It Won’t Always Be a Rat Race

Being a recent homeowner, and a college student, my life is always interesting. I would describe most days as the relentless “rat race.” Finding time to do homework, study, work on the house, keep up with housework, and work can be very overwhelming.

I recently had a conversation with one of my friends who mentioned buying a “fixer-upper,” and working on it with the help of her handy husband. Of course I was extremely enthusiastic for her, but also reminded her, that good things take time. Knowing my friend, and her tendency to be impatient, and also a little high maintenance, I so kindly told her, “As long as you’re willing to fall asleep in your own drywall dust, you’ll be okay.” Needless to say, she dismissed my sarcastic comment with a smirk.

Over the past year or so, I have established my own kind of “routine” for the way I function best.  I have become a more efficient, conscientious individual. I am what you would classify as, a Post-It noter/to-do list maker/planner aheader- kind of gal. I will admit, some days when I am sitting in a lecture hall, and I overhear a nearby conversation of two students complaining that they had to wake up for the 11a.m. class we’re sitting in (and this happens often), I am a little jealous. I think, what I would give to sleep until 10:50 a.m., roll out of bed, and show up to class. Then I shake off that envy dust, and remind myself what I am trying to accomplish and where I want to be in my life. So needless to say, I don’t live the typical lifestyle of a college student, but I am growing to love my ever-changing life.

It can often be challenging for me to pull myself away from the things that I want to be doing, and finish the things that I need to be doing.  Not only have I learned how to live my life more efficiently, but I have also learned what things in life are truly important. I know that may sound extremely cheesy to some, but I can truthfully say that I have come to realize the things in life that I use to dwell on, now seem so trivial.

Nearly two months ago, I started working at Boelter + Lincoln as a creative intern. I can best describe B+L as a “smooth-operating machine,” a lot like what I think my life has started to develop into. Being here has truly showed me what it’s like to be part of a fast-paced industry, and how to manage time wisely. Everyone at the agency has his or her own contributions to make, and together they work as a team.   Everyone works towards “the big picture,” which is especially important to keep this “machine” running smoothly. They each encompass a little bit of the kind of person I hope to someday become. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them as they have now helped me see what the next few years of my life will bring.

Thanks B+Lers, you have showed me how exciting the “real world” can be, and now I am relieved to know that my life will not always be such a “rat race.”

So to those of you that are in similar situations, stay optimistic and hang in there— your hard work will pay off in the end.