These past three years at SMU have been life changing. I have laughed, I have cried, I have complained, and I have rejoiced. Overall, my experiences as a student have been overwhelmingly positive and impactful. There are simply no better words to use other than, life changing.

The last few weeks of school have been difficult. The idea of saying goodbye to SMU and entering the “real world” is incredibly overwhelming. What’s next? Who knows?…It’s the uncertainty that’s getting to me.

As I left my last class, ever, as an undergraduate student, my mind couldn’t help but race back to my first day at SMU. I remember the weather, the class, down to what I was wearing. And somehow in-between I earned a college degree. Bam. Time to graduate.

I sat in my car on the corner of Hillcrest and University, my eyes filling up with tears, because I knew that once I drove off campus I would never be driving back for the same reason. I would never be racing to get to class on time, scurrying in to listen to Dr. Duhe lecture about “the unchangeable core” or Professor Lee talk about rock and roll. As the light turned green and I drove away, I knew that that chapter of my life had officially come to an end.

Even though graduation marks the beginning of perhaps the most exciting part of my life, I can’t help but think of it as bitter sweet. But that’s the magic of life, I suppose. One door closes and another one opens. Even though you don’t know what’s waiting on the other side you have to have faith, faith that God has a plan and it will all work out. I’m leaning a lot on faith right now. Because to be honest I’m slightly afraid, afraid of the uncertainty heading my way. But I must not leave out that I am excited, I am excited to see what’s next. What’s next? Who knows? But I have the chance to make it great.

SMU has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and the confidence to go out and do something. Now I just have to do it…

Fiesta: A San Antonio, TX Tradition

Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, is a spring festival held annually since 1891. It all began with a celebration to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto, with a parade called, “Battle of Flowers.” The first parade had horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and floats carrying children dressed as flowers.

Fiesta in San Antonio

A Fiesta Float floating down the River Walk in downtown San Antonio

To this day, around April, 21st, the Battle of Flowers parade takes place, and it is the largest parade in all of the Fiesta celebrations; schools have the day off and it is truly a San Antonio tradition. Battle of Flowers kicks off the ten day long festivities through out the city.

Traditional Fiesta attire consists of large hats and colorful, goofy attire

Cascarones stands can be found everywhere during the festivities

Other Fiesta traditions include, The Order of the Alamo, The Texas Cavaliers, The Pilgrimage to the Alamo, The Texas Cavaliers River Parade, El Rey Feo, The Fiesta Flambeau Parade, St. Mary’s Oyster Bake, and Night in Old San Antonio. More detailed information about each event can be found on the official fiesta website, fiesta-sa.org.Vive Fiesta! and Viva San Antonio!

Palm Beach Designer, Lilly Pulitzer, is Coming to a Target Near You

Lilly Pulitzer will be launching a limited edition line for Target on Sunday, April 19th. The line consists of patio furniture, plates, glasses, umbrellas, bathing suits, dresses, sandals and clothing, for both women and girls, totaling 250 pieces according to CNN.

Her iconic bright, colorful, and big patterned designs are just what the doctor called for in anticipation for summer and it will only be available until May 31st (if it doesn’t sell out before then).

Target has successfully partnered with other high-end designers in the past such as Alexander McQueen, Jason Wu, and Prabal Gurung. In 2011, Missoni joined Target and everything was gone in a matter of hours. Every featured designer has created craze amongst “Le Tarjay” lovers and Lilly Pulitzer’s line is expected to be no different.

Will you be first in line on Sunday at your local Target? The Lilly Pulitzer line will go on sale nation wide during the “early morning hours” on Sunday according to a spokeswoman from Target.

Below are some pictures from the collection. Enjoy!

SMU Hosts So You Think You Can Dance 2015 Auditions

So You Think You Can Dance: Miranda Gonzalez

SMU’s Dallas Hall lawn was buzzing with excitement and energy this past Saturday, Feb. 14. Hundreds of dancers lined up before dawn for a chance to become America’s next favorite dancer on the Fox dancing reality TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. “I’ve been here since 4am!” said Miranda Gonzalez, an 18 year-old from San Antonio. Gonzalez has been dancing since she was five years old. “I don’t care if I make it to Hollywood or not; I’m just excited to be here and experience this.”

The dancers exuded excitement as they danced and warmed up waiting in line. Frappes, tendues, piques, plies— One young man was using a tree as a ballet bar, others sprawled on the floor doing the splits. People singing, cheering, laughing and chanting, “So You Think You Can Dance? Hey! So You Think You can Dance? Hey!”

SYTYCD_Video

Two lines were formed separating street dancers from stage dancers. The groups danced and engaged in dance offs as the local media filmed and interviewed them. The energy was contagious. Shortly after, host Cat Deeley arrived. Camera crews scurried to get their best shot of Deeley, pumping up the crowd and dancing with the young dancers.

SYTYCD_2Video

“Are you ready Dallas?” yelled Deeley as she jogged down the long line. Deeley then joined the young man doing tendues on the tree. They pointed their toes and plied in perfect unison.  The line began to advance into the auditorium around 9:30am— The talent was clear and the passion was felt and as they say, break a leg, dancers.

