"Try walking in my shoes...you'll stumble in my footsteps." #YesAllWomen and Why it is Important

I started writing this post last night, but I totally passed out. 
It was a long day full of joy for my little sister Jasmin, who graduated high school today. In society nowadays, it's pretty common for women to further their education and achieve high honors. With that said, I am happy she is finally a QO alumni and I am super excited for her to start her journey at Towson University this upcoming fall. 
But yet...I still worry.
Not about her as a person or her life decisions...but the fact that she will be in an environment which will leave her more vulnerable to the dangers of the world. Am I just a paranoid protective older sister, or someone who knows what it is like to experience misogyny firsthand?
I'm sure everyone has heard by now of the recent Elliot Rodger shooting and who his message was directed to: women who didn't "give him a chance". 
Because he was a nice guy. Because he was a gentleman. Because he hadn't had anyone kiss or have sex with him. Because his need for love and affection was rejected by every female he encountered. 
In his retribution video the day before the shooting, he vented his experiences of loneliness and ultimately decided that he would go to the "hottest sorority house in Santa Barbara" and essentially take his revenge upon them. 
This has got to be one of the most appalling displays of sexism I have ever seen.
In the light of all the events last Friday, a new Twitter hashtag "#YesAllWomen" has become a huge trend and keeps gaining momentum with every passing hour. Each woman would tweet an example of sexism in society, or in their own personal lives, to stand up to the misogyny and show that our generation still does not grasp the concept that women are constantly criticized, harassed and objectified by men.
Like all other women, I am no stranger to this topic:
Getting called a "hooker" for putting on a little too much makeup in middle school. Being catcalled during runs and even followed to a point I had to change my route entirely. Having to always "watch my back" at night in fear of being attacked on my way home. Pushing away hands from me and my body while dancing at clubs or bars. Being told that "boys will be boys" and being obligated to keep shirts on when running. Getting requests for "pictures". Having to say "I have a boyfriend" instead of "no" because they won't stop trying unless you are another man's "domain". Having my butt grabbed by a random stranger because of what I am wearing. Being called a slut for the number of dates I went on when I was single. Having to block multiple people online who do not know me but want to "meet up because ur sexy". Being called a tease for simply not being interested. Being harassed post-breakup and threatened to be subject to embarrassment, ridicule and revenge.
There is a reason I am afraid to post about where I go. There is a reason I walk fast at night. There is a reason I carry my key as a potential self-defense weapon whenever I walk to my car. There is a reason that car also has mace. There is a reason gas stations creep me out at night. There is a reason I wear spandex under my skirts.
There is always a reason I do what I do because of self-protection.
Of course, I am lucky I have not gone through what other women I know have. And while I understand that not all men rape or commit sexual assault, all women I know have been through some sort of harassment. Read all the #YesAllWomen tweets on Twitter to see some of the sad truths told by other brave women.
I invite you to shed light on this topic, even if you disagree with what I am saying. I am not attacking all males with this post, I am simply trying to help you understand why it is important to address the issue that in today's world, women are being objectified and not respected as much as the average male. 
If you walk a mile in my shoes, you'd understand why I worry for the safety of my sister as she takes this next step to college. I only want her to be respected by who she is, not blamed for the way she looks.

Summer is here!

Hey y'all!
Looks like late May has finally arrived...and thank goodness for that. Finishing one of my toughest semesters with a 3.38 GPA and a multitude of good (and bad) times, I am ready to close out my junior year of college as I look ahead to my senior year. Once August hits, I will be taking 12 credits, leading not one but TWO organizations as President and another as Vice President, renting out more cameras at the cage, etc. But first, I've got a long summer to experience!

End of the Semester This semester was definitely tough academically, socially, as well as costly. Despite this, I was able to make more friends (and sisters!), build upon my existing relationships, take new risks in my Media Production major which ultimately resulted in me winning an award, utilize my car as a new form of transportation, indulge myself more in my sorority with emceeing choreographing and leading events, becoming closer with my boyfriend, and overall just learn more about who I am. I realize that I am not a perfect person; we all make mistakes but it is our attitude and how we change ourselves for the better so that we can all gain the most out of life. I've learned to love myself as well as appreciate the good people in my life. There is no need to fear the unknown if you are confident that what you have right now is perfect. And believe me, it truly is.

