Part of the reason I write this blog is for me. Because I love to write and share with people. Reflecting on the day and remembering my dreams are very important to me. But the main reason I write this blog is because people who are college seniors or recent graduates often do not know what the 8-5, working life feels like. I've had a job since I was 16 years old (I actually did projects for a newspaper during the summer starting at 13 years old) so I know what it is like to work.. all the joys and frustrations that come with it. But being totally on your own and paying your bills is a totally different story. It is important to accurately show students what the daily grind is actually like... and to help them feel they are not alone. Sadly life skills - like signing a lease, picking your benefits, etc.- aren't properly taught in school. I was fortunate enough to have parents help me work through all of that the past 2 months but some people are totally on their own.
I say all of this to lead up to the wonderful weekend I have just had! I went to visit a friend (Mary) and mentor in the beautiful, sunny town of St. Pete. As I posted before, I just felt lonely the past few weeks even though I have some friends close. There are just some people you connect with on a different level who help you understand and achieve your most far-fetched dreams. Mary is one of those people. We talked about our dream jobs and all of our ideas to better the world. We talked about life and where we are. It all came full circle. She has been feeling the same as me for a year since she graduated. It is a tough transition out of your college bubble. Each day your schedule varies, you can walk over to your friends dorm everyday, you have org meetings that allow you follow your passions and make a difference or grow personally.. You usually have a roommate (either in the good way, or the "I'm living in a soap opera" way). so you're never fully alone... and if you are alone you can always find someone to do something. It is literally like each day is an adventure no matter how much stuff you have to do or how stressed you are.
Then you move off on your own ... some of you may have roommates still but I am in a one room apartment that is just for me. Mary lives with her fiance (they've been together since freshman year of college and are getting married in almost a month!) but it is still difficult because she doesn't have her set of close friends. It's just strange when you want to go off and do something.....but have to think about who to go with or what to do because it's a new setting. But just knowing that she has and was experiencing the same things I have been dealing with for the past 3 weeks was so comforting. I hate to think of her feeling out of place and having to adjust, but that is just part of life. She wants to work for a non-profit and realized that by living this she will be able to relate to 90% of people because most people are in our positions... where you just have a job. You aren't doing what you are truly passionate about and it gets discouraging to actually follow your heart when you get turned down for jobs, or when there aren't even any openings... when your dream doesn't pay much money and you have all of these bills to pay and loans to pay back. It's such a frustrating place to be! But luckily we can find comfort, persevere and keep dreaming because we have each other. Because there is strength in unity. Because our dreams matter and they are achievable.
It was just a fantastic weekend.. There were lots of laughs, a few tears and genuine talks. I hope that you can find someone that you can talk to about anything--no matter how ridiculous it may be--and they will still support you and help you to the best of their ability to make it a reality. Never feel stuck... every experience we have allows us to gain new perspectives and shape ourselves into the person we want to be. Don't think about how grass is greener on the other side, because often times it is just as prickly and rough as over here. Keep striving toward your goals, no matter how impossible they seem and do little things that help reignite your passion for them.
I am going to start doing more volunteer work in the community so that I don't forget my desire to help people and solve their needs.
I wish you a wonderful week and thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading.
All the best,
Alyssa
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
LUNCH BREAK!
Hump DAYYYYY!
Happy hump day and lunch break everyone.
Most people think 5:00 is the best time of day when you're finished with work and able to go home (and I would agree)... but I particularly like lunch. It gives me something to look forward to, allows me to decompress then push through the rest of the day. Plus at this point I know what the day has in store for me, so I can crank through the last 4 hours quickly.
I am really busy today and it's great! I love having stuff to do.. makes 5:00 get here that much sooner.
Friday after work I am going a little road trip to visit a friend for the weekend... so I cannot wait for these next 2 days to be over! If I don't have anything to do I am bored, the day goes by slower, and I anticipate what fun things are coming up... then that's all I can think about! Is it Friday yet?!
But luckily that is not happening today. I think I am getting the hang of things so the boss lady is trusting me with more work.
