A year in review: From an anxiety prone college student.

A year ago from next month, a strange timeline but that is what it is, I embarked on my first year of college. Unlike a lot of the kids, or if you prefer to call them adults, I was not attending Fresno State or a college 4-5 hours away in California. I decided to move 12 hours away to a different state. And I was excited, proud, and extremely nervous. My first semester was everything that it should’ve been. It was challenging, unpredictable and really fun. I worked, took 15 units and had a blast. After that, my roommate showed me the ropes of air travel and soon I was home for Christmas Break. Again, unlike the other students around me, I only had 2 weeks of Christmas vacation and that thought was always in the back of my mind. So as I tried to enjoy visiting my family and the Christmas holiday, I would get overwhelmed with the fact that I would have to leave again. It hurt my heart that family events and activities would proceed without me and one night I fell apart in the lap of my Mom begging her to let me stay. And her wise words still did not completely soothe me but nevertheless they drove me and my roommate to the airport and we left for the cold, not so quiet campus. A couple weeks later I had planned a quick trip to come home for the weekend to see a high school show and visit my family and friends again. I caught a red-eye flight and soon I was home. This was probably not the best thing I could’ve done. I was able to visit and love on my friends and family for two days and then I had to return home. Which broke my heart even more. I got back to school extremely tired, because I decided traveling all night and into the morning was a good idea. I skipped church to sleep and tunneled my way into my bed and I cried. I cried enough to quench this awful California drought. But because I was too proud I decided that I was fine and I would get over it. I continued going to school and going through the motions and nothing change. I felt like I was stuck in the dark and I didn’t know what to do. I began to journal, read, do yoga just to help me feel better. And one night I came home with a letter from my best friend (and if you are reading this know that I love you so much) and in that letter she told me that her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and I can’t remember what stage, but I just knew that it was serious. And that, my friends, was my breaking point. I at my dorm desk at 1 in the morning and I cried until my roommate new that something was wrong. And I am so blessed to have a roommate that cares so much for me. But I remember her asking me what was wrong and I said everything. I was mad at God for making life so unfair, I was mad at myself for all the choices I made that led to this moment in a place so far from home, I was mad at my friends, I was mad at my parents for thinking I could do this, and I was just mad. And my sweet, sweet roommate hugged me and asked me if I wanted a blessing from our friend Stephen. And those who are not familiar with the LDS or Mormon religion, a blessing is exactly what it sounds like. A man who has authority and the power lays his hands on your head in order to give you guidance and comfort by expressing the things that God would like you to know. And for many of you that may seem very abstract and out-there but to me it was very familiar. However, I said no. I didn’t want to bother Stephen especially because I told him recently that I was mad at him and that we were just acquaintances. And yet Nicole helped me put on a sweater and walk over to the boy’s dorms. And Stephen being the kind person that he is, spoke to me about what I was feeling and then gave me a blessing. And I felt this great weight of comfort and stability come around me like a hug as he spoke clearly and calmly about how God was watching out for me. In a time where my Mom and Dad couldn’t hold me and tell me everything was going to be okay. My best friends were able to lift me up in such a way as to help me finish my freshman year and do it happily. (And if you must know I told Stephen we were friends again after this encounter). The only thing I regret about my freshman year is that I didn’t enjoy it sooner. And I know that every college student doesn’t commune with God, has great roommates or even has trouble moving away. But I did. And I know that I am not alone in this. Which is the exact the reason I am writing this very post. Because you can do it. You may not be able to do it alone, but what fun would that be. 

Let's Talk About Virginia

From bleeding through a swim suit, to using make-shift tampons, even the mortifying experience of having someone walking in on you, puberty is embarrassing. I remember being in fifth grade when boys and girls were split up into separate rooms to have “the talk” about their bodies and then sent home with pamphlets-and in the girl’s cases pads, tampons, and panty liners. Now, I would never refuse free tampons; however, at that age, I was traumatized. The school made a huge deal of separating the girls and boys up and we were told that if we talked about what we learned with members of the opposite sex we would be penalized. Due to our embarrassment, we girls were too scared to even talk about it with each other. I came home to my parents wanting to talk with me about what I had learned but it was the last thing I wanted to discuss. This was when the term the “Virginia” was introduced. The word “vagina” embarrassed me, so my parents called it the “Virginia.”  Something about saying the real word was weird and I know I’m not alone in that.  

            If we avoid talking about vaginas, we run into various problems. Girls can start their periods basically whenever their bodies feel like it; some start at age eight and others at the age 14, (Kid’s Health). Blood coming from your crotch is a terrifying experience for a ten-year-old girl. Marissa, as a fourth grader, was convinced that she had cut herself but instead of talking to her mom she just went along merrily throwing away her underwear until her mom figured it out. As kids we form a view of the world that becomes our set point for everything that occurs in our lives. For Marissa a period was new and needed to be accommodated to her view of the world.  When her mother found out it was much to Marissa’s surprise that the world wasn’t as she believed her previous set point now needed accommodating. When does a parent know to bring up the talk? For girls like Marissa the fifth grade “talk” is ineffective. Although not every girl starts menstruating when they are ten, there are plenty that do. These girls need to know about their body before the end of the fifth grade.

            Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a program that begins early in kindergarten with age appropriate material and progresses through the grades. Comprehensive Sexuality Education as defined by the Sexuality Information and Educational Council of the United States (SIECUS) is an educational program that focuses on more than 36 age appropriate topics covering from basic human development, abstinence, contraception (Comprehensive Sexuality Education). Often, when people hear the words “children” and “sex education,” they tend to tune it out or freak out. Very few are willing to explain the roles of vaginas and penises to kids, and that is wherein the problem lies. There is no definite time for the “talk,” whether the “talk” be about puberty or sex. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is successful because of the way it handles the subjects. Teachers try to teach in an environment where it is appropriate to talk about our bodies, breaking down the awkwardness that can come with sex education. These topics are extremely important if not more important than other subjects taught in school because whether we like it or not we have these organs and we see the daily repercussions of them. By educating children earlier on the importance of their body we can save them from feeling alone whether they’re early or late bloomers.

Even after we are comfortable with what is going on with our own bodies we are usually embarrassed to talk about it. In the 7^th grade the feminine product dispensers were taken out of the bathrooms and replaced with a paper sign that read, “If you need a pad/tampon, come to the office and they will give you one.” For most people it was not a problem they either had not started yet or they came to school prepared. Every once in a while you would get that girl who was frantically asking her friends to save her from embarrassment and frankly, her underwear. When she asked me, a late bloomer, I responded, “Why don’t you just go ask for one in the office?” From my lack of understanding I received an earful convincing me that it just might be embarrassing. However, in my head it seemed a lot easier to just walk to the office get the product, use the bathroom, and be done with it. All of the workers in the office were women and would have been understanding. There would have been no giggling, no waving of the pad and announcing the incident. Yet, we are so scared to talk about the fact that we are menstruating. Having had the idea that it is inappropriate to talk about such topics as penises, vaginas, and sex drilled into our brains at a young age it is no wonder that there is this sense of filthiness surrounding such topics. These are natural bodily topics and ones we will be forced to talk about at some point in our lives, so why not start young?

We are taught to be proud of who we are, and our body is a part of our identity, and so we should teach young children about their bodies so they can be truly proud of who they are not embarrassed or ashamed. Teaching that talking about bodies is inappropriate lends itself to crude jokes. If I haven’t proven my point just start counting the many times you’ve seen penises drawn on desks, the many times the penis game is played, or how many derogatory nicknames there are for the word vagina. Teaching students earlier about their bodies could reduce this embarrassment or humor that comes with the “talk.”  It is extremely important that children, adolescents, and adults alike feel comfortable with talking about their own body. If they don’t, they tend to rely on sources such as Yahoo Answers, Urban Dictionary, and Web M.D. which may be helpful in some situations but I highly doubt “ilovepeanutbutter86” can answer all your questions about your vaginal problems.

I’m not asking you to use the vagina in everyday situations but to merely overcome the embarrassment of using the word. We should be able to talk to our kids, parents, or doctors with the confidence that body functions are not embarrassing or scary but instead a part of life. Take a stand and use the word vagina instead of “Virginia.”

Advice to Seniors from REAL college students.

I know I was super nervous for college and I would spend countless hours scouring over blogs written by college students. Now as a college student I thought I would write my own blog about college. But I wanted to include other perspectives because not everyone's experience is the same. First I asked a bunch of seniors (if you are one of them, thank you for making this possible) what questions they had about college. Then a mixture of college students answered them.
Here are the college kids:
You can read their bios or just skip straight to the questions.

Michaella - Hello there! This is my blog so if this is your first time here, welcome! My name is Michaella Scholz and I am currently a freshman at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I graduated  from Hanford High in June 2014. I continually fell in love with theatre all throughout high school and I realized I couldn't live without it. I am a Theatre Studies major right now and will apply to the Theatre Education program in the fall. I was inspired to write this post and recruit others to help me because I was extremely anxious before moving and even after living here for seven months sometimes I still am, and I know that there are people (like me) who just need to find some comfort in the words of people who have been there before. Thank you to all those that helped with this post and enjoy the words of the people who have gone before you. In the wise words of Effie Trinket, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

Nicole - Hola! My name is Nicole Haroldsen, I'm originally from Ecuador but moved to Kingsburg, California when I was still in elementary school. I am a freshman at Brigham Young University - Provo. I am Michaella's roommate, lucky me! And I am majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition. I hope I could help you feel better about opening up the next chapter of your life!

Hannah - Hey students! My name is Hannah Hilyard and I am a freshman at West Hills College Lemoore. I graduated from Hanford High School in June of 2014. I am studying Liberal Arts, as I want to be a Kindergarten teacher. I hope to transfer to either Sacramento State or Cal Poly SLO. I teach dance and love to volunteer in elementary school classrooms. I wish you all the best of luck on your future college endeavors!

Elyssa - My names Elyssa, I’m a freshman at the beautiful Chico State and I don’t know how to write my own bio. I’m majoring in nursing but I’m only in the pre-nursing program right now and I’m  planning on beginning to start minoring in either psychology or child development. I choose to not live in the dorms my first year and instead move into a cute little town house with some roommates, and I love the freedom and responsibility that I get because of it. When I’m not at work or school  I like to inhabit a vegetative state, watch netflix or youtube, play the ukulele and eat mac-n-cheese.

Jessica - Hi! My name is Jessica Rinehart, I go to college at Cal Lutheran University (aka CLU), and I am a freshman. My major is English with a concentration in Creative Writing. CLU is 4 hours away from where I live. My school is a private Christian college and was probably one of the colleges that I didn’t expect going to.  I ended up choosing this college because I loved how you could have one-on-one time with your professors and how everyone was friendly. You can really tell that all your professors want you to succeed in their class. It feels good to know that people are on your side. In my spare time, I watch shows on Netflix and spend time with my friends. I try to write for my blog, Imaginable World. Imaginable World is on WordPress and is about my experience at college and some college advice. If you have time, stop by and take a look at my blog.

