chanthestudent-blog

[chanthestudent-blog]

What have I learned in blogging class?

I only have a few more days left of my blogging class and I have so much I still want to share. My experience thought the term has been wonderful. This journey was not the original path I was following. At the beginning of the term, I dropped two business classes and need to replace them. My first thought was to look for easy classes. I choose a 200-level psych course. After that, I was at a loss for what class to take. Next, I looked for classes that cost the least and I came across an art class and writing. I also had to match the credits I dropped. I talked to an old advisor and another teacher suggested I take her class…it was a creative writing course. I was skeptical because my writing is not great. Never the less, I joined the class.

After reading the syllabus the class appeared very intense and I regretted sign up for a while. After selecting a platform and being able to personalize it I warmed back up to the class. The platform I chose was Tumblr. I never knew much about Tumblr but I did know a lot about another popular blog site used, Wix, and I knew how sucked into the design I could get. Overall working with Tumblr has been the most challenging part. I learned that commenting on Tumblr is not like a traditional blog or open comment box. I was told it’s more like Twitter, and I have never used Twitter.

The blogging itself was quite an adventure. I wrote 16 blogs in 11 weeks and I thought that was sometimes challenging. I still wonder how some people do it and have done it every day for years. One of the most challenging things about blogging was finding something to talk about, or write right about. My goal was to have a niche focusing on enduring challenges through college but some of my blogs felt more like they were just trying to get some related content up.

One of the joys and the best part of blogging included writing a deep, yet relevant post like “The unknown and unpredictable truth of reality”. I was able to let the world known that people experience all sorts of things throughout life and it is possible to come out on the other side.  I used to write poetry and I for a long time believed that I had lost my creative thought process. Through blogging, I was able to get a glimpse of the reactivity I once often used.

Outside of blogging for my blog the class held daily group discussion which developed from out 5- and 12-minute writes, or our group leader discussions. The 5- and 12-minute write opened up the classroom to a deep and intellectually stimulating conversation from bad travel experiences with a great ending to how do solve the college tuition problems. The short writings allowed up to practice our creativity. I think that was useful because a lot of the writing college students do must be the exact opposite. It must be concrete and clear. The writings also allowed us to look into ourselves in search of new insights.

Overall, blogging this term was very much like a written form of yoga. Learning to allow me to be slightly frustrated by Tumblr’s lack of blog-friendly features. The pride in being able to create such meaning and powerful position, through writing, and the distressing process of just spilling out whatever thoughts you have on a given discussion topic and short write.

[chanthestudent-blog]

           People are often concerned about war, gun control, abortion, gay marriage, and more. Unfortunately, that pushes things like equal education to the side. No one should care about what a woman decides to do with her body if the world cannot even figure out large scale issues like how to treat the people who are alive and present. Educational inequality has aided the polarization of economic classes, genders, and ethnicities. All over the world, more specifically the united states, children are being passed through the school. They are not being challenged, but instead, they are spoon-fed answers. Lack of education is detrimental in so many ways.

           First of which is but people living ignorant lives. Children who do not know their history, who cannot format a proper sentence, or do basic math are at a loss. They will likely struggle with finding jobs later in life or struggle with financial management.

           Those who are not adequately educated and experience the previously discussed problem are more likely to be incarcerated. If a student is passed through school and does not learn how to make ends meet, they will find feel required to go for the next best option.

           Having a weak educational system makes a student less likely to participate in positive extracurricular activities. Yes, expenses can be a family factor, but if the schools cannot even provide proper education, how can they afford extracurriculars? If the school system can afford it, then how can students take part if they are not in good academic standing?

           Schools should not vary from one kindergarten to the next so much so that a set of 5-year-olds are learning there ABC's at one school but become fluent in Spanish in the next. Although it would be great to have 5-year-old's who are familiar with other languages,  it's fair to say let's start with getting them all quality education.

           Educational inequality also affects the politic system. Those who are not properly educated about politics or the history of our politics are less likely to contribute to the political system.  Decisions are made by those who are educated. Those who have never experienced a problem cannot see the problem that needs fixing.

           It takes a negative toll on the mental health of those who are uneducated. Because a person is more likely to be financially unstable, they are more likely to experience depression. Mental health challenges can lead to the development of behavioral challenges. If people have to learn to manage life without education, how can someone expect them to manage mental or behavioral challenges

           Educational equality is what the States should be fighting for, not some of the irrelevant issues that do not affect our future as a nation. The American Dream is supposed to be about access and opportunity. Children deserve teachers who will work for them and broaden their knowledge. Teachers deserve the resources to provide proper education. Finally, schools should have the funds to provide any extra support students need in order to keep them on track. A parent should not have to worry about whether or not their child will grow up to do something great rather they should be worrying about what great thing they do. 

[chanthestudent-blog]

The little things

This blog will be personal. As my time as an undergraduate student comes to an end, I wanted to flashback into the past. Many people are often so excited to move on to the adult world but reminisce about the days that were so easy. I wanted to take you all on this journey with me.

