Tuesday, August 31, 2010

30 Day Blog Challenge

That's right.  I got this idea from a fellow blogger.  I think this list of 30 topics is a great way for the readers to get to know the blogger.  So for the next 30 days starting tomorrow (September 1), I will be answering a question from the list, along with other topics on my schedule.  Here is the list below:

Day 1: A favorite song
Day 2: A favorite movie
Day 3: A favorite book
Day 4: A favorite quote
Day 5: A favorite pair of shoes
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 9: A photo you have taken
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding
Day 13: Five strange facts about you
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take
Day 15: Five funny fears
Day 16: A song that makes you cry
Day 17: An art piece
Day 18: A photo of your favorite room in your house
Day 19: A talent of yours
Day 20: A food you like and a food you do not like
Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people
Day 22: A website you like
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love
Day 25: A recipe
Day 26: A childhood memory
Day 27: A physical feature you love
Day 28: A scar you have and its story
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days
Day 30: A motto or philosophy

I'm excited about this, so please feel free to leave me a comment on each of these days, telling me facts about you!



Friday, August 20, 2010

Green Eyes, Green Shirt, Green Earth

Prices and Origins:
Shirt: Old Navy, $19.50
Cami: Aeropostale, $8.75
Pants: Charlotte Russe.  I couldn't find them online, but I purchased them out of the store for an easy $30.
Shoes: Rocket Dogs, Journeys, $35
Necklace: My necklace is a one of a kind piece made out of paper that I purchased while in Kenya, Africa.  You can buy a similar Kenyan necklace here for $15.


Comfort Factor:
Shirt: 6/10
Cami: 7/10
Pants: 8/10
Shoes: 7/10
Total Modest Outfit Cost (not including shoes): $73.25
Total Modest Outfit Cost (including shoes): $108.25

I love the color of my blouse, which is the main reason why I bought it.  The dark green shade turn my eyes a bright green.  See the picture to the bottom right?  Yes, that's my real eye color (although with a different shirt on a different day...).  However, the blouse wasn't super comfortable.  I had to wear a cami underneath it to stay modest, but it tended to ride up and be too short on my long torso (thank goodness for the cami), as you can see in the picture.  I had to constantly pull it down over my hips.  One thing I do love about this shirt, however, is the fact that it isn't clingy or form fitting.  I also loved the stitching on the blouse.  You can see the picture below.

A cami is a cami.  I prefer Aeropostale's the best.  The only thing about this simple white cami is that it starts to fall low and I have to check every so often to make sure I don't need to pull it up.  I have a long torso, so I like the length of Aeropostale's camis most of all.

I loved the fading on my jeans.  They came in "short", so I didn't have to get them hemmed.  They weren't too long for me.  They're a little "low riding", but other than that, they were comfortable.  I liked their color as well.

My shoes are new.  I love their style, but I wasn't thrilled with how they fit.  As the day dragged on, they tended to cram my toes and the sides of my foot into the front of the shoe.  I've heard they're like that at first until they stretch, so I hope my new Rocket Dogs become more comfortable than they are now.  They're super cute, if that means anything.

Overall, I thought this outfit was cute, but it wasn't the most comfortable.  I preferred yesterday's outfit a little more.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Purple Flowers

The outfit I wore for the first day of school is not very "glamorous."  I decided to go for comfortable rather than extremely cute.  After all, a good friend of mine advised me, "Don't worry about what you're going to wear on your first day.  Everyone else is going to be so focused on their own cute outfit, they might not even notice yours."  So I went for a little cute and a lot comfortable.  Best of all, my outfit was completely modest.

Prices and Origins:
Shirt: Old Navy, $12
Pants: Levi's, Kohl's, $40 (although these are usually on sale at the store.  I got them for $31.)
Shoes: TOMS, $55 (Unfortunately, these TOMS are not being made anymore.  Here is the link to a cute, similar pair.)
Necklace: Okay, this was an expensive accessory because it was a gift from my parents.  You can purchase a similar but less expensive pair of pretend pearls for $6.50 at Charlotte Russe.

