College Graduation

Hello All,

Guess what? I wrote this post almost a month ago and forgot to hit publish. LOL. But no seriously guess what!

I graduated college! After four and half years of college I have finally graduated! And it feel absolutely amazing! This last semester, especially, has been a lot of work but it'll be worth it. 

For those of you guys wondering I got a bachelor of science in Liberal Studies with concentrations in communication, media studies and creative writing. And no I'm not going into journalism or news production. I do have a future career in mind but since the career is in field that requires a lot of confidentially because of that I'm not comfortable discussing exactly what it is online.  I'm currently in the process of looking for a job and it may make it that I will be moving across the country which is really exciting. When I know where I'll be heading I'll let you guys know, at least a general location. 

As for the day itself it was so much fun. I started the day out by getting ready, to which I actually filmed my first Get Ready With Me video on my YouTube channel (You can check it out here). Then we headed to school and got a prime parking space. I gave Mama Judy directions to the theatre when graduation was taking place and then headed to the place where we line up.

I don't know if every school does it this way but my school has us line up by school but other then that its free range has to where you sit/stand. Right as I walked in I get a text message from my friend Chris asking me where I was and he told me where he was. I went up to where he was standing. I ended up lining up with the 3 other graduates from the Media Studies department, which was good because I had so much fun with them.

We headed into the theater right on time. I saw Mama Judy while I was walking in and she was already crying.

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We didn't have a lot of speakers at the graduation itself so it went by rather quickly. My favorite speech was done by the president of the university, where it talked about intental kindness when all around so much hate is happening. I think its an idea that we should all carry around with us.

When it was time to get the degrees we again were called by school with the school of arts and sciences going last. When the finally called us we all whooped and "got lit" as the kid in front of me said. As each person went up they got whoops from the different people in the audience who knew them. When they finally declared us college graduation we whooped and went wild.

After graduation finished I met my parents outside to take pictures. And I made Mama Judy be an Instagram Mama while I posed for some Instagram worthy pictures. If you're interested in following me on Instagram you can by searching @judy_judy94.

When we finished taking pictures I went to say good-bye to my boss. I don't think I ever mentioed it on my blog but for the past year and half I have worked as a student employee in my college's residence life department. I wanted to stop and say good-bye to my boss because she had such an impact on my last couple of years.

After saying good-bye to my boss we headed back to my hometown where we had dinner with some of our close family and friends. It was so much fun celebrating with some really important people in my life. Plus it was at one of my favorite restaurant where the staff knows us by name which made it extra special.

Graduation was such an amazing day and I am so grateful for all the people who have supported me over the past four and half years. And for anyone who has read my college adventures which I have been sharing since the end of my freshmen year thank you. I can't wait to share the next chapter with you guys.

I also want to give a special shout to Natalie, who was my first blogging friend all the way back during the first summer of the World According to Emma. Natalie and I had actually went to the same college and both graduated this December. Congrats Natalie! You can check out her blog by clicking here.

A now enjoy all the awesome pictures and a video snap that I'm adding in.

Me with my degree folder

One of my Instagram inspired pictures even if it hasn't been shared yet

And Instagram picture 

My cap, shout out to Mama Judy for helping decorating it 

My dad and I

Mama Judy and I

Lost in the right direction?

Hello All,

This a post that I have been waiting to write pretty much since I posted this post 2 years ago. But I couldn't write it at first because I had no idea how to write this post because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my future. I went through so many ideas of careers from Hollywood/news producer, to social work even stopping back at high school teacher. But none of those seemed to be the right fit. 

For a long while I figured I would apply for every job that was available and hope for the best. But then I started working for my university and fell in love with my job. One day I was raving about it to my mom or freaking out that I didn't know what I wanted to do, which isn't the point. The point is  my mom told me she always thought I'd do well working at university and she felt even more so after seeing the love I have for my job.

After she mentioned that I started really thinking about and realized that I could see myself working in residence life, student life or the first year programs at a university. If fits a lot of what I wanted out of a career such as working with teens/early adults, making an impact or a difference on people lives and an office job that isn't just sitting behind a desk, pushing paper all day.

I started researching the steps I'd have to take to get there and it looks like I will have to get my masters in higher education counseling. Many of the programs I have looked into require that you have some sort of psych background which at the moment I don't have.  Which means that I will probably be going back to school in January, part time to get  some psych pre-reqs, while working full time at some entry level university job.

At this point I'm still a little lost about where I'm going next but for the first time in almost 3 and half years I'm not scared out of my mind. I'm actually confident about the direction I'm going in and excited for what life after college holds, which starts in approximately 95 days (but whose counting).

I don't regret any of the hops I had to jump through in order to this place in my life. Its been hard and stressful at times but I honestly and truly believe it happened for a reason. I can't wait to share my future with you guys (even if it's not job related).

