It has been SUCH a long time since I have updated my blog. It feels like yesterday I was getting oriented to my new classes and clinicals, and now I am already halfway through the semester! I'm determined to post more frequent updates in the next couple weeks. It's good to be back!
Last month I turned 21, which is still hard for me to believe. I had a wonderful birthday and was so loved and blessed by my family and friends! Is it possible that this is my senior year!? On my birthday I was looking back on the past few years and thinking about things I wish I knew going into my college experience, and I jotted down a few thoughts I wanted to share. This post is for those of you who may be thinking about going to college or just trying to mentally prepare yourself for the transition from your teenage years into adult life! It's such an exciting time full of huge decisions, major life changes, new environments, and a huge array of emotions. Looking back it has gone by so fast, so make sure and soak up every moment!
1) First, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
I started my college experience by going to Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. Moving 18 hours away from my family and the place I had always called home was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but it wasn't the only one I needed to take! Some of the most amazing opportunities I have had made me super nervous to get into, but they allowed me to make new friends and learn so much. One of the best decisions I made was joining the leadership team on my hall. Connecting with girls from so many different backgrounds and majors was fantastic.
2) It's okay to say "no!"
Ugh, this is one I still have so much trouble with!! I hate saying no to people, but sometimes it is so important to maintain your sanity and maintain your priorities (like snuggling this little guy!!) College is not easy, especially when you are working and trying to juggle responsibilities at home, church, and school.
One example of this for me was volunteering at my little sister's AHG troop. I fully intended to go to every meeting and be totally involved, but that just hasn't been possible this semester. So, I've learned to step back and set reasonable goals. Even though I can't make it to every meeting, Shaila and I went on a campout this past fall and had SO much fun! Later this spring we are looking forward to doing a cake decorating class with some of the girls from her troop. I love being involved in something that is so important to her, even if it's in small ways.
3) Never outgrow your love of reading!
As C.S. Lewis once said, "“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” Don't forget to take the time to read books for FUN (textbooks don't count!) Reading has always been one of my favorite past-times, and even during the school year I try to keep a book going at all times. Right now I am reading "Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s" by Jennifer Worth. It is SO good!
Probably top on my booklist this year was "Becoming Mrs. Lewis" by Patti Callahan. My favorite book of all time is "Till We Have Faces" by C.S. Lewis, so reading more about the story behind this book and his relationship with Joy was amazing. I highly recommend it! And of course, you have to read it "Lewis" style with a steaming hot cup of tea :)
4) Working through college isn't easy, but it is WORTH it!
My first job during college was working as a student admissions representative. It was my only work-study position, because I learned to love it! Talking to prospective students, working the admissions desk, and giving tours of the campus helped me grow comfortable with speaking to people, answering questions, and staying up to date on the latest changes to policies, majors and college guidelines. Even though this job and my current job at Chick-Fil-A may seem to have nothing to do with nursing, they have taught me invaluable lessons in time management, customer service, communication, teamwork and responsibility. These are all skills that I know I will carry forward with me each and every day. I couldn't be happier with my job, and loving what I do has helped me balance the craziness of juggling school and work!
5) Somehow, you'll overcome your fear of everything gross and bloody!
All I can do is laugh when I think about how I went from gagging over my high school frog dissection to not even batting an eye at bloody ER injuries, surgery rotations, IV starts, and bed baths! Being passionate about what I am doing has allowed me to step past the "grossness" of it all and become fully invested in my work. It becomes routine in a way, and I am just thankful that I am able to be a part of it. I will say that anything related to toes or feet still totally grosses me out 🙃 Nursing is not a "clean" job, but sometimes you just need to laugh and get a very long, hot shower when you get home!
6) Sushi is amazing!!
I don't know why it took me so long to figure this one out! I hated sushi going into college, but now I absolutely love it. My new favorite is sweet potato sushi from I Love Sushi. Don't knock it 'til you try it 😉
7) No matter how great your plan is, it will change!
Realizing that life can and will throw you for a loop will save you a lot of stress down the road. You may have a perfect plan for your four years in college and then have your world completely rocked by your family moving across the country or a global pandemic. It's okay to change your path. God knows the plans He has for you, but don't be surprised if they are different from yours!
Thank you all so much for following along with my nursing journey! I'm looking forward to sharing more posts with you soon :)
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