It takes a village...

This past week has been extremely overwhelming and stressful; I haven't taken the time I usually do to pray or go to mass. I stumbled across this quote the other week and decided to look deeper into it. After reading it more thoroughly, I realized that when I do pray, I feel better because I start to think of others and what they are going through rather than my own troubles. When I look at other people's lives and struggles, it brings me back down to earth. The line "...but now I know prayer changes us and we change people" really hit me hard. Since becoming more involved in my faith, I feel like a different - better - person and because of that I have been able to see wrong things in the world and attempt to do something about it. 

Gandhi said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," and I believe that in order to change anything in this world, you must rise up and make the change. For me, I don't always have the strength make things happen on my own; I need God. It's so important to realize that whether you believe in my God, another god, or no god, you cannot do it alone. Everyone needs a support system and if we all come together, we can end the evils of the world. 

I grew up extremely lucky in a loving family and nurturing environment; however, not everyone is as lucky. I have been fortunate enough to attend Catholic school my entire life and of to a four year college based on Jesuit values. Being able to study at LUC has opened my mind to so many other cultures and worlds. So many of my friends have come form all over the country and have each taught me something about their values and beliefs. Attending Loyola has helped me to grow as a person and understand myself in a deeper way. 

Jamaican Me Crazy

          So... It's been a few days since I returned from my five and a half week mission trip in Kingston, Jamaica. It was both life changing and exciting as well as difficult to comprehend. Even now, writing this I'm not sure what to make of it. There were ups and downs, highs and lows; the people we met were unbelievably humble and thankful and beautiful. Even if we just sat and spoke with them, they showed a gratitude that I only wish I could exemplify. It was an unbelievable journey and I'm still in disbelief that I did it.

In St. Thomas Parish, Jamaica we visited a fresh water fountain where some people shower and wash their clothes. 

While in Kingston, we worked at the Immaculate Conception High School & Prep School. In the beginning I struggled with the fact that we were working at the #1 school in all of Jamaica and felt that our help could have been utilized elsewhere. Later on in the trip though, I slowly became connected to each of the girls with which I worked. Being with the kindergarteners helped me realize how much I want to be a mother and have a big family. I was able to see so many different backgrounds and cultures within one setting for which I am forever grateful.

Lunch at Immaculate consisted mainly of singing and dancing rather than eating. 

          Each Wednesday, we volunteered for Missionaries of the Poor at the Bethlehem home and worked with children who are mentally and physically disabled. The first day was extremely difficult and overwhelming - we were automatically thrown into feeding and changing children without any instruction. By the second and third times though, we fell right into things with smiles and excitement for the next visit to come. The final visit was almost breathtaking - the boys were high-energy and bouncing off of the walls (some of them... literally). It felt as if I belonged there right in that moment with the boys at Bethlehem and it increased my passion for working with children.

Bob and Jeremy are "frenemies" at the Bethlehem home. Wherever they are, they bring energy... and trouble. 

          Every Saturday and the last four days of the trip, we worked at Jamaica National Children's Home (JNCH). The first two times I worked in Jamaica at JNCH, I never made a connection with any of the kids. Thankfully, during this visit,  I connected with so many of the children there. Anthony, Lisa, Sanjay, Harmony, Roxanne, Jodi, and so many others touched my heart in a way unlike anyone else. The smiles on their faces each time we walked in were enough to let me know that we were helping them just as much as they were helping us. These children have gone through more in a few years than a lot of people have/will in a lifetime and even still, they are constantly smiling and holding onto hope of a better future.