Comfortable Factor:
Shirt- 9/10
Pants- 8/10
Shoes- 8/10

Total Modest Outfit Cost (not including shoes): $49.50
Total Modest Outfit Cost (including shoes): $113.50

Overall, I was very satisfied with this outfit.  It was comfortable and cozy, and I got a lot of compliments on the blouse.  Nothing was slipping around or too tight, so I didn't constantly have to worry what I looked like.  Even though it was a simple dark gray, I loved the flowery design towards the top.  It was big enough so that it didn't draw specific attention to a certain part of me, but the design was simple and attractive.  I loved the beading.  I'll go ahead and show you a close up picture of my blouse so you can see the intricate beading designs.  Mind you, these pictures were taken after I got home from school, so I don't look very "fresh."

My new jeans were also very comfortable.  They came in "short" size, so I didn't have to get them hemmed.  I also like the way they fit.  Comfortably and not too tight.

My shoes were old, but they were as comfortable as always.  I love TOMS.  Even though this specific style of shoes is no longer for sale, I'll go ahead and show you a picture of my shoes.  They give facts about "if the world was a village of 100 people", how many would have AIDS, how many would have no shoes, etc.  They're amazing.

For my hairstyle, I left it down and straight.  I wore some eye makeup, but that's it.

Perfectly modest, I'm thinking.

Do you like this outfit?  Leave your comments below.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Foggy First Day

Today was the first day of school.  I'll be a senior this year. (Hooray!)

The weather this month has ranged around 90-100 degrees each day.  It's been hot and dry and lovely.  And then I woke up today... and this is what I saw.

Yeah.  It's like summer is saying, "As of the first day of school, I'm gone forever! Mwahahahaha!"

Monday, August 16, 2010

My Prayer for This Year

With each year, seniors have stood before the high school and said, "Our class will be the one to help start a revival at San Jacinto.  We will not let you down."  And there have been individual seniors who have fulfilled their promises and helped bring SanJac into a new spiritual place to the best of their abilities.  However, in many cases, the promises made have been nothing but words spilled from the lips of children that fell straight to the ground like shattered glass.  It is very easy for words to remain only words.

This year is our legacy.  We are the leaders of our school for the next nine months.  It is our turn to take the step of leadership.  Our year.  We have two choices.  One, to unite as a class that is strong in Jesus Christ and help to point our school in the right direction.  Or two, to give the yearly promises like all seniors do, and then sit back and allow one or two individuals in our class to take the burden of leadership onto their shoulders alone.  Which direction will you take?  The choice is yours.

How will you be a leader this year?

Will you reach out to underclassmen to the best of your ability?  Will you befriend them, fellowship with them, and mentor them in a way that shows both respect and friendship?  Will you strive to make your words and your actions reflect maturity rather than foolishness?  Will you continue to grow in a relationship with the Lord even when life feels too difficult and chaotic?  Will you listen and allow God to mold this year into what He wants it to be?

Our class isn't perfect, and I don't think there ever will be a class that is.  But I am saying right now that I will try to the best of my ability to make this year something meaningful and worthwhile.  If you see me acting otherwise, do not be afraid to call me out.  Ask me, and I will do the same for you.  Sometimes it will be hard, but I know God has something big in store for our class and for our school this year.

It's time to stand up, seniors.  Let's transform our words into action.  Let's transform our wishes into true faith.  Are you in?

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Before School Starts

These are my last five tips for surviving high school.  I hope my tips have helped you out and eased some of your fears.  I also hope that you take my advice to heart and apply it to your own life.  I know what I'm talking about.  I'm a senior in high school.  These last five tips that I have saved for today are five of the most important things that I think you should know.

1. If you don't like high school at first, give yourself a few weeks.  High school is different, new, and a little scary at first.  You might not like it right away.  Don't close your mind after the first day.  Approach high school with an open mind, even after the first day is over.  You're going to develop and mature as your freshman year progresses and you make the transition from middle school brain to high school brain.  You might not believe me, but you're going to change a lot your freshman year.  Don't believe me?  To the left is a picture of me in the July before my freshman year.  To the right is a picture of me in May of my freshman year.  Do you see a difference?  In less than a year, I look older, a little more mature and sure of myself.  You'll change too.  Give high school a chance.

2. Try not to worry about what others think.  Do not strive to please others.  Strive to please yourself and God.  Wear clothes that you like, not what others want you to wear.  Do not be so concerned about being "cool".  What anybody else thinks shouldn't worry you.  Be happy and don't be concerned about what others are thinking when they look at you.