Top 3 memories( with 22 days of school left,  in reverse chronological order)

 Field hockey season 2019:

The best bond I have ever had with a team, let alone a group of girls. We clicked instantly, never had any conflicting drama, although we were a dramatic bunch. So many laughs, tears, and cheers were shared. These young women made my final 4 months of school worth it.

Lacrosse season 2019:

This season we lost 3 out of 14 games, with a team of 6 women who played before and 7 who had not. This group was positive, came ready to learn, and teach. I was also carded out of our second to last game against keystone college, along with two other girls. We lost in overtime, that was rough. 

 Senior presentation 2019 

I was the only junior in the class, although credit-wise, I was a senior. After a year of writing my 33-page paper, it was finally time to present it to the world, well the school and whoever else decided to show up.  Although I was beyond nervous at first, I did a fantastic job. Unfortunately, it was not recorded.  If you are wondering, I did my paper on PTSD in parents and how it affects their children.

9 things that brought me a lot of joy

learning to program

This has created several challenges and caused me much distress. But the end result, being able to build a website, has left me feeling like I can conquer anything. It made me realized that it is true anyone can accomplish anything, no matter how far from our abilities it may seem.

Accomplishing my first, left-zone stroke in field hockey.

 A stroke is a one on one foul a player takes when the goalie of a team prevents a goal from happening illegally. I have always struggled with my left zone strokes, but I finally got it one time.

Having a high average in draw controls for lacrosse

I lead to about 80% of the women's draw controls.

I wrote blogs for 12 weeks

I did not believe I would ever like a writing class, let alone have a good time in the class.

Running cross country for a season

I ran cross country my freshman year of college to stay in shape. I was unable to finish the season due to heart issues, but I had a great time with the team. The coaches were very welcoming. Which was great for a person who had never run cross country in her life.

 I made a wax hand

My school through a Halloween party and I made an "ILY" hand, which means I Love You in American sign language.

Killing Set the unicorn pinata

To destress after the treacherous of field hockey preseason captains decided to hit the stores in search of a fun game. We found the pinata isle.

 having a 4 man water balloon fight

As an RA, I wanted to do a "last day of summer" event and decided to through a giant water balloon fight...only four people showed up.  I had the time of my life because the balloons lasted longer, and I was able to throw more balloons.

 my killer hallway event

This event was designed to get my ladies to stop running in the hall because they were getting very loud lat at night. Ultimately, the event became a big hit, and I received several videos of student dodging laserbeams made of yarn and party streamer.

 playing the floor is lava 

Bugs are gross, and we had ants.  Instead of walking along the floor, we decided it was best to crawl and jump from surface to surface.

These are some of the little things that I never want to forget. Although I may never again see or speak to some of the people who made these memories possible, I am thankful for them. College can be stressful, but being able to pick a handful of events that truly made it worth your time and effort means you made the right choice. Do not take for granted the little time left you may have to be a student, enjoy it.

[chanthestudent-blog]

Any Guess bloggers Out There?

I am opening the student who lived’s blog to YOU! If you have a blog or a story about your college experience, leave me a note.

what I am looking for:

A college life experience

from any point of view

If it involves others keep them anonymous. 

[chanthestudent-blog]

Job interviews from hell

Job interviews.

You want to do everything right, but sometimes you just have to let life happen.

As a college student, the number of interviews you attend increases substantially. As it becomes imperative to do well in an interview, their level of intensity increases. You are on your 30th interview since you started college 4 years ago but this time is different, it’s your first interview for a career, a  job that you will enjoy and hopefully, grow through. The pressure is on.

In the past, you have been great in interviews, you finessed your way through every question. You have been through mock interviews, informal interviews, and semi-formal interviews, but none would compare to the experience you were about to have. You pull up to a building full of suites, and you get lost. You don’t worry, you are an hour early. You sit in your car and wait 30 minutes then try again. The email says park in the back parking lot and come through that entrance.  As you enter the correct building, you see several doors 3 are not labeled.

Finally, you come across suite 204 but see a number entry door handle, so you knock. After 2 minutes... a woman opens the door scared by your presence.

“I’m sorry I knocked I didn’t hear anything.”

“It was not locked.” She glances sideways.

You sign in and wait for the interviewer to be ready. Since your early, you decided to do some school work, which is you applying for another job.

The interviewer enters the waiting area and welcomes you back. Your hands have collected droplets of sweat, invisible like morning dew, but you shake anyway.

“Hello, I’m heaven Sun,” said Ms. Sun with eyes as large and life-sucking as a black whole.

"Hello, how are you?" You smile through your concern.

Things start out fine other than those eyes. She uses a fluctuating voice for her first question.

“Before, we get started do you have any question about the position you applied for?”

You respond, but think about how you believed your questions came at the end.

One question gets her start. She discussed how paperwork is handled, getting lost in thought. Without considerable effort, for what appeared to be a hot top, her tone began to slip away until she was no longer sunny. She was colorless, cold, and constant in tone, a hard-boiled egg. It's throwing you off your game. What kind of recruiter is this miserable?