(Unfortunately, photos are not allowed to be posted due to security purposes for the children at JNCH)

          At the beginning of our third week in Jamaica, the Wortley Home for Girls - a nearby orphanage - burned down leaving 19 girls and 2 house mothers without a home. The Immaculate Conception Hostel opened its doors to all of them. Thankfully, it was during our week off and we were able to work with them all day everyday. We drew with them, made bracelets, and took them swimming. Many of the girls were unable to swim and being able to teach them how to do so was an amazing accomplishment for us and the girls. The hardest part about spending time with them was when they called us "mommy". It was overwhelming to realize that the love we gave to them that week and the following was more than some of them had received in a very long time, if ever. I am so thankful to have met these girls; they have all changed my views on many things in life. I now appreciate my family more than I ever have and I am extremely thankful for my education - some of the girls do not attend school and if they do, it is not a very good one. Being available to them for those two weeks was the most unexpected yet treasured moment of our trip. We truly were in the right place at the right time.

          Throughout this journey, I was able to get closer to my faith than I ever have before. At the hostel we stayed in, there was a small chapel available for daily mass which we attended almost everyday. Even though it was a struggle to get up for the 6:45 a.m. masses 3 days a week, we did. I was able to become confident in who I am as a person, all flaws included. I realized what I deserve and what I don't; relationships I need and those from which I need to distance myself. I can finally understand that God's love is truly infinite and as vast as the ocean. A good friend of mine once said, "That's a shit ton of love". It's so true. I constantly battled with the fact that I wasn't enough or even lovable. I know God's always there for me no matter how far I stray, as long as I am present and ready. I hope each of you have the chance to find yourself and your faith like I have been blessed and able to do.

Up in the Blue Mountains, we purchase some (cheap) freshly picked coffee from a farmer himself. 

          During the one weekend we had off from work, we were fortunate enough to visit Port Antonio, Jamaica with a few priest friends of ours. It was an unbelievable weekend that I will always remember. The sky was blue, the sea was clear, and the company was wonderful. The relationships we made that weekend will last a lifetime and I am anxiously anticipating my next visit to Jamaica - especially Blue Lagoon!! It was great to spend a weekend on the beach relaxing and I am forever thankful for that tiny vacation.

We were lucky enough to meet Father Sam who introduced us to an entirely different culture of Jamaica. 

          Jamaicans are truly one of a kind people and I am thankful to forever call Kingston my home away from home. Although it was difficult to get used to the "island time" and thinking I was late when in reality I was early, the life I lived there was so easy-going, relaxed, and (mostly) stress-free. As cliché as it sounds, in the U.S., people are constantly running to what's next and no one ever truly lives in the moment. Jamaicans truly encompass what it means to live happily and patiently; no one is racing to be better than another - they are working together. Everything has become so competitive in this world and for once, it was astonishing to live in  place so dedicated to helping each other out. I hope one day, we can all live together rather than against each other.

XO

When summer's almost here and you just can't...

It's mid-April, the temperature is rising, and so is the temptation to ditch the books and bask in the sunshine you almost forgot existed. I tend to hit a wall this time of year and I struggle to push myself to the finish line of the spring semester. In class, I daydream of everything else I could be doing outside instead of learning how to calculate logarithms. I've decided to get myself out of this funk and kick it into high gear to finish this semester strong. Here are some of my tips for when you literally, just can't even...

1. Take Five:
In this day and age, we all get so immersed into what we have to do now, what we should have done before, and what we will have to do later. Before trying to get out of my rut, I take five minutes to myself with no technology, in a quiet place, and maybe a journal. At school, I like to sit at the lake and just breathe slowly and think of how I am feeling in that exact moment. Most of the time, I realize that I am doing far better than I think I am and realize I have so much to be thankful for. Taking a step back and looking at all of my accomplishments in life and school truly helps me become motivated to get things done and snap out of a funk.

2. Make a 'To-Do' List:
As cheesy as it sounds, making a 'To-Do' list takes my stress away. I often get overwhelmed by constantly thinking of every single thing that I have to do, eventually making everything worse! Most of the time when you write it all in a list, it helps to make you realize you can spread things out and/or maybe you don't have as much to do as you initially thought. Making a schedule and figuring out what and when to do things can be a genuine stress reliever.

