Obligatory End Of Semester Post

Hello there! It's been a minute since I last posted and I apologize because I have actually been really busy. I don't have any final exams so I get to come home a week early, but I have a lot of final papers and projects. And on top of those papers and projects, I have assignments for those classes to still turn in that aren't finals. AND on top of that, I'm a college student, I've got stuff going on.

Something I want to shed light on is an issue I have had for about....a year and a half now. I don't sleep. I don't think it's insomnia. I think my brain is shut down. I just can't sleep. I know what you're thinking, "She probably goes to bed really late and sleeps in really late. Those crazy college students ruin their sleep schedule. She's complaining but she's the problem." Well, no. I go to bed between eleven and one every night, and wake up between nine and ten every morning. Sometimes I go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. But my class on Mondays and Wednesdays starts at 12:40pm, and my classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays start at 10:20am. So I go to sleep accordingly. I don't want to get more than nine hours because then I won't go to sleep the next night. I also don't nap for more than 25 minutes a week because then everything is thrown off.

I am not a crazy college student who stays up to all hours partying or studying. I don't sleep until noon and waste my whole day. I am very meticulous with when I go to bed and when I wake up because I know that 6/7 days of the week, I don't sleep. Or sleep well. But usually not sleeping. I can't quite figure it out. I'm always tired but always have energy. It's like I don't need sleep to function but I do need sleep so I'm not yawning with a headache all day. I have tried reading, drinking sleepy tea, countless sleeping pills, and more. Nothing seems to work effectively. I'm immune. So, if anyone has any suggestions or explanations, I'm all ears. I truly don't know what's going on.

On a different note, I'm really happy. I'm in a really good mood ending the semester. I've done pretty well in my classes and I feel like things are looking up for me. I'm applying to internships this week for over the summer and I am really excited. I'm looking at social media ones but honestly, I just want a high executive at a magazine or TV company to yell at me to get their coffee. It's my dream.


I'm excited to step my foot into the real world. It's about time. I'm only a tad nervous because the only thing on my resume is camp counselor so I don't know how that will be appealing for social media internships but fingers crossed! I know I would be good at it so hopefully if I get an interview I can dazzle everyone with my personality.

I'm also happy because I have time next semester to do more things! More clubs! More adventures! More fun! A friend from one of my journalism classes is in a similar boat as me where the only thing on her resume is being a nanny so we're making a plan to try out and join a bunch of clubs so we can throw them on this godforsaken life-changing piece of paper and hopefully stand out more. I'm excited! Bring it on real world. I've been waiting for you to pick me up.

Sorority-wise I feel good! Well, except for the radiator in my room. One of the reasons I can't sleep but not the only. Anyway, I feel good. I won't have a ton of responsibility next semester so I can be as involved as I want. I don't have to try and look good or go to a bunch of things so the higher ups can take notice. I can be me and do what I want. There's a couple of us that are excited to start fresh next semester and I'm looking forward to what it brings me.

I'm planning on joining a gym. Updates to come. But, this is not because I don't like my appearance. This is because I have the time, I want to start the routine, and maybe I'll get really tired and fall asleep? You never know!

I want to mention my improv class again. Innovation Through Improv with Sarah Hendrickson. I will talk to anyone who will listen about how much fun I have in this class. I have been watching old "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" clips on YouTube to find inspiration for my final performance. I thoroughly enjoy getting up there and making a fool of myself. And I don't think I suck at it. I'm looking for internships in Chicago so that I can take classes at Second City. I really enjoy improv and it makes me happy. So if something makes you happy, you stick to it and try and incorporate it into your everyday life. So thank you THR 208 (Mon and Wed), you've motivated me to do what makes me happy and what makes me laugh. And everyone knows I love to smile and laugh. :)

I get to go to Israel in a few weeks and I am BURSTING with excitement. A new place! The old city! The warmer weather! The tradition! The history! IT'S ALL SO THRILLING! L'CHAIM! I haven't been so excited for something in so long and I cannot wait to have this experience. Look out world, your girl is making her way to the Holy Land.

There is no better way to end a semester of college than on a good note. I'll tell you guys, I was a little skeptical at first. But things are tying up well and the future is more exciting than scary. I know my whole family worries constantly so don't fret Bini Clan. We're doing well here in EL. Looking forward to what the next half year brings me.

