Getting Ready To Move Out Of Dorm!

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Hello, 

As we get further into April, you have to prepare to move out of the dorms. As a third year, I have it down to a science, having lived in the dorms all three years. I wanted to give you some tips on how to move out. 

Spring Break: If you are going home for spring break, take things that you will not need in college, winter clothes, extra pillows, decorations from past holidays, and even extra room decor that you can do without for a few months. You could even take home some of the appliances you might not use a ton. I don’t use my blender all the time, so that’s one of the first things to go home.

In-State Students: If you are in-state and can get home a few times in April, take things back gradually. This is the time to take back cups and mugs you might not need, as well as things like more extras, I take home shoes that I don’t really need, more clothes, even beauty products I don’t fully use. I am also taking home things like my record player, posters, and most of my books and notebooks. (If you are out of state, I know some people do have a family member come take some things home, or they might have stuff mailed home as well.)

Don’t Organize, Just Pack: If you are an organized queen like me, packing can be stressful because you might feel like there is endless packing to do. If you organize like you did last summer, you’re going to be up all night. So just fit things into boxes, bags, and more, and then when you’re back home over summer, you can reorganize. 

Trash Bags and Cleaning Supplies Are A Must: When you are cleaning your dorm, remember you will not be living there after (unless you get the same exact room the next year) But still the custodial and maintenance crew will have to go through the room after and clean and fix any damages, so make sure you wipe down surfaces and clean the floor. I have a mini vacuum that I love, and I also wash the floors after I stay there every year. Also, make sure you report any damages that have occurred. 

Last Day Move Out: On your last day, do an extra check of the room. Make sure you don’t forget anything and do one last clean. You will return your key and will leave. You might feel sad or happy to go home; whatever you feel, that’s normal.

Moving out of your dorm can be stressful, but remember, you will be able to do it, and once you do move out, it might feel strange. College will have you moving multiple times, and they will all be different, but if you get down a system that works for you personally, you will be able to do it. 

Cheers,
Rose

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A Letter to My Freshman-Year Self

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Hello Everyone, 

I am about to have my advising appointment to plan my last year of college. I can’t believe I have truly gotten this far. All the sweat, tears, and long nights studying are actually going to pay off. I sometimes think that if we could go back in time and talk to our younger self, it could fix half of the mistakes I made, but also, making mistakes is part of learning. Here are some things that I wish I had known as a freshman.

You Belong: College is hard, that’s why not everyone goes; it’s a lot of work. But one of the downsides is that everyone is there fighting to get through; there will be people who will try to take you down. I have had quite a few people tell me I don’t belong. I am dyslexic and am getting a Creative Writing major. That being said, don’t let people tell you what you can and can’t do. UIowa would not have accepted you if they didn’t think you belonged. 

You Will Find Your People: Not everyone finds their best friends in the first week. You actually will probably meet most of your close friends later in college. My best friend and I didn’t become super close till later into my freshman year and the summer before sophomore year. Now we are super close, and I am so lucky to have her, but I have lost lots of “friends.” 

Other Relationships Always Look Better Than They Are: I remember thinking how badly I wanted to be in a relationship as a freshman in the first month, and I did have a boyfriend for 4 months my first year, but people forget that relationships are work. Those who make it work during a busy college schedule, that’s great. But remember you aren’t behind or the only one if you are single. I have had two serious relationships, and I was lucky they both ended on good terms. But I have met so many people who get affected by relationships, just know that if it works, it works, but it’s ok not to be in a relationship. 

Self-love and Mental Health Is Important: My freshman year, I thought I would never be homesick since I didn’t realize that I would not experience a plummet in my mental health till January. As a third year, I have learned that you have to give yourself grace. Mental health is important as well as self-love and care. I do a “spa” day at least biweekly, with a deep skincare routine as well as taking a night to just watch TV or rest and read.

No One Is As Happy As They Seem On Socials: I wish every person could just remember this when they look at social media. If I could have had this in the back of my head all of Freshmen year, I think I would have been happier. I had to fully rewire my brain, and now every time I start to compare my college experience to someone else’s, I tell myself that someone is looking at my own social media, thinking I have it all. 