Beginning of Summer

With the close of the semester, I am excited to start my video internship with the Big Fish Classic and my summer job in Ocean City,MD. Even though I am working many hours at both, I know everything will pay off in the end. It has already been a week and I am starting to feel the effects of not only commuting almost every day, but making more money working as a hostess. By the end of the summer, I will have a good amount of moola, and a more profound knowledge on how to incorporate film into any event I wish to become a part of. My summer won't be lonely though, as I have good friends who will be here on the Eastern Shore doing their own thing too! 

As always, feel free to hit me up if you're in town. I'll be most likely busy working, but I will also be able to free up some time here and there for myself as well as to hang out as well. Occasionally I'll go back home to good 'ole Montgomery County, but for the most part I will be bound to the new summer environment of the Delmarva Peninsula. Whether you're on vacation or just passing by, please remember I'm here and say hi! 

What are you doing this summer? Any travel plans? Study abroad? Working your tail off? Sleeping? Internship? Let me know what is going on in your life, I want to know! And of course, please keep in touch :)

A New Chapter in Life

So.
This post may be rather emotional for some, but for others it might be more insightful. But first, lets take a look at a few pictures of me from random points in my life:

What do these pictures all have in common? They all have one recurring piece of jewelry in each of them: my nose stud.

August 3rd, 2011

This was the day I first got my nose pierced. It was a windy day in Ocean City and I was to go by myself to get my nose pierced in secret (lol), but my mom insisted that she come spend the day with me, so I had to tell her what I was aiming to do. Needless to say, she, as any mom would, flipped out on me and told me that she did not approve of my decision. Regardless, I was 18 years old so essentially I could not be stopped.

Once I got the piercing, it was love at first sight. I was just starting college and I was beyond excited to show it off to the world. 

Throughout the years, my piercing gave me a little bit of subtle with an edgy side. It was a great conversation starter (really any piercing is) and is small enough so it is not too distracting or a big deal when I apply for jobs. Since then, I have accumulated roughly 9 jobs and an internship with it and I have had no issue with it in regards to work...

...until now.

Currently my summer job that I am training for will not let me have my nose stud in because of their jewelry policy on facial piercings. At first I was dismayed upon hearing this however, I am considering taking a new approach to this change. I could try each and every day this summer to take out my nose stud and quickly put it back when I get off work after a long day, or... I could appreciate my nose stud for what it was worth and all of the fond memories I've made with it in the past 3 years. 

My next date of training is this Saturday, and I must have it out before I walk into work that day. As heartbreaking as it is to come to terms with this change, I feel that it must happen eventually. I will be in the working force when I graduate a year from now. I will be connecting with professionals who will give me all the tools to succeed in life. Since before college, I have always had a fire in me to rebel and challenge the norms of society, and even with something as small as jewelry, I was able to channel my inner (and possibly outer?) punk and show that I am willing to try new things. Now, I still evoke that ambition to try new things and I make it a goal of mine to continue to believe in myself regardless of my outward appearance.

My nose stud is and always will be a simple reminder that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small you are.

This Semester Though...(Long Read)

Hello all! It certainly has been a while, hasn't it?
My last post was around mid-March, and now it is early May...oh goodness.
Well, I am back and full of updates and news in my so-called hectic life! Some of these include new changes, more leadership opportunities and more. I have been jam-packed with my schedule for this semester, but now that it is winding down, I can finally get back into my love of blogging. Let's see what has been going on since we left spring break in the dust!

Mock Rock 2014

For those of you who are not familiar, the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau put on an event every year around spring called Mock Rock. This is a competitive event in which student organizations put on a dance performance while singing the words to the songs being heard. As it is one of my favorite events of the year, I take it upon myself to choreograph and block the routines with the help of fellow sisters. Our performance did not manage to snag a Top 3 spot however; I definitely think we had some incredible moments. Watch here!

Initiation
In early April, the newest members of Phi Mu ended their new member period and became initiated sisters! This include my wonderful little Jordyn! :) This is one of my favorite ceremonies and to see more beautiful women represent our chapter makes me so happy. I am so proud of a of the hard work that these ladies have put in to the chapter already; I can't wait to see where we are next semester!

