Anndddd we’re back. It’s been a little over a month since my last post. Since then, I moved back to school and got back into the swing of managing my classes, social life and extra-curricular activities. In my Hello 2021 post I talked about wanting this year to be a a year where I put myself first, in terms of health, fitness, social life etc. and I’m proud to say that with a little over a month down- I’m sticking to it! Here’s a little life update for you, enjoy!
Keeping up with my resolutions
Before headed back to school, I was going to the gym six to seven days a week and eating all nutrient based meals. I knew that that lifestyle wouldn’t be attainable here at school for many reasons. 1. I get fed at my sorority house through a food service where I do not get the opportunity to pick what I eat nor when I eat it. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some T-Ravs and Chili Cheese Dog bars but those don’t exactly help me maintain a healthy lifestyle. 2. I don’t have a car, so unless I choose to workout at my schools Rec center, I have to work out on my friend’s times instead of my own. Pause… I know what you’re thinking, why would I not want to workout at one of the best Rec centers in the country… trust me, COVID + the Rec = NOT FUN. And finally, 3. Going out quite literally erases any and all progress made in the previous week. I’m in college so getting around that one isn’t an option.
Knowing that there would be some obstacles to maintaining a healthy lifestyle back at school, I’ve really tried to be more cognizant of smaller things I could do. Luckily for me, I have in-person classes 3 to 4 days a week, so I am out and about walking on campus a ton. I try to get at least 30 minutes of walking on campus in a day and during the week, I typically do. Next, DRINK WATER. For some reason this is so hard for me, but I’ve really been trying to finish my water bottle at least twice a day (32oz each). I find that when I drink more, I lose weight much easier, my skin is clearer and I don’t snack as much. Here’s the hardest one… snacking. I am a sucker for a good snack- whether that be Starbucks after class or Subway cookies after dinner, I was ALWAYS snacking. This year I’ve been trying to be more aware of what I’m putting into my body as well as the portions I’m eating. I get to the gym between 3 and 5 times a week, which is a substantial improvement compared to last year.
I haven’t been perfect with my goals but I have been consistent and for that reason I’m proud of myself. I’ve found that I’m a lot nicer to myself and more forgiving in the mirror knowing that I’m trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. It’s about the little victories- progress is slow but I really do feel like I’m beginning to see some.
Switching my major
As some of you may know, I came in to college with the intentions of wanting to pursue a business marketing career in the future, so I chose the Trulaske College of Business. It isn’t that I’m no longer interested in marketing or that I don’t like the business industry, it was more so the curriculum and classes that I didn’t like. I wanted to be creative. I wanted to learn things that I would use in the future and enjoy doing- math classes and accounting courses… yeah not so much. I declared a minor in the Textile and Apparel Management program after first semester freshman year, and LOVED it. The classes were interesting and industry-based. I was learning things I enjoyed learning about. Isn’t that what college is all about? Finally getting to take classes you enjoy and will actually use one day?
Plot twist, I didn’t switch my major to Textile and Apparel Management. I switched it to Strategic Communications under the Missouri School of Journalism. Let’s talk about why. Like previously mentioned, I had always had an interest in marketing. I liked the creativity behind the title and the thought of being able to control some behind the scenes aspects of major labels and brands. After talking to my cousin who works as a fashion designer for Kohls in New York City about public relations work, I fell in LOVE. I did my research and looked into PR teams and what type of duties their work pertained. I soon realized that marketing was a little too behind the scenes for me. PR and Advertising felt like it would be more up my alley.
The journalism school here is one of the top in the country and they have a program called Strategic Communications which focuses on PR and Advertising. That was enough information for me. During the summer before sophomore year, I switched from business to journalism. Don’t worry, I’m still a Textile and Apparel Management student as well.
How’s it’s going
Since switching, I’ve been taking many different classes. I’ve learned about investigative reporting, news reporting, videography, photography, audio work, graphic design and so much more. I do a lot of work on Adobe Creative Suite- InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Audition, Premiere Pro etc. These are programs and software that I am going to use heavily in the PR and Advertising industry as well as the Fashion industry.
Like I mentioned, I am still a student in the Textile and Apparel Management school as well. It is crazy how much the two schools overlap. I have learned so many new creative tools and techniques in each school that I’ve carried over into the other. For example, in one of my journalism classes, we used Adobe Illustrator to create an ad brochure and in one of my TAM classes we used Adobe Illustrator to create a graphic tee. Since switching I’ve found that I enjoy school a lot more. Most of my friends are taking accounting courses, struggling with how to use Excel for spreadsheets where I’m taking courses where I learn how to create a brands quarterly sales report on Excel.
I have so much ahead of me, but I truly do feel like I am headed in the right direction and am in the right place.
Reading Books and Listening to Podcasts
I thought it would be fun to share the current books and podcasts I’m reading/listening to with you guys in case you’re in need of some inspiration! I will include links to all recommendations. In my book club we are reading Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and in my faith talk group we are reading Unsatisfied by Sean Dollendorf. I’ve really been enjoying listening to the Gals on the Go podcast by Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio as well as I Love You So Much by Kenzie Elizabeth.
Allllll updated…
Okay, sorry for the long and unnecessary catch up, but I’ve just been feeling really good about where I’m at lately and felt the need to share. I hope you’re keeping up with your goals, and if not, let this be your motivation!
Until next time, XX Paige
Paige Marie 