Okay so in all seriousness, the last thing I should be doing in chemistry right now is blogging, but I miss it like crazy and need to get back on the bandwagon.
So, hi. Long time no talk! How are ya?
If you’ve been following my obnoxious tweets on twitter (by the way, if you use twitter as a verb, you clearly don’t know what it is), I hosted #Fitblog for the second time on Tuesday night and it was such a blast, as uge. Something about my bloggy twitter boos makes me super happy.
Oh and can I just say that chemistry is so boring?? And bio. To be completely serious, I’m reconsidering my major.
Lately I’ve been writing for multiple on-campus publications, three or four in total, and I like doing that more than any of my other work. Sorry, but stoichiometry is not nearly as fascinating as writing a feature article on Finger Lakes wine tours. Which yes, I did, and if you’ve been on one PLEASE email me and I’ll ask you a few questions about your experience! You’ll be semi-famous, at least in my mind.
With that being said, I’m thinking of changing my major to Magazine Journalism in Newhouse. Not only is Newhouse one of the most distinguished public communications schools in the country, the style of writing in magazines fascinates me and I enjoy it.
When you think about it, blogs are kind of like online magazines. Hello, have you ever read Women’s Health on the internet? I rest my case.
My point here is, I’m not enjoying my classes, even my nutrition ones. It’s boring as heck because I much prefer to write than to learn something I already know. Although I may not be traditionally educated in nutrition, I know my shit and the three-hour lecture is a bit too much for me to handle when I already know all the answers.
Now that we’ve gotten my class talk out of the way, can I just say that I freaking love college.
True life, I’m getting less sleep than I ever thought possible, and yet I love my life. I didn’t miss home until a couple of weeks ago, and I went home for one night last weekend — that’s right, I only lasted one night — and then came back here because I missed it.
Syracuse is my home now. When I went back home, I felt like a stranger in my own house. It was honestly the strangest thing ever. I couldn’t believe how odd it was to be packing a bag to go home.
My room seemed so small, the bed so low, the furniture for a child, and the dynamic for a life before.
I belong on my own now. I can see that. I feel it. Being on my own is so unbelievably amazing. The freedom keeps me sane, and the constant access to the quad and opportunities on campus — including a million different clubs and organizations that I’m in — keeps me busy which keeps me focused.
I thrive with a packed schedule, and that’s exactly what I’ve made for myself.
I’ve also gotten back into working out, and thank God I have because I haven’t gotten the Freshman 15, but I’ve definitely gotten the Freshman Few. Food here is shitty. Therefore, I eat basically the same thing every day for every meal. My repertoire includes lots of Chobani, salads, fruits + veg, hummus, Alvarado Street Bakery bread, and falafel. Slathered in ketchup.
SorryI’mnotsorry.
I feel better, I’m looking better, and I’m even making more of an effort to actually sleep. One small step for Katelyn, one giant leap for my sanity.
My intern chef job is going great — I’m making lots of delish foods for the kiddies, which I’ll have to start taking pictures of and posting about because damn those kids have it good. I try to take the extras home for me but unforch there aren’t many of those. Womp.
This morning I made them some of Ange’s glo cakes, which were faaaabulous if I do say so myself. That was a post-breakfast snack. Success!
Okay bloggy boos, time to start paying attention to class and get my ass in gear for the rest of the day. I see lots of studying, laundry, eating, and going out in my future. Probably some coffee too.
Thoughts on magazine journalism?
Give me your favorite study tips!
Teach me how to not gain a million pounds from nighttime beverages. Puhhhlease.
xoxox,
Katelyn















{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
I started school in pharmacy…and after working at the campus newspaper, I realized I wasn't doing what I needed to be doing. So, I switched to mass communication second semester of my freshmen year. I've always liked writing..it was really an obvious choice. I graduated in May, and work as a Web Writer, writing about music, diet & nutrition and fitness. I don't like sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, but I do like writing! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at perfectionisnthappy@gmail.com. I know those types of decisions can be difficult!
All I can say is Follow Your Bliss (and your gut feelings), Sister! Whatever makes you feel good when you're working on it….just do that. Sounds like you're pretty in touch, so you know I'm a supporter.
On the study tips….highlighters, to-do lists (prioritized), make piles so you can see the different classes/topics you have to tackle….study before bed so your brain can keep working on the material….dress up for tests (seriously, research shows this helps).
On the drinks….you're not old enough (and we'll talk offline!).
Ah, I am a sophomore but definitely gained the freshman 15! In high school, I was working out at least an hour and a half Monday through Friday. When I got to college, the time I spent on an elliptical in high school was traded with bottoms up at the bar. When I would wake up from a hangover I would crave fried and unhealthy food. My suggestions are: continue to eat healthy, drink things like water+vodka or diet coke+rum(People hate on diet coke, but it is far better than a 500 calorie margarita) and obviously, exercise. All of those things seem to speak for themselves, but when I got caught up in all of the fun, I totally blew them out of the window until one bigger pant size later and a flabby chin. Good Luck!
