College Gift Guide

I feel like all I ever write about these days is college related. But you know what? It’s pretty relevant to my life as a, wait for it, wait for it…. college student. 

So, that being said, here’s yet another college related post. However, this one has a holiday spin to it. 

I think one of the best parts of the holiday season is gift giving. It’s so fun to pick out that special gift for that special friend that you know they’re just going to love. It screams “them” to you. And when they love it as much as you think they will, ugh, it’s just so rewarding. 

I also think one of the worst parts of the holiday season is gift giving. As much as I want to buy every single one of my friends the most perfect and dazzling present, I can barely afford a hamburger for myself. 

How do you show someone you care about them without spending your entire life savings? I’m not really sure to be honest. If you want that question answered, I’m sorry, I won’t be the person who does that for you. 

But, don’t you worry. I have a solution. There’s this dope website called UncommonGoods that’s essentially an online marketplace for artists to sell their products. Not only do you purchase a product, but you’re supporting an artist and buying a story. They also were created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people and have non-profit organizations. I think the one I’m most passionate about is RAIN which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Pretty cool if you ask this college student. 

That being said, they sent me a few of their products from their already created (amazing) gift guides and I decided to go with the college student theme: alcohol and home decor. Obviously fitting for a 21 year old. 

Whether you're in a house, apartment, or a dorm, there's nothing quite like having a doormat to make you feel like you're back in your childhood home. I know that might sound so wacky but for real, they really make your place cozier (and cleaner if you actually use it to wipe your feet and not just as decoration.)

My friends and I drink a lot of wine. A lot. A lot. Hence the empty bottles -- it's hard to find a closed bottle left so excuse the photographs. That being said, this wine rack is phenomenal. It can be used as a holder for pretty much any number of bottles. Definitely a great gift for the college gal (or guy) if you ask me. 

My friends always poke fun at me for being the "rainbows and unicorns" kind of happiness. I see the positives of every situation almost to a fault. But I thought this stamp was a great way to liven up any piece of paper. It's just so cute and I haven't had anything like it since I was much younger. I feel like it's a great stocking stuffer or a gift for a basket type deal. That pink tho. Amazing. 

Home decor is tricky in college, especially when you live with other people. I have five other roommates and while we all get along, we definitely have very different styles (clothes, music, home decor, etc.) However, this light box is super cool because it changes color (aka aesthetic) and you can constantly change out what it says, Having a holiday party? Perfect, change the words. Someones birthday? Perfect, change the words. Inspirational quote? Yeah, you know, change the words. 

If you're struggling with the holiday gift scene, definitely be sure to checkout Uncommon Good's remade guides. They have one for pretty much any occasion you can think of.

What are you giving to your friends this year?

Thanks for reading! 
xox,
Chloe

College

What comes to mind when you think “college.” 

Animal house? Drinking problems? Too much school work? Stress? The Freshman 15? Excitement? 

Same. 

College is kind of weird if you think about it. You’re on your own, but also not really. You still have your parents support, you don’t really have to worry about “adult” things yet, but you still get all the freedom and independence that you craved oh so much during high school. 

I’m now about to go into my Junior year of college and as I’m writing this I’m sitting in my house thinking of all the things that made me nervous going into my freshman year of college. From what to pack, to what I would wear to class, to how the heck I would find my classes on the first day of school, to making friends, to understanding college parties and lifestyle. There were SO many new things. So many weird things that I never could have prepared for. It was a whole new world. 

I want to answer some questions about college for my past (pre college) self, from my current (almost upper class man) self. So here we go…

How do I find my classes? 
Walk around campus in the few days that you have before school. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions either. Everyone on campus was once new and in the exact same boat as you and will be more than willing to help you find your building and class room within the building. 

What do I wear to class?
Whatever your little heart desires. Whether that be a cute little dress and sandals or a big t-shirt and leggings. You do you. Just rock it confidently, that’s all that matters. 

Are parties super intimidating? 
They are what you make of them. Talk to people, don’t be shy! Don’t be afraid to say hey to that one person who sits three rows and five seats down in front of you in that random core class. They probably want someone to sit next to in class too — also who doesn’t like meeting someone at a party to end up helping each other in class. But also be aware, don’t take random drinks from random people. Don’t be dumb. I would recommend drinking at a pre-game (or in my case, in your dorm room with friends) before going to the party so you don’t even have to drink once you get there. That way you know your alcohol is safe and clean. 

Those are obviously just three little questions from a long list that I had, but I feel like the answers can be applied to a lot of things: don’t be afraid to ask for help, be confident, and be aware. 

College is the time of your life. The time to learn who you are and who you want to become. It’s fun, it’s an adventure. 

Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe

A Degree Is Just A Piece of Paper

I talk about this topic with my friends and family so often that I’m shocked I’ve never written a post about it: Major shamming. Not shamming in a huge way, but shaming people for being in a certain major. 

I’m a communications major. I’ve said it before, and I’ll most likely say it again. It’s the major at the top of every “What NOT to major in” list on the internet. The major that people say is useless, stupid, for people who don’t know what they want to do. 

But hey, guess what. I’m none of those things and I freakin’ love my major. I love the projects I get to work on, the collaborative nature of everything I do, the creativity I get to unleash. It’s fun, but that doesn’t mean its “dumb.” 

The classes that I take in comparison to, say, pre-med students is very different. I don’t have to take biology, chemistry, or calculus. I don’t excel in those subjects and I know my weaknesses. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t hone into my strengths. I’m not cocky, but I like to think I excel in photography, graphic design, and copy writing so those are the classes I take. Just because I’m not the best in certain classes doesn’t make me dumb. Just because my core science classes consist ofthe “philosophy of science” doesn’t make it any less “science-y” or less difficult that your “actual” science classes. 

I’m not writing this post for people to pity communications majors. In fact, I’m writing this for quite the opposite affect. I want it to be known that people should go to college to learn more about things they want to learn about. It’s the time in our lives where we can hone into skills and understand things like never before. Don’t major in something just because it “sounds smart” or “will get you a job,” because in the end a degree is just a piece of paper, it’s the passion for something that will take you far in life. 

If you’re deciding on what to major in for college I want you to close your eyes and picture your dream job. Even if it’s seems dumb or stupid think about it. Do you want to walk dogs for a living? Own a bakery? Be a free lance graphic designer? Do it. You can succeed in anything you care about because there’s one thing that you already have above others and that’s a dream and behind that dream comes passion and appreciation. 

Do what you love, I promise it’ll all work out.

Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe