Hello Beautiful Souls,
Well, as of August 7th, I officially completed my undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University in International Business and Marketing. I cannot believe it all went by so fast, it seems like a dream. In light of this milestone in my life, I have decided to share some highlights from the past four years and some of my advice for new college students.
If you’re interested, stick around and keep reading!
In my four and a half years at GVSU, I feel like I had a dynamic experience compared to most students. I’m typically an outsider, which allows me to dip my toes into a lot of different circles and environments. Therefore, I was able to dabble in a few different worlds during my time at university, which paid off in my opinion. It gave me more opportunity to grow and become adaptable.
Let’s review some of my favorite highlights!
Cheerleading
My first memory of college was becoming a collegiate cheerleader at a division two university. From football season to competing on the bandshell in Daytona Beach, this was a total dream come true for me. Cheerleading was life for me, I lived and breathed all things cheer. I cheered until the second semester of my sophomore year of college, until I decided to move on to other things. Most of you know my cheer story, but if not I’ll share an old post here.
Cheerleading in college gave me lots of opportunities to meet new people and experience campus events in a different way. I also got to travel around with the team; for sporting events, camp and NCA Nationals. Some of my favorite memories were going to camp, cheering football games and obviously, competing in Daytona. Although I only did it for about 2 years, It was an amazing experience, all in all.
Started My Blog
In the beginning of my sophomore year, I also started my blog. This was so huge for my life, I never thought my blog would grow to where it is today and I never knew it would become so important to me finding my confidence and voice. Starting out, my blog was called Somewhere Between Vogue & Van Gogh (why did I make it so long?) and I wrote mostly about fashion and local events in GR. I enjoyed this but I found my voice in the digital sphere had started to develop into something different. I found there was a void in the market for women empowering women, I wanted to create a relatable blog that covered topics such as confidence, body positivity and mental health for girls my age.
This is when my blog transformed into Pretty, Young & Motivated (2016). I love writing and creating content, and my blog has really made that possible for me. It’s allowed me to discover my passions in life and improved skills relevant in my career aspirations. I’m so thankful to have this platform to share my life experiences and connect with individuals on tough topics.
Studied Abroad
Summer 2016, before my junior year, I studied abroad in France for 6 weeks. This experience was actually life changing, traveling abroad is truly unreal. This trip changed my perspective on life completely, for a few different reasons.
I met people from across the globe, I stepped outside my comfort zone and learned how to live life to the fullest. This was my most favorite memory of my college career. This trip introduced me to some of my best friends, it allowed me to find my confidence and voice (which led to the change to PYM) and it made me appreciate life a little more. I’ll never forget the drunken nights on the beaches of the Mediterranean or the city lights of Paris. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, DO IT!
Student Organizations
I tried multiple student organizations throughout my 4 years. From Fashion club to American Marketing Association, I was able to meet so many fun and inspiring people. I joined French Club for a year to improve my French speaking skills and meet other students in my minor. I joined AMA my junior year and became the Vice President my senior year. This gave me the opportunity to travel to New Orleans for the National Conference and visit Chicago twice. This was another amazing experience during my college career that introduced me to a new social circle and improved my networking skills for marketing.
In my opinion, try a bunch of different student organizations during your time in college. Not only will you meet people with similar interests as you, but you may also discover a new skill or interest.
My Friends
I met some of my best friends over the past four years, I’ve also lost a couple. There is so many people I could shout out but it might take up too much room here. If you’re not included in this post, please don’t take it personal. There are so many people that have influenced my life and I’m grateful for all of you. These few people have just been there since the start.
Danielle – Thank you for being my best bitch and keeping me on my shit. You always make me laugh and you’re probably one of my only friends who fully understands my boujiness (this isn’t a real word but i know you understand). I remember meeting you in my first French class and then running into you at the Twenty One Pilots concert, and thinking this girl needs to be my friend. For real, thank you for always supporting me and being my favorite dancing buddy. Oh, and there is also a note in my phone that says “Danielle will be my Maid of Honor” (lol).
