I made it. For all four years of high school, I cannot believe that it's finally over. On May, 21st, this past Sunday, I graduated from York High School. What an amazing journey it has been and I am incredibly ecstatic and anxious to see what the next four years will bring. I am truly thankful for everyone who has unconditionally supported me and who has made my high school career worth while. I wouldn't say that it's been a high school musical, but I do think that it has made me appreciate many great things about my experience there.
This post is just your usual thanking post and reflection post. It might not be as interesting as many of my other ones, but for my personal keeping, I would like this post to just be an entire reflection of my high school experience: addressing the goods, the bads, and the uglies.
Posing with my just graduated from college sister, Melissa, and my father who is a Dean at her college in Chicago, have both supported me and given me so much love. Thanks to my English professor (now Dean) dad for always spelling and grammar checking my English papers and also giving me a ton of dad advice because you just do. I know I can count on you for always answering my philosophically irrelevant questions.
Mel, thank you for being my guidance counselor throughout my stressful times and always being the derp you are. I can't wait to see what you do beyond college and I know that you will accomplish all of your hopes and dreams when they come to you. No matter what challenges you face in the real world, I know you will always do amazing things with your writing. 
Obviously I can't forget my beautiful mama. She has truly been my rock throughout all of my school endeavors and I am beyond blessed to have you in my life as a supporter and everyday cheerleader. Also, for telling me to save my money and to make my bed every day. We have been through many ups and downs, but I always know that you will be there for me no matter what.
Finally, to my "little" sister Emily, I am so beyond proud of how grown up you've become. No matter the annoyances or shenanigans you pull, the ukulele playing at 10 o'clock at night, the screaming, or anything else, all in all, you have really impressed me. Thank you for taking all of these incredible photos, especially at prom. I know I put you through some tough times, but that's just what big sisters do, even if you're 5'11. We will be buddies forever and ever. I am so excited to see what your future brings as you flower into an amazing young woman. Yes, woman.
In my time my time at York, I have achieved a few awards: the State Commendation toward Biliteracy for my knowledge and accomplishments with Spanish, the Presidential Award towards Educational Achievement, and the monetary award granted from the entire English department at my school, the Corrine Johnson Scholarship of $500. It was a huge award that I was incredibly honored to receive. Especially since they mentioned my blog and how dedicated to writing I am. I just goes to show how much this blog has truly made an impact in my life.
For anyone reading this, I thank you whole heartedly for supporting all that I have put passion towards and have worked hard for. Not only has this journey been bittersweet, but so self fulfilling and I am ready for whatever comes next. It's not everyday you just graduate high school, for anyone still in high school, I give you this; don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy it. You get one high school experience and it truly is what you make of it. I spent most of it stressing about stupid stuff that doesn't even affect me now. Obviously get good grades and go to class, but one fail or two, move on. Life will bring you many failures and uptakes--embrace them.
It's that time of year again--finals. We hate 'em, we loathe 'em, but we have to take 'em. I have made a few final exam study guides and survival guides in the past, but I love remaking and modifying them. My studying habits change very often, so I think it's fun to share what new ways to study I find.
Since I have just finished my senior year, I am fully done with school and studying until I start college. However, all underclassmen are still in school and have final exams next week.
Organize Your Notes and Lessons
What I love to do before I start any studying is to organize all of the worksheets, notes, and quizzes I have taken in the order of the chapters we studied during class. I find it best to use big binder clips or jumbo paper clips to put together everything.
My whole studying experience has been very easy because of how I prepare all of my material before I even start to review.
Highlight Things You Don't Remember
It's never easy looking back at a semester of material and trying to review everything. If you receive study guides from your teachers or even just in your notes, start to look over things that you need more review on.
Find a Studying Habit
I know it can be extremely hard to get into the groove of studying. Starting to review can seem so difficult and I think it's important to put some time away towards it. I can just start if I put away all of my electronics and shut the door to my bedroom. I need peace and quiet, but sometimes going to a specific place that you don't associate with relaxing, like the library, can be the best habit when studying. You can dedicate a place or even a certain time of day to just studying.
Take Breaks and Pace Yourself
Cramming is not going to get you the grade you want. It's only healthy to pace yourself when you study. That's why studying way before your exam can give you the most stress free studying habits. It's always a good idea to take breaks in between lessons or subjects to refresh and not overwhelm yourself.
I know when I study, I don't ever do it for more than two hours in a sitting. I'll go outside or do some yoga to de-stress and take my mind off of all I need to study and projects I might need to finish. You will get the most out of studying if you take and manage your time wisely.
Use Your Resources
Many schools and the internet have great studying resources that are available for everyone. If you seem to be struggling in a subject, you can always email your teachers or professors to meet up and go over subjects you are unsure about. Most of the time they will be more than happy to help. There are also great websites like vocabulary.com to go over terms and ideas while you are on your phone out and about. It's just a matter of utilizing resources to your advantage.
I could list more and more things to do when studying, but I think these are really the most important to getting and achieving the desired grade you want. It's so surreal to be done with high school and I am so excited and a little nervous as to how my finals will be like in college next year. I know that these tips will surely help me succeed. I know that many people have their own ways and techniques they like to use for exams, so please feel free to share!
Over the past three years of blogging on my site and it almost being the anniversary of it in June, I thought it was time to reflect on what I have done with this blog and what it has taught me. I have learned many things about the blogging world and I think that my writing and content has really bloomed into quality work and dedication. When I first started out, it was in the beginning of summer. Me, my ipod, sitting in the basement of the kids I nanny. I never knew exactly the specific reason I started, but I knew that I was bored and have heard of others doing it.
I love to write and I will continue to love to write for this site. I hope that this blog keeps on growing and growing. From taking pictures on my little, flimsy Ipod nano, to saving up my nannying money to purchase a quality, Canon Dslr camera that I love so dearly and protect with my life. I just recently got a new Macbook, and gosh while technology keeps changing, I am so excited to see what I can do with this computer.
Building a Website is Difficult.
Blogging has not only taught me a ton about blogging and the website world, it has also challenged me greatly because making your own website isn't as easy as it seems. I use Blogger, which many of you know, but creating a totally different type of template and design took probably months for me to figure out and get acclimated to. If you are trying to start a blog, I would suggest using Google's Blogger. I have it connected with my GMail and it is pretty easy to navigate. I would recommend that you do a little research on other sites how to personalize it so you don't have the cringey, default templates. ThemeXpose.com is a really great, free template generator.
Time Management Can be Tough.
I will be a college student next fall and while I am so excited to be starting this new chapter, I have no idea what the workload and what my schedule will be. I post twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been tough at times when I have other events going on, but it's a roller coaster figuring out times to write, take photos, and prepare more posts for the next weeks or so. Not all of my posts are written the day before, otherwise I would probably die of stress. Starting a blog comes with a lot of planning and scheduling, so that's something that has really shaped the way I manage my time and days.
The great thing about having your own blog is that you have the freedom of posting whenever you want. Also, if you get the Blogger app, you can post on your phone if you are on vacation. I like to put myself through that self discipline because I want my blog to really be relevant and seen by people. It's truly your decision on when you want to post, which I have loved...and hated.
Establishing Yourself is Not Easy.
I have already learned that wanting to be the biggest blogger can't happen within a year or two. It took me awhile to get established followers and I'm still trying. I was so blinded by all of the numbers that at one point, my quality of writing kind of stunk. After a considerable break from my blog, I came back with even better ideas. I think the passion needs to be there for the art rather than the numbers and counts of followers you have. If anyone wants to become a blogger just for the popularity or "free stuff", you're in the wrong place.
You Don't Just Get Free Stuff.
Yes I have been asked by companies to review things and put codes into my posts, but I have only said yes to one of those companies. Solely because I wanted the products to be things I would have thought that my readers would love or be interested in. Sure, I was interested in the products, but I didn't want to promote some third party brand that is just reaching out for ad space. While I would love to have big name cosmetics and product brands contact me, the time will come, and I want people to appreciate my writing more than what I get from brands or companies.
You Connect With So Many People.
I have learned that my blogging has built many relationships with people, not just companies. The fact that I get compliments in everyday life is suffice to show just how much I love what I do. I have met people from across the US, Europe, and Asia and that's the kind of work place I want to be in when I am older. I love meeting new people and I am so glad that blogging allows me to do that.
Remember Who You Are and Why You Write.
Sometimes as a creator, we forget to think about the main reason we write and make content. Sure, I love talking about the things I love, but if the passion isn't there, the quality tends to sink. There are thousands upon thousands of bloggers out there who basically do the same thing I do. Why would we want to listen to you? That's the question I constantly ask myself whenever I open my dashboard. Sometimes, taking a break to get the inspiration flowing can be the best medicine. I know for sure that I have had writer's block and couldn't become inspired. Many bloggers influence what I write, review, or how I conduct things on my blog, but I try to keep it myself as best as I can. It's so important to remember that.
I'm sure I could ramble on about more good and bad things about blogging that I have come to learn over the past years, but I'll spare it until I write about what I have learned 3 more years from now. If you are a loyal reader and like what I post, I truly appreciate the support you all give me and even a little comment makes me happy. It's great to know people are reading and enjoying my writing.
It's a little unclear as to what I am going to experience in college, but I am so excited to see how my blog flourishes and grows even more as I meet new people. If you are wanting to start a blog, do it. I have had the best experiences with it and wouldn't trade it for the world.
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