Pheobe - Phoebe Zayas-Defiance is a 20 year old freshman at West Hills College Lemoore. When she is not earning her AA in physics, she is also a professional musician. Her post-college goals are to be a rock star and perfect time travel. 

1. How much sleep do you get in college?

Nicole says: "Well, I try to go to bed before midnight and I usually get up around 8 so I about eight hours (on good days)."

Michaella says: "I get about 6-7 hours and that’s on good days. But it’s all about choices. I choose to work mornings so I get up a lot earlier than most kids but I also take naps during the day and I usually go to sleep at 11-12. But sometimes you just have to choose sleep over Netflix or hanging out with friends versus sleeping. Both are important. One thing about sleep is it's going to vary a lot. Being in college gives you a lot of freedom you may choose to stay up till 3 am and then maybe go to sleep at 9 pm another day."

Eylssa says: "I usually get about 6 hours of sleep but because I choose to go to bed late. During finals though its a whole other story."

Jessica says: "It all depends on my classes. If my classes are at 8 in the morning, or 9 in the morning I try to go to bed at 11, or 10:30. If my classes are at 10 am I will stay up till 1 or 2 am. I also factor in priorities. If I have an important test, or assignment, I might stay up later."

Hannah says: "I really try to still get a solid 6-8 hours of sleep, but often times that is way easier said than done! Sometimes with working and such it’s hard to get homework done at a decent hour, but I try to compensate by sleeping in an extra half hour or whatever. Sleep is SO important."

Pheobe says: "As a procrastinating night owl, I’ll start studying and doing homework around 10 pm and finish around 2 in the morning. But I still manage to good 7 and a half to eight hours because my first class of the day isn't until 11. I didn't kid myself, no morning classes for me!"

2. How do classes compare to AP classes?

Nicole says: "Ugh. They’re freaking hard. Like you think High school is hard? No. Just no."

Michaella says: "For me I wouldn't say the classes are harder, I’m very capable of learning the content. However, the speed and sheer amount of information is difficult especially, since there really isn't any busy work, you have to stay on top of studying because there is nothing that forces you to do so."

Eylssa says: "In these past 2 semesters I’ve only had about 3 classes where the actual work was more challenging than ap classes and it was because they were pre-recs to get into my major.The hard part actually comes with the amount of work given that you have the responsibility of doing/learning on your own. Some classes on the other hand are just easy peasy lemon squeezy."

Jessica says: "I would say college classes are a little bit easier than AP classes. It might be because I already know how to manage my homework and classes, along with hanging out with friends and catching up with all my favorite shows. The reason why I feel like college classes are easier, are because you don’t have the same class everyday. So you have more time to prepare (or procrastinate, which I do not suggest) for the class. Also some classes’ homework are reading and then discussing it in class. I think the hardest part about college classes is that teachers don’t always have grade class work or their homework, so if you don’t do so well on a test, you have nothing to cushion you, which could possibly result in  your grade crashing and burning."

Hannah says: "I did not take any AP classes, but I would say the difficulty/workload varies by class and by professor. I had a math class last semester that took me an hour a week to complete homework wise. I also had a sociology class that took me about 45 minutes a day throughout the week. So I would definitely say it depends."

Pheobe says: "I never took AP classes, but you’ll definitely stay as busy in college as you did in AP. I can say though, this biggest difference is if you miss an assignment, your teacher is allowed to swear at you out loud and not just in their head."

3. Were you prepared for college?

Nicole says: "I think for the most part I was, but there are just somethings you can’t really prepare for like homesickness."

Michaella says: "I thought I was. But no matter how much you think you are prepared, you probably aren't. That’s okay because even if you aren't you can do it just like every other kid that leaves home."

Eylssa says: "I want to believe I was for the educational part of college but as for the things outside of school maybe not as much as I believed."

Jessica says: "Hahaha. Nope. I don’t think you could be fully prepared until you actually go there and experience it yourself, but don’t take that as a terrifying thing. I was more prepared for classes, because of the honor classes and AP classes I took. What I wasn't prepared for were how to deal with roommates, how to make friends quickly, and being homesick."

Hannah says: "Yes and no. I didn't go away to school, so there was no adjustment there. The biggest adjustment came in the sense of freedom I was given. Nobody reminds you to do anything in college. Professors hand you a syllabus and expect you to navigate it all on your own. I had really supportive high school teachers so this was a big change."

Pheobe says: "Yes, but I didn’t go straight out of high school. I didn’t take a class or choose a major until I had found something I was so passionate about that I didn’t care how much work I had to do to get there. It’s okay to not know what you want to do right out of high school, it could take a while. It took me two years, and I’m so glad I waited."

4. Were you nervous about going away from home?

Nicole says: "I was always that girl that could NOT wait to move out and leave my little small town but when it came down to it I don’t think I have ever been so nervous about something as I was when I moved out."

Michaella says: "Like Nicole, I couldn't wait to leave home, at home I felt so confined and bored so I was excited to come to school. But I definitely cried a lot the first week of school just because I was home sick. But you are entirely capable of moving out; no one would let you move out if you weren't ready. Just trust yourself and know that your family is only a call away."

Eylssa says: "NO! i wanted to get out of my home town and be on my own so bad. The worst part of leaving was actually just saying goodbye to family, I cried hardcore when my dad was leaving my apartment which was weird because I usually can be very unemotional around him. But after I sat in MY living room and laid in MY..."

Jessica says: "I couldn’t wait to leave! I’m going to  a private college that is near Los Angeles and the town is WAY  bigger than the town I grew up in. It made me excited just thinking about it. Though I was nervous about being alone. I was moving away from the familiar and was being put into a position where I knew NO ONE. I knew what I was getting myself into, but it still made me nervous."

