This is College.

I’m officially done with my first week of college, and it’s been amazing.  How can I even begin to describe all the things that have been happening this week?  Let’s start with classes.  Since its summer, and there aren’t very many people, my classes consist of about 20 to 30 people.  I really like it that way because you get to know the professor and the other students better. I also only have 3 classes, so the workload isn’t too hard.  Now let’s talk about my roommate.  I was always worried about this, because what if you don’t get along? You have to stick with them.  But my roommate is awesome, so no worries there.  She basically completes me.  I’m neat, she’s messy.  I’m quiet (at first) and she’s super outgoing.  I have curly dark hair and she has straight blonde hair.  And although we’re complete opposites, we get along so well.  We also have fun together, and although it’s only been a week, we already know each other so well and I know it’s going to be an amazing semester with her.  Now let’s get to fun stuff.  Every night is a new adventure and an opportunity to meet new people.  Throughout this week, I’ve watched movies, played games of volleyball, bowling, ultimate spoons, capture the flag, apples to apples, uno, and done lots of walking, talking, and laughing, arranging furniture, making attractive noises with my roomie, shopping, eating ice cream and other yummy food, and basically having a blast.  I’ve also met lots of awesome people.  College is such a great experience and I look forward to my next adventure!

Life in a Box

So, I’m going to college.  Wait, what’s that you said? Yeah, I’M GOING TO COLLEGE.  TOMORROW.   Tomorrow, everything changes…

Yeah, so I’ve been packing for college, and I’m realizing how hard it is to pack my whole life into a box, well, several boxes, but still.  I’m deciding what to take with me, and what is getting left behind.  And who is getting left behind.  There are so many people I have to say good bye to, and it’s probably one of the hardest things I have to do.  I'm going to miss all my amazing friends, and my supportive family, and this town that I've grown to love.  With all of the packing and saying goodbye, I’ve barely had a moment to just, take it all in.  Everything is moving so fast and I feel like I barely have time to breathe.  And don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited to start college, but I’m also kinda scared.  I keep telling myself it’s going to be so much fun, and it will be, but I also know it’s going to be really hard.  And I’m going to tell you about all the fun times and the hard times and the awkward times, ‘cause let’s face it, we all know it’s going to happen. 

So here is where the journey really begins.  As soon as I get into the car and drive off tomorrow, there’s no turning back.  And like i learned in Arthur, when one door closes, another door opens.  So although my time at home may be ending, but my life is really just beginning. 

Reflections on High School

Guess who's officially a high school graduate? This girl right here.  And now this is where I’m going to tell you about all the things I learned in high school, but ironically, none of it has to do with actual school or anything from class.  Here’s what I mean.
1.      You are never alone.  I actually learned this in my health class my junior year.  We did this activity where we wrote down on a piece of paper our problems or anything that was going on in our life or how we were feeling or something like that and we crumbled up that piece of paper and threw it around the room, then everyone picked up one, and we read them aloud.  And after each one we’d raise our hands if we had ever felt that way.  Some of them were like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t fit in” or “I’m struggling with this or that” and afterward when everyone raised their hands, it opened our eyes to realize that everyone else had at some point felt the same way.  We’re all in this journey together folks, remember?
2.      True friends will be there for you no matter what.  I know this seems cliché, but in high school, you really find out who your true friends are.  True friends put up with your weirdness and they stand by you and they lift you up and make you laugh and you can trust them, and if they don’t do these things, then they aren’t a real friend. 
3.      Don’t stress about the little things.  I was a big stresser in high school, and I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time stressing about things that didn’t really matter.  Life is to be enjoyed. 
4.      Do your best.  Again, this is kinda cheesy, but really, if you try your best, you will be happy with the outcome.
5.      Be yourself.  Honestly, there is no one else you should be, than yourself.  I struggled with who that person was, but after many experiences, I think I finally found out.  Don’t take till your senior year like me to really discover yourself.  And then once you know you are, don’t change who you are, because you’re awesome.
Those are just five things I learned, and I could go on, but that’s the advice I will give for now.