Impressions.

"First impressions last a lifetime." 

But so do second impressions, and every one following. 

One of the most important lessons I've learned since graduating high school is that first impressions are important, people's opinions can change -- as can your own. When you are around somebody for so long, it's easy to only have one opinion about them. However, a degree of separation can bring with it a new perspective... sometimes, it's necessary. I will admit that I spend a lot of time evaluating and re-evaluating people I know. But sometimes, learning what makes them tick can disprove my founding theory. Most of the time, this is not a bad thing. 

I've found that my general formula for forming opinions of others is very similar to picking out a new book. One of the things I'm most guilty of when it comes to selecting which work to read next is the book's cover. Yeah, yeah, "don't judge a book by it's cover." I know... but I can't help it. The covers that entice me, that draw me forward, are the ones that I'm going to actually pick up -- even if there's a better selection (content-wise) next to it. I think this happens a lot when choosing relationships: the more outgoing, "nicer" person is going to get "looked at" -- for lack of better phrasing -- more often than the quiet one, even if their personality is less than lovely. It's incredibly important to read the lines underneath the cover.

Recently, I've found myself analyzing certain people in my life: those who have decided to leave, and those who have reconnected. After graduating, and being on the verge of moving across the country, my eyes are wide open to others. I'm not one for directly "kicking people out" of my life, but I never leave the door unlocked. My belief is that the people who truly want to stick around will, and those who don't will twist the knob. 

But what about the people who leave, but find their way back? Is the door only unlocked from the inside? This is where my struggle lies. Are they granted a "new" first impression? Not necessarily. Instead, I've settled on the fact that some people are deserving of second -- or third, or fourth -- impressions... and it's these ones that can really make an impact. First impressions are telling, but so are new ones; the INTJ in me likes to compare my past and current thoughts about people to piece together who they "really" are (not saying that this always works). As my opinions of others change, I like to look back and attempt to figure out why they've changed, and if its for better or worse.  

Not long ago, someone twisted the knob and was gone a while. I took it personally... really, really personally. I realized not long afterwards that the door would always be unlocked for this person because I truly valued their place in my life. As it turns out, the absence was much needed for both parties. The impression I'd received during the absence displaced my first impression, but it was displaced yet again by something as simple as a rational conversation. 

Point made: I've always been open to fresh perspectives, but I've become much more comfortable with changes in opinion and the enlightenment that comes along with truly knowing a person. I've realized that  my impressions of others can and will change over time, but it's not always to my disadvantage. 

Keep not settling,

Why I Chose a Women's College!

I've witnessed the stares and baffled expressions; I've heard the questions, comments and "concerns" of many people throughout my college application and decision process. From the moment I started talking about applying to women's colleges, I was bombarded with "what!? why?"s and "are you sure you'll be able to handle all that estrogen?"s. To ease your mind once and for all, I'm going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding why I chose my school, and - in particular - why I opted for a women's college over larger, co-ed institutions. 

Behold, one of my favorite images of my beautiful school, Salem College. I could talk about Salem itself for days, but I'll leave that for another post. Onto the FAQs:

What part of going to a girl's school is so appealing? For me, literally every part of going to a women's college is appealing. During my college tour process, a tour guide told me: "Girl's schools exist because parents put their daughters there. Women's colleges exist because women want to be educated in fair, intellectually stimulating environments." In my opinion, this could not be more true (and it's also why I get fairly defensive of the 'women's college' term). Women's colleges are much smaller than other co-ed schools, which makes for a more personal learning environment. As an online student, a small class size makes for an easier transition. Everyone I've met at my school in particular is incredibly sweet: faculty members will go a thousand extra miles for students, and the student body itself is a tightly knit community.

You'll lose out on the male-to-female interaction! This is not a question, and it's also not true. Nearly 25% of women in Congress attended women's colleges; 33% of Fortune-1000 female board members also attended. I've seen first hand the intelligence and communication skills that stem from students at Salem and other women's colleges, and I'm more than excited to be joining them. In case you're still worried about me, there are plenty of co-ed schools around Salem to visit. 

How is the learning environment at Salem/women's colleges different? Aside from the tiny, tiny class sizes (my biggest class this coming semester only holds ~25 students!), the one-on-one attention from going to a small school cannot be matched. Even before I sat down for my scholarship interview at Salem, the Dean of Students knew exactly who I was. My advisor knew my high school records by heart and felt confident in my capability to succeed both in- and outside of the classroom. The professors I've met during my visits to Salem are passionate about what they teach, and you just don't find that everywhere. 

So you're basically going to become a feminazi? I would be lying to say that my decision to attend Salem/a women's college was not based at least a little bit on feminism. But do not fear, the type of feminism that stems from Salem is empowering, not dominating. I believe in the phrase "Women's Rights are Human Rights", and I believe that the general "feminist vibe" at Salem agrees. 

Won't your pool of connections be smaller at a small school? Not necessarily! Attending a small school increases my chances of building relationships and connections on a more personal level, which, in reality, increases the connection "pool." I've already experienced this first-hand at Salem through attending alumni lunches and speaking with professors, and I haven't even started classes yet.

My parents and I talked endlessly about different types of schools, their programs, their environments, and everything in between during my college application process. From August to March, there were hour-long conversations regarding everything under the sun. It wasn't until I actually visited Salem's campus that I was 100% convinced a women's college was right for me. Obviously, everyone's opinion is different, and this is just my experience, but I would encourage every female high schooler to do their research before turning their nose up. 

I'm beyond excited to join the Class of 2018 at Salem College on August 21st! 

Keep not settling, 

The 2.5WPF Club.

That's right, 2.5 children and a White Picket Fence. 

If you are unfamiliar with this term, let me introduce to you one of the best things (i believe) the world has ever witnessed: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Now, many people who know me are aware of my mild obsession with anything related to Jane Austen. LBD is based on Pride & Prejudice, and consists of 100 mini-episodes (plus extras and Q&As!) produced by Pemberley Digital - which is, itself, a play on Austen. LOVE. AT. FIRST. WATCH. 

Even if you're not Austen's biggest fan, take a peek at the first episodes of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Luckily, all 100 episodes + bonus content is available in a playlist right from the YouTube Channel which means that if - when - you get hooked, it's all right there!   

One of the greatest parts of LBD is Pemberley Digital's innate ability to adapt every Pride & Prejudice character to modern day. If you've read the novel, you'll probably be able to detect even the smallest details in the current-era setting - but even if you haven't, it's still an entertaining watch! There's the sibling rivalries, parental problems, and of course, Mr. [Fitz]William Darcy. 

Just watch.

If you find yourself hooked just like I did, fear not! Pemberley Digital is releasing a sequel to the The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet centered around Lizzie's little sister, Lydia... and it's slated for release next year! 

Pemberley Digital also has another Jane Austen novel, Emma, airing on their main channel called Emma Approved. I'll admit that it took me almost 40 episodes to really be interested in the adaption, but I'm stuck on that one as well! 

Let me know what you think of LBD, or if you're interested in Jane Austen at all... If you ever want to have an Austen-y chat, I'm your girl!

Keep not settling, 

Beginnings.

Well, hello.

My name is Brie, and I'm a seventeen-year-old Canadian-born, California-raised, coffee drinking, country music-loving cat lady. If that wasn't enough C's, you can add crazy in there too. I suppose the people who know me would say I'm a little bit (read: extremely) sarcastic. My favorite things include long walks on the beach and sappy rom-coms...kidding! Really though, I'm a sucker for Jane Austen novels, painting, and navy stripes. 

Chances are, if you're reading this, you already know that. But if you stick around, you might learn something (or not... who knows). As of this moment, this blog will probably be used to document the parts of my life I deem exciting, such as:

• COLLEGE! As if I haven't been talking about this enough out loud. There is only 27 days left until my flight takes off for my latest adventure. I'm North Carolina bound! 

• Music. Because I really do love it. Plus, I'll pretty much listen to anything - from Zac Brown Band to Vampire Weekend, from Parachute to Lorde. You name it, I probably have a Spotify playlist for it. 

• Photography. Every once in a while I enjoy pulling out my DSLR... I'm sure that when it happens, I'll post a few pictures here. I'm also big on Instagram, so you should follow me there. 

• Other random things that interest me.  This is self-explanatory.

I've always enjoyed writing, and I figured that starting a blog would be one of the most satisfactory ways to keep my California friends and family up to date while I'm across the country. Hopefully you'll find this as enjoyable as I do. 

Keep not settling,