“Ok, well, that's all for the questions…”

*It's almost over, just the final handshake and smile.

“…if you'll just follow me to the next room over, you'll fill out some paperwork. It has all the instructions on how to fill out the form. It will allow us to gain a new understanding of what we'll need to teach you.”

You pull out your pencil that you came with for note-taking.

“The people higher up always get frustrated when candidates use pencil, and I tell them they aren’t going to use it when they are putting reports in.”

You think to yourself, well, that’s it, I’m not getting this job. Sun leaves you to your writing. After 20 minutes of writing, Sun sneaks in without a sound. Your heart skips a beat. She tells you she tends to have that effect on people.

You finally finish writing and turn in your paper as you walk out the door, Sun goes in for what could be a final handshake or a simple hand movement, confused, you respond with a delayed awkward shake.

*Takes a deep breath and sighs. At least you have another interview tomorrow.

The next day you're determined to have an interview better than the one before.

What's different?

Black and blue not white and black

Outfit approval

City not suburbia

Prepared slightly less than before because maybe you over-prepared and got stuck

More sleep

You walk into a grand building after the jump off the train amidst a season change. Bundled, you tell yourself to take off some layers before you go in. Once you get off the escalator, your eyes float in search of a bathroom. You find it, but the doors are locked... so far not horrible but not great.

You’re greeted by Bob, he seems lovely, you have a great conversation. You immediately begin filling out paperwork. That’s strange, you think about how that normally comes after being hired. Bob goes into the details about how you’re not already an employee but an independent contractor. You continue the session because "interview" is the wrong word to use. Finally, after 109 pages,  you finish the 109 pages of paperwork. Bob is sunny, unlike Ms. Sun. Finally appears the hiring manager.

There are no benefits

You don't work for us

Your resume sucks.

You have to take out your own taxes.

This conversation drains you. There are no benefits to working through a company, so you go home.

Lucky, 5 hours after that disaster, you are called for another interview. You never give up, although things have been shaky. You push yourself through each bad interview until you find the perfect job. After 2 months of searching, interviews, and travel, you finally find the one. A position that saved itself for last because it was testing your dedication. This career choice is your happiness.

[chanthestudent-blog]

I made a vlog

As a female who wears extension braids, it takes a very big chunk of my schedule. In this vlog, I compiled a series of videos on the process of me doing my own hair. Now, it was a very long project and I don't have the best editting software so I recommend playing it at high speed. The gist of the video is the process of me doing my hair, which took about 24 hours. I struggled to find the proper hair store and had team bonding in the middle of the process.

Check out the vlog on youtube

[chanthestudent-blog]

 A college checklist: because no matter how prepared you think you are, you are not prepared

An umbrella- because in certain cities when it rains, it pours. Even bring a backup, because one day they umbrella will be worn out. Imagine its the first day of the rainy season, and it will rain all week. You walk outside, the wind is intensely strong, and your medium-sized umbrella folds over. What are you to do now, because it's supposed to rain all week? Having a backup and even a poncho can do you well.

A pair of Rainboots- because Uggs are not waterproof. Why damage such an expensive product?

 A mini-refrigerator- because there will be days when you do not want the school's food and also can not afford to keep eating out. P.S. make sure it has a separate freezer compartment. If you have never tried storing pizza roles in a time freezer box, just know it does not work.

 An iron- all schools hold events where you want to look admirable, and you cannot put your best foot forward with wrinkled clothes. Once you have entered your senior year, you will begin looking for a career. The drawers and closets on a college campus are not ideal for safe-keeping.

A wallet- because trying to keep track of that small, yet powerful ID card can become difficult. Schools always threaten a price when you lose your ID. The more access you have, the more you have to pay.

Quarters- because some colleges still use washer/dryer units that take them.  It gets hard when your school is in the middle of nowhere, and the change machines are not working.

Travel money- who knows when you're going to be sick and tired of being at school. If you can not drive or do not have access to a car, that transit fair will come in handy. Maybe, you decide to take a random trip to another college athletic game, having a way to get there and back safely is reassuring.

 Suitcase- lugging around your school bag when you travel can be a pain.  A suitcase allows for easy travel, except for a little noise. Plus, who wants to carry a book bag with school work and clothes inside?

Athletic physical- The smaller your school, the more likely you are to take on a collegiate sport or club sport. Stay on the safe side, be prepared. Especially at a school like Bryn Athyn College, where being of use, and giving is important.

Bank account-  you can get a direct deposit right away. Emergencies happen, and having to go home for your check can make things far worse.

 A shoe organizer- because college rooms are not designed to take on the plethora of shoes one student may have. Try an adjustable shoe rank.

A portable charger and backup chargers- A some point your charger will break. Try keeping 3, one to travel with, one to leave in your room, and of course on in your school bag. The portable charger will come in handy when there is no wall port nearby or USB port.

“The Student Who Lived”- through four years of college.

[chanthestudent-blog]

What’s in my time capsule?

