Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a wonderful week. I’m really excited about today’s post. A few weeks back, I did a post about the importance of keeping friendships alive even when you are doing the long-distance trek.
This week would have been my college spring break, even though I didn’t get a full week off like I used to in college, I still wanted to do something fun on my day off work, so I decided to have a “spring break day” in Pittsburgh, I met up with friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner, It was so good to see some of my close college friends, catch up, just relax and not worry about work. It was the perfect day escape. Plus, it was so nice to see my friend’s hometowns.
I got some shopping in, was able to have some face to face conversations with friends, and have a fun day.
As I started working full time I realized that it’s important to take time for yourself on your days off, whether it’s catch up with friends, relaxing at home, seeing family, or taking up a new hobby. It was so good to have a very mini spring break in my favorite city with my favorite people.
After this fun day and little getaway, I know that I will be making more trips to visit friends and do something for myself too. Facetime, phone calls, and texting is great but there is something special about seeing friends in person. Your friends are important, make sure you keep them close.
Hey gang! Happy Wednesday. Today’s post is shorter but it’s something that I think is important especially to young adults, especially ones in the post-grad life, like me.
Today, we are talking all about friendships and working with friendships long distance. Since moving back home, and I started a new job, I’ve met some amazing people that I am very lucky to call my co-workers and even friends. But, I am still very close with my college friends, they were a part of my life for so long and I make sure I stay in touch with them. It’s hard going from seeing them every day, sometimes multiple times a day to not seeing them for weeks or months at a time.
So, how do you stay in touch with friends when you have different schedules, and are in different places in your life? The answer, putting in the effort, which comes in many forms including…thank you technology!!
I easily text my friends daily whether it’s through iMessage or snap chat. It’s a quick way to stay in touch but let others know you are thinking of them. I also am a big fan of sending things I see online to them, whether it’s an inside joke or something clever. I also facetime some of my close friends weekly, whether it’s an hour long conversation or a 5 minute conversation. The biggest thing I learned is that it’s all about putting the effort in time to keep the friendship alive, you don’t have to talk to someone every day for them to be a friend. Yes, life gets busy but it’s important to make the friendship a priority. Life gets harder when you aren’t living with all your friends all the time. But, if you make the effort you can make it work. I text, snap chat, or message my close friends every day, it could be something as simple as a sending a meme or an inside joke or it could be as big as giving them a life update. But, friendships are important and deserve to be made a priority.
The moral of the story? Put effort into your friendships, if you love someone, tell them you love them, check in on your friends and let them know you are there for them.
My goodness, so much has happened since we last were together. Since my last post, I finished all my finals and wrapped up all my work at school, I said goodbye to all my friends, I packed up my room, graduated college, moved out of college, and moved back home. What a whirlwind.
Happy Graduation Day
I have been putting off this post because how does one put into words how much a place has meant to them and how much they have changed since going to college. I have completed changed since coming to college for the better. I am so much more happier and well-rounded and most importantly, confident in who I am.
When I moved into college in August of 2016, I was scared of what to expect for what college would hold. Through every semester, I learned in and out of the classroom, I gained more leadership roles, I tried new things, got involved, but most importantly, I learned a tremendous about myself.
I had professors in class who would become my bosses and greatest mentors. People who I was co-workers with have become some of my closest friends. Even individuals who I met on move in day have become my best friends.
My bestie since day one, Danielle
College is a weird thing because, you meet people from all over the country from all different walks of life and one singular place ties you all together. You spend every day walking the halls and seeing the same familiar faces and then, all of a sudden, it’s graduation day and you all move on and go your separate ways. You may not see the people ever again but you are all still connected to that one place.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today, if it weren’t for my incredibly supportive family, loving friends, encouraging professors, and influential bosses and mentors. I have learned so much from the people who graduated before me and the people I had to leave behind. I’m so lucky and thankful for all the people who were a part of my college journey, whether it was from day one, two years ago, or even four months ago. I’m so glad I took every opportunity presented to me in college, whether it was for an honor society, job opportunity, or work study position. Every single experience has influenced me and helped shape me into the person I am today.
