Is Christmas Here Too Early?

Is it me or has Christmas not been very Christmas-feeling lately in the past years? I always knew the quadruplet major holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) compete with each other and overlap each other with consumerism.

Halloween is tomorrow and those decorations have been displayed in stores since August. AUGUST! I shouldn't be seeing a scarecrow or pumpkins until September, when it is actually Fall. 

Christmas, however, is on a whole 'nother league. The famous Grove in Los Angeles just put up their big tree to display and Target stores already have everything from Santa to fake snow for your Christmas needs. I love Christmas, but not when it's October. Let me wear my cat ears first before I put on the Santa hat, please. 

The marketing strategy for these displays comes from the idea that "it's never to early to celebrate a joyous holiday". Last year, consumers thought stores were putting up decorations too early because it completely made people not enjoy Thanksgiving. It turned into "let's have this turkey and ham dinner that Mom slaved over and buy Christmas presents on Black Friday". Keep in mind, stores also had their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving day. 

The time of giving and joy is no longer present (pun intended) because the holiday turned into it's own marketing campaign for you to spend your money and time at department stores.

Branching Out To Other Organizations

Do it. It will do you some good.

While joining a sorority will look great on a resume with the ever-lasting commitment you display, good character traits, your ability to lead -- it should not be the only thing that shows what you are capable of doing.

As it is still the beginning of the school year, try to look into other organization to not only build up your resume, but to also build up your networking. It will create a lot of connections to a field of interest.

All college campuses varies by what clubs are offered but each has a consensus for an enjoyable student life.

Look into an academic or business fraternity. It will show that you are goal oriented to prove your own leadership potential and your LinkedIn profile will be blasted with so many connections from your peers and current business employers who will be impressed with your endorsements.

Community service clubs are a great way to connect with something bigger. It can be for a national community service organization like Circle K International or Habitat for Humanity, where you vie for the same type of services for a common goal. Each organization not only provides their services to the community with something small like trash pick up or big like building a new home, but they also fundraise money for their counterparts! You'll get that heart warming feeling when you see so many smiling faces from a job well done.

Get cultural with culture clubs, even if you aren't born into it! You'll get a whole new perspective on an exciting lifestyle for people who are eager to show you! You'll learn something new every time and there will also be an abundance of food from all of the potlucks that will ensue. Yes, please.

Step out of your chapter to develop a better college experience. This will create many memories with different people who, too, share the same interests as you!

What Every College Girl Should Know

A few pieces of advice I've collected, for college girls, throughout my time spent in college. 

1. You may not like your roommate, which is fine.  All you need to do is learn how to live with her.
2. Nobody really cares where you went to high school, what clique you were in, or how many awards you won.
3. Chances are high that you will change your major. I promise you it won't destroy your college experience.
4. It's okay to not get straight A's.
5. Sometimes that paper you think deserves and A+ will get a B, and it's okay life will go on.
6. Tutoring is something that everyone uses, even the smart kids on campus.
7. Your first semester is one of the most difficult adjustment periods you will experience, in college.
8. You're definitely not going to stay in touch with all of your friends from high school.
9. Speaking of high school, you might miss it sometimes and that's okay.  It's all part of the transition process. However, don't let yourself dwell on the pass and miss out on the here and now.
10. There's a lot more to college than frat parties and football games.
11. You don't have to drink to be social.
12. First impressions are important, but your first thoughts about people aren't always correct.
13. It doesn't how well you know "that girl at the party", if she's too drunk help her! After all,  if by chance that was you, your friend, or your sibling you would want someone to help you.
14. Always charge your phone before going out. 
15. Never go out alone.
16. Create a budget, it's easy to spend too much.
17. Don't send a snapchat that you wouldn't want someone to screen shot.
18. Don't post anything on social media that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see.
19. Sometimes you have to cry to feel better.
20. 95% of the time crop tops are not a good look. 
21. Have self respect.
22. Don't change your morals because they don't match someone else's.
23. Get dressed for class. It makes you more alert and leaves a good impression on your peers and professor.
24. Talk to your parents! They can provide great advice and support.
25. Take lots of pictures (You don't need to post every picture you take)!
26. Unless you are 21, don't post pictures with alcohol in them. 
27. Red cups are not a good look for social media posts.
28. Get involved! 
29. Use an agenda. They help a lot.
30. Go to class. 
31. Spark Notes is not going to get you too far in college. Shocker, you have to actually do your own work!
32. Take advantage of all the opportunities your campus has.
33. Failure is a part of life, but remember to learn from it.
34. Try something new.
35. It's okay to have a late night snack every once in awhile just don't make it a habit.
36. Add the number for your campus public safety into your phone.
37. Leggings can be worn as pants, but not for every single occasion.
38. Pinterest is a great resource for just about everything!
39. Stand up for what you believe in. It's okay if you have to stand alone sometimes.
40. Splurge on something for yourself every once in awhile.
41. A little retail therapy won't kill you.
42. Be sure to eat a balanced diet.
43. Be active, it's good for your physical and mental health.
44. Balance work and play.
45. Don't go home every weekend.
46. Step outside your comfort zone.
47. Take time for yourself. Your mental health is important.
48. Take some time for reflection. It is important to realize what is and is not working for you.
49. Be kind to everyone without letting them walk all over you.
50. Have fun!

XOXO

-Michaela