5 years ago: I was a 16-year-old teenager when hated vegetables and trying new things. I would twist up my face….I am socializing less I think more about my actions and care more about the end results. I’ve learned how 5 years ago I did not think about my mental and emotional health I was more concerned with the pleasure state, whatever I thought about doing I just did. I steer away from name brands more often than I used to.

In 5 years: I hope I will be more into a sense of self. I want to be happy to have alone time and understand how to take a personal vacation without taking work with me. I hope to have my master's degree in clinical counseling and a job I love whether it is athletics or counseling. The biggest thing is I hope to be alive to enjoy it because life is short. I hope to still be in shape and to be a frequent gym attender or that I join a lacrosse club that will keep me in shape. Maybe I’ll start my own for those who love the sport but can afford to pay for a league. I wonder if I’ll have my own house or if I’ll still be in an apartment. And if I do have my own place do, I have anyone that lives with me…Family, partner, friends.

My favorite artists as of right now are Ella Mai and Summer Walker add YouTube songs, they seem to be the artists who get me going 100mph on the highway, which of course I realize as I notice I’m passing 10 cars. I currently binge-watch whatever I see fit I recently watched unbelievable a series on a serial rapist. And I often listen to Naked Nature or Naked science on YouTube to fall asleep and I like it because occasionally I hear something interesting. I remember waking up today to “and as it gets closer to the earth it would simply cover the entire sky” which o believe it was talking about the collision of planets. Normally I listen to space stuff that started last year or maybe soft more year when I was watching a video about space may be the earth or the moon.

I am fascinated by, Celeb: Taraji P. Henson she recently started a scholarship fund towards helping those with mental illness. News nothing, I hate the news the political world suck, the social world sucks, I can barely get through the day without here bad news. Personal: sports, removing myself from friendship and preparing myself for graduation, psychology, and the job market. Currently, lacrosse and field hockey, are my two greatest hobbies and sports. It brings me joy and stress relief. The topic on my mind that doesn’t leave or hasn’t left my mind for the last two weeks has been my focus on the birthday of my significant other. So far, I have done a crappy job and I want to do it right this time. I’m going with a mix of simplicity but a lot of simplicity.

My go-to outfit is a pair of sweats and a tee-shirt if I am being casual, if not black dress pants and a black dress shirt.

Currently, my favorite meal is pizza hut and my favorite drink besides water is apple juice. Apple juice was also my favorite 5 years ago, so much so that I was getting some for Christmas. Pizza was definitely amongst my favorites before along with cheeseburgers and cheesesteaks. If in five years I can tell myself I would like to wonder how this relationship goes and tell myself no matter where it is it can only get better. I would like to tell myself that if you made it through the first 26 years you can definitely make it through the next. Spend more time with my family and to work out more. Finally, I’d tell my self to never give up even when in a rut financial because just like the economy has ups and downs are bound to happen. I’d ask curious to know what I spend money one at the time because currently most of my money goes towards things like gas and food.

[chanthestudent-blog]

It’s your final day of junior year and you are beyond excited. Soon you will have graduated. Graduation brings many things; things like careers, families, independence, and beyond. But something that follows independence for you is a hard time. You have been on your own financially since freshman year. Not that you haven’t had people to support you emotionally, but physical and financial support has been up to you. You’ve gone months without a phone and as a result, missed out on several job opportunities. You had no access to a car and had to take public transportation where ever you wanted to go. You questioned whether or not you could finally live a little and take your first personal vacation with the little money you saved.

As you have struggled over the past few years, you have listened to several people complain about the cars their parents got them, or how they dislike their parents. You used to envy those people. You’d wish upon a star for a life like their’s but then who would you be, someone new, you, or them. You’ve learned to cherish every experience you’ve had because all the work you have done in your life has helped you develop into the person you are today.

Even if you could live the life you believe another person has, would you be willing to take all of it? What about school loans, if you had a family that could support you but chose not to for school what would you do? Those from families with higher income are assumed to help out so you get less aid would you take that too? What if your family decides to only help if you follow a specific path, would you be willing to jump into something that makes up content and safe opposed to happy and comfortable? Being you is all you could ever ask for.

You know what it is like to have started at the bottom of the food chain of human life. You know that every time you prove to those who never believed in you, you prove to yourself that you knew all along what you were capable of. You know that if the time comes you can come back from a huge loss like Marvel’s Avengers to an even better you. You have experienced the thrill of earning your keep in this world. This world that is ever-changing and typically for the worse, you made it.

Years after you have graduated, you are proud to say that you made you, out of nothing but what you earned. You own your first car, a black four-door sedan Honda, which has created a plethora of job opportunities for you. You own your first home it’s in Huntington valley. This home is fully equipped.

A fully functioning screen door and main door, unlike the home you were born into.

Whole windows not sharp fangs made of glass that cannot help but let the flies through.

A soft green bed of grass opposed the to prison-like concrete outside your main door.

A family, that you will support no matter what comes because you know you can.

And a full-body mirror for you to look at the woman you were once envious of.

Every life has a purpose and a plan, how you get there may be different from others but a world of clones would be boring.