I sent an RFP all by myself today! It was an amazing feeling. After 2 1/2 weeks I feel useful and not like I'm just doing petty/busy work. I am glad that I can help companies get better rates for their insurance and ensure they are getting the best coverage. I like helping people.. that's what I want to do with my life- help people in some capacity. Until I was about 17 years old I could tell you what I wanted to be when I grew up... now I just don't even know. There are many, many things I want to do but there is no set job title I want. It's interesting how your career goals change over your lifetime (or don't change. Some people know exactly what they want to do and do it! I think that's really cool). I'm an ever changing person so who knows where I'll end up. But I'm excited for the journey! No point focusing on the end destination because we have only just begun the adventure.
I hope you're having a lovely day! If you work for an employer (or are your own employer) where you set your own type of hours and just have to get your work done each day then I am envious of you. I do not like this 8 - 5 thing. I'm ready to only be in the office a few hours of the day because I am out at meetings and interacting with people. But it'll come! You have to work towards your dream job and create it along the way.
Enjoy the rest of your day. Talk to you soon
Daydreaming of the possibilities,
Alyssa
Happy hump day and lunch break everyone.
Most people think 5:00 is the best time of day when you're finished with work and able to go home (and I would agree)... but I particularly like lunch. It gives me something to look forward to, allows me to decompress then push through the rest of the day. Plus at this point I know what the day has in store for me, so I can crank through the last 4 hours quickly.
I am really busy today and it's great! I love having stuff to do.. makes 5:00 get here that much sooner.
Friday after work I am going a little road trip to visit a friend for the weekend... so I cannot wait for these next 2 days to be over! If I don't have anything to do I am bored, the day goes by slower, and I anticipate what fun things are coming up... then that's all I can think about! Is it Friday yet?!
But luckily that is not happening today. I think I am getting the hang of things so the boss lady is trusting me with more work.
I sent an RFP all by myself today! It was an amazing feeling. After 2 1/2 weeks I feel useful and not like I'm just doing petty/busy work. I am glad that I can help companies get better rates for their insurance and ensure they are getting the best coverage. I like helping people.. that's what I want to do with my life- help people in some capacity. Until I was about 17 years old I could tell you what I wanted to be when I grew up... now I just don't even know. There are many, many things I want to do but there is no set job title I want. It's interesting how your career goals change over your lifetime (or don't change. Some people know exactly what they want to do and do it! I think that's really cool). I'm an ever changing person so who knows where I'll end up. But I'm excited for the journey! No point focusing on the end destination because we have only just begun the adventure.
I hope you're having a lovely day! If you work for an employer (or are your own employer) where you set your own type of hours and just have to get your work done each day then I am envious of you. I do not like this 8 - 5 thing. I'm ready to only be in the office a few hours of the day because I am out at meetings and interacting with people. But it'll come! You have to work towards your dream job and create it along the way.
Enjoy the rest of your day. Talk to you soon
Daydreaming of the possibilities,
Alyssa
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Lonely..
Today I realize how nice it was to live in the apartments at school. I was absolutely tired of my messy apartment and was convinced that living in my own place would be paradise... There are definitely perks! I love how clean it is, I can select the decor, there's real furniture instead of that play stuff colleges give you, I have amenities! I have a lovely little pond with a fountain right outside of my apartment. Went for a jog today and it was nice to listen to the falling water and have the scenery. While also feeling secure since I am in a small community with little traffic.
But as I sit here in the later hours of the day I am just craving human interaction. I sit in my cubicle every day from 8 - 5 with very little to stimulate my brain and no conversation. Then, I get home to an empty apartment with no one around to invite over. I thought my friends who are close would always be over, but after this first week totally on my own I am mistaken... because we all have things going on in our lives and it is a little bit of a drive.
My argument to my mom about staying in this area was that I wanted my own place and to be around my friends... but it seems her argument was more valid. I may have a job I really really enjoy and could interact with my family if I would have gone to NC.
I know it may seem dramatic since it has only been 2 weeks... but I have this innate desire to create and do something worthwhile. I want to learn and grow... yet I'm already stagnant. I hope that things progress and that this stagnation ends...
