Pre Senior Year Thoughts

I'm starting to draft this on Monday, Eclipse day, also two days before my first day of my senior year of high school which is this Wednesday. I spent a lot of the day Sunday stalking USC - Aiken's social media because it was move in day for them. I've almost completely decided that the University of South Carolina - Aiken is hands down the right school for me, and I've already planned another visit to the school for their September open house. I kept imagining myself this time next year on campus, moving everything right on in! To say I'm excited is a bit of an understatement... Anyways, on Friday I shared some general reflections I had following my Junior year of high school, and as this school year is starting on up... I have a few thoughts about it as well. 

As far as course loads go, this year is a dream. I'm a prospective communications major so I wanted to really take this last year and really focus on classes that go along with my interests and well, communications! This year I'm taking AP literature and AP Spanish (prayers, please for Spanish.. I haven't really done much practicing lately) and also as current editor of the yearbook, I can work on more digital and visual communications as well. In addition to those classes, I'm taking Environmental science, Algebra 3, and Personal Finance (which is also taught by my yearbook adviser!). This course load is so much lighter than what I'm used to. Over the Summer I got my government and economic classes out of the way thus freeing my schedule up for -wait for it- MORNING SENIOR STUDY HALLS both a days and b days! What a blessing! 

The light course load is sure to help me out when there's peak seasons in senior portrait bookings. It's also going to be nice when we get closer to crunch time in yearbook, as well as when I get back into applying for scholarships. 

In previous high school years I often get distracted with class work and family things that I would skip on a lot of sporting events that others deem crucial to a high school experience. This year the home games will be my primary focus. I have this love for the reactions of people in the stands, be they parents, friends, teachers, siblings... and I really want to make it my priority to capture those via my camera. I love featuring photos like those in the yearbook, and there's a plan to display some of that type of photo that some fellow photography classmates of mine and I captured last year, around the school. I also have this plan to capture the spirit of my small town in photos throughout this year as well. Basically, my camera will be on my shoulder just about 24/7 and I cannot wait! 

Since freshman year, I've really cultivated some awesome relationships with the teachers at my high school. I've been lucky enough to have really great teachers that I have learned so much from, and many of them I've had for multiple years in a row. It's going to be a little upsetting when I leave for college with all new people and professors that are unfamiliar to me too - don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about college, but I'll definitely miss the teachers that have helped me grow. 

Ah okay as much as I love talking about college, I think I need to stop just because I have an entire year left that I really need to make the most of. College can't start until I graduate high school first! 

I really don't get that nervous before a school year starts. Like even before my freshman year I slept just fine. This year I'd say I'm slightly more nervous for some reason. I actually have no idea why. I assume it's because my school district isn't starting back until Wednesday, AFTER today's eclipse, which is about a week later than we started last year. We've already had our first football game (my school won, but I didn't go because it was an away game), and our big rivalry game takes place this Friday! That just means two pep rallies in a three day week... Sometimes after a slower end to the Summer, jumping straight into a busy school year can be a weird transition for me. Maybe that's hat has me slightly jittery.

I'm finishing this post at 11 pm the night before school starts. Yikes. Here's to jitters and stomach butterflies, and an awesome senior year!

Post Junior Year Thoughts

Wow. I really should have written this post a few months ago, right after my junior year ended. I've been out of school since June 1st, and it just seems like this Summer has flown by. With getting my older brother moved out and into his new group home (more on that soon), photo shoots upon photo shoots, volunteer work, and taking two classes... the past few months have been nothing but go go go and I haven't really stopped to breathe. Anyways, excuses aside, I'm about to embark on my final year of high school and I have a multitude of feelings about this upcoming year. Before sharing some of those thoughts and feelings (what one is supposed to do on a blog, right? Man, it's been awhile since my last post...) I figured I'd take some time, not only for you fellow high school students, but for myself as well to reflect on my previous junior year of high school. 

First and foremost, I'm most proud of myself for choosing the courses that I did. I remember being very nervous this time last year about my ability to juggle an AP US History course as well as an AP language and composition class with an Honors level Spanish course. Needless to say, I did it. Obviously my priorities were mainly geared towards those more language based courses, and with my honors level photography class and yearbook, my algebra and chemistry classes received a significant less amount of attention than my more difficult (and not gonna lie, more fun) classes. I do regret my lack of attention in those courses, because although I don't think they would have significantly boosted my GPA, I could have paid a lot more attention and studied a lot harder.

