Put this on Your To-Do List!

I'm not kidding. I've been working on so many applications the past month and I am constantly reminded of the fact that what I put out on the internet "can and will come against me". So I decided to check into it myself. What will future employers/ anyone who might get my resume see if they Google me? It's easy enough to check it out! 

What I got was hardly what I'd say is going to "break" me. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at my top 3 results. A fundraising page for the awesome student organization and fundraiser, PUDM, my Facebook, and my LinkedIn. A few results down were popular blog posts and my Twitter. 

While the results probably are more important once the links are clicked on (what is physically on my Facebook and Twitter), the immediate results aren't too bad! I like that it shows off a little of who I am- philanthropy, my blog, and links to my personal Facebook and my professional LinkedIn. So, when everyone else is telling you to keep an eye on what you put on the internet... of course don't put anything that may be a red flag for employers, but also take advantage of the ways that you can represent yourself online!

The big threat can actually be your biggest asset!

Reflection

In today's technology-driven age, journaling has taken a back seat to tweeting and updating statuses. In essence, they aren't completely different. The mind associates memories with the senses, so going back and reading old statuses and tweets can and does bring up memories. I jokingly say that my twitter is a source for the writer of my future biography, which isn't necessarily false. But I've been reading so many biographies and autobiographies lately and they all reference personal journals, something that I had just kind of forgotten about.

I used to keep so many journals. I'd journal my trips, the boys I liked, what I did each day. Essentially, I was a 30 year old woman as a kid. But I love going back and reading through those. They're my personal thoughts about each day or experience I had. Key word there- personal. Nobody else was seeing what I put in there, and that's what makes all the difference. Personal reflection is good and doesn't always need to be shared with the Twitter-verse.

On the flip side, journaling is a commitment! I don't want to look back and think "hey, I skipped this day! I wonder what was going on!" How sad is that? So, in an effort to not skip any days I just didn't journal at all. ever. Even more sad.... until I saw this new method that I just love!

Rose. Bud. Thorn. Okay so maybe I'm just way behind the curve or something and this is a well-known way to journal. But I read about it and just loved it! Firstly, my middle name is Rose, so it was kinda made for me ;). But seriously, all it is is this: each day you write down three things from that day.

Rose- for the good. 

Bud- for something you're anticipating or is to come. 

Thorn- for the bad. 

Perfect, am I right? It's seriously so easy and now I just keep my journal on my desk and try to write an entry each night as I wrap up doing my homework. 

A big You're Welcome to the writer of my future biography. 

The College Search

I'm an ambassador for the Purdue School of Pharmacy, which means that my job is going to get much busier. That also means there are countless high school students visiting college campuses. I love talking to students about Purdue... and college in general. I thought I'd answer some of the most common, generic questions that I get here for anyone who might be going into these visits a little overwhelmed. 

1. At a big school, are you completely on your own? 

NO!!! I don't know where or why this rumor started, but it's absolutely not true. I can't speak for other schools but I can speak for Purdue when I say that the professors want their students to succeed. In every experience of mine, professors and course coordinators have been happy to help me in any way necessary. While passing grades are not handed out, they are available to those willing to work hard.

2. Do you get all the classes you need? And how many classes are taught by TA's?

Yes. I get every class that I need. I might not get the times that I prefer (ugh, I hate getting stuck with 7:30's) but I get the classes I need. I was warned that classes could be cut-throat, but never in my experiences or in those of my friends. IF a course does fill up, many times new sections will open up. I really don't ever worry about that. As for the TA's, only the really popular gen-ed classes and recitations/labs are exclusively taught by TA's. 

3. How bad are the dorms?

Not bad. Not great. Every building (and school, I'm sure) is different and there are pros and cons to everything. Yeah, the bathrooms aren't great. But the RAs are great and the social environment is like nothing you've known before. Some of my greatest memories of freshman year are from running around in the dorms, cramming 15 girls in a room for a movie night, and ordering cheesy bread at 1 am. They're only as bad as you make it. 

I get so many questions, but these are among the most common. Again, these answers may not be universally correct. But I can't imagine these answers would be too far off. Be sure to ask any questions that you have- ambassadors volunteer to do admissions events for a reason! We love answering questions and making our experiences available. 

Best of luck on your visits! 

Business Casual

flats // pants (old, but similar) // jacket  (similar) // scarf // watch // bracelets (old, similar)

It takes a lot for me to get dressed up for class... not because I don't love wearing cute clothes or feeling great about my outfit, but because there's just no point. I either have long days with labs where I don't want to wear nice clothes and risk spilling something or I have short days which I don't see the point in wasting a cute outfit for. 

So you see my dilemma. 

