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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

How do I de-stress and relax?

I get stressed a lot about certain things. My life is full of stress because I am always running around doing something and my schedule is always busy. It is important to take time for yourself and just relax and take time for yourself. Below is some of my favorite ways to de-stress and relax. I hope you enjoy. Also comment below some of your favorite ways to de-stress and relax.

1) Adult coloring books
I have recently got into adult coloring books. I have about 6 of them. They are great when I just want to relax. The coloring allows me to just focus on one thing and not multiple items.

2) Listening to music
When I am stressed, I like to turn on the radio, an app, or my record player. Listening to music and just singing off key helps me to not focus on what is stressing me out. I sleep with a radio on when I am at my house because it helps me sleep better.

3) Read
Reading helps me get my stress out. Focusing on the words and the story I am reading helps me to just relax. I normally read before I go to bed to help me sleep. It helps my brain calm down if I have had a rough day.

4) Writing
I love to write and writing out my feelings or some stuff that has been on my mind helps me relax and focus on more important things.

5) Drawing
I'm not good at it but it helps me calm down sometimes. I normally try this option after I try everything else and nothing else helps me.

Friday, August 26, 2016

My favorite apps

I have a ton of apps but the ones listed below are my all time favorite and somewhat useful apps. I use these all the time and love them. Some of these are useful and some of them are fun.

1) Snapchat- I use this app all the time. It doesn't matter what time of day it is. It is an app where you can pictures and videos to other people after you add them. You can also post them to your stories and view other people's stories. If you want to add me, my username is katlyn.yates

2) Instagram- I use this app daily if not multiple times a day. It helps me connect to my friends and family that is off. I also follow tons of celebrities that I love and want to view their lives. If you want to follow me, my username is katlyn_yates

3) Twitter- I love this app. I use it multiple times a day. I can share my feelings on my profile and not worry about certain people seeing them. I also follow some amazing people on there. If you want to add me, my username is katlyn_yates

4) Whisper- This app is a place where you can anonymously post statuses and people can heart or reply to them. You can also message people and people can message you. I love this app because I can get advice from people that I may have never met before that may be going through the same thing as me.

5) Youtube- I use this app when I am away from my computer. I normally use my computer to get on Youtube.

6) Pinterest- One of my favorite apps. I have a board for everything. Every girl's paradise.

7) Bible study- I use this app as an on-the-go bible study. I also use it if I don't have a bible with me or I forget mine.

8) Spotify/Pandora/IHeartRadio- Three music apps that I use on a daily basis. I use these to play music in my car or if I am going somewhere.

9)Wattpad/Kindle- Two reading apps that I have and love. Use these all the time to read.

10) P-tracker- Keeps track of my period so I don't have to because I forget easily. Extremely useful. You can also post symptoms and mood changes on the app.

11) Classmanager- I use this to keep track of my classes and assignments.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

20 Movies every girl should watch at least once

I love movies. They sometimes can teach us a lesson about life. Below are 20 movies that every girl should see at least once in her life. 


1) The Breakfast Club- absolutely one of my favorite movies. It involves a group of teenagers that have detention on a Saturday morning. They didn't know each other at the beginning of the movie but at the end, they become friends. I watch this movie everytime it is on. 

2) Gone With the Wind- I watch this movie every year. It is a classic. It follows Scarlett O'Hera as she learns that everything is not about her. She went after every man she sees until Rhett Butler walks into her life. It is a love story that doesn't have a happy ending. It is a very long movie also.



3) Sweet Home Alabama- New York fashion designer Melanie suddenly finds herself engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. But Melanie's past holds many secrets, including Jake, the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Bound and determined to end their relationship once and for all, Melanie sneaks back home to Alabama to confront her past, only to discover that you can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl. I love this movie. I can quote the whole entire thing.



4) Legally Blonde- When a blonde sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to follow him to law school to get him back and, once there, learns she has more legal savvy than she ever imagined. She wins her first major case and learns that she just needs to believe in herself. By going to law school, she meets a wonderful man that believes in her as well and loves her the way she is. This is a classic movie. I also watch this one when it comes on.

5) Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby are best friends living in Maryland. After many summers together, the four are finally going their separate ways for a few months: while Bridget heads to Mexico, and Lena visits family in Greece, Carmen and Tibby stay closer to home. No matter where they are, they are connected by a pair of jeans that they take turns sharing -- pants that fit all four girls and exemplify their tight bond.

6) Pretty Woman- In this modern update on Cinderella, a prostitute, and a wealthy businessman fall hard for one another, forming an unlikely pair. While on a business trip in L.A., Edward, who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a hooker, Vivian, on a lark. After Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend, the two get closer, only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.

7) Dirty Dancing- Baby is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she's disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort's dance instructor, Johnny, enlists Baby as his new partner, and the two fall in love. Baby's father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she's determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer. This is a classic movie. 

8) A Walk to Remember- "A Walk To Remember" follows the rite of passage of a jaded, aimless high school senior who falls in love with a guileless young woman he and his friends once scorned. The two develop a powerful and inspirational relationship in which they discover truths that take most people a lifetime to learn.





9) The Princess Diaries- Shy San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis is thrown for a loop when, from out of the blue, she learns the astonishing news that she's a real-life princess! As the heir apparent to the crown of the small European principality of Genovia, Mia begins a comical journey toward the throne when her strict and formidable grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, shows up to give her "princess lessons."







10) She's All That- High school hotshot Zach Siler is the envy of his peers. But his popularity declines sharply when his cheerleader girlfriend, Taylor, leaves him for sleazy reality-television star Brock Hudson. Desperate to revive his fading reputation, Siler agrees to a seemingly impossible challenge. He has six weeks to gain the trust of nerdy outcast Laney Boggs -- and help her to become the school's next prom queen.







11) Where the Heart Is- After Tennessee teen Novalee Nation is left literally barefoot and pregnant in a Wal-Mart parking lot by her no-good boyfriend, Willy Jack Pickens , she manages to live within the mammoth megastore until her baby's abrupt arrival makes her a media darling. After this, Good Samaritan nurse Lexie takes in Novalee and her newborn daughter. Before long, Lexie and Novalee form a life-changing bond of friendship and sisterhood.




12) Pride and Prejudice- In this adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Elizabeth Bennet lives with her mother, father, and sisters in the English countryside. As the eldest, she faces mounting pressure from her parents to marry. When the outspoken Elizabeth is introduced to the handsome and upper-class Mr. Darcy , sparks fly. Although there is obvious chemistry between the two, Darcy's overly reserved nature threatens the fledgling relationship.







13) Sixteen Candles- With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, Samantha must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, the only boy in the school, unfortunately, who seems to take an interest in her.

















14) Steel Magnolias- M'Lynn is the mother of bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton, and as friend Truvy Jones fixes the women's hair for the ceremony, they welcome a helping hand from aspiring beautician Annelle Dupuy Desoto. Diabetic Shelby has a health scare, which is averted but doesn't bode well for her hopes of having children. Time passes, and the women and their friends encounter tragedy and good fortune, growing stronger and closer in the process.







15) A Cinderella Story- Sam, a teenager in California, is obliged to work as a janitor and dishwasher in the diner of her stepmother. After a cell phone mix-up, Sam begins an anonymous text-messaging and e-mail relationship with a boy. They agree to meet at a school dance, but when Sam finds out that her secret pen pal is none other than Austin Ames, the cutest boy in school, she panics and looks for a way to make herself cooler.







16) P.S. I love you- When Gerry, the husband of Holly Kennedy, dies from an illness, she loses the love of her life. Knowing how hard Holly will take his death, Gerry plans ahead. Beginning on her 30th birthday, she receives the first in a series of letters written by him, designed to ease her grief and encourage her to move forward to a new life.







17) The Princess Bride- A fairytale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other.