And for the people who have been there every step of this journey, thank you, your support has been more than appreciated.

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Currently - July 2016

Hello All,

I know, I know I've been missing for awhile. But what else is new here? I could come up with a list of reasons why I haven't been here but I'm not going to bore you with those. I made a goal for this week (the week of July 11th) to blog for at least 10 minutes everyday so I can try and get some cool post up for you guys. 

I figured since I have been "missing" on these parts for a while I would start this up with a currently post, so I can give you guys an update on all the haps in my life. So, let's get started!

Currently I've been...

...binging Friday Night Lights on Netflix

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For those of you who have never seen it, Friday Night Lights is about the town of Dillon, Texas, their football team and the lives of the people connected to the football team. Its a show a lot of people had recommended to me and I finally got around to watching it. I absolutely love it! I'm almost done with the series and I'm on the final season. And if we're being honest I will probably re-watch it as soon as I'm finished with it. My only problem with it is that it only takes place during Football season and because of that not every storyline gets wrapped up and leaves me with a few questions. The show in general has made me want to move down south and raise a bunch of boys who play football. 

...watching The Bachelorette (ABC), Scream: The TV Show (MTV) and Big Brother (CBS).

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This wasn't a show that I watch religiously but over winter break I binge watched the most recently season of the Bachelor (ya know the one where Ben told 2 girls he loves them *Insert eye roll emoji here). At the end of the season when they announced that JoJo was going to be next Bachelorette I knew I had to watch it. Mainly because I love her and she seems so sweet. And yes, I know you can't judge someone by how a reality show portrays them but I love her anyways. 

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I love the Scream movie series (the first one is my favorite) so when MTV announced that they were going to make a TV series based on it I was intrigued. The first season got me hooked and I was beyond excited for season two (which I have been enjoying). My favorite characters are Audrey and Noah (both of who are slightly suspicious). As of right now I have no idea who this season's killer is. 

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If y'all have been around these parts for a while you probably know I LOVE Big Brother and watch it every season. In the past I have done weekly recaps on here but those are a lot of work and I just don't have the time to write them. Although I am brainstorming another way to share my love of a Big Brother on my corner of the internet but it might take some time before ones published. What I will say about this season is one of my favorite in a long time. I think this might have to do with the returning houseguests (Frank (BB14), Nicole (BB16), James and Da'Vonne (BB17)). I feel like when they bring back houseguests the game gets moving a little sooner because they already understand how to play. And for those who are wonder I am on #TeamNicole, #TeamCorey and surprisingly #TeamPaul (even if he was the jerk the first few episode). And my pre-season picks to win (before I knew about the returning Vets) this season are Paul for the guys and Michelle for the girls.

...reading After You by JoJo Moyes

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After You is the sequel to Me Before You. I'm only about 30 pages into and haven't gotten hooked the way I did to Me Before You. Although it takes time for me to get hooked to books sometimes so I'm still determined to finish it. 

...planning a new vacation!

My mom and I are going on a vacation in January and I'm super excited about it. It's one that we have been planning since I started college since it was going to be my graduation celebration. I'm not ready announce it quiet yet (its still over 160 days out) but I wanted to drop a hint. So I found a picture (which was taken by me) and cropped it so it wouldn't give it away but you'd get a hint. 

...getting excited about graduating and my future.

Throwback to my High School graduation circa June 2012

This is it folks, the light is at the end of the tunnel and graduation is coming up! I believe, I'm like 97% sure that I am graduating in December! The reason I say I'm 3% unsure it because things happen. If you guys remember I published this post over two years ago talking about changing my major. I went through a hard time when I realized that I didn't want to be a teacher (my original major) and had no clue what I was going to do. I think I may have found my correct path. I'm going to do a whole post about it, life update style, in the next couple of weeks.

...running 3 minutes straight!

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Recently I've decided to go back to the gym (at least in the summer I'm going 5 days a week!) and I've lost 4.5 pounds (as of July 11th). But the thing I'm most excited about is that I can run for 3 minutes straight. I've always wanted to run a 5K but I've never been a big runner. So when I returned to the gym about 3 weeks ago my main goal was to start running. I based my running plan on the couch to 5K (I post it down below). But changed it up a little to work for me. I've been going but by 15 second increments every few days rather then 1 minute increments. But I follow the how many minutes to walk when I hit the new minute. i.e. I'm currently running 3 minutes and walking 5 minutes on either side of the running. I also have a 5K goal but more on that when it gets closer.

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...playing Best Fiends on my phone

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While the rest of the world is chasing Pokemon I have been trying to kill slugs. I heard about this game through a lot of YouTubers and thought it sounded fun. It is a lot like candy crush where you're matching (what looks like fruit) and you built your team in order to kill slugs. I love it and I'm completely addicted. I recommend it for anyone who enjoy(s/ed) candy crush. 

