The Real Deal

As you all are reading this, it is my 23rd birthday!  This year has been absolutely crazy and definitely not what I expected to come from it, but I've loved everything about it and wouldn't change anything (except maybe the global pandemic part...).  I always love to reflect on the past year and see how I've changed.  Each year I feel like I'm growing more and more into myself and I genuinely really like who I'm becoming.  So here are just a few things that I've learned in the past year, and I can't wait to see what 23 will bring! MAN PLANS, GOD LAUGHS //  I've really learned the truth of this in the past year.  I did not see myself taking an unpaid internship after graduating from college.  But that internship opened so many doors for me.  It gave me incredible experience, taught me what I wanted in the future, introduced me to one of my best friends, and gives me great volunteering opportunities.  I also took my first adult job at the...

It is so  crazy to me that it is August right now!  My family and I leave next weekend to drop my brother off for his sophomore year of college.  This summer has flown by, and it still hasn't sunk in that I will not be going back to school this year.  Back to school is something that I have known pretty much my whole life.  I do start an internship next week (woohoo, making big girl moves over here!) so my "summer break" is coming to an end, although it will not end in the beginning of a school year, like every other summer has. So, in order to contribute to back to school season, I decided to talk about the ten things that I wish I knew before college.  Most of these things I am actually happy that I learned during college because they helped to shape me into the person I am today.  But it also would have meant a lot to me if someone had given me this advice as well.  So, here are 10 things I wish I knew before college! ONE // YOU DON'T NE...

This past weekend, I (finally) turned 21.  I am so excited for it to finally be my birthday, but also can not believe that I am already 21!  Throughout the years, I have definitely had some ups and downs, so here are just 21 things that I have learned in my 21 years of life. 1. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.  Being you is more important than whatever anyone else could ever have to say about you. 2. It's not possible to have it all together all the time. 3. You're going to make mistakes.  It's inevitable.  Just roll with it. 4. Don't deny yourself the ice cream, or the cookie, or whatever sweet thing you want.  Odds are it won't make you any fatter the next day. 5. Cherish your family.  They may get on your nerves, but they're the most important people in your life. 6. Someone who is your best friend could turn around and stab you in the back.  It happens.  But only let them do it once.  Because once...