The World of “Supposed to”s

I hate the words “supposed to”. Why is it people feel like there are roles that they’re SUPPOSED to fill in life? Oh, you’re SUPPOSED to do that. You’re SUPPOSED to say these words. You’re SUPPOSED to like these certain things. When did living your life suddenly conform into a puzzle of “SUPPOSED to’s”?

When you come to college, it feels like all there is is buildings constructed of brick expectations, filled with insecure mass-produced people. Left and right, people are changing who they were days ago because, suddenly, they’re in college. Their equilibriums go out of whack because, oh, in college you’re SUPPOSED to be exactly who you weren’t yesterday. Every weekend I hear someone saying that they’re going out or they’re getting drunk because that’s what you’re SUPPOSED to do in college. What about doing whatever the heck you want simply because you WANT to? Not because you’re SUPPOSED to. Is it really worth completely changing yourself just because society and movies are saying that, yes, this is exactly how you should be living as a college student and if you aren’t, there must be something wrong with you? Do things because you WANT to, not because you think they’re what you’re SUPPOSED to be doing.

Things I’ve been told I’m SUPPOSED to do because of my age, but don’t really want to listen to:

• I’m SUPPOSED to drink and get drunk whenever possible
• I’m SUPPOSED to want to break the rules
• I’m SUPPOSED to want to travel all over the world while I’m young
• I’m SUPPOSED to want to wait to get married because wanting to get married young just isn’t right nowadays
• I’m SUPPOSED to spend my money on things like concerts and festivals
• I’m SUPPOSED to want to live in an apartment and work in the city instead of somewhere in the suburbs

Do what you’re going to do, but not because you think it’s what you’re SUPPOSED to do. Do it because it’s what you want to do, because you have to get it out of your system once or twice, because it’s something you’ll genuinely enjoy years down the road. Not because it’s what you’ve seen millions do before you. And don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for doing what you WANT because it’s what makes you you.

What a Weekend!

Going to school in New York City, people always tell you to experience everything. It’s such a vibrant place with something new and exciting happening on every corner (not to mention that many of these things are discounted or even FREE with a Student ID!) Well, this weekend was, by far, one of the most mindbogglingly eventful of my time here at Fordham. I went to a lot of events and met many people I’ve never even dreamed of attending or meeting. Living in New York City opens hundreds, no thousands of doors of opportunity, but it’s up to you to walk through them. I’ll be doing some posts later on about what exactly it was that made this weekend so spectacular, but until then, all I can do is grin and smile and think “wow” because I am so grateful to be granted the opportunities I am and to be able to have this miraculous city right under my feet.

Until the next door opens,

Kathryn

Tips for Living with your Best Friend

Since day one of Kindergarten, I have had the incredible pleasure of having someone who is always there for me, who never speaks behind my back, who always shares her snacks. My best friend Sabrina has been by my side longer than I can remember and I can’t imagine what life would be like without her.
Our first semesters of college we both went our separate ways, but it didn’t feel like a huge parting since I knew we’d be together before we even noticed the other was gone! Well, second semester rolled along and Sabrina ended up transferring to Fordham (yay, go rams!) and suddenly, sophomore year is here and we’re sharing a dorm room on the fifth floor of what I can only describe as a castle. It’s beautiful.

Ferragosto Festival in the BX

Happy Ferragosto Festival, everyone! I’m sure you’re all familiar with Little Italy in Manhattan, but did you know that the original Little Italy is actually in the Bronx on Arthur Avenue (which is, conveniently, a hop skip and jump away from campus)? Little fun fact of the day for you. Every year, Arthur Ave hosts the Ferragosto Festival, a big Italian celebration marking the end of the harvest season. Naturally, there’s tons of delicious food (zeppoli’s, I’m talking about you!), traditional performances, and even an Italian comedian.

Blacktap and Bubbles

Last weekend my friends and I made plans to head into SOHO and try out the outrageous milkshakes from Blacktap Craft Burgers and Beer. Ya know the ones covered in frosting and cookies and brownies and m&ms and all that other stuff your dentist doesn’t want you to eat? Yes, those milkshakes.