Why Changing Your Major Is Actually Something to Brag About

Okay...I have an announcement (cue summer camp announcement song).

For those of you I know in person, please don't kill me for not telling you this already. It was a big BIG change and I wanted to be sure it was the right decision before I made it official.

Well I'm making it official. Officially official. Blog-ficial.

*drum roll*

I have changed my major to Pre-Nursing, and am only a couple semesters away from applying for the (official) College of Nursing.

Yeah, okay, obviously this is a huge shift from Elementary Education but that's what I am about to explain so... Read on!

Here's the thing about picking a major in high school: It's actually, typically a blind shot in the dark. 

Around the 10th grade, I started telling myself I would never make it in the medical field (even though that's been my dream for as long as I can remember).

I started believing the classes would be too hard, and that I wasn't smart enough to get through it (I know, right, can you say "pity party"?)

So I chose a major I was completely comfortable with. I knew I had it in me to be an excellent elementary teacher someday. (And I still believe that a teacher is one of the best things a person can become.)

But then I actually GOT to college, and realized that hard classes are nothing more than hard classes. You study, you push, you cry a little, and then there it is. A beautiful, glimmering A in the class. The math...the science...it's all just a challenge, but not a reason to settle.

So I started thinking:

Why am I letting a few classes stand between me and what I really want in life?

What I REALLY want is to become a nurse. It's my dream.. And the moment I realized that I have been selling myself short out of fear, I made the appointment to meet the Nursing adviser right away.

And I'm proud for changing my major. Why? Because...

Changing Your Major is Something To Brag About!

It may seem embarrassing to change your major. You may feel like people will judge you for "not having your life together" 

NEWS FLASH: no one really has their life together in college. 

It is so much worse to settle for a life path that you hate just because you feel like it's too late to change your major. Change it now while you are still in college. Change it now while you still have the choice to dream big. 

Be proud. No one is going to judge you when you are happy in your career (even if it took a little longer to get through college). 

My mom used to tell me something when I was a little girl. Maybe I forgot it a little along the way, but I sure remember it now:

"Dream big, and God will dream bigger."

God walks before us ALWAYS. He blazes the trail. I am not afraid...in fact I've never been so sure of anything in my life. 

Good luck to anyone who is ready to change their major. Do it and BRAG about it.

You got this. 

Love Always, Hannah <3

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What Being Called a 'Basic White Girl' Actually Feels Like

"She just looks like a basic white girl"

Most Popular Definition of 'Basic White Girl' :" A female who conforms to her surroundings and claims she is unique. She often drinks Starbucks, wears Ugg boots and Chacos and posts selfies on social networking sites every day. Also uses hashtags that don't have anything to do with the picture itself and wears oversized t-shirts." --Urban Dictionary

Today I will be posing the question: What are we actually saying to girls when we call them 'basic'?

I was called 'basic' for the first time last fall. 
Autumn has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. I remember loving fall as a toddler, rolling in the leaf piles with my brothers and collecting acorns as treasure. 
So when expressing aloud one day last fall that "I just love Autumn so much" and being laughed at for being a "basic bitch", I felt an odd sense of hurt. 
I was called 'basic' again that winter when I learned how to knit warm, chunky infinity scarves for myself and friends. 
I wore my hand-knit scarves with a comfy pair of warm winter boots and a big, chunky sweater. I felt very confident in this outfit because it was warm, cute, and partially crafty. The last  comment I expected to receive when I when I went out in public was "you just look like a basic white girl". 
And truthfully, I wasn't okay with this. Why was I being made to feel like I am just like every other girl, when there is so much more to me as a person?

And I realized something then: the phrase "basic white girl" is not only hurtful, but a sick double standard as well.

What are you really saying to a girl when calling her 'basic'?

The term 'basic' at its definition is something that is simple and fundamental. 
By calling a girl 'basic', you are saying to her that she not only has no qualities that separate her from others, but also that she is plain and has little value above others. 

What right does anyone have to take one look at a girl and tell her she has no worth?

Based on what? Her shoes? Her coffee? 

So freakin' what if she likes stylish, trendy outfits. You can't blame a girl for wanting to look cute. So she has Chacos...okay? They are sturdy and perfect for all weather-types.

Oversized T-Shirts: lots of girls wear them because they come from social events they went to with friends...Big deal.