AP language and composition was the class that completely confirmed my love for rhetoric. It confirmed my ambition to major in communications, and let me know that I was on the right track. My teacher was very passionate, and I don't think I've ever loved a class' assignments more. It sounds weird, but I swear every assignment in that class had purpose and meaning and I wrote some pretty decent papers if I do say so myself. Also, I've never passed an AP exam with anything but a 3 until this course and AP US.

Taking marketing was also a really positive experience. The teacher was actually experienced in the professional marketing world, and was able to critique our campaigns with criticisms that ultimately allowed me to grow. I really enjoyed the business minded work that we did, and I plan on getting my masters in business administration after my bachelor's degree.

Aside from classes... well sort of, because yearbook was a class... I loved being a part of the creation of the CHS 2016-2017 yearbook. Everyone in the class really contributed and wanted to create the best book we could. And it was awesome! My favorite part was taking pictures of my fellow students - not so much the posed pictures, but during pep rallies I looked through the stands for the perfect candid moments and I did my best to capture those. Chapin students that read my blog? Get ready. WAY more pictures coming this school year! I love seeing students doing more than just learning, but growing at school. By sophomore and junior year students are so much more comfortable in their environment and are all about cheering on their school. And of course the senior class is always so full of energy. Yearbook allows me to capture that energy and preserve it into a physical book that we can all revisit in years to come. I get to be a part of something that tells the story of our small town through the youth. Clearly I can gush about yearbook and why I love it for hours... but you get the point. 

As I reflect on my junior year, I really need to thank all of my class of 2018 Cathleen Slagle Photography representatives. I was very unsure when first launching my rep program about who would even sign up and want to support me and my budding business. But y'all came through - and quickly too! It was such a compliment, and I honestly can't even express how grateful I am. At the time I had only taken maybe 6 people's pictures before in like a full on portrait session set up so I definitely lacked the experience that most photographers have. You guys took a chance on me and believed in me and my work, and I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate it! Also, the prom group that I photographed? Y'all are incredible! I DEFINITELY lacked experience especially in photographing large groups yet everyone was so kind to me and were key in helping me expand my following as you shared the photos. I couldn't have asked for a better first (official) year as a photographer.

In addition to my photography business, I took a photography studio concentrations class where I hoped to learn how to better organize myself and actually see concepts for photographs instead of just opportunity snapping (although, I love random adventures and random photos from random adventures). I learned a lot. I grew a lot.

I mentioned my experience photographing prom, and you can see me in my prom dress here, but I didn't really like the prom itself. I did however have such a great time planning prom, and putting together goody bags, designing the tablescapes, and coming in early to set up prom. That for me was such a better experience than the actual event. I'm not a big event gal I guess... or at least not formal big events. I'm not a big dancer, and a lot of the songs that were on weren't my taste I guess. Now when Handclap by Fitz and the Tantrums came on, I was a happy girl! Anyways, It was a good experience because I got to reconnect with some old friends that I had lost touch with throughout the years. All in all though, planning prom > going to prom. I am glad that I didn't have super high expectations for the night. I got to do what I loved that morning when I went in to help set everything up, and I got to do what I loved that afternoon - eating chick-fil-a and photographing people which helped cancel out the fact that I didn't particularly love the prom itself. I must admit, I did get some pretty peonies and a nice dress out of it though!

The summer before my junior year my family and I adopted 4 dogs, unfortunately the oldest of these passed away in the Spring, but I truly think that our new family members helped me get through my junior year. It's difficult to be in a bad mood at school when you check your phone and see one of your dogs as your background. Although they can be a bit of a distraction when assignments are due, I definitely think from sophomore to junior year, my outlook on life was even more positive after rescuing Jewel, Tygee, Snoop, and Lottie. That's weird to include in a reflection type post... but I honestly think that I'm a better person because of them.

All in all though, this school year I struggled to balance just about everything. School assignments and volunteer work, building my photography business, and spending time with my family. It doesn't seem like much, but organization and time management have never been my strong suits... But y'all know this already from my lack of blog posts.

