One Year

Today marks the three year anniversary since I left to go to Florence, Italy to study abroad. It was the first time I left the country.

A year ago, I graduated college. It is so crazy to think how much has happened in one short year and how little I knew what was going to happen at the time. I didn't know I would spend the summer in DC and New York, then go back to Florence for five months, and then back to DC again. Now, exactly one year later, I am back in Seattle, figuring out what's next (hopefully moving!)

I've realized how important travel/study abroad/education are to me, and that is where my future career goals lie.

I still enjoy blogging, and am in the works of creating a whole new blog. :) I'll announce it here when it goes live, whenever that will be.

What's crazy is how quickly a year can go by and how little changes add up over time. You don't realize things are slowly changing, but they are, and you are too. You are slowly evolving now into the person you'll be a year from now.

Cheers to another year! (And happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!)

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel After College

There is a lot of pressure put on college graduates to get jobs right out of school. Whether it’s coming from family, friends, professors, the media, or yourself, the stress of landing a 9-5 by graduation day can be substantial. That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Go to college, get a job, and then life will work out. For some people, that’s fine and that’s okay. But for you, there is that voice in the back of your head that won’t let the idea of traveling after college go away. There are so many ways to go abroad after college, though fear and excuses often get in the way of those travel dreams. Since almost everyone will tell you all the reasons why you shouldn’t travel after college, I’m here to give you ten reasons on why you should.

1.   Because you have the time.

You don’t need to jump into the corporate grind first thing Monday morning after graduation. You have the rest of your life to work. Taking some time off to go abroad, have new experiences, and maybe even find yourself is worth it. There will still be jobs to apply for when you get back.

2.   Because you aren't tied down.

When else will you not be tied down to anything? When you get a full-time, entry-level job that gives you maybe two weeks of unpaid vacation per year? When you have an apartment lease and bills to pay? When you get married and start a family? Nothing is wrong with any of that, but if you want to travel, it is much easier to travel now, when you aren’t tied down to anything.

3.   Because it makes you more marketable when you apply to jobs in the future.

Study abroad or travel boosts your resume and often makes you a more qualified candidate compared to those without international experience. When you’re back on your turf you’ll be able to apply all the things you learned abroad to your future job interviews.

4.   Because you learn much more by seeing, exploring, and experiencing a foreign place than reading about it or looking at pictures.

When captioning photos of my travels, I always think, “This picture does not do it justice.” There is nothing more liberating than actually being somewhere in person. The feeling of jumping off a boat into the Adriatic Sea, with the rush of adrenaline and chills going up your spine as you hit the gorgeous, crystal clear water is 100 times better than simply looking at a photo of the turquoise ocean surrounding the islands of Croatia.

5.   Because you're young and your body is able to handle pretty much anything.

Your body is likely more capable of handling jet lag, outdoor activities, late nights partying, etc. now than it will be when you’re older.

6.   Because you can still take advantage of discounts when you’re young.

Most students and young travelers (usually under 26) are eligible to receive discounts. Whether it be airfare, transportation, lodging, or other fees associated with travel, take advantage of your young age to score some major deals.

7.   Because there are plenty of options to travel after college, and they don't have to be expensive.

On that note, budget travel makes going abroad more feasible than you think. You won’t mind staying in a $12/night hostel in Istanbul now while you’re young, but you probably will when you’re older. There are hostels and websites such as Couchsurfing and Airbnb to save you some cash on accommodations. If vacationing or backpacking still seem to stretch your budget too far, then get a job overseas: you can be a tour guide, intern, Peace Corps volunteer, English teacher, au pair, the list goes on. And you don’t have to go to Western Europe, Japan, or Australia, which tend to be more expensive. Try Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, or Central America. There are so many places in the world to see, and not all of them will cost you an arm and a leg to see them.

8.   Because it opens you up to a whole new view on life.

When you travel somewhere new, you become much more understanding of the world by experiencing new cultures firsthand. The skills you will strengthen while traveling will carry on with the rest of your life. You will feel and become more independent.

9.   Because it makes you happy.

There is a reason behind the saying, “Travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer.” People tend to be happier in the long run by spending money on experiences like travel instead of material items.

10.  Because if not now, when?

If you make excuses or wait for the “right time,” the right time will never come. The time is now. Start planning your trip and make it happen. What are you waiting for?

insta-lately...

Last day of work - wearing a pink Kiel James Patrick bracelet and Nordstrom arrow bracelet. OH and Nordstrom liked my photo!!!! I was beyond excited.

