Hello, friends!

I am here blogging to let you all know I survived. This semester has been hands-down the hardest I’ve endured in college and against all odds, I made it out. Here’s how the end of the semester went for me.

academic

Environmental Science – Great class! Very Relevant! Not too mad I had to take a science because I learned a lot of good things about the world. The professor was awesome and created an excellent learning space. Final Grade: A

Creative Non-fiction – Not my favorite class. I enjoyed having a creative outlet to force me to write, but I didn’t enjoy the way the class was taught and didn’t feel like I learned too much. Still, I had plenty of opportunities to talk about myself, which is my favorite thing to do. Final Grade: A

Metaphysical and Cavalier poetry – Best class of the semester with the best professor and best classmates. This class was an awesome chance to study some difficult but lovely literature. Final Grade: A

Literary Criticism – Honestly, it’s just a blessing I made it out of this one. I don’t like theory, but now I know a little. Final Grade: B+

History of Rock and Roll – This class was so intense, but worth the struggle. I learned a lot about rock and roll and have a new appreciation for a lot of artists. I dragged myself through this class and have now dropped my history minor because I realized the discipline is just not for me. Still, I’m glad I took it, if only to learn more about myself and the Beatles. Final Grade: B+

Junior Honors – I finished my prospectus for my capstone project and now I get to start on the project itself. That’s what I’ll be doing for the rest of my time at college! Final Grade: Pass

Honors internship – Against all odds, I whipped out my final hours for my internship and am now finished! Much as I love the Lighthouse, I am ready to move on to new adventures. Final Grade: Pass

activities

I’ve left my exec position in my school’s chapter of the College Democrats. Much as I enjoy making positive change, I just don’t have the time to dedicate to the club and it is no longer at the top of my priority list.

I really enjoy my job with the News and Information department at my school. Now that my internship has ended, I’ll need to take that time to find another job and make more money. I need to update my resume and then leap into the workforce. Best of luck to me in my endeavors.

creative

I’m starting on my capstone project this winter break, so I’ll keep you updated on that. Currently planning on a little vlog series to document my process during the break.

Speaking of videos, I released my WIP tag on YouTube to introduce the project to my channel in preparation for the vlog series. Check it out if you want to keep up with my progress. To encourage those doing NaNoWriMo, I also made a video on How to Structure a Novel which I released at the beginning of the month. If you want help with plotting and outlining, have a look.

Regarding that short story I submitted for publication, it was once again rejected. Most publications are now closed to submissions for the new year, so I’ll be taking my time in picking a new magazine. But come January 1st, it’s back on that submission grind.

inspiration

I finished Twin Peaks with Ray recently. I am obsessed with the show and would recommend it to anyone who wants to study how to integrate complex characters into plot structure. But grab a buddy to watch; it’s a little spooky.

After finishing the show, we watched Fire Walk With Me which is the movie prequel to the TV series. It is an excellent and brilliant film that really makes you appreciate the complexities and character of the show even more. I personally think it was even spookier than the show, which is more suspenseful and uncanny, while this one borders on horror. Looking forward to the TV show reboot next.

No, I have not read hardly anything recently. I’m hoping to read as much as I can over break because I miss books so much and my TBR pile grows every Christmas.

personal

Like I’ve said in the last two blogs, this semester has been hell. I’ve had to do more work than I ever have. The stress levels about classes, working, and the general uncertainty of the future have me in a constant state of dread. But I’m focusing on taking things a day at a time and hoping for the best.

In personal news, I’ll just drop a couple bombs.

1) I came out to my grandma, and she was so kind about it. She said she already knew (?) and that there’s nothing but love between us. Coming out has been a subject weighing on me for years so it’s been such a release to let it out.

2) Me and Ray are dating! For the none of you who read this blog, congrats, you probably saw it coming! Ray has been my best friend and roommate for years, and that love just continues to grow in new and exciting directions. Despite everything else that’s been going on this semester, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been with her.

Near the end of the semester, we went to Riptide Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale with Ray’s dad. Both of us were sick but through the magical healing powers of Elderberry, we powered through the day and had a great time seeing such stars as Robert Delong, Young the Giant, and my personal favorite, Panic! at the Disco. It was a fantastic day and excellent stress reliever.

Right before finals week, I went to a Friendsgivingmas party with all of my closest friends. We had cookies, exchanged Secret Santa gifts, and watched movies together. The friends I’ve made at college are some of the best people in my life and it was so fun to be able to celebrate them and take a break before finals.

To celebrate the end of the semester, Ray and I visited her mom near Orlando and spent a few days hanging out with her family and one of our other close friends. We went to Disney Springs and enjoyed the trail of trees, stressed over gingerbread houses, and had a comfy movie night with her dogs. All the best things one can hope for in a mini vacation.

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That’s how my semester ended! It’s been stressful, exciting, and just exhausting. Looking forward to having a break where I can make some money, create, and relax.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!