College

I’m sorry I can’t be there today.

My brain goes through a million phases before an exam, changing colors and eras as rapidly as Taylor Swift’s costume changes. One moment it’s embodying the “yes, academic weapon,” mentality, and the next it decides, “nah, academic victim actually.”

Yeah, writer’s block is real. You know what’s so underrepresented though? Editor’s block. I can’t begin to explain how frustrated I feel when I have a page full of writing there in front of me, and I’m praying I can figure out what’s that perfect tiny thing to change to make everything make sense.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t planning to fall so hard for Apartment 23. She’s got her issues, and I wasn’t joking about the creaky floors or the dim lighting. She’s a small apartment, feeling even smaller with four people living there...

If you’re an introvert like me, you might relate to my embrace of loneliness. Even still, the social pressures of college make it difficult to accept our evening rituals of eating dinner, reading a book and watching Netflix alone.

“Sixteen missed calls, I’m sorry I was busy but I missed all-the-fun-because-I-was-studying.” FOMO, aka Fear Of Missing Out, the unbearable opportunity cost, especially during midterms week (also especially when your midterm week is after homecoming weekend).

There’s an intricate delicacy in shared looks across the room and bitten-back smiles behind brushed fingertips; another language in scribbled notes and tight, quick hugs. I want slow egg-cooking mornings and a midday coffee.

Their conversations remained superficial throughout the evening, but their feelings grew like a summer daisy. After each moment, they wanted to be closer, but neither was courageous enough to change the subject.

I’ve written about self-improvement in my blog posts. Skincare, dieting, workout, mental health, etc. are all habits I think everyone should examine and implement. And well, it seems like sleep is the next thing.

Starting a new year of college is scary and exciting, regardless of what year you're in. It’s always going to be hard to say the difficult goodbyes but each one will be met with happy hellos as you move to and from school.