to the class of ...

after spending this past school year away from home at a “boarding” school, (read more about that here or here) I’ve realized that there are a handful of things I wish I would have taken advantage of or done while I was home. while I’m only three and a half hours from home, I don’t get home as often as I would like and therefore really feel as though I’m experiencing the college life two years early. so, to the class of 2016 and all those behind you, I hope that you will take these ideas and make the most of the time you have home - because even the last three months before move in day can be savored.

my roommate and I on move-in day, august 2015

Appreciate Your Mom’s Cooking

I don’t think you’ll ever realize how amazing my mom’s cooking is, let alone a home cooked meal, until you are standing in the cafeteria and do not know what the heck to eat because nothing looks appetizing and you’ve already had your staple meal, a quesadilla, for lunch just a few hours ago. and while some days are better than others, I can promise you that you will wish at least once a week that you were back home with your family, sitting at your kitchen table, eating your mom’s famous casserole or a nice, juicy and well seasoned piece of chicken.

what to do with the time you do have left: utilize the full kitchen you still have, eat all the

fresh fruits and veggies, learn how to cook your mom’s greatest and easiest meals, and

eat well.

Note: I understand that some colleges have out of this WORLD food, but I also know from stories and experience that others could do a lot better. either way, still take advantage of your mom’s cooking.

Spend Time With Your Close Friends

once you and your best friends have been sprawled all across the country, it won’t be the easiest thing to stay in touch and find time to talk - you’ll all be on different schedules, doing different things, possibly in different time zones. while you’re still home, cut out time to spend with them, making lasting memories, and talking about what the future holds. you don’t need to make any crazy plans for #SpringBreak2017 too far in advance, but try and find times throughout the year that your schedules might overlap so that you might find time to talk to one another in person.

what to do with the time you do have left: make lasting memories, take (and print!) lots

of pictures, and laugh lots

Clear Out Your Bedroom

granted, while you’re packing up all your things to move in to your dorm, you’ll definitely find stashes of things that you realize should have been thrown away YEARS ago - but, go ahead and clean your drawers, bookshelves, and closet, getting rid of things you aren’t taking to college or old bits and pieces. when you come home to change out wardrobes, you won’t want to deal with messy and unorganized drawers, because it will make the process that much harder.

what to do with the time you do have left: grab your mom or a good friend, a couple of

trash bags, and get working. make piles of things that you’ll give away, (maybe a pile of

things to sell), and things that just have to go. if it’s something you don’t take to college

that first trip, go ahead and put it into a pile - if it isn’t something you’re taking to

college, it’s probably something that isn’t too near and dear to your heart.

Become Self-Motivated

leaving the house means that there’s no one there to wake you up in the morning, remind you when classes start or when your next meeting is. you’re left on your own to make sure your laundry is done and that you always have a clean towel in the bathroom. with these new responsibilities comes a new sense of independence, so let’s kickstart that feeling while you’re still in the comfort of your own home

what to do with the time you do have left: learn how to do the essential tasks on your

own! i.e., laundry, cleaning the sink/bathroom, become familiar with your class schedule.

Read Books off Your “Must Read” List

i absolutely love reading, but since coming to school, have run out of time to really read for myself. at the end of a long day, the absolute last thing I want to do is stare at a book and use my brain to understand what the heck is going on in the fifth Harry Potter book. while during some parts of the year, reading is appropriate and isn’t as much of a “hassle,” I still wish that I had more time. so for all those who love reading as much (or more!) than I do …

what to do with the time you do have left: make a list of the few books that you’ve been

waiting to read for months, get them from the library or a bookstore, and get reading!

read at the end of the day, on the beach, at a coffee shop, etc. also, get a couple of books

to bring along to college with you that are easy and fun reads to help you on those nights

where you can’t get to sleep or when you just need to destress for a few minutes.

while this isn’t everything you should do before you pack up and head to college, it’s a pretty simple list of things you could add to your summer bucket list! enjoy and savor the time you still have at home, and always remember that home will always be there.

jump around // university of wisconsin madison

check out this article (among many other great ones) on Undeniable Report! If you're a blogger looking for an uplifting and inspirational community, definitely look into becoming a part of the amazing group.

Summer is all about college visits for any student in high school, whether you’re a freshman trying to get a head start or a senior wrapping the last few things up!