To be fair, I don't think anyone enjoys their freshman year classes. I'm a junior and dislike the majority of my classes, but now that I'm finally taking an upper-level nutrition course I'm actually liking what I'm doing! I've heard that you don't really fall in love with your major until your senior year classes.
I started out as a Biochem major and while the courses were okay, the job experience is what finally convinced me that I'm just not interested.
I definitely wish you luck in whatever you decide though. I would guess that most college kids change their major at least once (or about 5 if you're my freshman roommate).
I wish I had good advice about the Freshie weight, but I maintained my figure freshman year through unhealthy means. (Ever heard of drunkorexia?) So I'll spare you those "tips". I maintain my weight (about the same as what I was in high school/entering college) through strength training and only indulging in nighttime beverages about once a month. I don't need to go out 4 times a week to have a nice time and that would wear me out.
For studying, I don't know. Many of my classes sort of have studying techniques built in to the class design. Most classes have practice quizzes or the like and lecture notes to look at. Ask students who have already had the professor/class about what they thought was emphasized. Also, NEVER EVER CRAM! Start studying 4-7 days before the exam and do a little every day, you'll be more likely to remember the information than if you had crammed the night before.
Glad to have you back girlie!! Missed you bunches!
I am glad you are liking it! As you get older in college it'll be easier to cook for yourself and such and the pounds will melt away easily. Honestly I always gained weight when I went home because the food was so much better there.
Love! SO happy you are having such a blasty at College – although I knew you would! Enjoy every minute of it and keep being involved in as much as you can – these are def the BEST years of your life. Don't worry about the few extra pounds – when you look back you will remember the amazing memories you have made, not those few extra pounds
Love ya DOLL!! xoxo
Glad to see That you’re back in blogging action!
That really sucks about Your boring classes… Maybe they’ll get more interesting with time…?
Hey katelyn!
I love reading this post because it reminds me so much of how I felt goin home last year for a weekend my freshman year of college. Like you said, I literally felt like a stranger in my own home! And I want to let you know that the summer after your freshman year all you want to do is go back to school:) or atleast that was the case for me:) I think if you want to switch your major you should go with your gut instinct and not think twice about it! College is the time in your life to create your own path and follow it! Good luck! Cant wait to hear what you ended up deciding:)
I can SO relate to this post!!! I was going to do dietetics, but have been thinking about magazine journalism as well. I think starting the blog really got my interest in writing and who the heck wouldn't want to work for a magazine?! It seems like so much fun
A few extra pounds is nothing girl. As long as you're having tons of fun, that's all that matters!!
Oh Katelyn! This is my first time commenting but you are a joy. A JOY! Honestly, I don't think your major has anything to do with being happy in a job you love (I wish someone had told me this when I was stressing out about majors.) I was a double-major in Journalism and Theater, and now work in the Admin office at a theater. I write emails, not news stories, and I sure don't use all of the technical theater knowledge I've learned. I spend evenings and weekends performing improv and sketch (and learning about nutrition!) just for fun.
Maybe you could minor in Nutrition? Otherwise, I say have fun in college and enjoy what you're learning ! Also, like ucrunnereats said, you might feel completely different your junior and senior years. I switched my mind and major A LOT!
Magazine journalism sounds great – go for it! You can combine your nutrition passion with it. That's why I did marketing – I hate science but am interested in nutrition so I hope to do something nutrition-marketing-related some day
Also my go-to drink is a flavored vodka on the rocks. Low-cal!
big yes. i wish ND had that major.
Love that you're back and loving life! If it makes you feel better, my room at mom's is now mom's bf's office. As far as the change, you gotta do what you gotta do! I'm making a major change too, but that's a story for another time
i'm so glad you are loving college! i am so with you….my school is now my new home
Story of my life (over the past year). I too started university with the plan to major in Dietetics, but it was SO BORING and unspecialized (no nutrition courses until 3rd year) that I decided to stop. After finishing my first year, I am now studying fashion journalism at what is arguably the world's best fashion school and having an absolute blast. I'd recommend changing to a different, it's a hell of a lot of fun to get out of the science/ math/ boring rut.
what a great idea! you'd be wonderful at journalism. I am happy to hear you are happy. Big hugs friend.
I feel you x 23423 on this post! I LOVE college.. it's definitely more "home" to me now than my real home. And my classes are boring the shit out of me too. I actually added on a new degree (Public Affairs Journalism) to my first Nutrition in Industry major. I've actually been considering dropping Nutrition completely though! It's not the "type" of nutrition I'm interested in, ya know? I don't want to learn about government guidelines for being healthy. There's so many types of health out there.. not one is right for everyone! I feel like I"m going to get in an argument with one of my teachers eventually hahah. But that's super cool that you're considering writing too.. I highly encourage it! You're a great writer, and you know it's something your passionate about already!