18) Grease- Experience the friendships, romances, and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Welcome to the singing and dancing world of "Grease," the most successful movie musical of all time. A wholesome exchange student and a leather-clad Danny have a summer romance, but will it cross-clique lines?







19) Pretty in Pink- Andie is an outcast at her Chicago high school, hanging out either with her older boss, who owns the record store where she works, or her quirky classmate Duckie, who has a crush on her. When one of the rich and popular kids at school, Blane, asks Andie out, it seems too good to be true. As Andie starts falling for Blane, she begins to realize that dating someone from a different social sphere is not easy.












20) Walk the Line- The rise of country music legend Johnny Cash begins with his days as a boy growing up on the family farm, where he struggles under the scorn of his father. As the year's pass, Cash ends up in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Vivian, and breaks into the music scene after finding his trademark sound. While on tour, Cash meets the love of his life, singer June Carter, but Cash's volatile lifestyle threatens to keep them apart.










Friday, August 19, 2016

The club that changed my life

Dear Ambassadors,

I changed a lot because of y'all. I never thought that my life would end up the way it did because of this club. I applied for this club just suddenly. I didn't research it. I went for a tour and saw what the other Ambassadors were doing and I knew that was what I wanted to do. When I interviewed, I didn't think I was going to get it. When I found out that I did, I was so excited.

Ambassadors allowed me to succeed when I started college. I had a group of friends that was in some of my classes. Yea, there was some points where I couldn't handle it but I made it through. The Ambassadors were there when I needed them the most. Especially through my Sophomore year. I changed. I wasn't the shy girl anymore. I was talking to more people and doing stuff that I wasn't doing in the past. Ambassadors brought me out of my comfort zone.

Ambassadors were my safety blanket. I knew that no matter what happened, I would at least have a friend. Some of my best friend's were in the Ambassadors. I grew close to people that I probably would have never met on campus. These people found out things about me that nobody else knows. I trusted them and they trusted me. I spend 4 days a week with them and we never grew tired of each other. Relationships and friendships were formed and will last forever.

I just wanted to thank you for everything. Every laugh and smile. Every memory and every tear. I became more confident in myself and my abilities. I was able to get over my fear of public speaking. I learned so many skills.

I just want to thank the Ambassadors for two years. Two years that changed my life for the best. Friendships that will last a lifetime and memories I will cherish forever. Thank you for being the greatest club ever!

Love, Katlyn.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Favorite Holiday Traditions

Everybody has different holiday traditions that they participate in as a family. In my family, Christmas and Thanksgiving are important. Those are two holidays where we can spend time together as a family. I love that I get to participate in some of these traditions. Some of these traditions I used to do as a child that my family has passed down. I will also pass down some of these to my children. Below are some family traditions that my family participates in during the holidays.

Thanksgiving-
1) Making homemade dressing
2) Thanksgiving day and Black Friday shopping
3) Gone With the Wind marathon
4) Thanksgiving parade
5) Alabama vs. Auburn game


Christmas
1) Waking up early
2) Pajamas on Christmas Eve
3) Disney Christmas Parade
4) Bell- when I was 4-5 my grandfather asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said a bell off of Santa's sleigh and every year after that until he died, I got a bell.
5) Elves- my grandfather said there were elves in his study and we got to listen to them through the door if we were good when we were little
6) Christmas story
7) Mice- my grandfather and I would make mice out chocolate covered cherries
8) Lane cake, cheese straws, red velvet cake, Christmas tree and star cookies, and Turkish macaroons
9) Christmas movies
10) Being together as a family
11) Decorating the house and tree
12) Christmas village

My family had a lot of Christmas traditions that we still do today. I think these traditions make us special and whole as a family. I love all of these traditions and they made me the way I am today. I cherish these traditions because they hold so many memories.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

6 college essentials

Every student has things that they can't go to school without. College essentials are necessary to accomplish things. There are five things that I carry to college every day that I think other people should carry with them. They are:

1) A planner-
My planner is my life. I carry it everywhere. It has all of my important dates and meetings in it. I also write due dates and just important information in it. I would be lost without my planner. And there are some really cute planners out. I normally use a different color pen for each class or event.

