End of an Era: Graduation

Last week, I graduated from what is the best university (ever), The Ohio State University. I'm only slightly biased because I attended this fine institution, but it actually is absolutely amazing. I have a degree now, woah. In case you're curious, I studied International Relations & Diplomacy, with minors in French and Eastern European & Slavic Studies (I dabbled in Russian as well). What am I going to do with that?

Post confirmation that I received the correct diploma (I was one of 11,235)!

I cannot believe that my four years of university are over. They were the longest and shortest four years of my life. I'm pretty sure I moved into my freshman dorm yesterday, but I'm also pretty sure that my last finals week lasted approximately 3 years, I don't know. I met my best friends, who I am very confident will be my friends forever. I tried new things, travelled new places, met new people, and learned about the world and myself. These last four years have been the best years of my life, so far. If the future holds anything even close to the fun, friendship, and experience that I found at Ohio State, I will be beyond blessed and thrilled.

Together forever, from freshman year to senior year & beyond.

I have grown into a completely different person from who I was four years ago, whoever that was. I've figured out what I like, what I believe in, where I want to be (& where I don't), basically, I think I know who I am (at least for now). While I learned about the world in my classes, I learned about myself with everything else that I did. I became a leader, a traveller, and an independent woman (wow, cliché).

Where will the future lead?

As soon as someone knows that you are about to graduate or you've just graduated, the first question is "What are you going to do now?" My answer: "I have no idea." I didn't graduate with a plan for the future. I don't have a job that will lead to a career, I don't even know where I"m going to live after my current lease is up. I've jumped head first into the unknown. 

Honestly, it's scary not knowing what I'm going to be doing in August. This is the first time in 17 years that I haven't had a plan. Sure, I'm applying for things, but I can't get accepted to everything and I probably won't. I'm terrified, but I think I like not having a plan. I have so many options right now! & you know I'll keep you updated on wherever my new, post-grad life takes me.

Later, Ohio State.

- Jess

P.S. Look at my graduation cap! It's probably my favorite thing I've ever made. Inspired by Hamilton An American Musical. You MUST listen to the soundtrack if you haven't yet. You won't regret it & you're welcome in advance.

"A couple of college credits and a top notch brain."

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Down South | Memphis & Nashville

Last week was my (last) spring break and I had the opportunity to travel to Memphis and Nashville, TN with a group of international and domestic students from my school. I'd never been to West or Middle Tennessee before this trip and I was excited for the food, music, and warmth. I wasn't disappointed.

Let's start with Memphis:

(me while studying)

 Stax Museum of American Soul Music shocked me. I wasn't sure what to expect; I didn't think I would be interested, honestly. Boy, was I wrong. The history that is stored in this museum goes beyond the music. It captures the soul (bc soul music) of Memphis and world when Stax was an operating record company. 

 & the National Civil Rights Museum. Potentially the most important and relevant museum, considering current events. If you visit (which you should, EVERYONE should), you'll start at the beginning of the Europeans' violation of Africans' rights: the slave trade. The museum takes you on a chronological journey that ends with the current struggle for civil rights and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. 

I was taken back to the brief lessons we had on slavery and the civil rights movement in history class. I don't think we learned nearly enough. & I was taught more than I ever could have imagined about the past struggle and the current struggle for rights.

When our group met up after going through the museum we had a discussion. What did we learn? How does the American civil rights movement translate to other countries and their civil rights movements? How does the civil rights movement in the 60s affect the current race relations in America and the fight for equality?

These were tough questions.

Our groups were made of students from different backgrounds. Different religions, different races, different ethnicities, different nationalities. & we all brought different, and valid, ideas and thoughts to the table based on our experiences. This was by far my favorite part of the trip, just being able to connect and learn from each other on a less superficial level.

&& we're off to Nashville:

The Parthenon? Is this Athens (of the West)? Hehe

Those columns though *heart eyes* 

Ceiling goals at the TN capitol building (ft. original chandeliers)

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What I Learned While Studying Abroad

I was abroad for 8 weeks (!!!) and so much happened, more than I could ever write about. There were good, bad, scary, and fun moments. I learned A LOT too, not just because I was taking classes, but because it was the first time I was ever in another country and I had to figure most of it out all by myself. So, for all of you who are thinking about traveling abroad, here are some important lessons that I learned:

1. You will get lost.

You will get lost A LOT, but that's okay. You'll find your way back and maps will be your best friend. Locals will also be very helpful, so don't be afraid to ask. Eventually, you'll know where you're going and maybe someone will ask you for directions. When you can answer them you'll feel like you've conquered the world (& you have, at least a new, little part of it).

