Classes started up again on August 28th and it’s September 18th, which means that I’ve been back at school for 3 weeks now. It’s crazy how quickly the time is going already, and it’s really starting to settle in that I’m a junior.

Yeah, a junior. As in: halfway done with college. As in: starting to study for the MCATs. As in: going to be a grand-big in my sorority. As in: I turn 21 this Spring. Also, as in: the best year of college to date.

Yes, truly. Even though we’re less than one month into the academic year, I can already say that this one is going to be the best yet.

Sisterhood

I am the most involved with Tri Delta that I have ever been. The last two weekends have been completely consumed with rush events — exhausting but SO rewarding. I feel so much closer to all of my sisters, especially a few that I wasn’t as close to prior to rush.

I’m also starting to get to know the newest pledge class, aka the baby Deltas! They’re all kick-ass girls and I can’t wait for them to officially join the sisterhood.

As cheesy as it sounds, these girls really are my sisters. Tri Delta has proven itself time and time again to be my home away from home. I can always count on my line to be there while I complain about boys or difficult courses. Or if I’m feeling lonely and just want someone to eat lunch with. Or if I want to celebrate good news with someone, I can always count on my sisters being there.

It really is the small things that add up and make sorority life what it is: Sisterhood. And this year, I finally gave the sisterhood a chance to make my life more fulfilling. (Spoiler alert: it has already exceeded all expectations.)

I’m so excited to get a grand-little, dress up crazy for date parties, get even more involved with the philanthropy and health initiatives — and so much more!

Health

Yoga instructor training program starts this weekend!! If you’re a loyal reader, you’ll know that I’m a big Yogi and that I’m training to become an instructor at the W&M health and wellness center.

In preparation, I’ve been taking copious Yoga classes, practicing at home, and reading the textbooks closely. I’ve also been practicing my headstand 😉

In addition to Yoga school starting soon, I’ve been implementing a lot of healthy practices into my life. This is incredibly important, especially with the heavy course load I’m taking on this semester.

For example, I’ve been sure to eat balanced, filling, and nutrient-rich meals every day. It’s definitely possible to achieve this healthy meal plan in a college dining hall — just make sure to focus on fruit, vegetables, and protein.

Once in a while, I will also make sure to treat myself with whatever carb-loaded, unhealthy meal is catching my eye. (Usually it’s mac & cheese.) This is also so important for maintaining an overall healthy relationship with food. #balance

I’ve also been continuing my Bachelor-cardio routine that I’ve talked about before on the blog. Basically, I love to watch trashy television shows while I run on the elliptical (6 miles, approx. 1 hour). It makes me feel like I’m still being productive while I give my mind a well-deserved rest from academics.

Plus, I have to stay up to date with the Bachelor franchise, or else I won’t be hip when my friends talk about it at the Tri Delt house — so it’s basically like I’m doing homework, right? Right???

Dorm Update

As promised, I wanted to give you guys a little look into my dorm room in Landrum this year. I live in an 8-person block in the school’s brand new residential building. It’s so much fun living with 7 of my best friends — they make weekends even lit-er and study nights… well, a little more bearable.

I had a lot of fun decorating my room with pieces from Urban Outfitters, Target, and Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I took a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, but I also just went with my instincts and personal style. I am so happy with how it turned out and a lot of people like how it looks!

So who’s tryna hire me as an interior designer pls n thx ❤

This is my Keurig coffeemaker, Eugene. He is everything I want in a boyfriend: makes me coffee in the morning & calls me “lovely.”

I bought a bunch of Keurig pods on Amazon recently so I can make my daily coffee fix in the mornings and save that $coin$. I even got Pumpkin Spiced Latte pods from Starbucks, which are so basic but SO worth it.

I also got a bunch of cute — and super cheap! — autumn-themed decorations last time I went to Target. (Is anyone surprised? No.)

Yeah, I know it’s only halfway into September but OH WELL. I like to start celebrating the seasons/holidays early. I’m already wearing fuzzy sweaters, drinking pumpkin-flavored drinks, and listening to the Arctic Monkeys. It’s real.

Overall, it’s been a wonderful start to my fifth semester of college. My friends, classes, and organizations are all treating me so much better than I could have ever imagined. I just know that this year will be the best one yet, and I can’t wait to keep updating you all throughout the way.