2) Notebooks
I have a notebook for every class. The notebooks allow me to take notes in class and not have to use notebook paper. Some of my classes have loose-leaf books so the notebooks allow me to only have one binder to carry.

3) A water bottle
I carry a water bottle around with me all day. I can just refill it during the day at a water fountain and I am saving money. I bought a cute one to use. I normally add a water packet or fresh fruit to my water to make it taste better.

4) A snack
I always have a snack with me on campus. I don't have enough time between my two classes to eat a full on lunch so I always have a granola bar in my purse to tie me over until my class is over. If I don't have a granola bar, I have something quick and simple. This also prevents me from hitting up the vending machine and getting unhealthy food.

5) A journal
I always have a journal on me in case I get blog post ideas or I need to jot something down really quick.

6) An umbrella
I live in south Alabama so the weather is normally unpredictable. It could be sunny one second and it's raining the next. I always have a mini umbrella in either my purse or bookbag so I don't get caught all the way across campus in the rain and ready to leave. There have been quite a few times that I haven't had the umbrella and I wished I had it.

These may not work for you but these are some of the essentials that are always on me and they come in handy a lot.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Netflix picks

Netflix has become my life over the summer. I have never really been into Netflix until this summer. This summer I actually started watching shows and staying up really late to finish them. There are a lot of different and interesting shows to watch in every genre and theme. I have found a lot of shows on here that I really like and have finished.

Here are some of my Netflix picks:

1) Beauty and The Beast- I really liked this show. I didn't think I was going to like it until I started watching the first episode and then I was hooked. I basically stayed up all night to watch it.
2) Gossip Girl- This show was amazing. Loved it. I stayed up all night to watch it.
3) Glee- Loved this show.
4) Supernatural- I haven't been into this show a lot. I watch it when I feel like it. I'm going to start watching it pretty soon again.
5) Fuller House- I thought this show was good but nothing beats the original.
6) Arrow- This is an ok show. Not really into it but I haven't given it a chance.
7) Sons of Anarchy- Great show but really haven't given it a chance.
8) Flash- Great show but I need to watch it some more.
9) Young and Hungry- I watch this show on satellite and I love it.

If you have any more good shows on Netflix, feel free to comment them below.

Overview of the week - August 13, 2016

Sunday was when I went to church and it was like every other week. I loved it, as always. After church, I drove to the town the college I am attending is in so I get the feel of the way.

Monday-Thursday was the same. I took my brothers to school and picked them up every afternoon. During the day, I worked on some things.

Friday I went to my school to pick up my ID and check on some things. I also went shopping. I also had to get fingerprinted for the teacher program.

Saturday was pretty chill until Saturday night. Saturday night my church had a back-to-school cookout so I went and it was really fun to just hang out with the people at my church.


My days have been really chill since I have been out of school. They will start to get busy though.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Favorite songs

Music is my life. I listen to the radio when I go to sleep and the radio is always on in my car. There has been a lot of good songs on the radio recently. Music helps me to relax before bed and helps me de-stress if I am stressed. Music is just a big part of my life. I can basically listen to most genre's of music and like them. My favorite songs have great beats and meaningful lyrics. Some are also newer songs but some are also older songs. I am going to post some of my favorite songs below but they are not in any particular order.

These are some of my favorite songs right now:

1) "Holy" - Florida-Georgia Line



2) "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" - From The Lion King


3) "Don't Stop Believing" - Journey


4) "Used to Love You Sober" - Kane Brown


5) "Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake


6) "Where I'm Coming From" - Shane Owens


7) "Oceans" - Hillsong United


8) "Real Love" - Hillsong United


9) "Night Changes" - I like The Melodores cover better than the original


10) "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley


I have a lot more favorite songs but these are my top 10. As you can see, they come from every genre. What is some of your favorite songs? Have you heard of any of these?

