The Energy You Live By

After my first year at my new college has come to an end, I took a trip back home to spend time with my family and friends. My friend Cate who is from Colorado tagged along with me, as I showed her around my hometown. To be honest, I didn't think there was much to do back home. I'm not much of a homebody. I just wanted a little escape from home, and I got to do that when we left to explore elsewhere. We hopped on a bus, went to New York City, then to visit our friend Jess in New Hampshire.

I have never been to New Hampshire before, but it had to be one of my favorite places along our week long journey together. Jess showed us around Dover and Portsmouth, and we got to roast some vegan marshmallows for our smores. We went hiking on Mt. Major, which was an "easy" mountain for her to climb just because Jess is basically a bad ass. The staggering hike up to the summit was well worth it when we reached up there. New Hampshire is so beautiful, fresh, and green. I loved everything about that moment. That view and my friends with me.

The last day was spent hanging around shopping and eating out. We stumbled upon a great sign outside of a jewelry store that said, "The energy you live by is the energy you receive in life." I think I can agree that I have tried so hard to live my life with so much positivity, and I have been able to receive that energy from the people I have been surrounded by, the places I've been, and the thought of where I'll be in the future.

J.

Transition

Photo by Della Hethcox

When I made the decision to transfer to a new college in DC, I felt myself excited and worried that moving to a new place would be way too much of a transition for me. The irony of it all was that I wasn't ever afraid of change. I am the type of girl that likes to travel, meet new people, and learn what is out there in the world for me. Because of what I have gone through the past few years, I was afraid that change may have been too much of a big jump. Luckily, I found myself landing in the right place.

Boston, you are still in my heart. I have not forgotten you. I loved going to college in New England, but I have found a new love for the nation's capital. Especially at my school, I am amazed at how academically driven everyone is here, the passion for social advocacy these students have raging in their blood, and how the students don't just have a love for politics, but the arts and music. I am inspired by this school, the students, professors, and this city.

I found myself at this school by continuing to fight for something that I truly believe in. I got myself involved in numerous clubs and organizations. Many of them including social advocacy groups, artistic and journalism based magazines just to name a few. I still had that drive to be just as involved as I was at my old university. I didn't want to change myself, but to re-create myself here in DC.

I felt extremely comfortable with the new set of friends whom I have met at my new college. I was afraid of not being able to find friends who would understand me as well as some of my friends from Boston and/or back home. I was able to meet an amazing group of friends I can now call best friends. They made my time at school a little bit better every single day, as we struggled through writing papers and taking midterms/finals.

I understood myself more and more everyday when I was surrounded by the people I loved, the school I was at, the faith and hope that I have built for myself throughout my time in Washington, D.C. I wanted to know more about who I am, and I created this great clear way of understanding through some soul searching. It's cliche, but college does truly help people understand themselves more than you think. For me, I was able to find clarity in my life and my mind.

For college students and non-college students, I want you to know that no one ever truly knows what they are doing with their lives. Stress and anxiety builds within us everyday, and I can say that there will always be bumps in the road of academia and life. I say: just take one big leap into what you love, or find out what that may be through your journey in college or not in school. You can find it through traveling, the help from people you love, faith, dreams, or anything that pushes you to work for it. Dream big, and find yourself.

J.

Della Visits DC

Della (my kindred spirit) finally came to visit DC on Sunday. She's been working and applying to transfer schools, so she's been a busy bee and haven't been able to make the time to visit. So hallelujah for her finally being able to miss work to visit me! We got to adventure into DC like old times, take tons of pictures like typical bloggers, and catch up on what we have been doing with our lives. By the way, lets congratulate her on getting into Mary Washington back where she lives! She's going to do great things. Not like she hasn't done anything already.

Our first stop was to Eastern Market, which was my first time browsing the flea market. Cate and Della got pretty bangles, and I got frog earrings for Della! Next, we got some food inside the actual market place and across from Capital Hill books, which we eventually made our way to. I got 4 books, which I can't wait to re-read and add to my vast book collection.

Later in the night, we headed to Georgetown to grab dinner and get delicious cupcakes at Baked and Wired! I had to say farewell to Della the next morning, but it was amazing to see a good friend during a time of stress (finals week will be the death of me, see my letter to my finals below).

J.

A Letter to Finals

Dear Finals,

How are you? Actually, I don't really care how you are because you don't truly care about my emotional well being. Let's cut the bogus introduction, and let me express the unbearable truth of final weeks for a college student like me.

As this week approaches, I am getting more and more nervous of your arrival. You can see that I am going a little bit crazy with the anxiety that is building up inside me. Do you see me pulling my hair? I'm not ready to lose any! I'm too young for this stress.

 To be honest, I am not that great of test taker in which I am very thankful that you are mostly papers (lengthy papers, may I be more specific). My classes have been great this semester, and I can say the same for my professors. As for you finals, I don't know how I feel about you. You bring such nervousness for students like me. Maybe I'm just a perfectionist, and I like doing well in school, but you are not nice.

My friends are on my side though, and they are supporting me along the way with endless study sessions in the library. Although you may be cruel, vicious, malicious (okay- maybe exaggerating a bit too much), I liked the rhyme though. You will not defeat me!

I have coffee on my side to keep me going. Can I say double shots of espresso? Be afraid.

No best wishes,

J.