Words for Wednesday: Being Yourself

When I was scrolling through Pinterest today I found this quote: "You can't let people scare you. You can't go your whole life trying to please everyone else. You can't go through life worried about what everyone else is going to think. Whether it's your hair, clothes, what you have to say, how you feel, what you believe and what you have. You can't let the judgment of others stop you from being you. Because if you do, you're no longer you. You're someone everyone else wants you to be."

Lately I've been thinking a lot about this. I have always been a big advocate of just being yourself and not caring what other people think about you, but it wasn't until college that I really truly found myself. Parts of my personality that existed in high school became even more prominent in college and I also found myself gaining more confidence. For some people that holds true and for others their personality changes completely.

These days its hard to find truly genuine people because everyone is trying to impress people for whatever their personal reasons are. People begin to lose the power, the passion, the freedom and the joy of being unique. As Dan Coppersmith puts it, "It's much easier to love yourself when you are being yourself." The quote seems perfectly true to me considering, how can you love yourself knowing that you are pretending to be something you're not. I think people are scared of showing their true personalities because they live in constant fear of being rejected. I mean who doesn't want to be loved by everyone? Ultimately, all we want as human beings is to feel accepted. But, what if we can't accept ourselves even if we gain acceptance from others. Are we truly happy then?  I know I wouldn't be happy unless I accepted myself.

We need to stop worrying what others think and focus on how we feel about ourselves. Do we like the person we are? If we do, then what do other people's opinions of us matter. Plus, how can we be sincerely loved by other people if we don't really love ourselves. These are just some things to think about this summer. Are you happy with yourself and the way your life has been going? Are you the person you want to be?

For some of you who don't even know where to start with finding your true self, here are some tips:
1) Work to find your passions and follow them: If you don't know what your true passion is, that's okay. Try different things and find what you do enjoy. When you do find that special something, don't let it get away. Follow it!

2) Know your values: We all have a built in set of personal values. If we loose touch with those values, we loose ourselves. Identify your values and make every effort to live by them.

3) Start doing things you enjoy: If you enjoy playing a sport, listening to a certain genre of music, playing an instrument, or doing a certain hobby. Do it! Don't stop because some one thinks it's stupid. Do what makes you happy.

Love,
Alexa

The College Years: Freshman Year

Normally I don't like to post about myself on my blog, but I thought it would be nice to reflect on this past year at Ithaca College. I cannot be more thankful for this past year of my life. I can honestly say this has been the most eye opening and life changing year for me. The opportunities that came into my life this year have been incredible. When I first really looked into Ithaca College after doing an overnight stay, I fell in love with it. However, I didn't realize how much I could really love it until the moment I stepped foot onto this campus as a college freshman.

Right from the beginning the opportunities came. I found the most amazing friends I could have asked for here and it all started thanks to the Jumpstart Program. Deciding with my roommate to move in early for the Community Plunge Jumpstart Program was the best decision I have ever made. Not only was it a great way to get involved with the downtown Ithaca community, but I met my best friends in the program. I'm so glad to say that we are all really good friends now and I am going to truly miss them this summer! Besides making great friends at Ithaca, there are so many other cool things that happened to me and here are just a few:

1) Meeting Dave Franco and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (aka McLovin): Did I ever imagine only a month into school that I would be meeting two awesome celebrities? I think not. This year the Park School brought the biggest talents to Ithaca. I was lucky enough to bump into these celebrities after staking out Park with one of my friends. Bumping into them going to the bathroom outside the dean's suite was honestly one of the coolest moments of my life.

2) Meeting Chad Hurley (Co-founder of Youtube): Again, Ithaca is awesome. Not only did Chad Hurley come to speak at Ithaca, but I was able to interview him with a few other friends for WICB radio! This was probably one of the highlights of my journalism career. It also gave me a competitive edge in my journalism class considering we had to write a news article on the event due the next morning. The coolest part of the night besides interviewing Chad Hurley was staying up all night with one of my good friends trying to work on our deadline article for class. Both of us felt like real journalists.

