THE BIG DAY

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The day has come...TO GRADUATE UNIVERSITY!

Wow. Just the sound of that carries so much. 

Also, SO SORRY FOR THE LATE BLOG!!
It's been nuts with moving out and such. But thanks for being patient and to all those who do follow this blog, much love to you!

My parents said to me all day, "You've worked so hard to get here, you should be so proud!" And yeah, while I agree that I worked my butt off to get here, I wasn't sure if I did everything right.

That was all changed when I was sitting in the middle of the Pete, tassle on my right, and looking around at the sea of graduation caps. These were people I've spent the last four years of my life with. And here we are all together taking it all in.

Our commencement speaker could not have been more perfect. He has the biggest resume I've ever heard, including four, yes FOUR, trips to SPACE. Talk about a guy who is out of this world...
(sorry dad jokes gotta happen at some point or another)

Haha but really, he said some very touching stuff. What resonated most with me was when he advised us all to keep reaching for the big dreams we have. We have to fearlessly seek new opportunities in life, and it's okay to change your mind if that dream doesn't work out. I was in tears when he told us we could fail, because things are going to turn out okay. It's how we perceive our own self-determination to try out something new and trust ourselves to follow through with it.

And now I hold a Bachelor's degree.

I think it's awesome how at events like these, people really show their support and love for you. Like when I looked up into the stadium, I saw a few really cool people waving in my general direction (how did they even find me?!?). My friends Lauren, Danielle and Abby (who has been in London all semester!) were there supporting Mavis and I. How awesome are they!? Not many people would sit through that when it wasn't even to celebrate them. True friend MVPs.

The amount of pride I had for my school at this moment and for everyone around me who stuck with their decision to finish college was incredible. It's not easy to get to this point, but we killed it.

Congratulations to the entire class of 2015! We did it!

More photo ops of course! And excitement for the graduates, and seeing Ab after so long!

So remember that big list of goals I had set for myself to complete within 100 days through graduation? Well, here's the original list, and how I did. Let's see how it worked out:

Goals:

• Kayak along the three rivers - okay, not yet. But in my defense, the weather was not reliable enough to plan for this. All the more reason to come back to Pittsburgh soon!
• Walk across that stage. - DONE. DONE. DONE. I did this, and didn't fall. Emotionally and physically.
• Get in the Oakland zoo - Yes! I sat with Liz in the front row =)
• Have a killer spring break - Um, obviously. Disney World won't forget this dynamic duo!
• Run a 5k (or trot, jog, somersault - whatever works) - YES!!! I'm really proud of this one. Honestly when I wrote out this goal I laughed a little at myself because I was almost certain it wouldn't end up being completed. But I did it. And with a little help from my friend, didn't walk a single step.
• Cook healthier meals - I tried? Yeah unfortunately college budgets don't really allow for a lot of creativity here.
• Keep making HC awesome - I like to think so =)
• Survive dancing for 24 hours for charity - uh huh! I felt great afterwards too!
• Get into grad school - YEAH BABY
• Have a backup plan - didn't need one haha. But it was to apply to work for HC Nationals in Boston!
• Stay involved in my sorority - I think I did!
• Accept the changes about to come barreling through: play them up and see what they can do for me - these changes came in heavily, but I think they are what got me through senior year feeling like I did something that mattered.
• Make memories with the people I care about - Yes. I wholeheartedly don't regret a second of my time this semester spent with my friends.
• Never forget this school, and the people in it. - Hail to Pitt forever. I'm always going to call Pitt my second home.

So what do you think, pretty well huh?

Life is not perfect. Not everything is going to work out exactly like you planned. But making lists and working toward your goals will make you smile when you look back and see that you really did make a positive change in your life.

Also, It's never goodbye. It's see you later =) 

Just an FYI, I do plan on continuing this blog from time to time! Not daily, but yes you will definitely be seeing some of my summer adventures and some Syracuse here and there, so we shall return here someday soon!

Until next time babes!

XO

Amanda

Cookie cake and a gold accent

1

Dang. One day left.

I think it's safe to freak out now.

Okay so technically I had my first graduation today. I know I know, the countdown says we have another day. But we actually have two. One for your major, and one with everybody. So today, I graduated with everyone in the School of Health and Rehab Sciences.