I'll see you in a week sweet home Chicago! :)

Lindsey Rabinowitz, Damn Proud General Member

My weekend was a hefty one. I went to Southfield, MI for a job shadow and spent the whole day at my Big's house in Huntington Woods. I shadowed Jennifer Hammond, a Fox 2 Detroit sports reporter. It was an amazing experience. I watched her write stories, got a tour of the station, and even got to sit in the newsroom while she taped the 10am sports broadcast.

Before going to this job shadow, I got a call from the president of my sorority saying I had been slated(chosen by a committee) as the new philanthropy chair on the executive board. Out of pressure and time, I said yes to the position. Then I hung up the phone and started crying. I did not want this position, nor did I think I would excel in it the way I could in other places.

I did not throw a fit after I got the phone call. I cried. I cried a lot. Then I talked with my Big Nikki, who was there with me, and my GBig Jane on the phone for 25 minutes. And after that, I told the current president to post the positions with my name next to Philanthropy. I don't care what you heard happened. I'm a mature person. I would not stomp my feet on the floor, pound my fists on the table, or yell at people if I didn't get what I feel I deserved or wanted. I simply slept on it and returned the next day with my decision. I would not do it.

I'm not mad. I'm not disappointed. I'm not bitter. I'm actually happy. I'm in a great mood. I wasn't going to do a job, for an entire year, that I didn't want to do. I was on the phone for a half hour with my mom and sister before finalizing my decision. One thing they reminded me is Bini's don't get pushed around. Think of my family. We are strong people. We don't submit to what people think we should do. We're not ones to sacrifice our happiness for something we don't want. We know ourselves and we know what we want. And this was not what I wanted. Mama didn't raise no fool.

It could be a Greek Life thing because my sister said something similar happened to her. She was groomed to be a position, and she was given another one. So she said no. I guess it runs in the family.

Like I said, I'm not mad. I'm not angry with the committee or the people who got the positions I wanted. I think everyone did a fine job and is going to do amazing things for the house. But if this was truly thought to be the right position for me, I would've taken it. There would've been no back in forth trying to decide what I wanted. And ultimately ending in me saying no.

I'm simply upset. I'm hurt because I feel like I wasn't listened to. I also feel like I was highly encouraged and told that I had the potential to hold certain positions in the sorority and that my time was wasted trying to prove that I was fit for them. My Big received various texts after I got my phone call asking if I was okay. Which makes me think that it was known I wouldn't be so I don't understand why this all happened in the first place. I guess it's part of being in a house though. You think one thing, and then something completely different happens. Happens all the time in life too.

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and relieved. I stand by my decision. When your whole family is on your side, when the current position holder agrees with your decision, and when a founding member of your house tells you you're doing the right thing, it's hard to not feel good about it. Sure I would've done okay if I were to have taken the philanthropy position, but its not what I'm passionate about. So, I'm going to take my wonderful sister Syd's advice, "take your passion and skills and use them elsewhere". Oh sister Syd, I intend to. :)

If any of my sisters are reading this, please don't look at me in pity. Don't continuously ask me if I'm okay and please don't tiptoe around me because you think I'm mad or angry and want no part of the house. That is SO not the case. Also, I am not writing this to place blame or to cause a scene or anything like that. I just wanted to explain my side and how I feel. Everyone is entitled to their feelings. I genuinely believe everything happens for a reason. I wasn't meant to be on this executive board. The sister who was chosen to be philanthropy is going to do a 10000x better job then I ever would've because she actually wants to do it. And the fine young ladies that are on the board, they have my full support and are going to do the most amazing things for the girls of SDT.


In other news, my littles got initiated!! YAY RACHEL AND RACHEL. OFFICIALLY A PART OF THE GIRL GANG. ;)

Female Comedians

I've mentioned in many posts that all I want to do in life is make people laugh. Instead of talking about myself, I want to give you all the gift of laughter. The entertainment business is a male dominated world, which has been demonstrated recently. My improv teacher told one of my peers, woman to woman, that if we want the scene, we have to take it. Otherwise, as a woman, we will always be put in the position of the mother, or the sister. Some type of submissive, female, character. This applies to life too. If you don't go for what you want, a man is going to upstage you. It's the society we live in. To give you some inspiration, I want to tell you about my favorite female comedians because I hope to someday embody the amazing-ness that they exert onto their audiences.