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my family
I couldn’t be more blessed with a school that allowed me to grow and flourish and find myself, however, it makes it so much harder to leave behind. Saint Vincent College has truly become home to me and I know I will be back. Thank you to the school that has given me so much. I will never forget my time at Saint Vincent College and all the incredible things it has given me. Once a Bearcat, Always a bearcat.
What a semester it has been. It has been a few months of many lasts but some firsts too. Last weekend working, last Founder’s day, last Halloween, last staff meeting, last time ever going to class and being a student. It’s a weird feeling knowing that I will never be a student again. Yet, it’s also exciting that I will be starting a new journey after college.
My semester has consisted of hours studying and writing papers, working long hours, making new friends and taking adventures to get brunch or shopping, applying for jobs and interviewing, maintaining traditions with friends and through school, going through all the lasts and saying goodbye to college. I knew this semester would go by fast but I never thought that I would blink and it would be over. Whenever someone asked me how this semester has been going, I have said the same thing, “it’s been busy”. That has been the honest truth, some weeks I had a full planner and pulling 16 hour days, other weekends were spent doing homework and work since my weeks were so busy. Although, this was my most challenging and busiest semester, I don’t regret a thing. I have loved everything that I have been involved in. I’m truly going to miss my time in college. My college series will conclude next week with a thank you to the place that has impacted me the most.
Now, let’s recap what this semester has been like…
In August, I moved back to school one last time. I went through a few weeks of training for work before classes began.
Last time at training before the year started
My classes schedule kept me very busy and it was by far my most challenging classes, but I learned a lot.
First day of senior year!
I spent Labor Day weekend by seeing the Jonas Brothers in concert which was so fun and a great way to start the year.
Seeing the Jonas Brothers was incredible
September was filled with working most weekends and all the homework. It kept me busy and I was very productive. I spent weekends getting brunch or trying new places with friends.
October brought homecoming, fall break home, and Halloween.
Homecoming with Danielle
It was so much fun to see friends old and new and celebrate fall. I finished my last weekend working which was a huge accomplishment.
I kicked off fall break with a fall festHalloween with Danielle
November brought the end of the semester, Founder’s Day, Light Up Night, and Thanksgiving break, which was much needed.
Last Founder’s DayLight Up Night with Danielle
Following Thanksgiving brought the last week of classes.
Last time being in my room
This last week was filled with last nights of working, presenting portfolios, my last staff meeting, and my last time ever being in class.
My sweet staff planned the best surprise for my last meeting
Now, I am just finishing finals week. I can’t believe how fast my time in college has gone. I have started saying many goodbyes, knowing that I may never see some people who made a huge impact on me ever again. College is a weird thing because for four or (three and a half) years you spend all your time with people who become family to you whether they are friends, professors, advisors, or mentors and then you have to leave and start all over and move on. I’m so lucky to have found a place that makes saying goodbye so hard. On Saturday, I will graduate and although, I am very excited, I will miss this place more than I can describe. The biggest things that I have taken away from this semester is: it’s never too late to make new friends, because they may become your closest ones, never give up, always push yourself even more and it will pay off, and God has a plan, once you surrender yourself to him that’s when things start to happen.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! It was so nice to be home, see family, enjoy lots of homecooked food and get a lot done while I was in town. I am back to school and ready to finish up my last week of classes and finals week before graduation. I can’t believe I am almost to the end.
Keeping up with my series of college posts, today, I am sharing a tradition that I have kept up with since I came to college, Light Up Night! It’s a night in the city when there are vendors, live performances, trees set up and fireworks to kick off the Christmas season. You can read my post from last year here. I headed down to the city with my friend Danielle and we enjoyed everything the city had to offer.