The ceremony was pretty interesting to say the least. First of all, I thought the audience was going to riot. Apparently the air conditioners were so loud nobody could hear anything the important people were saying, so the crowd literally shouted to the front to tell all these professionals that their speeches were totally mime acts.

But other than that, it was really nice seeing all my friends in my major walk across that stage.

My turn next.

Now's the time where my completely unreliable feet have to take me across the stage without tripping and falling.

And guess what, I did it!

Sweet Caroline was the best part of it all. And then afterwards, my parents got to meet my two favorite professors and chat with them a while before heading home.

It's never an instant feeling you get when you complete a milestone. It's always something that really has to sink in for me. Like, when I got back to my seat after making my way across the stage and meeting the line of hand shakers, it's not like I was all "okay done, next!" It took me all day and night to get the feeling to kick in that, hey, I'm done with school at Pitt.

UGH SO SAD.

So later going out with these guys, I accidentally got really emotional when everything settled in with me. But the night was super fun and I'm really glad we all got together.

Pitt, I love you and I love what you've given me.

Also, my parents were adorable all day being cute at the graduation. You guys made the day that much more special. And tomorrow with my brother here, everything will feel whole.

Don't be afraid to fall babes.

XO

Amanda

Dora the explorer

2

My Friday was full of new adventures and quality friend time =)

In the morning, a mani-pedi was much needed before starting off the day. I went with pitt sparkly blue on the fingers, and a pale adorable pink on the toes. The wait might have been forever and a day, but it was so worth the pampering treatment.

Then, MORE GRADUATION PHOTOS!!!

Liz, Mavis and I headed out for some classic poses by the panther and cathedral fountain, with Lauren being the best photographer ever. I love friends who do stuff like this - go above and beyond just to make you happy!

During out photoshoot, we just had such a good time getting silly photos, and the candids came out just hilarious. 

Also, I got another thing crossed off my bucket list: splash around in the Frick fountain!

Again, Lauren you're a champ. 

As my parents were coming into Pittsburgh, while they settled into their hotel Lauren Mavis and I trekked up to Mount Washington for some more amazing photos, and memories.

I love this city.

There's nothing stopping me from coming back to visit someday. This city has given me much more than I ever expected it to. It has believed in me even when I didn't myself, and it has taught me how to grow from mistakes. 

So here's to the best city in the world, and the best school in the world. I am so honored to be graduating from this and taking everything I've learned into the next years of my life.

Adventure is out there, go and find it babes.

XO
Amanda

Cords on cords on hoods?

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Three's a crowd.

Speaking of crowds, today I got up bright and early to join the coolest crowd around. My sorority!

Look how cute we are!!

Getting graduation photos done will probably be one of the planned experiences I cherish most. I don't think I can possibly look at this photo and not smile. Every one of my senior deephers are here together sharing this special moment. Being part of a sorority has been such a rewarding experience, and this picture tells it all.

Also, I couldn't stop laughing at all our hoods and cords getting blown around by the wind. It was definitely a non stressful morning, just easy going and fun!

Later in the day, I just sort of relaxed, got some more packing done, called the parents, and hung out in Carnegie library for a bit to just get out of the house. Nice change of scenery once in a while never hurt.

The next few days are going to be really busy! I'm looking forward to seeing my family really soon. Also, be in the look out for more graduation photos :)

Work toward your goals babes, it will get your far!

XO

Amanda

Bare walls

4

One for each one direction member?

Sorry, too soon!

Today my roommates and I started the day off by taking down the wall decor in our apartment. It only took us a little bit, but we got a good amount done. Now you can start to hear our echoes! It's sorta creepy actually. But all the more progress to getting moved out.

Then my little, gl and I went out to the porch for some yummy lunch and catching up. 

Later that night, Mavis and I went down to south side for some shoe graduation shopping and obviously a milkshake. Just look at the fudge gooing down the sides!

Also, happy earth day!! Go pick up some trash everyone! Love the earth and the air around it!!

Stay eco-friendly babes!

XO

Amanda

@ PNC 3 times opening week!

5

OMG FIVE DAYS!?

Ah, beautiful Pittsburgh. You never fail to amaze me!

Today was the perfect mix of productivity, getting my cough and cold feeling better, and having a little bit of fun. 

Because this is my second ball game of the week! That means I've been at the lovely PNC Park three times including my 5K race (which I'm still shocked at myself for doing)!

So after finishing my VERY LAST FINAL PAPER (Holy Toledo) my roommate and I bussed downtown to redeem our free tickets to see the Pirates play any game this week. Pretty good deal for running in a race!

As the Pirates faced the Cubs, we entertained ourselves with some treasure chest dippin dots (a better version of cookies and cream) and checking out the gift shops (duh!)

Haha we clearly know how to always have a good time!

Until next time babes!

XO

Amanda

Trip down sicky lane

6

Man these days are coming down fast!

So as you all might know, I've been battling this sickyness for quite some time now. And today was no exception! But, I have been feeling a little bit better as the day went on thanks to my trip to the student health center. And some apple juice.

And a couple calls home :)

Chatting with my parents all day (they were worried I had something super weird and not normal considering the doc prescribed me a million meds) really helped a lot to get my mind off being stressed. Seriously stress, you can back off now!

The rest of today was basically me resting to get my strength up to finish my last paper at Pitt EVER. Oh my gosh I never thought I'd see this day.

I'd also like to "sister" my big for being awesome and driving to run errands for me while I'm being a potato. Love you so much big!

Stay out of the doctor's office babes!

XO

Amanda

Tea time

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One week left...omg!

Not to disappoint you all but this blog post is gunna be hella short.

Mostly because I can't feel my face or breathe without coughing every two seconds. Yikes! 

Please send hugs my way (virtual only ones as to not get any of you sick too!)

And remember to not let stress get to you. Because that's probably what caused this icky thing I've got!

Stay healthy babes

XO

Amanda

Finish what you started

8

This week's gunna flyyyyy by!

So you may be wondering why this girl was up at 5am when she's been sick with a cough and sniffles.

Only one reason: to do something I've always wanted to do, but never thought I could finish.

I ran my very first 5k race!

Yes, you read that right. The girl who never ran in high school, the girl who didn't think she could finish a cycling class and make it out alive. I did what I knew I could do if I set my mind to it. That's all it is, a mind game. If you tell yourself you can, you won't believe what your body is capable of.

So the race as held downtown starting at the bridge next to PNC park. Mavis and I signed up to do this one because she knows how much this meant to me. Word of advice: run with a friend for your first one if you haven't done one yet, because honestly it saved me.

Warning sap alert.

As I was running with my friend by my side, I looked around at the Pittsburgh scenery and remembered why I came to Pitt, a place I had never even been before college. I wanted to experience new things and have every opportunity in the world to do those things. Pittsburgh gave me the chance to do that. I've met some amazing people here and without them I wouldn't be even close to finding myself like I know I have. 

During the run, Mavis constantly reminded me of this. Not explicitly, it's not like we were running and she was like "hey Pitt is awesome so glad you came here!" But with every "keep going just a little farther" or "COME ON YOU CAN SEE THE FINISH LINE!" reminded me that I was doing this because of the person I have become. I wouldn't have believed I could do this if you told my senior year high school self. 

So thank you Mavis for being my motivator the whole time. I love you more than you know!

Not gunna lie, there was one point where I thought I might throw up right at the very end. But I completely ignored it after a second and pushed on. It's all in your head sometimes, and I saw that with our positive thinking we easily took that 5k down!!!

The first pic after crossing the finish line at home base. That smile could not be more genuine of how ecstatic I felt.

AAHH SO MUCH HAPPINESS

and sweaty hugs hahahah 

Well I'm incredibly proud of the both of us and I hope you all find something challenging for you, because once you do it you feel like you can conquer the world.

Ps call your mommas when you do. I did and it made the day so much brighter if that was even possible.

Believe in yourself babes!

XO

Amanda

At the old ballgame

9

...NINE!??! Really!!???

This is not cool!!!

Reality is hitting harder and harder, but for now I'll just keep getting excited to experience all that Pitt has. I'm excited for a lot of things. I'm excited to see my friends who are abroad, I'm excited for my race this weekend, and I'm excited to be a college graduate. That's pretty cool if you ask me.

Today I took a trip to the lovely PNC park in downtown Pittsburgh. My sisters and I took up three rows just to watch the Pirates take on one of their first games of opening week! The best part is always the view but I'm so down for a baseball game anytime. Thanks family back home for raising me to appreciate sports!

Definitely coming back after graduation. Hopefully once a year, but if not I'll always know that Pittsburgh isn't going anywhere. I'll still be able to have a special place in my heart for the experiences here, because truthfully they're unlike any other city.

