Time

Like so many people, I cannot believe time flies by so fast! This semester is already passing by. It reminds me not to take things for granted, and to enjoy the moment. Although I am anxious to know what life will be like after I graduate, I am trying to enjoy my last year of grad school and not worry so much.

I have to admit that worry is something that gets the best of me sometimes. I do realize that worrying can be a waste of time. All you can do is try your hardest and prepare to the best of your ability.

I am so excited this semester about two things: learning how to build a website from the ground up (kristenmclaughlin.biz is my work in progress) and exploring destination branding in my International PR class. There are other things I am excited about, but these are the two that first come to mind.

Grad school has been a great decision for me, not to mention good timing. And one thing I think about is that I used to worry all the time if it was the right decision. It is something that I put off for five years because I was worrying about if I should go or not. I am glad that I ignored my anxiousness for this decision! I am definitely working on this and looking forward to what the future might hold. I can't say I won't think about it, but I will try not to worry unnecessarily! :)

Thank goodness for... rain!

Like so many people, I have never been so happy to see rain in my life! It is very exciting! I did not see this rainbow in Texas. I actually saw it in Hawaii, but I thought I would post it to remind me and everyone of the beauty that can result from rain.

Even though we might not see a rainbow this beautiful here, at least the rain will hopefully help to alleviate the drought situation, at least a little bit. My mom, who teaches in Cedar Park, told me that her students acted like the rain was snow! They were so excited.

I hope to see even more rain and maybe some rainbows very soon!

New school year... new opportunities

At 28, I am excited to be "hitting the books" again for my second year of graduate school. I have an excitement for school that I definitely did not always have! I wish I was more concerned about learning and getting the most out of education as a child and teenager than what the other kids at school thought about me. I think this is common though.

Going back to school or starting anything new can be stressful. I remember moving here from Massachusetts my sophomore year in high school and being terrified and not seeing it as a new opportunity, but as something new and scary. I think if I had the attitude that I have now, I probably would have made more friends and done better in school.

Some tips I would have given my 15-year-old self are:
Be yourself! See this new adventure as an opportunity to share your passion with others and meet others with common hobbies and goals. See each day as a new beginning. Don't be afraid to fail! Most successes are results of failures.

I am happy that I have learned these things, because life is so much more enjoyable if you see each day and experience as something you can learn and grow from! I look forward to starting a new semester in grad school and having even more learning experiences.

For those who are starting something new, it is easy to worry about what could go wrong, but it is much better to embrace new challenges and follow your heart.

Looking at the world with optimism

Welcome to my new blog! Do you think that the glass is half full or half empty? I generally think it is half full, despite all of the negative things that happen the world. I also believe that having this viewpoint can greatly affect your attitude and your life.

A little bit about me: I am a graduate student at Texas State University. My goal is to work in the public relations field. I have about four years of experience working as a writer/editor for newspapers.

I love my family and friends. I am very lucky to have everyone I have in my life. I love movies, writing, walking, animals, and spending time with those I care about.

I look forward to blogging with you! Feel free to share your thoughts about the "glass being half full" or "half empty". I look forward to sharing my stories and thoughts with you.

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