Hi everyone! I know I have been super MIA lately for almost 2 weeks now but last weekend I GRADUATED COLLEGE!! (And my little brother, Andrew, graduated high school last night!!) This has been an exciting time for us all and I wanted to talk about about my experiences at the University of Arizona. Most people think that college life is hard, and believe me it is, but with the right mindset it is so easy to get acclimated to a new environment!

1. Never be afraid to put yourself out there: This started out from the beginning, before I came to college, and it started when I made the choice to be one the only person in my friend group to go out of state (even if it is a state away). But in college, that means, whether you go out for a sport, club, or even Greek Life, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Especially if you are going out of state and not knowing a soul (I commend you for taking that chance because I know it is a difficult one). But when you go to college, put yourself out there, what do you have to lose? Someone rejecting you? If so, then you don’t need that adventure in your life.
2. Sometimes the most unexpected things become the most valued: This goes without saying that life is very unexpected. When I first went to college, I was so nervous that I wouldn’t have gotten a bid from a sorority, let alone one that would change my world for four years. Joining a sorority and Gamma Phi Beta had been a blessing in disguise. It made me take my experiences when I was a new member and evolving it to wanting to be a better member. I was also so nervous when it came time to pick a Little. I didn’t have a close relationship with my Big, and I wanted that to be different when I got a Little (and let me tell you, it did!) And then I was blessed enough that the next year I was able to take another Little. My little Gphi family has been the biggest blessing in my life throughout my college career. I never would have expected that these five girls would have such an impact and value on my life, but I am so glad that they did!
3. How to trust the process of letting go: This mostly has to do with friends and experiences that weren’t meant for you. In life, you aren’t meant to be best friends with everyone, and that’s completely OKAY! I know that I have had my struggles with different personalities time and time again, but I know that even if I don’t necessarily click with someone, that I can learn something from them. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is patience. Living with 55 other girls in a sorority house was probably the most difficult thing I have ever had to do, and the most rewarding. There are so many personalities and different ways people are raised. (And knowing that there will probably be drama with someone taking a phone charger). But in the process of letting go of any situation that is given to you, know that something better is coming along. I am a firm believer that when one door closes, another one opens.  College gave me the opportunity to see situations as a blessing, and others as a lesson.
4. Become who YOU want to be: This one goes without saying, but don’t let people pressure you into being cool and not true to yourself. There has been plenty of times when I have taken a step back and thought maybe this isn’t the best decision. And I know that sometimes being left out of certain situations are for the better (And trust me, I have FOMO aka Fear Of Missing Out). I think college taught me that CARING is actually COOL. This comes in so many forms such as grades, your extra curricular activities, and friends. The University of Arizona taught me to be my own person and stand on my own two feet, whether it was about fighting for something I believed in, or having the courage to say NO. (it sounds so cliché when I say that).
5. Follow your dreams and heart: College not only taught me how to dream, but to know that I am able to conquer any dream I have in mind. At the University of Arizona I learned about majors and careers that I never knew existed. College gave me the courage to apply for an internship and later be hired as an event planner (one of the coolest jobs ever, and the most rewarding jobs). I have to say, the four years at the University of Arizona showed me a little taste of the real world & taught me how to dream beyond anything I could imagine.

And I would like formally announce that I am taking a change of scenery (across the entire country) and moving to…. Massachusetts!! I am so excited for this new chapter in my life and a little nervous and scared! But, I know that this is what is meant to be and I couldn’t be more grateful to have the support system behind me while I make this move! I won’t be moving till middle of June so California gets to keep me a little longer but I am not complaining! I am currently still in the job search so I will announce that when my job becomes more finalized!

Well that’s all I have for you today! I hope you all have a great rest of your weekend! I will be back on the blog tomorrow to talk about the perfect graduation outfits!

XOXO Jordan Taylor