High School Reflections

Now that I'm over a month removed from graduation, I think it's a good time to reflect on my time in high school and how I think it'll affect me into college and beyond.

First and foremost, the people I met, my fellow alumni, the ones still in high school, the teachers, faculty, and staff are all amazing. One of the greatest benefits of a small school is how close you become to your teachers and your classmates and that was something I was looking forward to about going to UAH.

Secondly, although I spent a lot of time doing homework (definitely not studying though. I need to figure that part out before college...) I still found some clubs I enjoyed and I did them well. Swimming taught me perseverance and how to cope with failure, because I didn't really learn that through academics. Government club taught me how to find my voice, debate and discuss well, and how the legislature works better than my government class did. I really don't think you need to do everything, but my goodness, whatever you do, be passionate about it and give it your all.

I went to all but one high school dance, even when I had mono, and honestly, that's some of my best memories. I had a date to all of the casual ones and almost all of the upperclassman ones, and I honestly kind of enjoyed that more, but that's probably because my date was always my boyfriend. That makes a huge difference.

Overall, I really did enjoy high school and I can only hope college will be better!


--Edited to include photo--

Links I Love (06/11)

These are the 4 articles I've been loving this week.

1. Dear Future Husband, These are My Prayers for You...

These are the promises I make every day to my long term boyfriend. I want to be someone who is unafraid to admit that love takes work and effort

2. Womanly Wednesday a Guest Post on Being Too Smart to be a Stay-at-Home Mom
I think out of all the articles I've read, this is the one that hits the hardest. I've always consistently done well in school, but I don't feel strongly about "using my intelligence." I've always been told It's career first, but it's always been in my head that family is the most important thing.

3. Healthy Collegiate Grocery List
Although this does mostly apply to college students, I still think these tips apply to anyone who is looking to save money while still eating well, or is already strapped for cash but wants to eat better. The checklist at the end is not only visually appealing but also helpful.

4. Why It Matters That We're Marrying in a Church
This is one of those things that used to confuse me- why does it matter because God is everywhere? Spoken Bride is one of my favorite websites for religious help, and this article explained the why it's in a Church besides "Well, canon law says so."

An Open Letter on the Passing of Kate Spade

This is very short, but that's because this post is not about me. Instead, it's about hope and positivity in the wake of something as sad as Kate's death.

《 content warning: discussion of depression and suicide 》

It's not much of a secret that Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers, not just my favorite for purses and wallets. And it's also not a secret that depression and suicide don't care if you're rich or poor, just starting out or making it big. You honestly can never know who is hurting just by looking, because appearances are deceiving.

My heart hurts for Kate, her family, her friends, her colleagues, and for everyone else who looked to her as a style icon. So dear reader, do not let her passing discourage you. Instead use it as motivation to keep living. Live to create what speaks to you because maybe you'll revolutionize the world.

All it takes is one person to stand up, to keep living even when sometimes that feels like too much to ask. Be the hope you wish everyone else could see in this messy, imperfect world. You never know. Maybe you could be that person.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth

《If you or someone you know is suicidal, feel free to reach out to the national suicide hotline (US only) at 1-800-273-8255》

June Goals

My goals for June aren't that different from my May goals. I'm still aiming for success here and with Arbonne.


Blog Goals:

• Double my pageviews
• Post twice a week
• Post on social media at least once a week

Arbonne Goals:

• 5+ clients
• Sell at least 150 QV of product
• Post at least once a day on social media

Spiritual Goals:

• Pray more
• Worry less
• Give it all to God

Lifestyle Goals:

• Finish buying clothes for college
• Sell my clothes on poshmark
• Finish buying for college
• Take more photos
• Budget better

Summer is the best time to work on yourself and just to enjoy life. Time to do that. Let me know in the comments what your goals for the month are!

Orientation Packing List

I've been back from college orientation for exactly a week now, so I feel like I can tell you what all you need to bring. Obviously, every college is different and most will send you a list, but this is what I packed for my two-day orientation

Clothing:

• Nike shorts
• Jean shorts
• 2 t-shirts
• Rain jacket
• Pajamas
• Socks
• Underwear
• Tennis shoes
• Chaco's (these are my babies. I highly recommend them to anyone with knee problems and will be doing a lot of walking)

Toiletries:

• Body wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Spot cream
• Contacts
• Contact solution

Other:

• Blanket (dorms are cold, even in the middle of May. Worst case scenario, you can lay on top of the linens they give you and use your blanket to sleep on. Not saying that's what I did, but that's what I did)
• Notebook
• Pens
• Charger
• Wallet
• Any forms your college asks you to bring

As always, graphic made in canva. photo is not mine

A Week in the Life (April 9)

I'm so sorry for the delay, but here's my first of many blog posts before the end of the year!

Monday:

I went to school and attended a scholarship meeting for my upcoming freshman year.

While at school, I spent most of my time writing for the school newspaper as well as researching topics for my English paper.

Tuesday:

I went to school (again) and this time finished my articles for the paper and began to design an outline for my paper. I also wrote and edited more blog posts, so there should be approximately 5 more coming out in the next two weeks or so! I've got a lot of school work going on this month, so I have to write as much as I can when I get the time!

Wednesday:

While at school, I made my prom and graduation nail appointments, as well as decided on my graduation hair and makeup. I also went to work after school. Not exactly eventful.

Thursday:

I didn't really do anything besides school, so there's nothing interesting here, sadly.

Friday:

Friday was prom, so I didn't go to school at all. I had brunch in the morning, then went to get my nails done. I then had lunch before rushing to my hair and makeup which ended up taking an extra hour. I ended up booking it to my pictures, but it worked out, so the stress was only temporary (but there was still a lot of it…) I'm still waiting to get my prom photos back, but I know they're going to be great! 

After prom, I headed to my friend's house to watch The Greatest Showman and sleep over. Granted, it was like 2 am by the time I went to sleep, but it's technically Friday night, right?

Saturday:

I woke up around 10 and got ready to go into work by 1:30. Yep, I had to work the day after prom. It kind of sucked, but at least I didn't have any medical emergencies or saves.