Where’s Waldo?

This past school year I felt like many aspects of my life have been a game of “Where’s Waldo?” Nothing has changed dramatically and everything is still there, but at the same time I feel like many things are missing. This blog and the inspiriting it provides has been one of those things. Well, with graduation now behind me I have some catching up to do.

Randomly I will think of things to write about and read things that inspire me, but I have not stuck by it and taken the time to truly think about what they mean to me. Sitting down and writing my reflections help me to understand how these articles, pictures, and videos change and challenge me.

So here’s to a fresh [re]start! And to start it off, my current background on my phone, thanks to Pinterest, which is a great daily reminder for the future.

Keep Dancing!

Passion into Purpose

I’ve been in a rut lately: no inspiration, no motivation, and lots of M&M’s. But with the change of the leaves and the holiday season upon me I can feel the spark coming back into life.

A friend shared that quote with me a few weeks ago and it really struck a chord with me. A few days later I read this post by College Prepster and I knew this idea of passion and purpose was meant to be in my life right now.

I’ve always thought of dance as my passion. It gives me a thrill unlike anything else and it provides me with a sense of belonging. However, being realistic with my health, I know that my hopes of being a professional dancer are in my past.

Could this passion for dance lead me elsewhere? Is there a job out there perfect for me and my love for dance? Is it going to lead me to something else creative? There’s no way to know right now, but I feel like time will tell.

Have you turned a passion into something more?

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Senior Experience

I apologize for my lack of attention to my blog lately, my life has been filled with many ups and downs. Senior year is a very exciting time and there are a lot of amazing things going on around campus, but it’s also filled with a lot of uncertainty.

There are people who have an absolute idea of what they want to do after graduation, and then there are people, like me, who have absolutely no idea where life is going to take them. A few weeks ago I went to an event hosted by The Space (Wofford’s career services) to aid seniors in their job search. It was a very informative event and I wanted to share some of my take-aways.

The career search should be thought of as if it is another class that you are taking. This means that you should set aside time every day to devote to it. It is also something that should be continual. This is the same as the basic principle of physics: an object in motion stays in motion, while an object at rest stays at rest.

During the job search you should keep your options open, but don’t focus on staying open. Think of it as a hallway with a lot of doors. Once you walk through one door, you could find a room that leads to more doors. However, you would never know unless you gathered the courage to look.

We also discussed everything from resumes to social media and how sometimes they can be one in the same. In today’s world the use of technology, specifically social media can make you stand out in a crowd. The internet can open many more doors if you only take the time to care for and foster your presence.

The session was very informative and has helped get me going along the search, although the answer of what I want to do has yet to be answered. Oh well, in due time. The best I can do is to keep searching.

What advice would you have for seniors entering the workforce? Do you have any tips that have helped in your job search?

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Friday Five: Go Greek!

Today marks the start of formal recruitment here at Wofford. It’s an absolutely crazy weekend, but it ends with an amazing Monday with new members! I know there is a lot of debate out there about the importance of fraternities and sororities, but I see being part of a sorority as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! Here are my five favorite things about being Greek:

1. Philanthropy: Tri Delta’s national philanthropy is childhood cancer research. This really resonates with me and I absolutely love doing everything I can to help out in raising money. Tri Delta’s also raise 25% of all money raised by Greek organizations! How amazing is that?!

2. My sisters: This sounds cheesy, but I absolutely love my sisters. They are my roommates, best friends, and will be my bridesmaids when I get married. They help me when I’m going through a rough time or when I just don’t feel like studying. I absolutely don’t know what I would do without these girls!

3. Functions: Between the crush parties, semi-formal, and formal we always have a blast. Dressing up and going out with my sisters helps break out of the ordinary.

4. Leadership Opportunities: I have had the pleasure of holding many leadership positions in Tri Delta, including being philanthropy chair. Holding these offices has allowed me to get involved in Tri Delta further and also on campus. I’ve met and worked with people I never would have imagined.

5. Plethora of Ideas: Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has their own ideas. I find it amazing for us to all work together and collaborate to make Tri Delta better. An idea that someone comes up with may turn out to be a tradition for years to come!

 

My pledge class at semi-formal last year! I can’t believe this is our last year!

On the Tri Delta patient care floor at St. Jude with other philanthropy chairs!

Two of my best friends who are also on dance team!