SYTYCD_4Video

What color is the dress?

A disagreement over the color of a dress is ruining friendships and breaking up families. Is it blue and black or white and gold? A bride posted a picture of the dress her mother wore to her wedding and after posting it on Pintrest, the dress magically changed colors.

Picture of dress breaking up families and friendships.

According to an article by the New York Times, within a half-hour, the post attracted some 500 likes and shares. The photo soon migrated to Buzzfeed, Facebook and Twitter, immediately setting off a social-media frenzy that few were able to resist.

As the arguments escalated, even scientists were boggled and couldn’t agree as to what was happening. Taylor Swift even Tweeted about the dress, “I don’t understand this odd dress debate and I feel like it’s a trick somehow. PS it’s OBVIOUSLY BLUE AND BLACK.”

Theories about why the dress looks different to different people began to arise. One article even said if you saw it blue and black it was because you were depressed. This is completely false and the one thing scientist finally agreed upon was that this was a very rare and unusual illusions.

Why is this happening with the Blue and Black (No! White and Gold) Dress?

What color do you see it? And why does the crazy person next to you see it differently? Here is the scientific explanation thanks to Business Insider:

Your retina contains cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors convert light rays into nerve signals, which are then processed by nerve cells in the inner retina, sent to the brain, and translated as images.

The two types of photoreceptor cells are known as rods and cones. Rods are responsible for peripheral and night vision. They detect brightness and shades of gray. Cones are responsible for day vision and color perception.

Humans have a low concentration of rod receptors and a high concentration of cone receptors, which is why we can’t see as well at night but can detect colors.

We have three types of cones, each tuned to pick up green, red, or blue wavelengths of light. When light hits our eyes, the receptors turn these colors into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Our brains determine the color that we see by blending the signals that each receptor senses.

We have the fewest number of blue cones, therefore, if you don’t have very many blue cones, you may see it as white, or if you have plenty of blue cones, you may see more blue. In person, the dress is clearly blue and black. The lighting of the image, which has a bluish tint, appears to be what is throwing people’s brains off. It makes the blue part look white and black part look gold. The picture of this dress seems to have tints that hit the sweet spot that’s confusing to a lot of people.

So there you have it! You aren’t crazy, and your friend isn’t crazy either. Agree to disagree.

Tough day, tough week, tough month, tough year…

Indulge more, stress less.

Whether it be school, work, $$, family, friends, kids etc… stress is stressful and stress management varies from him, to her, to them. But, stress does not have to control you. Stress is in the mind of the beholder and that is the common denominator amongst all. According to Psychology Today,  “…If you want to handle stress more effectively, don’t label all stress as bad.  Try to look at stress with a positive mindset and you will, in fact, be better able to cope with it.”

When stressed, there are two critical things to keep in mind, 1) You have a choice and 2) Its temporary. The secret is in the attitude; don’t take the little things for granted and focus on the positive.

Choice.

Yes, no; up, down. When it comes to stress, there is a choice to either succumb to it and let it take over your life, or take it as a positive. How? Stress could be a motivator; a fire under the butt.

Temporary.

The only guarantee that life guarantees is no guarantees. Although we never know what could go right (or wrong) the good news is it’s not forever. You’re up then you’re down, that’s the circle of life.

Don’t stress too much about stress.

Sometimes you get caught up in everyday life and its battles and forget to stop and smell the roses. If you haven’t realized life has its ups and downs and everything is temporary, even life itself. In the midst of the chaos there is good. Focus on the good and the little things that make you happy. Surely, stress is less stressful when one is cheery.

Therefor, the number one lesson of the week: everything in moderation, including moderation. Have that second glass of wine (or third or fourth or fifth…). Eat that chocolate chip cookie. When worried and stressed, instead of obsessing over it, take a deep breath and remind yourself that life is good and everything is temporary. Savor the moment, take control, and lastly, indulge in the things and people you love.

Three Must Have Habits of a Young Entrepreneur

“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.”  – Steve Jobs

Good habits lead to a successful career.

A Young Entrepreneurs Way of Life

Being an entrepreneur is a way of life; it’s a way of thinking—It’s not an occupation. According to Forbes about 20% of the workforce is engaged in running a start-up or a more established business. Starting a business is one thing, but being a successful business owner is another story. Success starts from within. At its core, success is simply establishing good habits.

Therefor, here are the three must have habits of a young entrepreneur.

1) Be able to see possibility in everything. 

An entrepreneur must be both innovative and flexible. Success is when preparation meets opportunity. Wisely use everything (and sometimes everyone) to your benefit. Smart entrepreneurs form mutually benefiting work and personal relationships. Network, network network. You never know when the friend of a friend’s, cousin’s, neighbor’s, fiancé is best buds with the CEO of XYZ. The point is being creative; if you carefully look at the different angles you might be looking at perfection.

2) Take risks.

