Overwhelmed

Over the past few weeks--maybe even months--I haven't been feeling quite like myself. Some of my actions have caused me to second guess what I'm doing and where my life is headed.

When all of my friends were freaking out about graduation last year, I rest assured knowing I still had the bonus year of my 5-year Master's Program to look forward to. But now that time seems to be ticking away faster than I can keep up and there's only two quarters left of my college career, it's my turn to panic.

The worst part about all of this added stress is the fact that it seems to be self-inflicted. Of course school brings on all of its regular moans and groans, but all of my outside worries and fears seem to stem from my own mistakes and self-created anxieties.

Take for instance, trying to change my major with only two quarters left of school. Prompted by my video and multimedia work at RedEye, I decided to take broadcast journalism for a spin. I learned quickly that this is not the kind of thing you can just dive into! 

Luckily I figured out it wasn't for me before I got too involved and have since decided to refocus my efforts back to print/online journalism with an emphasis in multimedia storytelling techniques & blogging. Since this realization, I've been a lot more centered and am looking forward to applying for new internships in freelance travel writing and web producing for Winter Quarter.

Beyond the professional, my personal life has also become a cause of stress and uncertainty. In this crazy transition stage of my life, I feel like I'm at a crossroads with what I want for myself and unfortunately, I was dragging someone else along on that roller coaster ride far longer than he ever deserved to be on board.

While I don't regret any minute of our beautiful time together, I know that to truly get better and find my way, I need to take some time to tune into myself. It's time to breathe and reboot--all by myself. 

There is still no certainty for what life has in store, but I'm looking forward to keeping calm & carrying on with whatever comes my way.

Graduation

Between strep throat, finals week, friends & family visiting and preparing for graduation, the past few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind.

I feel like it was yesterday that I was moving into my dorm, wondering what the next four years would hold and what kind of adventures the new college chapter of life would bring me.

Little did I know, it would bring me all of this...

         

                                        

       

 

Sunday was so surreal -- getting suited up in our blue gowns (matched my hair!) and graduation caps; seeing my friends and classmates walk across the stage to accept their diplomas after four years of hard work and even harder partying; shaking the president's hand as I accepted my own diploma with a huge smile and little victory dance for the cameras.

I cannot believe it's over! 
Well for the summer at least...

Despite feeling ready to take on the work force, I am looking forward to having an additional year at DePaul to complete my Masters.

Not only will this help me to get better jobs, but graduation also made me realize that I really have gotten an amazing education at DePaul and I have learned so much from the experienced professors employed at this university.

Right before I walked on stage, the head of the journalism department pumped me up with a special point,  applause and a wink and it reminded me that I have actually established myself in this city and at this school and I'm so excited to really focus in on what I love to do with the help of so many knowledgable, nurturing and enthusiastic people.

Congratulations DePaul Class of 2012! We did it!