By 
I cannot believe it’s already the first day of my junior year of college! It feels like just yesterday I was anxious and excited to move into my dorm room and meet my roomie for the first time. Thanks to my Google Photo Memories, I was reminded that two years ago this week I attended a Colorado Rockies baseball game in downtown Denver as part of freshman orientation, and one year ago I got to play my university’s carillon in the bell tower (aka “The Golden Nipple”—if you know, you know) and was asking the tall boys from down the hall to help my suitemates and me hang our string lights. Boy, time sure flies.
Obviously, the start of junior year is looking very different than past years. I’ve been extremely absent from the blogging world the last week and a half because A) I was busy packing, driving, and moving into my first real apartment and B) I didn’t have the wifi set up ‘til Thursday of last week (the struggle). So I’m super sorry if I haven’t gotten to your comments or new posts yet—I plan on spending this week catching up!
Unlike high school, where junior year is kind of dreaded as being the “hardest”—what with AP classes and standardized tests and all—junior year of college was supposed to be the best. Why? Because I was finally going to get the chance to study abroad! I’ve always been pretty indecisive about big plans—I didn’t know where I wanted to go to college, what I wanted to study, or what I want to do once I graduate. But study abroad? That’s the one thing in my life I’ve always wanted to do, since I found out it exists. In fact, it was a major factor in choosing the university I attend.
So you can imagine my disappointment when my semester abroad was cancelled due to the pandemic back in June. I was *this* close to doing something I’ve been looking forward to for years and years. I was supposed to attend the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and I had already done a ton of research on the town/school activities and had even picked most of my classes. One was a course about Scotland’s archaeology which involved two field trip days around the country. Another was a stained-glass class where I would learn to make my own art at their prestigious art school. I even had the opportunity to take a bagpiping course! How cool is that?
While I’m not in Scotland right now like I was supposed to be, I’m hoping to study abroad the fall of my senior year instead, or, if worst comes to worst, get a job abroad after graduation.
I was worried I would dread coming back to school this year, for obvious reasons, but I’m happy to report that I actually feel excited again. If you had asked me a month ago if I was looking forward to the start of classes, I would have said no, which is very uncharacteristic of me. But now, I feel excited to be living in my new apartment. I’m excited for my twinkle lights and the tiny orchid my aunt bought me and my card collection hanging on the wall (by the way—a room tour is coming soon). And I’m excited for quiet nights in with my roommate, playing Mario Kart on the Wii and eating ice cream.
I’m also really looking forward to outdoor, Covid-safe Colorado adventures. Maybe it’s not Scotland, but Colorful Colorado has a lot to offer, to say the least. And I’m very grateful to be able to spend this extra time with my friends and family here in Denver. Even on the worst days, there is still so much for which to be thankful, and that’s one really good reminder that has stemmed from this pandemic.
So yah, this school year is going to be completely weird and different and not at all what I expected. But I’m going to do my best to make the most of it. It just takes a little creativity, right? When I think back to memories and look at photos of college from pre-pandemic life, I admittedly feel very sad about what my college experience has become. But, as a positive spin, it also makes me feel so grateful for the experiences I did have! Online and socially distanced life will always feel abnormal, but I can work to make lasting memories all the same. Some day I’ll look back on this craziness and laugh, right? At least, that’s what I keep telling myself…
And with that, I’ll finish today’s post by talking about my outfit! I wore this outfit on my first day of freshman year (see below on the left). This pic was shot by a girl who lived on my floor and was taken right before my 8 am class, Intermediate Spanish. I picked this outfit for no particular reason, other than that I wanted to “dress to impress” for my first day of college. Little did I know that I would decide to keep the tradition alive and wear the same look on the first day of sophomore year, too (see below on the right). My hair was longer and in braids by sophomore year, and you may notice that I wore the wrong shoes! Or I guess, the right shoes, since I decided to wear the beige sparkly flats for my first day of junior year as well. I’m wearing this outfit RIGHT NOW, with the addition of a mask (gotta keep history accurate), and you can see this year’s photo down below as well. I just took it during my lunch break!