I think the biggest highlight from my junior year though was finding my passions. In finding the things that I care about and deeply love, I found goals, ambition, and most importantly self confidence. Through my passions I was able to express myself, my true self. The myself that would often hide at school from my peers. I wouldn't say that I came out of

my shell, I would say that I almost totally lost my shell. I don't need it anymore! In doing what I love, I lost my fear... Sophomore year, I thought I was self confident, but I learned quickly that I still needed to love myself a little more.

My junior year was challenging academically, but I really lucked out that it was pretty light socially. I really didn't make too many new friends this past school year, but I was able to reconnect with some old friends that I definitely had lost touch with over the years. Not too many high school students can say that they go through their high school years pretty drama free... I can though for sure! Through focusing on my interests and passions as well as career minded goals, and working on strengthening my relationship with God and growing my faith, I was able to work on myself too and ultimately grow as a person. Although my extended family members cannot believe that my high school experience has nearly drawn to an end and I haven't really dated at all or even considered relationships, I'm really proud of myself for prioritizing my junior year and although it may have been a little lonely, I really grew up and spent my time wisely... Or as wisely as a 16 year old can spend her time.

Excuse my scatterbrained writing and reflections... It's honestly more for me to look back on in the years to come, and see how much I've grown over the years. You know, like that one spot in your house that your mom or dad would get you to put your back to the wall and they'd draw a little mark at your head and measure how tall you are and how much you've grown over the years. It's like that - but the digitally written version. Current/Rising high school juniors - enjoy this year. Find what you love to do and the people you love to do that with (remember that it's okay if that person is yourself) and do that thing. Your junior year is the perfect time to explore your passions and really make yourself proud.

Anyways, that's it for today. HOPEFULLY, more content to come. 

Hey Ferb, I know what we're gonna do today! (volunteering in your community)

I know the Summer, for students anyways, is all about making money, going on incredible trips, or relaxing on your own. I know I take it as a break from my classmates - too much of a good thing y’know? But it’s easy to forget that there are other people out there either in need of some help or who are trying to make a difference in the world that need help accomplishing their goals. (the way I think of it... we can either get out and volunteer for the good of humanity, or take the Phineas and Ferb approach and build crazy cool inventions - also for the good of humanity, or relax by doing things like watching Phineas and Ferb, losing countless brain cells and senselessly snacking.

As students, we have to turn in a certain number of hours before the end of each school year in order to receive certain privileges or benefits. Most just sign up for your basic volunteer type activities that first come to mind when thinking about community service. Local food kitchens and shelters, picking up trash, YMCA or other Summer program with children, or various activities at their parents' work places. I'm not saying these things are bad. They're great actually! However, you can use volunteering to your advantage for applications and building your resume and have even more of a fun and lasting experience at the same time. And even if it's not required of you to volunteer in your community, you definitely should. It can be a humbling experience that could possibly change your life as well as look amazing on your resume.

Teenage Ramblings

An overabundance of angst, giving into peer pressure, and low self esteem and self confidence are daily issues in a teenager's life. Being 15, I know first hand how some of these things can easily consume your mind and get the best of you. As I've gotten older, and actually grown more into myself, low confidence has not been as much of a struggle. I mean, sure, I have my days. What teenager doesn't? Lately it's been easy to keep these battles on the down low and control my teenage tendencies. 

The one thing that surprised me about going to high school was how little people actually care... You care about your school, the majority of your "friends" and most of your teachers and family. And every person is like that so it's really not a big deal! I'm probably making zero sense in explaining this.. but I swear it all works out.

One major struggle with highschoolers is dealing with loneliness. With Valentine's Day being yesterday, I know a lot of people my age who were "seemingly" okay with spending the day alone. The truth is, it can be a little tough to see those adorable couples together and not be the tiniest bit jealous. Me personally, I've gotten used to the idea that guys are immature right now and I'm just gonna be on the sidelines waiting for a while. Other girls haven't quite figured this out and throw themselves at virtually any human being with a penis.

Girls care so much about what boys think about them that they are scared to eat in front of them. That makes me so mad. Like it's food. Basic nourishment that your body needs. And you're scared to eat because another human being might see you??? I'm sorry but no that's not okay. It's also not okay to change your diet for a boy. Don't eat salads because you don't want to let a guy see you eating pizza. Eat the food you want. I honestly don't see what the struggle is. I freaking love food.

