#BeautifulLengths

Around twice a year I visit my local hair dresser asking her to trim my hair.  When I say the word ‘trim’ I mean it.. I would tell her that I just want whatever is dead to be cut off..Usually two inches-three inches at max.  My mom would always try to convince me to cut more off but I just never cared to.  My most recent visit to the hair dresser was a little different.  I walked into the hair salon and my hair dresser, ironically with the same name said “What are we doing this time?..The usual trim?” I instantly replied with “No, I’m going to cut it all off and donate it”.  She looked at me as if I wasn’t serious. “No way” she said.  “Yeah, I’m going to cut 8″-9″ off and donate it” I replied.

If you know me, you know that cutting my hair is a big deal.  I am upset with myself in how selfish I was with my long hair.  I have had long hair throughout my life and it seems to be just part of my identity.  I decided to cut my hair because I needed a change.  I needed a change in my life-something different that I have never done before. I also wanted to make an impact in someone else’s life.  I’m extremely thankful that I am able to grow hair and I wanted to donate my hair to someone who is in a little more need than I am.  I hope that my two 9″ long locks of hair will brighten some little girl or women’s day with a wig.

I feel great after donating my hair. I have not once regretted it.  Not only is it a new look for me, but knowing that I am helping someone and making a difference in their life makes me feel great.

Before                                                                 After

 

There are many different foundations to donate to, so if you’re looking to donate do your research!  So where did I donate my hair?  I donated my hair to Pantene’s ‘Beautiful Lengths’ organization. This is the only program to help women feel like themselves again with free, real-hair wigs.  To help others you can either donate 8 inches of hair or 8 dollars to the cause.  This program has donated more than 42,000 real-hair wigs to the National Cancer Society. Check out the web site to learn more!

Pantene ‘Beautiful Lengths’: http://pantene.com/en-us/experience-main-section2/beautiful-lengths

Go out and donate! #BeautifulLengths

 

 

A Full Moon- Oswego, NY

I was driving through town in Oswego, NY on October 27th when I noticed this beautiful, eye-catching full moon.  I HAD to stop and snap a few pictures… I got my best shot at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oswego, NY.  This moon was also known as “Hunter’s Moon”.

Upcoming Full Moon Calendar
November 25th- Beaver Moon
December 25th- Cold Moon

What I wish I knew as a Graduating Senior From College

Today is the one month mark until my college graduation.. AGAIN.. One month until graduation.. UHM.. What?!.. It’s surreal how fast the past 3  1/2 years have gone by.  I look back and wonder what I could have done differently to make my college career better.  However, I don’t regret any decisions I made throughout my four years.. I had the most amazing time with some of the most important people in my life.  I loved my time in college and I know I made the most of it.  If I had the opportunity I would give this advice to every college student before they graduate.