The city all ready for Christmas
We started off the night with burgers and shakes from Burgatory which were delicious, it was also so nice to be inside and warm before we hit the streets. After dinner on the North Shore, we headed over to Market Square to check out all the vendors. We made our way to PPG rink where we got some pictures and enjoy the tree with all the lights. Following the ice skating rink, we made our way over to the Point where we saw another tree and enjoyed seeing all the windows and building decorated. It’s so nice to see the whole city out and about for the holidays. There were families, couples, teenagers, and college students all out decked out for the holidays.
The Christmas tree at the PPG ice rink
We then made our way back to the North Shore to enjoy the fireworks. It was a 20 minute show and was fantastic. There were so many different kinds of colors and fireworks.
An incredible fireworks show
Although, it was chilly it was so fun. I have loved going down to the city for these events during my time in college, it’s so fun to see the whole community to come out and enjoy the Christmas spirit. This has been one of my favorite traditions to get into the holiday spirit while being away at school and considering we are already in the month of December there is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit.
And snagged a selfie with my favorite person
On Thursday, I will be sharing my Thanksgiving outfit, it was perfect for the occasion and you will be able to wear this outfit for the holiday season. See you on Thursday for a new look of the day.
Wow, what a weekend. I went into the city on Friday night which was so much fun! I will have a full recap of a tradition that I have carried out the last several years next Tuesday to kick off the month of December. Also, just a little blog update, there will be no look of the day on Thursday, it’s Thanksgiving and I am going to be spending the day with family and disconnecting for the day.
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday and as part of my college series I’m going to do a bit of a reflection post for everything that I am thankful for this last semester of college. I have done this for the past few years. Here’s mine from my first year and here’s mine from last year. I always think it’s important to reflect on all the blessings that I have in my life especially as I begin a new chapter soon. Let’s begin:
–My incredible and supportive family.
I don’t know where I would be without my family. They are my biggest supporters. I know I can count on them for advice, laughs, love, and through the good times and bad. Some of my favorite memories are made at home with my parents, brothers, and dogs.
Love my boys
-My consistent friends who are always there when I need them
I am so lucky I have great friends both at home and at school. The biggest thing that I have learned this past semester is that it’s never to late to make friends. Always be open to meeting new people because you never know if they will become one of your closest friends. I’m so thankful to have good friends that support me, take me as I am, and I can be myself with. I am also thankful to have them to push me out of my comfort zone, want to try new things with, and always just have a good conversation with. I’m so grateful for all the friends that I have made in college and for the ones who have become like family to me.
High school bestieCollege bestie
-My unwavering faith
I wouldn’t be here or be able to do half the things if it weren’t for my faith. When I am struggling, I always turn to God for his guidance. One of the biggest things I have learned this past year is that God has a plan for everything even if it doesn’t always make sense in the moment and when you finally surrender yourself to him and let him do his work, then that’s when the big things start to happen. I make time every day for my faith and it is so important that I make it a priority for me. I can truly do all things through God.
-Good Health
I couldn’t be more thankful for good health not only for me but also my family and friends. In a world with so much sickness and suffering I am happy I am healthy and I can do everything I want. I hope this next year brings more research to so many harmful illnesses.
–Good Education
This is my last year in school and learning, in fact I only have so many classes left. It is so crazy to think in a few weeks, for the first time in my life I won’t be a student any more. I can’t believe it. Although, college can be stressful and challenging especially at this time of year, I am so lucky to be able to go to such a good school that is a perfect fit for me. I have truly come into my own at school. I have gotten involved with my academics and found wonderful mentors in my professors and faculty. Most importantly, I have learned so much out of the classroom too.
Early morning at school
–Good Job
I am so thankful that I have a good job at school. Although, it is stressful, I have learned so much not only about others but also myself. I can easily say that this has been of the best things that has happened to me in college. I have become more confident in this role and I have made some of my best friends through this job. I have learned so much and I will take everything what I learned and use it through my life. I am going to be deeply sad when I leave this job and friends behind.
Last year on staff
–My School
College has been on crazy ride. But I am so grateful for it all. I have made lifelong friends, gotten so involved, taken on leadership roles, joined Honor Societies and made countless memories. I learned so much about myself and the person I want to be. It wasn’t always easy but I’m so happy where I am today. I have a long post about my college experience coming soon so be on the look out for that.