The Student Who Lived- to experience self -appreciation

[chanthestudent-blog]

Night Cannot Exist Without Day

     Your mind knows when there is something wrong and it eats away at you in the worse ways. There will be many times when you experience sleepless nights. Sometimes once a week and other times the entire week. Your appetite disappears and suddenly you double over with hunger pains. It shows up in the procrastination of a try-hard student and the productivity of a disorganized student.

     You wake up and all the pains, worries, and distractions of the world find some way to seep into your mind. You try getting out of the exit lane, you know it’s going to the dark side of town, but you’re trapped. So much traffic and clutter in your mind there’s no way you can escape you’re swooped away. Throughout your day there are so many faces who have only ever seen your smile but today that costume you have been wearing and stitching back together may see its final day. You are fighting against the snatching of your mind, taking breath after breath and validating yourself:

“You belong here”

“You will do great things”

You’ve got this”

“Keep it together”

“Just a little longer”

Another person passes by and that final defensive line is gone…

“This is not working”

“You suck”

“You are nothing great”

“Just give up”

     You go back to your room. Your subconscious has escaped its cell, instead of trying to catch the beast you decide to just sit back and watch knowing it will get tired soon. Turning on “H.E.R. Radio” The first song is a love song you normally love but today it not lovely, 

skip.

“Sick to my stomach

Four in the morning, I can't sleep… (

wow how accurate)

Feels like I've been here Stressing the things that I can see... (this song is speaking for you)

I'm not okay, I'm not okay I'm not okay, no I'm not okay I'm not okay, no I'm not okay I'm not okay Losing my faith, I'm losing my faith Slipping away, you're slipping away I'm not okay, no I'm not okay I'm not okay…”

Repeat…

     Well, that was accurate. You try to get some sleep. After you wake up you are feeling slightly better and try to get some work done. Not in the best mindset you work for about an hour not really getting anywhere and decide to call it quits, Netflix it is.

     Every day brings on a different mindset and every second affects how it may change. Your mind can eat away at you and will do so continuously until you finally find what the problem is. When you do, you experience a new you. You have changed and built a new skin, a new costume to put on. You sleep average hours and smiles span your face more times per day and they last longer. There’s even the wrinkle that forms in the corn of the eyes of a truly happy person. It’s a bliss that you may not recognize the day after you have lost yourself but it’s the dream your subconscious is satisfied by. Sometimes you need to lose yourself and shed some skin in order to learn, find motivation and continue to live because without dismay how and you know what happiness is. Just like a night without day cannot exist. You are powerful, and sometimes you need a reminder; self-doubt is simply the mind's way of pushing you harder.

“All forms of self-defeating behavior are unseen and unconscious, which is why their existence is denied” ~Vernon Howard

-They exist but they don’t have to be hidden-

 “The Student Who Lived” – through yourself

[chanthestudent-blog]

Being the boss of your friends

There will come a time in your life when you make friends who will one day be in charge of a mutual experience or you, yourself will be in charge. Some examples include being a captain of a team and another teammate who is not a captain or Residential Assistant and a resident. Learning how to balance these roles can be difficult but they will prepare you for real-world experiences. Things that are restrained to the four or so year of college are great introductory courses on how to manage authoritative positions in different cohorts.

One day you wake up and you get an email, you’ve been hired as in Ra for the upcoming year. This year you and your friends were private party animals but now they will all be living under you. What do you do when one of them is under complete emotional distress or starts abusing drugs? Although those are two bizarre circumstances, you never know how people will take advantage of a system they know is corrupted.

Here are some tips:

First and foremost, your friends should never want you to risk their job and their safety, if they do, they shouldn’t be your friend. Now that not saying no do go out to a bar when you're legally allowed to. It means don’t let your friend drive back to campus and blackout without you having taken every precaution you could possibly have taken and got someone involved if you believe your friend is in trouble. Countless numbers of students have died and friend filled with regrets for fear of getting in trouble. What if it’s something as simple as someone wanting to invite you to a chill party on a school that has a dry campus. You in college right you're supposed to live your best life and have great experiences. Try attending with a warning, if anything gets even remotely out of control, you’re shutting it down and doing your job.

That party you went to got out of control, one of your friends ran off and it’s the middle of the night. You tell everyone its time to clean up and we need to find the lost friend. The student agrees and now the pressure is on how far could this situation go without your boss finding out. After 25 minutes, your boss calls and reports that a family member contacted him about who let their child out drunk into the world. Now you’re stuck, your boss knows you are good friend with this person and now you have to figure out some way to keep her/his trust while not losing your friends trust.

Having several roles as a college student can be ruff butt the plus side is if you ever make a mistake you likely to be set free with a warning and some tips.  I the previous situation your boss let you off with a mild warning about doing your job and following laws about confidentiality. You friends will understand and you will learn. Although it may seem stressful it will get easier with time.

