College Lessons

College... "the best 4 or 5 years of your life."
That's what most people say, right?

College has been amazing. (And it will continue to be hopefully.. now that I've got 4 more years ahead of me.)

The past four years have flown by... I've learned mounds of things that I would have never dreamed I would learn about. Organic chemistry? Who knew I would be able to trace where all an electron will move to in a reaction. It'll make your eyes cross.

But most of all, outside of the academics, I've learned a lot of life lessons. College puts you through hell.. at least in the classes I've taken. It makes you question yourself, and question your brains. You think you're smart... and then you get to college and all of a sudden there are these genius kids who come out of no where. (No really... where do they come from?!)

There are days when you find yourself with your face in the mud... and then others where you're on top of the world. And it can all change at the drop of a hat.

I've learned that hard work sometimes doesn't pay off the way you expect it to.
A's are cherished.
C's suddenly don't seem so bad.
And making a 43 on a test? Well... it happens.

I've learned that things always work out even if they aren't the way you planned for them to.
I've learned that a thank you note goes a long way.
Feeling appreciated and showing people they're appreciated, is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
I've learned procrastination will screw you over... and it's a horrible habit to break.

I've learned that sometimes having no plans, is the best plan.
And ultimately, your plan may not be God's plan... so you have to learn to be okay with that.

I've learned that being passionate about something makes all the difference in the world.
And most importantly, I've learned that sometimes things just aren't meant to be.. but they will ALWAYS work out.



I've grown a lot over the past few years. And as quickly as they've seemed to pass, looking back now, my 18 year old self seems so young and immature. It seems like decades ago that I was stressing over General Chemistry that long summer.. and thinking back over all of the classes I've taken makes me feel so accomplished. Things have really fallen into place here lately. Four years ago I would have never imagined all of the things I've done, or where I've ended up... but it has all been 100% worth it.


Jeremiah 29:11 has never rang truer.

The Year is Winding Down..

When the semester starts to draw to a close I always go through such a mixture of emotions. 
Disbelief, because it always seems to go by so fast.
Stress, because there's not much time left to bring up those grades... and they usually ride on that last final.
Happiness, because Christmas and being home with my family is in SIGHT.
and finally...
Exhaustion, because sleep is limited.. and coffee is brewing constantly.

The past few weeks have been insanely busy, and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to a little relaxation over Christmas break. I need it.

I'm ready for a little spare time.
Time to get some blog posts done.
Time to catch up on reading other people's blog posts.
Time to READ some books.
Time to satisfy my new addiction to Grey's Anatomy. (Netflix is dangerous.)

but right now, I'm thankful for all of my sweet friendships who keep me going each week.
My amazing coworkers who make me laugh, and keep work so entertaining.
Twinkling Christmas lights, and decorations.
and Surprise "just because" flower deliveries from a special person. ;)

He's a keeper.

Good luck to all of you with your finals! 
and to all of you lucky ducks who don't have to take finals anymore.... get lots of sleep and have lazy couch potato nights for those of us who can't. ;)

Worries.

I stress.
I worry.
I have emotional breakdowns.
and then I carry on with my life until I stress, worry, and break down again.

It's the way things go, particularly now that school is back in session.

This weekend I spent my entire Saturday devoted to Pharmacy school preparations.
It was Visitor's Day at UGA Pharmacy, followed by a PCAT review session, and then I worked on getting my application completed once I got home. It was an overwhelming day to say the least.

As I was working on submitting my coursework on my PharmCAS application, it hit me how hard I've worked these past three years. I've had a lot of late nights of studying, numerous hours spent in tutoring sessions, and countless phone calls to Mama for reassurance during those tearful breakdowns. I've felt overwhelmed, and discouraged.