Pheobe says: "Moving away from home was the most liberating feeling of my young life, but I also only moved an hour away. Being further away, like in a different state brings up a lot of feelings of homesickness, but that is a feeling that makes you all the more grateful to have your family."

5. What if I want to go somewhere far, but no one I know is going to go to school and I’m scared of being alone in the beginning?

Nicole says: "That is scary, but at the same time there will be soooo many people in your situation so most people tend to be extra friendly because they just want to make friends as well."

Michaella says: "I moved 12 hours from home. But I knew my roommate and knew a couple people going to my school but it was so scary. I cried a lot, but the thing is you really aren't alone everybody there is trying to figure things out just like you are. You have your roommates, your classmates, and your parents and friends back home are just a call away. My advice is if you want to make friends go to things. You can't make friends by being alone in your dorm. And if you really want to go far away do it. Don't spend your whole life afraid of what could've been. Life is too short."

Eylssa: "I moved five hours north and I only came with my boyfriend who wasn’t going to my same school. But the first day in my first lecture I started up a conversation with the girl who sat next to me about the most random subject (I was nervous talking) and we ended up having our next class together. Now were such great friends. Just know that there are so many opportunities to meet people you just have to find the courage to use them, it's worth it."

Jessica says: "I know where you’re coming from. I decided to go to a school where I knew no one and I was terrified. The first two days at my school were the WORST. People were walking together, laughing, and being buddy-buddy with each other, while I probably looked like a scared little girl. I didn’t know who to talk to or hang out with. I even cried to my mom saying I was going to be a loner for the rest of college. Until the third day some people that were in my orientation group ate breakfast together, and I joined them. I didn’t meet my closest friends until at lunch. After that I felt free to be myself and talk to other people."

Pheobe says: "Spontaneity is the key to your survival. If you want to make friends, you have to perk up the second you overhear a conversation about your favorite book or your favorite band, no matter how weird it feels. You will be alone at first though, but solitude is a great time for self-reflection and knowing who you really are, and that’s one of the more unspoken importances of the college experience."

6. How busy are you during the week?

Nicole says "You know how in high school you’d be so happy for the weekend because you got a break from school? Yeah that doesn’t happen here lol.. So just brace yourself bc college really is like a full time job. It’s hard but it is also very rewarding and sooo fun!"

Michaella says: "Extremely busy. College life is a lot busier than high school just because there is so much going on. I work, I have 6 classes this semester, and then I have homework, sleep, and friends to juggle. My word advice is to know when it is too much. I thought about dropping a class this semester and I talked myself into keeping it, now I hate myself and I’m super struggling to keep a good grade in that class and it’s only the 6th week of class. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to admit that you can’t do everything and things will work out."

Eylssa says "Last Semester I took 16 units, had 3 of my hardest classes I would need to take through my pre-recs and had a part time job that LOVED to give me many hours mostly during the holiday season so iI had a lot on my plate for a freshman. I didn’t know how to handle it yet and though I could make it without dropping a class, however it took a  toll on my grades. So this semester I chose to take 13 units so I’m still full time, and told my job i had a bit less availability and now I get out of class by 12 on most days and have a lot of free time for naps."

Hannah says: "I am SO busy during the week. I am a liberal arts major so I am required to do classroom observation days. So when I don’t have class, that’s where I am. In the afternoons, I have a job taxing some kids from dance around, then I teach at the studio, on top of dancing myself. Though I only have class on campus 3 days a week, I am busy 7 days out of the week."

Pheobe says: "I go to school from 11 in the morning to 10 in the evening three times a week, and study hard the other two days of the week to have time for the weekends, which are dedicated to band practice, performances, and anything else I have to take care of like grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, family time etc. Adulthood and college life consist of tight regimens, all the way down to the fun parts."

7. Is it a lot harder than high school?

Michaella says: "You've got this. All of high school was supposed to prepare you for this and more or less it does. If you are struggling there are TA reviews, walk-in labs, and office hours to help you out."

Hannah says: "There are aspects that are definitely harder than high school. For me, at West Hills (Community College), I am often talked down to as many of my fellow classmates are full grown adults who are coming back to school. What does an 18 year old know right? It is often hard to try and hold your own, but you’ll find your niche within time."

Pheobe says: "It might be. I did poorly in high school due to learning disabilities, but you’ll do fine if you take advantage of all the resources your school has available to help you succeed."

8. How easy is it to make friends?

Michaella says: "If you are like me its hard to make friends. Just because I really just hate being out of my comfort zone. But once you try its easy and once you make one freind they have freinds, who have freinds, who have freinds and then you have tons of people that you can befreind."

Jessica says: "It depends on what type of person you are. It may take a few days, or it may take a few hours. One thing that you do have to remember though is to NOT change yourself just to get a group of friends, because you really want someone to like you and another is that it’s COMPLETELY fine if you don’t find friends right away. You’ll find them eventually."

Pheobe says: "Sure. Walk around campus and you’ll find your people! Every friend I have made in college has been by overhearing conversations about things that I am interested in, and then chiming in. Just don’t be scared!"

9. How is it having roommates?

Michaella says: "Just know right now that you aren’t going to be the perfect roommate. You are all going to be learning how to live together and it is going to be tough sometimes; but you truly get what you put into it. Make it work and you can find some of your best friends."

