Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Words cannot describe what graduating after the peak of a global pandemic is like but above every challenge we have faced this year—we did it. I remember the first day of freshman year and navigating the mundane college struggles like living with two roommates in the same room, trying to figure out the "L" system, spending all of my hours in the John T. Richardson library, or fighting over space in the mini fridge.
It all seems very surreal in the moment. Flash forward four years with a virtual commencement underway and finishing online classes on a random weekday, I can proudly say that DePaul has prepared me for what's to come.
On June 12th, I will be graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising, with minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. I always knew that I wanted to major in communications, and this blog was actually an inspiration for pursuing it. As well as, my love for immersing myself in a language and a life long passion for the outdoors, I knew I could make the most of my studies at DePaul and discover more about myself and what inspired me to engage and have a strong tenacity to learn as much as I could.
I have always loved being creative, writing, and brainstorming new ways to bring stories to life. Little did I know that I would be able to lead not one but two on-campus organizations, Her Campus DePaul and DePaul PRSSA, study abroad in Europe, and get to help other writers during my time at DePaul as a peer writing tutor. I have many thanks to give to my family, friends, colleagues, professors, and those who have constantly supported me to pursue and challenge my creativity, but also my drive to lead and build community during my time in college.
I've hit some roadblocks along the way, but it was nothing that I couldn't handle with a little help from my support systems that were crucial during these formative years. I know everybody is going to experience college differently, but I wouldn't change anything about my experiences at DePaul.
As a new chapter begins for me as I become an Insight and Analytics Intern at Golin, a progressive public relations agency in the heart of the Hancock Tower, I will take with me everything that DePaul has taught me and more. I have admired Golin for their commitment to social purpose and environmental, social, and governance, which is where I hope to pursue transformative work that challenges the narrative and creates lasting change within our communities.
In sum, whatever your journey may be—graduating college or just deciding if college is right for you—I think one thing will always remain a constant:
Stay true to yourself and continue to persist in your goals no matter what.
Thank you, DePaul <3
Nobody told me that finding a job would be easy, and I never expected them to. Entering the job force after the peak of a pandemic and economic downfall is not something I imagined myself having to navigate. Let alone virtual interviews and lots of 'em. It feels like the weeks are just counting by interview after interview and application after application. I realize that everyone's job search looks a bit different, so I thought I would update you all on how my "progress" has been and ways I've continued to stay motivated after you've made that interview.
To be quite honest, nothing can prepare you more than just doing the interviews themselves. I've been lucky enough to have guides that have helped me anticipate what interviewers are going to ask or how I can cater my questions, but you don't know until you apply yourself and try it out. I know how intimidating it can be, especially meeting random executives and managers via Zoom.
Keep Going...
I have already had a couple leads so far with some companies that I love who have offered me follow-up interviews, pending applications are still in the works, and yes, I have received a couple of rejections already. The point of it being, you keep going. Keep applying. Keep interviewing. You never know what door might open, and you will never know, unless you keep pursuing opportunities and maintain your connections.
Keep Connecting...
And if it's connections that you don't have, actively participate and engage with your past co-workers, classmates, and professors. Initiate conversations with those around you who might also align with your passions and career aspirations. Don't just talk to them for a connection to a job, though. Follow-up, check in, and make sure that they know you're here to make an authentic connection with them and not just a transactional exchange. We can finesse all we want, but employers, recruiters, and professionals in your industry are going to recognize your effort to connect and want to learn more about you.
Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up
Who ever needs to hear this, me included, don't let turn downs and rejection letters diminish your qualifications and self-worth. Imposter syndrome can be so real when we are scrolling through LinkedIn seeing everyone's exciting announcements and job wins, so much, we digress and doubt everything we've ever worked for. The truth? There are a lot of other factors that play into the job hiring process, so don't take it personally.
I know I haven't been in this industry for long, but long enough to know that everything might seem like it's fine and dandy and out of the blue you get turned down. There were some companies already that I knew I might have dodged a bullet with, so I would just trust the process and continue to pursue more opportunities. The right company or job will find you, but that means also putting in the work, moving past rejection, and applying yourself 110% no matter what.
Writing this post has already helped me realize that this process of finding a job is not going to be an easy one, but I have what it takes to be prepared. I know the qualifications I have and the work that I've done—so, don't ever let a recruiter or employee tell you otherwise. At the end of the day, doing these interviews and applying yourself is going to pay off and you will know yourself more than you ever did going into it. Don't lose hope. I'm right there with yuh!
A Never Ending Story...
Like thousands of millions of people, finding a job during the middle of a pandemic is stressful to say the least. I feel for many people who have lost their jobs, been furloughed, and who have to now adapt to working remotely. This process is never a light undertaking and in fact, as a college senior, I have been more overwhelmed trying to navigate career options.
As internship applications and entry level job opportunities roll out come spring, I have been making the most of the hyper-virtual landscape we're living in to best optimize the job search. In all honesty, I have no idea exactly what I want to do, but I have a few ideas of where I want to start. As a major in public relations and advertising, most entry level jobs are on the Assistant Account Executive level in a lot of mid-size and large PR agencies.
With Chicago being the epicenter of public relations agencies and communication firms, there are a lot to choose from. I'm lucky enough to have been able to facilitate close relations with employees through PRSSA, which has allowed me to develop a close-knit network and get to know some of the HR recruiters pretty well. At this point, I am weighing all options and with an open mind. I realize, though, that not many people have those resources, so here are a few things I've been doing to get my career options on track that I've found to alleviate the stress and pressure in finding job opportunities fully remote.
Sprucing Up my Resume
One of the easiest things you can do that will make you stand out to recruiters is updating your resume and work experience on a document that is cohesive and easy to read. There are a lot of companies that can provide resume reviews and even your college's career center can be a big help with them. I think color and a unique font that is readable and sophisticated is a great way to stand out as recruiters go through hundreds of them a day.
I was thinking of doing a blog post solely on creating a great resume, so stay tuned! It's always important to start compiling your past work and education experiences so that you can develop a sense of what transferable skills you've learned and how you can elevate your experiences to cater to a position you might apply for in the future.
Maintaining Relations Within my Network
One of the best ways you can stay connected is through LinkedIn. There's also Handshake and the new app, Clubhouse, where you can stay up to date on all things in your desired industry. You can connect with people who work at places you dream of working at, start a conversation with an intern to get a feel for the work they do, or share your portfolio with prospective recruiters, too!
I always try to follow up with people I've met at professional development events, conferences, or who I worked with in previous roles to maintain those relations and perhaps increase my chances of finding an opportunity through those connections, as well. While it's great to build your professional connections, you treat these people as friends, mentors, and guides. You're able to display your authentic self and make your personal brand known.
Creating Informal Coffee Chats
Something I did that extremely helped with keeping in touch was setting up virtual coffee chats with every entry level employee, strategic planner, AAE, and recruiter I have met (or have not met) to get a feel for what has changed within the industry, how the company is adapting to the new landscape, and what future opportunities or roles might become available in the future. Not only are you getting to share more about you and your experiences, recruiters and fellow employees can put a face to the resume when applying comes around. It will be one of the most important ways to let recruiters know you're dedicated because you actively reached out and pitched yourself to people you don't even know.
If you do even just these three things, I am confident you will find opportunities come your way. If there's anything I've learned the most throughout my public relations career so far, it's that developing a network is so important and crucial to building a career in a field that requires you to be a go-getter. I am ready to take on any job at full force, wherever it may lead me.
The possibility of home school never dawned on me until my college started offering online classes to freshmen who were looking for ways to manage their workload and also not have to commit to time management when they could do their work whenever they wanted. I refused to take online classes because I thrive in learning environments where I can see and talk to people. All of that has changed and I wouldn't have thought that finishing my last year of college fully remote was the reality I am now living.
I have always been one to have a well-managed routine and a pretty good way with a planner or two. So, as surprised as I am to say this, online learning is probably one of the best things that has happened to me. As a daughter of two teachers, I understand the value of the classroom (as I loved being in one years before), but there is just something so empowering about being able to tackle the work I want to do at my own pace. Nevertheless, I miss seeing my friends and collaborating with classmates the most, but since we all have to be somewhat active online, I can become more active in reading about people's lives, the work they're doing, and be more mindful about the way I respond to others.
It took a while for me to find a place where I could separate work and school from everything else. Our house is already extremely cozy and humble as it is, so when my sisters are home it is really hard to separate and find a place to focus. My bedroom, of all places, was the only option. Thankfully, I have this really nice desk that I've only ever used as a vanity and now converted to my classroom, event "space," and tutoring desk. Every now and then I would leave my room and tutor at the dining room table, but I found the most effective area I could do work at was in my room.
When I was at school, I would spend hours at our college library and just cram or hash out a paper. It was a place where I could focus and detach from feeling like I could do work on my bed and not be as productive as I would at a sturdy table. The atmosphere makes all the difference. Keeping your workspace clean is also another motivator, so be sure to have some sort of organizer system to keep your notebooks and things!
Becoming a Mindful Responder...
There were a lot of times during my in-person college days when I just could not function. Usually Mondays, but depending on the time of day, I would just melt into my desk and fear I'd have to participate. It's not something I do on the regular, but we all have those days. Now that I'm learning online, I can make time for myself to actively and mindfully respond to classmates over discussion boards or giving accurate and effective tutoring feedback on papers. I've noticed that I am more willing to respond and also I can choose what I want to respond to. Not only that, but within emails too. I am not just responding to respond, like I would on a day in class where participation felt forced at times.
Keeping in Contact...
I'm extremely grateful to have had the opportunities to connect with so many amazingly talented and dedicated people during college. But the social life of being a senior this year is non-existent. When a lot of people might have been tailgating, not cramming for finals, or having the common case of senioritis set in, it's been hard to find that sense of community online. Keeping in contact with my past roommates, friends, and even professors has been the most helpful in relieving that sense of isolation.
You have to put in the effort, but I've definitely had a few wine nights and happy hours with friends, coordinated time to decompress with past professors, or made more time to meet up with my co-workers or meet some new members of organizations I'm in through our mentorship programs. The social dynamic has changed, but I feel more supported than ever.
Those were just a few tid-bits of how I've been able to remain grounded and active with my last year of college. I am remaining grateful for those developing three years and am lucky enough to have been able to establish myself and make the most of the opportunities at DePaul. While I begin to focus on the next steps of my career during my time at home (and having the perks of saving on rent), I am looking forward to celebrating this chapter and am optimistic for what's to come.
While I don't consider myself a Bibliophobe, or someone who hates reading, I think it is safe to say that many people have anxiety when it comes to opening the cover of a book and investing all of their time into a story they know nothing about. My averseness to reading started at a young age, filled with timed reading tests and rhetorical analyses. I dreaded it. There is a true saying that as you grow older, you grow out of bad habits and distastes. I feel like I've now come to appreciate the wonders of a new book, finding escapism through different worlds and new narratives to become immersed in.
Living with English professors and writers did me justice, but I think the noise and constant tremor of the internet has lead me to other things outside of social media rhetoric and into new worlds I discover in books. As someone who was a non-reader before, I have found a couple handy ways to reassess this distaste for reading and a motivation to find books I actually like reading, as well.
This can be probably one of the hardest steps to finding a good book and to start liking to read again. Books we read in school were forced upon us with a strict list of classics and not much room to explore multiple genres beyond Charles Dickens or F. Scott Fitzgerald. Walking into a library alone can seem intimidating and now that we can't go into libraries as we used to at our own leisure, finding books now can seem even more tedious.
For someone like me who likes mixed genres or doesn't exactly know the exact type of book they like, the stress of finding the "perfect" book to read can seem daunting. However, I confided in a book club to help me start my genre discovery. I have Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine bookclub to thank for that. I know what you're thinking, Natalie, there are SO many other great types of books out there! And I hear you, but this is what has worked for me and I've come to love the variety of authors and genres I've read so far. Reading is a unique journey for everybody, so be open to discovering book recommendations from other people who might be interested in the same topics you are.
Avoid Decision Fatigue...
Much like finding a book, choosing the book can be a much more stressful and exhausting idea. But to put it simply—it doesn't matter which book you choose as long as you read it. Don't go to Barnes and Noble, go to understocked book stores or smaller libraries so that you're not bombarded.
Making a decision on what book to read can be so draining, and I've been there. You can also subscribe to reading lists, book subscriptions, or find a Little Free Library around your neighborhood to make the choice a lot more easier.
Make Reading Time a Part of Your Time...
So many people I know say they want to start reading again, but that "there's not enough time" to dedicate to it. I think it's BS because all of that time spent on our phones—which is an average of 12 hours and 9 minutes per day—could be spared to sit down and digest a couple chapters of a book. Focus is a muscle and the desire for easy entertainment is like a craving for junk food. Rather than binge watching Netflix, it will feel a lot more gratifying to recount books you've read and actively consume something more worthwhile to your mental rigor than Tik Tok videos late at night.
I try to start reading at least an hour or so before I go to bed. That way, my eyes are not strained by blue light and reading will naturally help me fall asleep. Plus, you'll be able to remember what you read when you wake up since it will be fresh on your mind. If you can dedicate a separate time for reading, when you are most motivated and have the most focus, it's definitely a more suitable entertainment option. Plus, it drowns out the noise of social media.
It's easy to forget that reading is a privilege not an obligation. We are not forced to read anything, and school has definitely stripped away our enjoyment of reading—no 12 year old should have to read Shakespeare. We are so lucky to have access to millions of new perspectives, ideas, and stories in our history. Oscar Wilde said it best: It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
Books can be as easily accessible as you make them to be, nothing is beyond your reach. I love that books can allow me to travel through time, learn from remarkable people, and discover complex topics that challenge me and alter my way of thinking. It will only be a matter of time when going a day without reading will be unfathomable, so why wait?