Luckily, there are those few times that I have to dress up. So I take full advantage of it and make sure to take pictures. I've been doing quite a few admissions events lately, and this weather is just so perfect when it comes to looking nice. I love flats and scarves and sweaters, and that's pretty much what I wear. Of course, I add my own flare: my pants are plaid and my accessories are patterned, but I think that's the perfect way to look professional without looking too old. 

Conquering those Classes You HATE!!

via Instagram

We all take those classes that are just... ugh.

You know what I'm talking about- those "gen ed" classes that take up so much time and energy but you just can't really find the relevance? Yeah, that's microbiology for me this semester. It was organic chemistry last semester. 

Now, organic chemistry was a little different because I understood it's importance. I just couldn't understand the material. But microbiology, oh microbiology. It's absolutely my least favorite class, but I need to pass it. I have yet to see the real significance it has in my knowledge of being a pharmacist. In fact, my professor tends to point out when information is important to specific majors (this isn't a major-specific course) and the only time he ever says "now this is important for you pharmacy majors" is when it has to do with anatomy. *annoyed face* We're taking anatomy for a reason, aren't we? I thought so. 

Anyways, rant aside, it's so hard to focus in class and really know the information because I simply don't care about it. And I want to spend time learning about the classes I "enjoy" more than this one, but I have to study more because it just doesn't penetrate the mind. talk about endless circles. I've been struggling with this a lot lately, and I've come to realize that the only way to get myself interested is to focus on those pharmacy-specific areas and relate that to everything else. 

It's not easy, but it forces me to learn the material. If we are given certain drugs that inhibit certain mechanisms, I base my studying off of that. If I'm given the mechanisms, I look up drugs that may inhibit that. I look up what sicknesses such bacteria and microbes may be associated with. 

It isn't a quick way of studying at all. I end up spending at least twice as much time studying microbiology that I do my other classes, but it seems to be working. It's also probably the least efficient way to study for the short-term, but it's got to pay off in the long-run (there's no real way to test this, but I'm just going to tell myself that it will all pay off). 

So, I know we all have those classes. I know I will continue to have those classes. The ones I hate. But I trust that my advisors wouldn't make me completely waste my time and money, and I hope you believe that, too. Otherwise I'd advise you switch schools. So this is the best I can do- make lemonade out of lemons. Find a way to apply your course and run with it

...they say application is the best way to learn, don't they? 

Vests & Boots & Sweaters, Oh My!

The best season has arrived!! 

The only downside is that we've entered exam season. No sleep, lots of stress. If the weather weren't so beautiful, I'd be living in my dorm room in sweats. Thankfully it's nice out, which encourages me to get out and study outside or at Starbucks- it gets me wanting to spend study breaks doing yoga or taking a walk. 

This season is such a stimulant, and I just had to share my excitement!

This week is jam-packed and I'm tired just thinking about it, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel- for me and you! Stay tuned for some fun little posts in the future :) 

6 Tips for College Freshmen

In a matter of days I'll be heading my little self back up to glorious Purdue. It's been a crazy, busy summer but I am so ready to get back on campus. I'm ready for new roommates, recruitment, classes, and friends (and college football is pretty exciting, too!). I've seen quite a few articles and blogs floating around that are giving advice to incoming freshmen about what not to miss out on. 

Of course, I have my own two cents to add to the discussion. In fact, I have 6 points I'd like to mention that will be good advice to incoming freshmen and returning students alike. 

6. Get Involved (In Campus Ministry)

Every. Single. Post. I've seen has mentioned getting involved, which is no-doubt important. But I let Campus Ministry involvement slip from my freshman year, and I really regret it. The atmosphere will take hold of you quickly, so get plugged in- and fast! The first month will be full of callouts and different opportunities to visit youth groups. Visit one, visit 10. Keep trying until you find something that you like. It wasn't until the end on my freshman year that I really found a place that I liked... and by then I barely had time to get involved before it was time to leave for the summer. Huge regret of my freshman year was not taking advantage of campus ministries- so get in there and get plugged in. 

5. Don't Burn Bridges

There are going to be disagreements. There are going to be arguments, fights, falling outs. But the professional world can be very small and a bridge burned freshman year can and will come back to haunt you. I just talked to a few very established Pharmacists about this, both of who advised me to not burn bridges (they both brought it up without knowing the other had done so). Learning to deal with controversy in a professional way will take some time, but will certainly pay off in the long run. 