 Floral statement necklace + windowpane (J. Crew top, Lou Lou necklace)

I got a little excited when I went to The Lucky Knot in Alexandria. It easily became my new favorite boutique! As you can tell, I got quite a few adorable items.

 July 2014 of the Jonathan Adler agenda is so patriotic and happy. :)

 A #TBT to Vegas 2013 last year! I can't believe my senior spring break was a whole year ago!

 Another throwback to sophomore year of college with one of my besties/roomies, Lauren!

I loved going to the gorgeous (and warm!) botanical gardens in DC.

 The beautiful view from the hotel...

 Wearing my spirit jersey near one of the most 'merican buildings I could find... ;)

Between my boots, my passport case, my phone case, and my bracelet, I had a LOT of pink going on. Sometimes I forget how many random things I have that are pink and happen to use them all at the same time, haha.

xo-ally

"always do what you love. never settle."

This post is going to be much deeper and longer than most. In 2013 I've been beyond excited to share new things happening in my life, all the "next steps" and the good things. I'm going to really expand on my post-college journey so far, and how I followed my heart (as corny as that sounds).

2013 was already a huge year for me with graduation. Along with graduation came the "real world" - something I was excited for pre-graduation, yet also dreading at the same time. I loved college. There are still plenty of moments where I wish I could go back. Going back and visiting Gonzaga will always be amazing, filled with bittersweet happiness and nostalgia.

However, this post on Thought Catalog really resonated with me. After graduation, I spent the next five days on campus staying at friends' houses (my on campus apartment move-out deadline was the morning after graduation) because I wasn't quite ready to leave. While the two weeks leading up to graduation were sunny, blissful, and filled with that similar bittersweet happiness feeling, those five days post-graduation felt the exact opposite. It began to thunderstorm the next morning, and I remember running back and forth in the rain from the apartment doors to the parking lot to load my car up with boxes. My room was empty. The kitchen was empty. The bathroom was scrubbed clean, the walls were bare, and all the decorations were gone. It felt sad, and the rain was unfortunately fitting to my mood.

Luckily, my best friends were still there, so we went to the cafe we frequented for lunch. Even though our conversation was filled with laughter and fun, there was this gloomy, overhanging feeling. Gonzaga University, which was our home for four years, was no longer our home anymore. And as much as we tried to resist it, we had to move on.

We were forced to focus on the "real world" and get a job or at least figure out something to do with our lives. This was another punch in the gut for me. I didn't have a job before graduation. The night before graduation I was filled with so many mixed emotions; beyond satisfied with the past four years, happy with all the amazing friends I made and the experiences I had, but also sad that it was ending and feeling like a failure because I wasn't employed. I had an emotional breakdown and remember my friend Abbie, who graduated a year prior, comforting me and telling me everything was going to be okay. (Little did I know at the time, that yes, I was going to be okay.)

I felt like a failure. Which was honestly SO ridiculous. There is so much pressure for seniors to find a job right away and jump right into the workforce after graduation. Of course it is smart to be on top of things, to look for careers, have internships, and be prepared. If you get a job before graduation, then that's amazing! Good for you! I was genuinely proud of my friends and peers who were employed pre-graduation, especially those who were excited to begin working. I will admit that I had a couple of offers, but I didn't take them. They weren't the right fit. I had also been very close to getting two other jobs that sounded great. However...they weren't exactly perfect (and I got rejected).

One of the jobs I was in the running for was in Spokane (the same city I went to college in). The job's duties sounded fantastic and were exactly what I wanted to do. But I didn't get it...which, I would find out later, was a blessing in disguise. It was in God's plan that I didn't get that job. Why? There are plenty of reasons, but here are a few:

1. I would not have enjoyed staying in Spokane after graduation.

2. I would have been working full-time, and wouldn't have had time to travel.

3. I would not have had the amazing experiences from the two jobs I had post-graduation, if I had taken that job.

After college, I moved back in with my parents. I was afraid that I'd have to live in the Seattle suburbs for a long time. I was afraid that I'd settle for a job in Seattle just so I'd feel "accomplished" and "not lazy" and not a "failure." I almost took a job being a summer nanny (again), because I knew the exact amount of money I would make, and then at the end of the summer I could travel, and then figure out career options from there.

However, my parents kept pushing me to keep looking for jobs. It was only one week after being home that I was contacted for an interview for a summer position at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. The interview went well and I was notified two days later that I got it! There was a catch, though: training started in five days.