While in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure of visiting my dad’s alma mater, UW Madison (go badgers!) and I really enjoyed experiencing my first college tour. My mom set up two tours for my brother and I (keep reading!) and even though there weren’t as many students on the campus, I definitely still got that college feel.

what : University of Wisconsin - Madison

four year, large, public, state university

where : Madison, Wisconsin

urban

cost : $25,000 in state // $45,000 out of state

size : 6,000 per class, 29,000 undergraduate students

When touring colleges, if you get the opportunity to go on both a campus and dorm/residential life tour, definitely take both. By doing that, you’ll get a lot more information about the dorms themselves and what kind of amenities the college offers on a more extensive level.

UW Madison offers two options when it comes to dorm living - you can choose from Lakeshore, a very suburban feel with lots of greenery and lake views, or Southeast, which is for those students looking for a very urban feel right in the heart of Madison. Whichever you choose, you’re equidistant from the center of campus, so you don’t have to sacrifice the lake views you may desire for a quicker walk to class! Both Lakeshore and Southside dorms offer the same basic necessities when it comes to each room - loftable beds, dresser, desk and chair, bedside table, bookcase/hutch, and even a refrigerator. The residence halls are always getting maintenance done as needed, and so you don’t have to worry about getting the “nicest” residence hall!

One of my favorite things that UW Madison offers is something called “learning communities”. Specific residence halls offer unique seminars and classes to students interested in similar subjects or majors. I was really interested in the “Women in Science and Engineering”, since I’m looking at studying nursing!

As far as the actual university goes, there are 21 different schools/colleges to choose from within the university itself - you’re bound to find the perfect major that suits you. One of the most comforting things I learned during the tour is that whatever combination of major(s)/certificates (equivalent to a minor) you desire, the staff there will work hard to make that dream of yours work out so that you will have the most rewarding experience possible.

If you’re looking for that college football experience, UW Madison is a Big10 school with a generous handful of athletic events you can choose to attend. From experience, Badger Athletics are a blast, (jump around!) and you’ll always find students cheering on their peers.

If you’re concerned about getting work done amidst this amazing campus, don’t worry. There are over 30 libraries to choose from - you’ll definitely find a quiet place to study with whatever book you might need. Learning communities (mentioned above) can definitely be helpful when it comes to studying as well, and professor's open office hours are always beneficial.

what colleges have you toured so far? what has been your favorite?

in Christ, 

Write it Out

I love back to school shopping! For some reason, I find it super enjoyable to run around Target trying to find everything I need for each class. One of the highlights for me has to be picking out a new agenda. Throughout Middle School,  I just used the agenda that was supplied by my school, but starting Freshman year I've gone out and gotten my own so that I could choose one that is fits all my needs. 

This year, I went with a simple yet large agenda from Target (very similar to the blue sky planner below). Last year, I used a Lilly Pulitzer, but I did not like how it fell apart after a year of use. They are so adorable and are definitely in style, but the quality wasn't there! (Don't get me wrong though, the Lilly agendas this year are ADORABLE!) 

May Designs // Lilly Pulitzer // Kate Spade // Blue Sky Susy Jack 

What agenda are you using this year? 

Study Tips for Finals - Elizabeth from Closer than Yesterday

Elizabeth from Closer than Yesterday
***
Hey there to all you ladies and other peoples! My name is Elizabeth and I am the guest blogger for today! WOOOOOOOO! I hope that Sydney is have a fantastic time in Italy and hope she brings me back a virtual present ;) Anyways I am the blogger at my corner of the interwebs at Closer Than Yesterday (<--- is a link to my blog! Wooo!) 

