ok, time for a real life update..

friends on st. paddys day!

so it's been months yeah? honestly, I've been overwhelmed with life, and blogging just seemed to add to that stress. did that stop from reading everyone and there mother's blog? heck no. I just didn't blog myself...mostly because I couldn't even organize my life into a blog post. things aren't necessarily slowing down (do they ever?) but I feel like I'm in a better place with everything.

So first big news first, I haven't shared a ton of the application process on here, but I applied to 5 graduate schools (UIC, UNC, Tulane, Boston, and John Hopkins) in January for Masters of Public Health, and have been anxiously waiting to hear if I was going to get in. key word in that sentence being anxious! I was so terrified that I wasn't going to get accepted anywhere and that I was too young/not smart enough/etc... not a fun way to live.

GOOD NEWS though. I actually got in almost everywhere, and the only school I  didn't officially get into was John Hopkins which is totally fair since they are the top school in public health currently.

AND I actually got a merit award (aka free monies to go to school!!!) from Boston University so I have decided to officially accept my offer from Boston University and will be moving to Boston in August or September. I'm planning to pursue an International Health concentration with an emphasis in Sex, Sexuality, Gender, and Health (!!!!!!). I have a couple friends from studying aboard who live in or near Boston currently so I'm excited to actually know people where I'm moving for once. It was also awesome to get so many acceptances. It honestly made me feel so proud of myself, and of all the hard work I have put into my education and my career.

huge thanks to my roommate elizabeth for thinking to take a photo the day I got my acceptance!

my brother also got a job at a museum in Idaho and is currently driving out there! I'm so proud of him for getting his dream job and taking the risk of moving across the country to pursue it. my best friend Kat also accepted a teaching position with Teach for America in South Carolina and will be placed there for the next two years. So proud of her for getting an offer from such an competitive program! I'm literally surrounded by successful people. I feel like there's a lot big changes in store for everyone close to me, but they are all such great opportunities! plus, I'll just have to travel around and see everyone.

my friend tara come to visit! pure happiness for 5 days

pretty much sums up my year.

I've also decided to work at the summer camp in Georgia that my roommate Elizabeth. It's apparently 30 mins from the coast and a blast so I'm excited to have a change of pace. I still LOVE working at the Food Bank but honestly can feel myself getting a bit burnout. that's part of the reason way I'm so excited to go back to school and be around inspiring people. it's hard work listening and working with people who are in hard situations day in and day out, and sometimes I just need a day to rejuvenate, which is what I'm doing today.

speaking of burn out, the community life of the house also hasn't been the greatest nor the least stressful the past couple of months. we only have two months left, but I'd be lying if I said the last couple of months have been rainbows and sunshine. it's definitely been a learning experience and a worthwhile experience. after this year, I know I can do anything haha. and the break it's given me to focus on myself has been invaluable.

I've also decided to seek treatment for my eating disorder and to begin my recovery process. talking about this process with even those near and dear to me is scary and hard, but I feel its important to have support around me. also, I think it's important that we start to promote self-love and a building a healthy relationship with food as a society so I'm planning to be more honest and share about my experiences on here in hoping of helping others.

I'm going to miss this north carolina sunrises