3. Be yourself.  Don't let peer pressure transform you into somebody you aren't.  Do not become a person that you don't want to be.  Always be you, even if that does mean standing alone.  High school is tough sometimes.  Don't fall into temptation and become someone else.  Stay you.

4. Find a good group of friends.  Friends are some of the most important people in your life when you're in high school.  You will most likely dress, talk, and act like your friends, not because you're copying them, but because you naturally grow to be like the people you're around the most.  Having a godly, encouraging, supportive, happy group of friends is essential to making the right choices and having a good time while you're in high school.

5. Listen to the advice that others give you.  You might hate me for saying this, but does your mom have advice for you as you enter high school?  Take it.  Did your older sister or brother give you a tip or two?  Listen to them.  Did a high schooler at church or at a store offer up a piece of knowledge and experience?  Listen to what these people are saying.  All of them are older than you.  They've already been to high school.  They have experience that you don't.  They know what they're talking about.  Take advice.  Keep your mind open.  Listen to what people have to say, even if it's your own mom.

More than anything, have fun.  High school has been the best three years of my life so far.  I can't wait to begin this final year.  High school can be amazing for you too.  Relax.  Don't worry about it.  You'll make it through okay. :)

Love,
Emily
(A Helpful Senior)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Afraid of the Unknown

I'm curious.  What state/country do you live in and when do you start school?  Are you an upcoming freshman?  What are your fears?  What are you confident about, if anything?  My high school starts on August 18.  It's coming up quickly.  I'm pretty excited... but I'll be a senior.  If you're an upcoming freshman, it's easy to become afraid of the unknown.  That's why I'm here, offering you friendly sisterly advice.

Here are today's five tips for how to survive high school.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for five more.

1. Be ready to study hard before your very first test in each class.  High school tests are way more difficult than middle school tests.  Plus, you're learning the testing system of all new teachers.  At the beginning of my freshman year, I practically bombed every first test in each class.  Study harder than you ever will that first couple of weeks as you get used to high school academics.  It will pull off.

2. Please do not act rudely towards the seniors because you're insecure or nervous around them.  A lot of insecure freshmen act like hotshots to the upperclassmen, trying to show off or pretend like they're better than them.  Don't do that.  You'll only be ridiculed.  Don't act defensive whenever you see a senior.  Don't treat us rudely just because we're older than you or because you're afraid of us.  Smile and act sweet and say hi.  Ask us questions about high school.  We'll treat you like a person if you act normal and don't try to be way cooler than you are.

3. Share your fears about high school with a friend.  I know it can be embarrassing to admit that you're scared, but it's tough to hold your emotions and fears and doubts inside.  Find a close friend to talk to, or even better, an older mentor of sorts who is already in high school.  Talk to her about what you're feeling.  You will get so much encouragement from a good conversation than you will if you hold everything inside until you're about to burst.  Talk about your fears.  Practice this throughout the year as well.  It will keep you from feeling like you're constantly walking on egg shells.  Talking to a close friend is a release.

4. Try to get a good night's sleep before school starts.  The first week of school is the most stressful.  Don't make it worse by being exhausted.  I know it's hard to sleep before first day, just like it's hard to sleep before Christmas.  Try.  Pray about it.  Don't do anything too exciting the night before school.  If you have to, get into the routine of going to bed and getting up earlier than usual.  Do anything you can to help you not be too tired that first week of school.

5.  Don't try to hang out with upperclassmen all the time.  Yes, we want to mentor you and be a positive example to you.  No, we don't want you to hang out with us every second of every day.  Don't constantly text, tweet, and Facebook us with messages like, "When are we going to hang out? You're my best friend!"  Don't try to get a ride off campus every single day.  There are always a few freshmen who try to be upperclassmen.  You aren't one of us yet.  Hang out with kids your own age too.  You'll get to be a senior in a few years.  Don't try to rush it so much.  Being a freshman is fun too.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Can you be a devoted Christian in high school?

So you're a freshman.  If a senior calls you a fish, don't get angry.  Just smile and laugh.  Take it.  There is no reason to freak out.  High school should be the best time of your life.  Don't let anything ruin it.  Here are five tips of how to survive high school, written from a senior.  To see yesterday's five tips, click here.

