What Social Media As A Small College Creator Looks Like

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Hello everyone, 

One of the crazy parts of our generation (Gen Z) is the fact that social media is intertwined with every part of our lives, especially in college. But for the past few years, I have been making content of my own for fun. I make DIML (Day in my life) and GRWM (get ready with me) TikToks as well as Instagram Reels and Stories. I also have Be Real, Gist, etc. I work for brands like American Eagle and Bubble skincare. They send me PR, and I post about them. I also am a Target Affiliate, which means when I shop there, I post too. 

Now I get a LOT of questions on how I stay present, post so much, get content, etc. So I am gonna give my best practices for those who want to start and also answer questions I get from those who are just curious. 

How do you stay present in daily life? I get this question ALL the time. One of my best tips is to have friends who don’t do social media. I have found that almost none of the people in my life are doing what I do, so it helps me stay present. But don’t worry, they all still like and show my posts love; they just don’t post like I do. Also, my friends and I who create content still respect those around us who don’t. 

How do you film in public? This one took me a bit to get used to, but I do have personal rules that I like to follow.

  1. Try to never get kids’ faces. Especially since some parents are very protective about their kids’ digital footprint.
  2. Film up so you aren’t getting everyone behind you.
  3. People tend not to really care. I have only had one person get mad, and I willingly showed them they were not in my video.
  4. ALWAYS ask if you’re with your friends if you can film them. It’s just respectful.
  5. Lastly, if you’re planning to film a room like a coffee shop, get to the top of the room and try to not focus on areas that are filled with others. 

How do you get enough content? I video EVERY THING. Me making breakfast, walking, studying, drinking water, filling my water bottle, feeding my cat, dancing around my room, watching TV, etc. . . when I say everything, I mean it. I also am always deleting videos, so each day I film, edit, delete. 

How many hours do you spend? I probably spend 4 hours daily editing, commenting, posting, filming, and curating my pages, so about 28 hours a week. I will say that seems like a LOT, but I also NEVER doomscroll because I am always working on my phone. I feel that because I am a small content creator, it makes me less inclined to just scroll because I am doing this as a part-time job and hopefully someday as a full-time paid thing. 

How do I start my own? First, choose a username for ALL accounts. Mine is rose_mk25. It has become almost my brand name. You can even look me up by my username on Google ( I don’t recommend that; it’s too weird), but then choose what you want to post: are you a makeup girlie, do you love to work out, do you want to post, etc. Then just post; try things out. Half of my posts flop, but that’s normal. Keep going; you will eventually get to your goals. 

Do people ever recognize you? In Iowa City, recently. I have people come up to me all the time. I had my first moment recently when a random girl told me she loved all my videos. I felt so proud and good about it. I also LOVE when people tell me they watch my stuff because I do spend so much time and effort on my posts.

How do you balance college life with it? I have very strict rules. I always have to get my homework done, I make sure I am making it to all my classes, and it can never hinder my ability to be successful in college and work life. I also want to make sure it never hurts my friendships. Lastly, I am very aware of how permanent posts are even if you delete them, so I NEVER post stuff I don’t want my employers, professors, and future connections to see.

If you are interested in starting social media creation in college, I totally recommend it! I think it’s so much fun. As always, guys, have a lovely day, and chat with you all later 

Cheers,
Rose

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Making Friends as an Upperclassman

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Hello Everyone,

One of the things that everyone tells you is, “In college you will find your forever people,” so I just assumed freshman year would be where I found every one of my bridesmaids (me saying this as a single girl is silly, but you get it). But actually, I recently realized that thinking I would find every important person at age 19 is wild because I had so much to learn.

I am such a people pleaser, and I want to make everyone happy. I am a giver too; I love giving my time and energy to people. I want to be enough, and so I found it in friendships in my first few years of college. I had to learn that letting go is OK. I truly believe friends should be contacting you as much as you contact them, or they should want to spend time with you. I lost friends after 3 months of thinking we were gonna be there for each other; it really devastated me. But looking back now, I see how we were never truly friends, and THAT IS OK! Now I have no discontent towards those people. I hope they make all their dreams come true. We just didn’t fit into each other’s lives. 

