for all you newbie college freshman.

I don't know how many of you will see this, but I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts, mostly just things that I wish I would've known before I came to college.

1. choosing a college: don't pick a college JUST because your best friend is going there. It may seem like a great idea, but don't do it. Now let me clarify, if you feel like a certain college is right & your best friend feels the same way, then go for it! I've seen lots of roommates who came to college as best friends work, and I've seen plenty that don't. I've also seen best friends who come to college but not as roommates. There's plenty of options and no one-size-fits-all answer, but just remember even if you don't think you'll make new friends, you will. 

2. don't be scared of roommates: admittedly, this was my biggest fear coming into college. I was so concerned my roommates would be CRAZY. & guess what? My room-roommate has become one of my very best friends. She is seriously heaven-sent. She is also completely not what I would've expected her to be like and probably not the person I would've chosen before coming here, BUT I wouldn't trade her for the world! Really, she is THE best. In fact she's out of town this weekend & having mine own room is quite lonely. (never thought I'd say that!)

3. There is not one single good option: there's not. Simple and difficult as that. I had such a difficult time trying to decide what college to attend. In my case I had narrowed it down to BYU and Utah State. Both, in my opinion, good colleges. I didn't feel like I was really getting an answer of where I should go, so I just decided I wanted to go to BYU. In my honest opinion, I could've gone either place. My friends at USU love it, and here at BYU there's lots to love. There have been moments where I feel like I am for sure in the right place and moments when I wonder, but overall I don't think there's only 1 right decision for most people.

4. College is difficult. It really is, but there are fun moments and it's also very exciting. Don't take yourself too seriously. I did and it was really hard. Although you're probably striving for some stellar grades, don't be surprised if a B- in that REALLY hard class was cause to celebrate. College is just a different level! & "A"s are not given out like they were in high school, but don't worry, it's really okay to get lower than an A. 

5. Stress Less. Find things that "de-stress" you before you go to college. This has been one of the most difficult parts for me and I wish I would've exercised, played games, or just found some de-stressing activity before I came to college so I could prepare a little better. But, it's alright because I know now. 

6. Enjoy it. As cliche as this sounds find joy in whatever the heck you are doing because it's the only time you'll be at the exact stage of life you are and it flies by so fast. So do everything you can to enjoy it, take lots of pictures, write lots down, and make lots of memories. 

Good luck! There's lots to do and think about, but look forward to it because it can be a lot of fun and it's not quite as scary as it seems!

semester 2 & things that make me happy.

Semester two is almost 1/2 way through and I am not ready for it to be over. Finals start April 18, 57 DAYS AWAY. You probably think this is a good thing, but it's really not!! 

I haven't been able to blog much because of 2 things..okay maybe 3:

(but for the record, I think I'm going to start trying again)

---1. College is hard. & I've been so busy trying to catch up (&stay caught up) that I have had no time. At all.

---2. When I do have time (or when I decide to pretend like I have time), I spend it with my roommates. Mostly my roommate really, she's leaving on a mission soon you see, so every minute counts these days. & refer back to how many days until finals..!! 

---3. My roommate got me hooked on this TV show. Chuck. It's good, don't watch it because you'll probably be hooked too. (&I'm not even a TV/Movie lover, at all).

Here are some things that I found on pinterest lately that just make me happy: