Learning Challenge: Reading

(Image sourced from Buzzfeed)

This quote was found in the book dedication of Jen Campbell's novel, The Bookshop. I believe this quote rings true and carries a deeper message than all of the memes that I searched through before this. Bookshops, stories, and books themselves gives readers a space to dream, breathe, and reside in a safe place.

I am a firm believer that we should all take a break from the real world every now and then and lose ourselves between the pages of a good book and the smell of coffee (especially on a rainy day). I believe that words hold power and that that kind of power should be taken seriously.

I am looking forward to graduating in 12 short days and relishing in the fact that I will get the time to read a good book every now and then.

Learning Challenge: Empathy

(Image sourced from PostSecret)

I had never heard of PostSecret before this evening. It was actually incredibly intriguing and also sad in a way. I found it shocking that there were so many secrets waiting to be shared. I think it was heartbreaking to know that there are millions of people out there who feel like they can't say what they want to. I know we as humans all have something we don't want to share but it is my personal belief that we shouldn't live in fear. We should live in a world that breeds acceptance and understands the value of peoples words. Scrolling through PostSecret has made me realize that I too need to be more accepting of others and that I need to be a listening ear to those who need it.

Learning Challenge: Coffee Shop Thoughts

(Personal Image taken in Bristol, England 2016)

I believe everyone has their own way of paying attention. I think it's up to the individual to figure out the setting they work best in. For me, it's a chill coffee shop with music and a little bit of background noise. I think I work best in an environment that inspires me to be creative and surrounded by people who are also working.

Gray Owl Coffee off of Gray street in Norman is my favorite place to study at. The art hung from the walls and the trendy people at every table inspire me to also be creative and get my work done. There is something about being surrounded by like-minded people who spur you on to be a better version of yourself.

The environment has everything to do with how well you pay attention to your work. Maybe a coffee shop is too distracting for some people, that's why the library and the great reading room work great for other students. Figure out what setting allows you to pay attention best and work there. That's my little tidbit of advice.

Learning Challenge: Time

(Image sourced from Pinterest)

I feel as if this poem sums up how I feel about time perfectly. In my world I firmly believe that there are not enough hours in the day to do everything that I need and want to get done. I know school should come first, but this being my last semester of college I can’t help but feel like my priorities are different this time around. I find myself valuing meaningful conversations and quality time with loved ones hold more value to me than homework.

I feel as if time is slowly slipping away and as hours, days, and months march forward and I can’t help but think that what I’m doing will be forgotten. I want to be able to leave an impact on this world and be intentional in my friendships and relationships while they’re still near by. In 3 months I’ll either be hopping on a plane to New York or London to start the rest of my life...

I can only hope that my yesterday’s will be remembered and treasured by the people I spent them with.

Learning Challenge: Caffeine Causality Loop

(Cartoon by John Atkinson sourced from Wrong Hands)

The caffeine causality loop is something that haunts my daily routine. This year I have felt like I have been in a constant cycle of meetings, school, University Sing, and coffee. Normally, I have my life under control, however this semester is throwing me for a loop. I found out on the first day of class this semester that I am graduating a semester early.


That day rocked my world. No longer was this semester just a semester full of game days, classes, and social functions, it was a semester of goodbyes. I am learning how to manage my time all over again because I am really trying to be intentional in my friendships and encourage those around me, but that takes more time than I thought.


I'm quickly finding out that there is not enough hours in the day to get everything done, which leaves me praying for a personal assistant and sucking me into the caffeine causality loop. Coffee and prayers are the only things getting me through these long days. Not all days are bad, but every day calls for coffee.