Thoughts on the First Week Back

There's something calming about the wind, don't you think? I, of course, am talking about the nice, subtle breezes typical of the Fall and Spring, rather than the 30 mile per hour gusts threatening to pick you up and carry you away. I was strongly considering purchasing a bike for this semester, but to be honest, I quite like walking to class! Not only is it a way to ensure I'm forcing myself to exercise a bit, but also because when you ride a bike, you often move too quickly to take in everything that is going on around you (from the people playing on the intramural fields to seeing a friend walking in the opposite direction).

Well, it is pretty much the end of my first week back to school! No Friday classes means more time for my online courses as well as *hopefully* have a little fun (read: leave my room). It has been a slightly more-stressful-than-usual Syllabus Week considering the majority of my in-person classes are on the Monday/Wednesday schedule and most of my professors decided to give us some work right off the bat.

Luckily my schedule is a lot lighter on Tuesday/Thursday, so I was able to get a decent amount of sleep last night. I actually have only one class on Thursdays (yay hybrid courses!). I decided to take a Public Speaking class to better hone my presentation skills - my professor has had a lot of experience in giving innovative, informational talks as well as persuasive and motivational speeches! (I'm heading over there as I post this now!)

The class I am most excited for this semester is definitely my Women in Literature: Jane Austen class! I love Jane Austen - P&P, S&S, Emma, Persuasion, all of it. I read some of her works in high school, but I can't help but feel that I didn't read as much into it as I could have. My professors are the cutest old married couple (and he's always wearing a bow tie!), and I am so excited! They are so sweet, and really funny - can you just imagine a cute elderly couple arguing over literature?

I haven't been able to blog lately because I was really busy moving back down here and judging (surprise! but wait for the rest) at a national circuit tournament! For me, that's *kind of* a big deal. I love that judging at tournaments has given me a way to keep in touch with what was essentially my world during high school - it makes me feel that although I can already tell being in college has changed me, it reminds me that I'm still me. Still Mikkaela. Just a bit different, well, maybe more than just a bit!

As my course schedule firms up and I happily write-in every single class, event, and essay into my multiple paper and electronic planners, I should be able to develop a regular posting schedule! I'm so excited for this new year, new semester. I have a lot of stuff planned for the blog, so thanks for joining me on this roller coaster that's only going up (I know it's a TFIOS quote, but hey Looking for Alaska's 10th year anniversary edition was just released - go buy it!).

How was your first day/week back to school? Are you taking any interesting classes? Let me know down in the comments, I'd love to hear all about it!

xx

Catch you next time.

Freshman Five: Checking Off the Winter To-Do List

Morning, lovelies! This morning I woke up with a feeling I haven't felt in a while: the urge to be productive! I just realized that a week from today I will be walking out of my Data Analytics class. (Translation: I'M GOING BACK TO COLLEGE). Suffice to say I am truly excited to have a real day-to-day schedule, see my friends, begin planning events with my Fraternity, etc. but alas, the regular dread of leaving my comfy bed and Netflix-induced coma has arrived. I know a lot of colleges are different, but here are just some general things you should make sure to have done before you go back to school for the new year!

{via}

Scan the To-Do List // Every college and university has some sort of website or portal for you to schedule classes, track grades, pay tuition, etc. These usually have a to-do list somewhere - ProTip: Don't ignore it! Here at ASU, they recently instituted a Sexual Abuse and Consent course that all students are required to complete before they can begin attending classes for the new semester. It's very informative and not very long, but it's the little things like this that you need to make sure not to overlook!

Check Your FAFSA // The Free Application for Student Aid opens up on January 1st every year - now you have time to fill this out, but for the best possible amount of aid, you should complete this as soon as possible. There are many scholarships, whether through the university or not, require that you file a FAFSA - it does not take very long and the steps are fairly simple. (If you happen to be a high school student reading this blog, the same goes for you when you're applying to universities - get your FAFSA in ASAP!).