My roommate and I at initiation last year!

My Tri Delta family at Duck Calls and Overalls!

Are you part of a Greek organization? I would love to hear about your experiences!

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

 

 

 

This September Day

Although I’m going to see Mumford & Sons tonight and very excited about it, there is one thing that takes priority over tonight.

I find myself every year stretching to remember everything I can about this day in 2001. I want to be able to remember and I don’t want to lose the memories in my mind.

Sure, I was not old enough to comprehend what was happening at that exact moment (I was in 4th grade coming back from PE when I found out), but as I’ve grown and learned and met people who were directly affected by that day I have developed a deeper sense of pride in our country.

This is my favorite song to listen to as a reminder of that day. Don’t forget to tell your loved ones how much you care and to thank a soldier today.

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

 

A Day for Dreaming

Today marks 50 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech. While a lot has changed in the past 50 years there is a lot that still remains the same.

My favorite is the human nature to dream. I spend most of my time dreaming. I dream of what I want my senior year of college to be like. I dream of what I want to do once I graduate. I dream of what I want my future to look like and the mark that I want to leave on the world. I dream of ways to make my desires a reality.

Wofford has influenced a lot of my dreams and made me dream for things I didn’t know existed. 3 years ago I was moving into my freshman dorm, in the same way that our Class of 2017 is doing today, with a dream. The important thing is to hold onto that dream, change it as you change, make it grow, and make the effort to make it a reality.

As Kid President said today “We all have a duty to make sure the world keeps dreaming of better things.”

I leave you with two videos that have inspired my day:

Wofford Move-In Day! (A combination of some of the best people and the best commercial on tv)

The speech that inspired it all:

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Good Vibrations

No, this is not a blast from the past about to get groovy. I’m referring to the masterminds behind three business I’m crushing on. These people just give off a good vibe. The websites and blogs provide enough good energy that make me want to pack my bags for NYC now, so that I can breathe the same creative air.

The first should come as no surprise for anyone who has kept up with my blog. I don’t hide my obsession with Warby Parker very well. You would think I work for them as often as I write about them. I just recently finished my home try-on for my sunnies and I can’t wait to order! (you’ll get to hear about them soon, promise) I love keeping up with the Warby Parker class trip through their blog. Thanks to them I know the places to visit when I make it to the west coast! The greatest news is that they just reached a milestone of 500,000 pairs of glasses donated!

The second business just provided some lucky people with the cutest Fourth of July parties this nation has encountered. Revelry House has made a business out of the most fun part of planning any party – the decorations! I only wish I would have thought of this sooner! Their party-in-a-box supplies decorations as well as utensils and recipes for a party of 25. The girls behind the idea also supply great advice for any type of soiree on their blog as well. I can’t wait to see what their bachelorette party box includes for my special celebration (whenever that may be).

My newest fascination came from learning about College Prepster‘s friend, the mastermind behind Design Darling. The decor is to die for since I’m finally kissing the dorms goodbye next year and moving into an apartment. I am looking for ways to make it absolutely fabulous and this site has it all at an incredibly affordable price. I’ve been drooling over all of the fun colors and monograms! My favorite pieces are the acrylic tray, complete with topiary or latest floral arrangement. I’m also swooning over the Turkish towel, which is just right for studying on the lawn or a picnic with friends.

What are your favorite companies to stalk religiously linger over?

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Touchscreen: Marshall “Soulful” Jones at TEDxMontreal

Great to think about! Don’t forget to unplug and reconnect with those around you!

Invest in What Inspires You!

This weeks inspiration comes with a lot of reflection. Looking back at how I’ve spent my time as well as looking forward to what I want to do once I graduate. Doing this has made me realize how important it will be for me to have a job that allows me to be creative, as well as one that continually inspires me, to do more and to be better.

What do you do to make sure that you are continually being inspired?

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Everyday’s a Celebration!

This week I have been absolutely obsessed with the song “Big Parade” by The Lumineers. It totally reminds me that everyday can be a celebration, you only need to find the reason!

This is especially true during the summer for me, I never know what is going to come my way when I get off work. Some nights it could be catching up on reading my favorite blogs and others it’s a fun night out with my best friend!  Tonight, it happens to be the fact that I just ordered Warby Parker sunnies for home try-on!

Keep Dancing,

Cayla