We're going to begin with an obvious one, Amy Poehler. Jesus Christ Superstar this lady is hilarious. If you haven't read her book, I will lend you my personal copy because EVERYONE needs to read it. She's one of the earliest female comedians I remember. My dad and I used to watch her all the time on SNL and would regularly view her early stuff on the show. This lady is not afraid of making a fool out of her self and is sure as hell not afraid of a man upstaging her. She steals every scene she is in. If you haven't seen Parks And Recreation then you are missing out. I found it to be slow at first but this show is one of the greatest shows to ever be on TV. Just the premise of it is amazing and the supporting cast is unbelievable. Amy Poehler makes me laugh no matter what and I strive to be like her.

To continue, let's talk about her Partner In Crime, Tina Fey. These two ladies make me laugh when they perform apart, but when they're together, I'm on the floor and can't breathe because I laugh so hard. Tina's book, Bossypants, is so well written and very inspirational I laughed at all her creatively positioned jokes and related to some of her troubles as a teen. I see myself being like her when I'm older and that's why I feel I like her so much. She carried 30 Rock season after season and I cannot wait to watch her show, Great News. Additionally, she was an SNL writer way before she appeared in front of the camera. These two women are two of the greatest people to ever grace Saturday Night Live. In a male dominated industry, they're on top.

Amy Schumer is not my favorite but she sure is funny. I don't find her movies funny, nor do I find her Netflix stand up specials funny, but her social media presence and interviews tickle my fancy. She's a riot on instagram and twitter and does anything for a laugh. I love her "fuck it" attitude and confidence. I haven't read her book yet but it's on my list. I like her better when she's just thinking off her feet in an unscripted situation. Like when she is a guest on a late show. She was great on Saturday Night Live though. She pushes boundaries, and I love that.

Jen Kirkman's Netflix stand-up special is amazing. She talks about how she basically models her life after Matthew Mcconaughey's line in Dazed and Confused, "Just Keep Livin'". She has JKL tattooed on her body. I'm not gonna lie, I'm thinking about it too. She's a regular on Chelsea Lately and an overall funny woman. I'll be honest, I haven't seen too much of her stuff but what I have seen, hilarious.  She also has a book that I intend on reading. I'll keep you updated.

Jessi Klein wrote one of my favorite books, You'll Grow Out Of It. I saw my friend Ava reading it at camp last summer and I had to try it out. It was AMAZING. She's hilarious and can really appeal to the reader. AND JEWISH. She also is the voice of Jessi on the new animated show on Netflix, Big Mouth. This show is awesome. Great cast, great storylines, amazing writing. It's SO stupid that is works. I keep telling my mom she would like it because she enjoys raunchy humor but she's on a "no animation" policy when it comes to TV shows.

I've been writing this article for a while now because I wanted to show the world that women can be funny! It seems like men dominate the comedy world but there are some hilarious women out there. It may take longer for us to reach our peak, but we'll get the laugh eventually. And once it starts, it never stops.

I've said before that all I have ever wanted to do is make people laugh. These women inspire me with everything I do. Oh, also obviously my mother and sister are pretty funny. My dad is a hoot too. You can't even imagine how our family dinners go...

I hope I can convince you to read these ladies' books and watch their stuff! If you need more convincing or more funny shows or comedy specials to watch in general let me know because I watch a TON of them. It's good to laugh. It makes you live longer :)

Harvey Weinstein

I'm going to assume everyone has heard about the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment allegations. I hate that word. "Allegations". Over 30 women have stepped forward. He did it. That's it.

Anyway, I'm currently writing a paper for one of my classes on this story and I've learned a lot in my research. I want to begin with the fact that the first indication of a sexual harassment by Weinstein was in 1987. THIRTY YEARS AGO. That's ridiculous. You're telling me that in over thirty years, his colleagues and peers heard, and said, NOTHING about his actions. My mom knows when I have my period just by my tone of voice when I call her.