National Order of Omega
I recently applied and became a part of the National Order of Omega, which is an honor society for Greeks who maintain a high GPA, demonstrate leadership in and out of their Greek organizations as well as foster inter-fraternal relations on campus. I had not heard of this organization until this semester, and once I had received my acceptance letter I was thrilled. My hard work in and out of Phi Mu over the past year was definitely worthwhile!
 

Salisbury Night Live

On April 9th, Phi Mu had our 2nd annual Salisbury Night Live! The event is a spin-off of the popular show, Saturday Night Live and for our event we have many student organizations put together a skit that is scored at the end of the evening. Many of the fraternities and sororities put on a show, as well as other clubs. During the breaks between the skits, Evan and I being the MCs decided to have brief dance breaks to get the crowd more pumped up. At the close of the evening, Sigma Tau Gamma took the top spot and we ended up raising a good amount of money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with all the sales of tickets as well as the raffle baskets. 

Study Abroad: Ecuador

Sometimes the things that are out of reach might be in reach after all. I applied and got accepted to study abroad in Ecuador for the Winter 2015 term! I am excited to have this experience for my Spanish minor and I am looking forward to living with a host family, hiking and taking a class in a Spanish-speaking country for 4 weeks. My only setback is the funds however, so if ANYONE could make a small donation to my study abroad fund, I would be eternally grateful :)

Transitioning into Presidency

This semester I am proud to say that I have been selected as the next President of my communications honor society, Lambda Pi Eta. I am beyond thrilled to have had the privilege of serving as the former Vice President, therefore I am confident that I will lead this organization towards big accomplishments!

Major Milestones

On April 17th, Evan and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary. I know it is not a long time, but granted it has been a long time since we first started to get to know one another, and it has been the most rewarding experience to have such an incredible man be there for me to share my adventures with. I'm looking forward to many more incredible memories yet to be made with my partner in crime!

Relay for Life

Who would want to stay at an event overnight for 12 hours? The lovely people of Salisbury, that's who! With my organization, the student body came together to raise money for the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research in an event called Relay for Life. Many activities were held, including the Luminaria ceremony, Karaoke, Miss Relay, hair donating and much more. My favorite part was (obviously) teaching Zumba with a bunch of people following me and my routines. It was a wonderful experience and it is a constant highlight in my Zumba career.

LPE Honor Cord Ceremony

The morning after Relay (more like 4 hours after), I went to represent the Executive Board of Lambda Pi Eta and speak at the Honor Cord Ceremony for graduating seniors. This was my transition into being the official President of LPE, so I therefore read a small speech for the ceremony as well. It was a beautiful morning before I went back home and crashed for about 4 hours!

Greek Week Shenanigans

With the start of Greek Week the morning after Relay for Life, I participated in a variety of events during the week. One of the events I was a captain for was Karaoke. I prepared a mix of songs from the movie Burlesque and made a simple routine for sisters to follow and represent us in the show. The numbers were not what I expected however; it was a lovely performance overall and i could not have done it without the help of my sisters!

Phi Mu gets Silver!

It was nice to play a competitive game of ultimate frisbee with your sisters and get second, but it was even BETTER finding out that we received 2nd place in Greek Week overall! This was a huge accomplishment from getting last place the year before, so please do not scold any Phi Mu for placing 2nd. K thanks :)

Formal!

Formal took place almost immediately after Greek Week ended, so there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would have to rush. In the end, it was all worth it. We were at Club Inferno in Eden, and it was a rather large area with plenty of space to sit and relax or get down on the dance floor. With my gold dress and my high wedges, you know I was getting my dance on the whole time!

A New Beginning

On Sunday, both my big and my twin were among the seniors who had their Installation ceremony as they transitioned into alumnae of Phi Mu. Even though I will miss them when they graduate, I know they will never be far at all, because they are always in my heart :)

With everything going on in my life, it is important to slow down and appreciate what is going on around me so that I can enjoy the moment as it is. I am happy to say that I have a set internship and job in Ocean City this summer, and I will be making the most of my experiences with my friends this summer while I am down here. Additionally, I still have a week left until finals, so I am also treasuring the beauty that is (or was) this semester and savor every beautiful moment that it gave me. You never know when life will throw a curveball at you...and you better believe that I am ready for it.

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog! What's up in your world? Share it with me in the comments below!

Until then, peace!