So what if she enjoys a hot Starbucks drink sometimes? Starbucks is delicious, last I checked...

The point is, calling out girls on being basic is destructive to their self-esteem. 

No one likes being told that they are just like everyone else and that they are not unique. "Basic Bitch" is a phrase that NEEDS to be stopped. Now. 

Basic White Girl is a sick double standard

Since when is it okay to consider other  trends acceptable, such as "Dad Bod" or "Frat Boy Style" without it being destructive in any way, but in fact admirable and cool? 

So "Frat Boy" style-donning people can go around looking exactly the same in their clothes and trends and be considered attractive and popular...but when girls do it they are just "annoying basic white girls"? 

Everyone has a right to feel like they can wear whatever they want without being attacked by society.

(Because only in our society do we have people being judged relentlessly for being gay or different in any way, but also for being "too normal" as well. )

Ladies: Wear whatever in the hell you want. If it makes you feel confident, wear it. If Chacos are comfortable and Uggs are warm, wear them. 

It's up to us to make this phrase stop. 

Stop calling girls 'basic'. You're not funny. It's a phrase that is meant to belittle and hurt females.

Stand up for yourselves. You are ALL unique. 

Love always, Hannah

The 5 Stages of Watching Someone Else's Graduation

First of all, shout out to my big brother Sam for receiving his B.S. degree in Biology this past Saturday! He's off to med school next fall and is a huge inspiration in my life. <3

So yeah, this past weekend I went to my brother's commencement ceremony and watched him receive his college degree.

And I realized something:

Going to someone else's graduation is a very introspecting event and there are five VERY distinct stages in which one goes through as a spectator...

(Each of the following stages is brought to you by my favorite television stars. You're welcome.)

Stage 1: Happy Fun Time

All the graduates are walking in, waving, and smiling ear to ear.
You get the satisfaction of shouting for your particular graduate as you see them marching in.
Pomp and Circumstance.
It's borderline euphoric being surrounded by that many happy people at one time. And you think thoughts like "wow what a happy day" and "they worked so hard to get here!"
Stage 1 is a pretty fun time.

Stage 2: Total Life Re-evaluation (and a side of crippling fear)

It's all fun and games until the commencement speaker starts his introduction.
Gotta love the guy that owns three businesses, started eight organizations for the poor and, like, cancer research, and also volunteers part time at the homeless shelter he created. And he "started right where you are today!"
And then you realize you are currently not doing anything productive with your time and immediately start questioning your path.
Literally I went in to this last commencement planning to be a teacher and left thinking I should probably go live in Africa and go fight poverty for a while.
Great, thanks Speaker Guy. Great.

Stage 3: Daunting Concern 

Stage 3 is that moment you realize just how many names they are about to start calling, and you're not so sure you're mentally prepared for it.

Stage 4: Bored Revelations

They are still calling names.
It's been an entire hour of names.
Amazing the things you will discover about life during this time.

Stage 5: The Final Stage: Unbearable Hanger

You are so proud of your graduate. You really are! You cheered loudly for them as they received their degree. 

But in the fifth and final stage, the hanger is too real. You are hungry. You are tired. You are so not having it anymore with unnecessary words from the Guys on the Stage. It is time to get on outta there.

I know this to be true. I hope today's post has prepared you all for the next commencement you spectate. 

ALL jokes aside, I am really proud of my brother. I loved seeing him graduate and it was a once in a lifetime event. I just thought I would bring a little comedy into your day, readers. 

Thanks for reading!

 

Women Are Taking Over TV and Literature and We Couldn't be More Excited (No Spoilers)

So I have started to take note of a new trend occurring in TV and literature and it's really inspiring and awesome.

Strong female leads! That's right. Women are taking over, guys. Seriously, go to your nearest Barnes and Noble and take a walk through the Young Adult Fiction section. Or check out the more popular TV shows on right now.
Women are being represented fabulously now and you might not have noticed yet. But you will.

I compiled some examples for you, dear readers. Let's just start with TV.

1) Game of Thrones

Maybe you aren't an avid watcher of this show, but if you are you know the women are the real force of Westeros. 

 "Yes. All men must die, but we are not men." -Daenerys Targaryen

2) Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

This Netflix original is a perfect ode to women picking themselves up by their bootstraps and rescuing themselves. Kimmy is an absolute inspiration AND hilarity ensues. 