Anyway, let’s get back to how these last few years of college have really proven that you will honestly make stronger friendships. I believe that’s because I have finally grown a little and definitely am better at setting boundaries. I have mental rules for friendships and think everyone should have those. I try to make sure I am not the only one reaching out to spend time together. I also make sure I have at least one check-in every week or so. 

I also am participating in workout classes and work a job I love where people show each other genuine support. I am finding ways to give myself time. So even if someone reaches out asking to spend time, and it’s my allotted time for myself, I ask to spend time together later. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with people, but I need time to decompress and breathe. 

Lastly, I am giving myself grace. Having OCD, anxiety, and depression can be hard in any friendship. I am very aware that it can really make me unpredictable and overwhelmed in friendships. Recently, I have stopped letting myself spiral and think they all hate me. I write down what I like about them. This way, when I am telling myself I don’t belong or deserve friends, I remind myself that they chose to invite me. I am not pushing in, and I belong. I hope this helps you if you struggle in your first year like I did. Don’t worry, you are not alone, and there are so many people in this world who want you around and are waiting with open arms. 

Cheers,
Rose

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Last First Day!

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Hello Everyone,

Rose holding a "Happy Last First Day" sign
I can’t believe it’s my senior year; I took this first-day photo

GUYS, IT’S MY LAST YEAR OF COLLEGE!!!! I know, crazy, right? I can’t believe how far I have come. I am so excited for this year, but I am also a little sad that it will be my last year! I have so many memories and moments of growth, but I can feel that this year is gonna be my best yet. My first day was pretty chill, though. I got up early to make it to the Pilates Class at CWRC at 6:15, then I didn’t have classes till 9:30, so I did some filming for my socials. I made content for my Instagram and TikTok. I also got changed out of my workout clothes and into my fit for the day!!

My first class this year was my advanced poetry class. I loved it. I knew half of the people already, and everyone was so friendly. I also LOVE poetry, and I think this will be a super cool class to have!!! Then I had work from 11-2 in the admissions office. I got to meet all the people who will be working over the school year. I really like all my co-workers; we all get along and just like to chat. Then the Street Hawk food truck gave me a free veggie burger for lunch, which made my day! I had my ASL class after that. It’s super cool because we will not be allowed to speak except in ASL this semester. I did stop by the mini-Target to grab a few things after that. My day ended with me going home and cuddling my cat while watching SVU Law and Order. I truly can’t believe my senior year is starting! I can’t wait to make amazing memories this last year!

Cheers,
Rose 

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You’re On Your Own Kid. . . and it’s 2026

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Hello Everyone,

I never thought the day I would drive away from home to move to the college town, that I would be crying to “You’re On Your Own Kid” by Taylor Swift, but I should have expected it. But at the same time, I am giddy and so ready to start living my life. A lot has happened this year, and it’s still May. But I like to look ahead, and I am so excited for the future.

I got a job as a Tour Guide here at UIowa, which is why I will be staying the summer. But I also graduate in 2027, so I am kind of planning to not go home again. It’s definitely a weird feeling to think I will not be as frequent around my family. But it’s also the most freeing feeling. I am subleasing a friend’s apartment, and then when I can move into mine, I will. But no one tells you how crazy it feels. I keep pinching myself that my life is really starting. I have started looking for jobs for post-college already. I am taking some classes this summer. I am also learning a lot about myself.

I really enjoy time alone, but am also super extroverted, so living in Iowa City for the first time over the summer has been a new experience. It’s a lot less busy, which was something. Farmers Market is every Saturday. I love to get coffee and look around at all the stands. 

I am so ready to enjoy summer and work. I think I can learn a lot about myself and the next chapter I am gonna be entering. I hope you have a wonderful day. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Cheers,
Rose

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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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