But as I was going back through all of those hours of courses I've put in, I realized how hard I've worked in those classes has ultimately led me THIS much closer to what I want to become. All of the tears, and all of the late nights have taught me SO so much about what I'm capable of.  There's a reason I've been given this passion for Pharmacy. As I was listening to the current pharmacy students talk about their experiences in Pharmacy school at the Open House, it gave me chills realizing that one day I'll have those experiences too. That rewarding feeling the first time you're able to actually help a patient who has a question about their medication... I want it so badly.

I've spent the past three years gaining the knowledge necessary for beginning Pharmacy school, and in the next few weeks I'll be taking that PCAT again, as well as submitting my applications. There's nothing else I can do to prepare, and ultimately I have to have the patience to trust in God. Whether Pharmacy school happen next year for me, or in a few more years time... I'm trying to remember to give my worries up to Him. Everything always works out, even if it's not the plans we have for ourselves.

So this week I'm focusing on giving my insecurities, and worries up to the Lord. Learning to trust His will, and not my own.

Happy Monday sweet friends,

Back to the Grind.

Fall semester has officially begun.
It's back to the grind for this gal,
and as much as I've dreaded it... there's something about getting a syllabus and notebook in order that makes the chaos in life seem a little more organized.

I made these monograms for my binders today, so in love. Go to www.forchicsake.com and make your own!

Getting back in that routine, and having structure to the days again. It's kinda nice.
Campus is all abuzz,
and talks of football games are in the air.
Yeah, how can you not love the coming of Fall?

This semester I have some classes that I'm really looking forward to: Nutrition through the Life Cycle, Anatomy and Physiology, Micronutrients in the Body, and Cultural Foods Impact on Nutrition. I'm SO happy to be getting into the classes that really seem to be related to what I want to do.

I'm also pretty excited because every weekend from now through November I've got stuff going on. Which is kind of crazy busy... but it's making me look forward to everything this semester.

And what better way to kick it off than with a trip to Savannah with Sarah?!
It's going to be such a fun Girl's Weekend, and while we're there we're going to get to meet up with Sonja :) Can't wait.
[warning you now: I may be blowing up instagram with all of Savannah, GA's beauty this weekend]

Do y'all have any exciting weekend plans?!

Freedom

As of 9:30 this morning, I have reached the Summer Freedom status I've been waiting for.
Biochemistry is OVER.
The final SUCKED.
And I don't care because.. it's OVER!!
I can finally watch the Olympics (now that I've missed half of my favorite events).
I can finally catch up on my blogging, and lounge by the pool with nothing hanging over my head.

This past week has been absolutely nuts.
I've been so busy studying for my final, and in the midst of it all we moved to a new apartment (which is Ahhhh-mazing.)
So as soon as we manage to get totally unpacked, I can't wait to share pictures.

There ended up being a glitch in our Uhaul rental, so we got the massive one instead of the regular size. So Legit.

Also, can I mention how much I love cheesy texts? 
Ben always does the best raps... corny as all get out. I live for it.
So this one really made my morning when I got out of my final. :)

The kid's got skills.

Anyways, tonight Jasmine and myself are heading out for a celebratory dinner before meeting up with some friends downtown. and I. can't. Wait.

Happy Friday Friends!!

Where has the time gone?!

Seriously, life has been flying by lately.
With summer school winding down I have been crazy busy, and on top of that we're moving into a new apartment this coming week.  (So exciting!)

Packing is just the pits. 
It's hard to know where to start, or even how to pack since we're literally moving two miles down the road to a new apartment.

In the meantime, I've been running my little heart out. 
I decided I needed to have good running shoes, so yesterday I went to a store where they watched me walk and determined the best shoe for my foot. So legit.
I think my feet are going to love me a little bit more after my runs now :)

also, pardon the two different socks.
I bought two new pairs yesterday, and tried one of each on before taking the picture. :)

So that's where I've been... basically just studying. I'm anxious to be able to blog more frequently, and especially to catch up with all of my blog reading!

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Be Proud.

I know I've shared with you a lot about my struggles with school over the past year... or two.

I went through times where I was so easily discouraged, and felt like I would never get where I wanted to go. And not to say those days aren't over... but I've had an overwhelming feeling of peace the past few weeks.