“The Student Who Lived”-through the diffusion of roles

[chanthestudent-blog]

Stowaways and screams

On your way to Orlando Florida, you go in thinking this will be a flight like no other boring and it’ll take forever. Then you get to the airport like three hours early so your phone will barely make the trip. As you board the plane and are taking pictures of the sky you slowly begin to does off, hoping you’d be asleep for the rest of the uncomfortable ride. 2 hours later you are awakened by the screams of the passengers on the plane and your heart drops at the moment and your eyes shoot wide open. You look to the passengers to you right since you have the window seat and they are not screaming, not effected at all. And eventually, you realize the screams were coming from all the child also on their way to Disney land and the plane was simply landing and they were excited…you relax. Now you wonder how the flight black will be different because what can be worse than waking up to screams as your plane is descending.

           On the way back from your trip to Florida you are waiting for your plane to board as you see airport security and dogs running toward the gate, you are supposed to be boarding. All the passenger from the gate 10 feet over are un-boarding and TSA arrives. You hear people yelling he went that way he when that way as then run in the direction of that way. Your flight has of course been delayed because there is a man who does not belong where he is being chased for some unknown reason. You wait 2 hours in the airport and you are prepared for a miserable flight.

But then the boarding announcer speaks out we are looking for people to sit in the emergency exit row and all the qualifications for it. You are a perfect match. You finally board the plan with more legroom and seat space than before and no strangers in you row.

This experience is very much like the after-graduation experience for many people. You hope all will be well and you can’t wait to be out in the world. Then you get there and things are going as smoothly as you expected in fact for some things are crashing down on you while others are simply enjoying the ride. Everyone will experience different things it’s a matter of pushing through that rough spot where maybe you can’t find the job of your dreams. Maybe, you are struggling with loans and your credit is plummeting.  It of takes something as simple as sitting back and reviewing what is going and why. In the airplane situation, yes, the plane was descending and people were screaming but not everyone. Why was that? Observing a situation from outside of your self can help you be objective and realist. So back to the loans or jobs, consider what you are doing and why that is not working.

If your interest rates are to high consider consolidating your loans, look for jobs that may not be exactly what you want but offer loan repayment after a short term. Be optimistic about your efforts in the hopes that they will one day pay off. Make a budget see where you could shave off some spending. Try applying to five jobs a day, for a month and see where that takes you.  Revise your resume and do internships that will help get you where you need to be. Try talking to strangers, you never know what kind of connections you’ll make.

The unexpected happens and they can have happy endings. Everything you have done so far will mold you for your future. Be Persistent and never give up. Plateau is better than quitting.  

 “optimism is continuing on even when you think all odds are against you” ~chanthestudent

“The Student Who Lived” - through diverse expectations 

[chanthestudent-blog]

How college can help you find your voice

How college teaches you to Just Do It.

Scenario:

You walk into Produce Junction, a market for fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables and you are waiting in line to speak to the girl behind the counter (16 years-old). There’s a couple in front of you being very picky and slow. But you are patient because you would want food that doesn’t appeal to you. As they are asking for several pieces of vegetables and asking to replace them as the girl lets them observe the produce she’s grabbed from the shelf, she smiles at me she looks my way and shakes her head giving you that look.  That look is the one when the cashier is annoyed because the customer is in front of them is taking forever and they can see the other customers are getting annoyed. You shake you your head and laugh because you can understand how she’s feeling because of that one job you had that was exactly like that.

While she is pulling produce down you hear on man (non-white-American) say out loud

“I don’t agree with trump but I sure do agree with the wall”

The young ladies face is stilled as she hears this being, she has a Hispanic ethnic background. His partner follows.

“I completely agree I couldn’t give a fuck about trump but he needs to hurry up with that wall”

You are appalled, by their boldness, but you remain silent because everyone is entitled to their first amendment right. But they continue… The girl, beet red, begins to point and add up their order. They have finally decided that they are happy with what they have. Then man and woman began counting out loud.

“$2…$4…$7…$10…”

“Do you mind not counting out loud,” asked the girl

“This is how we do it” stated the man

“I know but you’re messing up my count (they weren’t counting the n synch)” whispered the girl

“This is how we do it in America!” proclaimed the man and the woman followed.

“Where’s you manager I want to speak to him, you are very disrespectful?” demanded the woman.

You know you have to say something, if they can exercise there right so can you!

The manager comes up and your heart has dropped as you prepare to soothe the girl.

“Are you okay?” you ask.

– she shakes her head yes, as she taps her chest signifying that her heart was pounding.

“You did nothing wrong; you were not being disrespectful.”

“Thank you,” she begins to tear up

“Mind your business” the woman from before interrupts your conversation”

Something inside of you clicks and you stand your ground.

“I am not talking to you; you had your turn to speak now its mine” and you turn back to the girl.

“what they did was childish, I did that in high school to mess up my friends work. That’s not how we do it here.” You continued.

It is situations like this that the college experience can prepare you for. Whether it’s something along these lines are a parent body-shaming their child. College is where many students develop their moral identity. Depending on who you are, your family history, the environment you were raised in, and the school you decided to attend; one may say you have developed a moral liberal or conservative morality. As you advance through college you also find where you fall on, on the line of leadership and communication. Some are more outspoken than others but the goal is to build the confidence and courage every student will need to be able to function in the working world. Being introduced to different personality types and learning to communicate is one lesson that enters into nearly every class you are enrolled in. This lesson can extend beyond the classroom. College is not just education its experience. College is said to be about making a difference and making your mark on the world. Stand up for what you believe in and remember no everything is so clear cut.

 “The Student Who Lived”- through people exercising their first amendment right.

[chanthestudent-blog]

The unknown and unpredictable truth of reality

At a point in your life, you will experience a horrible event, if not down-right traumatic.

And no, I do not mean failing a class and having to repeat it.  This means drastic life-changing experiences like being sexually or physically assaulted, getting a life-long STD, losing a limb, having cancer, the death of a parent or guardian and more. These things have no turning-back points although they may become more manageable.

Imagine, one night you fall asleep after thinking about being certified in first aid and CPR with the hopes of being more qualified for jobs. Once you've drifted off, you get sucked into another nightmare. Your dad is laying on the ground unconscious. You or panicked and sweat is sliding down from your hairline onto him as you're trying to remember what you learned from TV about CPR and first aid. You're giving it your all but you are doing something wrong and no one is helping. Before you finally stop, you’re awakened by a phone call. “it was just a dream…” But the phone call you woke up to drag you right back into a nightmare.

“Hey Chantal, how are doing?”

“Good, I just woke up.”

“Ok, well I’m coming up to the school to bring you home, there’s a family emergency.”

“ok should I pack a few things?”

“yes, whatever you want.”

“ok well, I’ll see you soon.”

That’s something like how that conversation went. So, you email your teachers as you begin to panic and stuff a bag full of clothes. You sit it by your door. You email your teacher that you won’t make it to the final because of a family emergency. Then you start to think did something happen to an extended, but close family member, are your siblings ok? It takes hours for your family to get to you and get you home. Little do you know, they are stalling. They took your phone too, so your bored sitting in the back seat left to your own cognitions. When you get home you see your siblings, Godparents, aunts, and cousins filling your home. You’ve relieved that they are all ok. As you walk upstairs to talk to your mother she begins:

“so last night…” her eyes are red and watery.

“…last night your father was in an altercation…” she begins to weep and someone else steps in.

“While your father was at work, a man walked in, who we were told tried to rob the place, and your father was shot”

You stay strong as you hear this news because your mother needs you.

“He was taken to the hospital”

A brief second of relief filled you until your family member continued.

“but he didn’t make it…”

You all hug, as you think back.  The dream you had last night was beyond real. But maybe that was the world’s way of telling you where you belong: caring for other people in need of help, taking action opposed to waiting for something to drop in your lap.

What a way to start your first day of finals…

Trauma is extremely likely to occur in the previous situation. As you may understand, trauma has no time stamp. It happens at any given time. Managing it and being able to persevere will reshape your life and help you grow. The best way to move beyond trauma is, to be honest about what you are feeling, find positive outlets for your emotions, and optimism. Believing that you can get through life’s challenges goes a long way when you are utilizing your outlets. Some people consume themselves with work, some move states, and others head out to a gun range. Everyone does something different to cope with change, so long as it is more helpful than harmful you can still do all you’ve ever wanted.

Coping isn’t about getting over what happened it's about getting through it, each and every day. Some days will be harder than others but one day you’ll realize, wow today was a great day. That’s what you must look for, the little bits of gratitude you can grab onto. You can push through any hardship. Talk to counselors, friends, family or anyone who will actively listen. Don’t be afraid to take a day off even if it’s years later. Fight against hating yourself for any minuscule reason you could find to do so. Have no regrets and simply learn how to do better in the future; whether it’s, learning to love yourself again, having better-coping skills, or to better the world after your experience.

P.s. you go back to school, you catch up on your missed finals and projects, you get a job, and start a sport. All the things you did and will do from the moment you had that dream changed the world.

“Healing doesn’t mean the trauma never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our life.” ~ Bing

 The Student Who Lived-through trauma

[chanthestudent-blog]

The Beautiful Chaos of Aldi Finds

If any of you have ever shopped at an Aldi market, you know the most adaptable and everchanging isle is the Aldi finds isle. In June, they had “slip n slides”, in July, they had barbeque kits and grills, in august, they had bookbags and school supplies; and finally, September, they have bedding, thank you cards, and anything else a college student may have forgotten. To most avid shoppers, Aldi finds is a favorite for many shoppers but it is very different for the employee who has to organize the isle. No one ever puts things back where they got them. Customers open products for a sneak peek, so they say, and leave food sitting on top of clothes.

