End of Semester Updates, End of Junior Year Conclusions

6:14 PM Unknown 0 Comments


I'm still here enjoying my vacation in the tri-state area and I thought I'd share with you guys my end of semester conclusion.


An update on the jewelry store I redesigned:
If you look at my earlier post, it's a huge difference, I even changed the name and logo. This little baby of mine got an A, and I was able to finish with an A in studio! My professor was definitely pleased with this project.

Along with it, I made another material board for it, (I'll add pictures of that later, it's still at school) 

I also did a specification book for it that unfortunately my professor kept, but to this day it is the most realistic project I've done. 

Another project I did was a set design for a play, I ended up building a whole stage at about 
1/2" = 1' scale. Plus my props, lighting, and backdrop. 


The end of this semester was one my most intense yet. I pulled 3 all nighters straight, got about 6 hours of sleep, then pulled 2 more back to back and I believe I was only able to recover one day which was a Saturday and I did not sleep again until Wednesday night. It was horrible what I did to my body. 

And this wasn't even finals week yet...


BUT

that is fortunately all over now since it's summer and I ended with pretty good grades. 



After three years of college my conclusions are:

  • Lack of sleep will make you gain weight faster than eating junk food, and combining both of these together is a recipe for disaster. 
  • If you're running on lack of sleep and have a big day ahead of you, be careful with coffee. As good and amazing as it is, it has messed up my digestive system at the worst times, especially after multiple all nighters. 
  • Wine, wine, wine...... Need I say more?
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone is a must
  • Become friends with people that have a different mentality than your own
  • Practice your dance moves on your own time before going out
  • Oatmeal and sandwiches were my survival 
  • Graduation is right around the corner....it's ok to be kind of scared
  • Internships...yeah that's a thing and it's kind of a big deal
  • Update that resume/portfolio.
  • Take advantage of any career day your university provides.
  • Buy more business appropriate clothing 


All in all, it was a crazy year full of ups and downs but definitely my most favorite year of college. I wish all of you guys luck if you're still wrapping up the semester! Stay strong, you're almost there!


-m






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Packing Tips

11:24 AM Unknown 0 Comments



Hello! As May is coming to a close and many of you may be traveling for the summer, I thought I could share some traveling tips that I have picked up on, on my past couple of travels!

Packing

If you're like me, you might put off packing until the very last minute. It's just a tedious task to me. But I have come up with a couple of tricks that you may want to keep in mind. 

1. Leave Space!

It's better that you under pack than over pack. Chances are that you will probably want to go shopping when you reach your destination. Whether it be for clothes, souvenirs, or gifts. You never know what treasures you'll end up finding and buying so you want to leave space to bring back those goodies! 

Also bring items that you wouldn't mind parting with to save room as well. When I went to Honduras last year, I left behind a lot of clothing, shoes, and random miscellaneous items. Donate them!

2. Weigh you luggage!

If you're flying, please weigh your luggage before you get to the airport. Check with your airline what  is the maximum number of pounds that they allow. Trust me, you do not want to go over ---- it get's expensive fast! Also just make sure you do your research if you have to pay fees for any luggage. I know it depends a lot if your flight is either international or local. This just saves you any surprises when you get to the airport. 

3. Become familiar with security regulations!

 If you're bringing a carryon, be familiar with what you can or can't pack. Click here for all the info!
As stated earlier, it will just save you time and surprises the day you're traveling!

4. Seal EVERYTHING!

 Okay, I may be exaggerating a tad, but I have definitely had to learn the hard way. The pressure in the air cabin can do some crazy things to your belongings. Also your luggage is thrown around a lot! Last year, my shampoo and conditioner had spilled E V E R Y W H E R E. It was annoying to clean and I had to wash most of my clothes when I got there. To avoid these situations just make sure you secure the tops with some painters tape! If you're carrying food items, make sure to double bag them. Especially chips, the pressure will pop open the bags.


These are just a couple of packing tips that I find most important! I'm having a lot of fun with this travel series; let me know if there's anything you'd like for me to talk about!