I hope this helps any incoming freshmen. Remember, college will be a beautiful journey, and you will get to experience new things and ideas. You will find something you love and will get to be yourself. I still am pinching myself cause I can’t believe I made it this far. You will someday be here as well. Have a wonderful day

Cheers,
Rose 

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Breaking up in college and how to cope

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Hello Everyone, 

Ok, I know that title looks sad and daunting, but it’s actually not as bad as you think it might be! I recently went through a breakup, and yeah, I was sad and wanted to hide in my room, but life still moves even if you are heartbroken, so here are my tips on how to keep yourself from going down a spiral of breakup grief! 

Call A Family Member: I called my mother right after it happened! I just needed to cry and talk on the phone ( oh, and it’s OK to cry to you all!) Anyway, not only did my mother make me feel better about it, but she also made me laugh about things! 

Hang Out With Friends: ok you might just want to shut yourself in your room, but don’t you need to hang out with people who can make you laugh! I got dinner literally 10 minutes after I got broken up with! (No, that’s not me ignoring my feelings) I just wanted to have a distraction! It works too. I was laughing and chatting, and I felt much better! 

Make a Ton of Plans: Find things to do, clean your room, get coffee with your bestie, call a family member, and ask if they can come up to spend the day with you! Find things to do that don’t include you rotting in your bed! 

Self Care: Ok, now is the time you use that special facemask or do everything shower and DON’T cut your hair! ( trust me, don’t do it) Then put your favorite TV show on and cuddle in your blankets! I have a cat, and she also loves to cuddle, so that’s nice! I also love working out a ton; it gives you good endorphins, which make you happier! 

Give Yourself Grace: You will feel a lot of different emotions, and that’s normal; no emotion is wrong. The only thing I encourage is not to do anything super rash! (You will do something rash, that’s ok) But try hard to make decisions that you will not regret! I am a firm believer in over it’s done, it’s done, going back is not an option in my books! If you break up, I truly believe it was not meant to be! ( but that’s a personal rule) 

College is full of breakups, honestly, half of my friends broke up in the past few months! Know you will heal, you will survive, and last, I truly believe everything that ends opens up a new beginning, so don’t feel like you will never get better, you will! I hope this helps if you ever go through a break in college, and when it happens, now there will be people to hold your hand through it! 

Cheers,
Rose Kelly 

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My “Bad Days” Routine (Not a Glow-Up)

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Hello Everyone,

I am a positive person…most of the time. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days. But here’s something I have learned in college: bad days are on you. Like everyone is dealing with their own problems, so you can’t always rely on your friends or even your parents to be at your beck and call to help you through them. Here are my little tips and tricks on how to make a “Bad Day” into a better day.

Self Care: Ok, so this is the kind of night or day where you give yourself love. This means try that face mask you saved from your Christmas stocking and try it out, or commit to an “Everything shower”. I love a day when I give my physical self extra love. 

Stay In: I truly believe that when you’re “cranky” or not in a positive mood, you also need space. Instead of always finding something to distract you out and about, stay home and watch your favorite show or do your own nails (Also, the best hobby to have in college, I save so much money). 

Morning Coffee: If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, get yourself a drink or a fun breakfast. Or even make your favorite cup of coffee or dirty sodas at home. I like to put mine in a cute cup. 

Clean Your Room: I love to put on music and clean my room. Not only does it keep your mind off your worries, but you will feel so accomplished for cleaning. Especially when you feel down, you can sometimes let your room “fall apart.” 

Go Walk/Run/Gym: Ok, I get it, on days you feel bad, you have no want to go anywhere, but do go for at least a 30-minute walk. Moving helps give you good endorphins, which will help you feel happier.

Journal: If you keep a daily journal, write down what’s bugging you. Especially if you are not someone who talks to others about your problems, sometimes you just need to let it out.