4. Take Advantage of the Gym

I was afraid of the gym until second semester- true story. But I can't help but wonder how much easier it would have been to stay in shape had I sucked it up and gone in during the first month. Most schools will have "welcome week" type of deals- free fitness classes, demos, etc. that are meant to draw students the the gyms. I didn't participate in any of that, but my friends that did were able to connect with people who were interested in the same sports and workouts and ended up playing intramurals with them. Even if you don't know what you're doing, don't let the big, buff guys scare you like they did me. You'll be thanking yourself when you go to get in shape for spring break and realize you don't really have that much to do.

3. Be Vulnerable

College is scary. I get it. You're in a new place; on your own. Embrace the fact that nobody knows who you were in high school. If you get into the mindset that everyone is in your same boat, the adjustment will be so much easier. During freshman orientation week, open up to your group members and leaders. Tell them the secrets that had been burdening you- cry. Do whatever you need to do to be vulnerable, and then carry that throughout your entire year. Open up to others and you'll be surprised at how people will open up to you. 

2. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Pretty much everything I've said has had to do with this, but I'm serious. There will be so many chances to do things that you'd never want to do, and that's okay. But suck it up and just go. I participated in some of the most ridiculous, spontaneous activities because someone asked if I wanted to go, and I said "sure." rather than stay in my comfort zone. Some things I loved, some I wouldn't choose to do again- but that's the fun of it all! 

1. ... But be True to Yourself

Trying new things is fun but be honest if you don't like it. If something isn't making you happy, you're under no obligation to stick around. This goes for extracurriculars, relationships, and your major. What you do these next 4-6 years will determine the path your life will go down, at least professionally if not more. It is ultimately your life and your future on the line here, so stay in and study when you need to, go to church, and make sure that future you would thank you for what present you is doing. 

Short and sweet is my advice right now... hopefully I can listen to myself this year :)

When the College Kids Come Home...

There is nothing, nothing more bittersweet than being home for summer break. I can walk around barefoot, I have my own room and bathroom and no shower shoes! I can call mom when something is going wrong, and she'll probably be able to fix it. The fridge is always usually stocked with good food, and there's plenty of room to just live and be. At the same time, it's back to high school drama, there isn't always something going on, and it's back to living with the house rules an lots of conversation that normally wouldn't happen at school. I've only been home two weeks now, but trust me on this one. So, this post is for both college kids and parents and how to handle living together... again. Because it is so different once you've lived apart.

1. Relationships
College relationships, both friendly and romantic, are just different. I like to blame it on social media, but it's a lot more wishy-washy. We aren't going to know the life story of every person we claim to be "friends" with, because that title could just be that we talk in class, mutually follow each other on social media, or hang out at the same places on the weekend. As a general rule, unless a person is brought up on a regular basis, they probably aren't what a parent would consider a "friend" (I know this only because my mom has told me many times that the definition of friend is much different now) and so they're going to ask questions to gauge the level of relationship. Parents: don't. We'll talk about it if it's something that matters to us. I'm saving you the frustration/fight that will inevitably occur from this disconnect.

2. Curfew
There is no curfew in college. Food is delivered at all hours, which means we can be awake at all hours. Coming home to a curfew is a lot like giving a high school senior a 10 pm lights- out time. *disclaimer: I have never really had a curfew or bed time, so this is just observations after talking to friends* It's such an easy way to build trust on both ends and, as long as the kid has given you no reason to believe that they're doing anything wrong, there's really no reason to have a curfew. At school, we managed to get to class on 4 hours of sleep and we're still alive. If there's a reason to go to sleep early one night, a reminder of said early morning will suffice. I had good time-management before college, but I now have good time management while functioning on caffeine and carbs alone. Probably not healthy, but it gets the job done. Parents: trust your kids. They will appreciate it.

3. Sleeping
All I have to say is this: we have been surviving on unhealthy amounts of sleep and caffeine for the past 8 months (see #2). Sleeping on a normal (read: Queen) sized bed is like heaven. We are not lazy if we stay in our beds until noon or later, we are simply enjoying the luxury of home. Parents: don't call us lazy unless you want an angry kid.

4. Jobs/ Internships/ Anything to be Successful
I saved the best for last! I like to think that most college students are pretty driven and want to be successful... it's an awful expensive 4 years of socialization if not. So, it's safe to say that getting job experience and building a resume is constantly in the back of our minds. It is for me, at least. I feel so selfish sometimes, but every opportunity I am given is evaluated on a "can this be worked into my resume" basis. I can only speak for myself, but I know how competitive the job markets are right now. I know that I need to be getting experience and great contacts. I know these things. I also know that my parents have my best interests at heart and just want to help me to be as prepared and competitive as possible. But I do enough of my worrying and trying to get everything to work in my favor, so hearing about it all the time from my parents can get so frustrating and it makes me feel so worthless. I've thought it over in my head, I've taken the rejection letters and the lost opportunities hard enough so a constant reminder that a certain job would be "great for my resume, etc" is heartbreaking to hear. From one fully driven, stressed daughter to parents of similar girls/ students: I am asking you to please stop. I love talking about the things that I'm working on and how they'll be great resume builders. I don't mind talking about the internships and jobs I'm looking at working towards. I hate being reminded of how great something would be if I've already mentally worked through the chances of me getting the job, etc and realizing that I'm just not ready/qualified at this point. It is heartbreaking.