I don't know how to go out and make new friends without being put into the same organization, class, or group project...but I'm going to try. Definitely not replacing my old friends, just finding more so that I won't ever have this horrible feeling of being alone.
Even though I have 2 beautiful people in my life that I talk on the phone to everyday and share a deep connection with ... I need in person interaction. I think knowing that they are out there and I cannot drive over to their house to chat in person makes it a bit harder.
But I'll continue to be productive and work through it! It's part of growing up, and that is what this chapter of my life is all about. I am reading a couple of books, have a list of movies to watch, blogs to read, I am going to buy a cookbook (because my random cooking is fun, but I want some direction).
Tomorrow is the weekend! (TGIF has a totally new meaning to me now). And lucky for me, I have plans all weekend! Dinner at my best friends family's house tomorrow, Springs Saturday, and a cookout on Sunday. So here's to always looking on the bright side.
Thank you for reading and bearing with me! This helps me to feel that there is more out there.. and that maybe, just maybe, there is someone else out there looking for a little friendship and understanding in this journey of life.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Dreaming about the future,
Alyssa
But as I sit here in the later hours of the day I am just craving human interaction. I sit in my cubicle every day from 8 - 5 with very little to stimulate my brain and no conversation. Then, I get home to an empty apartment with no one around to invite over. I thought my friends who are close would always be over, but after this first week totally on my own I am mistaken... because we all have things going on in our lives and it is a little bit of a drive.
My argument to my mom about staying in this area was that I wanted my own place and to be around my friends... but it seems her argument was more valid. I may have a job I really really enjoy and could interact with my family if I would have gone to NC.
I know it may seem dramatic since it has only been 2 weeks... but I have this innate desire to create and do something worthwhile. I want to learn and grow... yet I'm already stagnant. I hope that things progress and that this stagnation ends...
I don't know how to go out and make new friends without being put into the same organization, class, or group project...but I'm going to try. Definitely not replacing my old friends, just finding more so that I won't ever have this horrible feeling of being alone.
Even though I have 2 beautiful people in my life that I talk on the phone to everyday and share a deep connection with ... I need in person interaction. I think knowing that they are out there and I cannot drive over to their house to chat in person makes it a bit harder.
But I'll continue to be productive and work through it! It's part of growing up, and that is what this chapter of my life is all about. I am reading a couple of books, have a list of movies to watch, blogs to read, I am going to buy a cookbook (because my random cooking is fun, but I want some direction).
Tomorrow is the weekend! (TGIF has a totally new meaning to me now). And lucky for me, I have plans all weekend! Dinner at my best friends family's house tomorrow, Springs Saturday, and a cookout on Sunday. So here's to always looking on the bright side.
Thank you for reading and bearing with me! This helps me to feel that there is more out there.. and that maybe, just maybe, there is someone else out there looking for a little friendship and understanding in this journey of life.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Dreaming about the future,
Alyssa
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Senior year bucket list?
Sooo I just looked back on my post about "Last Day of Undergrad".
It says "tomorrow I am going to post my senior year bucket list and keep you updated on my progress". Wellll that didn't happen. But don't feel left out because I didn't make one at all.
Boy, my follow through could really improve. I have a lot to learn.
Until next time,
Alyssa
It says "tomorrow I am going to post my senior year bucket list and keep you updated on my progress". Wellll that didn't happen. But don't feel left out because I didn't make one at all.
Boy, my follow through could really improve. I have a lot to learn.
Until next time,
Alyssa
Working 8 - 5- what a way to make a living.
Wooooo. This is my 8th day on the job. So far so-so, but definitely not what I expected. Which you would think I knew what I was going to be doing since I interned here for 4 weeks. But stuffing envelopes made what I'm now doing look exciting.
We get this idea in our head that we are going to go out and be successful immediately because we have spent all this time studying, preparing for the workplace... well that is not the case. Just like everything in life, you must work your way up. What an optimist I was to think I was going to start this job that I just loved. I thought I would see this set career path and work towards it. Work ethic is something I value and I do work hard, but I thought it would feel more fulfilling... Sitting at a computer typing stuff into spreadsheets and looking at which insurance plans doctors accept may sound fulfilling to you.... but it certainly isn't to me.