Fall is finally here and I think the majority has been waiting for this time of year since January. The leaves have finally started to show some amber and maroon shades, there's a bite to the wind, and you already know I've had a Pumpkin Spice Chai or two. What I love about this season is making my place cozy, warm, and inviting—much like I set out this blog to be! I know decorating can be a great seasonal hobby for some, but for college students on a budget (and for those who might not feel like going to TJ Maxx or Home Goods for the 20th time this week), here are some extremely budget friendly ways to get your place feeling like Gilmore Girls without breaking the bank.
Switching Out Textiles...
A simple reshuffle of pillows and throws can make all the difference on the coziness meter of your space. Whether it's changing out a pillow case or flipping over a blanket, it is so easy to make a space feel more inviting and warm with tons of textiles and fuzzy cushions. You can't go wrong with more pillows! Pulling out a fun wicker basket to store them in for friends and family is also a nice considerate touch.
At Your Local Dollar Store...
The best way to gather inspiration for fall decor on a budget is at your local Dollar Tree or Dollar General. I always find the most inexpensive decor pieces and craft items, more specifically, to create unique and intricate seasonal pieces. I was inspired to create this fall wreath by my cousins who had a wreath making night, so I decided to recruit my good friend to try and create a small one with things I could find either around the house or only from the Dollar Tree. All of the leaves, pinecones, ribbon, string, and even the foam wreath itself were found for less than $10. Instead of gluing everything, we were able to cut the pieces and stick them right into the foam. Here are 32 Easy DIY Fall Wreath ideas! A mini wreath like this will get any door or candle looking festive.
Walls can use a little spruce with updated art and prints! I think the color and patterns on the walls can really impact the warmth of a room, so why not use prints to amplify it even more? No need to go out and buy new prints when you can either draw or paint, reuse, or update old pictures on the walls.
I love to save my old Rifle Paper Co. calendars and cut them out so I have an array of prints to cycle through and ones that can be perfect for every time of the year. I've never been to Copenhagen, but this print sure makes me want to go! You could even try newspaper or magazine covers to create a collage on my bulletin board as I have with my old film photographs for a vintage and eclectic type of look.
The best way to instantly make your house feel and smell autumnal is to bake to your heart's content. I made cinnamon banana-nut bread this weekend and even made some extra loaves for later. There are many simple recipes, so here is an inspired banana walnut bread recipe that I love to refer to. I've seen people drying orange slices, roasting cinnamon almonds, and making all of the pumpkin spice flavored baked goods you could dream of. Find the ingredients laying around and you might be surprised at what you can concoct.
This time of year brings so much joy as the seasons change and it shouldn't have to cost you. There should be no pressure to "update" your fall decor because there are so many easy ways to refresh and revitalize what you already have laying around your house. I've even made a #fallfeels2020 Spotify playlist to set the mood and that's really all you need.
This time of year is meant for big changes and also letting go of things that are built up inside us. If there's one thing I know well, it's reorganizing and redecorating a space, which can always be a mood booster. Don't let the seasonal blues get you down and be inspired to create the coziest abode you desire! What are some budget friendly things you do to make your space feel more autumnal?
And just like that, we're in September...
Summer felt a lot like limbo and not being so sure as to what to do with my time. August, being my favorite month, of course, always blinks past while fall sneaks around the corner. I have to say, being in lockdown has had its benefits. One being, I'm not overly anxious going back to school. Partially because I know I'll be home for awhile until I can move back into the city, but also because I just cannot wait for cozy nights in and Harry Potter marathons with Cooper snuggled up after a long day of online learning. I will miss football season actually. Even though DePaul doesn't have a team, it's the spirit that brings out the true fall feelings, amirite?
It was really easy to just stay home when we were told to stay home, but me and so many others are itching to get out and take advantage of the summer time there is left. However, I feel like things are slightly shifting to a new "busy normal," with many schools already back in session and peaks of falling leaves and cooler evenings approaching. So, here is my monthly roundup:
01. Begin planning for my senior year. Now that moving is out of the question, I've been getting acquainted with my professors and their way-to-early syllabus postings that I cannot ignore because I'm Type A and need to prepare, as you know. This year will be different, but I'm going into it with an open mind, more excitement than anxiety, and ready to enjoy my last year of college. I've been so uptight and structured these past three years, so I am ready to manifest a go-with-the-flow mentality—as quarantine has taught me so well. I have two internships already under my belt, so I am ready to take on my next professional journey come winter or spring.
