Holiday Travels

I have always wondered why people make such  a big fuss over the holidays. Often, as you get older, the holidays become less of a time for relaxation, and more of a time for added work to an already busy schedule.

For me, I am looking forward to going home for the holidays simply because I don't have to do my own laundry, I can get out of the dorms, and return home to less responsibility. However, as I sit in the airport and examine those around me, I see countless families hurrying their children through the terminal. Their eyes and faces show the added stress that they are encountering. As I am headed home, I hope to get away from the stress that college brings, but I never know what surprises are truly waiting for me until the plane lands on the tarmac in Orange County.

So to all those who are traveling this holiday season, good luck and try to keep your heads on straight. For those staying home try to enjoy a sense of relation. Happy Thanksgiving!

Understanding Vulnerability

Take each step knowing the outcome. Try not to leave anything to chance because that leaves you vulnerable and gives others the opportunity to hurt you. In order to shield yourself from the pain that comes from vulnerability, understand all of the possible outcomes, and emotionally prepare yourself for the route that you choose. 

Life is a game, but there are no directions that come in the box. It is up to you to figure out the rules as you go. 

Never forget where you come from. History always repeats itself. Don't be ignorant and naive. Take control and ensure your future by learning from past mistakes. Never succumb to failure. Always try to  be the person you imagined as a child and never stop trying to achieve that. 

Failure and vulnerability is not an option. Be true to yourself and your choices.

The Facades of Southern Society

As a first year in college, attending the historic Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, I have come to realize many misconceptions about college, the south, and its people in my first semester which is now coming to a close.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, my family and I ventured south to the infamous Orange County, California when I was a young girl. Growing up surrounded by plastic women, tacky television, and "new money" wealth, I never thought I would encounter a place where I would meet more fake, classless people. However, there is a whole new level of double identity with southern men and women who on the outside keep up the facade of classy gentlepeople. However, on the inside, they are deceitful, two faced, and rarely speak in the black and white. 

I have come to realize that the people here are here focused on keeping up an outside image then they are on openly expressing their opinions. They say one thing to your face, then turn around and whisper something different to their friends behind your back. Gossip rules the conversations surrounding southern women, and frankly, it is far more intense than the common run of the mill gossip that occurs in every social circle. In Southern California, I am fully aware of the opinions that my acquaintances hold. However, here in Lexington, I am kept completely in the dark. The only thing southern women are better at than making moonshine, is keeping their secrets. I much rather the open, blunt, cattiness of the image obsessed, social climbing California girls, than I do false pretenses presented by two faced, well polished, "southern belles". 

Never mind actors in Hollywood. They are actually quite honest about their snobby, self centered, personalities. The acting that I have encountered so  far in the south as been oscar worthy. No one is what they seem and that is unfortunate because on the outside, their wholesome, classy presences are enticing and attractive. In the end, it is much more preferable to know what you are dealing with when it comes to personalities. The con artistry that makes up the southern society, is by far the biggest surprise that my first semester of college as provided.