it all by being as present as I can be. I know it will go by extrememly fast and I'm lowkey already missing it because I know this trip will fly by. My plan is to take a lot of pictures, but to control my technology use while I'm there. I know wifi and all that will not be as strong anyway, so making the real memories will be more than enough for me.
Another goal I have while I'm in Europe is to be spontaneous. You know, try new things, say yes to more opportunities, get out of my comfort zone a little, and talk to the locals. There's so much I could worry about while traveling, but that's so much time wasted when I could be enjoying moments freely. I've been in the midwest my whole life, and there's so much to explore out there, I don't want to take it all for granted.
I am really lucky for how far I have come, there are so many things ahead of me. It almost seems unreal at times the things you can accomplish in such little time—and then it's already past you. If I can inspire anyone, I would advise you to think about where you are right now, the things that drive and move you, the people that surround you, and the memories you could be making instead of just looking at your phone and swiping your life away.
What you want is already out there, so how are you going to achieve it?
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The most iconic 2005 movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, popped up on my Netflix account the other night and of course, I had to watch it and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel go shopping one day and find a pair of jeans that all magically fit them—a sign from above that all are connected and best friends forever yadda yadda. The moral of the story is friendship and having your close girl-friends around you in times of strife and despair. Whether or not this pair of denim really did anything, the bond was always there.
I don't think I can stress enough just how important having a support system of friends really is. All support systems look different and come in all different sizes. I realize that the friend making process is hard, in all aspects and times of life. For those going to college, it's going to be really hard at first to find your niche and that's okay. Same for people starting a new job, it can seem really hard to find people to relate to and confide in.
Personally, my friend groups are different all around. I have my close family friends, my best friends that I've known since I was very little, my school friends, my PRSSA friends, dog friends—it can be very overwhelming to know that there are a lot of people that know me and it can be tricky trying to keep up with it all. I'm definitely not trying to boast, but you kind of just meet people all over and it takes time to develop those trusted relationships.
You can go through a lot during your life and some very low points, as well. Recently, my mom has been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, and while that is amazingly lucky news, it could have been worse. She is doing really well and will be going through treatment soon when I'm traveling abroad and within a couple of days we disclose the news to people, I realized just how much love there is around me.
We get so focused on our routines that we forget how much people there are around us who have our backs and would do anything for us. It's sad that sometimes we don't notice until times of dark, but I am so appreciative for the group of friends and family around me that allow me to confide in them.
Something I have noticed in myself is that I do things for other people without expecting them to owe me anything. You know, some people question why I'm fine buying like two of my friends Starbucks or what have you, but at the end of the day someone is going to do the same for me and that's just a trust I find in the people I care about. It's funny because I think my closest friends and I just don't talk about it and we have this telepathy that allows us to trust each other even if we live miles and miles away.
A bond just as magical as a universal pair of pants.
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