Being Driven

The seasons are changing and so are the lifestyles of the average person. Okay, corny opening, but you see my point. We're already in November and each time I look at the calendar, I ask myself where the time has gone. But there is one thing that I have noticed that I cannot question, and that my dear is my drive. 

   Many of you are probably reading this wondering why I'm writing out of nowhere, and the truth is time. I have not had time to really sit down and write any blogs because of my other obligations. Now, I have filmed a few YouTube videos, but those are quick and easy; writing, not so much. But I haven't let that stop me. I love to write and I could do it all day (with the occasional writer's block). At the beginning of the semester, I was hired as the Features Editor for my school paper, and I absolutely love it. Now, I won't lie about the difficulty I face when looking for weekly pitches, but nonetheless it's a great position. And let's be real for a moment: It's nearly impossible to land a journalism gig without clips. Yes, blog writing is great, but many bloggers who don't send their work to be "published," and that hinders them. I'm not saying it hurts everyone, but it does hurt quite a handful. Which, again, is one of my drives. 

   Being driven doesn't just mean to have a goal, but it does mean to be motivated. You can have five goals, but you're probably only motivated to reach one or two. My drive happens to be instilled in me by my father. He doesn't want me to live the life I lived for eighteen years, so when I went to college, I also went to town. I knew what I wanted to do, but then I was intercepted by a new program at my University so I took a stab at it and now I really know what I want to do with my degree. My "drive" is to not be in the same place my parents were when they were my age. I can't say I don't have other goals (because I do), but I do know that I have to be realistic. For right now, I'm driven to complete my Bachelor's and soon begin my Master's (and to find a job in my field). 

   What are some of your goals? What drives you to do what you do? Tweet your responses to me at @Laprincesalola.

XOXO

When You've Hit Rock Bottom....

It's mid-term season and many college students are beginning to feel the pressures of assignments and exams. As someone who has experienced rock bottom, I can safely say that I am amongst the many college students that are about to hit the floor...hard. Why don't I take a break? No, it's not my pride or dedication; it's my tolerance level. 
     A college junior/senior who's taking 18 credits, carrying an internship on her shoulders, and positions within organizations, there's only so much I can hold back. My studies have not been effected, but a lot of my "slack" is because I am waiting for professors to reach back out to be with my assignments to edit. This seems rather odd and unconventional, but I do assure you that it makes sense. Why haven't I blocked out time? I have, but there's only so much that can be done in that block of time. School is just like a job; you have a set amount of hours to work and if the job gets done, it's done, if not, then worry about it the next day. Currently I am writing a research paper (which I have a screen report and critical essays due around the same time), preparing for a History mid-term exam and essay, as well as a group project for Event Planning. Am I crazy? Maybe a little. 
     My high school took college very seriously and from this I learned that my high school practically taught me how to procrastinate, and to do it extremely well. No, I do not encourage procrastination, but everyone will listen to my advice differently. I do my best work when under pressure and believe me, I do it extremely well. Oh, and did I mention I'm applying for graduate school as well? From all of my assignments, work, and my application I have to say that I will be hitting rock bottom very soon and I am ready for the consequences I may face. 
     "Tamara, do you have any advice?" Yes I do. Take everything in doses and organize yourself. Each Sunday I set up a schedule for my internship (social media), and Tuesdays I sleep in a little and get right to work unless I have appointments or tutoring. Honestly, these are things that make your life so much easier and will benefit you in the long run (especially tutoring because your work can be completed here). On a lighter note, make sure your time is well distributed. As I write this, I'm actually waiting for a friend to bring me my English binder so I can work on my paper. This allows me to send my readers a message showing them how I deal with the situation. 

     I hope you found this slightly useful. If you have any questions just leave them in the comments below or tweet me on Twitter (LaPrincesaLola). 

XOXO