I think you’d ROCK it! I’ve seriously never heard a better idea. I’m a broadcast journalist…and while not totally the same, I can assure its a blast (in a glass – J Shore fans?). I think you’d be AMAZING. AHHH MAAAA ZIIIIING.
so jealous of your college adventures.
your new major sounds perfect for you!
after graduating a year ago and having to go through the job hunt process, it really surprised me that a lot of companies didnt even ask what my degree was in. They just wanted to make sure I had a 4 year degree in something, creative ideas and a lot of internship/leadership experience.
as long as you've picked a major that makes you happy, that's all that matters!
I think your writing on here is wonderful, so I that would be a great major for you! I'm glad that you're doing what is best for you – it's admirable! A lot of people are afraid to admit to themselves when something doesn't feel right. Follow your heart!
I have to chime in on your thoughts on switching majors.. I'm about a month away from graduating with my bachelors in exercise science and I had thought about going to grad school for nutrition. Back in July Brendan Bravier came to my town to give a talk and I was lucky enough to share a 45 minute talk with him before his lecture. I told him I had thought about studying nutrition in grad school and he had some good input. He basically suggested that a college education in nutrition is going to teach chemistry, biology, and how to prescribe diets to clients according to guidelines set up by the USDA or some other organization like that. It's not that applicable. The chemistry and biology stuff might be good to know but you won't use it unless you work in a lab. And the guidelines aren't applicable to someone like me who pretty much completely disagrees with those suggestions. Not having a degree in nutrition won't really hold you back much. The main thing you can't do is PRESCRIBE diets to people. You can still spread knowledge and educate people. And as I've found, we can learn a lot more (relevant) information through our own personal studies and pursuits than we do in the classroom.
You will excel at whatever you do, so just choose the major that you enjoy the most!!
Sorry you're not liking your classes!! From what I've seen you're a wonderful journalist AND a wonderful nutritionist so maybe you should go into health/nutrition journalism or something?
It's funny about not feeling at home at your old house because after my brother who is currently a college freshman left, my mom cleaned out his room and now its like a hotel room for any visitors we might have!! Weird.
Oh that sucks about your classes but I think the idea of changing to journalism sounds so exciting! I definitely think you should go for it if you get the oppurtunity because your writing on here is fantastic and I can really see you as a journalist
I'm writing for my uni magazine too and it's such a good experience!
Oh and I'm with you on the freedom that college gives you, it's such an amazing feeling
I'M GLAD YOU'RE BACK! But who am I to judge, I've been MIA lately too! I've missed you tons, but I can see you're having so much fun in college
I miss our daily tweets to each other about how much we hate vienna & kasey
but mostly I miss YOU! Plus Syracuse is joining the ACC which means I'll have to go up and visit for some basketball games this season…
xoxoxo
I think it's a very fitting major, especially with your background in blogging. I went into journalism and do not regret it!
To study, I write vocab words and important topics on my bathroom mirror with expo markers! I write one each night and read it throughout the day. By the time testing rolls around, I have all the concepts down!! (: Gooood luckkkk!
glad to see you back! I'm a freshman at a huge university studying nutrition and psychology so I'm definitely feeling your pain of having no time and way too much chemistry homework! best of luck choosing a major.. we'll all end up where we're supposed to be!
I switched majors as well! You should totally do journalism! I sometimes I wish I had stayed on that path as I went to NYU as a journalism major.. but I love sports psych! Your an incredible writer though and you should definitely explore that…. because it is a natural talent for you!! College is an amazing taste of freedom and it is hard to go home! But it is nice because you have something to look forward too when you get back!!!
Stick to vodka or gin and soda it has way less calories than anything else and with lemon or lime are actually pretty good! That or light beer… I mean you can't really avoid beer… and at least Natty is basically water? The worst is late night munchies after the late night beverages…. so try and avoid that…which is hard when your friends are late night eaters… like my roommates always tend to be!!!
Journalism sounds great, and your writing is pretty good on here too – lots of enthusiasm and energy! Freshman year nutrition classes do tend to be boring, and the chemistry can get really frustrating. I love my nutrition classes now senior year, but maybe you could minor in nutrition. I say do what you want. I switched my major after sophomore year from nursing to nutrition, and it was the best choice for me.
Hey girlie!!! So good to see a new post from you
Take it from someone who had a quarter-life crisis and is now living the dream taking a semester off working in the fashion industry in NYC… I never EVER though public relations was for me; I always thought I was purely an artsy kinda girl. But I think often the only way we find something we really really love is when it just falls into our laps and we go for it even though it's a little unexpected and unfamiliar. Now I'm in the midst of the best experience of my life, knowing exactly what I want to do! My point is: NOW is the time to try different things and change up your major and really figure out exactly what you love. DO IT. (there's a little pep talk for ya
)