Eylssa: "Its fun yet challenging. I ended up moving in with friends 2nd semester and now live with three girls who at most times I love but other times I wish i had a lock on my door. Its all about communication and letting your roommates know what you’re comfortable with and what you want without being a nazi. I like being alone a lot and one of my roommates is SUPER social so i had to let her know that when my doors shut it means I need some space but any other times just knock. And the other 3 girls see the fridge as a free for all no matter who bought what but because I wasn’t comfortable with that we had a sit down and easily created a little sytem to know what was up for grabs and what wasn’t."  

Jessica says: "It’s a learning process. They’re not your siblings, so you can’t just yell at them and then have Mom or Dad intervene. You have to learn how to be civil. Also if you’re an only child or don’t share a room with anyone, please remember that you are now sharing a room with someone and if they’re asleep they might now enjoy being woken up by a slamming of a drawer, or door."

Pheobe says: "I have so many roommate stories, I don’t know where to begin. Generally speaking, living with other adults who share common interests is great. You’ll do fine living with one other person or even nine other people as long as everyone cleans up after themselves and respects each other’s boundaries."

10. What if I don’t get along with my roommates?

Michaella says: "The thing is you don’t have to be friends with your roommate; it is ideal. But the truth is you can finds friends other places. You just can’t hate your roommate. You’ll be fine!"

Eylssa says: "You won’t always agree with them or like them but you guys share a room, house or apartment and its key that you can be on somewhat good terms so your living situation is bearable. Drama with a roommate can also affect your school work so try to find ways to compromise on issues. Communication really is key, just as long as is compassionate communication and not just biased arguments."

Jessica says: "Make rules and be civil as possible. Hopefully you have another place to study, or can chill somewhere with a friend, but also remember that it’s your room too so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be away all the time because of your roommate. If there is a serious issues, talk to an RA or request to change rooms."

Pheobe says : "Put a line of duct tape down the middle of your living space in a sitcom-like fashion. Wait for hilarity to ensue."

11. How do you deal with now seeing your friends from high school?

Michaella says: "If college taught me anything it was who my friends are. People who love you will make sure they are in your life. But that’s also the reverse if you want to stay friends with someone make sure they know that. Otherwise people move on."

Eylssa says: "I miss a lot of friends so much and I’m not the best communicator but I’ve learned to use skype and at least make an effort to text someone I havent in a while at least once a week. It’s sad seeing people move on with their lives without you but if you really miss them its all about effort. Because just because they’ve found new people to hang out with so have you and in the end most people will miss you as much as you miss them."

Jessica says: "If you want them around, you’ll make it happen and vice versa."

Hannah says: "SOCIAL MEDIA. This is where social media is a blessing. Follow them on twitter, see what they’re up to on instagram, those are all awesome ways to keep up with each other during such a busy time."

Pheobe says: "Unfortunately you won’t see each other as often as you used to, even if you do attend the same school. You’ll make time for the ones that really matter though, and facebook/snapchat/twitter etc are such a blessing for keeping in touch."

12. Did you just bring a lot of your makeup with you or did you just buy a bunch?

Michaella says: "I brought all my makeup but I cleaned out a lot of my makeup. I got rid of all the sparkly eyeliners and bright eyeshadows I didn’t wear. But moving out is definitely a good time to purge out all the old stuff and move on with what you actually use."

Eylssa says: "GIRL, YOU ARE ON A COLLEGE STUDENT BUDGET! Ha bring up all your makeup, I did. You’ll be happy when you don’t have to spend some money here or there on stuff that you already have at home. But sometimes I do spoil myself and buy something here or there."

Jessica says: "I actually didn’t own any makeup besides eyeline, mostly because my parents did not approve of a lot of makeup. After a month or two I bought eye shadow and started to experiment with makeup. My parents weren’t around to tell me no lol. But if you do own makeup already I would suggest bringing it because makeup is not cheap."

Pheobe says: "Sephora was on my college shopping list. I prefer to look fabulous while doing science."

13. What the heck do you do for the period situations, again did you just have to bring a lot?

Michaella says: "My advice and this isn’t just for period stuff but a lot of stuff like toilet paper, lysol wipes, paper towels etc. When your parents drop you off before they leave go shopping and stock up on toiletries because the worst thing is to run out of toilet paper or tampons especially if you don’t have a car. There are places on campus where I can get stuff but its more expensive and they only have cardboard tampons here. (Gross.) I still have stuff from the beginning of the semester that will probably last me until the end of winter semester."

Eylssa says: "Yes I did. Actually my mom didn’t want me to have to worry about budgeting and running out of things that we all need so a few months before I left me and my mom started sort of like care-package-stockpiles.We would buy thing that I was going to  regularly need such a toiletries every few weeks and it’s helped out a lot to not have to worry about tampons toilet paper, toothbrushes or other alike things for a few months. It really does help to be prepared."

Jessica says: "If you become friends with your roommates, ask them if they have anything if you run out. I don’t ask mine because my two of my roommates are in sports and use tampons."

Pheobe says: " Spend not just college but the rest of your menstruating life stocking up on tampons/pads/stain remover like the world is going to end tomorrow."

14. Is there really such a thing as the freshman fifteen?

Michaella says: " Yes. Okay maybe I didn’t gain 15 pounds but I did get a little chubbier than I started. My advice is to not worry about it. You will probably eat more junk food in college more than any other time in your life. Just because it’s fast, easy, and cheap. But you are also walking a lot more and so it cancels out. Just remember that eating is important so don’t skip meals just so you don’t gain a couple pounds. (And if you are really worried most colleges have gyms and such!)"

