Home Sweet Home

(this post is a little late...)

So it's over...my first year of college complete. I am officially home for summer. Wow.

On the whole, it was a good year, full of surprises, decisions (good and bad), and new discoveries about myself and everyone around me. The first year of college really taught me how to live on my own, without the constant guidance of parents always pressuring us into doing things we have absolutely no interest in; we gain our independence, we learn about ourselves and our wants and needs. But not only are we learning about ourselves, we are painting the picture of the person we want to be, the person we strive towards, the person capable of excellence. We aren't merely learning because learning insinuates that all of these parts of us already exist, that we do not have the capacity to change them, that they are innate. However, everyday we make decisions that can change us, decisions that define our character, decisions that can change our life. People say that college changes you, and they are 100% correct. It teaches you who you really are, what you really desire, and what you are capable of if you put in the work. And UVA is the best place to learn not only from books, but from yourself. 

It's the perfect place to be; just the right amount of everything, a perfect mix of old and new, ups and downs, old traditions and new beginnings. At this time last year, I never could have imagined myself being happy anywhere other than Georgetown and I still have reservations (and possibly some bitterness) that it would be a perfect place. However, I never would have anticipated loving UVA as much as I do. The atmosphere, the school spirit, the greek life (which I am still amazed that I am a part of...I never really saw myself as a sorority girl), the classes, the history, and the people cannot be matched but any other school. It is a great place to be.

And this summer, with all this newfound knowledge of myself, I will be working a 9-5 paid internship Monday through Friday, a Physics II class at NOVA all day on Saturdays, and working as a part time employee at LOFT all day Sundays...this summer is going to be REALLY interesting...

Risky

What do you have to lose by going after what you want? Sure it's hard at first, and sometimes scary, but if you really want it, what's holding you back? Excuses. When I'm scared to do something because the result might not be what I want, I make excuses for why I shouldn't do it. But, in the end, I am just fooling myself, hurting myself. I always regret not going after it, I always wonder what could have been, and there's no way to go back and do it again. There is no way to determine which path is better, you just have to go with your heart.

It kind of goes back to the Philosophy class I took last semester. What constitutes living a good and fulfilling life? In order to truly be satisfied you can't have regrets and you can't let opportunities pass you by.

Carpe diem -- seize the day. 

Revamp

I have decided to revamp my blog. From now on, I have decided to start my posts with one of my favorite/relevant quotes. I think it's going to be a great way to adapt quotes to my life, and it's a great way for me and those people that read this blog, to remember that they are not alone on the journey of life. Everyone around them is facing their own issues, some graver than others, but difficult none the least. No one is alone. Remember that.

Nothing Comes Easy

My New Year's Resolution consisted of going after what I want, no matter what it is. Thus far I have been doing pretty well, but lately, it has become much more difficult. Going after what you want sometimes leads to being more vulnerable and putting yourself out there. You have to be willing to get hurt. It's so hard, but if you end up getting that which you went after, you will be all that much more satisfied. The bigger the risk, the bigger the gain.

Words to ALWAYS remember.

Some Words...

1. To all of those smart high schoolers who are applying to college: Savor being smart without all the effort because once you get to college I guarantee that you will be knocked off your high horse a fair number of times. Take everything in stride though, don't let one bad grade keep you from going after what you want. Just know that everyone around you is just as smart as you or smarter. Stay humble.

2. College might be the best four years of your life, but they are definitely some of the hardest too. So, have fun but work hard.

Take Me Home

I'm having a moment of weakness. Okay, it's not just a moment, its been a freaking month of weakness. I don't want to be at school anymore. I'm not happy here at the moment. It's definitely an internal battle that I'm fighting. But I just miss everything about home.
1. I miss my mom.

2. I miss my beautiful friends

3. I miss my bed. Its so comfortable and soft.

4. I miss not being stressed out all the time.

I just can't deal. I've been trying to suck it up and just get through, but it gets harder each day. College is hard, the transition sucks, and everyone has their ups and downs. This is a major down. Just gotta make it. 1 more week until Spring Break. Keep fighting.

"As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed."

--Vincent Van Gogh

Goodbye 2011

Well it's officially the last day of 2011, so here are all the highlights:

1. Getting into 7 of the 11 colleges I applied to. It was nice to know that I would have a future, to know that I was going to a good school. Although I didn't end up going to the college I really wanted to go to, I went to the college that was perfect for me in the end. (Tonight is UVA's bowl game, WAHOOWA)

UVA

2. GRADUATION. I am so glad to have graduated from high school. I know some people like high school but (to put it lightly) I didn't. I am pretty glad to be out of there. No offense to my high school friends...don't worry I like you guys! Haha

Brittany, Tova, me, and Inanje after Graduation

3. Getting a Job. Though I hated working, it was nice making some money for myself. It taught me how to deal with a lot of different types of people. But seriously if you are in a store, please don't just pick something up and put it wherever, try to put it back where it came from. Or when you see someone fixing a table, don't just go up and mess it up. If you want to pick up a shirt fold them back like they are on the table.

The Workplace

4. Going to College. Definitely the highlight of 2011. Being in college has been the most fun, the most freedom, the most challenging, and the best experience. Yeah the work is hard, yeah there's a lot of work, but it is so worth it. I LOVE COLLEGE. New friends, new experiences.

Me and my hallmates on Halloween

5. Vacation to Spain. Yes, yes there were A LOT of hiccups on the trip, but all-in-all Spain was beautiful. It was nice to be immersed in culture that takes time to enjoy life. Everyday they close their shops, restaurants to take time to be with their family, relax, and enjoy life. I wish other members of our traveling party could have enjoyed it as much.

Me in front of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain

Those are my Top 5 Moments of 2011. Its almost time to start a NEW YEAR. Too bad I'm starting it off without a New Year's kiss :/