I had never been to DC, but I participated in a similar program as a student in high school and really, really enjoyed it. In the back of my mind I had always wanted to be a group leader and pass on the invaluable skills I learned in high school to a whole new generation of high school students. Of course I was nervous, but I accepted the job and left only a few days later. Summer 2013 was one of the most rewarding summers of my life so far, because I not only had a great time exploring a new city, but also meeting and inspiring high school kids from around the world. I fell in love with DC and want to move back there. In addition, I also got to explore a little more of the east coast as our conferences went back and forth from DC and New York.

Mid-summer, I got some more exciting news: I was offered a fall position at Euroadventures, the travel company I currently work for. Beyond ecstatic that I was going to go back to Italy, I couldn't believe how everything just fell into place. My job in DC ended in mid-July. The job in Italy began in mid-August. It was perfect timing.

When I thought I was a "failure" for not getting a job back in May, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't been turned down for those jobs, I wouldn't have spent the summer on the east coast doing a job I love, and then moving to Europe for a travel job.

It's funny how the universe works that way...

One thing I will say is that no one should ever feel like a failure at graduation if their post-college plan isn't quite set up yet. Countless people told me that, but I didn't really listen to them. Yes, I was proud of myself for coming so far, but with so much pressure to get a job...I don't know. It was a really weird time period. A college degree is already a huge achievement in itself. I am so lucky to have gotten to go to college and go to an amazing school. I am so lucky to have had an amazing four years at that school and to have grown so much in every way possible.

Graduating college is already an achievement. The whole "real world" thing is not as cool as it seems, and it can wait a little bit. (And, if you're like me and wanted to take a little time to travel after college, read this blog post I wrote for our company blog. There are plenty of ways to travel after college, and if that's what you want to do, you should just do it.)

Anyways, I'm not quite sure what is next for me in 2014. I'm really into doing what makes you happy. If you're doing something you're questioning, then give it a little time to decide what you want. Then, ultimately, if you're not happy, don't settle. There are plenty of other things that you could be doing that would make you happy. Just do what makes you happy. Do what you love to do. And never settle.

xo-ally

the past few days... [graduation/weekend]

These past few days were a blur. Graduation weekend went by so quickly. I felt like I was just going through the motions, with random bursts of emotion and then trying to "turn off" being sad at different points. But I'm very sad that college is over. College has been the best four years of my life (so far). 

Here is a photo one of the professional photographers took when I wasn't looking! Aw :(

[photo]

The ceremony was pretty long but not bad. Walking across the stage to get my diploma was really quick and came up fast in the ceremony since my name is close to the beginning alphabetically. I had lunch reservations with my family after the ceremony and because it was so crowded when we all got out, didn't get as much time after to take photos. That is one thing I really wished I had, was more photos. (And sunglasses!! I forgot to bring them, and it was a weird cloudy-but-bright day so I was squinting in a lot of the photos.)

The latest move-out date for my apartment was Monday at 1pm, so Sunday night and Monday was crazy with balancing time with friends but also time for packing. With the help of a few friends (thank goodness) I had everything cleaned and packed from my room right at 12:59. Locking my apartment door for the last time felt so surreal. I'm staying near campus for a few days with some friends in houses (so jealous their leases aren't up till June!) so I have a little time to breathe.

Saturday night instead of packing we just went to grad parties, told old stories, and played flip cup :)

Sunday night we went to Jack & Dan's to celebrate graduation, here's a pic:

Here's our apartment pre-packed! I miss it this way:

And my room after everything was moved out. So sad and empty :(

On another note, today we went to see The Great Gatsby. In my opinion, it was amazing. So incredible. I loved it. And the party scenes were so cool and over the top and just perfect. It feels like I've been waiting forever for it to come out in theaters so I was so excited and pleased with the result!

Tomorrow we'll have to figure out some things to keep us busy and not dwell on the fact that school is over forever and that we're all going separate ways soon. These past few days have definitely been "post grad depression" and there is just a certain gloomy mood over everything. Blahhh don't make me leave college. Ever.

xo-ally

PS - posting might not be as regular as usual for the next couple days since I moved out of my apartment and have little access to wifi for a few more days. I'll be back up to speed soon though!

graduation day

I cannot believe this day has come. My college graduation had always seemed so far away. In third grade, my teacher told the class that we would graduate from high school in 2009, and college in 2013. It seemed ages away back then, being only 8 years old in 1999. And now it's here. WOW!

Move-in day was in late August, on my 18th birthday. Little did I know that I would meet five of my best friends that day.

September 2009. We look like babies

A few weeks later, I tried out for the Gonzaga Dance Team. Four years on dance team was so much fun and I feel blessed to have gotten to know all of the girls throughout the years.