Eylssa says: " Yes there can be. I have gained some weight for stress and REALLY unhealthy eating. During the holidays the best thing to do if you really want to avoid it is to just try to not buy so much prepackaged food. If you live in the dorms try to take advantage of the fruits or healthier items in the dining halls. For me I chose to budget my money in a way to where I could spend a little bit more on groceries because fruits, vegetables and healthier items are unfortunately, more expensive. And if your school has a gym like mine take advantage of it! Dont be afraid to go in everyones new at one point and will be just as self conscious as you are."

Jessica says: " You can just do what I do and not weigh yourself and then work out hoping that it cancels out something. I’m pretty sure my method is wrong though…"

Hannah says: "Yes, there is. The important thing here is to have all things in moderation. You can treat yourself, but don’t forget that your body needs fuel. I find that packing clif bars or keeping fruit snacks in my backpack to munch on during class keeps me from binge eating after class."

Pheobe says: "Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be growing for little while longer. As long as you take care of yourself, your body will always look exactly the way it’s supposed to."

15. Is it weird to not have your own shower?

Michaella says: "I have my own shower! Well I share it with 3 roommates! But at BYU there is one freshman dorm in Helaman Halls that is a suite so it has a bathroom between two rooms. So make sure you look at the dorms closely because having my own bathroom rocks. Do your homework and look at your college’s dorms."

Eylssa says "Not really I had siblings growing up so it wasn’t weird to share with my boyfriend or roommates because we all knew when it was time to be cleaned. the hardest part is trying to figure out where to put everything. But if you live in the dorms the best advice I can give is to invest in shower shoes."

Pheobe says: " Nah. I shared a shower with nine other men and women and never even thought twice about it. Just clean up any messes you have when you’re through, and if they do the same, you won’t even notice."

16. How do you sing in the shower when there’s other people who can hear you?

Michaella says: "Just sing anyways. Screw the haters."

Eylssa says: "Ha YES! I love one of my roommates because I’ll be coming home from school or work and she’ll be in the shower singing her heart out for all our neighbors to hear. The best thing to do is own it and know that everyone else is envious that you’re not afraid of it when they are."

Pheobe says: "Confidence, that’s how!"

17. What are some fun things to do in college?

Michaella says: " Lots of campuses put on events, my dorm complex always has activities and dances, in addition to the general BYU activities. Just keep an hear out there are a bunch of people your age all looking for things to do! Find a good friend group and just go find stuff to do (but also be cautious, there are crazy people and not everything is worth doing but there are lots of other things that will be)!

Jessica says: "It depends on the college. At my college they do not do a good job at advertising things and it’s more fun to do things off campus. Sometimes I get sushi with my friends, or go to the beach. Most of the times I’m in my dorm watching Netflix with my friends. Though some campus events are really fun. For example, my campus has Improv every other Thursday. There are a lot of hot guys and they’re all funny, so I make sure I go to that event."

Pheobe says: " Lots of campuses have movie nights, and of course be sure to find your local music scene and catch a show! College towns are full of artists and performers that would love you in their audience, and you’re bound to find a band or two that you will fall in love with, no matter which city you’re in. Culture is a must!"

18. What are the best ways to study?

Michaella says: "Coming from the girl who hates studying, I have to have something that I am working on: making flash cards, study guides or doing picture notes and I have to motivate myself. I am a very visual learner and writing things out help me out immensely. Before lectures, I do the reading, in lectures I handwrite notes, and after I organize my notes and type them. That sounds like a lot and it is but by doing this I save a lot of time by not cramming right before and exam. A week before an exam, I will go back through my notes and study. If I want to stop I usually leave where I am studying and walk around and find a new one. This helps me stretch, clear my head and I also get a snack and fill up my water bottle. Studying can be boring but if you do it consistently throughout the semester; but by keeping up with your studies can make finals week more manageable."

Jesica says: "Honestly, I was never that good at studying in high school and I’m still trying to figure it out. For me I usually read my notes and go over the powerpoints (if my teacher posts them). If teachers give you practice quizzes then I would also study off of that. Oh, and FYI, some professors DO NOT give you a study guide for exams."

Hannah says: "I didn’t really have to study in high school, so this was all new for me. I have a playlist on spotify dedicated to ‘study’ music, and I color code EVERYTHING. Keep organized notes (I like outlining). Find a system and stick to it."

Pheobe says: "Binural beats! There are frequencies you can download or stream on the internet that help your brain to focus. I’d be lost without them, google it!"

19. Things you wish you would’ve brought with you?

Michaella says: "Medicine. I remember the first time I got sick I had nothing to take. Leaving me to trek to CVS to buy a bunch of drugs. I would stock up on DayQuil, NyQuil, Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, and Excedrin. I also keep lots of Benadryl and allergy medicine because I'm allergic to everything. Also ice packs and a heating pad are good to have on hand. (I threw out my back last semester and could do nothing about it. Not the business).

Jessica says: " My dog. In all seriousness, you’re going to forget something. As of right now I have everything I need, but at the beginning of school I would remember random stuff that I wanted but left at home. For example, I like to draw on my spare time but I did not bring any of my sketchbooks. I had to wait till Thanksgiving to get them.  I also forgot my toothbrush when I first arrived and my parents had to go buy me a new one."

Pheobe says: "My mom’s cooking and a curling iron."

A question for you:

20. ARE YOU EXCITED?

Till next time!

Grades.

Welcome to the New Year, this means I finally get to see my semester grades. I earned a GPA of 3.74, I received one A, four A-'s, and one B+. The B was an 89.8, but that still is a B. But I am content with my GPA. Since the 8th grade, I've had this weird need to get a 4.0 every semester. I remember the one time in high school I received a B for Honors Chemistry and I tore myself apart, I cried for nearly a week. I ended high school with a 4.5 GPA (or something around there).

