Growing up and learning the word “love” and what it meant, I always thought of my parents. They're married so they must love each other. That was my only way of explaining love to someone. And although I'm thankful to say I can still use them as an example, the term became more broad to me as I grew up, and continue to grow. Love isn't about marrying your significant other. To use the word love you don't even need a significant other. The Google definition says love is “an intense feeling of deep affection” which in most cases may be true. But the word love can be underrated and overused frequently. Love doesn't have to be about who buys the other more gifts, or who posts more on Instagram about the other. Love is appreciation, and understanding. To love, you have to be vulnerable. And it can be scary. I’ve never been in love and the word itself can be terrifying. But that doesn’t mean I would run away from it. Love isn’t all about finding your soulmate. And maybe that’s what makes it less intimidating. Because love doesn’t have to mean gushy relationships. Love is waiting to race for a track meet and seeing your parents and grandma bundled head to toe in blankets with a camera and a smile. Love is giving your friend the gloves instead of keeping your own hands warm. It’s never being able to hold a grudge on your dog after she makes the world's largest mess with the new toy. Coming home after a long afternoon to find dinner ready from a mom who’s had three times worse of a day. Love is when your dad knows you're upset but doesn’t know how to girl talk so he offers up his evening to go play some tennis and burn off steam, even though he’s been at work for 10 hours. Love can be canceling plans with your friends to hang out with your little sister who was lonely all of spring break. Love is choosing a restaurant the other person likes more. When you cry just because your gram did after a sad movie finished. Love is offering to get up and let the dogs out because you know your significant other needs sleep. It can be trying something totally out of your comfort zone just because it would make your friend smile. Love is doing the dishes without being asked to. Or not letting your friend give up on her dreams. It can even be just a small act to show you appreciate the people in your life. Love is standing in the blistering sun to watch your friend ride a horse for a few minutes. Or letting them cry to you for a little while after a bad break up. Love is everywhere, if you let yourself see it.
One of the best things about love is how unpredictable it can be. For everyone, love represents something new. And it’s their own life and their own stories. It’s nice to look back and realize how surrounded we are with love. But it opens your eyes to see how much we take for granted. Every day we’re shown a new type of love and don't take the time to appreciate it. Some people can't let themselves love. But we're lucky enough to have people in life that we can learn with, we can teach one another new ways to love. Love isn't always showing deep affection for a person. Love is knowing at the end of the day you have people in your corner. One thing I plan on doing is appreciating my mom more. She’s better than supergirl. Even supergirl gets overwhelmed and can't do everything but somehow my mom manages to balance work, my crazy dad, me and my brother even on our worst days, and still gets sleep somehow. I can't wait until I grow up and have kids of my own and just think how lucky I was and trust these kids will be raised right because of the example my mom set. So sure, love can be scary and intimidating, but if you learn to appreciate it, love can be beautiful.Recommended for you
You Don't Have To Be In Love To Have It In Your Life
One of the best things about love is how unpredictable it can be.
Subscribe to our
Newsletter
11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced
Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into
We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.
1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.
You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!
2. Getting to know your roommate.
There are plenty of awkward conversations, because of course, you have to figure out how to not get on each other's last nerves, but since you are living together, it is very easy to get along and hang out constantly. However, make sure you get of your room and make other friends too.
3. Attending your first class.
You will get up for your first class, and while you may be nervous, you will be excited too, because all your life people and movies have told you that college is different. The classes are different, and you will feel ready for anything that first day of class can throw your way.
4. The good first experience with dining hall food.
Everyone warns you about the dining hall, so of course, you are wary to try it for the first time, but plot twist: it tastes good. You are so relieved because your college defies the norm of bad dining hall food -- for now.
5. Exploring the flaws on your campus.
It's pretty common knowledge that college dorms and buildings are not exactly pristine, so even if you aren't looking for it, you will find some damage. Hopefully, it isn't in your dorm room though.