1.  Be respectful to those around you.  Don't stand in the hallway and chat with your friends.  The hallway isn't big enough for that.  You're in the way.  Do not stand in front of someone's locker.  That's just plain rude.  Never stand in front of a doorway to talk.  Don't bring a zillion girls to have a mini-party in the bathroom.  There may be a student who actually needs to go.  Remember that you're the freshman this year.  For the next nine months, you are the youngest of everyone in the school.  That doesn't have to be any big deal as long as you don't linger public hallways, doors, bathrooms, and lockers, which would get you mean stares even if you weren't a freshman.  Don't wander around in groups of loud, giggling, squealing girls.  Be respectful to those around you.  Don't ever do the things I listed above, even when you get older.  It's rude, no matter who you are.

2.  Actually do your homework.  School really does matter when you're a freshman.  This will be your easiest year of high school academically, but it will still matter.  Don't slack off.  Keep your grades up or you'll destroy your GPA and your chances of getting a good scholarship.  The best ways to keep up your grades are to turn in your homework and actually study.  That's right.  Designate thirty minutes to an hour of homework time each evening.  Just get it over with.

3. Don't be afraid to reach out to older girls.  Do you need a mentor, someone to look up to?  Do you need someone to give you fashion advice, boy advice, or just an older-sister kind of friendship?  Talk to an upperclassman girl.  Reach out to us.  We're the leaders of the school and we feel that pressure.  We want to reach out to you and mentor you.  You will not be turned away.  We are experienced in high school situations that you haven't gone through yet.  If you're going through a problem, we can help you solve it.  Started your period at school?  That's embarrassing.  We can lend you a jacket and give you a tampon without spreading it around the school.  We're more mature than your friends are right now.  We're older, and we'd love to give you advice.   All you have to do is ask.

4. Be sure to keep up with your spiritual walk.  Freshman year is busy and crazy and fun and stressful.  You need to be sure to read the Bible and have a little quiet time with God every day or He will drift into the shadows of your life.  In order to have a successful first year of high school, God needs to be number one.  Keep praying.  Keep studying.  Keep growing in Him.

5. Do not act out in class to look cool.  It's not funny.  You look stupid.  Do not dress outlandishly to look cool.  It's not funny.  You look stupid.  Do not make funny remarks after what an "uncool" person or the teacher says to look cool.  It's not funny.  You look stupid.  Do not be the class clown to look cool.  It's not funny.  You look stupid.  Maybe you should read this out loud.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Starting High School with a Smile

Pretend like I'm your older sister, sitting down with you over a nice cup of coffee.  You're a freshman going into high school for the first time.  I'm a "wise" senior.  I honestly want to help you out and give you some advice.  Some much needed advice.  Advice that will help you, not harm you.  You're listening with open ears, right?  Good.

Take a sip of that caramel frappuccino and listen to my five tips for today.

1. Be the one to reach out and make friends.  I'm sure that right now you're thinking, "I hope people will reach out to me and be my friend."  Guess what?  A lot of kids are hoping that same thing, wishing desperately that someone will reach out to them and offer a gesture of friendship on the first day of school.  I entered high school without any friends.  On my first day, I walked up to some girls I recognized and started up a conversation.  I said, "I don't have anyone to sit with today at lunch.  Can I sit with you girls?"  They said yes.  We've been best friends ever since.  "I'm way too shy to do something like that!" you might think.  In complete honesty, I'm very shy too.  It may take coming way out of your comfort zone in order to make some friends.  Remember that everyone is as scared as you are.

2. Respect the upperclassmen.  This might sound a little offensive to you, but it's true.  Don't talk trash to us.  Don't run around shouting, "2014 is the best class at this school!"  That kind of thing will make you a target for hazers who are looking for a target, which is probably the opposite of what you want.  Accept that we're older and just be nice.  Would you treat a ten or eleven year old the same way as you would someone your own age, even though you're only a few years older than them?  You're fourteen.  We're eighteen.  There is a difference.  Smile and say hi when we walk by.  If you're nice to an upperclassman, most seniors will be nice to you.