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Favorite Youtube channels

Favorite Youtube channels:

Vlogs
1) Cullen and Katie
2) The Johnson Fam
3) Daily Bumps
4) Ellie and Jared
5) Bonnie Hoellein
6) Cole Labrant
7)  Slyfox family

Beauty
1) Alisha Marie
2) AprilAthena7
3) Bethany Mota
4) Casey Holmes
4) Eleventhgorgeous
5) Clever Style
6) Clever Tv
7) Ellie Mecham
8) Grave3yardgirl

Gaming
1) The Creatures
2) Cow Chop
3) Danz Newz
4) Kootra
5) ImmortalHD

Music
1) Home Free
2) The Melodores
3) Chris Rupp
4) Chris Cauley
5) Chris Coleman
6) Diamond Dixie
7) Fliphatescheese
8) James Maslow
9) James Delaney
10) Kane Brown
11) Justin Harden

Random
1) How to Cake it
2) Katieontheflipside
3) Rosanna Pansino

These are not all of the accounts I find interesting or are my favorite but these are the majority of them. These are the ones I watch all the time and really like. Do you like some of the same ones as me? Do you want me to write a description of each one's channel and what they do?

Goals for the week of August 10th, 2016

I have several goals for this week. I'm going to post 5 of my goals that I want to accomplish either by the end of the week or the end of the semester. Some are long-term and some are also short-term.

1) I want to have at least 5 blogs ready to post by the end of the week.
2) I want to finish registering to become a substitute.
3) I want to make an A in all of my classes.
4) Read my bible at least once a day.
5) Become less stress.

Fall Guide to Alabama

Fall is going to be coming to the south pretty soon and I am excited. Fall is absolutely one of my favorite seasons because it is not hot, I can dress cute, bonfires, and football. Alabama offers a lot of stuff to do during the fall season. Below are some ideas for you to do during fall in the south.

1) Fall festivals- several cities offer fall festivals during October for kids to go to. My hometown offers one at the elementary school and several churches offer them.
2) Headland offers a Harvest Festival in the fall for people to attend.
3) Football games- there are college and high school football games going on all throughout the fall
4) Pumpkin patches- several cities offer pumpkin patches where you can pick pumpkins. Aplin Farms  in Dothan offers this option.
5) National Peanut Festival in Dothan during November
6) Veteran's Day parades
7) Scarecrows in the park in Dothan at the Botanical Gardens
8) Deer hunt
9) Take a hike in parks
10) Bonfires
11) Visit a haunted house
12) Street festivals


There is something to do in Alabama for everyone of every age. From the youngest person to the oldest. These events range from free to expensive. I have tried a lot of these ideas and love them.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

All about me.

I never did introduce myself on this blog so that is what today's post is going to be about.

My name is Katlyn. I am 20 years old. I am a Junior in college majoring in English/Language Arts Education. I turn 21 on November 10th. I live in Alabama. I am born and raised here. I am a southern girl. I love to read and write. I like going to the beach and bonfires.

Nicknames: Sissy, Kat, Kitty Kat, Kat Woman, Kat Momma, Katniss, Sweetheart, and Darling

Favorite movie: Gone With The Wind, Legally Blonde, or Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite book: Christy, Jane Eyre, or Pride and Predjudice

Favorite sport to watch: Baseball or football

Favorite sports team: Alabama

Favorite season: Fall or winter

Favorite tv show: Beauty and the Beast or Gossip Girl

Favorite song: I like different one's right now.

Favorite artist: I really don't have one right now


If you have any more questions to ask me, you can post them on my facebook page or comment them below.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Week of August 6, 2016

This week has been kinda boring. I have been sitting at home and trying to get everything ready for school to start. Once school starts, these kind of post will start to get interesting.

Monday through Wednesday has been the same thing as all summer. I have been at home and working on stuff. Wednesday night was church and it was the same thing as always.

Thursday night was the open house at my former high school. I didn't see a lot of people I knew. But the teachers recognized me and talked to me.

Friday night was anti-climatic. I did a face mask. It was a mint julep clay mask. One of my favorite.