Hobbies: If you have a hobby that you haven’t picked up for a bit, go back to it. Or even try something new. This can not be watching TikToks or playing video games. This could be needlepoint, woodworking, painting, reading, etc. This can help you get away from the craziness of the world. 

Remember, you will have bad days in college. That’s normal and totally ok, but understand you get to choose how long you stay that way. But it’s ok, I am just as guilty as anyone, forgetting to do things to help me feel better. Anyway, I hope these tips help you feel optimistic. Sending lots of good vibes your way.

Cheers,
Rose

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What Goes Through A Creative Writing Major’s Brain.

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Hello,

Lots of people tell me they can’t understand how I prefer papers over tests and how I can just write all the time. I constantly hear people tell me how they could never be creative writers or even come up with ideas to write about. So I thought I would let you know what it’s like in my brain. My reasons are mine alone. I can’t speak for all writers because I truly believe the craft and reasons are different for everyone. As in every major.

From morning to evening, I am replaying things in my own thoughts and how my brain works as someone who writes constantly. I love writing and have since I was little. I was an avid reader at a young age. I also, funny enough, have dyslexia, which, honestly, is the most ironic thing about me. I can’t say Creative Writing was an easy major for me to go into. I have had people have doubts in me and have asked me how on earth I can love to write with dyslexia. But I also have had people believe in me, and I believe in myself most days. That’s all that matters. 

How my brain thinks in the day:  

 In the morning: My brain starts to race the minute I wake up. If you thought that my brain is ever quiet, it’s not. I start my days checking my planner, socials, all my emails, and more. Then I start work or classes. I also find my mind goes over all the million things I have to do. I have spent a lot of time hoping I am enough. Writing is my escape from that. So I start my day writing down my hopes and reminding myself I belong here and I can do it. (We all have doubts; that is normal.) But remember, you, like anyone in college, and your major belong and can do this. 

During the day: Before/after classes and work, and during my free time, I keep a journal beside me at all times. I come up with poems, songs, and I write little memories in there when I think of them. My brain constantly thinks of all the good, bad, and unknown. I also struggle with anxiety, especially during the busy months of college, so I find writing down my thoughts or even just making up a story here and there helps me move past it, or putting it into words in a way I can vent really helps me. I get overwhelmed. So my little writings 

My Nights: My mind goes through all the craziness of the day. Also, I am someone who reminisces. I write about little things that have happened and the big moments. I think about the people I have loved and still do. I think of all the things I have done, both good and bad. I go down paths of frustration and excitement. My mind doesn’t stop, and if you think it does when I sleep, I dream constantly. My writing is an escape but also something I truly love. I have loved it since I was little. 

Writing Creatively Is Something I Love: 

I personally write my poems, stories, and songs through my experiences with a creative flair. My highs and lows turn into an elaborate story with truth being turned into something different. I have found solace in writing, and it’s something I love. It’s definitely not for everyone, but that’s why college is amazing. You do stuff that is not meant for everyone. Every path and mind is different. I hope that in reading this, whether you become a nurse, a violinist, or a CEO of a company, you know your choice and love for your craft are important. People will smile and say they don’t understand why or how anyone could do it. I say this from experience. You are doing something you love. Never let your love for something be ruined by others. You have got this 

Cheers,
Rose

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The Pressure to “Have It All Figured Out” at 20 and How To Respond To It!

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Hello Everyone,

I am writing about something I feel strongly about, and how to deal with it. College has its ups and downs, but I feel something that all college students struggle with is that college is your choice and future, but one of the downsides is how everyone expects that at age 18 through your early 20s, you know exactly what you want to do with your life. But if I had a dollar for every time I had someone ask me what I plan to do with the rest of my life or what I am doing with my major, I would have quite a few. 

Now, I get that you might have a plan, and that’s awesome. Some people know exactly what they want at a young age. If I am completely honest, my first year, I had a plan which changed 4 times. Now I know what I am doing after college. We can never be sure what paths we will take even after graduation. It’s totally normal to not know what you plan to do with your life right now. I promise, if you love studying what you are doing in college, you have made the right choice for the time.