I stressed and stressed... and STRESSED over hearing back from pharmacy school after my interview. I checked our mailbox every hour, and let it consume my thoughts.

When the news finally came, I found out I've been put on the alternate list. They don't tell you where you fall on the alternate list, and they only evaluate it as they have an opening. So in a nut shell, I'll be reapplying next year. At first I was heartbroken, but I know there are improvements I need to make on my application. I started thinking if I had gotten in this year it would have just been TOO easy. It's a bit of a blessing that I have another year to really prepare myself before investing four more years into intense studies. I mean, I thought O-Chem was intense... but I know Pharmacy school is going to be a whole other level. So in the meantime, I'm making preparations for next year's round of applications. 

But for the MAIN message of this post.

I've come to love this quote by Leo Buscaglia:

There is so much truth to it. 

I can't tell you how much a kind word from someone can turn my day around, and lately kind words have been much needed. 

My family has been so encouraging to me, particularly in the last few years of college. I tend to bottle up a lot of my emotions, and then they build up until I just spill out into an emotional wreck. Mama tends to be the lucky one to deal with it... and she's given me some of the most encouraging words out there. 

"I'm so proud of you."

Just that simple sentence alone brought me so much reassurance. 

For so long I've worked for myself, and to have someone recognize it and tell me they're PROUD of me really brought it home. It made me really sit back and realize how much I have accomplished over the past few years.

 In my small group last night, our leader spoke to each of us about how much we've grown over the past year. She expressed how PROUD she is of all of us for the transformation she's been able to witness, and the young ladies we've become and are continuing to become. 

There's the word again, proud. 

It just gives me such an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that someone recognizes my actions enough to acknowledge them and be PROUD of them. Kind of cheesy.. but until someone tells you they are proud of you it's easy to just overlook how far you've really come. 

I've accomplished a lot, and I've really grown as a person over the past few years. I've matured SO so much, and blogging has really given me the ability to witness it. I love that I've been able to document everything over the past few years, and look forward to continuing to do it. 

I want to challenge you to look at your accomplishments and be PROUD of them.
Don't let your hard work go unnoticed, because I guarantee someone out there has noticed it... even if they haven't told you. And not only that, but extend the compliment to someone. Tell someone you admire their hard work, let them know it hasn't gone unnoticed by you.

Never underestimate the power of a simple compliment.

Source: google.com via Leslie on Pinterest

And if you've made it this far... I'm proud of YOU! ;)

Thanks for reading my long rants. 

:)

Winding Down

The semester is winding down,

and with that comes the chaotic last-minute assignments, quizzes, tests, and preparation for finals.

Oh my lanta, I would say I'm ready for summer... but I'll be spending it taking Biochemistry.  (Every. Single. Day. at 9AM.)

The joys of being a college student. ;)

So seeing as how I have an 8-page Religious Analytical Timeline paper due Thursday... I'm about to knock this bad baby out.

And hopefully be able to post more exciting posts this week...

and read your lovely posts too!!

Good luck to the rest of you who are spending these next few weeks finishing up your semesters! 

Summer is in sight!!

What I'm Loving

Happy Wednesday!

I'm linking up with Jamie today to share what I'm loving!

 

Today I'm loving...

[one.]

all of you.

I can't even begin to express how much your sweet comments meant to me on my post Monday night. I've had such an emotional week, and the encouragement was very much needed. Blogging is such an incredible thing to be a part of, and I give thanks for being able to know all of you!

[two.]

I'm going to see Sarah this weekend.

I'm so excited to meet her fiance, since I have YET to do so. AND see that pretty ring in person! We're going thrifting... (one of my favorite things ever) and I couldn't be more excited. 

[three.]

My Biochem Exam is over.

holy smokes. 

talk about RELIEF.

but the studying is not over... I still have another test tomorrow AND a paper due. 

does it ever end?! 