This Blog
I am also super thankful for all of you who read my blog every week. This has been a passion project that I started during my freshmen year of college when I was looking for something different to do with my free time who would have thought I would still be writing today. I love sharing parts of my life with you and I am so thankful you are all on this journey with me. This has been such a creative outlet for me through college and I love being able to have this community with all of you.
This last semester and year has been filled with so many blessings, lessons, love, and memories. I have grown so much this year and I am so happy of the person I have become and the person I will be when I graduate in a few weeks. I hope you have a wonderful holiday week celebrating with your family. Be thankful for the time spent with family and friends, it’s truly a special time to be with loved ones.
Happy Tuesday! I told myself going into my last semester of college that I am going to do as much as I can and last week was no exception. I finished with classes on Tuesday and headed to Pittsburgh for a concert. Even though I bought tickets months ago, the date crept up on me with classes getting back in session, so this was a fun way to spend a Tuesday night.
Post classes, pre concert
My two friends and I headed to see the Jonas Brothers when they were in town, I never saw them when I was a preteen and never thought I would see them in my 20’s, but boy was I glad that I did.
We are Here!
I travelled up to Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon with my one friend and we met our other friend there. We grabbed dinner before heading into the city for the show. We got there plenty early to secure our seats and buy our merch before it began. Jordan McGraw opened along with BeBe Rexah, I enjoyed both of their performances but was more than ready to have the show begin.
Jordan McGraw
The fan favorite trio came on stage around 9:00 and played for two hours straight. They interacted with the audience from time to time and had two costume changes but other than that it was just them performing.
Opening
They played tons of songs from their new album, Happiness Begins as well as old throwbacks from their early days as a group and their Disney days. Some songs I hadn’t heard in 10 years but I still remembered all the words. It was crazy to hear them sing throwback songs from the Disney movie, Camp Rock, and then perform a song from 2019. Some of my favorites were Hesitate, Burnin Up, SOS, Love Bug, Only Human, and Year 3000.
Our view of their second stage
The fans were loud, cheering and singing along the whole time. They went back and forth from the main stage, to the two cat walks and then walking through the crowd to a smaller stage (we were so close to the smaller stage and it was so cool to see them interact with their fans). It definitely wasn’t a normal Tuesday night, but an incredible one for sure. It was so cool to relive my teenage years in my 20’s and with some of my good friends.
Another outfit change
Thank you Joe, Nick, and Kevin for a phenomenal night! Now the next question remains…what will be next concert be?!
Hi everyone! Happy Tuesday…it’s my LAST, first week of school. These past few weeks have been so busy since I have been back to school, between training, learning, seeing friends, moving into my last college dorm and starting classes, it has been a whirlwind of activities. Am soaking it all up because I know these will be my lasts…last move in weekend, last training, last first day of school. This past Sunday, I took some time to reflect on starting my last semester of college…here’s my thoughts on it…
Senior year…here we GO!
“It’s Sunday, tomorrow is my last first day of school…EVER. It’s weird to think that after tomorrow, I will never have another first day of school. I remember my first day of Kindergarten, high school and college. All big days, and tomorrow is no less a big day.
I have always loved school and going to school. I loved laying out my clothes the night before, buying fresh supplies for the new year, taking the picture outside of our home, and coming home to a special treat from my mom while we shared about our first day. There is just something about the first day that brings me so much JOY and excitement!
I only have one more semester of college. It’s weird to think that by Christmas I will be done with school and being saying goodbye to a place that has been a HUGE part of my life story, a place where I grew, gained confidence, made lifelong friends, and created incredible memories. Thankfully, I still have a few months before I say goodbye and start a new chapter in my life.
So, what does these next few months hold? Lots of classes, homework, reading, studying, working, applying for jobs, spending time with friends, crossing off college bucket lists, doing all the senior things, and celebrating milestones.
