The "Sophomore Slump"

Because no one thought it would happen ...

Freshman year: "I'm never going home! This is great! No mom and dad, yeahhhhh."

Sophomore year: "Is it socially acceptable to go home every weekend?"

--Welcome to "sophomore year" of college.

The days of the café being delicious (well, was it ever really?) are over. In fact, some sophomores don't even have a meal plan. Or, if you're broke, like me, you downgraded your meal plan because you would rather enjoy frozen foods than 20 different concoctions of rice in the café. I mean, really, whoever is filling out the café's questionnaires really needs to stop advocating for more cultural foods. OR AT LEAST BRING IN SOMETHING THAT ISN'T JUST "RICE".

As you eat these, aforementioned frozen foods, back in your room, you can't help but wish you had freshman year back.

You know, when your room wasn't a fire-hazard by cramming 2-3 people into a shoebox.

Or when watching Netflix until 2 am was always a perfect idea. Funny how now even "Netflix" seems to take some sort of motivation from you. I'm just going to lay on my bed, turn on my computer...but oh! My computer isn't charged. Each episode of "House of Cards" is 45 minutes long..do I really have the time for this? Wow, 10 minutes has passed since I've started debating this...better work on homework instead.

 Yep, this is what the "sophomore slump" looks like. At first, I couldn't even wrap my brain around the idea of being fed up with college only my second year in... welp, they weren't lying!

 The "slump" is real.

 Remember freshman year, when everyone in your hall was pals with you? Or at least you all pretended to be friends? Sophomore year seems to just break every routine of first-year college living. Now, half of my friends I used to see--they're commuters! And the other half...well, I'm not even sure if they go here anymore. And you have to admit, the commuters have totally made you contemplate commuting... I mean, having dinner with mah/pah every day? No prison-shoe showers? Saving a thousands on money? Until you realize that you live like 4 hours away... maybe I could fly??

 Or I'll just become a hobo--that could work too.

 Speaking of financials, it seems that everyone sort-of has this realization sophomore year that they are going into massive debt. Freshman year was like: "yeah man! everyone's going into debt!"

But then sophomore year you're like, "wait, I really am in debt. and like. I. will. have. to. pay. it. all. off. eventually." Emphasis on the "eventually". The funny part is, when you start working and making money, it feels great. But then you realize you still have to get an education on top of your measly bus-boy hours. Quit school and just work full time??

 Or just become the hobo--still a valid option.

 Finally, the "sophomore slump" is an illusion, really. You go to all of your classes, stay on top of your work, yet nothing motivates you. You have honestly considered going to your 8AM POL101 class in your pajamas, a sin that you swore you would never commit. Every task seems to require 10x more the energy, and things that might have excited you before make you go "ehh." However, now when the weekend rolls around, you couldn't picture anything more better than spending a boatload of time with your family doing cheesy things--like apple cider tasting and pumpkin carving.

Why? Because the "sophomore slump" makes you realize you are one year closer to being an actual "adult" and less of the over-hyper freshman you were last year.

 

 

This blog post is probably the most productive thing I've accomplished this semester.

 

Keep the Change: Why the Unknown is Good

We plan wedding dates. Doctor check-ups. Job interviews. Reservations for a restaurant. What underwear to wear (depending on the outfit). Majors for college, while we are in middle school. We even use planners, calendars, I-Phone note pads, etc. We pine away all night thinking about the day’s details and what tomorrow holds in store. So why is it, after every day of having the unexpected happen, that we still try to plan out our lives?

 Well, take it from the girl who already has the paint of her future house picked out: change should be embraced, not avoided.

 
SCENE: “Uncertainty”

SETTING: Freshman Year, First Semester

Last year, during my first semester of college, change hit me like the big ice cream truck that drives around Albright’s campus. I was unsure of all of my decisions. My college. My majors. My future job. My hair color.