;)

[four.]

this meme I saw on facebook.

pretty accurate description of a lot of college students.

and with that, I'm off to work.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful week!

and Happy Leap Day!

Pharmacy.

I want to be a pharmacist.

with all of my heart, I know I want to be a pharmacist.

And being in the pre-pharmacy phase of working TOWARDS being a pharmacy student is one of the most draining things ever. It's so hard when all of my friends are working towards their actual degree and profession with every class they take, and they have a target date for graduation.. 

Meanwhile, I work and work and work... and don't know if it's even going to be good enough to get into the program for the career I want. I'm tired of constantly feeling like I'm not good enough. The classes I'm in are designed to weed people out, and it's so hard to stay positive and keep trucking through lately. I know I'm not a dumb person, I graduated in the top 10 of my class in high school.. but the past year and a half has been so trying on me. My GPA is worse than I need for it to be, and I know I worked hard in my classes.. but it feels like it doesn't even show. I know Organic Chemistry like the back of my hand, I know the ins and  outs of it... and all the Pharmacy Schools will see is a letter grade. I hate that.

I just want to make A's again. I'm tired of C's.. and failing tests after studying for nights on end. I'm tired of the uncertainty of WHEN I'll be accepted to Pharmacy school.. or IF anyone will even want me. 

And I know I shouldn't think this way, but at a point you just break down. I'm emotionally exhausted, and just spent.

I love the Pharmacy profession without a doubt, and I refuse to give up until I am accepted to Pharmacy school. I'm just ready to go NOW, I'm tired of waiting. I want to be working towards my dream profession, instead of being in limbo about when I'll be able to do it. 

Working in a Pharmacy has given me so much motivation, and taught me SO much more about the profession. I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to work there, and going to work doesn't even feel like a job because I love seeing our patients every day. I love that we have such a direct impact on people's lives on a daily basis. I love that we can help people understand the importance of their health. I love that we can help someone feel better, and ease the pain for them just a little so that they can enjoy every day THAT much better. I love how rewarding it feels when a patient comes in and tells us how much they appreciate and love us for everything we do to help them through their healthcare crises. I just feel like I'm in my element when I'm in the Pharmacy, and I'm ready to be more than the Over-The-Counter/Phone-Answering Specialist. ;) 

A few weeks ago I found out that I've been granted an interview with UGA's College of Pharmacy for their PharmD program. I'm beyond grateful, and so incredibly excited that I've been given the opportunity to interview. Something I didn't even expect to be granted when I applied this year, but it's hard to fully enjoy it all because I don't want to get my hopes up. Based on the stats of last year's accepted applicants I know I'm in the lower end of the range, and I know I have room for improvement in my PCAT scores.. and my GPA. So keep me in your prayers over the next month, it's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions while I try to prepare for the interview... but also prepare myself for if I'm not accepted. 

And in the meantime I've been trying to focus on encouraging bible verses to ease my worrisome self. 

Jeremiah 29:11

And with Finals...

Comes the stress.

Wooo! Who loves finals week?!

NOT this girl.

The promise of Christmas break is so close I can taste it! And it's so hard to stay focused and study my life away.. but I'm trying! With multiple study breaks in the form of pinterest (sorry for my maniac pin sessions) and eating (can't help that I love food).  

May I also add, every other college is already out for Christmas. THANK you UGA for making us be the last ones out... although, UGA is better in all other aspects ;) 

It just stinks to see all the status updates on facebook about being done and out for Christmas. #sojealous

BUT, wish me luck on my finals! Say a special prayer for me, I definitely have some tough ones coming my way.

And I wish you EACH the best on your finals! 

:)

Welp! I'm on a Break!!!

Dear Fall Breeeeak,

Thank the good Lord above you are finally here! 

  Sincerely,

Leslie. 

So yesterday,

I was too excited over the fact that it's FALL BREAK to do any homework.. so naturally, I did Sydney @ The Daybook's tutorial on her fabulous Bun. 

Hello new favorite thing.