2. It will be different & awkward.

"What will be awkward?" you ask. Everything. You're in a foreign place where they do some things, if not most things, differently than you are used to. Sometimes it's just inconvenient and other times (usually when interacting with other people) it is just so awkward (this is potentially just in my case, as I am hopelessly awkward).You'll learn from this too (traveling is always a learning experience) and you'll know how to avoid these situations in the future (hopefully).

3. Trying new things is always good, even when it's not.

Try all of the new things you possibly can. Even if you don't like it, you won't regret trying it. At least now you know that you don't like it. Go ahead, get those mushy peas with your chips, order the snails, and don't be afraid of the shrimp that still has legs and eyes.

4. You will be amazed.
I had wanted to go to Europe for as long as I can remember, so when it finally happened I wasn't sure everything could live up to my expectations. I was so wrong. No matter how much I had built something up in my head it was always 10x more beautiful and breathtaking in person when I could touch it and see it outside of a picture. Everything is different (better, in my opinion) in real life.

5. You will get homesick.

Going somewhere new without your family or your friends is pretty much guaranteed to make you homesick at least a little bit. There are so many new things to process at the same time and you will miss all of the familiar. Good thing it's 2015 and we have the internet. It's so easy to keep in contact with people while you're away with skype, facetime, facebook, and free texting apps. 

6. You won't want to leave.
Even though you'll get homesick, when it comes time to return home, you won't want to leave. You will fall in love with wherever you are and so many of the people you're with. When you get back you will miss so much (good and bad) about where you studied. Maybe you'll just have to go back soon. :)

Don't miss out on studying abroad while you're in university. There are probably so many reasons why you think you can't do it, but, trust me, you can. It may take a lot of work to make it possible, but it's not impossible. Talk to your school and see what they can do to help and what you need to do. You won't regret it.

- Jess

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How to study for finals

I'll be the first to admit that I don't actually know how to study.

It's hard.

What's the proper way to get all of the knowledge that you've "learned" into your head in the way that your professor wants it? What's the best way to get an A?

I have no idea.

However, I do have some tips on how to make finals week and all of the studying at least bearable, even if it's still just as confusing.

1. Find a place where you love the atmosphere, but you can still focus on your work.

Finding a place to study is like finding a place to live, at least for the next week. It's important to love where you're going to be spending most of your time. When I study, I need windows and open space; I don't want to feel suffocated. Thompson Library is my perfect studying sanctuary.

2. Remember you have books.

I don't usually read during the semester. It's a bad habit and I could probably do so much better in my classes if I did, but it's the truth. I'm terrible at keeping up with the readings, especially if I'm not constantly tested on them. I wish I could say I kicked this habit this semester, but I didn't. Instead I found books in the library. 

Textbooks are useful when it comes to studying because the information they contain is exactly what professors are looking for.

However, if you're like me and you have more research papers than tests, remember that books exist. The internet is great, but sometimes looking through the stacks and smelling the old books (I love that smell!) and flipping pages is refreshing. And you may find something that isn't on the internet.

3. Treat yourself.

When I study I like to give myself tiny rewards when I make progress (especially if it involves reading about politics, ugh). Chai lattes are my favorite reward (and drink of all time). If I've already had a long day, but I know I still need to head to the library and crack open the books I'll get myself a treat. It helps me get in a better mood for more long hours without fun. 

4. Get inspired.

Getting an education isn't something everyone in the world has the opportunity to do. All of us who are lucky and privileged enough to go to university should be thankful for our opportunity. We have the chance to inspire and teach others, but we shouldn't forget that we can still grow too. Universities are full of inspiration, whether it comes from other hardworking students around us or our surroundings. Even after we graduate we are still learning. 

Don't let finals get you down. You're going to do great and you're going to feel so much smarter afterwards as well!

Happy finals week and good luck! 

- Jess

Tamiya Tuesday: Tamiya is suffering from finals, just like the rest of us. Send her love.

All photos taken in Thompson Library at the Ohio State University by me.

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