3. Sleep Sleep Sleep:
When I am in a slump, especially near the end of school, I tend to stay up late doing useless things and then sleep in late, wasting away my day. Every time I realize I have to get back to a productive lifestyle, I plan to go to sleep early and wake up early. Although going to bed early may not always be realistic to do in college or life with the amount of work we are given, waking up at a decent hour almost guarantees that you will feel more productive/accomplished when you have more time to do things early on in the day. Most of the time, I am so beat by the end of the day that I end up falling asleep early without a problem.

4. Ditch the Junk Food:
Although I am probably the worst offender of not following this advice, ridding your diet of junk food is key to feeling better. When I ditch the crummy foods and opt for the healthier ones, I feel more energetic and motivated to do things. I'm a total stress-eater, so I get that this can be  ridiculously hard for those like me. But instead of chomping down on those chips, keep your hands busy with some almonds or other nuts and fruits while studying.

5. Let it out:
Sometimes the best thing you can do when you feel at your lowest is to let it all out. Relieve yourself of the tons of bricks you've been holding over your shoulders and cry. Crying has always been a sign of weakness to me and I prefer that people don't see me when I do so; however, when I do let it happen, I feel much better. It's completely okay to have a bad day and to want to just be sad and cry, but don't allow the sadness to overtake you! Cry about it, think about it, and then be done. From personal experience, I know that being in a "funk" can last far longer than just a few days or weeks, but releasing the stress has always been a way for me to improve on my mental health.

Wednesday Wisdom

It's HUUUUUUUMP DAAAAAAY!

It's already halfway through the week and I hope it's been treating you well! With the cold weather putting me into a classic winter funk, I figured I would get some inspirational quotes from some of my friends to get me back into the swing of things. Without further adieu, here is some wisdom from the wisest of them all!

1. My Quote of the Week:

"It's not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carry it."

~ C. S. Lewis

As a naturally stressed out person, I tend to get overwhelmed with the chaos of life. Sometimes I make up problems in my head or deal with them in the wrong ways. I love this quote because it reminds me that everyone has problems and sometimes we let the weight of our issues bring us down rather than taking a breath and figuring out the best way to deal with them. Often times I let my issues and stressors consume my entire mind and I end up  more stressed than I should be. Knowing yourself and how to handle different road blocks can allow you to cope with things better in the future. I need to work on that more than I care to admit, but this quote reminds of that every single time I come across it. 

2. Vicky Wilson's Favorite Quote:

"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds."

~Aristotle Onassis

 "This is my favorite quote because I have the tendency to see the negatives in my life more than the positives and it is a gentle reminder for me to turn those negatives into lessons to better myself as a person. I've always enjoyed being on the water which is one the reason this quote stood out to me so much." (Vicky Wilson)

3. Mariana Chavez's Favorite Quote:

"Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun."

~Psalm 37: 5-6

"For many the thought of “changing the world” seems impossible and quite frankly very unattainable, yet for me, since a very young age, the thought of “changing the world” has been the challenge I have willingly decided to take on. Being a servant leader has really given me the courage to continue to believe that someone like me could attain something so big like that. This bible verse keeps me motivated and passionate about changing the world for the better because I trust that God is a constant presence in my life helping me to shine his light and do the “impossible” and change this world." (Mariana Chavez)

I hope these quotes inspire you to think differently or expand your mind throughout the week. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday and week!
XO

I am so happy that I amma...

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA!!

 On January 25, 2015, I received a bid from the Eta Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. I had never been so nervous and excited for something in my entire life. At the beginning of Recruitment, I found myself confused as to whether or not I truly wanted to go through with the whole greek-like thing. I had heard so many positives, but also a fair share of negatives. I decided to just give it a shot and went through recruitment; little did I know that I would be finding the place and people that I could finally call "home". No matter the cheesiness, it's true: I have found a home in Kappa in just a few short weeks.  

 The girls I have met are some of the best people I have ever come across and I already feel so unbelievably accepted. Knowing that I will be a Kappa for the rest of my life, I get chills thinking about what the future holds. Forget about the cold feet I may have had a few weeks ago, because I have never been so sure of anything up until this exact moment. Kappa Kappa Gamma will be a place that I call home for as long as I live and then on.

