2016; time to stop comparing ourselves to others

Sometimes I feel lost in a sea of Texans here at A&M. Truly, I am a small fish with big dreams in an even bigger pond. Especially in my classes relating to agriculture, it doesn't take long for me to feel discouraged just for a moment. Many of my peers come from agricultural backgrounds that are hard not to be envious of; exhibited and even won at major shows, family owns a huge livestock operation, extensive FFA opportunities, etc. Heck, last semester a girl in my animal science class competed for the title of Miss America in 2014. If that's not intimidating, I don't know what is.

I suppose it's human nature to think this way, but for me it's a constant struggle that needs to end. With the new year I made a few goals for myself. Not a "new years resolution" because I hate them and in case you haven't noticed people, they rarely stick! So I prefer to make goals. One of them being to stop comparing myself to others; academically, physically, aesthetically, etc.

Anyone want to take a guess at whether I achieved that goal yet? Uh obviously not, if you read the first paragraph... It's a nasty habit to break. But maybe just maybe it's like what they say about going to the gym; if you recruit a friend then you're not only obligated to do it for yourself, but you definitely can't let them down either. So who is with me on this one?

It's easy to compare and social media has become the ultimate culprit. With the help of social media, not only do we compare ourselves to people in our lives, but people we've never even met. How much fun is that? Ugh. It's 2016 and we need to cut the crap. I've said it before and I'll say it again, social media isn't a true representation because generally, we only post the good stuff. I know I sure don't post a selfie on a bad hair day!

With that being said, now who is actually with me?

This year, I'm not going to stop being an avid social media user (because I love it). I will however, be boycotting any jealousy or negative energy that comes my way when I come across a rockin' Instagram account. When I meet someone who has had some pretty awesome experiences in their life, instead of being jealous, I'm going to think about all the cool things I've done. And rather than putting myself down when the girl beside me in class is having a way better hair day than me, I'm going to compliment her! Then, of course, wake up a little earlier the next day to make sure bad hair doesn't happen two days in a row.

All kidding aside, to stop comparing myself to others in all aspects of life is a current goal of mine. If by reading this you thought, "hmm I do that too, way more than I ever realized and I need to stop it right now" make it your goal too and let's make it happen!

                                                    Just here in my natural Thursday habitat..


Thank for reading this lovelies and feel free to share as always! Have a happy Thursday and make this weekend unforgettable!

eighteen things i learned at 18

A week and one day ago, I turned nineteen. I left behind the "I'm an adult now" age of eighteen without a bit of remorse. Don't get me wrong, I loved 18; adventures, friendships, love, achievements, but also hardships and lessons. Just when you think you're finally an adult, there is much to learn.

EIGHTEEN THINGS I LEARNED AT 18

1.  I was not ready to be an adult. (I'm still not). Ugh, working, college, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. With freedom comes much responsibility.

2.  Whether you think you can make your own decisions or not, you still need your parents. Their wisdom, guidance, and even rules start to make sense at eighteen.

3.  Stop wishing away high school. It was fun and easy. Teachers actually cared and offered solid advice. Plus, when will you have the opportunity to spend that much time with your friends?
Spoiler alert: probably never

4.  College is expensive. I applied for scholarships like crazy! Who doesn't like free money?

5.  It's okay to be disappointed. Let downs build character and thicken skin.

6.  And don't worry about disappointing anyone but yourself. Your future is yours. Make the decision that is right for you.

7.  Contrary to what people say, you do not "have to go to your senior prom". I spent the majority of my year in a gown as the fair queen. So when it came to prom, I was over it.

8.  Committing to a college without ever being there, especially when it's 1,000+ miles away, is stressful. Colleges provide visits and tours for a reason.

9.  It's true what they say about after graduation. People you thought were better friends become distant, but such is life. And let's be honest, some classmates you'll be glad to never have to see again.

10.  The days between graduation and fall semester fly by too fast, but they're some of the best days and nights I can remember.

11.  Unfortunately, at eighteen I learned to grieve. My whole town did with the loss of two beautiful people; Liv and Mrs. Svonavec.

12.  However, I learned to appreciate life and how fragile it truly is.

13.  I found that it is scary, but okay to leave my hometown (and state). To quote the only Shakespeare I know, "there is a world elsewhere".

14.  Good friends will still be good friends no matter the distance.

15.  As soon as you leave, you'll need your mom more than ever. At 19 I'm still not sure how to do my own laundry or cook anything better than chicken (from a can) tacos.

16.  The first semester of freshman year is lonely. Friends like the ones you had in high school are hard to come by. Many friends come and go in the first semester, but that definitely is not a bad thing.

17.  Attending four concerts in a year, camping on the beach, and moving across the country taught me that there is no better time to make a change and truly live than when you are eighteen.

18.  I learned to love myself for who and what I am. That one thing is oh so important, friends.


I am still learning, every single day. But eighteen taught me more in 365 days than any other year in my life. Now, with a little pinch of adulthood under my belt, bring on nineteen!

disappointments do not define you

Some events in our lives can seem like the end of the world. My every hope, dream, and aspiration seemed to be crushed last January when I didn’t win the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Contest. 

Putting every ounce of your passion, time, and energy into something for it to not go your way is devastating. It takes a while to recover your confidence and self worth. 

Now, ten months later I realize that single most disappointing moment in my life is the best thing that ever happened to me...

Here's why:

I was so confident in myself going into states. I put everything I had into the preparation. I executed my introduction and speech just like I had practiced, and I handled the interview with grace. I couldn't figure out (and still can't) where I made mistakes. But had I won, I might not have realized how important it is to know and believe that someone else's opinion does not define you.

I wanted to be the state fair queen for so many reasons; passion for agriculture, love for fairs, etc. However, another important aspect was the ability to take a semester off college. Six more months after graduation to figure my life out sounded so perfect to me. Not winning forced me to make decisions.

Ask anyone very close to me, it took forever for me to truly get over it. Once I did, I jumped head first into every opportunity that I could find to promote my fair, 4-H, agriculture, and the fair queen program. From this came many opportunities and experiences that I never would have had. 

You hear this saying all the time, but I truly realized months later, everything happens for a reason.  During my reign, the queen coordinator position changed hands. Somewhere along the line a lot of important information was lost. Thankfully, I had it all. I was able to play a huge role in promoting the Somerset County Fair Queen Contest and helping two wonderful people make it a success. God knows what he's doing. Trust him. 

The funny thing is, I also realized that deep down it really wasn't what I wanted anyways. Yes, being the State Fair Queen is an awesome experience. But instead, I showed my pigs and steer all spring and summer long. I was able to work alongside my best friend every single day until she left for the Army. I enjoyed my friends before we all left for college. I had fun. Had I won, I would've ran from responsibility and life by taking a semester off of college. I guarantee I would not be where I am right now. 

I was humbled. What I thought to be the end of the world, made me brave, strong, and courageous.

Looking back I would not have it any other way.

Rockwood Fall Festival Parade

2015 Queen Contest with Gale and Larry, the wonderful new coordinators

& 2015 Somerset County Fair Queen Jillian Svonavec

Planting Activity at Maple Ridge Elementary School

Fun fact: Miss M was the fair queen too!

2014 Fair

Thanks for lifting me up when I was down.