And that's what's been going on in my world. What has been going on your guy's world? Let me know in the comments down below!

Summer 2016 Bucket List

Hello All,

A few weeks ago I was playing around on the internet when I found a campaign that Eventbrite is running called, GOMO is the FOMO. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) has become popular with popularity of social media, I notice it the most on Instagram when you see friends posting awesome pictures from their vacations, parties or days at the beach. But Eventbrite (When you can find and organize you own event) wants us to start looking at life differently but GOMO-ing. GOMO stands for Getting Out More Often. I think this is an awesome idea to focus on, especially because I want to have the best summer ever!

After learning about GOMO I was inspired to write my own Summer 2016 Bucket List. Although not everything on my bucket list involves going out they are things that will make me happy or help me eventually be able to go out. Either way these items are going to help me squish the FOMO.

1. I want to go on some adventures

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I love to create memories and have fun. This summer I want to go on some adventures with friends. and explore the world around me.

2. Read as many books as possible

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I love to read and during the school year I feel like I never get a chance to read. But during the summer I have plenty of time to read. This summer I want to read as much as possible and immerse myself in different worlds (wow corny much?😂). Plus I'm taking a young adult lit class next semester and I'm hoping the professor will put the list online ASAP so I can read the books ahead of time and save time during the semester. {PS - Currently reading Me Before You so keep an eye for a book review in the somewhat near future}

3. Daily Vlog!

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This summer I want to vlog everyday! I've actually started on my channel. You can check them out by clicking here. Although because of my work schedules I don't post videos everyday I am vlogging everyday and combining the days together.

4. Go to the beach more then once

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Every year my friend Tori and I go to the beach but that's normally the last time I go. I wouldn't mind go a few more times this year. It's nice to lay on the beach and read, I may even just go by myself so that I can read. LOL. PS you check out the post about mine and Tori's beach days here.

5. Save some molla

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College graduation is right around the corner. Which is scary. I need to start saving some money so that I need to buckle down and save some money. Plus I'm trying to save money to start traveling more. I have a bucket list of places I want to travel and there are even more location then when I originally wrote my Travel Bucket List.

6. Get a new car

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I love my car and I wold drive it for years to come but its starting to get old and I'm worried that it won't last much longer. So, this summer I'm going to safe some money and hopefully get a new car.

7. Blog a lot

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During the school year I don't have a lot time to blog so during the summer I want to blog as much as possible and get a lot content out on the blog. If you guys have any post requests let me know.

And this is everything I want to get done this summer. What's on your summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments down below. 

BLUE AND GREEN WALK 2016

Hello All,

At the end of April my mom, my family and I did a walk for Organ Donation. For those of who don't know my cousin has had 2 heart transplants during her life as well as a kidney transplant, which is the reason we do the walk. For the last three years my family has taken part in this walk, you can check out the post from last year by clicking here. 

This year our team was smaller then it has been in the past but we still represented. It was a beautiful day out, it was the mid-seventies and nice and cool. The walk is 2-miles long and for the most part is a very easy walk, there is only one part that's narrow and dirt and uphill. 

I believe that our team raised just over $700 but overall the walk raised just under $90,000 which is AMAZING. 

I don't normally like to get preachy on this blog, I would never tell someone what to do with their body, but I do want to thank everyone out there that is a register organ donor on their license and/or have had to make the decision to donate a love one's organs. I am so incredibly grateful for people like you because without people like you one of my favorite people in the world wouldn't be here today. 

As for pictures I didn't get many, actually I only got two but I'm going to show them to guys.

The starting line

This wasn't our shirt but I thought it was really cool. I believe the team's name was Lili&Meg. Also this picture is courtesy of my Instagram {judy_judy94}

I also vlogged the walk, although my camera started to die so I didn't get a lot of footage. You can get the vlog out below.

3 Year Blogiversary

Hello All,

How is possible that I have been writing "Hello all" for 3 years? Yup, that's right I have been blogging for 3 years! Every yearly milestones I'm in shock that I have one kept up with this for that many years but also surprised at how fast times time has gone. 

Its weird to think of where I was when I wrote my first post I was a freshmen in college, shy and kind of reclusive. Now I'm a senior who can dimly see the light at the end of the tunnel (which ends in December), I've grown into myself and became very outgoing and love to meet as many people as possible. And now I have dreams that 19 year old Emma wouldn't have dreamed of having, sometimes I wonder if 19 year old Emma would even recognize 22 year old Emma.

For this year's milestone I want to share three things that I want to see happen with this blog.