So when I found out I was going to be guest blogging in April I kinda had a mini panic attack. I am so busy this month. From my man candy and mine's anniversary, to his birthday, to us running to color run, to finals. FINALS?!?! I said it my friends...Finals are QUICKLY approaching! I just wanted to give you guys some tips that I use to get my study-udy on!  1.) Turn off your Phone/Laptop/iPod/iPad/heart monitor(haha jk leave the last one on if you have one! Cant have you literally dying from studying!) :: This might be the hardest one. But seriously it will help you the most. When the temptation of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (This is the one that gets me! I love me some Insta-stalking!) is there, there is no way on earth your whole brain will be focused on what it needs to be focused on!  2.) Bring out the Highlighters. In multiple colors. We are color coding this baby! :: I always try to highlight one section (in the book) in one color and then highlight in the same color in my notes. And then change it up for each section. Having the color stimulation is great to get the ole brain juices flowing! And your little bit of photographic memory that normal people have will key in on the corresponding colors!  3.) Use tabs to tab up the pages that are important :: These are the tabs I am referring to! When you find an important section in your book (a heading maybe or even a vocab word) go ahead and tab the page. Write on the tab what it is you're tabbing there. This is also really helpful if the book is a rental or just simply isn't yours. I like to do each chapters in different color tabs. This helps especially when I have a test on multiple chapters of info!  4.) Flash Cards :: This might seem a little juvenile but seriously, TRUST ME! There is a reason you made these for every test in first grade. Make sure you make them yourself. Writing out the flashcard is also an AWESOME way to review the information! I make my flashcards a few days before the test and try to keep them with me. I have caught myself doing my flashcards while I do my hair in the mornings! *It is better to actually manually write the information but if you HAVE TO type it, I recommend the site Study Blue. 5.) Study With A friend :: This one completely depends on the person. Some people learn better when they review with another person, some people don't. Personally, I only like someone to help me with my flashcards because I get distracted easily if I have a friend there!  6.) Take SHORT BREAKS :: This is VERY important. If you are planning to be studying for a while, make sure to give yourself breaks. But not LONG breaks. I mean like a 15 minute break after an hour of studying kinda thing. It is proven that if you can give your brain a little break but still keep the information kinda still in there, you learn it faster! So take a break! Eat you some crackers, drink a glass of water, take a walk around the house, that kinda thing! Be nice to your brain!  7.) Chew or eat something you can eat during the test. Or put on lotion that you can wear the day of the test :: It is proven that smells are the one of the top thought triggering things. So a lotion that you wear when you study and then on the test day can bring back the memories of the information. Same with eating something while you study.  Those are my best and favoritest study tips. I hope your finals are easy and may the odds be ever in your favor! :) 

Show Us Where You Work Linkup

I am so excited to be taking part in this great linkup! I participated in my first ever link up at the beginning of February, and had such a great time meeting more bloggers and reading their posts! Today, I'm partnering up with Carlee from East Coast Girl in Pearls, Rebecca from Life with rMe, and Dorothy from Prep in Your Step!  

{weekend to-dos}

1. Where is your favorite workspace located? (Library, apartment, dorm room?) My favorite workspace would have to be my bedroom, because that's the only place I work! I can't stand working downstairs at the kitchen table/counter because I just can't focus there.

2. Do you prefer a sleek desk or you more of an “organized chaos” kind of person? As much as I love the look of a sleek desk, (I have a Pinterest Board dedicated to desks!) I would rather work on the floor or on my bed. I find myself working at my desk maybe once or twice a week.

3. What is your favorite kind of writing utensil? I love mechanical pencils for the most part, but it's really fun to add color to my notes.

4. Show us your calendar or agenda! I have a Lilly Pulitzer Agenda, and I absolutely love it. It has just the right amount of space for me to write everything down that I need to, and the prints and colors make me feel so much more motivated! (I've talked about how much I love utilizing my agenda here!)

{week by week, used for writing down school assignments, test dates, rehearsals}

{monthly, used for planning broadly, parties, trips, concerts/rehearsals}

{monthly (again), used just for blog posts}

5. And just for fun, what are you looking forward to most about spring? This spring, I can't wait for the pastel colors and printed shorts! And tanning by the pool or at the beach.

Where is your favorite workspace?

xoxo

Music Down in My Soul + #MotivationMonday

Happy Monday! (And St. Patrick's Day!) if you're reading this early enough in the morning, make sure you're wearing GREEN today! You don't want to get pinched! 
This weekend has been crazy. I had a vocal performance Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,  (+ rehearsal Thursday) and had tests to study for and extra credit to complete for school. I was running around and finally had time to sit down and have a few hours for myself to blog and get some work done yesterday evening. I blogged a lot, and there are 5 posts coming to you this week! Saturday was also spent in bed, because I was trying to save my voice for the performance that night. I

My best friend Emily came Saturday night to the concert! It was so nice having her come and see me perform - I'm so thankful for her!

Sunday morning I made myself a wonderful brunch to fill myself up before my performance. 