1. Study Abroad– Just do it.  I did not get the chance to study abroad and I wish I did.  If I could go back in time, I would take a semester to study abroad (preferably my sophomore or junior year).  Going across the country will allow you to expand as an individual. You will make MANY memories and you will have MANY once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, just study abroad.. you will not regret that decision.. I promise.
2. JOIN JOIN JOIN– Join as many organizations/clubs as you can.  I know you’re thinking ‘Ugh, I don’t have time for that’.. but you do! It’s possible.  Most organizations have meetings once a week.  Each semester join a different organization.. It looks absolutely amazing on your resume!  Throughout my last semester at college, I joined TWO more organizations.. just more that I could add to my resume. Not only does it look great on your resume, but it’s also a great way to meet new people.  I joined a club all alone and met new friends! Yeah, it’s difficult walking into a meeting alone.. but BE CONFIDENT! So PLEASE if you are a student still in college, go out there and research a new organization to join and attend the meetings.  Be confident, brave and professional and you will gain a sense of happiness from this.
3. Be a leader– Whether it’s for an organization/club or class project, be in charge.  I am the most shy, quiet, unexpected individual you would think of to take upon the role of leading an organization. But one day I decided to step out of my comfort zone and run for a position with a organization at my college. Becoming the leader of an organization has changed me in SO many ways. I cannot stress how much I learned from being a leader for a organization.  You learn so much that you will not learn anywhere else! Whether it’s for a class project or club organization, step out of your comfort zone and run for a position! It will do nothing but positivity affect your life.
4. Stay single– From a girl who’s always been in long relationships, I learned the importance of being single..especially in college.  During this time you have to learn to love yourself and develop yourself.. You don’t always need someone by your side (I still don’t think I’ve learned this).  When you have a boyfriend, you miss out on so many fun opportunities with your girlfriends! If you have a boyfriend and are in college you’re probably like “Yeah..Right” and hating me right now. But trust me.. once you get sucked in that relationship you are oblivious to everything going on around you. I have many girlfriends who are obsessed with their boyfriends to the point where their friends don’t want to hang out with them anymore.  It sucks losing one of your best friends to a boy.. So don’t do it.. Enjoy the single life throughout college.. go out there have fun with your girlfriends. You’re too young to be stuck to a man.. You have MANY years ahead of you for that! Enjoy your freedom & STAY SINGLE!
5. Don’t over-stress- With exam upon exam upon exam how can’t you stress.. It’s difficult not too. Just take every difficult stressful day step by step and make little moves.  Don’t over-stress.. it’s not worth it. Stress effects your health and is TERRIBLE for you! I look back at when I was stressed most in college and I wish I could tell myself “It’s just a test..It’s not a life or death situation, you’ll do fine”.  I can remember many times to where I was balling my eyes out in my dorm room because of how stressed I was.. so just don’t do it. Forget the stress.. distract yourself. Tell yourself that everything will be okay!
6. Have fun– It’s college. Relax and take a shot. Have a wine night with your girls. Go to a frat party. Pledge a sorority. Enjoy the freedom as a college student.
7. Keep your standards high– Yeah it’s college and yeah I told you to have fun.. but keep your standards high. Don’t downgrade yourself and lose control.  Remember your values as an individual, don’t lose sight of the person you are. Be proud of the individual you want to look back at someday.
8. Stay active– Workout..Go for walks..Go hiking..Volunteer at the local animal shelter walking dogs.. Go to the gym..Just get out of bed every morning and do something. I need to tell myself this everyday.  It’s so important to get up and move. The freshman 15 is TRUE..There is even such thing as sophomore and junior 15! Even as a senior, it’s still possible!  It will happen! Prevent it by staying active.. Make a goal to complete any type of physical activity once a day..Whether it’s parking that extra spot at the grocery store.. just do it!
9. Go to events!– Your campus has many, many events going on every single week.  How many of them have you actually gone to? Finally, as a senior I realized how much fun and beneficial going to your campus’ events actually are.  Whether it’s informational or social.. go to it! Your peers took the time to create and set up that event for YOU.. so thank them by attending.  I’ve gone to many different events..ironically more as I’m getting older.. and I have always had a great time. Yeah they may be a little boring at times, but walking out of the event you get that ‘high’.. a great feeling..feeling like you made a difference from helping someone out (at least I do!). Go out and attend a event this week.. Make a difference, it’ll make someone else feel great.
10. ALWAYS make room for girl time– I cannot stress the importance of girl time. When I was a senior in high school I lost the connection with majority of my girlfriends because I was stuck on a man.  I regret this time lost so much.  Throughout college I’ve learned that it’s incredibly important to spend time with your girls.  I ALWAYS make sure that I have girl time and strictly girl time..Girl time doesn’t mean movie and invite your boyfriend.. it means take a break from your man and enjoy it with your girls! Your girls will ALWAYS be there for you! Take advantage of ANY time you have to spend with your girls. You will make the most and best memories spent with your girlfriends.

Oswego Harbor West Pierhead, Oswego, NY

Oswego Harbor West Pierhead, Oswego, NY

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica, people call me Jess.

I’ve always wanted to start a blog for many different reasons.  I would love to share  everything and anything that means something to me.  I hope to motivate and inspire others through my blog posts.  (Also, I have always been a weak writer.. What other way to improve one’s writing than writing a blog?)  I plan to go on many adventures as I finish up my degree of Marketing at the State University of New York at Oswego and I would love to share them with the world.

So a little about me.. I’d like to think of myself as a well-rounded individual.  My interests range from water-skiing on Sandy Pond, kayaking down rivers (pictured above), to shooting a 20 gauge at  orange clay pigeons at my local gun club.  I am always up for an adventure and take advantage of every opportunity possible.  Throughout life I have always been a very positive, bright, smiley individual.  I think it’s important for one to have values, goals and aspirations. Some of my most important values in life are family, honesty and respect.  My family is very important to me, I am a huge family person and one of my favorite things to do is spend time with those who mean the most to me.

I hope you continue to read and follow my journey.  I plan on writing and keeping you entertained with my daily thoughts/feelings and adventures during my next step in life.