Back to college(last time)

Alright, this one won't be specifically about college but more about how to prepare yourself for the entire college process. I would've loved to have someone give me their experience and use that to guide me in mine. But, we live and we learn!

I'm ending high school with decent stats, but I know I personally could have done better to end up at a better college. One of my biggest mistakes was waiting till my junior year to take my first AP Classes. This reduced the extent to which my GPA could've been as well as it didn't show colleges that I pushed myself enough early on. Additionally, I took my freshman and sophomore years pretty easy with extracurriculars as well. I'm not entirely sure why I did, maybe because it was peak COVID time, but who knows what was going through my 14-year-old mind. I wish i had done more community involvement and rounded out my extracurriculars- which is something I HIGHLY recommend.

Now, besides things I could've done better for my process, let's talk about the process itself. You need to make sure you have a good personal essay, something with a good implicit message in a story that resonates with the reader. Make it interesting and something to make them remember you by. Besides this essay, allllll the supplements take a lot of time, so make sure you track how many you have to write and space it out so you aren't racing the clock to get the last few in.

While I have been complaining about what I could've done better, I am going to a good school and I am grateful for everything that has brought me there. All the good, the bad, and the ugly. Make sure you do what feels good for you; don't be afraid to push yourself during high school though. Learn your limits and be ready to face this next chapter coming up.

Tennis time!

Let's talk about the game we all love – tennis! Whether you're a die-hard fan who never misses a match or someone who just enjoys hitting a few balls, there's something about tennis that most other sports and activities just can't beat.

First off, can we just talk about how much fun it is to actually watch a good tennis match? Many people are against tennis because the matches they see don't perform to the level they expect and that creates a negative stigma around the sport. A tennis match has everything to offer, it has intensity, drama, and effort. Maybe its just cause I'm a tennis player that I'm able to see and notice all the fascinating things in a tennis match, but that's beside the point. What I'm saying is- watch tennis matches!

The thing is, tennis differs soooo much when you're looking at team tennis vs individual. Right now, the boys' tennis season is happening and I'm on varsity here. We won state last year and were favored to win again- knocking on wood... Team tennis has an atmosphere different from any other sport. While everyone plays their individual matches, they compete to get an overall win over whatever team.

As of now, our team has been undefeated for the past 2 years and is doing pretty good so far. We were In Iowa a couple weeks ago to get some more competition and play the top teams there and just this past weekend I was in Milwaukee for another tournament. These are privileges were able to get being the 1 seed in Minnesota. It adds a lot to the team as we get to play teams we don't normally and we get to compete on a new level.

Tennis has been something I have used to channel frustration, anger, or any emotions into and I am very grateful it is tennis I chose to stick with.

as usual some advice- whether its competitive or casual, tennis is one of the few sports that can last you a lifetime. Get into it, have some fun, and go battle!

sad sad world of breakups

Breakups are pretty hard to go through no matter how long you're with someone. You gain an attachment and it is hard to lose that.

While it may seem tiny to an outsider, a breakup can be one of the most damaging experiences someone goes through. The pain you feel after losing someone who was your best friend for over a year is almost unbearable. The road you are faced with after they are gone from your life is filled with distractions, easy way-outs, and mistakes. I’m not saying it's something that's going to come easy, not at all. Everything you see, do and feel somehow reminds you of the person you lost, the person you loved.

For me, seeing the place where I and my girlfriend(ex) had our best anniversary hit me really hard. All I wanted to do was to go back to that time, relive it, and cherish every single moment. While a breakup is hard to go through, it teaches a person many lessons. It teaches one to value the little things so much more. Any quality time with your person is worth it, and unfortunately, some realize that a little too late.

To get through this process, you need to rely on those around you. Not as a distraction, but as a crutch so you don't constantly feel alone. Having that system around you is crucial or else you fall into the world of what-ifs. Right now, all one can do is take everything day by day, experience by experience, and push through this incredibly sorrow time in hopes for a clearer future.

As usual time for advice- anyone else going through this sort of feeling remember you have loved ones all around you. Friends and family will always be there for you, so leverage that and weather the storm. Onto the next!

Stats class ;(

Hey everyone, just wanted to inform you- DON'T TAKE AP STATS!!

I took it this year because it's known around our school as a supposedly easier math class and most seniors take it to finish off high school on a strong note. Following in my friend's footsteps, I took the class as well. Little to my knowledge, it is HELL.