It's super easy.. so you should go try it yourself.

 

and did I mention, I'm in love with my new sequin top from express CLEARANCE. #hollabackgirl

I've been lusting over sequins and their flashy amazing selves for quite some time... and this tank was on clearance this week. Don't ask me twice. ;)

Well ladies, I'm headed down to the coast for GA/FL this weekend. Words can't even begin to describe how excited I am at this given moment. :) :) :) 

So I'll catch you on the flip side!!

plus, that's more than enough old school mirror pic'ing for one post.

Peace and Blessings,

WILW

I'm linking up today with Jamie for WILW!

Today I'm loving...

[one.]

That all of these sweet people helped me celebrate my birthday this past weekend! Tomorrow I'll have a post dedicated to our festivities! We had so much fun :)

  [two.]

Last night I purchased tickets to another Concert next week!!! :) I'm going to see Green River Ordinance, (LOVE their music), and Boyce Avenue. I can't wait! I'm really into concerting lately.. it's my new hobby I believe. All my spare change is going to these concerts.. I may be living off ramen soon.

[three.]

I'm actually doing decent in Calc II. It's a miracle friends. I aced my quiz this week.. and I've been rocking the homework. #holla

[four.]

My new RED cowboy boots that I got for my biiiiirthday. And I'm not lying when I say I'm loving them; I've been wearing them around my apartment with my nike shorts and t-shirts. I can't wait to rock them at a GA game soon!! :)

pardon my messy bathroom in the background

What are YOU loving today?! Go link up and share it with us!!!

  

Day One. Success.

Day one of classes = Success.

That's right.

I survived crossing the 5 lane highway to the city bus stop. (Looking somewhat like a Frogger game dodging the cars and school buses) Made it to campus, to all of my classes, met a cute boy in physics, and made it back to my apartment after class. Oh how I loooove being a Georgia bulldog. 

Now I'm just mooching off of jittery joe's wireless since we have exactly ONE Week until our cable is installed!!! Holllaaaaa!!! So I'm trying to schedule some blogposts for this week ;) 

Hope all of you had a great first day back! (and if you haven't started back yet.. you stink! I miss summer already!)

Exciting Things!

A lot of things are coming together for me this year, and I couldn't be more excited!

I found out last night that I got a job at a local pharmacy, and I start when school starts back! I'm absolutely thrilled about it, especially since I plan on applying to Pharmacy school in the fall and REALLY need the work experience! 

After the last school year I had, I felt like things could only get better.. but I feel so blessed for how great everything is going for me right now. I'm moving into my apartment Thursday, starting school in a new place, taking the opportunities to meet new people, and above all just seeing that trusting in the Lord has allowed everything to fall right into place. I'm beyond excited for the upcoming year, and I can't wait to see what it all has in store!

via

Today I start training for my new job in the pharmacy so pray for me! I get so nervous about new stuff.. I don't want to mess up! :) 

Life is good,

Orientation Nightmare

Last Friday I went to Orientation at UGA

and let me start by saying, I hope that isn't a preview of my first day of school.

I got lost.. within a building. But we'll get to that.

First of all, I get there and park in the parking deck and I notice that a whole slew of parents are there walking in with their children. I figured, "Hey! Maybe Freshmen have orientation today too.. I won't worry yet." I had no clue where I was going so I followed all of them into the building and found where I check in.

Come to find out, it was definitely all transfer students there for check-in. And apparently parents were invited to come? Uhhh... I didn't get that memo. For the remainder of the day I pretty much had no one to talk to because everyone was flanked by their mom and dad on each side. That's not really approachable. Just sayin..

I just really don't understand them encouraging you to make friends at orientation when no one leaves their parents sides to talk to anyone. 

