Prioritizing Health and Wellness at College

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This month, I’m making a conscious effort to prioritize my health. Lately, It’s been one too many sweet treats and I’ve finally decided to turn a new leaf.

Firstly, I’ve been on a no-sugar diet. Drawing from past experiences, I’ve noticed how much better I feel when I consume less sugar. Back home, it was super easy for me to go without sugar for months on end. However, it’s not the same in college. It seems like everything around me has sugar and there’s no escaping. Breakfasts have been the hardest. On mornings when I work at the dining hall, I face the challenge of finding vegetarian, non-sweet, and less carb-heavy breakfast options. Yet, I’ve been really good at staying away from sugar and it’s making me feel so much better about myself.

I’ve also stepped up my gym routine, now hitting the gym five days a week. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is one of my favorite things about Iowa. There’s just so much to do – rock climbing, Yoga classes, Zumba classes, swimming pools, running tracks – there’s something for everyone! It’s so much easier when you have a gym partner to keep you accountable and make it more fun. We go to exercise but we end up laughing more than anything and it’s been great fun.

I’m really loving being on this journey of working on myself. As humans, we’re a constant work in progress and I think it’s so important to spend a month or two dedicated to bettering yourself.

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My Spring Break

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I spent my spring break on the beaches of West Palm Beach with my best friend Alli. On most days, we’d head to the beach and spend all day there, from playing in the water to playing cards. I also had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her family and get to know the people I see on FaceTime all the time!

My birthday happened to fall in the same week as my friend’s brother’s, so we decided to celebrate together by heading to Universal Studios in Orlando. We sat on all the rollercoasters and, apart from my friend passing out in one of them, it was a ton of fun. We also got drenched in water after one of the water rides and spent the rest of our day in soaked jeans. Regardless, it was great fun!

This was my first birthday without my parents so I was really grateful I got to spend it with my best friend and her family. I felt right at home and I’ll always cherish the memories of my first Spring Break at college!

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I’m about to turn 20

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I’m almost to the point where another birthday is not necessarily a good thing anymore and that’s an emotional turmoil I’m just going to have to deal with on my own. To be honest, I don’t really know what turning 20 means. Unlike turning 13 (becoming a teenager) or 16 (getting a driver’s license), there isn’t a clear marker of what 20 signifies. It’s a confusing space – not quite teenager, not quite full-fledged adult. It’s also an opportunity: for the first time, and maybe the last, you get to write your own script on how your year unfolds; without any societal pressures and expectations.

While I navigate my life as a 20-year-old, I want to take this opportunity to introspect on what my past year has been like. So much has happened in so little time but here are my main takeaways:

  1. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly, and like-minded individuals will naturally gravitate towards you. Join clubs you’d enjoy even in solitude. This is where you’ll find real connections and genuine friendships.
  2. It’s so important to enjoy your own company. When you find contentment in your own company, you naturally become more open and approachable, creating the foundation for deeper connections with others.
  3. Be open to new things. College is the time to discover yourself. Try not to get into a routine by trying something new once in a while.

This year has been one of the best years of my life and I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me.

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Adulting

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Living solo for the first time has been an unexpected adventure. Not only am I navigating everything from cooking to taxes (adulting!), but I’ve also discovered a surprising passion for whipping up delicious meals. My weekend staple: miso chili oil pasta with a side of garlic bread and green beans. I never knew I’d enjoy cooking, let alone cooking for others. I’ve also been loving listening to French and Parisian music while cooking, and it’s sort of the highlight of my weekends. College and this newfound independence pushed me to explore a side of myself I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Also, shoutout to Mayflower because if it wasn’t for the kitchen I wouldn’t be here!

But being on my own, especially with a hefty 11-hour time difference from my parents, definitely has its challenges. This isn’t something I was cognizant of until I had a moment of vulnerability at Target a month ago over something quite trivial: the shade of blush I should buy. While on the surface it might seem trivial, and superficial even, the reason I cried was because I missed having moments of not thinking when I had my dad around me and him waiting patiently as I took the longest amount of time to make a decision. It’s so comforting to know that I don’t need to think because he can make some decisions for me and they’ll be the exact decisions that I would’ve made. When you’re constantly making decisions living all on your own, it’s nice to not have to think for once and I guess I missed that feeling. While I wouldn’t trade the independence, sometimes I miss the comfort of having someone make a choice for me, just one less thing to think about.