It hits me at random moments - when I look at the calendar and see what date it is and how close it is to graduation, when I write cover letters to employers saying "I will graduate this spring" and have to change it to "I will graduate next week," and packing up my room. My room! I've lived in the same apartment for two years and it definitely feels like my home. I'm not ready to leave my home or the amazing people here. At least I still get to hang out here till next week!

xo-ally

studying for my "final" final...

My view the other day studying on the grass

I've had a pretty easy week so far in terms of finals, which I didn't expect considering I took 18 credits (the max amount) this semester. On Sunday I had a speech final, but we just went out to a restaurant and gave short speeches. It was so much more fun than a test! 

Since I took some finals early, I just have one more test left tomorrow morning (8am....so early for me....) and I'm about to go to the library. My "study outfit" often consists of leggings or Nike shorts with a t-shirt, but since I was out and about running errands today, I wanted to wear regular clothes instead of gym clothes. (But really - sometimes I feel out of place wearing gym clothes off campus. One time I wore Nike shorts and shoes to the doctor's office and he asked me if I was on the cross country team....#awk have any other college girls experienced this? Haha) anyways, this is what I wore this afternoon and will wear to study. The whole outfit is SO comfortable, especially the denim shorts. 

I also finally found a graduation dress! I had been looking and looking, to the point where even buying online wouldn't work because it wouldn't ship soon enough. Finally I just went to a little boutique and found this mint and pink dress! Perfect for spring and just the right amount of daytime formal for graduation. And it was only $42 - you can't beat that steal.

Haha you can see my purple pillow pet in the photo :P

Have a wonderful Wednesday, lovelies!

xo-ally

bloomsday/cinco de mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope you all have a fun day. Since it's my last Cinco de Mayo in college, I'm going to celebrate for sure at the lake in Coeur d'Alene. It's such a nice, warm day (my fave weather) so a bunch of us are going to the "beach" part of the lake. Yay!

This morning I'm running Bloomsday, a huge road race in Spokane. This is my first year doing it so I'm excited. I enjoy running, but today I'm not doing it competitively or with a set time in mind. I'll run part of it and walk part of it with some friends.

Enjoy your Cinco! I'll be back either later tonight or tomorrow with an outfit post.

xo-ally

dance team end of the year party & more senior ball [tons of photos!]

Yesterday was quite the day for end-of-the-year celebrations! First, I was at a Student Publications lunch, then a dinner for the communication honor society, which I left early to go to the Dance Team end-of-the-year party! What a day. My feet were so worn out from being in my giant 5.5 inch heels all day that by the end of the night I had to switch to my backup flip flops. :) Here are some pics!

With Lindsey wearing our honor chords! I cannot believe how close graduation is...

Tiramasu, so good. It took me back to Italy! 

Pink lemonade :) 

Then it was time for the dance team party.....with a surprise party bus! HAHA it was great.

 We were driven to an "undisclosed location" which turned out to be a dinner in Coeur d'Alene!

Those of us 21+ had drinks with dinner ;) 

Then we went back to campus and got little gifts! Love the shiny wrapping.... 

We exchanged our final "secret sister" gifts and revealed who we had all semester, watched a lovely end of the year video (oh the memories), and did fun awards. I got the "Miss Congeniality" award (YAY) and then for my fun award I got "Most likely to...own a fitness empire." Haha :)

In the shiny wrapping was a neon crop top from American Apparel! So fun. We also got mismatching socks and a DVD of the video. For my "Miss Congeniality" award I got nail polish, a mini loofah, and the quote wall decoration. Lauren, who was revealed as my secret sister, gave me the makeup bag, pink wine opener, coasters, floral earrings, a notepad, nail polish, and candy. It honestly felt like a birthday! (In fact it actually happened to be one of the girl's 22nd birthday).

One of the girls' secret sister gifts was a Guess Who board game made specifically with our dance team faces! It was so creative and hilarious and thoughtful that I had to take a pic!  

 I only have a few photos with us actually in them for now (forgot my camera and only had my phone), still waiting on Facebook and Instagram for the rest of the cute photos!

That being said, here are some more senior ball photos either from my phone or from what I've collected from a bunch of different people this past week:

With our friend Will

and again 

With Ellie (why we chose to take a photo in the bathroom of all places...) but love our sparkly dresses! 

With Alexa outside 

You can only kind of see in the photo, but I was all scratched up from the sequins from my dress! Haha 

Lauren and Patrick

Someone said something funny that made Lauren put her hand on her face, wish we could remember what it was.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and enjoying the end of the year for those of you still in school!

xo-ally