Up, Up and Away

So… I sit here writing this at the airport in the United Club. Because I arrived here a couple hours early, I figured I would speak about a few things, as I am about to embark on the “second chapter” of my college career. I will begin by talking about my summer, then talk about what I have to look forward to regarding my sophomore year {and beyond}, and sum it up with a checklist type of thing for incoming freshmen {fears, tears and formality}.

If you have been “keeping up” with my blog the majority of my time in the cyber world, you would have probably read about all the fun lil trips I went on, seen my friends who visited me from all around, and just other updates. BUT if you have NOT been on my blog and are new, here is a little summarization: On the last day of my freshman year, I went into summer thinking it was going to go by soooooooooo slowwwwllllyyyyyyy… however so many amazing opportunities popped up. My dad and I drove home from Texas {ALL THE WAY to California: sorry dad for sleeping the majority of the way} and on my way home I got a text from my aunt, asking me to dog sit her two Pomeranians. Of course I said yes {who could turn down a puppy dog face}, and at the time, I was also applying to real jobs and trying to apply for summer school. I dog sat for four weeks… I would wake up and leave for the valley by six in the morning and not return until later that evening {LA traffic sucks!!}. I got no job because EVERY store would not accept a seasonal worker, and the whole summer school thing just turned out to be a hot mess {and yes mom… I really did try!!}. Basically everything blew up in my face {except for the dogs though, cause I am a pretty good dog sitter if I do say so myself}. Fast forward now to the week after my dog sitting ended: I went to Talent Lab to attempt to get back to aerial; got offered a job instead and I took it. I worked there part time the rest of summer, and during my down time I spend a lot of time with my family, went on tiny trips to San Diego and Newport, met a boy and had two of my really good friends from school visit me. I went to Disneyland, I ate a lot of yummy home cooked meals {and delicious fruit that I will miss oh so very much}, relaxed at the beach, blah blah blah… and now I am at the airport.

Now to talk about my future… Not that I REALLY know what I am going to do once I graduate cause my mind is always changing, BUT I do know my interests at the moment. I am currently working on getting my business DEGREE, however my school is EXTREMELY prestigious when it comes to Neeley AND my interests have changed. I have absolutely NO idea what made me start liking to read {cause I used to throw up a little in my mouth just at the sight of a book} and writing {ewe… I know right?! Time consuming and boring BUT not if its something you love}. I am thinking of possibly changing my major to communications while remaining in business, but only as a minor, because I think it is an extremely important subject to be educated in and can be used ANYWHERE, and I am also thinking of minoring in journalism as well because my love for writing has grown immensely. ANOTHER thing I am looking forward to is summer… I know it is FAR FAR away, and I shouldn’t wish to fast forward time, however the other day I was basically handed an internship by a woman in LA to work for a MAJOR entertainment business. Maybe it will be another thing that ends up blooming an interest in me; who knows?

NOW FRESHMANNNNNNN… Going away to college can be EXTREMELY scary and quite the adjustment to make. Whether you are going away to a whole other state, or even staying in the city/ state you were born and raised, it does not matter. It is a new chapter of your life, a place for new experiences, a time for more memories… and most importantly, a time to TRULY discover yourself. There will be ups, and there will most definitely be downs. There will be situations you find yourself in that you won’t know what to do, but it in the end whatever you do, and whatever happens, it is a learning experience. Don’t get caught up in just studying your life away… the key is BALANCE. Study for as many hours as you need, but treat yourself by going out to bars, clubs or the city. Have some alone time, but also make time to be with your friends {they will be by your side the next four or more years of your life}. I am not going to say don’t drink because 1. that is being hypocritical on my part and 2. you are in college, but give yourself a break every one in a while… Do a juice cleanse {take a shot of wheatgrass rather than vodka}, eat healthy, exercise. Here are a few pointers {considering I just went through my freshman year in another state, away from my family}:

• Stay connected with the people you love back home: I face timed with my parents {and dog} about once a week and texted my brother all the time. I am going to admit, I am kinda bummed I did not stay in contact with a lot of people I knew in high school with but sometimes friendships fade and what’s meant to happen, happens for a reason. I stayed connected with a total of four friends from back home. COMMUNICATION is key to all relationships {family, friends, etc…}

• Home sickness is real: BUT you meet so so many amazing people who become instant friends either during rush or your first week at school, and it is ALWAYS nice having a shoulder to lean on. There were times I would go to my friends apartment just down the street from school and I could talk to her about anything and everything. Everybody {or at least almost everybody} feels homesick at least once their freshman year. I was lucky enough though that I got to see my family almost at least once every month, and sorority and school stuff always kept me preoccupied.

• BALANCE IS KEY: I basically explained it above, but college can be overwhelming. School work and social life on top of clubs {and I’m talking about school clubs} and sorority and fraternity things. Take a moment to step back, take a breath and evaluate what you can do to make YOURSELF a better and happy person.

• Freshman fifteen is also {sadly} real: Be sure to exercise and take care of your body. Do not rely on a diet of vodka and McDonalds. You will get larger and heavier without even noticing because it happens gradually. Take a break from all the horrible toxins entering your body.

• Switching your major IS OKAY: Do something that interests YOU. Do NOT let your family or friends to persuade you to do something they studied, or are studying. It will take time, and your mind will change multiple times. Become friends with your academic advisor because they are there to help you!!

• “I’m a freshman” is the GREATEST excuse EVER: If you don’t know the answer to somebody’s question, just whip out that statement. I will probably still use it this year because it is so handy and is basically the solution to EVERYTHING.

• ENJOY the year!!