And obviously that isn't a bad thing to have.

But there was always this pressure, put on by myself, to have perfect grades. This created so much stress and unneeded heartache. Did that B ruin my life? No? Then why did I cry and beat myself  up over it?

It's okay to not be perfect. It's okay to struggle with a class.
There are so many things that are important and may be even more important than grades: family, relationships, religion, work, travel, happiness and the list could go on and on.

This may be easy for me to say because I've already been accepted into a great University and only received one B this semester. But I know what high school was for me and I wish that I could've had more fun and enjoyed it more and maybe that wouldn't have gotten me this far but it sure would have been a better story to tell. The pressure to get into college and to get good grades is extremely strong, but one day sooner or later, you're going to die and that B isn't going to matter that much.

You should always try your best. But if you come up a little short there is no need to let that burden you. What is done is done, so move on.

I'm thankful for my B+ because it humbles me and keeps me going.
Just some food for thought, till next time.

2014. A year in review.

2014. What a year we laughed, we cried and took it like a champ. Well, at least I like to think we did. It's hard to remember all 365 days. But I'm going to pick my top 14 moments of 2014.

1. My Spartan race feels like it was so long ago, but it was in January. The week I was doing it I had the flu, but I went that weekend and did a 5-mile obstacle course went to school on Monday and continued going to rehearsals that week. I trained for this event and now I have two medals from it and it definitely was one of the hardest things I did in 2014 making it one of my 14 top moments. 
2. Valentine's Day was definitely a high point for me his year which is weird because its valentine's day, but that night we had an improv show. And we called it the forever alone show. That was fun but afterwards, my sister Macie, Michael, Hayden and I went to Taco Bell around 8 or 9 and we just talked until the manager told us we had to leave so they could close. It was extremely fun and I picked it as a top moment because I love my friends and this was just an example of the fact that we stick together and that none of us are truly alone. 
3. Speaking of improv, I was on our team and we were coached by Nick Haas who is a member of Blimprov in Fresno. But one time at practice he told my teacher asked about recruiting because I was a creative team player and saved  some of the games from crashing. I'm extremely proud of this compliment because I was terrified of improv my freshman year and it was nice to have someone notice my improvement. - Check out their Facebook page! Support local theatre! https://www.facebook.com/Blimprov
4. Being in Annie was super stressful. But the last day or whenever we all went to Denny's was super fun. We all had worked together to make a great show and now we were all friends. And everyone knew how to play the "Schultz" game. 
5. Magic Mountain was where we had our "grad nite" and I spent all night riding rollercoasters with my best friends. And even though our bus broke down on the way there and we had to ride a party bus home I had the time of my life and rode so many rides so needless to say this was a top moment. 
6. Graduating High School was obviously a top moment because I made it through 4 crappy years and was able to have a pretty good time powering through. 
7. I worked with the Kings Players Kid's Camp to put on the Jungle Book this summer and during one of the last nights the compliments I received just blew my mind. Many parents complimented me on my skill of being able to gain control and make sure things ran smoothly and many said that I needed to be paid more. But I loved working with those kids and knowing that I was good at it was just the icing on the cake.
8. Going to college is definitely a top moment because I was so proud of myself. It was really hard making that transition to a new home 12 hours away, but I did it and I cried I would say minimally. I'm proud of being able to do that giving it the potential to make this list.
9. 24 Hour Theatre was I project I did while I was at BYU. I auditioned and I worked with complete strangers rehearsing a new script for 12 hours and performed it that night. I had a lot of fun and I loved my director and the other girl I was working with. It made me remember why I love theatre people again and that's one of the many reasons it was picked as a top moment, 
10. Thanksgiving was really special this year because just when I thought I wasn't going to be able to see my family, my uncle bought me a ticket to fly to our family's Thanksgiving and I am so grateful for that because it definitely helped me power through the semester. And I really enjoy playing soccer with my family.
11. Our last day of class this fall semester there was a dance I went with a couple friends and I literally danced until I couldn't anymore. Let's just say my hair was curly and by the end of the night it was straight from sweat. (Gross I know, but I didn't care). I danced away my problems and I didn't care what others thought. 
12. Finals Week was a top moment for me because I finished all my finals that Monday. I woke up at 6 left my dorm by 7 took all four of my finals and was done by 12. The rest of the week so many people told me that I was their hero, but I was just glad to be done.
13. The day after I flew home I got to go to Hanford High's Footloose rehearsal and it was awesome I loved seeing new and old faces and how far along they were. They are awesome and I'm really excited for them. Remember to go see it at the end of January.  
14. A couple days ago I went to Denny's with my best friends and I've been waiting since I left for college, for the day when we could all hang out again. We talked for we talked for like seven hours and ate a lot of food.

Well, I'm sure I missed a couple but there are my 14 top moments of 2014. 

I was going to do 15 goals for 2015, but that's a lot so I will do 5. 

1. Stop caring about what others think. 
2. Stop worrying about things I can't control.
3. Have more fun and less time wasting.
4. Go to the library and the gym more. 
5. Stop being a hater. 

Well, soon we will be ringing in the New Year. Good luck!

Why I want to be a Theatre Teacher.

ever since I was in the 7th grade I never exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I was supposed to be a teacher. (If you have read my personal statement on my previous post, you knew that). But that problem was I didn't really know what subject I wanted to teach. 

I remember being in middle school where my Dad taught 7th grade biology (and was my teacher) and helping grade papers, helping students and studying with science showdown team. Throughout doing all this, I was told that I was good at teaching and I knew that I enjoyed it and was good at it. So that has been my goal ever since. 