3) Becoming a part of ICTV and Radio: Being a Parkie has seriously changed my life forever. I love my park friends and community. Everyone here is so welcoming and willing to help when needed. As a freshman I have already gained so much experience with television and radio. I became an Assistant Producer on Newswatch on ICTV, a newscaster on WICB/VIC Radio, and a reality TV reporter/anchor on Entertainment 16 on ICTV. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with these shows. They have all been such a great learning experience.

4) Meeting Seth Meyers: Weekend Update anyone? This was probably one of the most exciting events I have been to at Ithaca College. I am a huge fan of Seth Meyers and I was so over the moon about him coming to campus. I even got into the mini-course he did a Q & A for and sat in the front row. Listening to the advice and stories he gave made me really excited to start my career in the entertainment industry.

5) Meeting all my Ithaca friends: Coming to college for the first time I was so worried about making good friends. Little did I know that I would meet such amazing and relatable people. I have to say it was honestly luck how we all met. I really have to blame Jumpstart for that one. The group of girls I was put into a group with to go around the Ithaca neighborhood to go get signatures for a petition, are great friends of mine today. Some how we all just clicked. We all have the same humor and such distinctive personalities. I can laugh with these girls, cry with these girls, and most of all love these girls :) Thank you Ithaca for introducing me to such cool people.

There are so many specific events/memories I could talk on and on about, but I don't want to bore anyone haha. Overall, this year has been an incredible experience. I don't want my freshman year to end. I never knew I could love college so much until I got here. I am excited to go back to my hometown, but I'm also sad to leave the place I can now call home. But I'll see you in 16 weeks, Ithaca!!

Hope you all have one kickass summer! Enjoy the warmth before we all head back to the tundra/home we call Ithaca, NY.

Love,
Alexa

Things to Do Before School Lets Out

As all of us know summer is just around the corner, even if the weather in Ithaca doesn't make it seem like it is. Second semester is almost over and we just have a few weeks left to do some pretty damn cool things. It is also a time to end things on a good note and not leave unfinished business. So here are some things to do before school lets out for the summer:

1) Tie up loose ends: No one wants to go into summertime with unfinished business. Leaving things unclear can have lasting effects on your summer. You want to be able to enjoy your time with your friends and not think about what you left behind at school. If you feel like you haven't resolved things with someone, now is the time to do so. Reach out to them and tell them how you feel. After all, if they don't feel the same, you don't have to see them for a while, and if they do feel the same, then you wouldn't have to wonder what could have been.

2) Take a risk: Now is the chance to have your last hurrah, so take it! Do an activity that you are afraid of trying or tell the person you like how you feel. Honestly, the worst that can come of it is that they may not like you back, and, like I said, that is okay because you don't have to see them for awhile. Do something crazy with your friends and make one last memory. Don't forget to take pictures, of course.

3) Change up your scene: Though most people would say to spend more time near your college before heading home for break, I say differently. Go somewhere new with your friends and explore the area. Take an overnight trip somewhere with your friends and meet new people there. In fact, you can be who ever you want to be in a new area. Give yourself a fake identity and have fun with it. Act differently than you normally would, especially if you will never see these people again. Sometimes it's fun to break from your mold and be someone different.

4) Hook, Line, and Sinker: Go fishing with your friends one night and no I'm not talking about actually going fishing. I mean go out with your friends to a party and see how many people you can flirt with/pick up. Make it a game and whoever wins gets the satisfaction of people flirting back. It is just something fun to do and a great way to meet people.

5) Participate in Kendall Day/any other party day: I'm not encouraging you guys to get drunk, but definitely go out on Kendall Day. Even if you choose not to drink, do some fun activities with your friends. Go gorge-jumping or paint balling. Spend the day just doing absolutely crazy fun things with your friends. I mean it is your last chance to live it up before summer.

Hope you all have a great rest of the semester and enjoy summer when it rolls around!

Love,
Alexa

College Dating 101

The realm of college dating seems like a complicated one for many. Well, in reality....that can be true. However, after my friends and my own college experiences I have learned a way to navigate this new dating pool. So here are some of tips I can attempt to give you all to help make dating in college a little easier for everyone.

