If I have learned anything over this past year, it is to take life as it comes. Don't make yourself sick if your "plan" doesn't pan out the way you wanted it to, it's okay, we're teenagers! Life wouldn't be quite as fun without a little bump in the road every now and then... It is most crucial to remember this during the college application process. So remain calm, and enjoy the ups and downs of senior (or junior) year.
Ever since I was a little girl, I had my heart set on attending the illustrious University of Michigan. Although, my school of choice was based upon a plot in Sister, Sister - my favorite TV show as a kid, it was what I wanted most for myself. To obtain a degree then live life to the absolute fullest... I wanted to have it all. I wanted perfection. And as time went on, my dreams changed and well, life got in the way. I laugh thinking about how obsessed I was with attending school in Ann Arbor, as well as how my true dream school and UM are polar opposites. I realized that I needed a school that was smaller in size, and that I needed to be in a community filled with peers and educators that encourage me, lift me when I'm down and help me to grow as a young lady. I believe I found this in Spelman College.
While applying to schools is extremely time consuming and stressful, I find solace in knowing that come January 1st, I will most likely never have to do it ever again. The thought of that alone is enough to get me through long, tedious hours of studying for SATs and answering personal statements. I also thoroughly enjoy commiserating with my friends about how much pressure I'm under, and how stressed I am. Talking to someone who is going through the same phase in high school, you know... the "I can't wait to graduate, but I don't wanna grow up!" phase. It's so incredibly helpful.
I also find that in taking care of yourself, mentally, physically and emotionally it takes a little bit of the edge off. I, personally, love to take long walks, stretch, and spend hours on end on Netflix watching Gossip Girl and for me, it all helps to alleviate my stress. Hopefully this blog will provide some of you guys with a little insight.
So don't worry, it all comes full circle & don't forget - it's just college! In a year's time things will have worked themselves out and we'll all be where we're meant to be.
XO, Chelsea Wynter