Being home is wonderful. I love my family, my dog, and being able to see both old and new friends. I love summer, cookouts by the pool, and concerts. Being home is definitely different now that I've been away- both bitter and sweet- and I am working on making the most of it. It's been hard to adjust to helping around the house again, especially when cleaning the dorm room took about 2 minutes (one pro to living in a closet). I've found that the most important things is to just communicate. About everything. Otherwise our conversations become intense questioning sessions. I'm still learning how to do this gracefully and with a good attitude and there's a good chance I won't have it mastered by the end of this summer. It's no secret that the parent-child dynamic changes and some things matter more than others. For me, these are what really get on my nerves... for now. But I can't complain because I'm sure I get on my parents' nerves too.

Life After Freshman Year

I am one week into summer break... and things are already so different.

Part of it has to do with the fact that I changed and grew so much this past year. I used to be so more uptight about life in general, which really compromised the amount of fun I could have on a given night. I used to be more judgmental and more "rigid" in my thinking. College has definitely opened my mind and heart to the world in a way that has allowed me to reconnect with friends as well as make new ones & that's exactly what I mean by "Life" after freshman year.

Firstly, summer is so weird. It's a balancing act between keeping high school relationships a priority while making sure the college relationships are made too. So far, I've had lunch with friends from high school, seen friends from college, and been in a mixed group which was so fun because we got to see the kinds of friends each other made in college (it's weird!). 

As for my lack of uptight-ness, let's just say that I used to be pretty strict with myself. I rarely stayed up past midnight ad would freak out about how much sleep I was getting. I kept myself on a schedule and didn't waver from that. Oh, how things have changed! While I still like to be on time, I don't worry so much about a few minutes here or there (that's life!) and I definitely don't have a strict sleeping schedule anymore. Thanks to college, I know that I can function on 4 hours of sleep- and a lot of caffeine- for days in a row. I no longer compromise fun for sleep... because I can sleep when I'm dead. 

If this week or two is any indication, this summer is going to be a wild one. Between two jobs, volunteering, and having a social life it's almost like I'm back at school....... without the homework :) Every minute of these three and a half months is going to be full, so get ready for a crazy Sarah!

Are Finals Fair?

It's finals time. That means late nights, study groups, and... prescription drugs are abundant on college campuses. It wasn't until this past weekend that I really started to think about just how crazy (and unfair) the Adderall trade can be. It hadn't been a big deal, because I know that I'm perfectly capable of performing on my exams without drugs. It was always a "those who need it to focus or learn, go ahead" type of mentality.

... Until I realized just how many people use these drugs in school. All the sudden it wasn't about whether or not I can learn on my own, but if I can compete with the scores of students who spend hours glued to their books and set the curve. The use by others may be a disadvantage to my score, and that's where I started to think more about whether or not this is fair at all?

Okay, obviously it isn't fair. But should it be necessary? Is it the expectations of the professors or the social atmosphere that is requiring students to resort to Adderall? In other words, it all depends on why students are using the drugs. If the material being tested is just too hard and in too high of quantity to be learned, then that's one thing. I find that hard to believe, though, as my parents, cousins, and aunts and uncles all survived finals on their own merit. It can be deduced that it comes down to the social aspect, which I can't deny is tempting.

To be able to "fly by" the semester, then pop some pills a week before to learn the course and ace the exam is tempting. Especially in the general education classes that really don't matter... it sounds nice. It makes getting involved and being social more manageable throughout the semester, something that I think we all need. 

I'm torn on this issue. If you're wondering, no I haven't ever taken Adderall and I don't plan to. But I can't deny that it's an interesting issue. I've had friends use it, and they've been pleased with how their grades have turned out. I know I'd feel dishonest, but I feel disadvantaged without. 

What are your thoughts? 

Being Sick at School

Hands-down: getting sick at college is the worst thing.

As if feeling terrible weren't bad enough, I now have to take care of myself. If I want soup, I have to make it or go get it myself. No more calling mom or dad to bring me home a milkshake... and even my Netflix watching is limited (darn bandwidth limit). Being sick is no longer a chance to relax- it means that I can't go out with friends so I should probably work ahead on my school work.