The only guarantee that life guarantees is no guarantees. Things can change in the blink of an eye—now you see it, now you don’t. For an entrepreneur, the biggest risk is not taking any risk. Learn to turn obstacles into assets. Take it one step at a time and don’t become overwhelmed. Be satisfied with even the smallest of improvements—Rome wasn’t built in a day so why should you expect that of your endeavors/ business?

3) Start before you feel ready. 

Perhaps the most valuable lesson in life. There is no such thing as “the perfect time.” Being an entrepreneur is seeing an opportunity and taking it when it comes. Always be ready to say yes even when circumstances are not ideal. Sometimes you just have to do it. Sometimes the perfect time is now. Failure is part of the adventure that leads to success. In the wise words of entrepreneur Ajaero Tony Matins, “The fastest way to build a successful business from scratch is to fail fast.”

Being an entrepreneur is a science. Steve Jobs, perhaps one of the most groundbreaking individuals of the Century, faced copious obstacles before attaining success. To put it simply, a young entrepreneur must be innovative, fearless, and relentless. Whatever you are doing now, connect it back to what you want to be doing entrepreneurially. So I’ll leave you with this: If you live your life every day the same way as you did today, what kind of future would that create?

To Blog or Not to Blog

According to the Huffington Post, blogging is a way to organize your thoughts, learn, tell your story, stand out, and make connections. Therefor the only valid question is, “Are you blogging? And if no, why not?” To Blog or Not to Blog that is the question, and the answer is, blog.

However, one will quickly find that after a few weeks of posting blogs it can become difficult to think of new, relevant, and bright things to write about. But it’s nothing to stress about. Below are some ideas that will surely assist you during a blogging block and give you a gazillion and one ideas on what to blog about.

What to Blog About

It is difficult to continuously think of clever topics to blog about but it doesn’t have to be so. When deciding what to blog about think of things that genuinely interest you. Passion shows through writing and if you don’t really care about what you’re blogging about neither will potential readers.  Also, stay relevant; whether it be the season, politics, or world news, don’t talk about Christmas in May. And lastly, listen to your audience. Your readers are the ones that truly matter. Surely, the reason you are willing to publicly write about XYZ is because you want others to hear what you’ve got to say so when you’re writing think about the type of persons you want to attract.

It’s simpler than you think…

Therefor, when deciding what to blog about don’t over think it. Be inspired by what is constantly around you. Blog about food, health, dogs, cats, women, men, politics, “how to”…

So what to blog about? Anything!

Five Things You Must Complete ASAP in Preparation for Graduation

Five Things You Must Complete ASAP in Preparation for Graduation

Spring Break is over and real life must begin again. With that said, it’s time to stop procrastinating; below are the five things you MUST complete ASAP to be fully prepared for graduation.

To Do List

1. Book Hotel

Almost every hotel within a five-mile radius of SMU is booked for graduation weekend. However, there a still many hotels downtown that have a lit vacancy sign.

2. Sign Up for Your Preferred Ceremony

There will be three graduation celebrations; choose as you will. Friday, May 15, is the Baccalaureate Service; Saturday, May 16 is the All-Universities Commencement Convocation, which is where George W. Bush will be speaking, and later that evening each school holds a Diploma Presentation Ceremony.

3. Regalia

If you haven’t read one of the 578 thousand emails about ordering cap and gown then you must live under a rock. The deadline is March 31^st therefore hurry up.

4. SMU Class Ring, Invitations, and Frame

If you place your order within the next week your ring, invitations, or diploma frame will still make it in time for graduation.

5. Make Dinner Reservations

Thousands of families are going to want dinner at around the exact same time. Do the math; this equals chaos. If you haven’t already, make a dinner reservation within the next week or so.

SMU May 2015 Graduation Countdown

So there you have it, the five things you must complete ASAP in preparation for graduation. Graduation is only 49 days away. WOW. More detailed information can be found on the SMU May Commencement website. It’s an exciting time indeed, best of luck on the last few weeks.

George W. Bush Announced as Most Influential Commencement Speaker of 2015

George W. Bush is SMU’s Centennial Commencement Speaker. Former president George W. Bush will be speaking at SMU’s May graduation and students could not be more excited. “It’s really cool; I cant wait to see what he has to say,” expressed senior theatre major Mitchell Presas. The announcement occurred on March 3^rd by the SMU newspaper, The Daily Campus. Within minutes, the link to the article was posted all over graduating seniors’ facebook walls.

“This Commencement is especially noteworthy because 2015 is the 100-year anniversary of SMU’s opening. So it is fitting that we should hear from a president who led our nation and the world during historic times and is a valued member of the campus community,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner

Being that SMU has a unique relationship with the Bush family, many students aren’t surprised. With Laura Bush being an alumna and the Bush Library being located on SMU campus the decision to host George W. Bush as the 2015 Commencement speaker seems natural. This will be the second time Bush addresses SMU; He delivered his first Commencement speech at SMU in 1999 when he was the governor of Texas.

According to Business Insider, the announcement is noteworthy, as SMU will be hosting one of the most notable Commencement speakers of the year. Other notable commencement speakers announced this year include former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick at Harvard University and UN Ambassador Samantha Power at the University of Pennsylvania.