Now, when and if you have someone who is curious or asks you questions about your major, your choices, or your future, know it’s not out of malice; it’s usually out of curiosity, so you never should be annoyed and honestly get used to the questions. You can always start with “At the moment,” which reminds them that life changes. Give them grace; maybe they do want to know what you plan to do. As a creative writing major, I tell people I plan to work in social media marketing for small companies and maybe someday personally. I find that when I tell people that, they stop asking questions about my future and start asking more about the subject itself. We are all sometimes curious about something we don’t know, so be honest and kind.

Also, this is a bragging point. When you are good at something, whether it’s nursing, writing, piano, math, or science. Be proud of it. No one major or career path is better than another. So talk it up, give people your knowledge. I have actually found it’s a lot easier for people to accept your choices when you tell them your current truth. I also quite enjoy telling others about my plans (though I am a huge planner and I make plans years in advance) 

It’s ok to feel overwhelmed, too. If you do, just remind people that “you are young and are still figuring it out.” If they have more questions, you can always change the subject if you want to. Just know it’s ok not to know what you want to do. Also know you’re not alone. Last, Iowa has lots of resources that can help you decide what’s right for you in life. Remember, this is your life and your strengths, so keep going. You will not know what you fully want to do at age 20, but the best advice I have gotten is that you will constantly change what you want to do, so jump headfirst into what feels right. Anyway, I hope this all helps. Cant wait to see what you all do and what you learn. 

Cheers,
Rose 

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Working Spring Break as A College Student

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Hello everyone,

Breaks are great. Most people spend them with family or take a trip with their friends. But also, breaks can feel like you’re feeling left out if you don’t go on a fancy vacation, or feel like everyone’s lives look so amazing on social media. Here are my tips on having a good spring break, even if you have to work like I do.

First, plan a trip for the future or take a weekend off soon. I have only traveled for spring break a few times. My family was more of a Summer vacation family, and so spring break was a break, but as its own. Just not one where you spend it on the beach. I also like to remind myself that I can save up for that trip over this break.

Next, plan in a fun way to spend the time you don’t work doing things you enjoy. I have made cookies and been doing lots of writing. I find it’s quite nice to do things I love.  I also catch up on little things like cleaning and taking care of my mental health. I also catch up on my TV shows that I either want to watch or rewatch. 

Next, don’t compare your breaks to others; you don’t know what they do during their other breaks. I have friends who travel during spring break but not during winter or even summer. So don’t feel left out, your time will come, and your cute posts will be made. 

Lastly, I love to cuddle with my cat and just be myself alone. I am enjoying the break from classes, working on my jobs, and taking in extra hours. I promise you, just because you didn’t go to Mexico or Florida doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy your break. 

I hope you enjoy your time off!

Cheers,
Rose 

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Working Multiple Jobs, Doing Social Media and Being a Full-Time Student!

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Hello Everyone,

People ask me how I work two jobs, work on my personal social media in my own time, while going to classes and having a life outside of it all. Some days I feel as if I have gone mad, but truly it’s not that bad, and I actually prefer to stay busy rather than just idly sit after I finish studying. But the only way I can do all of it is to have strict discipline and rules 

Class = No Late Nights: My first rule is no late nights if I have class the next day. I try to be in bed by 10:00 pm. I know it sounds extreme, but I also don’t believe in all-nighters or studying till 1:00 am. I did it multiple times freshman year and once sophomore year, and there is nothing you can learn or write that makes sense. Plus, being well-rested will keep you healthy both physically and mentally 

Work is Not a Break: While yes, work is a break from school, I do believe you have to give yourself time off from work and school. That means give one night you don’t have availability, if you overwork yourself, you’re bound to be sick or burnt out mentally. So I make sure to give myself nights where I can’t work. It’s ok to just rest. Plus, with homework, you will need time to study. 