I started the class and realized there was no one I knew in the class. This was already a problem because I just sat by myself without anyone to talk to in class. But moving on from this. The class itself has little to no math in it. It's almost more writing and interpretation than any calculations and math- which I'm muchhh better at.

It started off slow and I didn't feel too bad, but as time went on I realized how hard this was, especially all on my own. I tried studying, did practice tests, and worked with random people but nothing worked. The way the class is organized is so stupid in my opinion. We don't have usual unit tests, but instead every 3-4 units, we do big tests that make up almost our entire grade. I never feel prepared enough and it is one of the classes I'm struggling the most in. This class went back to an old curriculum from many years ago, and with my luck, it was this year that it started!!

Luckily, the school year is almost done and I wont have to take stats there(THANK GOD). Im looking forward to a stats free life and I enjoy using this blog to just get out my hatred for this class.

Advice as usual- don't take AP stats guys!

Senior slide(gone wrong)

Now that it's senior year and especially because its the LAST month of my high school experience, I have no motivation at all. It is really true what they say about the senior slide. I never thought it would hit me this hard, but it has been something that has been happening to me and frankly becoming quite a worry.

Coming back from DECA ICDC, I realized just how much work I actually have to do before the end of the year. All my classes arent the hardest, but a lot of them just require many assignments and certain time commitments. I've been trying to balance everything, but I think I'm doing it wrong. I'm getting behind in this English class- so gotta lock in for these next couple of weeks. 24 assignments in 12 days. Hopefully doable. But then in stats and economics, it's just a lottttt of busy work that is becoming harder and harder to keep up with. As well as this, I have AP tests coming up this month and I just may be slightly screwed for them. I need to start studying for them so I can get as many credits for college as I can.

I knew I was taking this year easier, but I never thought it would hit me this hard. All my older friends told me it would happen but I always thought I was better and it wouldn't hit me as hard or at all. But now I realize that its inevitable and we just need to push through no matter how hard it is. Like one of my friends said- "Finish strong!""

So, now for the advice. Don't try to fight the slide. It is going to happen and it's going to be hard. But realize that all this effort we put in will give us habits to persevere and succeed throughout our lives. so heads up and finish strong!

DECA!!

Stepping into the world of DECA in Anaheim, California was like diving into a new universe of excitement and opportunities. As soon as we landed here, it’s been busy, busy, busy. Preparing, competing, and touring California has filled the last 4 days of my life. Being a first-year DECA member, I had no hope for my experience but I wanted to try. Somehow, I made it to internationals after placing 2nd at state. I decided I was going to try my best here and see where it takes me.

Once we got here, the warmth and fresh air filled me with energy and I wanted to do as much as possible. The air buzzed with anticipation from everyone as no one knew what to do. Me and my friends started walking around Anaheim, seeing what lies around us(scoping out any food places). It was insane as over 25.000 competitors from 9 countries were all here. It seemed packed everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE. Every restaurant, bathroom, and pool was filled with students with the same idea as me and my friends- network, make friends, and have fun. 

After a day of relaxing in California, we decided it was time to start locking in on why we were here- to compete and win. Me and my partner took practice tests and went through various prompts to prepare ourselves. Luckily, I’m best friends with my partner, so our presentations were much better as we had a genuine connection. Finally, the time came to take our tests and present. We did our best and managed to have fun through it as well. It was something I’ve never experienced before and I’m incredibly glad I got to compete on a stage like this.

After days of intense competition, we decided to take a break from the grind and get a day of adventure at Disneyland. As we stepped through the gates of the theme park, we were greeted by Minnie Mouse and various other characters. The day was eventful, going on different rides and meeting new people.

As we left Disneyland, it was a sign to return to the real world and lock back into the competition and grind that brought us here. Me and my partner got one of the top presentation scores and we were ecstatic walking on stage to receive our medal. It was a moment I’m never going to forget.

Roommate process!!

Now that I’m committed to Purdue Univeristy, I had to find a roommate. This entire process to some is thrilling but to me it’s like stepping onto a rollercoaster blindfolded. I had no clue if Inwas going to end up with someone i liked or if it was going to be some bookworm that didnt want to be friends at all. Hearing about how well my sister’s experience was, I was determined to find someone good for my roommate. 

Now, let's get down to what I did to find someone who I think will be a good roommate(knocking on wood). Sure, you want someone who has the same interests, whether its sports, clubs, academics, food, or anything, but you want to makre sure you use a roommate as a way to enter a new world almost. You dont want someone too similar; you need these differences to change and grow as a person, learning and experiencing new things. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent from something your roommate showed you!