I wish you safe and fun travels if you have an upcoming trip! Enjoy every minute of it!

-m

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Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

8:56 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Hello!

I am currently in NYC enjoying my summer vacation before the summer semester starts. 

I came here by myself and I will be staying in the New York and New Jersey area. So some days I'll be in the city and other days I'll be more in the suburb "country" area. 

Now, even though I traveled on my own, I am staying at my cousin's apartment and I will be staying at my aunt's house in Jersey. However, because my family works, I am essentially on my own!

Today was the second day I was able to explore the city by myself and basically just get lost in it. 

After these two days I have started to compile a pros and cons list of traveling on your own.

Pros

1. You make all the decisions

You want to spend an hour in barnes and nobles just because? Or you want to eat street food instead of at a restaurant? You call all the shots in your schedule! There is no one there to rush you or comprimise what you want to see. It's pretty amazing to have the liberty to go wherever you want, whenever you want. 

2. You blend in

Honestly, I've been asked for directions. I've even been asked twice if I work at the store I was shopping at. Not being with a group of people really makes blending in with locals a lot easier. I walk around with headphones in my ears since I have no one to be chatting with and I just power walk wherever I want. I'm not constantly checking a map or taking tour buses since my point is literally to get "lost". I'm riding the subways and I've learned proper etiquette before hand on the do's and don't's. 

3. You feel in control

This may sound like my number one, but it is not. There's an amazing sensation about just deciding to go to an unknown place by yourself. You feel powerful. It's an experience like no other honestly. It has its risks but I have feel like you learn not only a lot about the place you're visiting, but about yourself as well.  The experience that comes with it as well is valuable and the memories I have been creating are so special to me. I also feel a lot more confident in myself like, "hey I can do this." So much so, that I'm already thinking about my next solo adventure. (Spain)

Cons

1. No one has your back

That sounds more harsh than reality. What I mean to say is that you have to constantly be checking your stuff and your surroundings. Be smart and be safe. There is no one there to watch your stuff if you need to go to the bathroom or to tell you to close your purse when you have it next to a stranger on the subway. And I'm using NYC as examples for these, but this goes for any place you visit. Especially to you ladies. Just be extra cautious. Do not "get lost in the city" at night. Do your research beforehand so you know what areas you may want to avoid. If you need help, it's always best to ask a cop or a worker rather than a random person. People for the most part really do help, especially with directions, but I try to avoid getting in that situation. 

2. No one to share your experience with

I hesitate on putting this one up. Because in reality we share our travel experiences to friends or family. But what I mean to say is that you have no one to share that experience with in the moment. I think that depending on the type of person you are, this may or may not be that big of a deal. To be honest I felt it more the first day then I did the second. So it may also be just me getting adjusted to solo travel.

3. Only selfies

Because I really don't trust strangers I don't go up to random people and say "can you take a picture of me" so I'm stuck trying to take selfies with these gorgeous views and for the most part it just doesn't work. My arms are too short (I need a selfie stick). So I'm basically not in any of my pictures. Again I think this would be a big deal depending on the type of person you are. For me it's really not. 


My honest opinion is that everyone should try solo traveling at least once in their life. You may hate it or you may love it! But sometimes we really only learn from experiences. It's a great way to just enrich the soul. Traveling to me is of the utmost importance. I'm a college student, but I try and save a little from every paycheck I get. And trust me at the end of the day that money adds up and I have no problem spending that on an airplane ticket rather than materialistic things. For this trip in particular, my parent's paid for my airfare as a 21st birthday gift. But because I've been saving, I have been able to get some shopping done here. You really can get some great deals on airplane tickets, just look ahead of time and do your research. Don't give up! Try a different location, date, or website. 

You don't even need to fly to travel! I've heard buses are also the way to go. Fairly inexpensive. I might try that soon actually...


This world is just too beautiful. We need to try and see as much of it as we can. 

"Adventure is out there"


-m

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