Merry Christmas from 425c

Wow, what a year it's been.

Really there's not much that hasn't changed.

Starting off in the new year of 2014, I still lived with Paige in our cute little loft apartment in downtown Saint Paul. Sisters for life, roomies maybe not so much. But none the less, we had a great time. I was still spending most of my time onstage or working, both at Brix and Gap; I spent my down time on stage at Ashland in Urinetown and YPC in Junie and the annual fundraiser performance, Cattle Call. Life was pretty routine.

Getting my hair done for Urinetown!

In August that all changed when I moved to downtown Chicago to attend Columbia College, which has been the best decision I've made so far. 

Halloween with Maddie and Taylor.

Best friend--and now roomie--Sydney

Since then I have learned the ways of the CTA (the Chicago public transportation of choice), found a job just a seven minute walk away as a barista at Argo Tea,  explored the concert scene, investigated the best coffee shops, and of course am learning so many new things in all of my classes. 

Alt J in concert!

Swing with Bridget, Maddie, and Kara!

Taking on Chicago.

I am studying Public Relations, but am taking classes in other things as well, such as advertising and photography. I am thoroughly excited to see what kind of career my future holds.

My girls Andy and Bridget <3

James Vincent McMarrow concert!

The biggest joy of my move to Chicago is the amazing people that surround me. Columbia is full of such talented and beautiful people that I am proud to call my friends. Musicians and filmmakers alike, each one inspires me to pursue my passions just as intensely as they are.

Andy!

Darkroom fun

Who knows where this next year in Chicago will take me, but I am beyond excited to find out.

The crew.

Snowy So Longs

As this first semester comes to a close and a six week gap in seeing all my new family creeps nearer, I just want to take a minute and thank everyone I have met at Columbia for becoming a part of what I consider to be our big, dysfunctional family. This experience would mean nothing without the beautiful people I have met. Columbia is an absolutely amazing college, but it is built on relationships and the connections you make. 

I haven't met a single person who is not completely passionate about what they do, and I'm amazed every day by the willingness of everyone to help others out with their projects, both for school and pleasure. There is never a time when I bring up a photo shoot that at least four people aren't willing to help me out--many times getting even more participants. I have been so inspired--musically, fashion-wise, in photography, just in every creative way possible. 

The people I am surrounded by inspire me to pursue my passions just like them, and their talents push me to become better in not just the things I do, but who I am as a person. 

This family I've found truly is a piece of my heart, and though we will see each other in six weeks, I am already missing them.