Find and Fill Out Applications // While FAFSA technically falls into this little bullet, I'm talking more about general scholarships and any programs you are looking at for the summer or for the next school year. Just because you already received scholarships for your first year of college does not necessarily mean they can all be renewed for the rest of your years. Also, now that you're sort of a college pro, you can start looking into travel programs! I am currently looking to apply for a short month-long study abroad program this summer! *fingers crossed*

Buy Some of Your Textbooks // Now I know that most people tell you not to buy any of your books until after syllabus week, but if you did your research on some of the teachers beforehand, or you can probably do a bit of assuming from your course list, there will probably be at least one or two books that you can buy now. Great thing about Amazon: you can return the books if your teacher says you don't need it! I know a lot of people hate returning things, but I'd much rather potentially return a book than struggle to order it or wait in line at the bookstore hoping to find a copy because you already have an assignment due at the next class.

Relax // If you're like me, you're probably feeling a bit stressed because the approach of the semester means meeting new professors, getting readjusted to college, work, etc. Just remember that you are awesome! The semester hasn't started yet and you have time! If you're usually busy during the semester, reward yourself with a movie or a treat for accomplishing something on your "Before the Semester Starts" list. Go out to dinner with some friends as a farewell to winter. Buy an extra book or two to keep in your room or in your bag if you ever find a free moment. Smile because you survived last semester and you are going to conquer this next one!

xx

Catch you next time.

Planning for a Great Year

Just before the end of 2014, I entered in AJ Minute's Life Planner Giveaway and it turns out I won! I don't usually win giveaways (and I must admit I've entered in more than my fair share), so I was really excited when AJ tweeted and emailed me! I love my Lilly planner, but I *accidentally* ordered the Jumbo-size and thus have found myself using it more as an overall/portable desk calendar. This Erin Condren planner is amazing and so adorable! I can't wait to use it this year!

Gosh, isn't it just adorable? I love all of the little touches! I already love the concept of the cover it came with, but I am so excited to order a new personalized cover! Sadly, with school coming up and lots of things needing to be done, it may be a bit before I have the chance to sit down and order it, but when I get it I will definitely be putting a picture up! Make sure you go check out AJ's blog, The AJ Minute!

xx

Catch you next time.

This is the year I will. . .

Hello, lovelies!

Photo via A New Kind of Normal
 
This year I am making a promise to myself, a promise to work harder to love and *reasonably* improve myself. We currently live in a world where it's easy to doubt yourself. This past year, there have been more than a handful of moments where I was unsure about what I was doing, scared if I was making the right decision, and doubtful of my abilities when I couldn't fulfill my over-reaching expectations.

This is one of the reasons I actually chose to start this blog. Before creating this blog, I had contemplated blogging for around three years or so. I had met a few people who had their own blogs and they all gave me the same anecdotal advice: they started blogging as an outlet, both for a unique and creative hobby as well as to release their thoughts on their own terms. I love being involved and busy, and don't get me wrong, I love my days of Netflix bingewatching and yoga pants, but many days I feel like I need a slightly more productive way to relax. Voila, the Southwestern Prepster is born.

My goal for the new year is not to become a new me, but to learn to love me. I used to wonder how I could focus on changing a part of myself while saying "I don't want to change who I really am". I have realized that the changes that come from learning to love yourself are not ones that change who you are, but rather how you are. I hope everyone had a wonderful night, and have a wonderful new year! I can't wait to see what's in store for all of us.

xx

Catch you next time.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I spent my New Year's Eve cleaning, organizing, watching The Proposal before Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin, and then watching Pretty Woman. Kiss your dog, hug your family, and eat cake because 2015 is here to stay!

May your new year be filled with love, happiness, and endless opportunities. There is so much in store for us all - I can't wait to see how the blog develops (hopefully, well!). As you watched the ball/shoe/crab drop, what were you wishing for?

xx

Catch you next time.