College Days.

Boy, oh, boy.

Once college is over, days feel like they pass even faster, yet slower. Everything seems so abstract. I must say- college eventually became just as good as high school, or even better. Like every other blog, I'd love to share my own tips or experience.


Never believe what others tell you. Their situation is theirs. Yours will be similar or different depending on how you handle it. I always thought I was going to be broke and eat ramen noodles. In college, I was eating AND cooking good. I ate organic. I ate out at nice restaurants. I still even traveled. If there is one thing I remember Jordan Zimmerman stating in my class, it was to not fall for what society tells you. If somebody tells you, you're not going to find a job, don't believe it. Push yourself harder to get it.

Yes, work hard, but most of all, work smart. I was a workaholic as a waitress in college, but I definitely knew how to spare my time to treat myself. I still went out to socialize. I analyzed my schedule to know how I could make money yet have time to study and play.

Choose a major you love and make sure it'll be useful in the end. I remember stressing in the beginning of college trying to figure out what I wanted to do and what I wanted to major in. I was a business student then tried to be the "old me" and wanted to pursue the pre-med path. Also, everybody else was doing it. I then realized that, that person wasn't ME anymore. I wasted my time doing something I wasn't passionate about. I changed my major and tested it out. I LOVE BEING AN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT. Everything made sense. I loved the energy from my peers to my professors and advisor. Just stick to a major and FINISH.

Challenge yourself. Ever since college, I did this "challenge a semester." It taught me to get out of my comfort zone and learn something new. It ranged from visiting different religious facilities, participating in the Hmong pageant, joining a dance team and competing with other schools, building a new relationship, joining a sorority, being an emcee, and studying abroad. After that, you start setting MORE goals like trying to new restaurants and bars, or traveling all over the world, and encouraging yourself to finish a 5k even though you hate running.

Make different friends. I don't know how much I always emphasize this. Make friends who share the same background so you'll have understanding people to vent to. Have artsy friends who take you to unique lounges and restaurants. Also, your mind will expand by appreciating art. Grab some ratchet friends who will make you laugh and always have your back. Gain smart friends who give you daily fun facts because eventually, you'll look just as smart *winks.* Rich friends to see the lavish life. Poor friends to appreciate simple things in life. Friends of all ages, ethnic, and places. You'll become more culturally reflexive.

If you want it that bad, just do it. You'll never know unless you try. Never doubt yourself because if you keep stalling, you'll wonder how it would've been... or wish you could've experienced it. For example, my sorority. Enough said.

Live with family to save money. Eventually live on your own to love independence.

Make friends your family. Make random places your home. Enjoy every minute of it and notice the little things. Go jog and take different routes around your campus! You'll enjoy life so much more.

Take the advantage of everything. Join clubs, whether it's a wakeboarding club or a marketing club. Get close to your professors and advisor because they're your references and mentors. They'll hook you up or will always help you to aspire what you want to be. Your main resources. Intensely listen to guest speakers or even try to shake their hand and thank them for coming. Be an ambassador at your school. Get to know a couple members of student council/government. Volunteer. Meet people outside of your major. Talk about the future, your dreams, etc.


Live to aspire. Aspire to inspire. Most of all, be you because nobody else will.


There are a couple of things I wish I could have done differently or sooner but up to this day, I will say that my last couple of years in college were one of the best growing experiences because I finally lived it how I imagined it. I woke up almost everyday loving my school, major, classes, job, friends, Tampa, apartment, etc. I don't know how many people get that opportunity to embrace everything, but I did... and I hope future college students will, too.