This has been one of the best months of 2025. I am so happy to be back with my friends and to accomplish another great semester. Now, let’s dive into some of the things I’m glad I did!

Started a Blog

Throughout the summer, I worked in my spare time creating a website. I wanted to do something different and have a place to look back on college memories. It took a lot of hours to figure out, what do I want? Once I found what I wanted to share, I worked tirelessly to create something I was proud of. I was determined to have everything finished by the first Sunday of August, and that’s what I did. Of course, I have tons of ideas to add throughout the coming months, but for now, I am just proud of stepping outside of my comfort zone and hopefully helping others in some way!

Saw My First Musical

I have always loved watching clips of musicals on YouTube or listening to soundtracks. However, I have never gotten to see one in person. It truly was the coolest thing I did this summer. I could not recommend seeing a musical enough. The amount of talent was insane to me. I cannot wait to watch another. If you have never seen Hadestown, you absolutely must put it on your list!

Stuck to My Cleaning List

It’s still early days, so I will update again if I have actually stuck to my weekly cleaning list long-term, but so far, I have! I hate having messes, and keeping a clean space really keeps me focused. I even scrubbed the sink. Sometimes we forget the small things like that, but it’s so important. The little tasks make a big difference in keeping things fresh.

Went to Office Hours

I love starting off on the right foot with professors. This semester, I have a pretty tough class- Modern Algebra. I already know I am going to need all the help I can get. We set up a plan to meet weekly, and I really think, come the first exam, I will be so happy I did this. If you haven’t gone to office hours yet, try this week! It will make the biggest difference.

Hung Pictures That I Love

I really wanted a photobooth and polaroid photo vibe, but I had none. So, I went into Canva and designed my own, then printed them at Walmart. I absolutely love the way they turned out! I took some racquets I got 4 years ago and clipped the pictures on.

I also went down to my local Dollar Tree and found the cutest antique frames to hang in my room. I love finding little things to spruce up a place that are affordable and my style!

Organized My Planner

The second I got my work schedule, I started to create the times I have something going on. Then, I added in the assignments I have to space them out accordingly. I never want too much on my plate for one day. Being able to spread it out through my week is a game-changer. It lets me have flexibility to see friends and still submit my best on assignments.

Prioritized Seeing My Friends

It has been so fun getting to be back with my favorite people. After barely seeing them this summer it is so nice to just fall back into routines together. Especially, going and doing things we already love, like:

Pickleball
Watching TV
Working out
Walks to class

… has been the perfect way to still connect without it feeling like too much on my plate. These little moments have helped me ease back into the semester feeling happy and less overwhelmed, especially with all of the schoolwork that’s piling up. I’m really glad I made time for them.

Tried the Workout Classes in the Rec Center

I love anything endurance and lower weight, higher reps. The workout classes offered at Ping (Rec Center at my University) are pretty much exactly that. I never wrote down a time I would go, so I didn’t. This year, I decided I really want to focus on group fitness since that is my favorite. So far, I love it! I get a much better workout when other people are there to keep me motivated. I wanted to try pilates for months now and I got to. And let me just say, wow it’s harddd; props to everyone who does it!

Became a Co-Author

Saving the most exciting thing to happen this month for last. Just a couple weeks ago, I found out the paper I worked on this summer in my research internship has been approved. I am so glad I gave my internship my all and even more happy to see it pay off.

Would you like to see a blog post more in depth on this topic? Maybe see the steps I took to get here? Send me an email and let me know!

Things I’m Glad I Did This Month