The Adventure Led Me Here

I recently turned 23, and since I adore lists, I'll give you a list of 23 things I've learned since becoming 23. 1). There are no catchy songs titled '23.' The song with Miley Cyrus doesn't count. 2). 23 feels so much older than 22. 3). People will still offer you the kid's menu at restaurants. 4). Pumpkin Spice Muffins are amazing. Okay, I already knew that, but I was reminded of the fact. 5). You're never too old to take a selfie. 6). Being older doesn't mean that you can't sing Jonas Brothers with your friend during your break at class. 7). God is still there. Through every age, and through every season. 8). Sometimes, when you turn 23, you learn you're going to be an aunt. 9). You may teach your first drama class and completely enjoy it. 10). Your driving may not improve. 11). But at least your braking reflexes will improve. 12). But you still may almost hit the car. 13). You don't, though. Because you're a...

How to Change the World (In Four Easy Steps) I will admit, my title is a bit misleading. As much as I wish it could be, change can’t be quantified into a series of steps or a checklist. As much as I love reading those descriptive lists (10 Ways Your Life is Like a Tub of Hummus), life is messier, complicated, an enigma. You can’t always group people and emotions into neat little categories or a four-step program. The internet is not very helpful either. There are so many conflicting opinions. “Do this challenge!” “This challenge doesn't really do anything.” “Help people by donating money.” ”Your money isn't leading to long term solutions.” “Help people globally.” “Stay out of global affairs.” Trying to bring about change can feel overwhelming. I want to make a difference, but it’s often hard to know where to start. There is so much hurt. So much despair. So many broken, hurting people, and I am one of them. It’s enough to make your head spin. Although changing the w...

I am currently in grad school and have found it to be crazy awesome experience so far. I'm busier than I've ever been, but I am excited about becoming a teacher, and I have the best professors and an amazing cohort. I wanted to share some tips to survive the crazy adventure of grad school :)     If you never drank coffee before, now is a great time to start!   Coffee is everywhere at grad school. Often it's free. Take advantage of it.   If you're stuck in traffic for two hours on your way home from grad school, having a dance party in your car is a perfectly acceptable option.   Likewise, if you're stuck in traffic on your way to school and are going to be late, you have a couple of options. 1). Play Disney music 2). Sing loudly 3). Make up a song called 'Traffic Tuesday' 4). Play air guitar 5). Have a mini dance party 6). Do all of the above <-----my personal choice   Buy a planner. And folders. Sparkly f...

This is me. I'm a dreamer. I'm a twenty-two-year-old free-spirit dancing through life, focusing on the joy in the moments, the joy in this crazy thing we call life. I'm the strangest person you'll ever meet. I name everything. I drink entirely too much coffee and hot chocolate. I'm gluten-free and vegan. If you have any recipes, shoot them my way! Of course, I probably won't cook them so they're edible, but we can try. I want to change the world. I'm a grad school student with plans of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Jesus is my everything. I say I like mango smoothies, but then I remember I've never actually tried one. This is me.