Saturday morning was eventful. I woke up early because I had a service project to do. Most of the churches in my hometown were helping. My church and people from other churches were in charge of giving out free water to people at an intersection. We just stood at the stoplight with a sign that said free water and we went to car windows hanging them water. We gave away over 200 bottles of water to folks. We did this for over 4 hours. And it was very hot outside.


Not very much was happening this week. It was a chill week like most of my weeks during the summer are.


Sunday, August 7, 2016

High school

Thursday night I went to my old high school to take my younger brother's to their open house. So many memories came back from that place. Every hall I went down held a memory of some sort. They all came rushing back to me and I was feeling sad. I spent 4 years in that school. Some of my best memories came from different classrooms. I have stories that mean the world to me.

I went in one classroom and saw a teacher that I spent every morning with. I would sit in his room with my best friend's and we would all just talk. I laughed a lot in that room. The conversations we had were great. If the teacher wasn't there, we would sit outside of his classroom and wait for him.

Another classroom that holds memories is the FCCLA kitchen. I spent a lot of my time there too. I was in the cooking class so I got to cook in the kitchen a lot. I also would just sit in the classroom and talk to the teacher.

Another memory is of one of my history classes and just watching a lot of memories. The library was another building I spent a lot of time in. I was an aid for several years in there and I loved it. I have a lot from Senior year.

I have a lot more memories but they would take awhile to write and some are boring. I am thankful that I did attend that school. The teachers were so wonderful and the atmosphere was loving and easy-going.


Friday, August 5, 2016

Schedule

Since I will start college again in two weeks, I am going to try to continue posting every day. This may not happen depending on if my school load because too much. But I will try to post everyday. I am also going to do different themes for each day. These may change depending on my mood but this is what I came up with to keep me on track. Please let me know what you think or if you have a certain post you want me to do below.

Monday- Lifestyle
Tuesday- Travel
Wednesday- Goals/teaching
Thursday- College/education
Friday- Random/Get to know me/My feelings/Personal
Saturday- Overview of the week
Sunday- Life lessons

Monday- Lifestyle
This day will just be about anything that relates to my life. It may be just a day in my life, what's in my purse, or things I like.

Tuesday- Travel
I will research a place that I have visited or want to visit and I will let you know what the best things to do there is. Places to eat, see, and explore.

Wednesday- Goals/teaching
I will post my goals for the month, day, or week. They can be short-term or long-term. I will also be posting about my teaching experience and what I am learning.

Thursday- College/education
I will be posting college information, tips, and tricks that has helped me so far. I will also post personal experiences I had with my education and college.

Friday- Random/get to know me/my feelings/personal
This day will just be random things that pop in my head. I will use this day to catch up on my blog posts. I will also be just talking to you and if you have any questions, I will answer them.

Saturday- Overview of the week
I will be telling you my experiences from the week. It may be what I did, what I wore, or what I ate for the week. I will be summing up the week in these posts.

Sunday- Life lessons
These post will be life lessons that may be helpful to you.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Dear incoming College Freshman

Dear incoming College Freshman,

Your college career is starting. These are going to be the best year's of your life. School starts in less than two weeks and it is going to be busy. I know you can't wait to start college because you are an adult. College is a new experience. You will meet tons of people that will become some of your closest friends. Some of my best friends I meet my freshman year of college. These friends are the people I spent most of my time with.

College is an adventure like no other. You learn the real you in college. College helps you get out of your comfort zone. It allows you to decide the person you want to become.

Here are some tips that will make the transition easier:

1) Make friends- Don't be a loner. Be friends with your roommate or the person that sits next to you during class. Friends are what keeps you sane during the school year. Some of my closest friends came from my Freshman year of college.

2) Join clubs- They are good on resumes but they also keep you occupied. I was in maybe 3 clubs my Freshman year of college. Sophomore year, I was in 9. Most of my friend's was in the same clubs as me.

3) Go to school events. Going to the events will help you find friends but sometimes they give out free stuff and food. Go to the back to school event. Or maybe a college or career fair. Go to the events that has food. Go to sporting events. and homecoming.

