Hi everyone! I haven’t posted since the beginning of this month. Although I’ve had time, I also haven’t felt like my mind has been in the right place to post. Here’s what’s been happening so far:

School

I am finally on Spring Break!!! This last week was pretty overwhelming and stressful. However, I think one thing that will help me as a I go into the college application process will be keeping a list of my accomplishments. I think some schools no longer need the SAT at all, so I will definitely be looking for some schools like that.

Honestly, the college application process is challenging. There’s applying for the FAFSA, getting letters of recommendation (although I’ve already talked to teachers about this, so that’s set), making sure my college credits are seen (I don’t know if any will be accepted, but getting to experience college level work has been helpful), writing essays, and talking about myself in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, it’s getting challenging to focus in class because I’ve been doing online learning for over a year now. I hope we’ll be back in fourth quarter, but not many students are returning, which makes sense because in where I live, the vaccine isn’t open to people my age yet.

Life

I want to start meditating five to ten minutes a day. Another characteristic of myself that I struggle with is comparing myself to others. I know that there will always be people with more than me, and I have to recognize that I am enough for myself.

Recently, I’ve found out about a really amazing opportunity this summer through the local library, so I am looking into that. In May, I’m going to be a part of a really cool event. It takes place after my exams, so it’s happening at the perfect time.

What I’m Reading – No spoilers

I recently finished The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna. It’s definitely one of my favorite books of 2021 because I love the fact that Deka is a part of a group of warrior girls and women. I finished it in two sittings. The commentary on knowing the true history and embracing who you are is my favorite part of this book. I look forward to seeing how Deka’s journey continues in the sequel.

Right now, I’m reading Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron. I sped read this book in 2019, and am now reading it slowly. I love the world building and the relationship between Arrah and Rudjek. In Kingdom of Souls, Arrah is trying to find her magic, as she is the only one in her family of witchdoctors who doesn’t have her own. It’s interesting to see how Arrah begins to question the world and her family, and the way Barron combines her own mythology she’s written with the actions of Arrah’s family is so interesting.

What are you reading right now?