1) Never Assume It's A Date: If it's anything I have learned in college, it is never to assume anything. Things are much different in college than they were in high school. When someone asks you to hang out or go out somewhere, it does not necessarily mean it is a date. I mean it very well could be, but if you go in there with no expectations you won't get disappointed. Treat the person as just a friend. Just enjoy the conversation, but really try to make it seem in your head that you guys are just friends and nothing more unless they explicitly say it is a date. Also, sometimes people change their minds for whatever reason. Thus, just being able to enjoy yourself with no expectations is important.

2) Don't Over-Analyze: As humans most of us tend to over-analyze every damn thing. Well, it is finally time to break that bad habit. This means stop thinking about what everything a person does means! If someone thinks you are attractive, just take it as that. It doesn't necessarily mean they like you or they want a relationship. Just because someone acts like they like you or tells you they like you does not make them want to be in a relationship. Nothing you will do will change their mind, so stop trying. If they want to be in a relationship they will tell you. Just try and distract yourself, fill your empty time up with something you enjoy doing so you can't think about things.

3) Be Straight-Forward: This one annoys me the most. What many people don't realize is that saying what is on your mind and being straight forward is the best policy. It happens all way to often that people miscommunicate with each other or don't communicate at all. This leads to so much confusion about what you want from each other. If you don't want to date right now, tell the person right away. Tell them that you just want to hangout as friends because you don't have time for a relationship. Or if you do want to date the person, tell them that. Also, if you don't know where you want things to go, then just let them know that. People spend so much time beating around the bush that they don't realize that telling them straight up is so much easier.

4) Keep Options Open Until It's Official: Don't stop talking to people just because you like someone, at least not until you guys are official. This period is the time to see different people and figure out your options. Sometimes things don't work out with that certain someone, so don't put all your eggs in one basket. All I'm saying is just to do you and do what you want to do until you are official. You don't have to give up your fun until you are exclusive.

5) Go With The Flow: Like I mentioned above, do you! Just have fun with this new experience. Take things as they come and follow them. Take a seat and enjoy the ride. Again, no expectations and no disappointments. Just follow the path ahead of you and take time getting to know people and having fun. When your not looking, the best things pop up!

Most of these tips seem like they would be easy to follow, but it's not so easy to train yourself to take the advice and follow it. Some people have to actually experience something to understand it. If you are that kind of person, take this advice and see what you can make of it. I hope it helps clear up at least what I have learned with college dating.

Disclaimer: These are just things myself and my friends have learned in college. None of these are facts, most are opinions based off of experiences.

Love,
Alexa

Things To Do This Spring

Things To Do This Spring

1) Sign up for a 5k run or walk: This is a really fun idea to do with a big group of your friends. It's an awesome way to all get together and enjoy the great outdoors. Many runs and walks are held in the spring time, specifically the Color Run where you get splashed with your favorite colors when running with your friends. 

2) Go cliff/gorge jumping: Spring is the time to start fresh and try new things. So why not go gorge jumping? I've heard its quite the experience and definitely something to try with your friends when the weather gets nice.

3) Go on more dates: What better way to enjoy the spring time than go on fun outdoor dates? Seriously whether you go with your significant other or a complete stranger, just get out there! Go visit a theme park, have a picnic, go camping, or take a road trip. Spring and summer are the only times to do this, so take advantage of the nice weather. Love is in the air

4) Take a road trip with your friends: It doesn't have to be anywhere expensive. All you need are a car, gas, and your friends. You can even go somewhere close by, like the lake. Take a weekend to just spend time with your friends and make some damn good memories. Also, make sure to have some cool tunes to listen too!

5) Explore the fun activities in your area: Depending on where you live, there are many different fun things to do in spring. Here is a list of some activities: ATV's, kayaking, boating, paintballing, hiking, jet skiing and camping.

Hopefully this list has inspired some of you to get moving this spring! After a long winter in Ithaca, NY I can truly say I am at least excited for spring. So get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

Love,

Alexa

5 Tips to De-Stress During Mid-Term Week

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose on thought over another." -William James


Yes, it's that dreaded time of year again, mid-term week. This means you have to take extra care of your body both mentally and physically. Don't let yourself completely suffer the week before spring break. Take some time out of your busy schedule to just RELAX. It may seem impossible to find time to even take a second to yourself, but trust me even 10 minutes can make a difference. So here are some tips to just relax during mid-term week:

1) Exercise- I know this one is on literally every list on how to de-stress, but it seriously works. You may not have time to actually go to the gym during this chaotic time, but try taking even 5 min to even just stretch on the floor or on your bed. Do some jumping jax or a handstand and get the blood flowing to your head. Studies show you need blood circulation to your head for your health and it will help you gain a little energy to study better.