3) Orange is the New Black

The women of Litchfield Penitentiary are breaking new ground by being down to earth, not necessarily shining stars. They are proving to everyone that you don't have to be rich, sexy, or powerful to be wonder women. These women are BELIEVABLE, and believable women is what TV needs the most.

Okay, there are plenty more. but let's go ahead and take a look at literature now.

We all know about The Hunger Games and Divergent, which are incredible! But what's unbelievable is the amount of books that came out last month and this month alone by and for women!

1) Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed

Not only is this book ethnic, realistic and painfully truthful, but it features a young woman who REFUSES to let her parents arrange her marriage and decide her fate. 

2) An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This novel features a young woman who is a slave under a Martial Empire and risks her life to save her brother by becoming a spy. So basically. Awesome woman. This came out just this month!

3) Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

This new release for May features (guess what?!) an awesome young female who learns to see the world through the eyes of a victim of her brother's crime (whoa). Can't wait to get my copy. 

And there are TONS more that are being released left and right!

Mosquitoland by David Arnold, featuring a young woman on a journey cross country

Popular by Maya Van Wagenen, a memoir about a young girl experimenting with a 50's-inspired social project 

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh about a 16 year old girl who is forced into a marriage only to take revenge. 

And so many more!

Girl Power is SO happening. 

That's all for today, Happy Tuesday!

Love always, Hannah

How to Kill a Relationship in 5 Words

Okay, I'm going to be honest. I've killed my fair share of relationships. I'm not only talking about romantic relationships either. I mean friendships as well.

Everyone can say that they've been a part of a failed relationship at one point or another, so I decided to take a closer look at my past relationships and see where exactly things went wrong.

5 words:

This is all your fault.

Taadaaa! That's the killer, boys and girls. This is all your fault. 

I've said it to ex-friends, and I have had ex-friends say it to me. This sentence is toxic, and when you boil every failed relationship down to its core you will find these words, perhaps in different form. Either way, blaming something, no matter what it is, completely and totally 100% on the other person is a sure way to lose them.

However: I learned that nothing is wholly someone else's fault. Ever.

Yeah, they cheated on you.
Sure, they've changed into a completely different person that you don't even recognize (gotta love that)
Mhm, they said something hateful about you behind your back.

Are they perfect? No.
Are you perfect? Nope.

There you have it. Everyone has reasons for doing everything. That does not mean they aren't in the wrong, but it also doesn't mean that what they did to you is completely their fault.
We MUST try and look at whoever has wronged us and truly see what they are experiencing. Their life could be a whirlwind of issues that is causing them to cheat or change or be hateful. It doesn't make them any more "right" but it does help us see that it isn't ALL their fault either.

Here's the thing: everyone is doing the best they can to get themselves through the tumbles and storms of life. Everyone is trying to make it.

NO ONE, I don't care who you are, wakes up every morning and says "I'm going to stab (insert name) in the back" or "I think I'll just break (insert name)'s heart today".

There are a million reasons we act on behaviors. Most of it is for survival. So here's the question: the person that wronged you...what do you think they are trying to survive?

So give it a shot. Next time a friend or partner is doing something that you can't work through...try and see what they are seeing OUTSIDE of your relationship. God calls us to see not through our own eyes, but through other's.

If you decide to speak up about the issue, try NOT saying it's all their fault.

That's all for today, folks!

Love Always, Hannah

Attention Graduating High School Seniors: These Lessons Can Change Your Life

Congratulations! You made it and you couldn't be more proud (and relieved) to finally be graduating high school.
No more endless note-taking day-in and day-out.
No more begging for Friday to arrive so you can catch up on sleep and then start back over on Monday.
THAT life will shortly be over. You, my friend, have a lot of learning and growing to do.
Let's face it...You're officially categorized as an "Emerging Adult". Congrats.
I would like to share with you some of the lessons I learned after graduation. These tips are SO important and will help you become all that you believe you can be and more, while also becoming a more genuine and grounded person.

1) Go read Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

"Kid, you'll move MOUNTAINS"

Seriously, go read this book. On the night of my graduation, I was brought to tears as someone read this aloud to me and my class. Some of the most beautiful lessons this life has to offer can be found in children's literature. So, step one, read this book. After all..."you have brains in your head and feet in your shoes...you can steer yourself any direction you choose".