3. Drama belongs in middle school, not high school.  Do not join a group of friends who are obsessed with causing drama and gossip.  It isn't worth it.  Don't you dare be a drama starter.  You will be miserable.  You will not be liked if you start drama.  People will talk bad about you.  Don't overreact if someone says something that ticks you off.  Hold it in.  Don't take revenge.  Don't bad mouth someone.  Smile when someone glares at you.  Just don't even go there.

4. Get involved.  Find yourself a hobby.  That's a great way to find like-minded friend.  I like guitar, piano, inner city ministry, writing, and Bible studies.  Your hobby might be a sport or an instrument.  Maybe it's yearbook.  Maybe it's drama.  Find something that you can do and learn and enjoy with other kids.  Through things like this, you can make friends with people who are like you.

5. Don't do stupid things.  This might sound obvious, but a lot of new freshman fall for these temptations every year.  I'll remind you ahead of time.  Do not do drugs.  Do not drink.  Do not have sex with the senior football player.  Do not drive when you don't even have your permit yet.  Do not steal anything.  If you get involved in anything illegal, you're not going to have a fun time in high school.  You'll only make yourself miserable.  Be smart.  Come on.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Surviving High School

School is about to begin.  If you're an upcoming freshman in high school, there is a good chance that you're so scared right now, you feel like you're dying inside.  I'm a senior now, but I remember how horrible that feeling is.  I've been writing five daily tips to surviving high school for the past few days.  Click here to see yesterday's five tips.

You don't need to worry about high school.  I wish I could give you a hug and reassure you that it really will be okay.  Don't let yourself get too nervous.  Here are today's five tips.

1. Never date an upperclassman.  Never.  Do you understand what I'm saying?  Never.  You are a cute, naive freshman who wants to fall in love.  He is an experienced, older guy who doesn't care about love.   It will not work between you too.  He is using you, no matter what he tells you.  No, he is not different from other senior guys.  I've seen this happen a million times over.  Older guys don't date younger girls because they appreciate their maturity and intelligence or for love.  Older guys date younger girls because you're more gullible and it's easier to get into your pants and get you to do things an older girl would refuse to do.  Even if you think to yourself, "I know what I believe.  I'll be fine," you're still going to get hurt.  He will break your heart and not think anything of it.  Leave the older guys to the older girls.  Say no to their advances every time.  I cannot warn you enough.

2. Be careful who your friends are.  Yes, high school is a time to make new friends and create a new image for yourself.  It's a reason for celebration, but it's also a reason for caution.  Don't be so desperate to make friends right away that you befriend the wrong crowd.  Friends who are involved in illegal activities, such as drugs or alcohol, are obviously a bad choice.  Friends who cuss all the time and put each other down, bad choice.  Friends who love drama and gossip, bad choice.  Friends who are depressed and suicidal all the time, bad.  Friends who are very boy crazy, bad.  Friends who are not Christians like you, bad.  Friends who don't encourage or support you, bad.  Having a great, godly, close-knit group of friends is essential for having a good high school career.  If it takes you a couple of months to find this group, it will be worth it.  I have a group of friends like this.  Believe me, they make my life so much easier.  Sure, you should be casual friends with everyone.  In this paragraph, I'm talking about starting an involved, intimate friendship.  Do not befriend a wrong group and think, "I'll be fine.  I know what I believe."  Imagine you're standing on a chair.  Is it easier to pull someone onto the chair with you or for someone to pull you off the chair?  Do you get what I'm trying to say?

3. Don't dress older than you are.  Watch the makeup.  You're most likely using makeup for the first time (or you haven't been wearing it for that long) as you go into high school.  You're still experimenting with your "look."  Be careful that your look is unique, but not over the top.  Wearing bright blue eyeshadow is over the top.  Caking on the eyeliner is over the top.  Try to look naturally pretty so that your personality will shine through your actual features.  You don't want to look fake.  You want people to take you seriously.  In the same way, don't dress in skimpy clothes to attract guy or stand out.  You're probably still in your early teens.  Don't dress like you're twenty.

4. Your grades are actually important now.  In middle school, it didn't really matter whether or not you got a B or C in a class.  Now it does.  It matters a lot if you want to get into college or receive good scholarships.  Don't be fooled into thinking that your freshman year doesn't matter.  If you screw up your GPA now, you will have to struggle for the next three years to bring it back up.  It matters.  Get to studying.

