As my first semester of college is coming to a close, I wanted to create a post to bring you up to speed with what has been happening, and what I have learned in this first semester. It has been rather crazy adjusting to this whole new lifestyle, and it hasn't been easy, but it has been fun. I have already gained a few pounds, mainly due to the difficulty of eating healthy on campus (PRO-TIP: Protein bars and fruit cups make excellent snacks and breakfasts, and although it is not recommended, can be meal replacements), but I have not gained anywhere near 15 pounds. I have gained a bit more muscle because I live on the sixth floor of my building and opt for the stairs more often than the elevator. This also helps me to not have to see other people when I am not feeling well, as that is something I honestly dread. No one wants to share an elevator with a stranger when they are feeling worse than look!
I did change the name of my blog, and my template, so let me know in the comments what you think of it, or if you have any suggestions that could be better. I'm open for criticism and enjoy suggestions!
I also auditioned for my university's next play, which is All My Sons. Callbacks are tomorrow but I have yet to find out if I made it to that point. I mainly auditioned as part of the requirements for my scholarship, but I am honestly a bit excited at the prospect of actually getting cast in it. It would be rather awesome to already have a show under my belt as a college Freshman. More on that to come, I'm sure!
I am also currently applying for jobs to have next semester so I can have a bit of extra income. I am in need of a new phone, and feel guilty asking my parents to buy one. I also have been practically drooling over a particular NuMe curling wand set, but I absolutely cannot afford it. If anyone wants to be my Christmas Angel and buy me either of those things and get absolutely nothing in return other than eternal gratefulness and maybe a doodle or a handmade item of some sort, I would be more than happy to accept!
I also wanted to post the address to mail me things here on campus. This will be valid until the end of next semester, although I will be off campus from December 12 until the beginning of January. I am not expecting to get any packages then, but anything you send whether it be food, fuzzy socks, lip stick, or your words of encouragement, it would be much appreciated. You can send any letters or care packages to me at
Grand Canyon University
3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Attn: Jaina Popken, BOX #14867
I have found myself a wonderful little friend circle made up of people in my Acting 1 and Intro to Theatre classes, and they are so much fun to be around! We all get lunch every Tuesday and Thursday together, and have little play reading and study sessions when necessary. They are super supportive and we all lift each other up, and they make me laugh and feel very happy. Its one time I feel like I truly belong here at college and do not question my decision to live on campus.
I have also been getting back into hiking thanks to my boyfriend. We recently did a Mountaintop Sunset Yoga, in which we hiked nearly to the top of Piestewa Peak and did Yoga on a little helipad until the sun set and the valley lights turned on. It was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed the experience even though I had to stop a few times on the way up to catch my breath, rest my legs, and motivate myself to go further. Even though I struggled a bit on the rocky, steep hatchbacks, I loved every minute of it and never regretted my decision to tag along. The yoga was extremely relaxing and felt wonderful, and made me miss doing it everyday. It's difficult to do it all the time here in my small dorm room, especially since I share it with another human who also needs some floor space, but I'm sure I will be finding time to get it in.
I might actually be going on another hike this weekend up to Devil's Chasm (it sounds really dangerous and challenging and it kind of is. It's not for the weak-hearted), but I'm still deciding if it is within my ability. I would have to go at it slowly, and I'm sure Joel would support and encourage me the entire way. I've seen pictures of the hike and the whole way is absolutely gorgeous, and it leads to ancient Indian ruins which look amazing. I really want to do the hike simply for the views, but I don't want to break anything or kill myself hiking up there.
So, to end this post, I wanted to list a few things I have learned this semester, even though I already posted a list of this kind before. This one is different, because it is what I have learned this semester, so that is my excuse and I'm sticking with it!
I have learned
- The Freshman 15 is not a myth, but can also be gained by increased physical activity that builds your muscles
- Eating healthy on campus is one of the most difficult tasks I honestly have ever been faced with
- Sharing a room with another girl is not easy, but it really helps if she is clean
- Studying for college is not a the-week-before-a-test thing. It is an all semester ordeal that never seems to end
- There are so many things to learn and you will want to know about so many things, but you have to find a balance between what you need to and what you want to learn
- DRINK WATER. I seem to be drinking less water than I should somehow, and my skin is mad at me because of that
- It's not easy to keep in contact with your friends from high school. You can't always visit them, and when you are home, they usually have other things to do or are way too busy to meet up
- I'm way too old to deal with or even entertain any kind of drama, and have been for a long time
- I love naps but I've only taken 2 the entire semester because I'm too busy to sleep
- Sleep deprivation is hot and is a new style for me
- Under-eye concealer is a freaking life saver
- and finally, date nights are even better when you just got done with a super stressful week
That is all I currently have to say about college, and that pretty much sums up my whole semester and kind of where my life is right now. There are more posts to come, I'm sure. But for now,
Thanks for putting up with me
Jaina