This is me in the 7th Grade Science Showdown

If I could formally thank West Hills College Lemoore this would be it because they pointed me in the right direction. I was asked if I wanted to attend a Future Teacher Conference put on by Team Teach at West Hills. And of course I said yes! 

Before I go on I would just like to thank Ms. Potter, she is the one that mentioned my name when they were looking for students to take to the conference. Ms. Potter truly cares about her students and pays attention to their lives and I've never met a student that didn't like her (and if I have then I have completely ignored their opinions because I know she is an amazing teacher). So thank you Ms. Potter for helping me with my life journey! 

So on Halloween of 2013 I attended the conference. At this Future Teacher conference, we were asked to go to groups and attend certain seminars. My friend Racheal and I attended and we found ourselves in a room with a handful of teacher that had gone on to do administration and I wasn't really paying attention because administration hadn't been a goal of mine. However Bobby Peters, the Director of Educational Services Hanford Joint Union High School District began talking and I don't tend to agree with many of his views on education but one thing that he said truly resonated with me. He began talking about he knew he wanted to be a teacher and he loved art; therefore he decided to become and art teacher. He soon came to realize that he couldn't teach something that he was naturally good at. He then decided that he was going to pick his worst subject which was english and he was going to teach that. He knew that by having to learn the subject he would be able to be a better teacher because he was able to relate to the struggles the students were having because him to had to learn just like the students. And at this moment I didn't relate it to myself, I just kept it as a good thought.

Mr. Preston and I at the Future Teacher Conference

My Mom has worked at a summer camp at West Hills for three years now, (don't quote me on that, I could be wrong), but she talked to Mr. Preston, the head of the camp and asked if I could apply even though I wasn't a college student just yet. The summer camp is based on the idea of helping young students in middle school to decide to go to college and it is run by college students aspiring to be teachers. And although I wasn't a college student I still given the chance to be interviewed. When I was interviewed by Mr. Preston I was asked what subject I wanted to teach and I said biology and/or theatre and he just looked at me really confused because those subjects don't entirely mesh.At this point in March 2014, I was struggling with the idea of wanting to teach theatre. But even though I didn't know exactly know what I wanted to teach I was told at the interview (because Mr. Preston believes that since this is an educational venue he tells you after the interview is over what you could do to have a stronger interview,) that he was most impressed with my experience with teaching. And I was hired and I was the youngest team member; that was pretty awesome. 

I then decided that I wanted to teach theatre. 

I remember struggling with this idea. I kept telling myself that you aren't good enough to teach this subject, you yourself have only been doing it for about 4 years. But I finally told myself that I was going to do it. I was going to teach theatre. I knew that because I wasn't naturally good at it and looking at my struggles and my growth between my freshman year and my senior I would be able to teach others because of my personal struggle in the field. 

Dwayne Tubbs, a great teacher and friend, gave me an opportunity to assistant direct, coach or whatever you want to call it. I was casted as Imogene in the show TBS Radio and because my role was a less demanding and we had a lot of freshmen he asked me to help out. I usually stuck to coaching just the freshmen because everyone else would blow me off. But I am so grateful for those freshmen that listened to me who gave me a chance to try it out. And thank you to Mr. Tubbs who commented about the change that he saw in the freshman after working with me. 

This is my favorite picture of Jared from Annie. 

Again I was given another opportunity to help during our high school's production of 'Annie', and my dear friend Jared was casted as Mr. Warbucks. This just happened to be his first theatre experience other than drama class and because I was in his in drama class we would practice all the time. I'd like to say I made Daddy Warbucks, but it was more like molded because Jared was awesome, just needed some refining. But I was able to see Jared transform from himself to a primary character in Annie. 

I would also work with Marissa and Eylssa during class all the time and I realized I loved doing this.So thank you Jared, Marissa and Elyssa for letting my push you around, you guys are awesome. 

I knew watching my high school theatre career ending I wasn't ready to give up theatre and I knew that I was doing what I knew I wanted to do. 

At the end of my high school career, I knew exactly where I was going and what I wanted to do. Back in my third period drama class I was told by Elyssa, Marissa and Mrs. Ankrum that they knew that I was going to be a great theatre teacher. And I am so thankful for them and all who believe in me because they helped me make that decision. 

5C West Hills Summer Camp

When I finished high school I went straight to work at West Hills and I was a teacher assistant so what I did was from like 8-12 the students went to different classes taught by teachers and then after lunch they were able to attend electives. Since I was a TA I was able to work in the "BOOM" class which was a theatre class and I loved it so much! I was an example for almost everything and I loved it. But then I also had the opportunity to teach Improv with an awesome group and the kids loved it. Being given the chance to teach theatre just reiterated that this was what I was meant to do. 

After that in July, I was another teacher assistant for a theatre camp for children put on by the Kings Players. I was basically a babysitter/stage manager/improv teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed working with these kids who were so excited to act in the Jungle Book production we were putting on. And I fell in love with teaching all over again, and it didn't hurt that all the parents complimented me on how I handled the kids. 

After a show when the kids put on the Jungle Book. 

All these experiences helped me to know what I wanted out of this life.

Now I am a theatre studies major at BYU anticipating the fall of 2015 when I can apply to the theatre ed. program. 

I could keep going talking about all the people who helped me make this choice, But I would just like to thank Bianca Ankrum, my very own drama teacher, who never gave up on me and pushed me to grow. I hope I can be a theatre teacher with her capacity to touch the lives of others through theatre. 

Till next time. 

Michaella Scholz