5. Don't take bullying in any shape or form.  We've probably all been there.  Teased for the way we look or talk, for who we are.  Do not be caught making fun of an uncool kid.  As an upperclassman, when I see a younger kid making fun of someone else, I become disgusted and outraged.  People will not respect you if you make fun of others.  On the other hand, people will respect you if you are the one to step up and say, "Hey, leave him alone."  It might not seem like it at the time, but you will be respected and admired, and more people will like you.  If you are being bullied by anyone, beyond the typical, "Hey, fish. I smell tuna," you need to tell someone.  Talk to a teacher, principal, a parent, or an older kid who will stand up for you.  You are worth so much more than being degraded or made to hate yourself.  You matter more than that.  Never take bullying, in any situation.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming

Right before I entered high school, I was terrified.  It was all I could think about.  It made my last few weeks of the summer miserable.  A few weeks before school began, an upcoming senior posted a bulletin on MySpace with a list of things for freshmen not to do.  This list was harsh and frightening, basically telling all upcoming fish to watch out because they would be tortured.  This increased my terror by about 500,000%.  I thought I was going to die after reading that list.

This list will not be like that.

Here are today's five tips.

1. Realize that everyone else is as scared as you are.  Yes, you're terrified.  But so is every single other upcoming freshman out there, whether or not they admit it out loud.  You are not the only freshman.  You are not the only scared one.  You aren't going to be the only one who doesn't know where biology class is.  You aren't going to be the only one to forget your locker combination.  You're not alone.  In the same way, you can't count on everyone else to reach out and befriend you.  They're hoping that someone will befriend them.  Reach out to people.  Know that the pretty freshman girl who looks way more confident than you standing a few feet away is feeling those same nervous twinges inside.

2. Don't keep middle school grudges.  It is absolutely the silliest thing to look at someone you recognize from your Jr. High years and think, "I can't be friends with her.  She hated me in middle school."  Chances are, she thinks the same thing about you.  I've made friends with kids I knew in middle school but didn't necessarily like.  Middle school grudges don't matter in high school.  Don't wait two or three years before you figure that out.  Start school with an open mind.

3. Don't be afraid to change your look.  Your style in middle school and your style in high school should be a little different.  You're be developing and maturing, as awkward as that may sound.  Before you enter high school, get a new hair cut.  Try on makeup for the first time.  Buy some new clothes that you likeDon't wear something that isn't you, but don't be afraid to expand your look.  Let's face it.  Middle school years are awkward.  Acne, braces, and coming into teen-hood.  A great way to step into the new, mature you is to change up your look a little bit.  I did and it completely transformed the way I viewed myself.  I didn't feel nearly as self-conscious as I did before.  I felt confident and pretty for the first time.  The picture to your left is me in seventh grade.  The picture to your right is me as a junior in high school.  Do you see the difference?  It's not that I changed into someone who isn't me.  I simply matured my style into something that is an older version of me.

4. Don't waste money on pointless school accessories.  Getting a locker for the first time is exciting, but don't waste your money on the cool little magnets and pencil holders and white boards and digital clocks and decorations.  You will not use them.  You won't be spending that much time at your locker because of the short amount of time in between classes.  Save your mom some money.  Buy a shelf, a mirror, and perhaps a magnet or two if you really want to put up pictures of you and your friends.  If you want to make your locker look cute, make your own decorations with paper, stickers, and tape.  Also wait to buy silly little accessories like decorated post-it notes, colored Sharpies, fancy highlighters, book covers, and etc. until you actually get a list of supplies from your teacher.  You probably won't need those things and you'll end up not using them.  Don't give in to pointless spending.

5. Be prepared to change friend groups.  I know that at this point, your middle school friends are all you know, but there is a 99% chance that you will not keep the same friends.  Almost all of my close high school friends are different from my middle school friends.  It's not that my old middle school friends and I refuse to speak to each other.  We've simply grown apart.  We say hi, talk now and then, sometimes even hang out... but most of my good friends are completely new.  I've even changed best friends.  If you're determined to only be friends with your middle school friends, you're holding yourself back, especially if those kids won't be going to your school this year.  Be prepared to make new friends.  Reach out to new people.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

How to Survive High School

Are you an upcoming freshman?  Do you feel a fluttering of your heart and twisting in your gut at the thought of starting high school for the first time?  I gotta say, I've been there and done that.  Starting a new school with new people is scary, especially when you'll be in the youngest age group.  I empathize with you.