Have a Planner: I have said this a bunch, and I tell all my friends who are starting college. Get a planner, but it has to have a month “page” and weekly “pages” with the days. After you finish everything, you also must highlight it. I also recommend planning weeks ahead for anything you want to do. I even plan my coffee dates with friends, even my late nights or my days off. I plan most things three months ahead. 

Don’t Do This Your 1st Year: I know you might already be organized and maybe even have lived alone already. But if you are starting your VERY first year in college, you will need time to adjust. College courses are not anything that you will have experienced before. So make sure to take it one step at a time. Then you can figure out how much time you will need for classes and studying. Also, don’t go over 20 hours once you start a job for the first few weeks. 

Take Time Off: Every few months, take a weekend for yourself. This is not like making sure you have nights and days off work. This is where you take 2 to 3 days off from work (especially during your breaks). I love to schedule my weekends two months ahead. (Tip: make sure you make those plans to find a replacement for your normal shifts, and also let whoever is in charge know the minute you know.)

Social Media Should Feel Fun: I love my personal social media and working on it. It’s a hobby for me right now. I would love for it to be more, but during college, I have a busy schedule, so I make posts in my time off. If you struggle with comparing or social media is overwhelming, I don’t recommend participating the way I do. We all have our limits. I enjoy the editing and everything that comes with reels/TikToks and posting photos. But it’s not for everyone. 

Know Your Limits: Everyone has their limits, it’s ok if you work 2 jobs to no jobs, it’s ok if you focus solely on school or participate in internships. These are things that you need to choose. Time management is hard and takes time to learn. I love how busy I am, but not everyone is the same, so don’t feel like you’re doing anything wrong, depending on how you choose to spend time in college. But I hope this helps. 

Cheers,
Rose

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College Girls and The “College Aesthetic”

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Hello everyone,

I love college, and I have enjoyed my college experience. But today I am going to give you some insight into what the college aesthetic actually is, and what it is, just what social media shows. College should be a fun experience, but sometimes social media shows things on how college should be, but your college experience will be your own. Let’s get into it.

Studying is Aesthetic: You see it on TikTok and Instagram that studying is real. OMG, I study all the time. When you see all the students talking about all-nighters and studying for finals, it’s rough. It’s all real, but less glamorous than you can make it look online. I usually study in my PJs with no makeup and drink plain black coffee to keep me up. Though one thing that makes my study life a little more fun is that I always have cute pens in my bag, and that makes life a little easier.

Dorm Room Aesthetic: Ok, this one always is hard. There is so much joy in a decorated dorm room, but don’t feel like you’re lacking if it doesn’t look like the ones online. That’s ok. Honestly, Iowa has taught me that so many people make a room theirs. I remember freshman year, I had a wall of photos of my friends and family from home, and my theme was purple. You can totally follow trends, but also remember it’s not a competition; it is going to be your home for 9 months, so don’t stress over it. Just be yourself and do post it if you feel so inclined to. I personally love posting my room for people to see. 

Coffee/Matcha/ Energy Girls Aesthetic: I love coffee, matcha, and energy, but I have learned that getting one every day can add up, and college costs can add up from books to other supplies. So some of my tricks are: I have a Keurig or a coffee pot in my dorm room and syrups. For matcha, you can usually get a canned version to put into your mini fridge or buy some that you can use in a tea kettle for your room. Though make sure you check the dorm rules about appliances; it’s constantly changing. Also, Amazon and Target usually have those glass cups that look like to-go and are trending. You can also get an ice maker for under $100 on Amazon. Just because you can’t always have a coffee shop or special-made drink, do try to treat yourself once in a while to your favorite shop or drinks.

Time Management is Easy: I swear, people post their neat planners and their graceful selves in their time management. My freshman year, first semester was full of learning how to manage the new college life. It’s ok if you don’t figure it out right away. College is for learning. Don’t worry if you are not constantly graceful in your time management right away. You will learn, and we have lots of resources.

