Over the past few weeks we've been in a series called "Reflections of a College Valedictorian" where I've shared some lessons from my experience that I hope will place other students farther ahead of the game and keep them from making some of the same mistakes I did. If you'd like to read any of the previous posts in the series, click the links below: 1. Saying Goodbye Means Saying Hello 2. High School Popularity is All But Forgotten Today I'm going to share some thoughts on what it truly means to "do your best" and how growth is … [Read more...]
High School Popularity is All But Forgotten
Were you ever impacted by the popularity contest in school? Perhaps it wasn't so bad at your school...or perhaps it didn't seem so bad because you were actually in the popular clique. Perhaps you were one of the many who tried to change yourself to fit in. Perhaps you felt like you never fit in. For anyone who has ever been impacted by the "popularity contest", especially if you're currently in the midst of it, this post is for you, my friend. This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. After graduating from college I … [Read more...]
Saying Goodbye Means Saying Hello
As of April 30th, 2016, I am now a college graduate! After spending almost my entire life in school, it's hard to believe it is finished. It's a very bittersweet feeling, indeed. Over the next few weeks I'm going to reflect and share a few lessons I've learned. I hope these posts will be especially helpful for those students who are coming after me. This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. In my post about 1 of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened," I discussed the … [Read more...]
6 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Captain America: Civil War
Mm, man! Marvel has been killin' it! It just keeps getting better and better! I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I cannot wait to go see it again! Here are 6 lessons I got from the movie... WARNING: This post contains spoilers! This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. 1. The power of perception can give 1 thing 2 entirely different labels. Near the beginning of the movie, after another incident of innocent people getting hurt while saving others, General Ross tells The Avengers: Captain, while a great many … [Read more...]
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. Confession: My heart attaches to people and things easily and deeply. I'm the person who feels like I've lost good friends when a television series ends! Remember when the very last The Lord of the Rings movie, The Return of the King, was in theaters? I think my parents even took me out of school early to go see it. The intense epicness calmed down in an ending scene and … [Read more...]
6 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Batman v Superman
My fiancé is a HUGE Batman fan, so we've been anxiously waiting for this movie for a long time! I finally got to see it with him last week (he had already seen it on opening night and another time before we were able to go together!). Woo! I believe we can learn so much from STORY, whether it be within a book, a movie, or witnessing a real life story unfold. There are common elements and common themes woven from our very hearts as human beings into the heart of a story. That's why we can so easily relate. That's why stories make us FEEL … [Read more...]
Our Engagement Story
This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. I have an exciting announcement to share with you today... I'M ENGAGED ! ! ! ! ! ! The fella who has pursued and wooed my heart is Anthony Reel. He might literally be the kindest man I know. Most people view me as a super nice person, but I think he even has me beat! His servant's heart is clearly evident and he doesn't even hesitate to help a friend (or stranger!) in need. As I wrote about in the post 10 Ways to WIN at Dating a Gluten-Free Girl, Anthony is a total … [Read more...]
3 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Relationships
Note how I say "simple," not "easy." These are simple concepts, but it may take time and practice to break your old patterns. But, trust me, it will be worth it! This post originally appeared on Anna's 1st blog, Annamotion. This post may contain links to where you can find the product mentioned on Amazon. Anna Reel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 1. Appreciate and … [Read more...]
10 Ways to WIN at Dating a Gluten-Free Girl
I have Celiac's Disease. Though I've been living the gluten-free life for 4 years now, it still can be tough. I am so thankful for my wonderful boyfriend, Anthony, who has sought understanding since our friendship began and has made my day on numerous occasions as he's helped me in this gluten-free journey. I wanted to share with you 10 things that I've learned make a HUGE difference to a girl like me. These are ways you can be a total WINNER at dating a gluten-free girl. (Ladies, feel free to share this if you'd like some fellas to take notes! … [Read more...]
8 Tips on Surviving “Singles Awareness Day”
Valentine's Day is coming soon! How do you feel about that? Did your heart flutter in joy, sink in sadness, or burn with anger? It can be especially hard to be single on Valentine's Day and that's why I wanted to write this post. I want to preface this by saying that I do happen to have a valentine this year, but this is only the 2nd time in my 22 years of life to ever have a legit valentine (other than my daddy). So this is only my 2nd time ever not being single on Valentine's Day. But frankly, it never really bothered me much. I want to … [Read more...]