6. Contemplating skipping a lecture.
There will come a time when you will not want to go to class, and whether it is because of the time of the class or the content of the class or whatever, the truth is that at some point you will skip a class. This is college, so it isn't big deal to miss class, but you will need to make sure that you stay on top of the content, even if you don't go.
7. Using college as your explanation for everything.
Whenever someone tells you something or you have to explain something, there will come a point when you just say, "college," as your explanation, because really, that's all it comes down to. You will change, because that's what college does to you: it pushes you to grow and mature.
8. Finally finding dining hall food annoying.
Honestly, if you make it more than a month without getting sick of the dining hall food, I will be impressed, because seriously, no matter where you go, the food will get to you at some point. When you are unable to consume dining hall food, you will turn to food trucks, take-out, and, most importantly, free food.
9. Getting mad at your roommate.
Let's face it, you will have less privacy, and even if you are good friends with your roommate, there will come a moment when you are just too annoyed to deal with them. The important thing is to talk it out, so that you can move past it and continue to be good roommates.
10. Feeling like everyone else has it all figured out.
When everything seems a little confusing and impossible to figure out, you will feel like everyone else is able to figure their lives out, but here's the truth: most of us are in the same boat. Don't assume that people's lives are perfect because it's quite likely that they think you have everything figured out too.
11. Feeling overwhelmed by finals.
The first set of finals in college can be a daunting task, and you will wonder how to study properly, because you probably didn't study properly in high school. It will be difficult, but the key is really using your time wisely and making study groups.
So, at the end of the day, to my fellow freshmen out there, we will make it through our first year. So, congrats! And, yes, we probably have had moments like this:
Or, even like this:
But, hey, we made it. We faced the awkward, the scary, the annoying, and the sleep-depriving, and soon we will have finished our first year of college. We seriously done good, and I'm proud of us.
As for my high school seniors out there that are reading this, some of these moments may seem terrible, but I swear, it's all worth it. College is a journey, and at least now you can say:
Yes, you will have more responsibility, but it's good. So good luck with your decisions, and don't fret too much, because at the end of the day, you'll end up at a college that is great for you.
Dear High School Friend Group,
My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.
As much as I love every single one of you, it is not a secret that college and being apart has torn at our friendships a little. Each of us now have our own lives, new people to tell our secrets and gossip too and new people to do weird and goofy things with like we all used to. Things are getting harder in school as we come closer to figuring out what we want to do with our whole lives and that is a little scary. But anyway, we are busy, busy being successful women like we had always planned on doing.
Yes, this is all a little bittersweet. Maybe a little more saddening now that you're reading and realizing how much our lives have actually changed since graduating high school. But, I hope you understand by now that the change is OK! We may have drifted apart, but that is not the end of the world. I think it is important for us to keep in contact as much as possible because we have known each other our whole entire lives and know everything about each other to the tip of a needle. Those kinds of people deserve a spot in your life forever.
This is all becoming so clear to me as I approach the end of the first year of college. The friends I have made in college so far are wonderful and are people who have forever impacted my life and will be around hopefully my whole life. But something else that has come to me is how blessed I am to have you guys as well. Nobody, no matter how close you are to them, will get you like your friend group from high school does.
To my high school friend group, I will no longer call you guys my high school friend group, I will now refer to you as my best friends for life. Because congratulations, you have made it into the next chapter of my life and hopefully, more chapters to come. You all are more than just friends, you are family. I love you all more than you know.
Love,
Your Best Friend for Life
Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.
Here is College in Gifs.
Let's start with move-in day, aka Independence day (it is actually a pretty sad day):
Your parents might even ask you "are you sure this is where you belong?" As much as they might not admit it, they are scared too.
Your first day of classes:
While we all don't want to admit it, behind our brave faces, we are scared.
We are all scared of embarrassment or anything else there is to be scared of. The worst embarrassment ever is walking into the wrong classroom; it is horrible, especially if class has started. Plus, everyone knows that feel of using new school supplies.
All that walking:
Even small campuses seem huge when you leave even a minute later than normal to get to class.