02. Taking my camera out more. I will be fully honest—I have failed at being more creative with my photography skills. For one thing, iPhones are great for photography, so whenever I think I need my camera, I opt for my phone instead because it's easy to use and is always on me. Being at home has been uninspiring to say the least, and I'm kicking myself for not bringing it to Oregon last week (yes, I had a fun getaway out there!). Maybe it's the limited number of lenses I own or lack of motivation to switch up my style. I mean, photography takes. time. I want to start doing more creative flat lays, possibly interior themed posts, and find a new style that I like shooting.
03. Start a running goal. I quit my yoga membership recently due to the pandemic and haven't been inspired to start it back up again. I feel at my most healthiest and motivated when I actually want to be doing yoga, but it has felt repetitive, so I got into running on the treadmill and around my neighborhood to switch things up a bit. I found out that a vibing playlist does wonders for people who get bored while they run like me. I get up early and make a goal to run at least a mile straight to boost my energy and usually my mood is set for the day. For a while, I felt like I was in an inactive funk, but I think my body just craved something else, and that's okay!
04. Thrifting, thrifting, thrifting! My sister Melissa and I have been super into thrifting this summer (socially distanced, of course) and there's something about the thrill of the hunt. Not only is it exciting, it's also sustainable! Usually, I'm not looking for anything in particular, but big blue mason jars have been at the top of my list. You can find me in the knick knack section going through all of the picture frames, that are far too overpriced regularly, or at the book section. Clothes can be tricky, but I just found a pair of Sorel boots, which I am actually selling on Poshmark, and you can check out here!
That's my month for you all! Pretty laid back before classes start. It's hard to look even a week ahead nowadays, does anyone else feel that way? How does your September look?
You can smell fall in the air! Chicago was remarkably cooler than it was in September and the trees are finally starting to turn. It has been a very busy month, but I have high hopes for October because this is my favorite time of the year. Fall girl clichés and all. Everything just feels right: the leaves, the fake pumpkin-flavored everything, football, and all there is to love about fall. Fall in the city is just the best.
September is one of those really busy months where everyone is assimilating a routine. October, on the other hand, is one of those really cozy months and I always find that I can actually find a groove—it still holds true. There's a lot of promise in October, but also a lot of really fun and exciting things going on for me.
01. Tomorrow I'm actually going to see one of my all-time favorite bands since my freshman year of high school, Bastille, perform for the third time. I've gone to every one of their tour concerts for every new album they have released since 2015. I always think about artists that I've listened to throughout different stages of my life and Bastille has been the most prominent and influential to me. They've really adapted an alternative indie-pop sound that I've always vibed with and I don't think I'll ever stop listening.
02. This month will be the start of my writing tutor journey! I've never been a tutor before, but when I was looking into on-campus jobs, this one seemed to align perfectly with what I love and do pretty much every day. It has been a lot, to be honest, I mean starting a new job and learning the mechanics has been a bit to take on at first, but I know I will develop a rhythm and a feel for it as I continue to practice more this month. So far I have completed all of my tutoring observations and will be leading a tutoring session this week, so we will see how it goes!
03. The fam and I will be heading to Door County, Wisconsin later this month for a fall break outing. In the past, we used to camp up there in Peninsula State Park, but have just been so busy lately that we haven't been able to make a trip. It's the perfect fall weekend getaway. There's pumpkin picking, fall fests, cozy bonfires by the lake, kettle corn, drive-in movie theaters, and my favorite part is always the tunnel of deep reds and vibrant yellows of trees as you drive into town. Door County is the definition of the perfect fall.
There is so much to love about this season and I'm sure many feel the same way. It's a new month and a new change that I am taking in with a cozy embrace and of course with a Netflix binge of Gilmore Girls. With all that is good, I've learned to also take this month to let some things go—just like the leaves. What is your favorite thing about fall?
In a matter of five weeks, I will be starting my junior year of college. WOW. How has the time gone by? I don't like to toot my own horn, but I am very excited (and nervous) for this year—but mainly excited. I had no idea where I was going to be my junior year of high school, let alone college.
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| Read more about Her Campus and what we do, here! |
I have to say, these have been the most amazingly challenging and discovering years for me. Having this blog along the way has helped me through it to say the least. And I hope you, too! College has been a fun ride and I'm really not ready for it to end. Of all the experiences I have had, friends that I've made, opportunities given and found, DePaul has without a doubt been one of the best decisions I've made in my life and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Here is what I will be looking forward to this year...