Also, people always feel like they're "not worth it" "single for life" "such a fatty" ect. Y'all, you're totally worth it. You're worth someone chasing you for your love and attention. You're worth the time. Don't ever let anyone get into your head. The amount of low self esteem people have is unnecessary. People are dumb. People with dumb opinions aren't worth listening to let alone getting in the car with and going home.  If you want to go to school in a dress but feel like people are going to laugh because it's 30 degrees outside....  just forget it, do it because you want to...

One other thing I want to discuss is peer pressure. Because of people's low self esteem's and poor body images of themselves, peer pressure is quite easy. It's easy to give in to what other people want from you. People in general, but teens especially see other people, and they want what they want. They want to be noticed, loved, respected, thought of as "cool" among friends. Because of people's weakness for attention, they are more open to "try new things" that aren't always the best for them. It breaks my heart to see old friends doing incredibly dumb things just for the attention of those that don't even want the best for them.

The thing almost all teenagers lack is self confidence. The very few that have it are then divided into the just right amount of confidence group and the insanely too confident group. Self confidence is crucial for teenagers. It's one of the only ways of survival in high school. You can't get through if you don't believe that you can stand on your own two legs, think for yourself, and know in your gut what's right and wrong.

I've seen people - typically girls - crash and burn. The majority of them are the one's that need approval from a guy or a friend before they do anything. Some girl's think it's cute to flirt with guys by showing their lack of self confidence... so as to make the guy feel like he has more control or power over them in the situation. What bull crap.

I honestly don't know what makes me stand out from others... How I can keep my confidence when others can't. I also don't know where this post was supposed to go or even what I accomplished by writing this post. As far as how to gain self confidence... I really don't have much advice on that either. Just that you'll be better off seeing the beauty in God's handiwork in yourself as well as the potential you have and why you're on this earth. Confidence is key to making it anywhere as a teen, as an adult, as a human. There's not always gonna be someone to walk with you to the bathroom or to go get some lunch, and you have to be okay to stand out from the crowd at times. It's not what you wear - it's how you wear it... try out some funky clothes and try your confidence level! It's always good to compliment wherever you can too... sometimes a friend might need some loving words or just tell them they look good today. The simplest things have the potential to boost confidence.

Sorry for the weird ramblings... Enjoy your Monday!

Thoughts that go Through a Highschooler's Mind

side note on this picture.. My friend, Madeline was using my camera in class (I'm in yearbook so I bring my camera with me daily) and was playing around.. and this candid face kinda killed me.. and I pride myself on being open with y'all so here goes

Okay I didn't come up with the idea for this post at all.. I was ranting to Rachel, God bless her, and she suggested that maybe I could channel the energy into a blog post instead! And yes, she came up with the idea, and I'm so grateful for her. But being a student in high school myself, there's so many thoughts that go through my head in a day.. and I know that all of this stuff is pointless, and means literally nothing, but that's just high school! So here's a chance for y'all to peek inside my brain.. see what goes through my mind in a typical day at school. Get ready, this should be interesting. 

ugh.. morning.. wait is it Monday or Tuesday?

Shoot.. did I finish that?

Eh whatever. I'll finish it in class.

I really gotta pee... Is he taking a crap in there or something? HURRY UP I NEED THE PASS

This test ugh like I know anything.. I'll just put C. Oh wait I don't know this either. C. Ugh, why do I not know anything... I'll put C again. I wonder if I should change it up and put A just in case.. Definitely not. I'm sticking with C. 

Okay so this hallway is completely empty. It WAS a late start right? Wait why am I having a conversation with myself.. this is weird. Oh look someone's coming.. I should smile! Oh wow that was a really creepy smile.. sorry kid.

Did his voice just crack? Oh my goodness.. poor kid. 

Um, did I ask you about where your skirt is from.. Yeah I didn't think so.

Honey don't talk to me about Piko Shirts like I've never heard of them.. ARE YOU KIDDING ME

Shoot did I zip my zipper? I can't just check now.. That's weird. Um should I just glance down? yeah okay perfect. God bless it's zipped

Did I just go through my pad? Please no.. please no.. HALLELUJAH JESUS DOES LOVE ME

Wait, was he just staring at me.. Oh my gosh he totally was.. wait what should I do. wait shoot crap now I'm staring at him.. LOOK AWAY oh my now he's probably scared of me. yay. 