Despite the occasional Target meltdown, I’m incredibly grateful for every experience, both good and bad. This journey wouldn’t be the same without my amazing friends to share it with. Here’s to them and to the unexpected joys (and meltdowns) of growing up on my own plate!

 

Miso Chili Oil Pasta
Aglio-e-olio

 

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Residence Hall Life: Mayflower Hall

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To live in Mayflower is to watch people grimace when I say I live in Mayflower. When I found out I was going to live here, I was disheartened, to say the least. However, I’ve come to really love this place and if I were to choose again, I would always choose Mayflower.

While Mayflower may not boast a study area as luxurious as Burge, nor does it feature a dining hall as impressive as Hillcrest, or the convenient proximity to campus like Catlett, we do have our private bathroom and kitchen! And believe it or not, you will get bored of the dining hall food and that’s the day you’ll come to appreciate what Mayflower truly has to offer. Need I even mention the benefits of having a private bathroom when living in college? To be honest, I’m quite dreading having to move into one of the other residence halls after having the luxury of my private bathroom.

The only downside (I don’t even consider it one!) is that Mayflower is further away from campus. This means having to take the bus or walk. However, I don’t see this as an issue at all! The buses come every 15 mins so if you manage your time well, there’s nothing to worry about! After a heavy dinner, my friends and I sometimes even choose to walk back to Mayflower to burn off those calories. We listen to music and have come to really enjoy these walks!

I never chose to end up at Mayflower but I wouldn’t have had it any other way! Mayflower is the place where I found my best friends and made life-long memories!

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My Winter Break

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The peace and quiet this winter break were long overdue. I certainly did not miss the litany of alarms going off on my roommate’s and my phones. 

Back in my hometown, I caught up with all my high school friends. Nothing beats the familiarity of old friends and the stories that never get old. As a break from the routine, I decided to join a Pilates class, which ended up being my favorite part of the day. Yeah, I was breaking a sweat during the break, but it surprisingly felt good.

I also decided to take a pottery class. It started as a random idea, but getting hands-on with clay turned out to be strangely therapeutic and I hope to give it a real try soon.

However, the highlight of my break was when my 5 and 7-year-old cousins came to visit. We shared the best times together, having what we like to call “Self-Care Nights” where we put on face masks and watch our favorite movies (Tangled is always a must-watch).

And of course, the classic winter break move – binge-watching shows with my mom. Cozy nights, blankets, and a TV series marathon – it became our thing. From intense dramas to guilty pleasure sitcoms, we covered it all.

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My Top 3 Books of 2023

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Reflecting on my reading journey in 2023, I didn’t quite hit my ambitious goal for the number of books read. Nonetheless, amidst the whirlwind of friends and exams, these 3 books stood out as captivating distractions instead of my usual scrolling on Tiktok:

  1. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
    This psychological thriller revolves around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then goes silent, refusing to speak about the crime. The story is narrated by Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering Alicia’s motive and breaking her silence. Though I predicted the ending, the narrative’s gripping nature kept me engaged from start to finish.
  2. “Where The Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
    I found out about this novel on TikTok, due to the controversies surrounding rumors that it was a confession of a real murder case or had links to the author’s personal life. Despite these speculations, the book’s narrative about Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl,” growing up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina, beautifully weaves together themes of nature, love, and a murder mystery. It kept me captivated until the very last page!
  3. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
    I’m a huge fan of Greek Mythology and had to pick up this book after reading “The Song of Achilles” by the same author. This book delves into Greek mythology, focusing on the enchantress Circe (known for her witchcraft and potion-making) from Homer’s “Odyssey.” I thought the book provided a fresh perspective on her life, weaving a tale of gods, mortals, and powerful sorcery.

While I delved more into fiction this year as an alternative to other forms of entertainment, my goal for the next year is to read more non-fiction books.

