Enjoy the Laughter

Laughter shot from a mini photo shoot we did last week!

Honestly, there is nothing better than spending time talking and laughing with friends. Since I've gotten to Columbia I have laughed more in the past two weeks than I have in a long time. 

Talented photography majors like Taylor are bomb.

I am beyond pleased to know that I'm at a school with people who are just as quirky as I am. Today my friends and I had an indoor picnic (due to the fact it was cold and rainy outside) and played catch phrase. Such a simple event, yet so much joy was found during it. I love the fact these people don't find it strange that I like to do cute things, such as having an indoor picnic or coloring in coloring books. 

Indoor Picnic!

I find so much joy in the little things we take part in here. A fun evening of Zumba, a little jazzy jam session (with real recording equipment might I add--this is art school), a walk to the water, or just sitting around making up weird names for each other. Everything that makes me smile or laugh, I cherish. 

Mini Jam Sesh.

The group of friends I have started to hang out with more is seriously amazing. They are so talented and wonderful in their own way. From music to fashion majors, we all share one commonality: passion, and that's what makes us click. Each of us carries a passion for any and everything they do, and the variety of majors makes the possibilities of collaboration on projects filled with endless opportunities. 

Part of the crew.

I am blessed to be here. Laughing and enjoying every moment. Every day is a new adventure, and I am psyched to see what each new day entails.  

Passion is a Must Have

This is my city.

With each day here I face a new adventure. After a wonderful welcome week packed to the brim of new experiences, today is the first day of classes, and I think everyone is raring to go.

Sometimes you just have to look up and take it all in.

Jazz Fest.

From thrift shopping to dances, adventures around the city to hanging out in the dorm, and lots of intensely amazing music and conversation, each day makes this dream a reality.

Photography at the flee market.

This is freaking adorable.

A little farmers market I found.

We kicked off this year with our "Hell Yeah" convocation, where all the new incoming freshman and transfers stood together as one group and screamed hell yeah at the top of our lungs to creating our body of work. In that moment I knew this unconventional place was definitely for me.

HELL YEAH

Out of all the wonderful things we have done this week, I would have to say the best was on the night of Little Mouth. Throughout the year there are different "Little Mouth" events where students can showcase their talents (dancing, singing, poetry, whatever), and there was one during welcome week to kick off the year. 

This is exactly why I am here.

Unfortunately, when we got to Little Mouth at 7:15 (15 minutes before the event was to begin), it was full. There were no more slots for performers, and the building was at capacity with more than fifty students stuck outside. Instead of calling it quits, we decided to make our own performance, starting in the street and eventually moving to Grant Park. We sat in a circle and one by one different artists sat, stood, danced, in the middle to the beat of a cajon (box) drum and sometimes a ukulele and guitar. It was absolutely amazing to see everyones passion for their art.

My girl, Andy 

PR kids.

The passion here is unbelievable. Every single person I have met has been enthralled with what they are going to be learning, who they will work with, and what they can create. It's just who we are as artists.

Exploring the city.

This is Columbia, and we are here to work our asses off to create art because that is what we love.

Live what you love.