This past week, I was at Mass and the priest shared about going all in and immersing yourself in your life and that really resonated with me. These next few months, I am going ALL IN, doing as much as I can, working my hardest, getting involved with my favorite organizations, meeting new friends, stepping out of my comfort zone, and living up my last time as a college student. I have no idea what comes after college, yes, I will be getting a job and working, but it’s exciting to not know where I could end up or what I will be doing. When my friends come back to classes after Christmas, I will be working.
Many people have told me that your years in college will be the best time of your life, and I have to agree, I love the person I have become thanks to the people I met and the opportunities I have done while in college. I have met so many people who have shaped me into the person I am today, and this school will always hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what these next few months brings…senior year…I’m ALL IN!”
I can’t believe I am writing my summer 2019 recap. This has been a wonderful and packed full summer. When I moved back home in May, I didn’t know what this summer had in store for me. Yes, I knew there would be work, fun, and friends but other than that, I was open to any opportunity that presented itself. I accomplished a lot these past few months, from working at home, working at school, lots of family time, seeing a lot of friends from high school and college, weekend getaways, and trying new things. Let’s take a look back at my summer to do list and see if I accomplished everything.
Get license renewed
Yes, I got this done the first day I was home and was so happy to get it done.
Work/Internship
Yes, I worked at the same job I have been working at since high school and I got a lot f projects accomplished while I was there. I also volunteered for a Campaign this summer and it was interesting to see all the behind the scenes that goes into it.
Make College photo album
Yes, this was such a fun project and I’m glad I have all my pictures in one spot for the future, plus it was cool to look back on all the memories made.
Celebrate 21
Yes, One of the highlights of my summer was celebrating my birthday with all my friends in Pittsburgh, it was so fun to spend the weekend with my people. You can read all about it here.
Celebrating 21 with my girls
See friends from college and high school
Yes, I made a few trips to Pittsburgh for work or to visit friends and it was so good to connect with friends outside of school. I also managed to hang out a lot with my high school friends whether it was weekend trips or fro yo runs.
High school buds
College besties
Portfolio (BLS)
Yes and No, I am still in the process of completing this project for school but it will be done this semester.
Work Study
Yes, I worked a lot for my school and it was great to be kept up to date on what was going on at school and do something I enjoy.
Read 12-15 books
Yes, this was one of my favorite ways to spend the summer. I read a lot and enjoyed unwinding with a good book. You can read my summer book review here!
One of my favorite ways to enjoy the summer
Download pictures to laptop
Yes, another task I wanted to accomplish and I finished it early on in the summer.
Spend time with family
Yes, I got a lot of family time in between family vacations, good meals, and weekend adventures. There is nothing better than quality family time.
Day Trips
Yes, I got in a few day trips to visit friends and work at school for a few days in the summer, one day trips were perfect to do something fun and get work done.
Start Healthier habits
Yes, this summer I snacked a lot less and tried to get outside as much as I could, whether it was for a walk, jog, or even hitting the gym when I could. I was not as consistent with working out as I am in the school year but still felt good about creating healthier habits. You can read about my summer habits here.
I always love going on hikes in the morning or evening
Go to a concert
No, I didn’t get to a concert in the summer, but I have plans for one in September which I am very excited about.
Beach days
Yes, I made it to the beach with my friend Bailey twice, and then spent an afternoon at the beach which was so fun.
ALL the beach vibes!
Family Vacation
Yes, I finished off summer with a family road trip. So fun and many laughs and memories were made.
Much needed getaway
Find a new show to Binge watch
YES, I was obsessed with Outlander this summer. It was such a good show to watch and I became invested in the show fast, I can’t wait for the new season in 2020!
I am still talking about this show
Take more walks outside
Yes, I took more walks in the summer, whether in the woods, the beach or my own backyard. It was so good to get fresh air after working inside all day.
Not only did I spend more time walking outside but I also tried kayaking and loved it
Weekly facetime calls with friends
Yes and no, I didn’t get in weekly facetime calls but my friends and I stayed close by visiting each other and texting every day, plus you know you have a solid relationship when weeks go by and you can pick up from where you left off.
