Somehow Instead Of Saying "as A Treat", I've Started Using The Phrase "for Morale", As If My Body Is

January Study Challenge

day 26 - what’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?

umm one that i am still trying to make! i’m trying to decide between doing a nursing program or going for valedictorian. i would have to put practically ALL my time into either one, and i just don’t know which one to pick :( as for past decisions, i would say having to pick between continuing orchestra or doing ap biology as a freshman (which is rare at my school). i chose ap bio but my heart still breaks every time i hear a violin/viola 🥺 (also OMG i’m listening to music rn, and the second i typed that, a cello started playing 👀)

p.s. that was the sunset yesterday!

January Study Challenge

day 1 - what did you achieve last year? what are you setting out to achieve this month? this year?

last year, i took my first AP test! it was biology and i did well, with lots of studying, of course. i also took the PSAT for the first time, and did very well with minimal studying 😬 i was invited to the NSLC, and am currently top of my class. this definitely sounds braggy, and i apologize for that, but frankly, it was a rough year so i’m proud of myself for achieving all of that :)

this month, i am going to begin studying for the AP Chemistry and AP Psychology exams. i’m also going to begin my very first college class!

i’m hoping, in this new year (and decade), to end my horrible procrastination habits. i will be taking the PSAT twice more this year, with actual studying this time ! hopefully i’ll be able to attend the NSLC this summer and i’ll do my best on my 3 AP exams in May.

literally though if you feel like your life is slipping through your fingers and every day goes too fast… try doing hard things, not just taking the easy route, like reading and making art and exercising and cooking a meal from scratch and journaling, doing these things without distraction, without being absorbed on a screen… the time will stretch and you’ll be reminded that life is long and beautiful if you make it so.

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

I’ve seen some people post about being nervous/scared of rejection/etc so here is my strategy for requesting a letter of rec:

1. Title the email clearly, so recommender can access later: “Recommendation Request for NAME LASTNAME”

2. Greet them formally: “Dear Dr. X,” (I tend to do this no matter how close the relationship is)

3. Make the request: “I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation to support my application to WHATEVER THING.”

4. Tell them the deadline: “I would need the letter by MONTH/DAY/YEAR.” (If you want to give a reason, you can also say that the application is due, or that you are hoping to submit your application by that date.)

5. Why Them?: Share 1-2 sentences about why you think they are the right person to recommend you, or what they might add to your application. “Given your role as my advisor/mentor/colleague/etc, I believe you could offer a clear picture of my interpersonal skills/research abilities/developing strengths/academic abilities/etc.”

6. Offer to Help: Let them know that if they accept the offer, you will provide guidance and support in letter-writing. “If you are willing to write the letter, I would be happy to share more information about myself and my experiences, as well as information about where to send the letter.”

7. Help them decide if they are the right fit: Attach your CV, so they can take a look and make a more informed decision about whether they can confidently recommend you. “I have attached my CV in case you would like to review it.”

8. Thank them for their consideration and/or time

9. Sign off: Make sure your contact information is included in your email signature.

January Study Challenge

day 2 - how are you balancing the holidays and your studies?

i’m not 😂 i haven’t had to study, although i have been preparing for the studying i’ll have to do these next few months

👏🏾Education 👏🏾is 👏🏾a 👏🏾right,👏🏾 not👏🏾 a👏🏾 service 👏🏾

Pass along and use the shit out of them

here is my lil yoga corner! i took up yoga during quarantine and i acquired enough stuff to want a box to keep it all in :)

august 31st: what is your favorite thing about school?

definitely the actual learning. i love the feeling when i’ve realized i’ve learned something new and i can now share that with other people! with online school tho, i really like the fact that i now have the time to exercise, do yoga, meditate, and otherwise take care of myself

here is a blank notes template for apush and a picture of my adorable little dog laying in the sun 🥰🥰

september 1st! : favorite school memory!

i would have to say the entirety of my ap world history class last year. i had this group of friends in there that i loved very much :) also the teacher was disorganized but when she managed to lecture about one thing, i learned SO much