(Almost) 20 Tips from a College Junior

It has been a long 2 months since the last post. However, as you all know, I'm not very good at doing this on a regular basis. Exciting things are happening this semester. I have LESS than a year until I graduate! Ah! Deadlines are quickly approaching and it has been a lot little bit stressful. I have to take all 3 of my teacher licensure tests by August and then I begin my student teaching. I was placed in a 4th grade classroom and I couldn't be more excited about that! Then, I walk in December across the stage. MY OH MY!

So on that note, I have a few tips from a college junior:

1.  Junior year GOES BY SO FAST. Sophomore year was definitely the longest year ever. It was between getting directly into my major and finishing up my general education classes. Junior year on the other hand is going by like 200 miles an hour. Really remember these days.
2.  I have made the decision to not work during my senior year of college (technically, I can sort of considered myself a senior now, but that feels a little rushed.) I made a separate savings account to put some money a side each month, so I will have some change to spend during my last semester at UNCC. Make sure you're looking ahead and planning for financial reasons!
   
3. Don't be afraid if you don't feel like much of an adult yet. Y'all, last week I had my mom make my dentist appointment (and I may have asked her to make them for the rest of my life.) It's okay! I mean, as long as you're doing some adult things. Please have at least your first job by now, oh, and PLEASE be doing your own laundry. Don't rush growing up, but you are going to have to grow up.
4. Be considering where and what you're going to do after you graduate. I only have 1 semester of senior year unlike most people, so I have to think a little faster, but definitely start thinking about some long-term plans.
5. This is the year a lot of your friends start getting engaged and married. Don't sulk about your singleness, be happy for your friends and family! One of my best friends, Sammy, is getting married in April and I'm so excited to be apart of it. My brother, Drew, is getting married in August and that's so exciting! Be supportive and happy for those close to you.
6. Just like last year's tip, go home and visit! It gets even harder to leave home this year. Luckily, my sweet mama and daddy are coming to visit this weekend! I can't wait to see their faces.
7. Do something different this year. It doesn't have to be crazy or anything. I recently tried hot yoga with my friend Kelly and I'm going back again this Sunday! It was a really cool experience.
8. I'm still living on-campus and loving it. This is my second year in an on-campus apartment and the convenience is real. I recently registered for housing again and I will be living in another on-campus apartment this upcoming school year. Of course, shop your options, but I highly recommend on-campus living!
9. Checking the mail is still something I look forward to. Check your mail, but also send it! It will make someone's day and if you're lucky, they'll write you back!

   

   Hey Ma, please make my dentist appointments forever? Thanks, you're the best!

10. If anything, school work gets way more intense this year. I have friends working towards many different majors and I think they would say the same thing. Remember to stay focused and definitely make your to-do lists. They'll come in handy. 
11. TAKE PICTURES. We live in a time where we are so lucky to have technology. Well, it's a blessing and a curse, but you get it. Take pictures of things that mean something to you. You're going to want to look back on them later.
12. Make summer plans! I have to stick around for the first summer school session this year (one step closer to early graduation!), but I am lucky enough to have an awesome roomie to let me stay with her! Thanks Lar (and Mrs. Carolyn and Mr. Malcolm!) We're planning to do some fun stuff around Charlotte that I've never done before.

    

    Lar + I

13. I know I told you to consider future plans, but also make some fun future goals for yourself. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I want a puppy names Peaches after graduation. Silly things are still things to look forward to too!
14. Read some books, not just textbooks. Shout out to Mrs. Greear for letting my borrow See Me by Nicholas Sparks. Such a good read so far!
15. Organize your room (and don't forget to decorate either.) I bought a shoe rack this year and it has changed my life. I can actually see all of my shoes, hallelujah!  

For the sake of being too repetitive, I'm going to stop at 15. Just remember to pay attention to your life and enjoy the moment you're in. Wow, that was cheesy. I feel like I was just in my freshman year dorm room writing my first 20 tips post.