2) Listen to your mom. She was right about everything all along

Mom nagged at me.

Mom griped at me.

Mom repeated the same dang argument in 100 different word combinations.

And then I got to college. 

One of the many lessons mom taught me was "If they will talk about other people with you, they will talk about you with other people". Basically, gossipers don't cease to exist once you hit college and they aren't to be trusted as friends. 

Did your mom ever tell you to brush your hair or fix your posture? Yeah, that was eye roll-worthy in high school. But in college, networking with adults is real and if you look ragamuffin all the time, you will surely injure not only the impression you give others but your self esteem as well. 

3) Daddy is still going to wipe away the tears

You may have shot up like a weed. Your chubby cheeks may have hollowed out some. You may use relatively impressive adult-like vocabulary (consequentially awe-inspiring). 

But you are still daddy's little girl (or boy...).

You may be grown up, but there will be break-ups (not just in relationships. Friendships break too).

There will be absolutely fascist, unfair professors.There will be bad tests. There WILL be bad interviews (or auditions, in my case). No matter what happens, your daddy is still going to pick you back up and wipe away those tears.

Be grateful for your parents if you have them. It brings them so much joy to see you happy and free. Please take time to thank and give back to them because loving you as much as they do is surely exhausting.

4) True friends are not found overnight

First of all, shout out to Friends and Netflix for being the truest friends of all in college.

I digress.

Post high school life is vast and potential friends are everywhere. You may decide to be someone else and alter your personality to fit into a certain group that you find appealing. And that's okay. But here's the thing, guys...friendships built on fake ground simply can't last. You HAVE to be yourself. And it's going to be tempting. You are going to feel alone at first when you don't really know where you belong yet. Whatever you do, don't rush into a friendship because you are feeling lonely. Be patient and be yourself. If you do that, true friends will find you. This is so important.

5) Real life is not like these Tumblr pictures.

This one took me a little time to learn, but I'm so glad I know this now.

PSA: Real life does not look like this:

You and your best friend aren't going to look like this: 

Yeah, admittedly these are nice photos. And sure, you are going to do fun things with your friends that FEEL this glamorous. But seriously guys, nothing in real life looks this perfect. 

I had a problem after graduating high school because I literally expected life to be like a Tumblr post. Cute and sunny and perfect. And then things ended up being....not quite that. At all. But I realized that Tumblr is just unrealistic. No one looks like that all the time!

Here is an example of what REAL people look like (no filters, no nothin'): 

Some of my best friends Anna and Noah being silly <3

Me and my friends Ashley and Savannah on a snow day

Okay, so, glamorous? No not really. It's not perfect. It's not like, sunny and our hair/make-up is not exactly flawless. But this is what REAL life looks like. Real laughter, real fun...it's not something you pose for, guys. The sooner you let go of the idea that everything has to be "Tumblr Worthy", the sooner you will see the beauty in your real, natural life. Never set expectations as unrealistic as a Tumblr photo. Just don't.

6) Drink coffee

You don't drink coffee yet? 

You will. 

7) Invest in the following: sticky notes, Thank You cards, and a planner

Sticky notes, because that thing you're forgetting you forgot already and it's due tomorrow but you forgot what time.

Thank You cards, because it means a lot to someone when you notice their good deed, or when you show them that you are grateful.

A planner because see previously mentioned "Sticky Notes"

8) Last but not least, make a habit out of having a good attitude

Emerging Adulthood is stressful, tricky business. It's so easy (and tempting) to become wrapped up in yourself...your to-do list, your schedule, your money, your time...And this can do major damage to you! Don't let yourself become the guy that always complains or the girl who only gossips all day long. How, you ask?

Take 10 minutes or less every morning to tell yourself what kind of person you are going to be that day.

"Today I am going to be selfless. I am going to put the needs of my friends and family before my own today. I am going to smile and laugh, despite how much I have to do. I am going to take time out to have lunch with (insert friend)." That's an example of some things you can tell yourself every morning.

Setting a goal to be a more positive person is all it takes to step towards a happier life, despite the stress you are sure to face.

Alright everyone, that's all for today! Thank you SO much for reading, and good luck out there seniors! If you enjoyed this post, please share on social media. I would love to see my blog grow!

Love always, Hannah