LIFE LATELY // An Honest Reflection on Moving to Boise
Hello everyone! I haven't done a "Life Lately" post in what seems like forever, and when I do the writing for my outfit posts, I've been trying to keep them fairly quick and mainly about the outfit and what I might have done while wearing it. When I look back at my old posts, I realize just how different my style of blogging has become. While I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, I sometimes miss the openness and endearing candidness with which I used to blog. While my blog title has become Dragonfruit Diaries, my posts have become less and less "diary"-like as they used to be.
So today, I'd like to sit down and honestly tell you what I've been up to and experiencing since moving to Boise for college.
1. University level is different than community college level.
This was something I had a hard time adjusting to. In my last few semesters at the community college I attended, I had very easy classes that were a breeze to get A's in. However, switching to BSU made me realize how spoiled I had been. Classes had a much higher expectation level that I struggled to reach at times. I'm still frustrated by my experience in Printmaking, as I was consistently below the quality of work I wanted to produce, especially compared to my classmates. Despite the hardships, I survived the semester, albeit not as successfully as I might have wished. I'm going to call it a learning experience and come back more prepared next year though!
2. Not living 20 minutes away from home is tough.
While it's nice living away from your parents, there is a certain essence of comfort to be found in that place called home that no other substitute quite has. I miss being able to escape the apartment and spend a night at mom and dad's for some peace and quiet every now and then.
While it's nice living away from your parents, there is a certain essence of comfort to be found in that place called home that no other substitute quite has. I miss being able to escape the apartment and spend a night at mom and dad's for some peace and quiet every now and then.
3. Being uprooted from all your family and close friends is lonely - even if you're a loner.
I knew it would be difficult to start over in a completely new city. As I've grown, I've realized just how many traits I share with my dad. While we both can be social and fairly charismatic, our inner selves just want the freedom of being on our own and only having a few close and dear friends to share moments with. Put me in a crowd and I shrink into myself, wanting nothing more than to escape and go back to my room and curl up with a book. However, having a few, close friends that I could be myself around is a rare and precious thing, and I realized just how precious that type of bond is when it was taken away from me. Sharing that sort of connection with people is one I find important and a necessity.
4. It's important to have a space you love.
Speaking of my room, that's what turned into my sanctuary away from the stress and craziness of the world. I really love how I set up my room and managed to put together to create a space of my own. It was like a mini home that I loved walking into at the end of the day.
Speaking of my room, that's what turned into my sanctuary away from the stress and craziness of the world. I really love how I set up my room and managed to put together to create a space of my own. It was like a mini home that I loved walking into at the end of the day.
5. Don't drive yourself to the ground doing just work and school - learn to have some fun too!
This was my biggest struggle. Instead of going out and exploring the area and discovering all the new places to eat or shop, I found myself being consumed by a never ending load of school, work, and trying to blog. It was only towards the end of this semester that I learned how to balance it enough to where I could do a few fun things as well. Of course, it was difficult because usually when you go out, you go out with a friend or two, right? Not me. I often would go by myself and learned to enjoy my own company. It's lonely, I won't lie, but I got used to it and ended up having fun on my own!
This was my biggest struggle. Instead of going out and exploring the area and discovering all the new places to eat or shop, I found myself being consumed by a never ending load of school, work, and trying to blog. It was only towards the end of this semester that I learned how to balance it enough to where I could do a few fun things as well. Of course, it was difficult because usually when you go out, you go out with a friend or two, right? Not me. I often would go by myself and learned to enjoy my own company. It's lonely, I won't lie, but I got used to it and ended up having fun on my own!
6. Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Ah yes, another point I can preach about but would be lying if I said I practiced it as well.
Guys, if you have better self discipline and control than me, HEED THIS TIP!
Get to bed on time when you've got an early schedule, plan ahead for your meals and what you'll eat, and take your vitamins. It's common sense, but seriously, when you start taking care of yourself, you'll not only be healthier, but you'll be mentally happy as well.
Which is probably why I was so up and down emotionally this semester...
Sooo, I'm gonna have to walk the talk now, aren't I?
In Conclusion:
All in all, this semester was a tough one. I'm not gonna lie, I had it way easy before, so my spoiled self had a difficult time adjusting to these changes. It had been so long since I'd felt so alone. No close friends were nearby to turn to - and texting and e-mails can only be relied on so much. Starting a new job with a difficult co-worker was a huge mental strain. Trying and failing to meet the standard of quality work in art classes pushed my self esteem down even further. Looking back, I can see how everything ended up going in a cycle that led from one negative experience to another. Feeling friendless made me pull further into myself, constantly being dragged into a nasty work environment wore me down mentally, and with little to no motivation left, I didn't put as much effort into projects that I should have, leading to a lackluster portfolio to show for the class.
I don't regret it though, and I'm looking forward to coming back with the knowledge I have now and turning my experience around for an even better one! While my school and work experience haven't been the best, I've fallen in love with the city itself and am happy to live in a location that offers so much. There are always fun little events happening each weekend and a fairly decent music scene (it's no Portland, that's for sure, but for a state commonly forgotten or confused with Iowa, they don't do too bad), plus great local food and a growing environmental awareness make Boise a great city to live in.
This summer, I'm moving back to my parent's place to save up money. While it feels like a step backwards, I'd like to view it more as a crouch in preparation for a bigger leap forward. I'll be back, Boise. And this time, I'll be ready for you.
Ah yes, another point I can preach about but would be lying if I said I practiced it as well.
Guys, if you have better self discipline and control than me, HEED THIS TIP!