That pretty much sums up this past weekend for me. Lots of sleeping, school work, and hot drinks. It was beautiful out but I was only able to enjoy from the open window; I didn't have the energy to go out and be productive. Being sick and only having myself to take care of me has been a huge learning experience. I still have yet to figure out the best way to numb a sore throat before I go to sleep (is that even possible? If not, it needs to be). But what I do know is that it makes taking naps even more reasonable. And said naps are fantastic. It makes the rare DQ Blizzard run even more of a treat. And, for the introvert in me, it was great to have a "reason" to make people leave me alone.

I've been lucky that I haven't really gotten sick this year. I credit that to the amount of time I spend outside. Even walking from class to class is enough fresh air to clear out both mind and body. It's been a tough adjustment for both myself and my momma. I can tell that she wishes she were able to be here to take care of me & I'd love to have her here. But I've also been able to learn about taking care of myself- keeping track of when to take more medicine and what kind has been a whole new learning experience for me. I even had to get my own prescription filled for the first time this year... probably a good thing for a pharmacy major to experience :) And even though I'm still learning, I'm also still here and thriving so I can't have been that bad!

Where I Work | Work Space Link Up

Midterms are over. Thank Goodness. 

But that means that finals are coming up.. and quickly! This next month is going to be hectic Between making sure I'm prepared to finish up to the school year to setting up summer jobs and projects, I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it. I don't know about you, but I like to keep everything within an arm's reach while I'm studying. Not having to get up and search for something keeps me productive and focused, both of which are absolutely necessary when all I want is to be outside enjoying the weather (yes, I said it. It's finally nice out here at Purdue). 

I ran across a linkup of different bloggers who are sharing their work spaces. I probably got more excited than I should have been about it, but I'm nosey like that. I love seeing how other girls organize and make the most out of the space they're given. I get so much inspiration- from drawer organization to artwork. It's all so much fun to me, so of course I wanted to join in and share my work space! 

I didn't re-arrange anything before this was taken. 100% what my desk
looks like on a daily basis

I keep any returned papers/ reference
papers in files for each of my classes.  

This tray is my catch-all. Paperclips, sticky
notes, and Organic structures!

If there's anything that I think sets my dest apart, it's that I always have paper within reach. I have notepads to jot down ideas or pre-write a response. I have sticky notes galore, which I use to mark up my textbooks or write myself reminders. You can also count on me to have lip balm of some sort and a drink at my desk- usually water or Diet Coke :) 

I didn't show pictures of my drawers, just because they've become the "attic" of my room. There's anything from notebooks to chocolate to movies in there and I have zero organization going. At some point, I'm going to go through it all and get it all together, but today was not that day so I apologize that I can't share that with you. 

But, there you have my desk. It's got everything I need to an all-day study session or quick bit of note-taking. If you'd like to join the link up, you can visit Prep In Your Step's post right here.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

About 6 months ago, I was going through an early-life crisis.

I had just moved to school and it wasn't exactly what I had been anticipating. It seemed like everything was going the opposite of how I would have liked. I was being tested and tried every day; something was missing and I didn't know how to fix it. There was a point where I cam crying to my parents about how much I was hating my major. I seriously thought that I wanted to change from Pharmacy to something like journalism or law.

I'd heard that many college students change what they want to do at least once... sometimes more than that. As the type-A, plan-life-to-a-T person, I couldn't fathom that. Not until I realized that I never chose Pharmacy- it was thrown at me and I ran with it (which is extremely spontaneous and out of character, now that I think about it). And so I figured that maybe I'd need to change my major in oder to be happy. But that wasn't the case, at all. Because as much as I love blogging and fashion and art, it's not my forté. Not at all. But there was definitely something that needed to be changed, and I can confidently say that I think I may be on the right track now so I'd like to share what I went through.

.................................................

Thank goodness for sensible parents. 

That is- first and foremost- what I have to say about this whole ordeal. They held me as I cried and told them that I was certain Pharmacy was not for me, and that a glamorous life of living in NYC and somehow getting the perfect internship (with no experience or prior interest in art, fashion, or literature) was actually feasible. Not to say that one shouldn't believe in themselves, but there's definitely a point at which the heart goes on a roll before the mind has a chance to catch up. But, once I spilled my heart out, they spoke words of encouragement and love into me. They reminded me that the lifestyle I wanted couldn't be sustained on a journalist's income, and that I was naturally gifted in the science fields. They reminded me of the work I did in high school to get to where I was and that I would, someday, become a great Pharmacist. 