Anyways, this blog post, my blog in general, and my entire brain is all over the place right now. But thanks for staying with me! I missed blogging and talking with all you these last few weeks, and I hope your Monday is off to a great start. As always, thanks for reading.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Green Striped Tee: Down East Style, $18, last worn here | Olive Green Skirt: Down East Style, $30, last worn here | Beige Sparkly Flats: Nordstrom Rack, $40, last worn here | Rust-Colored Clutch: Francesca’s, $20, last worn here
Now you had a lot of catching up on the writing part. Lol. That is bitter sweet about Scotland. It’s such a once in a lifetime chance. Oeps, don’t think I’m making things any easier. Just enjoy the now! That’s all we can do!
Thanks Nancy! And yep, I’ve always loved to write a lot. That’s my favorite part about blogging!
Enjoy being back to college, Grace and don’t shy away from talking about your feelings. The pandemic has wrecked a lot of havoc and one of the ways how we can get through it is talking about things that upset us. I’m still upset we didn’t get a chance to go on our dream trip around Scotland this year! Thanks for sharing. I love your outfit 😍 Aiva
Thank you so much, Aiva! Hopefully one day soon we both get to explore Scotland. 🙂
Yes, and then we could even meet up! Have a good day X Aiva
That would be so awesome! Hope you have a great day, too. 🙂
Cute outfit! I think you need to make Scotland happen even if at a later date after you graduate! Might be even more fun! I think it helps to share and put your thoughts into words so keep on sharing when you need. And do the best with what this year offers! I may have to copy this outfit very soon! I see a blog post coming!
http://www.chezmireilefashiontravelmom.com
Love it Mireille, can’t wait to see the post!! And thank you for these words. I think my new plan is to try to go to grad school in Scotland! Or maybe even just get a job there for a few years.
Great idea!
I can see why losing a semester of studying abroad was a major disappointment. And while you’re right, many people have been more profoundly affected, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grieve the loss of your plans. I had a hard time not being able to follow through on the plans I’d made for my mom’s 75th birthday last month. I am glad you have been able to recalibrate and get excited about the upcoming semester. Adapting is the key to all of this I think.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thank you so much, Michelle! Yes, the pandemic has definitely taught us to pivot. That is very hard having to miss such a big birthday celebration… Hopefully sometime soon we’ll be able to make up for all those events.
I can’t imagine how many difficult decisions you’ve had to make being in college right now! But never say never! I studied aboard my senior year and was able to make it work!
That’s awesome! Where did you go? That’s what I’m hoping for. 🙂
I am so glad that you are happy to be back on campus even though it wasn’t how you envisioned it to be. It sucks that Covid has wreaked havoc on so many milestones for people but it looks like you have the right perspective and attitude. And who knows? Perhaps next year it will happen. Hold on to your dreams and it’s absolutely okay not to be okay. There’s a lesson there no matter how hard. That said, I adore your outfit! It’s simple yet so chic. It’s perfect for every day and with a swap of accessories, perfect for any season.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Maureen! I hope you are doing well and that your week is off to a good start. 🙂
Wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog and I nominated you for the Liebster Award. 🙂 You can read more about it here: https://goodomans.wordpress.com/2020/09/16/the-liebster-award.
Thank you so much, Katie! I really appreciate it!
So sorry that you missed your study abroad but I’m sure great things are coming your way. Love this drawstring skirt!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine!
Such a sophisticated look!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank you!
I hope you had a great first day back to school! I love your first day look. I am so sorry about your study abroad trip, that is such a bummer and you have every right to feel disappointed. I hope other good things come your way this year though!
Thank you so much, Shea! I really appreciate it!
Such a cute outfit and how nice to have that tradition! it’s a shame you didn’t get to study abroad – I had a friend who got to study in Canada and I was very jealous, but I took the temporary placement in a local company option instead and I am now married to the man who encouraged me to do that course so it worked out well. I’ll get to Canada one day, haha!
Enjoy your time back studying 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend 🙂 Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup!
Aw I love that story Mica! Yes, one day you will make it to Canada. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!