 Some of you may not get it, but that's totally fine. How could you? I know there will be ups and downs throughout the next few years, but I also know that I will have Kappa to fall back on whenever I am having trouble or even when I am having the time of my life. 

I hope all of you are enjoying the fresh start of the New Year! Let's make 2015 one to remember!

XO

Aaaand That's a Wrap, Folks!

Well, I did it! I made it through my first semester of college along with some of my very best friends. I am so unbelievably pleased with my decision to attend Loyola University Chicago. I have met some of the most amazing people in my life after only a few months. The amount of love that I feel here on a daily basis is so encouraging and I am so thankful for the friends I have made in this amazing city. I came to Loyola not knowing a single soul and came out of my first semester with some of the closest friends I have ever made.

I am immensely proud of myself for making it this far and being so successful. I have learned that I have to go out of my comfort zone in order meet the best people out there for me. Being able to finish with a GPA higher than my original goal was probably the biggest feeling of accomplishment I have experienced in an extremely long time!

I want to give a big thank you to my parents for supporting me and pushing me along this entire semester to do the best I can academically and to be the best person possible.

I am also so thankful for my Aunt Lynn and Uncle Chuck; without either of them, my college experience would not be possible.

Thank you to all of my friends who have stuck by me through the meltdowns, stress-caused freak outs, and the occasional "bitch fit". You've made this experience so unbelievable and I am so happy that I can call you my best friends!!

I have laughed harder and cried harder than I ever have in my entire life this semester and I would never change a single moment even if I could. Hoping the rest of you have a wonderful holiday season. I'll see you next year! 

XO 

Wednesday Wisdom

One more week of classes and it's time for some turkey!! While taking a break from my studies, I wanted to share my weekly Wednesday Wisdom with you all. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week! Use those day dreams of Thanksgiving Dinner to get you through the rest of these frigid days at school or work.

Quote of the Week:

I came across this excerpt from one of Maya Angelou's famous quotes this past weekend and have not been able to stop thinking about it! To me, it makes so much sense and holds some great advice. As humans, we tend to let our struggles overwhelm us and in turn, we take our anger or frustration out on those around us. I know I for one have a hard time just taking a deep breath and stopping myself from copping an attitude towards my friends and family when I am in a bad mood. However, this quote helps to remind me that I mustn't become a frustration for other people simply because I myself am frustrated. So from now on, I am committing to attempt to acknowledge why I am frustrated and to remind myself that I should not exert those feelings onto those that do not deserve it.

2. Cathy Caputo's Favorite Quote:

"These two short lines from Gregory Alan Isakov’s song “San Francisco” have always stood out to me. When I listen to these lyrics I remember to live in the moment. It is so easy, yet so silly, to let schoolwork and other stresses control my thoughts and emotions when these things are really so much less important than they seem. This quote reminds me that life is not constricted by time. Rather, life is composed of beautiful moments that should be appreciated regardless of what the clock displays." (Cathy Caputo)

3. Dominic Belcaster's Favorite Quote:

"Sposarmi con la notte." (Marry the night.)

"This quote means more to me than anyone can expect, hence why I ended up getting a tattoo with the quote. It’s about taking all the pain, negativity, and darkness of your life and falling in love with it. Marrying the past and using it for the future. It’s also a title of a song that has pushed me through some of the most difficult times I’ve ever been faced with."

(Dominic Belcaster)

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week! Keep on working hard and pushing through the next week. The harder you work now, the more you will appreciate the break! XO

Thankful Thursday

We're in the "home stretch"!!! T-mins 3 hours until Friday! I hope this Thursday is treating you all well. For me, I like to relax for at least one hour every Thursday and take in all that has happened this week; I let go of the negativity and breathe in all the positive things that have happened this week. I attempt to ignore the stressors of the past week (although that is easier said than done) and remind myself of everything I have in my life.