Seems a little fishy doesn't it? I'm not digging for inside information here. All I want to do is state facts and to show everyone that this has been a common thread throughout his career. Taking advantage of young, females and promising them success in return.

I googled Harvey Weinstein when the news broke out and I was angry because he took part in making some of my favorite films. Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Spy Kids, Ella Enchanted, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Silver Linings Playbook, all tainted with his name in the credits.

The Weinstein Company said they had "no idea" what was going on. NO IDEA. Harvey literally had an assistant whose only job was to organize "meetings" with aspiring female models and actresses. I think they knew but nobody said or did anything. Nobody wanted to stand up to the beast. And no one came forward out of fear. The thing that also keeps me thinking is that there is no way he's the only one. There are probably other key players in the entertainment industry that are doing the same thing but nobody has stepped forward. Hopefully the recent events will encourage others.

I interviewed a friend in my sorority for the paper I was writing for my class. She is a sexual assault survivor. I asked her what she thought of the number of women who were speaking out. She said something that burrowed it's way in my mind.
"sexual assault is sexual assault. It doesn't matter the number."

HOW TRUE?? SEXUAL ASSAULT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT.  And it's not okay. Of course it's not okay for over thirty women to go through it, but it's also not okay for one woman to go through it. Or men for that matter.

If someone would have spoken up THREE DECADES ago and unveiled this monster, maybe less women would've been harassed. But that's the past. The important thing is what's happening now.
Women are coming out all over social media and the world is starting to talk. The conversation is more exposed now than ever before.

So what now? Now we must fight. We must show the world that these actions are not okay. We must educate the youth about sexual assault, harassment, and relationship violence. We must expose those who feel they "deserve" something from us or think just because they have power, that we'll be submissive to unwanted actions.

Alyssa Milano started the Me Too campaign on social media. Those who have been sexually assaulted or harassed write Me Too on a social media platform. The amount of facebook statues I saw with these two words shocked me. My peers, my family, my friends, all with those two words on their timelines. We must show our support and stand up for ourselves.

THIS STUFF IS SO NOT OKAY. Sorry that wasn't very formal but it makes me so angry. I am appalled by Harvey Weinstein and everything I am reading about this situation. It makes me more fearful to enter the professional world and being afraid, frightens me even more.

I'm sorry if this post goes around in circles or makes anyone uncomfortable. I've been doing a lot of research on Weinstein for my paper and I had to write down my thoughts. It urks me so much that people who are serial assaulters can get away with it for so long. It urks me that anyone can get away with unwanted forceful actions.

This is one of my more serious blogs, but it needed to be done.

A member of one of the sorority houses on my campus has started a campaign called We Know What Happens. She sells shirts and buttons to help bring awareness to sexual assault and harassment. There are people all around campus wearing these words. I encourage you to support her by following the instagram @weknowwhathappens

Thank you all for reading! Stay safe, and stay aware.

A Post to Make My Mom Cry

I'm not an emotional, touchy-feely person so please don't mistake this post with me automatically becoming the worlds most lovable daughter. That's Sydney.

All my life I have felt a slight pressure from my mom. A pressure to look good, do well in school, keep the right company, and to succeed no matter what. Sometimes that pressure has gotten the best of me but most of the time, it's encouraging.

College is hard. I called my mom last week and she told me to get a job and find a summer internship. I left the conversation overwhelmed because I have a lot on my plate as it is. Those two things are on my radar but there are a lot of things that I have to check off before I get to them.

My mom called me today just to ask about my weekend. She asked how I was and I said, "fine". A word I took from her vocabulary actually. She asked me why I was just fine and I said all the things that were on my mind. A stream of stress came out of my mouth. I don't like to admit to my parents when I feel overwhelmed because I don't like to ask for help or show weakness. I know, horrible. I've been trying to get better at it. They already do so much for me that I don't want to burden them with silly things that they have no control over.

But everything just sort of came out. My stress about my sorority, about my major, studying abroad, summer plans, birthright, and more. I was expected a sarcastic comment, since that's kind of how this family works. We make each other feel better with sarcasm and chocolate. Considering I am in another state, I knew I was only getting a sarcastic comment.