              Just like an Aldi employee’s stresses over the Aldi finds isle, stress from managing college life for a student is draining. In Aldi’s you're excited to start your new well-paying job, then you realized you have 3 hours to clear 6, 4 by4 randomly stacked 6 feet tall pallets. In college, you come in as an eager young soul and are slowly consumed by the take, take nature of growing up. From 200 level classes giving you 400 level work, to managing 3 jobs, 2 internships, interviews, theater, sports and more, you begin to lose your mind. Your research method after method on how to time manage while not taking anything out of your schedule. If you’re an Aldi’s employee, you’re double-checking the schedule to see which manager is scheduled to prepare yourself for the day or week ahead. You learn to be honest with yourself about the $100 you spend on eating out each month.  You think you have everything under control and all the people looking at you believe you are at your prime. Little do they know of the mental break downs and panic attacks that follow behind the clink of your closing door. Your body is drained from the mess of the weeks' work and knowing the future just holds more. Your room, bookbag, and car are a complete disaster because like the people in Aldi’s, you just drop your shit and leave.

One day you are searching on a planner on amazon and you realized this is the one. this planner has everything you need to maintain your strong work ethic and keep control of your stress. You are counting down the days for when your planner will arrive and you already have plans to write down. After work one day, you walk to the entrance of your home and lodged between the doors is a little brown cardboard box with Amazon prime student tape stretched across the middle. A beam of light escaping your gapped lips followed by a squeal. It’s the holy grail of organization and emotional directive; it’s “the law of attraction life planner” (LALP).

This planner is designed like a notebook with 100+ pages of pure positive energy. It has a weekly and hourly planner set up, from Sunday to Saturday 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. It also has monthly calendars. This planner can manage your chaotic schedule no matter when it started because you can start on any day of the year. The law of attraction life planner also provides a harmony overview at the end of each and every month so you can observe how your health changes from month to month, and possibly why it changes. Health, in this case, touches on social life, financial dependability, spiritual development and more. Take notes, map out your weekly priority and up to 3 daily priorities. The LALP is a book for the wicked because it takes a lot of practice and dedication to using each and every piece of planner. Start slow and check out the how-to-use section in the back of the book.

Being overwhelmed with stress is draining and finding your way to stay on track is imperative to your success in college. Stay hopeful, and dedicated, yet realistic because somethings even a planner cannot fix. Experience is not one thing you plan for but you get it every day.

“When we clear the physical clutter from our lives, we literally make way for inspiration and good orderly direction to enter” ~ Julia Cameron

“The Student Who Lived”, through the beautiful chaos of Aldi finds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KZX8C4X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

[chanthestudent-blog]

My Budget won’t let me quit my job :(

Being a college student, especial a graduating college student, is expensive.

Imagine, you have 7 weeks left of undergraduate college, your tuition is paid off, and you have saved enough money for my phone bill for throughout term. You even have travel, public or private transportation, money saved too! You’d think you’d be in the clear but some why somehow, you are still $1214 short of where your budget should be. What else could you possibly have forgotten?

Graduating undergrad: the moment you realize you thought you were an adult but you actually weren’t and NOW YOU ARE SCREWED.

You first need a new home because you cannot stay in your campus doom once you no longer attend the institution…it would be weird. So, you rent out a room or an apartment with a group of friends, a sibling, a family member, or even a stranger. First expense, $250 for the first month’s rent. Your Sibling is very generous enough to let you off with the light end of the bill.

Second, you have to pay graduation fees that you completely forgot about buuuuut you don’t want to take money away from your everyday spending money. What if you have to choose between getting that coffee to help you pass that final class you need and a piece of paper that says hey, I have my degree” …if you passed that class.

Living on a budget is tough because you cannot predict everything that could happen. For instance, you set aside an emergency fund for something like your car (which is my case) but then you get 3 tickets, your radiator explodes, and you have an oil leak. There’s no way you can spread that money out to cover all the cost within a given time frame.

Working is stressful, especial if it is more than 20 minutes away from your campus, or if you have multiple jobs. Being able to manage this stress on top of class and or extracurriculars is even harder. Something every college student has to learn at some point is to take on fewer projects. But just so you know, if you take on less, you look less appealing to the job market or graduate schools. If you take on more but have poor grades and poor performance elsewhere you still don’t look appealing. So long story short is it's either you’re broke and unattractive of you’re not broke, attractive, and on the break of a mental meltdown.

So, what do you do to find an intermediate level of stress while remaining a great candidate for the next step in your, careers or schools? Granted this may be the last thing you expected to do, you have to add more to your schedule. Put personal time into your schedule whether it is two hours a day or 30 minutes. If you like crosswords or reading, schedule out time to escape the conscious realm of anxiety and distress. Another tip that has floated through ears of what appears to be few is to pay yourself. Paying yourself as if you are a bill that needs to be paid weekly or biweekly creates a little reward system while also be efficient.

Learning to do more for yourself will help propel you into a better life or experience. Take that drive that you don’t think you have time for because that relief will make up for itself by bettering your performance. Remain organized so that way you can find gaps in your schedule that you can fill with fun activities. Do simple things like make up your bed every morning to prepare for a busy day. Relieve clutter in one are can save you more clutter later.

“It's not the load that breaks you it’s the way you carry it.” ~ Lou Holtz

You are now “The Student Who Lived” through a budget crisis- Chan the student