I was having a mid-life crisis at the age of 18. Was it really that extreme? Actually, yeah. I felt like I hadn’t gotten into the rigorous musical theatres programs that I had so desperately wanted to get into. I got wait-listed to the college I would have donated ligaments to get into (heh, joking). Albright was the only college with 100% financial aid guaranteed, which I needed because of my family’s financial hardship. My boyfriend was working full-time, I hardly had any friends, and I didn’t have a roommate. Naturally, I cried. A LOT. I wasn’t trying out for shows because I was obsessed with having my grades be perfect. I got an on campus job, but was afraid to volunteer for hours because I wasn’t sure if I would do everything properly. I wanted to be perfect. Have everything perfect. I mean, we start planning for college from elementary school, so isn’t everything supposed to be perfect?

            My obsession drove me insane, and it wasn’t until I let change into my life that everything fell into place. Suddenly, I was gifted with a roommate. Someone who is now, practically, my sister. She introduced me to more people, and slowly I began to befriend everyone in my hall—people I hid from before. I accepted that I hadn’t gotten into the top colleges that I had applied to, but, I was blessed enough to be receiving a worthwhile education at a reputable (and caring) college. One that I love x’s 100. Remember, not everyone is given the privilege of college! I changed my triple major to Theatre/Communications, and haven’t looked back since. I got an additional on-campus job, and a lead in the Spring play. Things turned positive for me, things changed in my life.

 
This is why humans struggle. We all fear change and avoid it like the “Black Plague”. We set our lives up to fit our personal standards/wants/goals, only to have them constantly altered. If you don’t know what you’ll be eating for dinner tomorrow, how can you know what your job will be in 5+ years? Pursue your dreams to the fullest, but let other opportunities present themselves to you. Too many times we prepare our track for ourselves, only to block out all other possibilities.


And so, my readers, I leave you with this last piece of advice:

It’s okay, keep the change.

 

 

Plato's Closet: A Review from a First-Time Shopper

Well, I guess Plato wasn't just a philosopher.. because his closet is pretty rad too.

About a week ago, (*cues rap music*) I visited the widely discussed and debated "Plato's Closet". I use the word "debated" because the reviews for the second-hand clothing store are quite mixed. I read everything on Google from "the girls laughed at me because my clothes weren't the quality they deemed appropriate" to "they won't give you any money, so why bother". Yikes. to put it gently. So, after reading the scary reviews, I decided to try to sell some of my things to them anyway.

First and foremost, let me say that I'm guessing every store of this chain is quite possibly different. I visited the Plato's Closet in Exton, PA, so my review could be the opposite of another shopper's experience. This disclaimer written, here is what I found upon my trip to "Plato's Closet":

There wasn't any laughing, or taunting for that matter. Quite the contrary! I was welcomed and asked if I would be selling anything. I gave them my bag of Betsey Johnson purses and a couple Juicy Couture bracelets, and away they went into a bin. I filled out a little slip on a computer, and got a receipt with my info on it. Basically, they are curious if you have any "designer" goods and have to know your basic info. Above the computer, hanging from the ceiling, is a TV monitor that displays whose clothing/merchandise has been successfully reviewed. Wait limits can be long if it is crowded, however, it only took about 20 minutes for mine to be processed.

While I waited, I got to finally take a look at the store I had been hearing so much about! And boy, was I surprised. Designer labels. Everywhere. Coach, Lily Pulitzer, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, etc. I couldn't believe it all! Never again will I buy Vera Bradley for full price--Plato's Closet had bags anywhere from 3$ to 20$. But think about it, these prices compared to the upwards of 100$ that you would normally spend. It truly was delightful! Racks were filled with current trends and TONS of clothes. Most priced at 3$ a piece.

Okay, Em, we all know you're a shopaholic. Oh, me? What did I get? I invested 18$ in a brand new pair of Coach shoes and 3$ on a Victoria's Secret PINK shirt. And I got super-cute sunglasses in the mix too. Totally forgot about those bad-boys.

So, after practically drooling over the shelves and asking my sisters (several times) if they had carts in the store, my clothes were done being reviewed. Here's the sad part, none of my clothes were accepted. Which, I will admit, made me a little distraught at first. But, when I listened to why they couldn't buy them, I totally understood. Juicy Couture really isn't in anymore. Hence, why I was selling my bracelets/necklaces. Plus they told me Juicy is being sold at Kohls--which I'm guessing, takes it out of the luxury category. Truth be told, it is sold at Kohls, and mostly on clearance. Sorry, Juicy, no hard feelings. They told me my Betsey Johnson bags were in great shape but haven't sold well at the store before. This, I get too. Styles change! They weren't exactly the "boho chic" trend that is hip right now. So yeah, I respected their fashionista opinions.