Paige – We’ve definitely had our ups and downs through college but we’ve been through it all since day one. From the cheer world to college roomies, you’ve always been someone I could connect with on a creative and spiritual level. (Sounds weird? but you get me). I know you’re going to accomplish amazing things in the future with your driven attitude. Thank you for always offering amazing and real advice.
David – Although you’re my boyfriend, you were my best friend first. I’m so thankful college brought you into my life. I’ve enjoyed learning you’re not actually crazy over the past two years. You constantly make me laugh and know just how to take care of me. I knew you would be a keeper when you ran a 9 minute mile with me and told me I was doing great, even though you ran like 8 miles the next day with Torben at like 5 min a mile pace.
Regan – Cheerleading at GV brought us together but our big dreams and crazy ambitions kept us friends beyond the cheer world. Your energy and drive constantly inspire me and I can’t wait to see where you go in the broadcasting and journalism field. You’re absolutely amazing at it. I miss holding you up in pyramids but you can always call me when you need to talk!
Loren – We took some geography course together freshmen year and I remember thinking you were so pretty and I wanted to be your friend. Then, we about died together in Accounting 212, which only bonded our friendship more. From weekly coffee dates at the Lantern to photoshoots, you’ve always been a friend that’s kept me sane (or tired to). You always are there to tell me straight up and genuinely support me. You’re a unique human being and it’s so refreshing to have you in my circle of friends. Just relax 😉
Kurtis – I met Kurtis on bench outside of our diversity in the US class, sophomore year. Kurtis reminded me of home because he loved hunting, drove a truck and actually lived in the country. He was one of the first people in college to actually learn that I was from the country and came from a “tomboy” background. He’s one of the realest friends who has stuck around through everything. Breakfast soon?
Seriously, there are so many other great friends I didn’t include but I love you all! Many of you have supported my wildest dreams and cheered for me through all my endeavors, I couldn’t ask for more. So many people have also supported this blog and shared my posts, which means the world to me. Thank you all!
Let’s get to the advice part now!
My Advice
Travel
This doesn’t necessarily mean to France or Europe, but small weekend trips to new cities with friends. Although I traveled on some scale, it definitely was not enough. Given the opportunity, I would of taken more road trips and camping trips with my friends. Find cheap flights to any city and just go. This is the time to be broke and experience as much as you can. Once again, if you can study abroad, do it. Go for a semester or a year, a summer will not be enough!
Let it go
I’m sort of a hypocrite in this category because it took me awhile to “let it go” but college is the perfect time to let loose. Do it within your means and don’t get suspended or sent to jail, but have some fun. There are a few things I never checked off my college bucket list and I don’t want you to have that. Make the most of every moment and say yes to new adventures! This is the time to mess up and really “find yourself”. Enjoy being young!
Unpopular Opinion
If you haven’t gone to college yet or feel weird about going, don’t! Everyone in society makes college feel like a must to be successful but it’s becoming less of a need in our society. If you want to do something that requires a specific training or degree, go to college. However, if you’re just unsure and want to be a blogger or do marketing, maybe try that for awhile. You don’t have to go to college right out of high school. It’s important and helpful in navigating your young adult life but it’s also very costly. Just think about your options and goals before making a final decision. (Sorry parents!)
Study Abroad
Are you getting my point with this one yet? Seriously, do it! Most study abroad programs a really comparable to a semester at your home university anyway.
Do it all
Go to a concert, visit coffee shops, try hot yoga, go out on a week night, find a dive bar, jump in a fountain ( I did this a few times), skip class to grab lunch with a friend, attend a festival, take a long drive with good music, start a blog, run a 5k, join a club…just do whatever presents itself to you. It will all go by so fast!
Whew! That was a long post! Thank you for reading this far. I’ve been working on this post for awhile because I wanted it to be just right. My college experience was great, but different than some. I moved through a lot of different social circles and learned a lot about myself. It definitely made me more self-aware and independent. Each of these experiences have influenced me and all that I write for this blog.
I’m truly thankful for my platform here and I hope I have been able to inspire you in some way over the past 3 years. That’s my goal in life, I just hope to positively impact peoples lives, even in the smallest of ways. If you’re about to go to college or just started, I wish you the best of luck. Enjoy each and every moment, it will go by super fast!
Cheers to being an official college alumni!
xo, Lyss
