The Thoughts of a College Senior

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Here I am, my first day of my senior year of college. Where did the time go?

Over three years ago when I set out for Washington State University, I would have never thought I would be here. I would have never guessed that I would be sitting in the classrooms of one of the best universities; a university that challenges me every day to be a leader and solve the problems that the world needs to have solved. We are challenged to go above and beyond, to speak out, to be smart, and more importantly — we are taught to apply and solve. After going to a public university for two years, I have to say, the transition was well worth it.

Last year, I had moved into a new apartment, started a new school, and then a new job shortly afterwards. Now everything is a year old — life looks differently now than it did then, but isn’t that life? For this school year, I decided that I needed to kick off my senior year correctly with several items:

1. Kate Spade Planner : because really it goes with my Kate Spade tote.

2. New Glasses : A girl has got to see the damn overhead after all.

3. New Ugg cardy boots : because my other ones are done and the cardy boot look is way cuter and more versatile.

4. Long sleeve tees : because duh?

5. Perfume : I need a new scent that will last me

6. Joie black pants: because BP jolt pants are not for college seniors and they’re SOFT.

7. A new plaid : because this is the PNW people

However, I do have a new perception on my classes and professors. After a GRUELING, intense, and well worth it persuasion course over the summer and earning an A in that class, I realize that I can put that effort, work, and manage to keep the same grades. Well, it was one class instead of three, but still! My goal is get above a 3.8 and work my butt off. All of my classes are communication based. One is a Public Relations class — strategic communication is NOT my major for reason, but will be well worth it. I have a basic foundations class that I need to take and then I have my intercultural communication class (WHICH I LIVE FOR) with a professor I’ve had several times. I can do this.

Coming back to campus is a good reminder of who I am and why I am here. During a summer of all Nordstrom all the time, I start to be defined by that, but instead I am defined as being a student. Someone who is learning in order to be something great. That’s the whole point of going to college right? I forget how much I love being in these classrooms, learning things that are needed for the real world and for change in our society. While I love Nordstrom, I love the possibilities to be something more that Seattle University offers for me.

It is funny though, I don’t think of myself as 22 and on the cusp of the real world. I hear people talk out loud about issues who sound so much older than me. Then I have to realize, I sound like that too, but I don’t consider myself that old and mature. Last weekend when I was moving my brother into Evergreen State College with my family, the RA who was moving him in was talking about classes and people and I felt young, I felt as if I was young and naive, but then again, she was only a junior starting. Younger than me and sounding older than I did! I started to think, has my life at Nordstrom made me more jaded about being young and bright eyed about changing the world?

My life has changed drastically not only in the last three years, but the last year. I started last year with a semi-empty apartment, no job yet, and a new school. Now I’ve been in my apartment a year and it is home, a job for almost a year where I have senior status, and professors I know from previous quarters.

Cheers to starting a new year and whatever opportunities await me!

I’m Alive! What I’ve Learned this Summer

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It has been quite a while since I have blogged. This summer has been so busy being filled with an intense summer class and intense hours at work. However, I am back and better than ever! Despite the fact that nothing truly exciting happened to me this summer other than lunching at Ray’s Boathouse with my mom and filling my library full of books, there have been much learned by me this summer.

1. Cooking is enjoyable: There is something about cooking your own meal that leaves not only a satisfaction, but a relief of knowing what went into it! From friends, ideas on Tumblr (I’m not a Pinterest girl), and watching my own mother and her clean eating ways — I’ve developed some great recipes that are incredible and very healthy It took me a while to want to cook and to start cooking. I used to do quick pasta and eggs, but now I’ve ventured into various meals. It’s been an exciting adventure for me!

2. Houseplants are dangerous: Throughout this summer, my mom and I have been working on the decor and finishing up various projects for my apartment. Her open summer schedule allowed her to come down and help me with decorating, polishing up, and finding better furniture for my apartment. This includes encouraging me to buy my first house plant. I am hooked! I love having the plant in my home and already plan on adding contained vines, miniature trees, succulents, etc. They make the apartment more homey and more mine.

3. Time makes being single easier: This summer marked a full year of being single. Since my ex and I broke up in July 2013, I’ve had flings here and there along with an on and off situation that has lasted for years, but nothing official and nothing with commitment. At first it was difficult, but throughout the summer I grew to truly enjoy being alone. I don’t like to share my couch, I enjoy my alone time after work, I use my entire bed and hate sharing. I am allowed to take off for the country when I want, able to go out with my friends at last minute, and figure out that not talking to someone after a tiring day at work is wonderful. It sounds cliche and boring, but for an introvert like myself — it is really a relief.

4. A clean apartment is essential: When I first moved in, my apartment was a mess. Nothing was organized correctly, everything was in piles, things were just thrown into drawers, onto the floor and into the sink. Now, I cannot deal with too many dishes piling up in the sink, the carpets are vacuumed once a week, everything is dusted every other week, and clothes are picked up off of the floor. I have found that I am able to enjoy my space far much more when everything is put in its proper place and organized in a way that makes room for potential.

5. The right people enter your life at the right time: Before the summer, I was in a place where I preferred being alone, didn’t go out, and had issues with friendships fading in and out of my life. However, the right people who are supposed to be in your life come in when you least expect it. Over the summer, I have found incredible friends at work. Some I have grown closer to, some have been working just for the summer — but when I needed people to have fun with and who enjoyed doing what I did, they entered my life. There is no need to force people to stay in your life when they exhaust you. Friendships are to be work, but at the same time, the best friendships are a breath of fresh air.

6. You can’t please everyone: How cliche is this? Sadly, it is but it is very true! I am not the kind of person who is willing to please everyone. I will go above and beyond for people who treat me well and who mean a lot to me, but there are also those who I will probably not get along with because of various reasons. I have found this out about myself: I will treat you well if you treat me well, if you do not treat me well — I will not go that extra step. I thought something was wrong with me because there are people I was not getting along with, but instead it was simply the way I was wired because of how they were treating me first.

It’s so nice to be back, readers! Expect more this fall!