My biggest point about my visit that I wish to stress is how pleasant the workers were. They were super helpful and accommodating. I think maybe some of the negative reviews on the Plato's Closet chain were either at different stores, or from bitter sellers who got squat for their Goodwill items. If Plato's Closet is packed with Gucci, Coach, etc., it is no wonder  they can't accept just any-old-thing. Without quality items, there isn't any quality store. Business is business, after all. Picture them as buyers for a fashion company--which they basically are.

There wasn't any hair-pulling. Crying. Hysterics. Just honest advice on my clothes and help purchasing everything I wanted. An easy, and definitely fun experience! I recommend all to check a store out and stock up on some designer goods. For us broke people with expensive taste, it was heaven on Earth.

Oh, and they called me today (exactly one week later) too. A girl asked me about my shopping experience and if I had any critique for the store. Now that's customer service.

Remember readers, you're never too old to play with "Plato".

The Truth About Love: A Perspective from the "Cutest Couple"

A lot of things frustrate me in life.
Smearing my nails after having worked extremely hard on painting them.
People who text and drive-- you know, the ones who sit at green lights.
When someone uses all the toilet paper, which leaves you to stare at an empty roll--or debate to cry for help.

However, what tops any toiletry problem is hearing this:

 "Awh, I wish I had your relationship!"

"There aren't any guys out there for me..at least any good ones."

"OMG I CAN'T EVEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS SOO CUTE OMFG."

Alright, so the last one is a bit exaggerated, but you can imagine how someone's comment might have closely resembled it.

You would think I would appreciate these kind of outbursts. Honestly, I admire the thought, but it bothers me that people think a solid relationship is some kind of cosmic being. An unattainable rarity.
 Almost like finding the toilet paper roll completely filled.

So yes, like most topics, I have to put my "two cents" into the love conversation and express what I firmly believe about relationships.

Numero Uno, (this is about all I got out of 4+ years of Spanish classes) if you are searching on "Tinder" for your soul mate, think again. Some people believe that what you put into the universe will come back to you. You know, be happy, get happy. Karma. Well, no matter how you slice it, the cliché quotes ring true for relationships. You will get what you give. If you are looking on a hookup website, all you will find is....? You can do the math.

PLEASE STOP WITH THE INSTAGRAM PICS. Okay, I will own up and say sometimes I've posted a selfie too many, but I never get it twisted with my bf. We used to be religious #mcm and #wcw posters, until we realized how silly we looked. Who do we need to prove our love to besides one another? And doing it through Instragram? Yuck! So please, stop looking for relationships because you want the "perfect couple photo". If you look close enough at cute bf/gf pics, you'll start to realize how ridiculous the matter is. I mean, who took the picture of them? How did they get the shot oh-so-flawless? Obviously some planning must have went into it, making the "effortless moment" all the more idiotic. Aka, there is more to a relationship then wanting the publicity.

Okay, so social media is alive, but since when is chivalry dead? I mean, I blame the 20th century media... but really, why is it dead? Let's bring some door-opening, courtship-goodness back into play! What's wrong with going "steady" with someone? What's wrong with a guy paying for your meal? Anymore it seems like a "hangout" at someone's house is sufficient for a first date. Please, please, please, go on many dates! If I could tattoo this across my back, I would. But that would obviously be rather insane. Instead, I stick to my bold font. GO ON DATES. Don't be the couple who tells people their romantic first-date consisted of chilling at someone's house. And the way the times are rolling, it seems that first dates are comprised of more than just "chilling". Wink, wink. I will not tread too deeply into that area, however, let me just use a wise saying my mother told me. "If a fire burns madly, it will burn out the quickest. However, it is the smaller flame that will burn the longest." I compare this saying to my love with my boyfriend, Matt. We were best friends before we started dating, and when we started dating, we went on several dates. In fact, our first date was at Friendly's-- I was too nervous to go to Red Lobster. Two years into our relationship now, we still go out all the time! Don't rush into things and just settle! Actually get to know the other person.
And not by just "hanging out" with them.