And yes, Pirates won! 

But really though we were the true winners in those fly outfits ;)

Haha can't wait to come back soon!!

Buy me some peanuts babes!

XO

Amanda

Last last class!

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Thursday marked the last day left of double digits!! WHAT!?

So my day started out with a test (died) and a free salad!! All because it was windy out.

Haha no but really! The wind took down a sign outside my fave salad place and being ocd me I just picked it up. The guy inside literally clapped for me and gave me this salad haha. Yay good deeds! Or you know, in my case, not liking things out of place.

Then literally I had all day to finish this GIANT paper (ended up being over 30 pages) and then got it done just in time! Although I still wasn't done with papers, it was a big load off.

Heheh you guys thought you were sneaky ;)

Then I went to the OCC Induction to get my certificate for completing! The best part was the cheesecake reception after, yuummmmm!!

(Yes we are all 21, don't flip out!)

Haha and last but not least, senior bar crawl with the deephers!! This moment has been much anticipated and we all got to hang out and just forget we are graduating.

But it was such a good time just seeing everybody together. Schedules get so busy during the semester it's nice to just set aside one day for something like this.

Have a fun weekend babes!

XO

Amanda

Sleepless nights

11

As you know, this week is my finals week.

And so is the case for many students here as well. So Pitt decides to throw us a little bit of an ice cream party to get sugar high for the all nighters this whole school is about to pull.

Including myself, because my classes clearly planned to make everything due on the same exact weekend!

Sorry for the once again boring post, but seriously these next few days will be rough. I'm sorry for being moody Judy to all my friends who read this (if any) because I seriously can't figure out what emotions is coming next.

Take a nap for me babes!

XO

Amanda

Study playlists over everything

12

Can we make this week done yet?

Walking a little bit outside helped clear my head.

So sadly this week is my real finals week. I have three exams, four papers (one of which has to be about 35-45 pages), and a presentation. I'm dying here.

So sorry for the possibly super short posts this week. It's gunna be an interesting one.

I also get that we are all stressed, but I really am trying to stay positive, and at the same time visit with friends. You never know what the future will bring because it could literally send a person off to a different continent for all we know.

Just, bear with me while I try to deal with that.

If you need me, I'll be putting on my balancing act as best I can babes.

XO

Amanda 

Blue skies for days

13

Lucky number 13! And to my surprise I did run into a little bit of luck today.

Woke up to this beauty early this morning. Oakland really is pretty when you aren't walking among piles of sorrentos boxes at 2:30am on a Thursday night. :)

Not too exciting of a Monday (sorry!) but it was so gorgeous out that Instagram blew up with #NoFilter #Cathy pics. I don't think there was a time when I was scrolling and didn't pass over at least a couple pics that included the blue Pittsburgh skies featuring a Cathy.

Which also meant schenley beach was open for business. It looked like the entire student body was sprawled out in front of the Porch just relaxing and enjoying the sun. 

I wish I could have been out there, but student obligations first! Only to find out that my teacher extended our deadline. What!? That's never happened before. Now you know why it's been a lucky one!

To get my little relaxation in today, I just finished painting my nails. A pretty dusty blush color that's just right for the start of spring!

Make your own luck today babes!

XO

Amanda

The passing of the torch

14

You could not fit more feels into one day if you tried.

Today was my sorority's little big celebration, where all the seniors leaving get a letter read to them written by their littles. So, naturally, I've been ignoring this day up until the last minute!

I'm glad whoever took this got a good one of my big and I laughing over the letter I wrote to her. I tried my best to add in a lot of humor to cover up the whole me leaving thing. At least I got the room to giggle too. But it's just so emotional having to sit up there and read our letters in front of everyone.

Love you big <3 you're the macaroni to my cheese.

And of course, since we are both graduating, I had to go through it all again with my little.

That's the shirt she made me! I'm so sad to be leaving, but I know I have hers and my entire sorority's support.

Daw my little leopards! I promise I'll come visit my lovelies!!

Double whammy: passing the torch off to the best vp ever Katie! Now that I'm leaving HC, she'll be taking over. This team has been my life the past four years especially this one. I don't know what I'll do next year not having articles and schedules running through my head 24/7, but I know these guys will take good care of our amazing progress. More than that, they will make it soar!

