Category Archives: Reflections

8 Things I Learned About College Applications & Senior Year 

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Hello, friends! I recently tackled the dreaded college application process and finished my senior year, which means I learned a lot. Here are 8 things that I wish I could tell myself if I could start over:

  1. Don’t underestimate yourself. Throughout the process, you might feel incredibly overwhelmed. You might think that your GPA, standardized test scores, or resume are insufficient for a school/scholarship to accept you. Don’t let that doubt stop you from applying for something. You might surprise yourself!
  2. Choose a major that you love. Growing up I always thought I would pick a lucrative major. My initial plan was to major in environmental engineering or something in the realm of STEM; however, I love history and writing. I am truly passionate about current events and the world that we live in. Because of this, constant internal conflict I was torn on between stability and passion. After months of thinking, I finally chose political science/IR. I believe that this major will give me the most fulfillment and allow me to truly appreciate the world that we live in.
  3. Learn to love essay writing. I love to write, but some of my friends found writing to be the most stressful part of the whole process. I understand that writing is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but when you are writing it is important to sound genuine an passionate– so write about something you truly care about. Once you have a solid idea the essay will start to write itself.
  4. Don’t got to a certain college because of your friend. This “thing” didn’t impact be, but I noticed that some of my friends had great difficulty choosing a college because they were stuck on whether they should attend one with their friend. I love my friends to pieces, but I know that at the end of the day, they will still be a part of my life if they are true friends.
  5. Ask your English teacher to edit your essays. This one is the most important, in my opinion, because an English teacher has experience with essay writing. They understand that essays must sound cohesive and fluid. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Also, once you finish your college hunt, give teacher that helped you a “thank you” to express your gratitude.
  6. Don’t be overconfident. I know I said don’t underestimate yourself, but it is also important to be leveled. One of my friends decided to apply to schools that were more of a reach– she got rejected 5/6 of the schools, and was then forced to go to her least favorite option because that was the only one she could attend. Don’t give yourself unnecessary stress. Apply anywhere and everywhere, but also make sure you have a few safe schools in your back pocket.
  7. Spend lots of time with your family. I think when senior year rolls around many students think about how that the days they spend with their family are numbered, which creates excitement for many students. However, it’s important to spend time with your mom, dad, and siblings because even though college doesn’t mean complete immersion into the real world, it does limit the amount of time you will see your family. (Love you guys! ❤️)
  8. Let go of disappointment. At the end of the day, you will attend a university that is the best fit for you. Even if you didn’t get into your first, second, or even third choice university you will still be accepted somewhere and get a quality education. Let go of any feeling from rejection, and be excited for the new chapter in your life.

If you are currently or will soon be attacking the college application process good luck!

Also: those of you who have completed the college application process or senior year, what is your biggest tip? 🙂 

❤ ,

Hira

Reflections

Posted in Reflections by

Hello, friends!

Today’s post deviates from the normal recipe. I have had reflective thoughts moving around my head, so I thought I would share.

  1. Success is not only hard work. We, unfortunately, live in an unfair world. No matter how hard we work at the end of the day we can still be robbed of the thing we want most. Success is equal parts preparation and opportunity. If you get rejected from a job, internship, or fail a test understand that you only have control over your input, but at the end if the opportunity never manifests itself it is not your fault. You do not have control over everything. Work hard. Dream. But remember you have only control on your input.
  2. Less is more. Growing up forging friendships has always been difficult. I am an outgoing, positive, stubborn person who may be an acquired taste. I have learned through the years that it is more important to surround myself with a few amazing people, then a large group of meh people.
  3. Things are not as they seem. As a teenager, in the social media generation, I have recognized that not all posts on the web are true. Social media is heavily fabricated. People only post when they are doing something incredible. I mean, no one wants to see someone post a picture of doing the dishes or laundry.
  4. Everything does not happen for a reason. I was a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason. Anytime the world did not go in my favor I would use this as a rationale. However, being apart of a world where violence, adversity, and horror are common, I don’t want to accept that these things happen for a reason. The little girl who lost her father, or the mother who lost her son are events that do not contain a reason. Sometimes things just happen. They cannot be explained.
  5. You can only take care of yourself. This is something that was so difficult for me to learn. Anytime I see someone I know upset, I want to drop everything and take care of that person. I have learned that you can only do so much. At the end of the day, if that person is still broken, you need to understand that you have done enough. Your health is paramount. Your unhappiness for that person’s situation will not make that person’s situation better. Live life, love, be happy. Help those going through a rough patch, but at the end if that person is still in the dark– move on. No matter what you do it is that person’s choice to feel better.

Well, that’s it for this reflections post. I just had all these lessons shuffled in my head, so I thought I’d share. If you agree (or disagree) or have something else you’ve learned that has changed your life– comment below.

❤ ,

Hira