Try something new
Yes, I did a lot of solo traveling this summer so that was definitely a new and rewarding experience that I was so lucky I got to gain more independence in this area.
Try new recipes
Yes, to see some of my favorite recipes you can find my salads here, pizzas here, and snacks here.
From smores
Pizza
and salad
Entertain Friends/family
Yes, I love to help host and entertain, this summer I did quite a bit from having family, friends, or college friends over, whether it was for dinner, a weekend, or just snacks, it’s a lot of work but it pays off in the end.
I love entertaining from the prep, event and satisfaction of a job well done
Do something spontaneous
Yes, although I don’t have an exact time I was spontaneous, there were many times this summer that I stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new.
Be Present
This was huge for me. This summer, I was more present and intentional with what I was doing. Some of my favorite summer moments there are no pictures of because I was in the moment and not on my phone. This was huge for me.
Focusing on the here and now.
Looking back this was a packed full summer filled with new experiences, memories, work and fun. I have grown by trying new things while being present and spending time with those who matter most to me. Although, the school year will be busy, I know I will always have these memories to look back on. Thank you summer 2019, senior year… here we GO!
Happy Tuesday and an early happy Fourth of July! The Fourth is one of my favorite summer activities. Not only is it a day for seeing family, eating delicious food, and being outside in the sun, but it’s a day to celebrate our country!
This past week has been such a whirlwind filled with so many wonderful moments and memories that I loved making.
Let’s recap!
On Wednesday to Friday my best friend, Bailey, from college came to visit. This was one of the first times a college friend came to visit me, since I live further away from school. During her visit, we did so many things.
Look who’s here!!!
We started the mini vacay with a drive around my hometown and the happy hour by the bay.
Beautiful weather for her visit!
We then headed to the beach to listen to live music at sunset. After the live music we headed to get some ice cream before heading back to my house for a cook out. We relaxed for the rest of the night and caught up.
Sun setting at the beach
We got up bright and early on Thursday morning and headed out for a morning run. It was great to get a workout in, to start the day.
Hello Morning Run!
We then came back to my house and got ready for a day out in the sun. We got lunch at Sara’s, an iconic diner in my hometown.
Introducing her to Sara’s!
We then went kayaking, which was my first time going out, but so much fun!
After spending time on the water, we went to the beach, we tanned, relaxed, went in the water and even took a nap.
ALL the beach vibes!Beach vibes
After spending all day out in the sun, we went back to my house and relaxed. I just started watching Outlander and am obsessed!
We ate dinner and then went out for the night, which was so much fun!
The bay at night
We eased into Friday by going for a hike and then coming back for breakfast before she had to head back to Pittsburgh.
Hiking before she had to head back to Pittsburgh
I am so thankful for our friendship and her visit. It was so good to be a tourist in my own hometown. We are already planning our next adventure! Much love Bailey!
Thanks for a great visit!!!
After she left on Friday, I quickly had to switch gears since I was going away for the weekend with my high school Madeline to visit our friend Ryan in Buffalo!
REUNITED
We left early Saturday morning and made the journey up to Buffalo.
Buffalo bound
Once we arrived in New York, Ryan gave us a tour of Buffalo, from his college, Canisius, to downtown Buffalo and the canal side. It was so nice to get a look into his world.
Checking out his school
We went to the Terrace for lunch, the food was delicious, and the view was even better.
Lunch with my favorite high school palsBeautiful view
After walking around the city, we relaxed until we went out to dinner at Duff’s and had some of their famous wings. They didn’t disappoint. We hung out and played some games before calling it a night.
Did someone say Buffalo Chicken Wings?!
Before, Madeline and I left Buffalo we got brunch at Pano’s, a delicious place that was in downtown Buffalo. It was delicious and so filling.
I love these people
I was so glad to have made the trip to Buffalo and spend some quality time with my high school friends.
Thanks for being some of my best friends!
These past few days have truly reminded me how lucky I am to have such good, fun, and supportive friends. From high school to college, we all get by with a little help from our friends!
