I've realized that time seems to pass by faster as you get older. Here we are on the last day of 2015! I have learned so much about myself, about others, and about life in general. I've also had a boat load of new and fun experiences. I am so excited to see what 2016 has in store for me!
So, I started out this year finishing up my senior year of high school. It's crazy to think that I was still in high school at the beginning of the year haha. I honestly feel like I've been in college for awhile now! Anyways, during this time, I learned it is best not to procrastinate... as always. I kinda sorta waited until last minute for college applications, which created an unnecessary amount of stress. Lesson learned. On a brighter note, hard work pays off! I graduated in the top 20 of my class, and came into my first semester of college with 32 credit hours that I earned from taking AP classes in high school.
Before we get to my first semester of college, I wanted to reflect a little bit on my summer. I had many experiences, and not all of them were expected. I learned patience, empathy and forgiveness. I also learned that you have to be creative in tough situations. There's always a brighter way to look at things, and it's amazing how you can turn something not so fun into something that will make great memories. Also, I went on a cruise to Honduras, Belize, and Mexico! During those seven days, I experienced peaceful sunrises in the open ocean, new perspectives from visiting these different countries, and unfortunately mild seasickness... I still had an amazing time though, and I even made some new friends with the other teens on the ship!
Now onto my first few months of college! I decided that I was going to try to be more outgoing and make sure to talk to people haha. I'm naturally introverted so it doesn't always come easily. Anyways, I pushed myself to sit by new people, and I successfully made friends both in and out of the classroom! I've definitely grown since the beginning of the semester, and now I'm really not nervous at all! I learned good time management FINALLY! And I declared my major as Costume Design, after taking this costume construction/design class for fun. I joined a sorority, Sigma Kappa, and I also took advantage of all the free events with free food and t-shirts, because girl... college sucks your wallet dry. My advice: always look and see what resources are offered to you, and use them.
More recently, over winter break, I've learned that as much as new adventures are important and fantastic, it is also important that you slow down and spend time with your family. I got to spend time with all of my grandparents this winter, and I'm so thankful for every single conversation and minute that I shared with them. It was also great to spend more time with my parents and little sister, because during the fall semester, I wasn't home as often as I was in high school. Having people in your life that support you and love you unconditionally is a blessing. Take time to thank them and spend as much time as you can with them. Life is short, and the people you spend it with makes all the difference.
Okay, now for my 2016 goals!!!
-Go to VidCon and Playlist Live
-Reach 10,000 subscribers on my channel
-GET MORE SLEEP (I'm starting to look like a zombie..)
-Exercise more, and eat healthier
-Add more items to my Etsy Shop!
-Upload a video + blog post at least once a week
Well, that's it for now! I hope you have had a fabulous 2015, and I hope that you have an even more fabulous New Years and 2016!!
XO, Lauren
