Nothing can really prepare you for life outside of your parents' confines. I mean, people can try to tell you what to expect, but it's bound to be something that you have to figure out on your own, and for some it takes a while. I know when I "moved out" (left for college), I was completely astonished at the amount of decisions I had to make on my own. When my friends asked me to go out with them I'd start to respond with, "lemme check with my mom first" then realize that, I'm an "adult" and the only person I needed to check in with is was myself. How crazy! I totally commend all you adults out there that have been doing this adult thing for many years, because I'm on my second year of "adulting" and boy, let me tell you, I miss my mom (mom, if you're reading this, which you undoubtedly are, thank you).
Alright so this spiel about adulthood is important to my article today because, since I'm an adult I get to decide how I get to spend my spring break. My first week was spent in Portland, Oregon where I spent a week doing service projects based around education and children with 11 other students and 1 advisor. We stayed at Reedwood Church for the week, and on Wednesday they had a soup kitchen event, which we all had the privilege of helping with. After prepping the food, I got the opportunity to sit down and chat with some pretty incredible people, including Don and Donnie.
Don was in his 60s, very small, and very easy going. Donnie was the exact opposite. Tall, what looked to be late 40s, very jolly and red faced. As I approached their table I was very nervous about how I'd be received, and second guessing my choice to not take a nap instead. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. I was greeted with a loud "Howdy, how ya doin?" from Donnie and a warm smile from Don.
As we got to talking I realized these two men have literally been through hell and back, and they had nothing but positivity to offer. That really astounded me. Upon asking them how they manage to get through life with the outlook they have, Donnie immediately blurted "without positivity life becomes difficult, it becomes muddled, we start to lose focus on what's important." I don't know about you, but this is the last thing I expected to hear from someone who was eating what was probably their only meal of the week in a soup kitchen.
With this being said, Don's answer to my question is what really struck a chord with me. He didn't speak. He simply looked up to the sky, lifted one finger and pointed to the sky. Even though there were no words exchanged, I knew exactly what he meant. He was referring to God. I let out what could only be described as an affirming sigh, and said "I couldn't have said it better" and a wink, which was received with laughter from both of them. I strongly related with Don's answer so much because I recently made the choice to fully commit to my relationship with God. The first thing I did was end the other relationship I was in, with someone I thought was going to be a significant part of my life, because the relationship wasn't built on faith. Don's simple gesture towards the sky meant more to me than words could ever express, I felt as though my choice was validated. Which led to my final question.
I asked, "do you have any advice about life that you think will help me along my journey?" This time Don, who usually took his time before speaking jumped in right away and said "if it's too good to be true, it probably is!" I couldn't help but laugh at his bluntness. This was met with Donnie's answer which went along the lines of being careful who you choose to hang around. Both these answers were very wise and seemed to have a lot of experience to back them up.
If I could define my feelings after listening to Don and Donnie in one word it would be grateful. Not only did I get to meet two of the kindest souls I've ever encountered, I got the validation of being on the right track. I got more from this service trip than I expected, and the biggest thing I can take away from Don and Donnie is that it's important to draw focus on the things that matter to you, not anyone else and that the right thing isn't always the easiest thing.
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1. Reality Television Shows
The Kardashian/ Jenner family is praised for the enormous amount of reality television series that are produced surrounding their lives. Viewers seem to crave new television shows behind the intriguing Kardashian/ Jenner bunch, considering the Kardashian clan has been featured in approximately 12 television series. Regardless of how many haters this family may have, their shows have shown tremendous success. Their most famous series documenting the family's life since 2007, Keeping Up With The Kardashians(KUWTK), premieres on E! Network. Season 13 of KUWTK is said to premiere March 12th at 9 p.m. on E!, so stay tuned!
2. Fashion and Beauty Gurus
Nineteen-year-old Kylie Jenner is hands-down known to be one of the most successful beauty gurus. Kylie Cosmetics, launched in 2016, has shown an insane amount of success. Kylie Lip Kits are known to sell out within minutes of being launched onto her website. Fans follow Kylie's business closely, with her accustoming her new lines and colors to what the customers desire. This is one of Kylie's many smart business tactics, pleasing the customers, in turn, gains Kylie more revenue for her business. Along with beauty success, the three Kardashian sisters, Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe, have created their fashion boutique DASH. When the boutique first opened it struggled. However, the sisters rose it immensely, with the store being extremely successful to this day with three locations in West Hollywood, Miami Beach, and the SoHo District in New York City. KENDALL+KYLIE is also another successful fashion line with clothes being sold in popular stores like Pac Sun, Neiman Marcus, and Top Shop. Their lines are also shown in many fashion shows, boosting their credibility in the fashion world.
3. Apps
Kim Kardashian's game app is said to have brought in over $100 million since it's launch in 2014. The app is free to download, however, players can purchase "extras" in the game which is where most of the revenue derives from. Kim constantly keeps the game up-to-date which is an intelligent business tactic because it keeps players intrigued, and feeling as if they're living the true Kardashian life. After the extreme success of Kim's game app, each sister created their personal apps that can be downloaded in the iTunes store for a $2.99 monthly subscription fee. Each sister's app emphasizes their expertise in the fashion, beauty, travel, and fitness worlds.
4. Social Media Tactics
The Kardashian/ Jenner family has accumulated over approximately 404.7 million followers on Instagram and over approximately 154.93 million followers on Twitter. These business moguls thrive off social media techniques in building their business empire - which is smart. These sisters make thousands of dollars for one promotional tweet or Instagram post. Constantly updating their accounts keeps fans intrigued and up-to-date on their latest products/ endeavors.
5. Method Behind Parasocial Interaction
Parasocial interaction (PSI) is a communication technique where celebrities endorse themselves, and fans feel a connection of some kind to that specific celebrity. PSI is promoted in the Kardashian/ Jenner family because they endorse themselves on their social media accounts so well that fans begin to feel a connection with this family. This makes it easier for the Kardashian/ Jenners to promote their products and businesses in a not-so-pushy way.
6. Failed Endeavors
Failure is the first step to success. Although this family is praised for their unimaginable success, they have failed plenty along their way to fame. Talkshows, books and fashion lines haven't made the revenue expected and haters constantly attempt to tear down this family's fame, however, the Kardashian/ Jenner family still stands strong. In the end, they are true business moguls, entrepreneurs, and content creators who have created an insane empire.
7. Net Worth
The Kardashian/ Jenner family is stated to have a net worth of over approximately $300 million. Kim leads the family with her net worth accounting for over $100 million with the littlest sister, Kylie Jenner, creeping up the ladder. Numbers don't lie. These sisters truly have built an enormous business empire.
1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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