dance, dance, dance for the kids

photo by Ariel Williams

This year I had the opportunity to participate in Rebelthon, a 12-hour dance marathon fundraiser that benefits Blair E. Baton Children's Hospital. I was a little hesitant of being on my feet for numerous hours, but the cause was more than worth it. 

I didn't know what to expect coming into this event as a freshman, but it was lots of fun. The night was full of pancakes, glow sticks, bouncy houses, ballpits, hip-hop routines, lip-sync battles, and top of the hour dance numbers. Fannypacks were all the rave. Family stories were more than inspiring. And the kids had just as much fun as we did. Without a doubt, I left with a smile on my sleepy face.

Most importantly, we raised $265, 912.30 for the kids!

"Dancing with your feet is one thing, but dancing with your heart is another."

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first semester reflection

In all honesty, college was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a step toward the future I envision for myself and a piece of the freedom that I desperately needed. It has opened me up to so many things. Knowledge I'd never encountered, concepts I'd never thought to challenge, and people I'd always hoped to encounter.

Also, I love Honors College. I love Honors College. I love Honors College. Honestly, I can't express this enough. It's the best part about going to Ole Miss. 

Though, as you can imagine, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It's school, so of course, it is hard work. I had many late nights, exams piled on top of one another, and papers that I waited until the last minute to complete. And I cannot fail to mention that Spanish gave me a run for my money but in the end, hard work really does pay off. 

As usual, I kept myself busy. I joined the yearbook staff and the school paper, as well as freshman council among other things. It's become clear to me that I prefer to live life with a million things to do than an excessive amount of free time. I mean, by the time Christmas pasted I was ready to start back up again. The lazy days only seem full of contentment and bliss for so long. Then, I become restless.

With involvement also comes putting yourself out there. I have received lots of no's but also so many yes's. And I'm sure there are many more rejections to come, but they make me appreciate the yes's so much more.

In the coming semester, I want to focus more on volunteering. It's something that I enjoyed so much in high school, and I want to get back to that. I feel the most fulfilled when I am giving of myself to others. 

Ultimately, college is full of countless opportunities, amazing people, and memories that I'm sure will last a lifetime. You never forget the excitement of your first gameday, the nerves of the first class, the fear of your first exam, the worry of not making friends, and the relief when you find those people.

You don't forget the long walks, the late night conversations with your roommate, the excessive trips to Walmart, or the last minute runs to the Union.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hope not to take any of it for granted. I constantly find myself in awe of how truly blessed I am, and I don't ever want that to change. Appoxiately one eighth of this next great adventure is down. It's safe to say that I'm ready for round two.

"Months are different in college... especially freshman year. Too much happens." Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl

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adventures in austin

Here's to dance parties in the living room
millions of twinkling lights
cups on cups of hot cocoa
car rides to Katy
ice cream in the winter
laughing in Ubers
exploring downtown
sing alongs with the sisters
pancakes, avocados, and brunch
mountain top views
cans of spray paint
the steps of the Capitol
my favorite cousins 
fancy restaurants and even fancier cheese
edible Monopoly boards
doughnuts the size of my face
matching t-shirts
direct flights
bunk beds and movie nights
stickers from record stores
ice skating on the roof of Whole Foods
sitting in atx signs
keeping Austin weird

And most importantly, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.
Thanks for a great time and even greater memories.

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freshman year: dorm room

I've officially been in college for a week, though technically classes just started today. And with Day 1 down, freshman year is off to a great start.

Fortunately, this year my roommate and I got to contribute to the madness that is Ole Miss dorm rooms, and we're really happy with the way ours turned out!

We didn't have to spend a fortune for our dorm room to look cute! From Alex's dad making our headboards to a family friend sewing our bedskirts, little details made our room more affordable and unique to us. Plus, Tjmaxx was our best friend this summer!

All in all, we're really proud of how it turned out. 

"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." John Wooden

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freshman year: move-in day

It's one thing to say you're "Ole Miss Bound," but when you're actually in the process of packing up your life and moving it into a tiny, shared dorm room, your perception kind of changes a little.

I can honestly say that Move-In Day was just as stressful, if not more, than I expected it to be. I don't know what I would have done without the help of my family, who probably dragged more stuff than I did into my dorm room. And let's just clarify that in the Mississippi heat, that's real love. 

Overpacking was a huge concern of mine. No one thought there was any way everything would fit into the two vehicles we drove up, let alone inside of my dorm, yet we made it work which was honestly the biggest win of the day. 

With the stress & exhaustion of move in, and even down to the last goodbye, it was ultimately all worth it in the end. And as I've said a million times, I'm unbelievably excited for what this next chapter has in store. 

hotty toddy,

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