I was terrified when I began high school for the first time.  In middle school, I was shy and awkward.  I didn't have a lot of friends.  I thought that everyone would hate me.  I would have been saved a lot of trouble if someone had given me some kind of handbook for entering high school.  Some sisterly advice.  That's why I'm here.

I'm an upcoming senior in high school, and I'm not out to haze you.  I'm here to help.  I'll be posting five tips for new high schoolers every day for the next eight days, so be sure to check back here every day to get new advice for starting high school.

1. Don't worry yourself sick ahead of time.  Like I said, I've been there and done that.  You lay in bed at night and worry and worry and worry.  Every time you think about high school, you want to throw up.  You're scared.  Remember that is normal.  Also remember that there are a lot of kids in the same boat as you right now.  Don't ruin the end of your summer by worrying about something inevitable.  Hang out with friends while you can.  Have a sleepover.  Sleep in till noon.  Stay up late.  Enjoy yourself.  Don't freak out.  You can't know what it's like until you get into high school, so why worry?  Believe me, it's wasted energy.

2. Be prepared with school supplies before school starts.  Your first day of school is going to be stressful.  That's another inevitable thing.  It's a new place, new people, new part of your life.  Don't make your first day any more stress-worthy by not bringing pencils, paper, and a few notebooks.  Your teachers should give you a list of supplies to buy.  Buy them.  Bring them.

3. Actually go to orientation.  If there is an orientation, fish camp, or school-wide meeting before school actually starts, go to it.  You'll meet some potential friends, get a tour of where you'll be going to school, and get to know your teachers and classes.  This way, you won't be completely lost and confused when school starts.  You'll have an idea of what high school will actually be like ahead of time.  And hopefully, you won't get lost on your first day.

4. Don't worry about what everybody else is going to wear.  In middle school, fashion is all about being as cool as the coolest kid.  In high school, individuality matters.  Don't think, "I wonder what everybody else will be wearing!"  Wear what you think is cute.  Wear what you like.  Start a trend.  You want to be unique in high school.

5. Keep a positive mindset.  If you enter high school thinking, "I'm going to hate this," you probably will hate it.  You're setting yourself up for failure.  In the same way, if you enter high school telling people, "I hate this school.  I don't want to be here," they're going to think, "Man, this kid is a downer." and not want to be around you.  Stay positive.  Tell yourself that you're going to enjoy high school.  These have the potential to be four of the best years of your life.  Let them be fun.      

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Flawed

My newest song... due to appear on YouTube in some days.

Flawed

I sit inside and stare at my reflection in the mirror:
Average hair, average clothes.
Why God made me, heaven knows.
How come every other girl is prettier than me?
People say that outer beauty doesn't really matter.
Thick or thin, short or tall,
Why do some girls have it all?
I just wish I could be prettier than me.

I know God made my heart,
And He knows every thought.
He created me with His special plan.
I am cradled in His arms,
Even when I feel alone,
And I suppose I should see what He sees.
He sees a pure child of God, beauty.

I can't help but criticize that girl in the mirror.
Counting every imperfection,
I see just a flawed reflection.
It is hard not to care what people think.
I try my best to grow into the girl that He created.
Godly life, friendly words,
It's not about a name brand shirt.
Is my style what brings glory to His Name?

I know God made my heart,
And He knows every thought.
He created me with His special plan.
I am cradled in His arms,
Even when I feel alone,
And I suppose I should see what He sees.
He sees a pure child of God, beauty.

And I will spend more time on my heart,
Than judging that girl in the mirror.
And I will shine Christ's love through my life,
Instead of living with self doubt and fear.

I know God made my heart,
And He knows every thought.
He created me with His special plan.
I am cradled in His arms,
Even when I feel alone,
And I suppose I should see what He sees.
He sees a pure child of God, beauty.
And even when I don't like what I see,
I am a pure child of God, beauty.

July 30, 2010
Emily Whelchel