I'm getting scared that I will get used to the paycheck, and may get complacent with this type of job. This is not something I want to get comfortable doing because I was meant to accomplish much bigger things. Not that what I'm doing is insignificant.... it's just not for me. I want something fun and exciting-- I want to interact with people. Not sit in a cubicle for 8-9 hours wishing it was 5 p.m. on a Friday. Never in my life would I have believed you if you told me I would be counting the hours until I was off of work.
But, I guess that's what happens when you take the easy way out. I settled because I knew I would be comfortable and wouldn't have to go through interviews. Plus it would give me time to figure out what I really want to do. That's the problem with jumping into college and with college curriculum, it doesn't help you figure out where you want to work or what you want to be doing. It just shows you some of the things you could do and puts credentials behind your name to help you get that mundane, not fulfilling job.
It may not sound like it...but I love the company I work for. It is just so not my personality... I want to solve problems, interact with people, help people. This is just looking at plans and inputting information into a computer right now. But the reason I love this company is because they empower you and allow you to determine the best career path for you. There are lots of opportunity for growth and change.
I don't know... I just want to do something that is making a difference in society. You know what I mean?
I believe in myself and know that I could make my dreams come true... I just don't know where to start.
I really want to have a talk show with my friend Nicole. We could revolutionize TV. It would be epic. You think I write good blogs (or maybe you don't?), wait til you see what I'll be like as a talk show host (hopefully better by voice than words if you don't like these posts). There are so many things we should be focusing on as a society but they come third, forth, or honorable mention to all of these things that don't matter. 24 hour news was a ridiculous idea.. it takes away the importance of things that need emphasis.
See my mind is all over the place because it's being suppressed. I don't even know what to do with myself. I want to cook, clean, write, read, watch TV, craft, relax and listen to music. Just too many things that won't fit in between 5:30 and 11 p.m.
For those of you that have worked 8-5 for 40 years in jobs that you don't truly enjoy, I don't know how you do it. I'm not moving on (just yet), but I know I cannot do this for more than 2 years. I have to be able to work various hours and be with people. That's the main thing... I miss people. I'm starting to get lonely. Last year, I interacted with people each and every day, almost all day! Now I say a few things at work about work, and come home to any empty apartment.
Which is probably why I am writing to you...cyber world.
I have to find something productive to do... so until next time.
An unsatisfied/adjusting college student,
Restless Lyss
We get this idea in our head that we are going to go out and be successful immediately because we have spent all this time studying, preparing for the workplace... well that is not the case. Just like everything in life, you must work your way up. What an optimist I was to think I was going to start this job that I just loved. I thought I would see this set career path and work towards it. Work ethic is something I value and I do work hard, but I thought it would feel more fulfilling... Sitting at a computer typing stuff into spreadsheets and looking at which insurance plans doctors accept may sound fulfilling to you.... but it certainly isn't to me.
I'm getting scared that I will get used to the paycheck, and may get complacent with this type of job. This is not something I want to get comfortable doing because I was meant to accomplish much bigger things. Not that what I'm doing is insignificant.... it's just not for me. I want something fun and exciting-- I want to interact with people. Not sit in a cubicle for 8-9 hours wishing it was 5 p.m. on a Friday. Never in my life would I have believed you if you told me I would be counting the hours until I was off of work.
But, I guess that's what happens when you take the easy way out. I settled because I knew I would be comfortable and wouldn't have to go through interviews. Plus it would give me time to figure out what I really want to do. That's the problem with jumping into college and with college curriculum, it doesn't help you figure out where you want to work or what you want to be doing. It just shows you some of the things you could do and puts credentials behind your name to help you get that mundane, not fulfilling job.
It may not sound like it...but I love the company I work for. It is just so not my personality... I want to solve problems, interact with people, help people. This is just looking at plans and inputting information into a computer right now. But the reason I love this company is because they empower you and allow you to determine the best career path for you. There are lots of opportunity for growth and change.