You Will Be a Gym/Health Girlie: Ok, college is exhausting, and while going to the gym is a favorite pastime of mine, I sometimes feel exhausted. As well as finding time to eat, for me can be a struggle. I find that I give myself grace when I have my off weeks or days. Its nothing to beat yourself up over. I sometimes have pasta 3 times a week. Your body will tell you what it needs. Now, if you’re just in a slump, do try to get out, even for a 30-minute walk. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to the gym daily or if you don’t have a salad every day. It’s ok. 

I remember feeling that college was when I would figure everything out, and I watched so many social media videos and looked at the pictures before coming. Once I was in college, my first year, I felt like I was not what I should be. But here’s the truth: the aesthetic is full of many emotions and moments of doubt, and guess what, that’s ok. It’s full of good and bad, and I want you to know you will belong. Your room and caffeine addictions will be a good thing to laugh about. You will study late and figure out how to manage your time with classes, homework, jobs, clubs, and friendships. So here’s my advice: have fun planning for college and totally grab inspiration from online. But let college be your experience, and don’t try to be what you think is right. Trust your instincts and yourself. You got here and were accepted for a reason, so never give up. College should be fun. As always, have a wonderful day.

Cheers,
Rose

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A Playlist That Explains My College Experience!

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Hello Everyone,

I love music! I mean, I started as a music major, so it honestly, it makes sense. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to make a playlist of 10 songs that explain my college experience. Let’s get those dancing shoes on, warm up those vocals, and get this show started. JK! But let’s get into it!

Someone In the Crowd, La La Land: The first week of freshman year is HECTIC. In a beautiful way, but its fast paced and can be fun, but also slightly scary. The slow moments as well as the fast moments remind me of this song. You meet so many people, and they might not be your forever friends, but in the first week, you all want to give everyone friendship bands and hold on to this spontaneity.

Baby Steps, Melina KB: Ok, Freshmen me was OBSESSED with this song, plus in college, new relationships are kind of fun, and they feel like you’re dipping your toes into a new world, any past caution melts, this song just feels so College first year crush!

The That Got Away, MUNA: This song is such an angsty college girl, and I was here for it in my second semester. I had gone through some friendships, relationships, etc. This song was something of a fever dream, the way I had this on repeat in 2024.

End Of An Era, Dua Lipa: Your constantantly are changing, which means every end of a semester you feel like a new page is being turned. This upbeat song feels like a change for once is good. Even the new friends and a dazzling new relationship can feel like a new world.

Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter: If you are not on some kind of caffein then congrats, but most of us count on Espresso to get us through the days, so this song is kind of self-explanatory. Plus its fun, she makes awesome pop songs!

I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, Taylor Swift: College is fun and feels like a million sparkles, but some days you might feel like you’re barely holding it together. I think this song definitely reminds me of the times I didn’t want to go to class or get up, but I did and smiled through the rough days. But honestly, I am so glad I did!!

Tough Luck, Laufey: This song is more personal, but this song got me through a lot of harder days last semester. While I think it’s a breakup song, for me, it was listened to when I was annoyed with myself or my busy schedule.

Opalite, Taylor Swift: College shimmers and glistens, but it can feel like you never can get out of that rut sometimes. But when you do, and you’re out getting coffee with friends or going shopping or even decorating your dorm room, it can feel like so much fun. This song truly captures how life can feel like you’re stuck, but one moment can make it better.

She Used To Be Mine, Chloe Adams: I know this one sounds sad, and I get it, but I think it’s also beautiful. There is something nostalgic about changing. You will spend days looking in the mirror and be scared at how much you have changed. You might even feel a little confused, I sure do. But know that’s ok and be proud that means you’re growing and you will make it.

It Is What Is, Jenna Raine: Let’s end on a fun note! College is scary sometimes, but it’s fun, magical, and a place to be you. I love how upbeat and silly this song is. I constantly feel alone in my feelings, but I have started to learn that actually most are normal, and everyone feels them!

Anyway, I hope this is fun, and if you haven’t heard these songs, go give them a listen. I hope it helps you through college. It sure helped me. Have a great day!! Keep vibing

Cheers,
Rose

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