2) Do something that makes you happy- I mean something small you can do in a few minutes. It might be impossible to go watch a movie, but try taking 20 minutes to write a journal entry or maybe dance a little. Instead of taking an hour, just take a few minutes to do the small things you love doing. A few examples are: listen to music, dance, write, read, play an instrument, or even talk to your friends. (BUT DON'T OVER DO IT!)

3) Laugh it off- No, I don't mean screw your exam. I mean take some time to laugh with your friends. Laughter is also proven to create happiness not just in you, but in others as well. Crack a few jokes with your friends or reminisce about funny times you all had together. Nothing is better than just being with your friends for little and roll on the floor laughing.

4) Unplug and Take a Hot Shower- Turn off all your devices, put your books away and go take a hot shower. Relax your mind and enjoy the steam. Take extra time to pamper yourself and just focus on you for a while. Really nothing is better than that.

5) End the day on a good note- Take the last 20 or 30 minutes of your night to just breathe and think of the things you are thankful for. Honestly, if you think about what you are thankful for, you are less likely to complain and think you are in hell. Breathing also is proven to help your body relax. Maybe even put on some relaxing music to help you fall asleep and drink some warm caffeine-free tea. Just remember that after this week, all of you will either be home or vacationing somewhere cool. Once this is all over, you can finally just relax and enjoy a nice home-cooked meal.

For most of you, it will be hard to do all of these things in one day. They are not meant to be in one day, unless you have a lot of time on your hands haha. Do one of these things each day of the week and you will feel much less stressed out. Just remember, nothing is worth stressing over. Do study, but don't cram. You know all the information you need and all you have to do is extract it from your brain. Don't worry because life is way to short to panic. Follow the steps above next week and I promise that you will feel better. All you need is to create 20-30 minutes to do one of the activities above per day and you will be all set. So good luck and let the odds be ever in your favor!

Till next time,
Alexa

Living Life As Though it's Your Last Day

In light of the very sad and tragic news about the deaths of two people and many others in this world, I want to dedicate this blog post to everyone out there who should be living life like it is their last day because today made me realize that life really is/can be short. People should not be passing away at such a young age. You never know when your last day can be and it is so important to remind the people in your life how much you love and appreciate them. "Eventually life will send you new people and new dreams, cherish this time to grow and learn, cherish what the universe is teaching you now." So here are some of the ways you can live life as though it is your last day.

1) Always let "I love you" or something appreciative be the last thing you say to someone. You never know when the last time you will see someone is. You want the people in your life to know how much they mean to you before you can't tell them anymore. One day you will regret not telling people how you feel because you may never get the chance again. Never end on a bad note even if you are fighting with that person, let them know at the end of the conversation how much they mean to you. Always be the bigger person because they will appreciate that in the end. So spread the love!

2) Do something new everyday. It doesn't have to be as dramatic as going skydiving, but doing something simple everyday can add so much more excitement to your life. "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it." You never want to leave this world thinking about what you could have done and should have done. Live with no regrets and try a new hobby, learn how to play the guitar, or learn a new language. Not only does this allow you to do things you have always wanted to do, but it also allows you to live in the moment with no regrets. So get out there and try something new everyday! I challenge you all!

3) Do what makes you happy. Life is for sure way to short to not be true to yourself. Why be fake and be someone your not just to please other people. In the end, others will appreciate the sincerity and will like you for you are. You don't need anyone's acceptance except for your own. So don't follow other people's path for you in life, make your own. Do what you love and makes you happy and everything else will follow.

I really hope this helps some of you reflect on your own lives and what you can do to appreciate every second of it. Everyone keeps saying life is short, but no one really understands that until they have experienced a loss. So use this tragic experience to make a difference in your life and in other people's lives. So cheers to living life like it is your last day.

Love,
Alexa