4)Buy a planner and use it. A planner saved my life trying to keep track of everything I had to do. Every class, club, and personal events had a different color. My planner saved my life when I had to keep track of everything.

5) Buy your books used. Do not buy new books unless you have to! Used is cheaper and some classes, you may use the book maybe 5 times.

6) Do not take a 7 to 8 in the morning class unless you have to. They are the devil. You fall asleep halfway through the class and you won't pay attention.

7) Go to class. It is not mandatory except on test days but if you don't go to class then you will be behind. Going to class helped me and sometimes the teacher will go over the test a class or two before. Some teachers also do participation points if you show up to class and they add up.

8) Sign up for the class that seems interesting to you. You may find out that you enjoy it.

9) Enjoy college! Be safe! And have fun. College is a huge transition but it is the best time of your life if you allow it to be.


Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Dear Class of 2017

Dear Class of 2017,

Your time is here. You are finally Seniors and this is the moment you have always been waiting for. I know you are excited to be out of high school and start on the rest of your lives but don't wish away your youth. I wish I was in high school again for several reasons.

I wish I was still in high school because:

1) I didn't have to pay for my books or tuition. Books and tuition were free. I just had to show up. I didn't have to pay thousands for tuition and books.

2) I didn't have that many responsibilities. In high school, I didn't have to pay anything. I didn't have a checking account or a car payment to take care off. High school was simpler for me.

3) I knew everybody in my graduating class. I basically knew most of the faculty and students. I had friends that I knew since elementary school. In college, I had to make new friends and meet new teachers.

Senior year is bittersweet and you may cry at graduation. Just remember to enjoy the last moments you will have. Enjoy the last first day and last last day of school. Cherish the first football game, homecoming, and the last football game. Cheer your heart out at the first and last pep rally. Make memories that you will carry with you forever. Buy a yearbook and have your classmates sign it. Just always have fun and enjoy the last moments you have a home and in high school.

College brings a whole lot of new memories and adjustments. Enjoy your town and your classmates. Senior year was the best year for me because I lived in the moments. I cried at graduation because I was sad about leaving.

Enjoy Senior year while it lasts!

Sincerely a College Junior.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Open letter to the guy that I thought loved me

Dear you,

I know you know who you are. I wanted to let you know that I am not mad at you. I did think that you loved me at some point but I guess it just disappeared. I really don't know when I started loving you. I realized it during Senior year of high school. We had know each other in school and flirted but I didn't like you. I actually thought you were annoying. But somehow my feelings for you changed.

It was my Senior year of high school when I realized that I had feelings for you. We reconnected and were talking almost everyday. I realized that I liked you and that I wanted to be with you. It just felt great talking to you but I knew that I couldn't be with you. You were in the military and just got stationed in Hawaii. You had met a girl and you married her. I was happy for you but I was upset that she wasn't me. When it ended, I was excited for us.

As the years went, I guess I just liked you more. I also loved you more. And I thought you loved me. My freshman year of college came and left. We were still talking and having fun and trying to see what would happen with us. I was going to move to Hawaii to be with you. I couldn't handle being away from you.  Sophomore year of college brought us some changes. You moved back and I was so happy. But I didn't get a chance to hang out with you or talk to you as often. I talked to you more when you were in Hawaii even with the four hour time difference. I saw you and hung out with you once for our high school homecoming and it was wonderful. We were wonderful and were close. I wanted a relationship with you but something always was in our way. A girl for you or a guy for me. Different states and just work and school.

But with every beginning comes an ending. This summer we talked and I realized that your feelings for me were just friendly. Sometime along the way, you didn't love me anymore. And I didn't realize it until later that maybe I didn't really love you. That I was just hoping for a chance with you and that I was just faking the love for you. Just remember that I am always here for you and that I cherish our friendship together. Maybe the love we had will come back but I hope you succeed in life. And find someone that really loves you.

Thanks for 5 years of friendship.