Simply Avalon

Showing posts with label my thoughts. Show all posts

Hi guys, it's been a few weeks since I last updated my blog and I thought I would take today to explain why. My college recently decided to join many other colleges in ending in-person classes and going online for the rest of the semester. This not only meant that I had 4 days to move out of my room and fly home but also meant that I would be saying goodbye to my friends and professors a few months earlier than expected. I flew home last week and am back in one piece, but I won't lie it has been an extremely stressful and hectic few days. Anyway, I thought I would leave some tips for other students who may also have to move out on short notice.

1 | U-Haul Offers Free 30 Day Holding

For students who don't have anywhere to store their stuff due to the coronavirus, U-Haul is offering a free 30-day deal. I would suggest trying to go 50/50 with a roommate or friend so that you aren't footing the bill yourself.

2 | Ask Close Professors and/or Advisors Whether They Can Help You

My advisor actually housed my minifridge in her office and helped me transport the place I was keeping them at and another professor brought his truck to help transport the bulk of my things. Had I not emailed these professors about the issues I was facing I would've never gotten their help. In the end, you do not have if you do not ask and it doesn't hurt to at least ask.

3 | Try to Fly on Cheaper Days

I can't speak for every college, but I know that some of my friends at other schools (and my own) were able to get an extension on the deadline for leaving or get their tickets reimbursed if they emailed and asked. Personally, I used United Airlines Discounted fares to get a slightly cheaper flight on short notice. I noticed it was $6 cheaper for me to fly on Tuesday or Wednesday than Monday or Sunday so I flew on the cheaper day.

Tip: Make sure to check and see whether you are getting the best price for the flight by checking different days on an incognito window.

4 | Donate Food/Snacks You Can't Pack with You

Please do NOT throw away all of the snacks you can't pack in your luggage. Email your college town's local food pantry and see how you can donate these items to help others who may be in need. If you don't have the means to get to your local food pantry, email and see if your college has its own food pantry on campus for students who have been approved to stay on campus. If you don't have access to any of these venues then leave unopened snacks out on your hall with a sticky note saying they are free to anyone who wants them.

5 | Take heart in knowing that everything WILL be fine. :)

Maybe it's my faith in God or my knowledge of history, but I know that in the end, we will come out of this stronger and more united. Lean not on your own strength, but

Have you had to move out because of Coronavirus? What are you doing to stay sane during this time?

It's been awhile since I've posted on here and that has been for quite a few reasons, but I plan to get into that in a later post. For now, I wanted to offer a list of all the great things that happened in November.

1 | Dinner & the Joker

While this may seem like a mundane activity, this was totally out of character for me. I never really went to movies as a kid, but when my boyfriend suggested we spend a night out I couldn't say no. We decided to go to a Thai restaurant near our college and besides the food beating d-hall it was fun to catch up with him outside of school bounds. After eating we decided to go check out the Joker. I won't lie it wasn't one of my favorites. I totally understood why the movie had to be so dark and actually loved the cinematic decisions of the director, but I couldn't get on board with the script. Joaquin Phoenix was amazing!

2 | Mock Con Gala

One of the biggest highlights of November and this semester has been going to Mock Con Gala with my friends. Every four years my school works to predict the presidential candidate for the out of office party (in this case the Democrats). In order to fundraise, they put on a formal gala for students to dress up and attend. It was an amazing night of dancing, singing, and all-around fun. The committee did so well decorating and planning the entire night and I had a wonderful time. Honestly, looking back I'm more happy that I felt better from my bout of tonsilitis (diagnosed at the start of the week before Mock Con Gala). I was worried that I would feel terrible the entire night, but I ended up feeling great even with the cold.

3 | Lunch with President Dudley

Had you asked me a week earlier whether I would have lunch with the president of my college my first semester of college I would've responded with a laugh and no. Yet, here we are. It was a great experience and he was such a genuine and down to earth guy. Hopefully, this will be the first of many productive meetings, and I look forward to seeing what changes I can make on campus.

4 | Returning Home from Virginia

I also got to head back home for the first time since arriving on campus and it was a welcome reprieve. I won't lie I started feeling the effects of seasonal depression and homesickness had started to weed itself into my brain so this was right in the knick of time. I ended up being sick for the entire week, but it was still nice to be home, surrounded by family, and in a significantly warmer climate.

5 | Black Friday Shopping!

Despite being ill for the entire week, I still found time to shop because I knew I wouldn't be able to take advantage of those deals later on. I got quite a few great purchases including Champion joggers, Supergas, sweaters, and other knick-knacks. I also stocked up on some Christmas presents that I can't wait to give my friends both at home and in college.

What did you do this past November?

When I was planning out this month's posts I really felt like this was a topic I needed to write about because it's something I've struggled to do. It's hard to be fully present because there's always a half-a-dozen things drawing my attention, but when I'm intentional with my time I know I can live a life more fulfilled. That's why I thought I would give you guys 5 tips to be more present in your own life.

1 | Disconnect

I love social media as much as the next person, but even I realize when it's time to take a break. I also understand the hypocrisy since you are probably reading this on your phone or laptop, but I still have to say it. TAKE A BREAK. Summer is a great excuse (or opportunity) to step away from the computer for a few days and truly live in the moment.

2 | Prioritize your Relationships (and Friendships)

Summer, at least for students, is a great time to reconnect with people you may have not been able to see during the school year. Prioritize the relationships in your life because, in all honesty, these are what make life worth living. Set up a lunch or ice cream date and catch up with your friends.

3 | Check in with Yourself

I love summer because it is a great reminder to slow down. Throughout the busy school year, we are constantly at a go. We're pushing ourselves to the brink so that we can make it to the next level, but summer reminds us to take some time for ourselves and appreciate how far we've come to achieving our goals. It isn't selfish to check in with yourself and treat yourself as needed. You have to take time to REST and prepare for the next season of your life whether that be the next level in school or another year at your workplace.

4 | Go Outside

Enjoy the sunlight baking your skin, the fresh air filling your lungs, and the beauty of nature around you. I love summer because it is a great reminder that the sun keeps shining. It's sometimes easy to forget that the sun will dawn again during the fall and winter months, but summer really does help remind us that we were put on this Earth for a reason. I know it's sometimes hard to find a reason to go outside and enjoy the outdoors, especially since many of us work inside, but if you can try to be outdoors a little more this season.

5 | Take Life 1 Day at a Time

Don't plan your life too far out. This is hard for me, but I've had to realize that if we keep wishing for the next stepping stone we'll miss the reality of the stepping stone we're already in. I know it's cliche to say, but life is really about the journey, not the destination. Use summer to be a little more spontaneous. Say yes to that brunch with friends or that random concert you were invited to.