01. A better sense of belonging. Freshman year was hard to get my footing, especially when everything is new and unknown. I struggled to find a "group" or club and this year I have two that I love, Her Campus DePaul and DePaul PRSSA. Both career-driven organizations, but also just amazing groups of people.
My junior year will be filled with new responsibilities, new chances to get involved, and more people to meet and connect with.
02. Being the co-president of Her Campus DePaul. This group means so much to me. Her Campus Media is a student-run online magazine where students can completely express themselves. It's my baby. This past year I was an editor, social media director, and copywriter for it—my passions grew so much so that I was nominated for the lead position and I am so excited to start this journey and see this group of powerful ladies grow! It's groups like these that stay with us forever.
Being in this group has not only allowed me to explore career options, but also get hands-on experience in the public relations field by going to agency visits, hosting workshops, writing for their exPRess blog, and also being able to network with some of the top PR professionals. I am looking forward to our district conference this year and to take part in the production of it all.
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| That smize though :D |
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| What are you looking forward to this year? |
04. My new roommate! I am so excited to be living with one of my good friends, Taylor this year. We'll be living on campus in an apartment together and have already started planning how everything is going to look. It'll be really nice to have a shared space with someone I know since the past two years I've lived with random roommates. I will probably do an apartment tour as I did last year, I got very lucky with last year's apartment, as it was much bigger, but I think you all will still be curious to see how we decorate it.
05. Internships and internships galore. I already have an internship that I am beginning to love. It's with a boutique PR agency in Chicago called Papergirl PR and Marketing. Already I've learned so much, and it doesn't stop there! I want to have multiple skillsets so I will be on the lookout for paid internships this year like crazy. Might stress me out, but who knows what will come my way.
06. Seeing my writing evolve this year. I hope that with this writing tutor job I will be taking on that I will learn a few more things about writing and also other people's writing. I get so used to seeing and reading my own, Her Campus has helped with that, but tutoring will be beyond another level. I start training for it at the end of the summer and am curious to see how big of a job it will be.
As amazing as it all is, I have many worries to be quite honest. One of them is if I can manage to balance it all this year.
It can be hard to find your spot in college, but within a matter of time, you will have fifty things on your plate and wonder how it all got there. I think this year will be the best yet. What are you looking forward to the most?
It felt like a dream.
One minute I was in Chicago, the next I was walking around the beaches of Cannes not missing any of Chicago's inclement weather, and breathing in the fresh French Riviera ocean air. A dream it was. Now that I'm finally home after three weeks, reminiscing all of the moments and memories I made, I think it's about time to share my adventures studying abroad in France, The Netherlands, and Spain. All countries have very different, rich cultures, and I was eager to explore it all.
My two professors, Juan and Marshall, worked very hard to manage a group of 15 girls and one guy. We were all very grateful to have two experienced travelers and prestigious DePaul advertising professors who taught us during our three weeks. The international advertising program consisted of our professors giving us briefs every Sunday catered towards a global client that we had to create an entire advertising campaign for—an opportunity to really build our portfolios on a global scale. Stay tuned because I will be including my final portfolio within the next week.
Advertising was not something I considered to be a career trajectory because if you're like a lot of people, all you want to do is skip an ad, mute the commercials, swipe past catalogs on your browser, and upgrade to no-ad premium subscriptions. All of which I have participated, but this trip made me see ads differently. Not as a way to sell or manipulate, but to share messages and facilitate authentic connections with people. Sure I'll still skip an ad, but this industry is really challenged by the way that ads shape our culture and an impatient one at that. It takes real talent to make people like advertising and it amazes me at how impactful a slogan, a word, a picture of a hamburger, or a puppy-monkey-baby can make #1 on Superbowl Sunday.
Cannes, France
This is me happy in my new French dress that I bought at a store called Mango.
After surviving a surprisingly pleasant eight-hour flight into Zurich, Switzerland and a connection to Nice, France, we were off to Cannes for the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, which isn't the Cannes Lions Film Festival, but close. It is an annual five-day celebration of some of the largest leading names in the ad industry, as well as, celebrity guests who discuss and honor their creative achievements this past year. It felt like an honor to be there, especially as a student. The festival is commonplace for creative minds and innovators. There were brainstorming workshops and creative presentations that everyone was able to experience. Every day we were required to visit two talks and reflect on them as our daily homework assignment. We saw the CEO of Edelman, John Legend, Laura Dern, Big Sean, Katie Couric, Kerry Washington, Jeff Goldblum, and many more.
The parties were filled with complimentary food and drinks (which we definitely took advantage of), fun activities like photo booths and playground equipment, and a chance to mingle with all of the professionals and presenters there. Though some of us just danced the night away and forgot we were here to get work done. It truly felt like a vacation.