1. New Friends

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my old friends from back home so so much as well; however, I am especially thankful for the ones I have recently made in college. I knew the first month or two would be hard, but I definitely underestimated how difficult it would be to adapt to all of the changes occurring. There have been numerous times that my new friends have had to calm me down when I had a freak out over getting behind on my homework or stressing about making other friends. While we all have been going through individual difficulties in our new lives, we have all been there for each other each step of the way. I mostly appreciate the fact that each of my new friends is so unbelievably encouraging and understanding. Each of us has been through difficult experiences and I believe because of that, we understand each other on a deeper level. I am so thankful to have met such amazing people in such a short period of time. I look forward to spending the next four years with some of the best people I have ever met!

2. Pittsburgh

I sure don't say it enough, but I am extremely thankful for having grown up in Pittsburgh. As much as I complain about the place, it has a special place in my heart. Even though I couldn't wait to get away and finally live in a big city, I underestimated how much I would miss Pittsburgh. I'm so thankful I was able to grow up in a city filled with such nice and caring people. It was the perfect sized city to raise a family. Although I love the CTA in Chicago and public transportation during rush hours, I sure do miss being able to drive places and quickly at that. I think I miss the people more than the city itself, but Pittsburgh truly made a positive impact on my life and played a large role in helping me to become the woman I am today. A big thank you to the 412 for giving me a childhood worth remembering.

3. Psychology

Although I am biased on the subject because I am a Psychology major, I really do appreciate all the work and progress that has been made in the field over the years. Not only do I find the subject itself interesting, but I also find it quite extraordinary. What other field of study can you dig so deep into the human mind, body, and soul? I so love that I can study in depth why humans are the way they are and why they act the way they do. Can you imagine a world in which having a psychological disorder meant you were a witch or possessed by the devil? Oh wait - that did happen! Thanks to Psychology we are now able to diagnose and treat many different types of disorders and illnesses. Although it is still a young science, Psychology is truly making its way to the top. I am unbelievably grateful for the progress made involving mental illnesses and disorders. Having fought mental illness myself, I am thankful that Psychology has been able to create ways of coping and types of treatment for those affected by these diseases. Without the help of therapy, I would not be where I am today or the woman I am so proud of today. Psychology has changed my life in more ways than one and I am forever thankful.

PS - So sorry I have been behind in my posts! I'll be sure to update you all with what I do over the weekend! I hope you enjoy yourself the next few days! Don't forget to take some time to contemplate the good in your life and to exhale all of the bad!

XO

Wednesday Wisdom

I hope this post finds you well! It's almost the weekend... and Halloween! I'm anxiously anticipating all of the costumes I will see this weekend! In the meantime, to take a break from my studying, here's a few quotes from my friends and me! Happy Wednesday Wisdom!

Quote of the Week: 

"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." 

-Carlos Castenada

When I am feeling unmotivated and extremely pessimistic, I think of this quote and kick it into high gear; I walk with a smile on my face and think of all the things that are fabulous in my life. It's true, there is a difficulty that exists when attempting to consistently be strong (and of course a breakdown is totally understandable every once in a while), but isn't it worse to be miserable? It takes just as much mental and physical energy out of you, so why not make it positive energy and stay confident? I am my biggest motivator and my worst critic, but this quote puts everything into perspective for me. I can either support myself or tear myself down. I choose to be a happy, strong, and confident young woman. I can do all things with a little faith in myself. So what's it gonna be - living a miserable life or strengthening yourself every single morning?

2. Ben Bissell's Favorite Quote:

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." 

-Abraham Lincoln

"I love this quote because it's something that I live my life by and something that I believe in. My mom and dad used to say this to me throughout highschool whenever I was having a tough day or felt stressed about things in my life. I have brought this mindset into college to take one day at a time and I believe it has made me succeed so far this school year. I love this quote because it reminds us to slow down and focus on the things that are right in front of us instead of worrying about the future because there's nothing you can do the change the things that haven't happened yet." 