For my process, I posted on the instagram page for my graduating class at Purdue and mostly waited for people to reach out to me. After talking to many different guys, it was clear who seemed the best. Many people were fun and all, but noone had a click like the person I chose. The person I ended uo choosing is named Rio and hes from New Jersey. I’m hoping hes similar enough to me but also brings me new experiences and pushes me as a person out of my comfort zone.

So there you have it, future college roommate adventurers - go and find your new best friend! Remember, it's not just about finding a roommate; it's about finding a friend and building strong relationships for this crazy journey called college life.

high school relationships

High school relationships- where do we start? They're like a ride of emotions, up and down constantly. Having an exciting first crush to all the drama-filled ups and downs, it's all part of the high school experience. Those late-night phone calls, all-nighters, and spending every second texting and thinking of the other is all part of the high school relationship experience. I was lucky enough to experience that during my junior and senior years. Although it didn't last, I think it helped show me who I am and what I want in a partner. I think high school is where we test out what our versions of love and romance are, trying to figure out this whole relationship thing.

But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. High school relationships can be messy(mine was). Keep in mind we're still high schoolers. We have a lot going on and a lot of room to grow. Mistakes happen and we need to acknowledge that they will. It's a part of life, to make mistakes and grow from them. I think we need these mistakes to show us who we are and how we can grow and overcome adversity in any situation. Obviously, there's going to be drama, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings in high school, and honestly probably all throughout life. But once we mature, we need to be able to take a step back from the emotions of the moment and decide what's better for the big picture.

Despite the drama, arguments, and fights, these relationships teach us a lot. They show us the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and respecting each other. They create our understanding of love and prepare us for the real deal in the future.

My experience was something I will never regret. it is someone I will always cherish as my first love and I hope to use everything I learned from this to grow into who I am and be even better for the future. I know I made various mistakes, and I am working to improve those for the future whatever comes next.

But for anyone who wants advice- don't be scared to give it. a try even if it seems pointless or if it doesn't seem like there is enough time. if it's meant to be, it'll work through all the odds whether it's now or later. things will always work out as they're supposed to, but why not try to find your person sooner than later?

Scared for college?(sign me up first)

Starting college is going to be a big change in my life. It feels both exciting and extremely scary. I'm going to have to leave behind the comforts of home, friends, and family, and honestly, I'm really scared of that.

However, even though it's scary, I know college is also an opportunity. It'll allow me to find new interests and make so many new friends. My dad made his closest friends in college and even today, every Sunday he calls them and catches up with them. I'm excited for a chance to start over and potentially make those connections for a lifetime. I'm excited because this can help me learn more about myself and what I want to do. I truly believe college is a chance for personal growth.

Although I'm scared(plus a lot of other emotions) I know It's okay to feel this way when you're about to take on something as big as this. That feeling in my gut is just a sign that I'm about to be put on an important journey.

College marks the start of becoming a true adult. Especially going out of state and leaving my family behind will force me to learn how to do things myself and be independent. especially at Purdue, where not many of my friends are going, it'll be a full fresh start and honestly, I'm really excited about that. I think this next chapter isn't worth worrying about because it's a step into my next journey. Whatever life brings me is meant to happen; this is just the next chapter in the story of my life.

Now for a little advice if anyone wants. If you're heading off to college feeling nervous, remember that the scary feelings are completely and I mean COMPLETELY normal. They are part of the journey of growing up and discovering who you are. Keep an open mind and be excited for this next step. Always remember that whatever fear or anxiousness you may feel is a sign you're doing something right.

The college experience ;(

The college application process was an extremely frustrating and demoralizing experience for me. I poured countless hours into making a perfect application, trying to stand out at school, and excelling wherever I could. Despite all of this hard work, the reward feels so small.

I faced rejection after rejection with no clear explanation or feedback on how I could improve. It broke me having to open each decision seeing “we're sorry to say” six different times. It felt as if all my work was for nothing, and started putting the idea of why work if there aren't results in my mind. The lack of a reward for my hard work opposed one of the things I had been taught - that if you put in your best, you will be rewarded.

The college application process is one that I think needs A LOT of work, and I know many others feel the same way. Having no explanation as to why someone is rejected, deferred, or waitlisted is something that causes a lot of self-doubt in people, including myself. The entire experience was more so negative for me even though I got into some schools that I liked. It made me question constantly whether I could have done better throughout high school to get into these top colleges. I think we need to improve this process for future generations as seeing these many rejections or leaving things with doubts causes a lot of diminished self-confidence going into college itself.