I don't know... I just want to do something that is making a difference in society. You know what I mean?
I believe in myself and know that I could make my dreams come true... I just don't know where to start.
I really want to have a talk show with my friend Nicole. We could revolutionize TV. It would be epic. You think I write good blogs (or maybe you don't?), wait til you see what I'll be like as a talk show host (hopefully better by voice than words if you don't like these posts). There are so many things we should be focusing on as a society but they come third, forth, or honorable mention to all of these things that don't matter. 24 hour news was a ridiculous idea.. it takes away the importance of things that need emphasis.
See my mind is all over the place because it's being suppressed. I don't even know what to do with myself. I want to cook, clean, write, read, watch TV, craft, relax and listen to music. Just too many things that won't fit in between 5:30 and 11 p.m.
For those of you that have worked 8-5 for 40 years in jobs that you don't truly enjoy, I don't know how you do it. I'm not moving on (just yet), but I know I cannot do this for more than 2 years. I have to be able to work various hours and be with people. That's the main thing... I miss people. I'm starting to get lonely. Last year, I interacted with people each and every day, almost all day! Now I say a few things at work about work, and come home to any empty apartment.
Which is probably why I am writing to you...cyber world.
I have to find something productive to do... so until next time.
An unsatisfied/adjusting college student,
Restless Lyss
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Almost summer...
As I sit and enjoy this long weekend, I cannot help but think summer is a few short weeks away. Summer--a time of no worries, sun, friends, and fun. Something I've always enjoyed. For the first time in my life I won't have a summer.. Last summer was literally the last summer (even though I worked 8-5 for 8 weeks of it). This summer symbolizes not only a change in the season, but a change in chapters. My life is taking on a new chapter--Adulthood. While I've felt independent and mentally like an adult for several years I will truly learn what is like on my own. I will learn what its like to manage a budget and pay those dreaded bills. To slowly see each penny I've worked so hard for go to the basic necessities of life.
Like the summer this transition will be fun and exciting, but also hot, boring and miserable. I am scared to see what the balance will be. I'm scared to be away from the people who I hold so close. I'm scared for distance and time to start making their mark. While college is stressful and keeps me busy, I know that this is a rare time in your life where you are mostly carefree and able to do what you want. If you just prioritize your time you can always make it to where your schedule fits those of your friends. There is always someone to lean on, cry on, and go on an adventure with. I don't want to lose those people.. I don't want those relationships to start drifting....... slowly sinking off into the vast Atlantic to be washed back on and off for the rest of our lives.
I suppose I should look at the positives. I no longer have to worry and pick up after my messy roommates. I don't have to be busy 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. with class, meetings, and homework. I get to use the knowledge I've worked so hard to gain, while continuing to learn. There's new people to meet and promotions to gain. An apartment to decorate and make into my home. Since my parents moved a few months ago I've felt kind of homeless, so it will be nice to make my very first home and start my own life.
I won't be totally alone. I have a couple of friends staying in this area, and a family I'm close to within 5 minutes of my new place. I will be in a small city so I have that homey feeling while having stuff to do (and great places to eat at!)
I hope that the transitions I've already experienced in life can help me stay strong and enjoy this new chapter. I hope I remember that you don't have to talk everyday or know everything about someone's life to stay best friends... I've known that since 8th grade but it's different for different people.
If I had one piece of advice to give future, for real adult me it would be to stay adventurous. Don't make it to where going to Krispy Kreme at midnight, randomly go to the Daytona 500, or jumping out of plane is just a college thing. Experiences are for life. Don't let the 8-5 life make you boring and tired. Always remember what you love and if you lose passion in something...find something to replace it.
Good luck to everyone out there having a similar transition. See it as a fun thing! You're friends will always be there (especially in this connected society!), there are similar people to you anywhere you go, and change is good. Don't be afraid. Transitions help you discover pieces of yourself you were unaware of.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face....we must do that which we think we cannot!"