I also met a Youtuber Caspar Lee, who I used to watch when I was a tween and just shouted his name at Pinterest Beach. We walked around the streets with an abundant amount of shopping and amazing seafood and French cuisine—escargot, of course. It felt like I was living in a fairytale and all of my stresses went away. No one can be unhappy in a place like that. Not even the accordion playing man.
We also took a free day to explore the island of Sainte Marguerite and took a train to Monaco to celebrate my group's success as we won our first campaign, named France 20/20, and did we gamble? Well, I definitely splurged a bit that weekend.
This was taken on Twitter Beach alongside Juan Mundel (middle) and a visiting professor Julie Ferguson (left) on a warm, sunny day filled with engaging presentations and happy hour.
This was taken after my big girl purchase at Gucci and a much-needed refreshment in Monaco, Monte Carlo. You can tell how blissful I looked and felt.
I fell in love with France, swimming in the sparkling blue water, perfect sunsets, beautiful people, amazing parties, delicious food, and constantly exhausting the phrase "Merci beaucoup". I really want to go back and explore different parts of the country. It all went by a little too fast, but we were all ready to move onto our next city, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We arrived in Amsterdam during an inferno heatwave and were all wishing we were back at the beach, but we were also very excited to see the brownstones and canals as we bused up to our hotel.
Bikers dominated the streets and everyone was ready to see the new city, but also focus on our work this week. We were earning for a bit more structure in our schedule after all that partying and met at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences every day from 9 to 12 to work with some of the students we got to meet and hang out with after class.
One of the many canals and bridges I saw during my trip. The bikes border the entire bridge.
Amsterdam is a very unique city, after class, we would work on our campaigns promoting a new coffeeshop to arrive in Chicago, these are basically cafés that legally sell weed, which was a very interesting thing to experience. So many people smoke weed there, it smells in every alley. We also toured the canals, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, did the Heineken Experience and explored the brewery, and biked along the countryside to see some windmills.
I felt like Amsterdam was very similar to Chicago in some ways like the amount of traffic, the proximity of every bar and landmark, the diverse demographics, and so many different types of restaurants. Moroccan, Indonesian, Argentinan places, etc. Also, the canals were as murky as the Chicago River. Some days the weather was actually breezy and cool like the city. I was surprised at how I could feel a little at home there. 
Amsterdam is known to have a lot of nightlife, so I was going to bed around midnight every night and the sun never set until 10:30. We kept saying that time never exists in Europe.
I really enjoyed having the whole day to do everything and not feel like I had to rush to do activities while it was still daylight. Amsterdam was very different than the two other cities. One that was more frugal, modernized, and progressive.
My favorite parts of Amsterdam were along the canals and finding small boutiques, thrift shops, bars along the water, and eating as many stroopwafels as I could before we left. I also really loved walking down the side streets in the residential areas and peeking through balconies and getting a feel of what living there was like. It felt like we were walking through a movie.
These were some of the Dutch students we got to meet, work with, and spend time with. I got close to the girl named Jette (pronounced yett-a) and two boys, Terry (left) and Nathan (right).
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has a special place in my heart. I think I fell in love with it the most. For some reason, I found a connection with this city more than the others. I was able to speak and understand Spanish and could communicate with the locals. It was a revealing practice of my self-confidence and boldness, for sure. It's empowering to know a language and that's why I plan on continuing my studies with Spanish at DePaul.
After a while, I got very comfortable talking to people and asking around for the best tapas places. Our first night there we made it a goal to get tapas and sangria. Which inspired our last advertising brief which was to make McDonald's now serve tapas–McTapas. This was the hardest challenge for me because I struggled to elevate something that was already as good as it is, Mcdonald's, but now with tapas. I tried so hard to think of something more creative, outside the box, but sometimes maintaining brand equity in advertising has the most successful feedback.
I was on a mission to find an authentic painted fan and I found this beautiful one, along with two for my sisters, at a MercerÃa, which sells handmade fans of all colors and flamenco costumes. I made sure to bring it to our flamenco show—it also saved me and my friends from overheating.
We explored the historic alleyways of Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the shopping district, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gaudi's House, and scoped out where the Cheetah Girl's filmed their second movie and all of the markets where I got to try kangaroo meat (it does taste like jerky) and drink lots of sangria.
We had a rooftop pool at our hotel, so on very hot afternoons during siesta time (between 1 and 4) we spent swimming after class and some people even made it to the beach. I also loved just staring at the architecture around every corner of the city. Terra cotta roofs, intricate balconies, breathtaking cathedrals, I definitely got some inspiration from them. Our Fourth of July was spent seeing Flamenco dancers and treating our professors to a final salud at a local pub.