Your first weekend on campus:
What you think you'll be doing:
What you are actually doing:
While many do party as much as they can, it isn't realistic to party every night of the week. You aren't always partying, especially near finals week.
Having so many food options within walking distance:
Some nights you'll feel like ramen, but most nights you will just take the walk to Chick-fil-a or Moe's and eat your little heart out. I mean hey, that's what a meal plan is for, right?
Also, food costs money, and balancing a job with college isn't for anyone, so some nights you would rather sleep through dinner than pay for it.
Finally, Final's Week/Homework all the time:
If you thought you wouldn't have any homework after high school, you are wrong. The difference between high school homework and college homework is that in college if you don't do your homework they don't call your parents, you just fail. Final's Week, you mean "Cry Every Night Week"?
In the end, you are bettering your life. You are ensuring that you have a great future, even if sometimes it is hard. College is an experience you never forget, but it's also a time of discovering who you are and who you want to be in the future. Think of all the people you know that went to college, I guarantee that they all miss their college days, and most of them wish that they could do it all over again. Love every second of college, because one day you are going to wish you took it more seriously or had more fun.
The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.
As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo
Blair Waldorf never failed to let anyone and everyone know that she was in charge, and that wasn't changing anytime soon.
Because who needs a king when you're already the queen?
Not cocky, but most definitely confident. Nothing could ever stand between Waldorf woman and a goal.
Finals are coming up? Yup. Same, Blair!
An all-time favorite and a quote that I always find myself living by. Things are never as bad as one may think and could always be worse.
In a world full of Barney's and Bloomingdale's, this couldn't be closer to the truth. Retail therapy is always a must, and no one did that better than Blair Waldorf.
Considering the fact that I am a FIDM student, I figured this is the most appropriate and relatable Blair quote, and probably the deepest, too.
Blair is not one to be messed with. I always try to channel her boldness in all aspects of my life.
10 Thoughts That Run Through Every College Student's Head
Probably every day.
College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.
"What the hell is going on?"
This thought is almost always paired with a confused look and a glance around the classroom to see if anyone else is as lost as I am. Professors jump from one subject to another and sometimes it's hard to even follow what they are talking about.
"I need to leave."
Let's be real. Students go to class because their grade depends on it. We really don't need to be sitting through a lecture of the same Powerpoint presentation that is online for us to see anyways. We are going to have to reteach ourselves the material come the day of the exam anyways.
"I hate all these people."
From my experiences, lots of the students in my classes are so annoying. Whether they won't shut up in class, they keep texting under their desk, they are snoring, or just being downright rude, people get on my nerves really quickly.
"I think I need a nap."
As I said before, college is not the perfect place for sleep. Whether you are up late because of a dorm party next door or thinking about how much work you have to do, you practically never get sleep. Naps are always a good idea especially when the majority of people are in class.
"I hate Mondays, and Tuesdays, and every day I have class."
Seriously, who likes the days we have to go to class? All we look forward to is the weekend where we can just relax and not think about school (at least for a little while).
"Another paper? Damn, why don't I just write a book!"
My college professors love giving us papers every day of class. It almost seems like writing a book would be so much easier than writing 10-page papers due every week for each subject.
"Don't call on me, don't call on me."
Teachers have a special eye for looking for students who do not want to participate in class. As much as I pray that I will not get called on, it usually always ends up happening. Seriously though, did the teacher see my hand up? No.
"I miss home."
It is undeniable that you will miss home at least once during your time in college. Whether it is your bedroom, your mother's cooking, or your shower, you will miss being at home.
"So much to do! 8 papers, 3 projects, 4 exams... Ugh, I don't even have time to eat, sleep, or breathe."
College is known for slamming students with homework up their eyeballs. It seems like you don't even have time to get all your work done, let alone eat, sleep or any other vital functions.
"I deserve a break!"
Whether it is a 5-minute cell phone break or a month-long holiday break, we deserve to take a break from all the stress and work we have to do.