(Ben Bissell)

3. Margo Holleran's Favorite Quote:

"Time decides who you meet in your life. Heart decides who you want in your life. And your behavior decides who will stay in your life." -Unknown

Right now, my mom is out of the country (and probably asleep due to time difference!) so she was unable to give a reasoning behind why she loves this quote so much. However, to paraphrase, I know this is her favorite quote in the entire world - it is taped above her laptop for her to see everyday. Time is a funny thing and can be a huge pain in the butt - sometimes - or it can be a great thing. Sometimes you're in different places in life, and other times the timing could not be more perfect. You cannot control who you love, that's only up to your heart! But in the end, if you want someone in your life, you will make it happen, if you don't you'll make that happen too. People cannot make you happy if you can't even make yourself happy! So respect yourself enough to let those who do not deserve to be in in your life leave. 

Thankful Thursday

T.G.I.T. - Thank Goodness It's Thursday!! Not only is ABC's Scandal on tonight, but it's also Thankful Thursday! Although I usually choose three things I am thankful for, this Thursday I have decided to mention one. Today has been quite sad; I heard news early this morning that my cat Thomas had to be put down due to numerous health problems. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this Thankful Thursday to my best friend and the only being that was always always there for me.

1. My Cat, Thomas:

I can still clearly picture the day that we brought Thomas home from the animal shelter; him and his brother Jerry. Though barely a few months old, we knew Thomas would be apart of our family right away and for a very long time. Over the years, we have had many animals in our house; none quite like our Tommy Tom, though. Whether I was a little girl crying on the steps outside or a frustrated teenager hating the world, Thomas always seemed to know when and how to comfort me. I am forever thankful that I was able to spend the past 15 years with such an amazing animal. From family dinners to Christmas mornings, Thomas never left my side.  He was not merely a cat, but rather a best friend, better than any human could have possibly been. Saturday and Sunday mornings will never be the same without you in mommy's bed, catching up on the past week's shows. I'll love you forever and am so unbelievably thankful for being able to spend a majority of my life with you. Missing you always, Tommy Tom.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

XO

Wednesday Wisdom

Happy Hump Day! I hope this post finds you well. I know I've been slacking in posting stuff lately, but I wanted to make sure I posted another Wednesday Wisdom for you all! Here are a few quotes from my two best girlfriends and me!

1. Quote of the Week:

"We tend to judge other by their behavior, and ourselves by our intentions."

-Stephen M.R. Covey

This quote holds a special place in my heart. I think as humans we constantly judge each other by the way in which we behave rather than their intentions. A common theory in Social Psychology is the "Fundamental Attribution Error," in which people overestimate the effect of dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors. I admit, I am constantly attributing a persons behavior to his or her actual personality, while at the same time knowing I behaved a certain way with certain intentions. It is extremely difficult to do, but I try my hardest to understand why a person did something and where he or she is coming from. I hate being judged wrongly, let alone at all, and I am positive you do too. So what do you say? Let's all just try to be a little less judgmental and a little more understanding!

2. Jessica Ciesielski's Favorite Quote:

 "I realized this week that I just cannot do it all. So I will choose to do what I can fabulously."

-Clinton Kelly

"This quote really means a lot to me because I can apply it to my every day life. I tend to get overwhelmed trying to balance school work, my social life, and getting enough sleep. Clinton Kelly reminds me that it’s okay to not always be able to take on everything at once; it is simply important to put forth your best and most fabulous work into what you’re able to do. It’s vital to be able to step back and look at what you’ve accomplished and be proud of it." (Jessica Ciesielski)

3. Marcella Pappas's Favorite Quote:

"And there are stories where it’s hard to be sure who’s a prince and who’s a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after" 

-Ilsa J. Bick

"This is my favorite quote because in life, not everything is black and white - good things happen to bad people and vice versa. We are not always able to see through people, we do not know what goes on behind closed doors, and we do not always know who it is that we are judging." (Marcella Pappas)

As always, you are more than welcome to share any of your favorite quotes via email! I hope you have a wonderful Wisdom Wednesday! T-minus two days until the weekend!