To my surprise, my mother didn't try to be funny. She went through all of the things I said and told me reasons why I shouldn't worry. That all of it will be resolved and figured out in time. We agreed that although I may not like my classes, they will help me in future careers. We talked about that no matter what happens in my sorority, with executive board and living in the house again, we're prepared for all of it. No matter what I'll be studying abroad and that I should apply for as many internships I can because I will not sit on the couch all summer and be a hostess at Egg Harbor.

Usually I go to my sister when I need to feel better because she understands the things my parents can't. But this time I needed my mom to tell me everything will be okay. That as long as I try my best, I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.

My mom has always been the practical-realistic parent. But since coming to college, she's opened her mind to the fact that I don't know what I'm doing or what I'm going to be. She's realized that I have dreams that I intend to accomplish. And now, her support is there with me every step of the way.

Now I know she'd going to text me because she has found something in here that could be insulting. I'm asking you to look at the BIG PICTURE mother.

Attention all my other moms: please raise a glass of wine to yourselves next happy hour at the Bini household. Thank you for making my mom who she is and letting her know she has the best kids in the world because I feel like sometimes she forgets.
And on behalf of all of your children, thank you for believing in us and doing everything you do.

SophoMORE of MSU

Live from East Lansing, it's your girl.

47 days into the semester and I am knee deep in the sweetness of East Lansing. The start of the semester has been a little slow but exciting, nevertheless. We've had some good times and some not so good times but, in these 47 days, I have felt older and wiser than ever before. I'm not a tiny clueless freshman trying to find my way around campus. I am a medium sized sophomore struggling to find my classes and trying to figure out the REST OF MY LIFE.

That's all I've been thinking about. The future. Where am I living next year? Where am I studying abroad? Can I get an internship for this summer? The general college things. But me, I like to have everything figured out. I don't like the unknown. But that's part of growing up. Figuring it out.

This year I have gone out less than last year too. School and building my resume seem more important at this time in my life. If you did not know, I want to be a writer. WHAT?! Yes. I don't know what kind of writing so I'm taking electives to see what I'm interested in.

I'm currently in the market for a summer internship so hit me up if you've got one. I'm hoping to do something with social media or literally anything. Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada? BRING IT. Possibly in Chicago so I can take Second City classes and be a young woman in a big world. That's the dream. To walk through the city streets like I know exactly what's going on and where everything is. Hiding my fear of crowds and crime from all the people passing me on the sidewalk. The song, "Breakthrough" by Hope 7 on repeat in my ears. Have you ever listened to that song? Blast it the next time you are traveling anywhere. It'll get you hyped.

I recognize that there are many steps on the stairs that are my professional life and I don't even have my foot on the first one. But dreaming is what I have always done best. Big dreams keep you motivated and moving. Dreams that are small and "realistic" keep you in a box.

So here I am, Sophomore year, refusing to stay in a box. Making my own decisions and trying new things. Being the best me I can be and refusing to let the stress of college weigh down on my body.

Before I end, I would like to talk about the best decision I have made this year thus far. Late last semester I enrolled in an Improv class for the fall. I told myself that if I get overwhelmed, that class would have to be the first to go. This class is SO much fun. All I have ever wanted to do is make people laugh and I think I am actually getting better at it!! In a structured setting!! I can make sarcastic one liners and get some laughs but actually conducting a scene and thinking on my feet was foreign to me. The students in the class are so supported and our instructor is one of the coolest people ever. I want to be her best friend. I'm trying really hard. I keep sitting right by her at the beginning on class and making comments about my Saturday Night Live knowledge. She's been complimenting me on my improv moves, which is helping with my self esteem issues so thank you. Basically BFF's.

Anyway, that's what's going on so far in my academic life. Nothing is really happening in my personal life. I'd have to have a personal life for things to be happening. *badum chick* OOHH I forgot! I'm going to Israel! Catch me in the holyland in December! So excited to explore the history of my ancestors and be in a different country because, well, you get it.

Peace out loyal readers! :)


Also, check me out on http://www.hercampus.com/school/msu !!

(Shameless plug! I'm almost a professional!!)