I was very fortunate to have had this experience. I mean, it was a trip of a lifetime. Every moment was just amazing and there is so much more that I want to share, but also keep for myself to remember. Thankfully, there were no problems, issues, breakdowns, injuries—nada. I made lasting friendships and connections with people that I will carry on forever. I would one hundred percent recommend studying abroad to any college student thinking about it. Apply now, do it, you will regret it.
I never had doubts about applying for this trip. I knew exactly how bad I wanted to go and I persisted. I remember being so nervous because we had to interview for this program and it meant so much to me. On one of our first nights in France, I was standing on an old church ruin on the hilltop Notre Dame d'Espérance overlooking Cannes and just cried. I was so grateful to experience a view so perfect and a trip that my whole family probably wouldn't be able to ever go on together. Traveling is expensive. This was not something I could just "come up with," but every penny spent was worth it and I am willing to pay that debt.
There can be so much worry that aligns with travel and I'm sure there are lots of other reasons, such as financial, for why it is so hard to drop everything and get on an airplane. However, as clichè as it sounds, I want to lead a life of adventure and knowing that I can get out of my comfort bubble if I just allow myself to be open and spontaneous. I have to work for it.
I learned much about patience, maturity, problem-solving, adapting to a new culture, communication skills, and more about myself in the past three weeks than I have in college for two years already. I knew I was going to learn something more about myself and knowing that I can do it on my own makes me motivated to reach for these big, life-changing decisions and take risks every once in a while. These are experiences that I will take with me through life.
Traveling can be a very emotionally challenging, personality revealing, stress enduring, and life-changing time—I have proved to myself that I can do it. I hope you've enjoyed reading the beginning of my travel journey. If you have dreams of travel, continue to work towards it.
Someone once told me that if you aren't scared of your dreams, then they aren't big enough.
Where should I travel to next?
As I begin to prepare for what seems like a trip of a lifetime, I literally today have started getting everything I need and packed. Honestly, packing is one of my favorite things to do, but one of my largest pitfalls because I overpack SO much. The places I'm going to, France, the Netherlands, and Spain for three weeks are all going to be pretty warm during the day, but I still can't rely on just my knowledge of Chicago weather and think that all countries get extremely hot days next to extremely cold and rainy ones.
This trip has required me to do some research and a lot of asking around to see what other people's experiences were like travelling abroad. I got a lot of mixed information from a lot of sources based on personal preferences, ages, time of the year travelling, and just an overall consensus that travelling is really dependent on many factors and is different for everyone. My feelings toward studying abroad is mostly excitment, mixed with a little bit of nerves, but I think it's all normal and my attitude about it all is go with the flow and open to trying new things.
For one thing I really don't know how I am going to be on an eight hour flight, but it has to be better than a 21 hour bus ride to Florida. The excitment of going and getting there will make it all feel fast. I would say I am a pretty good traveler, but going in a big group can be overwhelming at times just based on the fact that we all need to work seamlessly together.
Being with a group of students can really relieve discomfort and I am grateful that I have a big group to relate to and get to know more. To be honest, I have already connected with some of the girls in our class. I'm sure that I will come back with new friendships. You know while traveling with a lot of people can ease the feeling of homesickness, I also really like to keep to myself at times. I know we have packed schedules each day, but sometimes all I want to do is chill out and not worry about other people. Pacing myself in this aspect will be necessary if I'm going to need times to reboot during the trip.
I have the expectation that all is going to be great, but I also have expectations that there will be times that I feel sad, confused, distraught, lost, etc. Being in a new place, for an extended period of time with people I hardly know yet, can bring up these feelings and I want to make sure that my headspace doesn't dwell on these things because I am there to enjoy every minute of the trip and make the most out of everything available to me. Embracing the sense of the unknown, figuring out how to navigate, and adapting to new social sitations will be a test for me.
I know there are many people who have already travelled to a ton of different countries and probably remember the first time they traveled abroad for the first time, too. I don't really know what to expect, how everything is going to go, but the people that have made this possible at my college really know what they're doing and are well experienced in it.
The emotions I have are totally normal and I think I am more than ready to have this experience. As I am writing this now, within a week I will be away and my plans for blogging are going to be on hold as I take in everything I can while I'm away. I will be documenting my travel and of course, sharing a post about it as soon as I get back in early July.
When I think about all the things that could happen, I try to remember that fear is probably the main factor that pulls people away from experiencing the world and going beyond what they know. I really want to travel as much as I can and that takes a lot of strength and mind power to do, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Let me know what your travel plans are this summer! I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Bon Voyage!
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