Speaking of temporary hook-ups: people are truly oblivious to commitments. My friends will tell me all the time that they are looking for someone special, but nothing too serious. How is anything "special", easy?!?! I mean, it's stupidity at its finest. You want love, make a commitment. If you aren't dating for a future, than what the heck are you doing? Please, save the excuse of "dating around" or "being young". All you are doing is causing yourself more emotional stress, or just outright using another individual's feelings. If it is attention you seek, go back to messaging 40 guys on Tinder with whom you'll never find happiness with. Date for commitment people! If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't. But, if you go into dating with a temporary mindset then that's all you will find. Remember, give is what you..... c'mon I know you're catching on by now.

Finally, don't be afraid to set your standards high. Odds are, your standards are pretty low. I'm not saying that life has to be like chick-flicks, but don't shy away from your true likes/dislikes. Oh, and by the way, at least romantic movies show viewers how they should be treated. If someone isn't your match, then don't force it! Stop settling for whatever you can get, or whomever comes your way. Everyone deserves a chance (unless you're a maniac) but not everyone deserves your undying love.

It's time that we put a new rulebook out for dating and relationships, because I don't think a lot of people understand how much damage they are causing themselves. Love is supposed to be a wild ride of emotions--but mainly, happiness. Knowing that you have found someone who can make you the angriest person in the world, but you can unconditionally love them for it.
But, I implore my readers, do not think that true love is the equivalent of the lochness monster. 20th century dating websites and media sources have brainwashed us into believing in a warped-kind-of-love. Stop crying over phones and playing games with one another-- this is to you flirty snapchat-ers! If you want something serious, start acting like it.

Because when the games stop, will you be a winner or a loser?

Forget the Fairy Lights. Here's What Freshman Really Need to Know for College.

Hold it right there graduating high school seniors! Before you purchase three shower caddies, some sort of "boho" tapestry, and the entire college section from Target/Walmart, there is actual advice you desperately need to hear. I don't care if you know your major, have your entire schedule fixed, and are already settling on a roommate. Guess what, NONE OF IT MATTERS. AT ALL. While it's a thrill to feel like you're on top of everything for college, I have a secret to tell you...you never can be fully prepared!

However, I can enlighten you all with some meaningful words of wisdom that I wish someone would have told me before I started my college-journey.

                         Here is a list of things you actually need to know.

1.) Drop the shower caddy. NOW. Trust me, you'll get like 10 at your graduation party from either friends, family, or both. Which is useful when yours becomes moldy after freshman year.

2.) If you have a high-school sweetheart who you "actually" love, you can definitely make it in college. I can't tell you how many times I heard that my relationship was doomed because of people believing in college-taboos. Guess what, still going strong with my boyfriend. Take that naysayers.

3.) HOWEVER, if you are having some sort of "fling" with someone who you could really care less about, then save yourself the agony and break up with him/her. Sound heartless? It's better than hurting someone by posting pictures of you at the keg-races at the first fraternity party of the year.

4.) Shower-flops. Yes, you get used to them. Yes, it feels like you're walking to a prison shower.

5.) (For girls mostly) Decorating your room, they said. It'll be fun, they said. Okay, okay, it can be self-expressive and a great way to make college feel like home; however, think of the theory "what goes up, must come back down". What goes into the dorm room must come back in your mother's SUV/minivan.

6.) Don't be that person who brings a ton of swimsuits because your college has a pool. Usually the pool is used for swim team practices, and if you're actually trying in college, lounging by the pool isn't really part of your schedule.

7.) THE FRESHMAN 15 IS ONLY REAL IF YOU LET IT BE. It is a norm at colleges to have quality-gyms with reasonable hours. If you're living on campus, you can walk to the gym. Walking distance! I have never had access to a gym in the way that I do at my college. Take advantage of what your paying thousands of dollars for-- and I don't just mean the café-buffet.

8.) Freshman year in college isn't difficult. Okay, think I'm crazy? Think about it this way. In high school you sit in a class from about 7:30AM-3:00PM. Some schools have different schedules, but factor in after-school activities, mandatory sports study halls, and sitting on the bus (if you take it). High school you had (maybe) evenings and weekends to do homework/essay papers. In college, some days you only have one class. Just one. I'm not claiming that the workload isn't rigorous or that it doesn't require more papers/readings, but, you definitely have time to work ahead. Which brings me to my next tip...