It wasn't what I wanted to hear. Not at all. But I took it to heart and agreed that I hadn't given Pharmacy the best of me yet. We made a deal- that I give the classes a bit more time, do some job shadowing, and see if I get to liking it any more. If, in a few months, I still hated the major and still wanted to be a writer they'd support me through whatever. It seemed like a good enough idea to me, and I went back to school with a new outlook-

Try it out. 

I dove into learning about the different career paths. I contacted different pharmacists to set up job shadowing opportunities. I worked on making friends within my major. This made classes more fun and the job shadowing has actually gotten me so excited to learn more about actual pharmaceuticals and less about general education. I love being at school now, classes are challenging but interesting, and I obviously still love to write. I just use it as an outlet rather than my #1 thing that I do. Because, as much as I love it, I also love the art that I've found in Pharmacy. Organic Chemistry kicks my butt on a daily basis, but it is the most intricate, fascinating concept. The human body and the way is has been built is so complex and so beautiful, and there's something wonderful about knowing that I'll someday be able to understand all of its inter-workings and how I can use chemistry and biology to make the lives of others better. 

.................................................

Who knows where I'll be a year from now. I might have just been accepted to pharmacy school. I may have been accepted to more than one and have a big decision on my plate. I may have been rejected, in which case I'll be re-thinking everything. Life may test me and beat me down again in the near future, but for now I am content. I'm more than content- I'm happy. College is a blast and my classes are... interesting. Six months ago, I wasn't thinking this is where I would have wanted to be. But I think that actually giving college- all of it, from social to academic to spiritual- a chance was just what the doctor ordered. 

Dorm Decor: Jewelry

via MackenzieHoran.com

It's no secret that living a dorm room is the ultimate challenge in personal organization. It's all about how much stuff one can fit into a room that's the size of a walk-in closet (seriously, my parents' closet is bigger than my dorm room...). Luckily, my room next year is going to be about 2.5 times bigger... hallelujah! And with new roommates and a whole lot more space, it's hard to not start planning for the next year. 

I'm taking full advantage of the fact that I bought most of my "dorm necessities" last summer- the tv, printer, fridge, desk organizers... you get the idea. This next year is all about the cute accents. I've really gotten into jewelry and accessorizing this year. The problem is that I've now got my necklaces hanging on command hooks and my bracelets/earrings in a makeshift pile in my drawer. Not cute. 

plus, isn't half the fun having your pretty jewels on display?

Luckily, a few of my favorite shops and boutiques have the perfect display options, from boxes to trays to plates, I can promise you that my jewelry will get the attention it deserves next year! 

Shop what I'm loving:

via Lilly Pulitzer

via Lilly Pulitzer

via Johnathan Adler/ Design Darling

via C. Wonder

P.S. those Lilly options match the comforter I'm wanting... too matchy-matchy or cute? You tell me! 

Precious Time

I recently had a great conversation with the ever lovely LEM that left me thinking about time. And, more specifically, how I want to spend my time. We got to talking about life and eternity, and how the stress we endure here will be both eliminated and worthless once we've moved on from this Earth. So it'd be nice to say that time is only relative; it isn't worth thinking about. But I'm ultimately human. The time I spend on this Earth is precious... so if I wasn't worried about spending it correctly before, I am now!

Like most things in life, time is all about priorities. I've found that my priorities have been a little bit off lately. College has been a great time to transform myself into someone who I think is a good time and a good friend, but I'm cutting out some parts of my life that I lived for in high school. In an attempt to be more vulnerable in who I am, I'm being raw here. I'm opening up and admitting that my time isn't always spent in ways that make me proud. 

My weekend aren't as productive as I'd like them to be. I spend too much time worrying about where I'll be spending Friday and Saturday night and not enough time making sure I'm using my Monday through Thursday nights to their full potential. I'm not making Church a priority in my life and a relationship with Christ has been pushed aside for relations with frat boys. It's hard to type, and it was hard to say out loud. While I'm loving the way things are going right now and I'm confident in my abilities, this had been in the back of my mind for a while and the conversation with LEM really brought it to the front and into the light.

Time is so precious and I don't want to look back and regret not using these years at school to my advantage. In just one semester I was able to grow and become so much more confident in who I am, so what are the next 5 years capable of? I don't know where I'll be or what my life will look like, but I know that if I get caught up in pushing away a part of me that puts the life into my days I might walk away from college without any spiritual growth. 

Which is possibly the most tragic outcome I could think of.

But I do love life right now. I love my nights out, and I love my nights in. There's nothing wrong with the parts of my life that are currently present. But what's missing is the biggest part of it all, and that's something that I am consciously going to try to put more time into. And maybe, I'll be able to grow just as much- if not more- spiritually as I will academically and personally. 

Always Believe...

