If there is one thing I've learned, it's that life has a way of distracting you. In the many months since I last blogged, I have moved to a new city, started graduate school, began a new job, experienced a bad break-up and re-focused my life in many ways. I am now an official Wildcat (although my heart still bleeds Maize and Blue) attending Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University!

Computer opened, textbook ready-let the studying begin

The beautiful city of Chicago from my plane seat

The experience of moving to Chicago and reporting for Medill has been amazing thus far. I've gotten to meet a host of characters and explore many neighborhoods, from "the 100s" on the South Side to the artsy, hipsters of the far North Side. I have heard from many people say that graduate school is not as difficult as undergrad. That is true, it's not, HOWEVER, it is very time-consuming and tiring. Based on my first quarter of highs and lows here is some advice on how to survive the grad school grind:

I have been neglectful to my blog over the past three months. Due to a series of unfortunate events, stressful circumstances, and dwindling morale I lost my motivation to write. Like the winter weather that surrounded me, I felt dreary and lifeless. Miserable at my retail job, knowing I had the intellect and credentials for much more, and stagnate living at home with my family. However, I have recently learned to never doubt the plan for your life and that patience really is a virtue. Since those dark days of winter, I have been blessed with three amazing opportunities!

Today is officially my 23rd Birthday! Granted, it is only 1 AM but that still counts! I am excited and happy and ready to enjoy my day. I've realized as I've gotten older that birthdays have become bittersweet. Many of the people I love, who I would want to celebrate with, are far away from me now. But I suppose this is just the reality of growing up. So, I am going to enjoy this post-grad birthday change! Celebrating a twenty-something birthday is a challenge but a fun one. I have made plans with my friends in town and I know it'll be great! (Birthday pictures coming soon)

Apologies for my delay in new posts. I have been really busy these past few weeks working, organizing events at my alma mater, and preparing for my trip to Cali this past weekend to visit the boyfriend (!). I wanted to give a update on my hair natural hair journey and my recent progress that I am so excited about. After an all natural summer complete with twist outs, flat twists, braid outs, buns, and protective styling.....

Natural Curls love, love, love

I have finally grown my hair past its stubborn stage (slightly longer than shoulder length) to almost bra strap length! I could not be more excited! I know hair is not the most important thing in the world, however it took years for this growth and I am excited to see progress.

Blow Dry at the Hair Salon. Almost to BSL!

I am confident now in my natural hair regime and the methods that work for my mane. Here is a list of my must haves, rules and regulations to healthy hair.

So it is clearly ridiculously past my bedtime. I should have been asleep hours ago. However, (for some odd reason I guess we can contribute it to my night owl syndrome), I am still awake. Today I enjoyed an amazing night of bonding and catch-up sessions with my line (sorority) sisters. As the time passes, and more and more of us graduate and move on in life, it has been difficult at times to stay connected. Maintaining friendships and relationships while on the same campus? Simple. Maintaining those same relationships from a distance? Difficult.

My Line Sisters and I

Keeping up communication with college friends and loved ones is the key to these relationships continuing to flourish. When life seems to be getting in the way, when work needs to be done, and your mother is visiting, and the cute guy down the hall is flirting. When your boss gives you an extra shift or project, when your co-workers want to go to happy hour, or your boyfriend plans the perfect date. When bills need to be paid, groceries bought, apartment cleaned. Don't forget to take the time out to talk to old friends. They were there from the beginning and it is important to build on old friendships, instead of letting them fizzle. Unlike most things in life, this is something we have complete control over. I personally am challenging myself to do more. Why not join me? In the famous words of Drake: No new friends, no new friends, no no no...Okay he was being a little dramatic. I'm all for new friends!

As a post graduate looking to break into a highly competitive field, it is extremely easy to become discouraged. This week was one of those hard weeks. Since my graduation this past spring I have been applying to various job openings. So far none have worked out. Yes, I was given the opportunity to work in New York City this summer, which was an amazing opportunity. Unfortunately, this job was a summer internship, not full time employment. That elusive offer still, well, eludes me, as it does many recent grads and millennials.

This week I was incredibly excited for a job opportunity that I was certain was the one for me. Alas, it was not meant to be. At least not right now. The positon will be not open for another few months and until then its back to the waiting game. Waiting for that one opportunity to build the future I envision for myself. When I start to feel down, on the cusp of settling or giving up, I try to read or find inspirational things to keep me motivated. I stumbled across this article today and it was exactly what I needed.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/13/successful-women-started-as-assistants_n_3745418.html

This article details powerful, smart, amazing women who started out as assistants, interns, aides, etc. It was extremely uplifting to read their stories. Their life work shows that, through hard work and dedication, your dreams are achievable. It may take longer than you anticipated, and may involve a lot of small, baby steps instead of giant leaps. There may be a lot of rejection, maneuvering, patience, and persistence. But it is possible. And that is the important thing to remember.    

One of the new features I am adding to my blog is to highlight an outfit of the day that I find on Pinterest, Facebook, or many of the other sites I frequent during my time surfing the 'net. I recently saw this outfit posted and LOVED it!

I am loving the floral pattern of the dress, with the neutral undertone of black. The strappy ankle stilettos work perfectly with the romper dress and the gold bracelet accessory and black bag complete the look. This is definitely a look I want to add to my closet! Details on where to buy/find this look are listed below!