9) If you're a procrastinator in college. You. Will. Die. This time I'm not kidding. You may not physically perish, but your stress level will most likely induce cardiac arrest. There honestly isn't any excuse for turning in assignments late or needing more time--I should know, I rewrote a whole paper the night before it was due on my roommate's laptop because mine decided to keel over suddenly. Why? Because it wasn't worth adding another paper to my plate for the following week. It wasn't worth pleading with a professor. Moral of the story, do your work when it is assigned. That way, when your roommate wants to watch Netflix with you, you can relax knowing you have everything in perfect harmony. *cues beautiful trumpets*

10) What the sharks in "Finding Nemo" really meant to say was, "Professors are friends. Not fools." Professors know when you're struggling. Professors know when you are succeeding. Professors probably know more about you than you do yourself. That's why it's to your benefit to email them with questions. Talk to them. Find out about all of the Nobel Prizes they've won. Read their published works which were (most likely) critically acclaimed by the president and the pope. Know who you are receiving weekly lectures from! Trust me, they can be the coolest, weirdest, and loveliest people you'll ever know. Most importantly, they can make your transition into college an incredible experience.

11.) Your parents aren't at college with you for a reason. Mommy, Daddy, or Aunt Norma can't help you with papers, homework, or talking to your professors. Time to put on your big-kid undies and speak to people on your own. Inquire. Question. Ask for help. It isn't like you're paying a ton of moolah for the college's academic resources or anything? Right?

12.) You will 99.9% change your major, pick up a new minor, decide to double major, or possibly even triple major. Your family knows you're going to be a doctor? Well, you might find that you love studying mushroom patterns in the exotic forests of Latin America instead. Life changes, as do majors.

13.) People say your roommate isn't going to be your "best friend". Yeah, they're right I guess. My roommate is like a sister to me and will be my roommate for the rest of college. Boom! Another myth busted.

14.) If you were popular in high school. I feel bad for you. Those who were in tight elite groups in high school tend to cling to their roots and their past. Don't be afraid to branch out and make entirely new friends in college. Is it really that beneficial to attend a college where all of your immediate friends are? How can you really grow in life if you just stick to what, or who, you know? Trust me, take a chance! College friendships can prove to be the best you've ever had. So, if you weren't the most outgoing in high school, don't worry, college is home to every sort of person. You will definitely find friends.

15.) I'll end it here. Sorry to be blunt. Honestly, I could (and probably will) write a novel on transitioning into college and what is worth knowing about it. However, I will leave my audience with the most vital advice I could give to any newbie-freshman:

Be who you want to be in college. I mean, maybe being known as the campus party-animal isn't always the best decision, but don't be afraid to try new avenues. If you like fashion, take some classes in it. Have a knack for politics? Run for student council! Change your major as much as you'd like. Go on a mission trip over Spring Break. Get an on-campus job. Don't EVER worry about the future, or how much money you will make. Trust me, save the tears and aggravation. You can't predict what will even happen tomorrow, so why bother with the future?

Enjoy what you have now because that's really all that is guaranteed.
Not even financial aid is guaranteed.

Baby Blog is Born!

Well, here goes! Starting out without any profile picture (reminds self to upload one) and the computer knowledge of a kindergartener, I am officially starting my blog. Please, have patience with my grammar and I. Yes, I am spending thousands of dollars each year to attend a private liberal arts college, but that doesn't mean my commas are always spot-on. Hopefully my English professors won't read this...I can just picture being slapped by the mandatory "Little Grammar Book" that we all had to purchase at the beginning of freshman year.

Moving on! I guess I should introduce my "theme" a bit to my readers, or to my cats (because who else is going to read this blog?). I had the inspiration several months ago to start a blog in which I write my ideas, opinions, daily thoughts, adventures, etc. I love to explore new hobbies and foods, so I figured I would post that on here too.

I'm keeping this initial blog short and to-the-point, so that I may start setting everything else up-- like an actual picture instead of the floating blue head in the bubble.

Hoozah! I have finally made a blog!