Get to bed on time when you've got an early schedule, plan ahead for your meals and what you'll eat, and take your vitamins. It's common sense, but seriously, when you start taking care of yourself, you'll not only be healthier, but you'll be mentally happy as well.
Which is probably why I was so up and down emotionally this semester...
Sooo, I'm gonna have to walk the talk now, aren't I?
In Conclusion:
All in all, this semester was a tough one. I'm not gonna lie, I had it way easy before, so my spoiled self had a difficult time adjusting to these changes. It had been so long since I'd felt so alone. No close friends were nearby to turn to - and texting and e-mails can only be relied on so much. Starting a new job with a difficult co-worker was a huge mental strain. Trying and failing to meet the standard of quality work in art classes pushed my self esteem down even further. Looking back, I can see how everything ended up going in a cycle that led from one negative experience to another. Feeling friendless made me pull further into myself, constantly being dragged into a nasty work environment wore me down mentally, and with little to no motivation left, I didn't put as much effort into projects that I should have, leading to a lackluster portfolio to show for the class.
I don't regret it though, and I'm looking forward to coming back with the knowledge I have now and turning my experience around for an even better one! While my school and work experience haven't been the best, I've fallen in love with the city itself and am happy to live in a location that offers so much. There are always fun little events happening each weekend and a fairly decent music scene (it's no Portland, that's for sure, but for a state commonly forgotten or confused with Iowa, they don't do too bad), plus great local food and a growing environmental awareness make Boise a great city to live in.
This summer, I'm moving back to my parent's place to save up money. While it feels like a step backwards, I'd like to view it more as a crouch in preparation for a bigger leap forward. I'll be back, Boise. And this time, I'll be ready for you.
12 comments
Even with all your struggles, it's good to hear that you're remaining positive through it all :) Congrats on finishing the semester! I'm sure with all this experience and inner reflection the next one will be smoother :)
Mili
I love your frankness, Linda. It's probably one of my favourite things about your blog! We've all felt your feelings at some point or another. Personally, I can completely relate to number three; living in a new part of the country has truly made me miss my friends. And I wish I had the ability to stay home during school - it's too much to juggle school and work. There's plenty of time for lots of work later in life! Haha
Great post Linda. I know how tough it is moving to a new city, I've been through the same a couple of times. The last time, I moved to Seville, where I live now, because of my job and just kept running back home every weekend. A year later, I'm really happy here and have made amazing friends. I think it's so good that you remain positive. xoxoxo
Remain positive babe, it will get better. Take it from someone who finally finished uni..you won't remember the projects and classes you did, you'll remember the fun stuff. So make memories babe while you're there :)
- Che
www.style-che.com
although this semester was a tough one, it really seems like you came out of it stronger! im glad that you are finding the joy in experiencing the new city and i hope next year you have the time of your life :)
katslovefashion.blogspot.com
I love your positive attitude despite everything :) & I love how honest you are being as well... Just remember that these situations make you a stronger person! I moved out of my home town not too long ago, I still had my sister, so I didn't feel too lonely- but it was definitely a big change. I assure you it will get better overtime <3
Change is always kind of hard to handle, but you have a positive attitude about the future! I know what you mean about writing style changing, I'm trying to go back to my "old" writing style. I don't even know when it started to change but it used to be much more relaxed and open.
Breakfast at Gracey's
You have leanr tso much by moving away from home. I leanrt similar lessons when I moved out of home to do my MBA. But you know what, after some time, you start loving the new life :)
http://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com
I enjoyed reading your honest report, Linda. I also found it difficult when I moved cities (and later even countries) but all those experiences make you stronger. It's an old saying but it is damn true.
-Kati
It will be ok Linda. That was a major adjustment. I think you handled it beautifully. When I first started college, it was an adjustment. I decided to take a couple of months off and sign up for a smaller one. I needed that individual attention. You know what's best for you. It's not the one that finishes first. Remember that. Step back. Regroup. Keep moving forward. There's a reason for everything.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
I don't think living with parents is a step back, especially if you do it to save money. If I had a family here in my current hometown, I'd live with them (if they weren't too annoying) because the rent is dreadful >.<
I absolutely understand your feelings here. When I started Uni it was a big shock - new place, new people, away from home and it didn't help that the experience was awful in general. It took me 3 years to realize that I hated everything there, but it was too late so I pushed forward and finished my exams and left everything behind me with a breath of relief :D
Still, I know you'll pull through, beginnings are sometimes difficult, especially when we're not prepared, but you're prepared now, so you'll kick ass little lady! :D
These are my favorite posts of yours, Linda! To be honest, it was you and Ali who inspired me to be more open and vulnerable in my blog content. As I was reading this, I found myself nodding--going away for college has really hard for me too! In high school, I was one of the top few students, but in college, there are so many of them. Definitely don't be so hard on yourself for not doing as well as you wanted the first time. There's so much to adjust to your first semester!
I definitely agree with your third point a lot (all of them really resonate though). I remember lamenting with a friend at the beginning of the year that even though we were constantly surrounded by people, we felt lonely because these people were new friends who barely knew us. I promise you that it gets much better and you bond so quickly--I'm sure you've experienced this already to some degree. Heck, now I'm neven comfortable enough to fart in in the presence of certain college friends when I'd never do that with home friends I've known for years. {Sorry, waayyy TMI haha}. But it just goes to show that eventually you will feel at home.
I know that with your drive, you're going to conquer the next semester. Wishing you the loveliest of summers, Linda!
imperfect idealist
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