Like the summer this transition will be fun and exciting, but also hot, boring and miserable. I am scared to see what the balance will be. I'm scared to be away from the people who I hold so close. I'm scared for distance and time to start making their mark. While college is stressful and keeps me busy, I know that this is a rare time in your life where you are mostly carefree and able to do what you want. If you just prioritize your time you can always make it to where your schedule fits those of your friends. There is always someone to lean on, cry on, and go on an adventure with. I don't want to lose those people.. I don't want those relationships to start drifting....... slowly sinking off into the vast Atlantic to be washed back on and off for the rest of our lives.
I suppose I should look at the positives. I no longer have to worry and pick up after my messy roommates. I don't have to be busy 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. with class, meetings, and homework. I get to use the knowledge I've worked so hard to gain, while continuing to learn. There's new people to meet and promotions to gain. An apartment to decorate and make into my home. Since my parents moved a few months ago I've felt kind of homeless, so it will be nice to make my very first home and start my own life.
I won't be totally alone. I have a couple of friends staying in this area, and a family I'm close to within 5 minutes of my new place. I will be in a small city so I have that homey feeling while having stuff to do (and great places to eat at!)
I hope that the transitions I've already experienced in life can help me stay strong and enjoy this new chapter. I hope I remember that you don't have to talk everyday or know everything about someone's life to stay best friends... I've known that since 8th grade but it's different for different people.
If I had one piece of advice to give future, for real adult me it would be to stay adventurous. Don't make it to where going to Krispy Kreme at midnight, randomly go to the Daytona 500, or jumping out of plane is just a college thing. Experiences are for life. Don't let the 8-5 life make you boring and tired. Always remember what you love and if you lose passion in something...find something to replace it.
Good luck to everyone out there having a similar transition. See it as a fun thing! You're friends will always be there (especially in this connected society!), there are similar people to you anywhere you go, and change is good. Don't be afraid. Transitions help you discover pieces of yourself you were unaware of.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face....we must do that which we think we cannot!"
Alyssa
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Last first day of undergrad.
Well my last first day has come and gone... so have my second and third. If this is any indication as to how fast the next 4 months will go by, then I better not sleep or blink or else I'll miss it. I've been trying to figure out how I feel about everything. It's really difficulty because one end of the spectrum I don't want to leave, ever. Then on the other I cannot wait to be done, give me the diploma and send me along my merry way.
I keep telling myself that these are the last 120 days I'll ever be in this position and that seems to help combat the desire to be done.But then that reminds that this is real, and I won't be here forever. I have loved my time at Stetson. I've made incredible friends. Grown personally and professionally. Reached an understanding and love for people that I never expected. And hopefully inspired or helped a few people along the way. I just want to influence someone's life for the better like so many people here have done for me.The lessons I've learned, friendships fostered, and memories made will always be treasured. But to say this is the best time in my life and these memories will be my top is unfair. Stetson has prepared for me a career and taught me not to sell myself short and to find meaning in everything I do. Therefore, I am confident that my experiences here will be mirrored in whatever I do afterwards. It bothers me when people older than me say the best days are "almost behind me". If they are that unhappy in their lives that this dramatic and tumultuous undergraduate experience is the best then maybe they are the ones with the problem. If people didn't make the whole "you only live once" ideology into an excuse to justify doing dumb things and saw it as a reason to live a life full of happiness and doing all the things you love then more people would see that each day is a gift, and should not be taken for granted. We all have to do things we really don't want to do (I didn't want to have to read and analyze a case for my 2nd day of class), but we have to see the beauty and benefit in everything we do (I learned practical skills that can be applied in the real world, plus it was really interesting!).