Then we broke for lunch and they gave us meal tickets for the dining hall. Well you had to get on a bus and ride a few stops to get there (and confession: I've never taken an actual tour of the campus. I was seriously walking these buildings and this area of campus for the first time.) So I got lost. I couldn't find my way out of the building.. and then I couldn't find my way to the bus stop. And on top of this I have a nerdy name tag that just SCREAMS orientation loser, along with 3 folders of information packets and a plastic bag that says ARMY on it that they handed out. 

So at that point I just started following random people and their parents around hoping they knew where they were going.. until I felt like a total creeper and just called my mom. I eventually found another girl who was a little goofy.. but we both didn't have parents with us and both were lost. So we managed to find our way around.. I registered for my classes and I'm golden. But WHAT a DAY!!! 

some of the goods

Oh and my ID card picture turned out TERRIBLE. I wish there was a way to retake it.. but I really am too cheap to pay 20 bucks for a new one. 

HOWEVER, despite my negativity towards the orientation process... I am beyond excited about starting school! Walking the campus multiple times as I was lost made me really excited to be a dawg! I'm currently planning on studying the campus map so I know my way around come August. :)

Move Out Day!

Today I officially moved out of my apartment at school,

it was bittersweet.. and I tried not to think about the fact that I won't be returning to school there in the fall. 

I had already moved the majority of my stuff home (I thought), but you sure can cram a lot of crap into those shoebox size bedrooms! Luckily, Ally & sweet Mallory came along to help me! And by the end of it, the suburban was loaded to the rim!

Since I took a picture at the beginning of move in day each year, I figured I should do the same for move out day ;) So pardon my dorky-ness. 

After we finished moving me out, we hit up Gustavos.. the local pizza place that is AMAZING. Got our bellies full of garlic cheese rolls, a slice of kitchen sink pizza, and rolled out of D-Town to head home. 

 Now I'm excited to start planning my room and apartment for next year! I can't wait for a fresh start, and the great memories that await! (okay, that was cheesy.. but you get the point.. I'M EXCITED!)

Hope you've all had a wonderful Thursday! I swear this week has FLOWN by!

And I've finally Reached Summer!

This school year has definitely had its ups and downs.

But amidst it all, we made the best of it in our apartment!

And now that Summer has finally arrived for me I thought I'd do a quick recap of all of the fun times we had!

move in day in August!

Ally cleaning the nasty showers we found upon move-in!

 Late Night Runs to Arby's

 The day Betsy broke down in the parking lot and had to be towed! Which has happened again this week, post to come ;)

 

Baking treats!

Thuggin Thursdays

Hosting a Pancake Party!

 Sneaking fudgesicles into the Library

And who can forget all of the studying?!

I've never worked as hard as I have this year in school, and I'm definitely proud of myself! A lot of tears have been shed, but in the end it's definitely been worth it. I've made some great friends at my college, but I'm definitely excited to see what UGA has in store for me! It's a bittersweet goodbye.. but in the meantime I can't stress enough how happy I am to finally get a SUMMER again! It's been toooo long!

Life Lately

Has been full of Studying and Finishing off the school year

 Friday was our last day of classes, now I'm only 4 finals away from Summer! Woohoo!!

In honor of our last day of class, my bff Sarah and I had ordered Chemistry baseball t's to wear. Check these hot shirts out!

It says "Got Mole Problems? Call Avogadro" and then it has Avogadro's number on the bottom. 

Definitely nerdy.. but they were a hit in our Chemistry class.. and I think we rocked them.

And If you're wondering what the heck it means... Avogadro's number is the number of atoms in a mole of a substance. There! You learned something new! ;)

Then after class yesterday we went to see Water for Elephants to relieve some stress.

Holy smokes. What a GREAT movie! I read the book a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it, and the movie didn't disappoint! Robert Pattinson?! I swoooooon!!! He is so good looking, even MORE so without his white vampire make-up. I. Die.

So if you haven't seen Water for Elephants.. GO!!!

And now it's back to the books for me! I have 3 finals on Monday, and I prefer to study as little as possible on my Easter Sunday!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday with your family!

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

I can't wait to catch up with everyone's blogs when I'm done on Wednesday!