Awkward.. Why did he just stop on the stairs.. That's weird.. Why's he staring? 

Um why on earth is my new seat right here.. in the front.. ew.

NEED FOOD

Wait we don't get to pick our partners for the lab? That's annoying.

Pretty sure no one knew about that assignment.. Oh except for that kid.. whatever.. 

Done with this chick.

Didn't I wear that dress yesterday??? So um why are you wearing it now?

Could you be any more boring like really.. 

If you're trying to impress me by talking about your cat.. It's not working.. bye

Do I really not have a pencil.. who even am I

Seriously why do I drink so much water *drinks more water* I gotta pee

She's gonna think I have a bladder issue or something.. I mean I've gone to the bathroom 3 times already in the last 45 minutes

Would she mind if I like borrowed those grapes for an instagram post? Yeah that's weird.. I probably shouldn't ask her that. 

Hello.. I was talking.. Whatever, you know we'd much rather hear about your dead squirrel this morning on the side of the road.

Oops was I just staring at him again.. shoot. He's gonna think I like him or something.. Really I was looking out the window. At those flowers. That I'm gonna Instagram later.. oh crap I missed that "Can you repeat that please? I'm confused."

I wonder if we still have those cookies at home? I could really go for some oatmeal raisin right now

Oh HELLO Your cute

Can we like chew with our mouth's closed please.. Yeah k thanks

OKAY bad attitudes are NOT attractive buddy

OOH HE'S LOOKING OOH LOOK AWAY LOOK AWAY Omg he was cute.. 

I really just want to go home and watch Dancing with the Stars.

Did he really just say nice butt? yay. okay. Thanks kid. 

So that's cool now you won't talk to me? Um okay

Maybe if I go walk past his lunch table to get a spoon he'll say something --- okay apparently not. Did I really just trip over his bookbag.. that was.. wow. way to go Cath.

Pretty sure my heart is gonna burst out of my chest.. but why he's not even that attractive.

UGH AS IF *starts laughing* "What's wrong with you?" -some random kid

HOLY BICEPS oh that's awks he caught me looking

oh shoot oh no why is he STILL staring at me can we just talk PLEASE SO AWKWARD

Quit staring at me.. me walking around with a camera is not a reason to judge? 

blah blah blah blah blah... wait she just asked me a question.. "um the answer is true?" WOO POINT CATH

How did I know that about Harrapan society? Dude that was pretty awesome. 

Um what's an independent variable? I should know this I should know this what's wrong with me

Oh maybe that's why he's staring *casually.. okay who am I kidding NOT CASUALLY pulls dress down*

Does it matter if you forgot to put the flag up on the mailbox?

*Pulls out iPad to check blog stats* 

I wonder if my hair is frizzy in the back again.. I really hope not. Maybe if I put a little bit of water on it no one will notice... and everyone noticed.. yay. 

I HAVE TO SNEEZE WHY WON'T IT COME WHY AM I CRYING

I really need to pluck my brows tonight.. holy crap we got a situation up there

Did he just snort? 

Is she aware that 5 inches of makeup only clogs pores? It ain't hiding anything darlin'

Wait, was I asleep.. oh no. oh no. this is bad this is baaaaad.. wait no one saw God bless. 

OH MY CHOKING DYING *coughs ridiculously because water* OH OH NO DYING DYING WAIT *coughing uncontrollably because water* WHY IS NO ONE TURNING AROUND I SEE HOW IT IS BYE Y'ALL. 

Is he for real staring AGAIN?! QUIT making things awkward and come talk to me.. It's not like I'm freaking Cruella deVil or anything *laughs out loud becuase picturing myself in polka dots instead of stripes* now that's a scary thought.. "WHAT are you staring at?! I make myself laugh! Is that a problem?!!!?"

And that's it for me.. That's basically what goes through my head in a day at school.. Notice the lack of education related stuff.. and how I spend most my time confused or having to pee or laughing at myself.. y'know that's just typical me. HAPPY MONDAY FRIENDS!