The New Me

Several things have changed about me and my life over the past few months. Even though it has just been a few months, I already feel like I'm beginning to find my true self, as cliched as that might sound. My perspective on the world and on traveling around it has totally changed. Everything just seemed so big and so out of reach for the longest time, but now traveling the world feels less like an impossibility and more within my reach. This change in me was brought on by my classes and study abroad presentations. It's definitely a positive change. 

Since starting college, my attitude and outlook has changed. I'm definitely more positive than I used to be and have also taken complete control of my life. I used to rely too much on other people. Now, I realize that to get things done, I am the one who has to do it. I'm the only one who can make change happen in my life. I think this change was brought on by suddenly living on my own and of course, it is a positive change.

My independence and confidence level has totally changed over the past few months. I've always been quiet, shy, and so painfully awkward. I still am all those things, don't get me wrong here, but I'm learning to care less about what people think about me and more about what I think of myself. This way, I can be only me and not worry about impressing others. What I have to say about myself is more important than what others have to say. This change is a positive one.

My Friends

I came to BW knowing only a few people from my high school. I was not too worried about making friends or anything like that. I've always been pretty independent and still am. I don't really need to have a ton of friends so my friends group is pretty small. The friends that I do have I met mostly by chance, through my classes, or around my dorm. Most of the friends that I had at the beginning of the semester I still have. Some are gone unfortunately and some of those people I do miss! I think I'm friends with the same people because I chose those people carefully. It has actually been easier to make friends than I first anticipated. Everyone's kind of looking to make friends so because of this, it is pretty easy to meet people.

My Campus Event

The event I attended was the Enduring Questions lecture by Ray Suarez, a PBS corespondent  who spoke about the "browning of America" trend. As Ray Suarez is an excellent speaker, I found the event to pretty interesting although his ideas were a little difficult to follow. There were not just students at this event but people from the surrounding BW community, which I thought was nice as the event felt more of a social thing than a mandatory academic event. I'd suggest that others attend this lecture if it were offered again in the future.

My Student Organization

Organization and its Purpose

I attended a Spanish Club meeting. The purpose of the club is pretty self-explanatory: we talk about spanish stuff! I'm interested in languages and so that's why I attended the meeting. 

Day and Time Attended

Tuesday, October 16 at 5:15 and Tuesday, October 2 at 7:15.

Purpose of the Meetings

We talked about spanish culture and the language at both meetings, going over Columbia and eating fried bananas at the most recent meeting. Considering I don't know Spanish very well, it was hard to keep up but it was the alternative to French Club, which never meets.

View of the Organization

I had fun going to these meetings! It was a more informal, relaxed structure. The leaders I like as they very much encourage members to speak in Spanish and participate. 

Joining the Organization

Although the meetings were fun, I don't think I will continue to participate in this club. Although it was fun, I don't really have time to keep up attendance. Classes, friends, working out, it really takes up all of my time and I can't really fit much more in. 

My Finances

- Budget
I do not have any set budget. I guess my only goal in regards to that is to not max out my jacket express money.
- More or Less Money
So far this semester, I've spent less than I thought I would. At first, I thought I would be going over to the Union all the time to buy food, but then I got lazy. So I have definitely spent less.
- Most Money Spent On
FOOD.
Changing Spending Habits
- I don't think I need to change my spending habits. This could change by the end of the year when I start to get low on money, but as of right now I don't feel like there is a need to. When it comes to spending money, I've been pretty consistent from week to week. As long as this doesn't change, I should be fine.

My Goals

Goal #1: Be fluent in French by the time I graduate.

This is probably my farthest reaching goal here. When I started out in French, I though I'd be great at it in four years. This didn't happen but I'm getting better at it! Hopefully by the time graduation comes around, I'll be fluent in it. I just have to continue doing well in my French classes and work as hard as I can.

Goal #2: Study Abroad

I cannot wait to study abroad! Although it is stressful and often pretty hectic, it's all so worth it. I think visiting a place outside of the U.S. is just eye-opening and completely life changing. It is the best way to really experience life. To make sure I do study abroad at some point, I'm going to keep my grades up and stay focused on this goal.  

Goal #3: Have fun, be happy.

I don't want to go through life unhappy, become old and suddenly realize that I sucked at life. No matter what, I am always going to do what makes me happy. I wouldn't care if I lived in a cardboard box without a penny to my name, as long as I was happy (although I can't really see being happy like this, but you never know.) Life is only about having an awesome time, otherwise what's the point? I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and always remember to have a good time. 

Ten Things You Should Know About Me

1. I love to travel.

2. I speak decent French and would love to learn Italian.

3. I think going on an unplanned, unexpected road trip would be so fun!
4. I love to run and use it as a stress reliever. If I don't run, I get kind of cranky.

5. My middle name is Rose.

6. I am Irish, British, Scottish and German.

7.  I am pretty athletic and have tried a ton of sports! My least favorite was basketball while my favorite was rock climbing.

8. I'm a middle child.

9. I prefer to have a small group of best friends than a large group of people who are just good friends.

10. I think Summer nights spent by a campfire are the best.