I'm straying from my original meaning for writing this post, but hey that is the beauty of writing. It frees the soul. And after my meetings and stuff today, I need some freedom. The main reason I just want to enjoy this semester, stay motivated, and have a good attitude is because I was so bombarded with obligations last semester. My classes were not my priority, SGA was which made me deal with a lot of things that did not enhance my quality of life. I really do enjoy my classes and know that the ones this semester will translate into my career field so they are my priority. Next is spending time with the people that I am so blessed to see on a daily basis. The hardest part of graduation will be not being able to call my friends to hang out at any point. I cannot imagine having these people around to watch movies with, force to go get a frosty with me, come over to just discuss life, and to simply listen to me when my mind is wandering. I hope that wherever I end up in May I find the same quality of people that I have found here. I'm used this incredibly high standard, so that will be hard, but I have faith it will work out. As long as I look at the company culture and how well the job fits with me over the salary amount I think I will find some amazing people. I mean Stetson's price tag didn't hinder me from coming here, even though it has strained me and family financially, and look how its turned out! Hopefully Stetson's an investment and will keep the brand as it is. They are trying to grow and that just scares me... 2300 to 3000 students doesn't seem like a big jump, but when you are in the daily grind of things you can see even what a change 200 students can make. The smaller the population the more dramatic the change is. I am glad I was during this time, because the culture is changing. There are some incredible people that have come in over the last 2 years, but its just been different from my freshman and sophomore year. I love change, but it has to be Positive change. If its negative, then why change things?
Anyways, I'm ranting and could go on and on about this... so I'm going to call it a night.
Tomorrow I"m going to post my senior year bucket list and keep you posted on my progress!
Have a lovely day,
Alyssa
I keep telling myself that these are the last 120 days I'll ever be in this position and that seems to help combat the desire to be done.But then that reminds that this is real, and I won't be here forever. I have loved my time at Stetson. I've made incredible friends. Grown personally and professionally. Reached an understanding and love for people that I never expected. And hopefully inspired or helped a few people along the way. I just want to influence someone's life for the better like so many people here have done for me.The lessons I've learned, friendships fostered, and memories made will always be treasured. But to say this is the best time in my life and these memories will be my top is unfair. Stetson has prepared for me a career and taught me not to sell myself short and to find meaning in everything I do. Therefore, I am confident that my experiences here will be mirrored in whatever I do afterwards. It bothers me when people older than me say the best days are "almost behind me". If they are that unhappy in their lives that this dramatic and tumultuous undergraduate experience is the best then maybe they are the ones with the problem. If people didn't make the whole "you only live once" ideology into an excuse to justify doing dumb things and saw it as a reason to live a life full of happiness and doing all the things you love then more people would see that each day is a gift, and should not be taken for granted. We all have to do things we really don't want to do (I didn't want to have to read and analyze a case for my 2nd day of class), but we have to see the beauty and benefit in everything we do (I learned practical skills that can be applied in the real world, plus it was really interesting!).
I'm straying from my original meaning for writing this post, but hey that is the beauty of writing. It frees the soul. And after my meetings and stuff today, I need some freedom. The main reason I just want to enjoy this semester, stay motivated, and have a good attitude is because I was so bombarded with obligations last semester. My classes were not my priority, SGA was which made me deal with a lot of things that did not enhance my quality of life. I really do enjoy my classes and know that the ones this semester will translate into my career field so they are my priority. Next is spending time with the people that I am so blessed to see on a daily basis. The hardest part of graduation will be not being able to call my friends to hang out at any point. I cannot imagine having these people around to watch movies with, force to go get a frosty with me, come over to just discuss life, and to simply listen to me when my mind is wandering. I hope that wherever I end up in May I find the same quality of people that I have found here. I'm used this incredibly high standard, so that will be hard, but I have faith it will work out. As long as I look at the company culture and how well the job fits with me over the salary amount I think I will find some amazing people. I mean Stetson's price tag didn't hinder me from coming here, even though it has strained me and family financially, and look how its turned out! Hopefully Stetson's an investment and will keep the brand as it is. They are trying to grow and that just scares me... 2300 to 3000 students doesn't seem like a big jump, but when you are in the daily grind of things you can see even what a change 200 students can make. The smaller the population the more dramatic the change is. I am glad I was during this time, because the culture is changing. There are some incredible people that have come in over the last 2 years, but its just been different from my freshman and sophomore year. I love change, but it has to be Positive change. If its negative, then why change things?
Anyways, I'm ranting and could go on and on about this... so I'm going to call it a night.
Tomorrow I"m going to post my senior year bucket list and keep you posted on my progress!
Have a lovely day,
Alyssa
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