I've been in a kind of slump lately

between finals and getting ready to be home for a month, life has been a whirlwind lately. To add to that, I've had my own form of self-induced stress about the most ridiculous things like relationships, food/ weight, and greek life. Yes, believe it or not I am a crazy over-thinker who reacts to stress by... putting myself under more stress. 

I guess this tactic isn't all bad, since my stress over the stupid stuff seems (in my mind) like a bigger deal than the pending exams, so studying is actually a "distraction" and a way to quit thinking about it. Because, if I put my phone on Do Not Disturb, then I won't have to constantly wonder if I'm getting a text- it wouldn't buzz anyways. If I study really hard I'll do well on my exams- something to "brag" about if I go through recruitment again. But, as soon as I put the books down for a break, I'm back to over-thinking. I'm back to measuring whether or not I'm cute based on the number of Instagram likes or comments. I'm back to falling into a Country music- induced depression. 

and through this vicious cycle, I'm forgetting to think beyond this moment

I was taking a much-needed study break when I came across this quote on Pinterest. And I remembered that in one week, I'll be home for a month. I'll have my first semester behind me, and many more ahead.  And yes, right now I have about a million and two thoughts zipping around my mind at a speed too high for me to register. Academic stress mixed with personal mixed with everything in else is a lot, and I have yet to find a way to quiet my mind. But I need to keep reminding myself that my worrying and over-thinking isn't doing anything to help me right now. There is always something wonderful in the future- 

no matter how rough the present or uncertain the future

Jung Typology: INTJ

I can't tell you how often I've been relying on this simple test these past few months...

My first encounter with the Jung Typology/ Meyers Briggs test was freshman year of high school. Then, I took the test to get my grade in the class and didn't give it a second thought (I'm not kidding- I couldn't tell you what my 4-letter type was then). My next experience was with a career evaluation, where I scored an ISTJ and was matched with Pharmacy... woo! I've taken it twice since then- once a year these past two years- and have scored either an INTJ or ISTJ. But, most recently I was given the "N" in that fluctuating third category.

What does this mean? Well, I've found that it can really mean whatever you make it. Just like a relationship or a volunteer job or a paper, you get out what you put in. And, while I've relied heavily on this test- it did determine my career path- I don't think that it has to determine how a person interacts or behaves in a given setting. Sure, these types of things are important when learning how to work and cooperate with others, especially when the different types can cause interactions to vary so greatly. And that is a fantastic bit of knowledge to have.

On looking into this personality typing, I was able to understand what makes me, me.

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I always wondered why I didn't have as many friends or why I spent many nights at home with a friend or two. Why didn't I stress the little stuff like so many of my friends? And why do I care so much about my future- more so than anyone else that I know? Well, look no further than the test! It explained why I was so different- and, fun fact, INTJ is the rarest type! Not only was it an explanation, but I've recently been able to apply it to my life and understand how to work with others and make myself seem, well, less lame. 

I've embraced who I've been made to be- my introversion is great for studying! My focus on the big picture is such a stress relief when it comes to exams, and the fact that I like to plan and be in-control has saved me this semester when it comes to time-management and organization. But I learned that I need to be more proactive in meeting people. I need to put myself out there, be vulnerable, and be willing to be out of my comfort zone so that others might stay in theirs. 

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I may have the most socially awkward personality type, but I'm also the rarest! 

so that means I'm special, right? ;)

But, looking into this, I also came to the realization that this personality type does not have to define me. Yes, it's true that I value my time alone and I am an absolute freak when it comes to having a schedule. But I have times where I just can't not go out. There are times where I worry about every single little detail (ahem.. when I'm getting dressed), and sometimes I forget the logic and do something crazy! And even though that makes me seriously uncomfortable, I've grown so much from putting myself out there. 

And even though my career has been decided based on this test, that doesn't mean that what I do with it necessarily has to be. Because, in the end, we determine how the world sees us-

whether that's where we're most comfortable, 

or most uncomfortable 

Puppy Fever

It seems like everyone is getting puppies!

From the fabulous College Prepster to fellow college students to people I went to high school with, it seems like my Instagram feed has been full of the adorable balls of fur lately! Being the lover of dogs that I am- and the fact that I can't have my dog with me here at school- these pictures have given me serious... 

puppy fever.

at least it's not baby fever!

I have literally been google searching puppies in between assignments and classes. It's crazy to think that housing arrangements for next year are already being made and some friends and I have been talking... apartment or dorm? This recent desire for a puppy has me almost convinced that an apartment is what we need to do! I mean, how fun would it be to have a place with some awesome girlfriends and a furry friend?

