Popcosmo

a blog for everyone and their mothers

College: Expectations vs. Reality

CollegeChloe Gordon1 Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and for that I would like to apologize. Life has been crazy, hectic, new, exciting, and weird. I’m writing this post while sitting on my college campus. COLLEGE. CAMPUS. 

     Who am I? Am I old enough for this? Am I ready to be an independent and responsible human? Honestly, I don’t feel ready. I don’t feel old enough. I don’t feel like how I thought I would feel going into college. 

    I feel homesick. I miss high school. I miss having a set routine. I miss home cooked dinners. I miss my family, my friends, and my own bathroom. I miss the old. 

    I’m not trying to make college sound bad, because it certainly isn’t. It’s fun and it’s exciting, but it’s new. Very new. I came here without really knowing anything. I know a few people that go to the same school as me which has helped, but I honestly feel like I was just thrown into a Hunger Games style arena and was just expected to know how to survive. I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m just figuring it all out. But I thought today I’d share a few expectation vs. reality stories with you. 

So I guess, per usual, I’ll just jump right into it. 

Expectation: It’s so easy to meet new people and make new friends. I’ve moved enough in my life to be able to understand how the whole “new friends” things works. I’ll be fine. 
Reality: There are the super nice people that are easy to talk to and easy to get along with, but there are also the people who have no interest (or seemingly no interest) in meeting or even talking to new people. I don’t know if these uninterested people have simply already found their best friends and future bridesmaids, or if they just have no interest in talking to new people. Regardless, I’ve become great friends with the people living in my hall and I’m forever thankful for them! 

Expectation: Taking an 8am will be so worth getting a class out of the way and having the afternoon to relax. I mean, waking up for high school really wasn’t that hard. 
Reality: An 8am class is literal death. Every night is basically a sleepover and getting to bed before 11pm is impossible when the people on your floor are awesome and fun to talk to. As I type this, my eyes are practically closing because I had an 8am this morning. Currently regretting signing up for this class. 

Expectation: The food will be gross and I really won’t have to worry about gaining the Freshman 15.
Reality: The food is amazing. there are so many options, and the bottomless soft serve ice cream with sprinkles is really killing me. Seriously though, the other night there were jalepeño poppers (ie deep friend jalepeños) and I about over dosed on them. So. Much. Good. Food. So. Many. Options. 

So college might not be what I was expecting, but it’s fun. I can already tell that it’s not going to be easy, but I’m taking classes that interest me beyond capacity. I honestly was questioning my major (strategic communications) but my classes have made me feel 110% better about the career that I want to go into (marketing and branding). 

So sometimes life is different than expected, but usually this difference is what teaches us new things and makes us appreciate the old and the so called “normality” of our past.

Stealthy Skincare

BEAUTYKim & ChloeComment

Mom's mentions

I have been having the worst time with my skin lately: sun spots, wrinkles, breakouts and redness. I've been examining all my skincare products to make sure that each is contributing in a positive way and not causing any of the irritation and aging effects I've been having.

The first in line for review, is my sunscreen, since it's a daily necessity and is an enormous cause of frustration for me. Living at a mile above sea level has its problems: dryness and sun exposure at a new level. This year, I've tried at least 6 sunscreens on my face (I kid you not) and each has had its plus and minuses. The biggest plus I'm looking for is whether or not the sunscreen is effective. The biggest drawback I'd like to avoid is causing breakouts. 

I was recently sent a sample of Oclipse® Smart Tone SPF 50, sold by ZO Skin Health, and am truly impressed. 

What I like about Oclipse:

  • Customizable color beads with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to match any skin tone
  • Provides additional protection against HEV light (cell damaging high energy light)
  • Anti-redness properties
  • Moisturizing
  • Vitamin C to prevent sunspots
  • Exclusive 12-hour time release antioxidant complex guards against photo-damage

While not a foundation, it does smooth out my skintone and blends into my skin with no telltale lines. It's light and sheer, but provides a small amount of coverage, which I love. I'm able to skip Vitamin C, coverup, and powder! 

My only complaint is the price at $70.00. I'm interested to see how long my sample lasts and if it's a good while to make the high price tag justifiable, I will be restocking my Oclipse and discarding the rest of. It's that impressive.

What sunscreens are you using on your face? I'd love to hear.