The Best of Both Worlds: The Other Side of Recruitment

The longest week of my life is now over and we have welcomed over 50 girls into our home!! Words cannot explain how excited I am to start this year. Actually,  I'm a writer so words can explain it. So, here we go.

The first day of recruitment I was up for 18 hours. I woke up at 5:30am and was SO excited to see all the cuties coming through the door. The first weekends were pretty general and easy. We got to meet all of the potential new sisters coming through rush and got to bond together as a house. I made sure to form a connection with the girls I rushed. I told them about my recruitment experience and how it was a bumpy road. I always made sure to say that whether it's my house or a different house, I hope they find the home that makes them feel wanted and loved. I wanted them to leave our house feeling good about their decisions and making sure that they pick the right fit.

During the second round, I was up for 20 hours. Boy oh boy. By the end of the day I was so cranky. But once again, we had another round of awesome girls who wanted to be a part of our sisterhood. The next round went swimmingly and before I knew it, we were setting up for preference night.

If you read my first post, you know how excited and special this ceremony is to me.  It was this day a year ago that I found my home. I was given the honor of giving a speech during some of the parties and it made me remember how deep the love is that I feel for my sisters. I was able to see the light in the eyes of the girls sitting before me as they could see how strong our sisterhood. I shed a couple tears that night. Happy tears! Don't worry mom! I wanted every girl sitting in that room to find what I had found.

We all felt good after that night. There was a certain energy that SDT inhabited during recruitment. We wanted girls to feel the love we have for one another. We wanted them to see how genuine and kind we are to each other. And that we always have a sisters back. We all had a feeling that it was going to be a good year.

And we were right. 50 girls ran home to us that night. That is more than we could've ever dreamed of. To put it in perspective, my pledge class had around 35 and the pledge class before mine had even less. Our hard work had paid off and our family was expanded. It's true what they say about SDT. First you become a part of it, and then SDT becomes a part of you. It's in my identity now. I'm proud of my impact on the sorority thus far. And I'm forever thankful for the friends I have made. I owe my freshman year, and the rest of my college years to the girls of SDT and I cannot wait for our new girls to experience the impact that I have.

It's true what they say, Sig Delts do it better.

WHY CLOWNS?

Okay, I have something to say. Why are scary clowns a thing? Like, honestly. Last year there was a clown that would walk around school at night just to freak people out. It wouldn't do anything. It just walked around just to get a rise out of people. With this whole clown cult on American Horror Story AND the new IT movie, the public is going to go wild. What do you think is going to happen after you make a movie or TV show about cult/killer clowns? PEOPLE ARE GOING TO START DRESSING UP LIKE KILLER CLOWNS. Have we not learned that people mimic what they see in the media?

I, myself have developed a fear of clowns. I didn't always fear clowns. It started when I realized that clowns are being sensationalized as murders and that a happy clown sighting was now as rare as the solar eclipse. I feel like clowns are the worst possible people to make the villain. We all have memories of clowns when we were younger. They would come to your birthday party and blow up balloons and twist them into little dogs. Clowns were a good memory. AND NOW?? Well, JUST LOOK!

Honestly, this is hurting the clown community. No one wants clowns anymore because they now have a bad connotation. Sorry, that's putting it lightly. They now have a MURDEROUS connotation. Soon all the clowns of the world will be filing for unemployment.

You could've just made them creepy. They didn't have to be killers. I just don't know what to say anymore. I don't just have to be scared about being kidnapped or raped when I'm out at night. Now I have to worry that a killer clown is going to come out of the shadows. That sounds so ridiculous but its true.

Wet Hot American Summer

Hey hey hey!
It's been a minute. Did you miss me? It's been a LONG 11 weeks but I had one of the best summers of my life. Every tear, headache and time I had a strained voice, was worth it. Being a camp counselor is hard. You should never think less of someone because they would rather spend their summer watching kids and playing outdoors. It's hard. You have to constantly be awake and enthusiastic. Which doesn't seem like a big deal but it's kind of difficult when you've been riding around on a bike all night waiting for counselors to get back from "night church". Then you go to bed at 1:30am and have to wake up at 7:00am just to do it all over again. But don't forget. The kids are watching, so put a smile on your face!