1. I want to see get back to a somewhat regular schedule. Right now I know that having set days isn't something that's possible for me, even promising 1 post a week is pushing it, but one day I hope that I can get to a place where my schedule would allow at least one post a week. 

2. Beautiful picture. I don't think that the pictures I post here are horrible but I want them to be even better. Its a skill and I'm working on developing better skills with photography. I think I need to invest in a better camera. 

3. I want this blog to be around when I have kids. I'm no where near ready to have kids, heck I don't have anyone in my life to have kids with. But I would like to think that one day when I am ready I will be sharing their pictures and milestones and stories with my little corner of the internet. 

And those are just three things that I want to see during my blogging career. I know that sometimes it may feel like I ignore the blog but if we're being honest I'm a very busy person who doesn't always have time to write, which is heartbreaking but true. I can promise no matter that I still love this blog and want to return as often as possible. 

And since this is a lot of words and no pictures I've decide to add on some transformation photos now.

April 2013

April 2016

I feel like I look so different and so similar at the same time.

And now I want to thank every reader who clicks on this blog. I appreciate your continued support. And now here's more many more years to come!

Oh yeah and of course the top posts of The World According to Emma's history.
5. So you want to start a blog?
4. Bucket List Recap {August 2013}
3. Your Perfect Pup {A Guest Post}
2. What I Love Wednesday...blogging {A Guest Post}
1. 12 Months Blogging

xoxo.

-P.S. I just want to announce that I crossed something off my bucket list by hitting 500 posts here on the blog! You can check out the post here! Although I didn't realize it was the 500th post when I wrote it. 

Life Update Picture Edition

Hello All,

Long time no talk! I feel like I never have time blog...at least not as much time as want to. Anyways I recently was transferring a lot pictures from my phone to my computer and I figured I'd do a quick life update using those pictures. I hope you guys like it!

New Hair

In the end of February I decided to change my hair. I got about 4 or 5 inches off my hair and dyed it a dark red. Its taken a little while but I may have finally gotten used to it. Also I got a lot of compliments on it.

My 22nd Birthday

 Over my spring break I turned 22 years old! I spent the day getting my nails done and shopping with my mom. I got a lot of amazing birthday wishes and I'm so grateful for everyone who took the time out of their day to wish me a happy birthday.

Bird in the Building

The Wednesday we came back from Spring Break it started out with the school not having power which cancelled all classes before 5 PM! It was such a cool day off because it was like a snow day but it was nice out. People had their windows open and two birds flew into our building! Our hall director, a few of the RAs and some other staff members tried to catch them. They spent a lot of time flying around but eventually they flew out! It was a pretty exciting!

Diana's 21st Birthday

Diana

LtoR: Diana and Me 

LtoR: Megan, Diana and me

A few weeks ago my roommate, Diana turned 21 years old! Diana, myself and Megan who are all 21  went out to celebrate her birthday. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed ourself.

And that's pretty much everything that's been going on in my life. Sorry that I've been kind of MIA lately but school comes first! But the good news is there is post coming up on Wednesday too!

Also if you want more consistent updates you can follow me on Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat which I update some what frequently, my username for all 3 our @judy_judy94.

{Edited April 2016} This post marks the 500th post here on The World According to Emma!

22 Things I Want to See Happen This Year

Hello All,

Are you guys feeling 22? Because I am!

That's right it's my birthday and I'm 22! This birthday is nowhere near as exciting at 21 but I can reference the Taylor Swift song all day today.

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I'm not 100% what I'm doing today but I'm pretty sure I'll be vlogging so keep an idea for at a minimum a blog post. For a the past few weeks I've been thinking about what I wanted to do for this post and I decided I would do 22 things I want to see happen this year of my life.

1. I want to see myself graduating (*cough December *cough cough***)

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2. I want to see my friendships strengthen as everyone start to start their next chapters

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3. I want to try and find my dream job or master's program

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4. Get back into a blogging and YouTube schedule

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5. Start looking into where I could be living when I settle down

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6. Go on a trip (preferably more then one, but realistic I'll stick with 1)

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7. Book something for my first European adventure

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8. The first part of the Gilmore Girls revival

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9. Get into shape

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10. Redecorate my room at home

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11.  Save a good amount of money

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12. Have a great last kid-like summer

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13. Look into getting a new car

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14. Meet someone interesting and unlike anyone else I've ever met (even if we only talk once)

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15.  A weekend road trip

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16. Go to a concert

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17. Starting saving up for a bulldog

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18. Cross somethings off my bucket list

19. Pay it forward at drive thru

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20. See the Red Sox win the world series

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21. Take a chance and do something I never thought I could

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22. Be happy and healthy

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And that is all the things I want to see happen this year. I feel like 22 could be the next year yet and I'm excited to see what it brings.