Time for some #MotivationMonday! Last week was super rough for me, so I'm hoping this week is better and is filled with ++Positive Vibes++!

still wishing my New Years Resolution of February ended up in a relationship. Oh well. (: 

What's motivating you this weekend? 
xoxo

Life Lately + Pic Dump

So much has gone on since the last day I blogged! I feel like I did so much this weekend, mostly school related with a little bit of fun! 

On Friday, first graders from an elementary school across the street from my school came to our science lab to participate in labs that would conclude their "Dr. Suess Week". In a group with my brother and friend Eden, we created Oobleck (a polymer that's a soliquid!) and helped the kids to make a little batch for themselves to take home. It was such a fun time to spend with kids who were so excited to learn and wanted to get their hands dirty! 

On Friday night and all day Saturday, the vocal department held a "Frozen" day camp for 1st-7th graders. It was a blast.These kids put a smile on every one of our faces at 9:00 Saturday morning, when most of us would have rather been sleeping at home.They knew every word to every song and learned so much in the little time that we were able to spend with them! They filled my heart with their big smiles, laughter, talent and kindness! It was such a privilege being able to work with them. 

This is Ellen. She played Anna in "Let it Go". No joke, it was the cutest thing ever. 

This is Kate. She played Anna in "Do You Want to Build a Snowman." When she came in Friday night, she told one of the counselors that she had been practicing for the role and was ready to sing! So cute.

snapchat me guys @sydhuss16

Sunday was spent sleeping in after Daylight Savings started, going Downtown, and more singing. I spent a couple of hours shopping downtown with my good friend, Emily, and we went to a cute (authentic!) French Bakery on one of the side streets. I had the best (and my first real) macaroon. It was delicious. I also got a Drinking Chocolate, which is exactly what the name says - it's chocolate that you drink. I performed at a church with the vocal department in a small group and concluded Sunday with some homework and an early bedtime. 

Monday night I went to a college fair and learned a lot about some colleges I would have never looked at, like Dartmouth and Georgetown University. I worked up the courage and emailed Carly (The College Prepster) about her experience at Georgetown and it made my day. 

Tuesday ended with PLL and a great #ChicChat on twitter! 

I feel like I'm forgetting something. 

It seems like such a crazy weekend and week (so far), but it's only getting crazier in the next few weeks and weekends. 

These past few days, I've been bogged down and lost because I have no motivation. I've been exhausted and have been running out of ideas as to what to blog about. Added to that, I feel like my Agenda/to do list is overflowing with things to do in the next few weeks. (read: 3 concerts this weekend + rehearsal,  All County + friend's birthday next weekend, 2nd "Frozen" camp the next weekend + friend's birthday + singing at Church, another birthday and trip to Carowinds, and then I leave on my Spring Break trip the next week!) If you don't see me blogging much this month, this is why. 

BUT, I'm so looking forward to April. I get to go on the trip of a lifetime with my Vocal Department (talk about some great guest posts coming your way!) and I hear about my audition that I had back in February. March is going to be rough, but April is going to be so much fun,  I can already tell. 

Do you have any advice to offer? Any post requests? 

xoxo

March : School

I'm actually really pumped for this month's New Years Resolution. School has been getting rougher, and motivation is an absolute must. We're past the halfway makr through the 3rd quarter already and I can't even begin to explain ... I'm almost done with my Freshman Year. It's so surreal! It feels like just yesterday I was just starting 9th grade. (I'm writing this with disbelief. Can you tell?) It's been such a journey and I've learned so much about myself. I obviously have to do a post at the end of the year with all the memories. (Oh my gosh. Still in disbelief.) I want to start summing it all up but it isn't over yet! maybe that' s a good thing. still time to work on my #canttalktomycrush issues. 

If it hasn't been made clear yet, this month I'm focusing on school and staying focused, giving 110%, and making sure those good grades keep coming. My class that is causing me the biggest amount of trouble has to be Algebra 2, so that is where the most motivation is needed. 

GOALS OF MARCH:

Participating 110%

Staying Focused and Motivated

Grades - Keep Them Up!

Similar to last month, I have a bible verse to focus on and keep in the back of my mind. Also, this month includes Lent, so I'm hoping I will grow in multiple ways, as a student and as a Daughter of God! 

xo