Alright, alright. It's easy to pretend you're having fun when you are ACTUALLY having fun. I am a HUGE advocate for overnight camp. Obviously Tanuga over everybody BUT, overnight camp in general is so important. I could go on and on about it.
IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO OVERNIGHT CAMP, YOU SHOULD SEND THEM. This is something that I believe now more than ever. I had time to reflect and think about how much of an effect going to Tanuga for 11 years has had on my life. ELEVEN SUMMERS OF MY LIFE. I'm only nineteen. That's a lot.

I'd have different friends, be at a different school, and I would be a completely different person if I had not spent my summers at camp.

Being a camper and being a staff member is apples and oranges. You're at camp and doing all the regular camp stuff but you're the person the campers look up to now. I had always wondered who my campers would be and if I'd have the same effect on them that my counselors had on me. Did I do it girls? Do you like me? Let me know via our snapchat group chat. I lived with the best cabin in camp for THREE years and I am blessed and honored to have gotten to know each and every one of you girls.

The staff makes the summer. There is laughing, tears, drama, and lots of fun. They set the tone for all the campers and each other. If you ever get the chance to work at an overnight camp, do it. You learn so much and make incredible friends. You not only become friends with the staff, but also the campers. It's a community like no other. You'll learn more about your strengths, weaknesses, and find your independence.

Anyway, if you want to know more about my summer please look at my latest facebook album or just ask me.

Now, I am Live From East Lansing and SUPER excited to start my sophomore year after a summer of fun and great memories.

Adios muchachos!!!

Gone Camping

I was home for less than am month and I am more than excited to leave. I have nothing against good ole Buffalo Grove. I just don't need to be here. I saw everyone from high school that I still talk to and now I'm good. Many of my peers hate being home because they want to go back to school but that is not the case for me. Sure, I want to go back to school. But not until August. Nothing is going on right now and none of my friends would be there so I see no point.

I'm excited to go to my Kalkaska home a little early this summer because I get more time to refresh. Sometimes you need to rough it in the wilderness for a few months to get your mind relaxed and prepped for school mode. I'm also my happiest when I'm at camp and I cannot wait to see what this summer has to offer.

Thank you to everyone who has entertained me during my 20 days of boredom at home. Thank you to everyone at school who I cannot wait to see at the end of August. And thank you to all the new and old staff that I am so excited to spend my summer with, starting in a few days!! Bring on Tanuga summer #11 :)

The End of The Beginning

You probably see all those crappy articles from college students titled "Tips for a college Freshman" or "What I wish I knew coming into college". Like I said, they're all crappy. Everyone has a different experience and it is selfish to think that the person who wrote the article can influence how your freshman year will go. Anything can happen! It's YOUR college experience and you can do whatever you want with it.

This is not one of those crappy articles. This is a reflection. It's more for me than it is for anyone else but everything I write on here is for me to get my feelings and thoughts out so... Anyway, I decided to write about all my favorite moments of this year AND what I have learned. This way I can go back and look at this whenever I want. And so my family and all my friends can see that I actually had a decent year.

1. My Archaeology Class
Okay so taking this class made me so happy! This was the first class of my college career and I was SO excited to take it AND, to this day, I will rave about it. I have always been interested in archaeology and I was ecstatic to be able to dip my toe into the subject. It was a great way to start off the year!

2. SDT
Thank you SDT for letting me invade your house. The experience thus far has changed me forever. Being a part of something has made my freshman year so much better and I cannot wait to make more memories during the next three years.

3. BIG NIK ISH
Nikki intimidated me at first but I'd like to thank Jessie and Jane for pairing us together. This year would've been so different and probably would've sucked if you didn't have my back. I'm excited to continue our adventures and spread our love to a new family member in the fall.

4. Columbia College
Some of you may not know but I toured Columbia College in Chicago in November. Yes I was a student at MSU AND toured ANOTHER school. I'm glad I toured it though because it made me appreciate my home in East Lansing more. I realized what I wanted to get out of my college years and that MSU was the place for me. (Columbia is a REALLY cool school though. Highly suggest checking it out)

5. Inductions
The day after I visited Columbia, I was inducted into SDT and became an official sister. (yay) Now I have a house of girls who life up my spirits when they're not so high and are always down to watch a Disney movie. They're a community I can count on. Love you all :)

6. Washington D.C.
The Hillel asked me to go to D.C. for the Jewish General Assembly and it was awesome. I didn't have to be at school and I was in D.C! So much history!! It was so fun to be around so many inspiring Jewish leaders, and the sight seeing wasn't so bad either. This made me realize how much the Jewish community at MSU needed me to be involved! Thanks for taking me to the country's capital!