So much love today and I'm grateful for it all!!! I don't know what I did to deserve being around great company all the time. 

This sorority and this online magazine have been such a huge part of my college career. It's amazing to think how going to one meeting or making one tiny left turn will change your life forever. If I hadn't met these incredible people along the way, first of all I wouldn't have friends, and secondly I wouldn't have had the confidence to move forward. And that my dearies, is so important.

Until next time babes,

XO

Amanda 

Food truckin all day

15

Ahh Saturday. The day you think you have all the time in the entire world to get everything done.

Haha whoops!

Got absolutely nothing productive done today. BUT I did have an amazing day full of free food and an outdoor concert with squad, and definitely some shenanigans later into the night.

Thank you Pitt tuition for paying for the 11 food trucks to sit outside on bigelow and serve the oaklandia students free "samples" aka huge portions of FREE FOOD. Every type of food was available from pulled pork bbq (served in an ice cream cone, no lie), to pierogies, to crepes. The real reason I chose Pitt- they love their food.

Two bands performed: Magic Man and the more known American Authors. I know a total of one single song between the both of them lol.

But overall I just had a good time dancin around and being goofy with my girls. To me that's what a concert should allow you to do. Even if you can't sing along, it's fun to just take it all in.

Especially when you're at the one and only Cathella as we so cleverly called it.

Later, the movie Step Up was squeezed into our nightly plans as we accidentally came across it before going out. Out of all the movies I can honestly say this one's the one I can recite every single line. No shame. #thatdancingthough

So Mavis and I decided to try out our own dance moves at our friend's house later that night. We hardly knew anyone, but just like the concert we just gave it a try and hoped for the best.

Hahaha love us. 

Clearly my friends and I always have a good time no matter what the situation. I hope you find friends at your college too like the ones I hung out with today that will just be open to different places or friend groups. You'll learn something about yourself along the way and may even open doors to new opportunities.

Find that free food babes! And as for friendships, well you can't put a price on those.

XO

Amanda

Make messes, you'll learn from them later.

16

I feel so inspired today! Lemmie take a minute to warn you about the upcoming sappy post. Soz not my fault.

First off, it's national siblings day. Can we just look at this photo and talk about how literally nothing has changed between my brother and I? First he's being all sweet and then BAM I'm being choked to death. Us in a nutshell lemmie tell ya. But aren't I so cute :)

Love you big bro, never thought someone so opposite of me could have as big of an influence on my life.

(But really though just get a snapchat already!)

(Ps add me manderz343 on snap and insty!)

Later, Liz and I got all dressed up 'n fancyyy

I think spring threw up on us.

Haha no but I think we looked super cute. We were getting ready for our major's Senior Send Off and honestly I wasn't sure how I'd react to this first step of closure.

But, I survived!! It went really well actually! Liz and I sat at a table with some girls we really only see in our classes, so it was nice to catch up over our yummy dinner and cake. (I fought for that corner piece) 

Then, my favorite professor got up at the podium to speak to us about what life will be like after graduation. She straight up told us, it's going to be an adjustment. But for everybody! It's nothing to be scared about. We all make messes and mistakes. It's how you recover from them that builds character.

So deep. That's why I love this professor. She's so real and doesn't sugar coat anything. She just wants us to be the BEST speech therapists ever.

Yes I took notes while she talked. So?!

Haha whatever. :)

Keep listening to your mentors babes. They could change your whole perspective.

XO

Amanda

Dinos, thunder, and cookies oh my!

17

HAPPY HC COOKIE SALE DAY!!

Lauren posing deliciously with a tray of our amazing tollhouse noms.

We ventured out into the treacherous storm (yes, it literally thundered all night) to sell these babies to the people of south oakland.

More of a bonding event than anything, cookie sale is something we as a team look forward to every year. It's how I met Abby last year and became friends with her in the first place! So obvi a very eventful time for us.

OMG adorbs.

I just had a really great time hanging out with some people I don't normally see too often. And we all got a lot of positive reactions when we told people who we are and what we do. It's exciting to see our fellow classmates interested in hearing what we do for our campus. So thank you everyone who came out and gave us a minute of your time. It means the world to me.

Earlier today I visited the museum with my night class and went to the gym during the day's girls train storm. And I killed it. 5 miles down. Like what who am I.

Ooooo aaahh 

Dinosaurs are cool.

Until next time babes!

XO

Amanda