The only problem with this is the idea that I'd be "replacing" my dog at home. Because I'm sentimental like that, I feel as if it'd be unfair to get a new puppy and not bring my current dog to school with me... but, Millie, if you're reading this I could never replace you! 

puppies are just too cute!

Hometown Pride

I regularly find myself daydreaming of being somewhere else or doing something else...

And I know this isn't good... or healthy. It's to the point that I feel guilty for wishing that I'd grown up somewhere different or that I wasn't "stuck" in the midwest. I'm consciously trying to change this habit- love where I'm from and embrace my surroundings while they're I'm here. Honestly, it's extremely hard since the midwest doesn't always offer that big city excitement that I see in movies or in the lives of others. And my major has me pretty strapped down to my studies without much room for fulfilling "daydreams". I'll be the first to say that this is annoying and unbearable at times, but I'm trying to manage my place and my time to benefit my life in the greatest way possible. 

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I get most of my ideas and inspiration from other forms of media, so it was only a matter of time before I came across articles of Angela Ahrendts and her time at Burberry. Or, more importantly, the fact that she is from a small town 15 minutes away from my house. From New Palastine, Indiana to London and Burberry, I was inspired more than ever before. She went to college at Ball State and lived her dreams from there. Once I made all the connections and understood her path to "power", something in my settled. 

Contrary to what I'd read and seen everywhere else, I realized that I don't need to be anywhere else or study anything different to get where I want to be. I don't need to move and live in a tiny, expensive apartment. I don't need to dislike where I'm from or where I currently am, because success comes to those who work hard. And while Angela had to work a little harder to prove that her midwestern roots didn't hold her back from big-city lifestyle and fashion, she has surpassed many others who rely on their past to propel them into success. 

After that realization settled, I became incredibly excited. I remember the night well- I hardly slept as thoughts jumbled all around my head. How can I embrace where I'm from and use it to my career advantage? Who should I be networking with right now to ensure that I can reach my own personal equivalent to Angela's success? 

And, how can I get into contact with Angela?

okay, maybe I'm dreaming a little bit...

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But dreaming is what I'm good at. I've accepted that I like to think big. I embrace lofty goals and let them energize me. I refuse to not take advantage of my opportunities here at Purdue or in the Midwest. And, most importantly, I will not feel as if I'm trapped- because I'm preparing to do great things in this life. Just like Angela, I can be a shining star from my hometown; a big fish in a little pond who goes on to do great things...

that's what I strive for

[Non] Greek Women

going into college, I was looking forward to philanthropic and sisterhood aspects of greek life

Then life took me for a turn (little did I know it was the first of many). I went through the intense recruitment process of no sleep, lots of talking, and uncomfortable shoes. I talked about myself, my interests, and what I wanted out of this "sisterhood". But, when it came down to it, I just didn't feel a connection to any particular house or group of girls. Looking back, I think that I knew I wanted to drop early into the second round, but I just couldn't. So I stuck it out until the end.

It seemed like I'd heard so much about how so many of Fortune 500's top CEOs were greek. Or how most of the powerful women in America were greek. I was scared that I wouldn't be successful if I dropped. I worried that I'd lose jobs over not being greek. And, on a more short-term scale, I was terrified that I'd never find my niche here at Purdue if I didn't join a sorority. 

But none of that matters if I don't have time to get my work done because of functions or if I really feel like I don't belong with these girls who are supposed to be my "sisters"

so I dropped...

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I made jokes with one of my friends about how I was a "social reject" and I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to endure any more 12+ hour days of talking about myself. But inside I honestly felt a little bit lost. As anyone does when their path is stripped from their feet, I needed a chance to figure out where college was going to take me from there. So I did what any bibliophile does, and I picked up a book about the one and only Kate Middleton- she didn't go greek and now she's a princess. Surely it can't be that bad! 

After this realization, I began to make a mental list of successful people- or people who I look up to- that didn't go greek:

Anna Wintour

Hermione Granger

Angela Ahrendts

and there are many more

Of course, I respect all of the girls who found their place and whole-heartedly threw themselves into the sorority world. Having so many good girlfriends to live with and experience life with is something that I sometimes envy. Looking back, I'm glad that I went through recruitment but I'm also happy with my decision to drop. I know that I would have been overwhelmed with school and functions. Plus, here in the Big 10 greek life isn't as...respectable as I'd like to think. I want to be defined by my successes and personality, not some letters. Being a part of a sorority might have given me leadership experience or chances to work with other people and philanthropies, but it's certainly not the only way. 

Plus, throwing yourself into what you're passionate about is going to provide more success than a predetermined path that everyone else has followed. This semester has been such a learning and reflecting time for me, and the lack of direction is driving me crazy. But someday, hopefully I'll get back on track- 

even if I'm paving my own path.