7. Risk Management
A the end of November I was elected as the position of Risk Management Chairwoman of SDT. It's hard at times but I LOVE IT. No matter how drunk, emotional or crazy my sisters may get, I'm always there to help. Thanks for letting me mom everyone! Can't wait for another "risky" term.

8. Winter Break
Winter break was a breath of fresh air. I was so excited to refresh and relax. Eventually I got bored. I missed East Lansing. Guess that means I picked the right school???

9. JOURNALISM
I decided to switch my schedule around for spring semester and took a Journalism class. And that was it. I like to write and I want to learn how to write better and differently so I guess that's the avenue I'm going down.

10. Coolest Picture I have ever taken
At a social, that I was sober monitoring for, I took the coolest photo in my life. I will never take a better photo and it is very sad. My roommate even agrees with me. There is no going up, only going down.

11. Rolling out of bed and going to AEPi in my PJ's
It was a Thursday night and Roomie just got home. I was in bed, in my PJ's watching Netflix. She asked me if I was going to AEPi tonight and I gestured to myself laying down. She really wanted me to go so I hopped off my lofted bed, threw a bra on and walked out the door. I was wearing a big Bulls t-shirt and my pac-Man boxers. It was a hit. I literally rolled out of bed and went to a party. My prime.

12. Ice Skating
Roomie planned a sisterhood and we went ice skating. It was awesome except for the fact that my feet hurt after. Fun date idea!!

13. Hockey Game
Rachael took me to a hockey game and it was awesome. The Spartans lost but I won because I had the time of my life.

14. Sprang Brake
Went to visit Molly in Tucson for spring break and was again reminded that Michigan State is the best school. Sorry Wildcats. There ain't no party like a Sparty party. :)

15. New Room!!
In March we picked our rooms in the house next year and THAT was a stressful process. Everything worked out well though and I am very happy with the room I got. I'm SO excited to make memories with all the other girls living in. :)

16. Formal
Quick Tip: If you don't have a boy, take your best friend to formal. Mia, thanks for being the best date and for putting up with the shenanigans that I, as risk management, had to help handle. We had a great night dancing our hearts out and people watching. :D

17. Dirty Tug
This was my peak. Between you and me, this was the first time I was actually intoxicated. I had the time of my life. In the Sun, playing Tug of War with my sisters, getting a little tipsy. It was great. It will probably never happen again but I, along with my friends, had quite a good time. Like I said, I peaked. (P.S. Roomie wasn't there and gets upset every time I bring this day up)

18. Painting the Rock
A long standing tradition at Michigan State is painting the rock. You stay by it all day and night to "reserve" the rock and ensure that no one else will take it and paint it. I got to paint the rock and stayed out until 3:00am. Some of the other girls stayed until like 8am. (there was a tent) It was on my MSU bucket list so I'm happy I did it. To the boys who painted OVER the rock in broad daylight (not suppose to happen, only suppose to paint it at night), it's okay. You're not forgiven, but it's okay.

19. Being Sad to Leave My New Friends
This means you like your school. ^^ I'm not looking forward to leaving the people I see everyday! But, at the same time, I'm ready. I'm ready to have my summer to reflect and refresh, but I'm sad to not have everyone walking distance away. Can't wait to be back in EL at the end of August!!

20. Sister Syd
Real quick I want to acknowledge my sweet sister Syd. She already got an ENTIRE post but I need to mention her here. Things would be very different for me if I didn't have her here this year. Thanks for always looking out for me and making sure I was okay. No need to worry anymore Big Sis. I'm happy to be here and will continue our Spartan legacy. (whatever that may be) ;)

Thanks to everyone in East Lansing who made my freshman year a hit!

Also, thank you to everyone who read my posts throughout the year! I'm going to try and write another before I'm off to Kalkaska for the summer. See you soon :)