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I’ve Found My People

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I’ve always wanted that true female friendship: one that is comfortable, fun, and without drama. For 19 years I looked at the screen and around me and saw relationships that seemed to fit this narrative and I wondered if I would ever get that or if that was just a myth. I’ve had great friendships along the course of these 19 years and I love each and every one of them, but something was always missing, something I couldn’t pinpoint. Was my own Rachel-Monica-Phoebe trio waiting out there for me?

I vividly recall a mid-October conversation with my mom where I confided in her about feeling a void in my friendships despite having two distinct groups of friends. These connections left me drained rather than rejuvenated after our interactions. I wasn’t despondent about it though and I didn’t feel the urge to seek more or different friends; I was content spending ample time with myself.

But then, Halloween weekend arrived, altering my perspective entirely. In August, I met a girl in one of my friend’s rooms and we started talking since our mutual friend was busy. We never really made plans to hang out until Halloween weekend and we’ve hung out every day since. We also met another girl whose Nite Ride we hopped on and casually planned to hang out with as we all do when we meet someone new. However, we actually decided to text her and we’ve become so close that she’s moved into my once-empty dorm and is my roommate now! I also spent my Fall break at her house and it was tons of fun!

From late-night deep conversations to deciding how to reply back to a boy together to getting me maple syrup so I didn’t have to eat my leftover pancake without it, these girls are my home away from home. Iowa City feels like home now that I have them with me and every day feels like an adventure (sometimes quite literally, because we cannot seem to catch a break!).

I’m sharing this because I want anyone feeling low about not having close friends to know this: Invest in your own happiness and enjoyment. Spend time doing things that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment. When you immerse yourself in activities you love, you radiate positivity and attract like-minded souls.

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Fun Winter Activities in Chicago

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Winter in Chicago is a time of magic and wonder and as Christmas draws near, the Windy City offers an array of exciting events and activities that capture the spirit of the holidays. From dazzling light displays to thrilling outdoor adventures, Chicago has something for everyone during the winter season.

  1. One of the most iconic winter attractions in Chicago is the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Rink. My friend and I went ice skating here during fall break and had a really great time!
  2. The Christkindlmarket is a traditional German Christmas market that brings a touch of Old World charm to the city. The market offers a delightful array of wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can explore a treasure trove of handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, and traditional German goods. Enjoy exploring the market with a cup of Hot Chocolate or Glühwein (mulled wine) on a chilly winter evening.
  3. Chicago’s Navy Pier also becomes a hub of winter excitement during the holiday season. The Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier features indoor ice skating, towering Christmas trees, carnival rides, and holiday-themed entertainment. Families and friends gather to enjoy the enchanting activities and create cherished memories.
  4. Chicago’s theatrical scene shines bright during the holidays with classic performances like “The Nutcracker” or other holiday-themed shows across various theaters in the city.

As the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, embrace the festive spirit through these diverse and exciting activities. Whether it’s gliding on ice or enjoying captivating performances, Chicago offers an abundance of fun and memorable experiences during the winter season. So, bundle up, embrace the cold, and immerse yourself in the joyous celebrations that make winter in Chicago truly magical.

 

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?? My Fall Break ??

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My fall break kicked off with my very first Football game, Iowa VS Illinois, something I was eagerly looking forward to. The stadium was buzzing with energy! I was particularly looking forward to join in the iconic “Wave” and it truly lived up to the hype

The next day, my friend Katie and I drove back to her home in Wisconsin. After a relaxing day at home, we hit the road again with a 2-hour drive to Chicago. Our day there was a blast -we had a delicious brunch at Pizzeria Portofino and then headed to the iconic Maggie Daley Ice Skating Rink where I ice skated for the very first time. It was such a thrilling experience and we had a great time.

 

We also visited the Christkindlmarket which, though very crowded, was a really cool experience. We decided to end our day with Katie’s first taste of Indian food at Rooh, a Michelin-starred spot. As Katie described it, “We were in food heaven”.

The rest of the break was all about relaxing, meeting Katie’s friends and family, and taking some well-deserved downtime.

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