XO

Thankful Thursday

It's that time of the week again... Happy Thursday! While taking a break from studying for my final midterms, I took the time to think of three things I am thankful for. 

1. My Faith 

My faith is extremely important to me and I am forever thankful for being able to grow up learning about God. Going to catholic school my entire life has helped me to become a strong young woman with values and morals that I take pride in.

Because of my faith I am able to share with others my beliefs. I do so by going on many missions trips both in the US and Jamaica. The most life-changing event thus far in my life is most definitely my first mission trip to Jamaica. I not only grew stronger in my faith and closer to God, but I also became more appreciative of the life I have been granted. If you have not done so, whether you are religious or not, i strongly suggest that you go on a mission trip as soon as possible!

2. My Dad

As a young girl, some of my fondest memories involve my dad. My mom is one of my best friends, but I'm still a "Daddy's Girl" at heart. 

My dad's willingness to give to others is unlike that of anyone I have ever experienced. Not only is he a mentor for many teens and young adults, but also an amazing role model to both my brother and me. He accompanied me on my first trip to Jamaica and had an equally life-changing experience. 

3. Education

My entire life I have been blessed with the ability to attend Catholic and Private Catholic schools. My education is extremely important to me and as a college student I have begun to appreciate it even more.

I am so thankful that I was able to graduate high school and attend a university in Chicago. My parents are extremely supportive in everything I do, especially my decision to major in Psychology. My past education and experiences have influenced me to pursue a career in counseling. I am forever thankful for all of my family members who have helped make the education I've received and will continue to receive possible. 

What are you thankful for? 

XO 

Wednesday Wisdom

When I decided to start this blog I had originally planned to only post Thursday-Sunday. However, since talking to some of my supporters, I have decided to add a Wednesday post: Wednesday Wisdom. Each week I will share my favorite quote of the day and ask thre others for theirs. By doing this, I hope to be able to reach a broader perspective on what is important to others around me.

1. My Favoritve Quote:

"You cannot save people, you can only love them."

-Anais Nin

This quote is extremely important to me. There have been many times in my life that I have felt the need to save people from different things - mistakes, trouble, or any type of pain. It has taken a lot of time, but after hearing this quote, I have found that I cannot save anyone. No matter what I do, people have to want to save themselves; the best I can do is love them and support them and I think that is enough. 

2. Jack McCusker's Favorite Quote:

"We must not fear daylight just because it almost always illuminates a miserable world."

-Rene Magritte

"This quote means so much to me. It helps remind me that although some days may seem dark and that they'll never get better, embracing the daylight, the good in life, and being positive will be my salvation even when I feel surrounded by a miserable world. It may be typical to find evil in creation, but fearing the daylight will only cause us to miss out on all the good things that can be illuminated by it. Inspired by Margritte's artwork and how insightful he is, I take this quote to heart and I can find solace in its meaning." (Jack McCusker)

3. Mahdi Sahloul's Favorite Quote:

"Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more."
-Oscar Wilde

"This quotes pushes me to challenge myself intellectually, physically, and socially. I'm on a constant search for my purpose in life and challenging myself with new things, to me, means progress." 

(Mahdi Sahloul)

4. Fransisco Hernandez Garcia-limia's Favorite Quote:

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get."

-Forrest Gump 

"I never thought that I would ever live so far from home so early in my life and for such a long time. Being away from Spain and my family has taken me through many different obstacles. Even so, my journey has shaped me into who I am. The unexpected sometimes prepares you for other obstacles to come in the future. I am stronger because of what has happened to me."

(Fransisco Hernandez Garcia-limia)

If you ever want to submit a favorite quote of yours, please do not hesitate to email it to me along with a reason for why you like it! You can find my email under the "View My Complete Profile" link below my bio. I hope you all enjoy and have a wonderful Hump Day!

XO