Starting College

Hello Again :D

Surprise! Bonus blog of the month! ^^

Back to school season is here, and for me, this year is so different; I started college! New building (now referred to as a campus), new teachers (now referred to as professors), new classmates (who I long to befriend), and new set up (Oh, and new food!). It's definitely been a thrilling and scary experience. I still can’t believe I’m actually sitting in the classroom to take real courses at my dream school!

Let alone that Ringling was so generous to give us a FREE supply kit for a kickstart, including a FREE new laptop and iPad! :)

New supplies always make me so excited, and I felt so eager to share with you all too! Who doesn't love new supplies? Including new updates? ^^ It's so exciting, isn't it?

For those of you who know me, thank you so much for all your support and prayers!

To those joining, I would love to give you a heartily welcome! I still have to pinch myself for being here! Glory to God! ^^

I'll be honest though. My first day was really tough as some of my skills skipped out on me over the summer but after surviving a week, I'm feeling much better! All good things come in practice and rigor. Speaking of this, I would love to give my younger self some tips.

If I could, I wish to tell her these seven do's and do not's... :) (Specifically for the Senior Year)

#1 ~ Enjoy Yourself Now

Among all the advice I'm giving, this is my biggest regret. In my Senior year, I was always worried about doing the next thing right. One word: Don't. We want to think in our minds and hearts to figure everything out, but we can't, only God knows. Today is enough.

#2 ~ Don't Rush Creativity

We're humans and not machines. We have feelings and higher standards that robots can't replace. But there’s one thing in common: Both humans and robots have a “battery tank." Just like we need to charge our phones, we need to take care of ourselves. We can't always be 100% and that's okay. The idea will come. God will provide.

#3 ~ Embrace Today but Think Ahead

What you struggle now is only a short time when you compare it to years down the road. Don't get so wrapped up in your shortcomings, you will get better. Good things come in time. We can only see so far, but God sees it all. He not only sees you now, He sees who you'll become. Diamonds form under pressure, so push through!

#4 ~ Find People Who See Your Value

Don't settle for people who don't see your worth. No matter who you are, what you've done, where you've been...you should get respect equally. Find people who have your back, where you can share your pearls without getting them trampled.

#5 ~ Everyone's Path is Different

Everyone you see has something that brought them to where you both share. If they deserve to be here, you deserve to be here too. One of my art teachers likes to say, "There's no such thing as someone with superb talent but everyone has a signature gift." Focus on you, stop looking around or you'll hit against a wall. (Literally and figuratively! XD)

#6 ~ Figure Out Your Roots

What are the things that keep you grounded? Who nourishes them? How? Work with them. For me, it's God, my family and friends. What soaks up all the water that leaves you dry? For me, I've been battling with texting my friends and watching YouTube 24/7. Cut them off.

#7 ~ Have a Heart of Gratitude

My mom likes to say, "If we are healthy and can have each other, that's something so joyful to live for!" Things will go wrong. Whether it's small like not finding a pencil for class or severe like accidentally spilling tea over your project, things will inevitably go wrong. There is no such thing as perfection so focus on positives in each and every day.

Simply said, all 7 pieces of advice lead to the same thing: Stay in the present. Do what you can. Things will sort out.

A small bonus I want to add is that doubt is normal. I had many seasons of doubt during this journey and the trick is to keep going. Actually, the hardship sparked my slogan: "God Paves, We Paint, He Polishes." I'm grateful that God is so faithful to our questions, big and small. :) He will provide for us when we put our faith in Him.

Speaking of new things, this month's update is a video! This is my very first time making a video, and I had lots of fun. It is now located at my homepage! I look forward to "seeing" you all there! ^^ Feel free to tell me what you think, or chat about anything! :)

Till Next Time,

Isabelle

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:31-24