9 Stages of Finals Week

Hello Lovelies, 

I hate finals.

Cool story, Amber. So do thousands of other humans. 

Alright, alright. Let's make this a little more bearable shall we?

Finals in a nutshell

Stage 1. Denial 

"Hmm...finals? What are finals?"

Stage 2. Avoidance 

Thank you Heath Ledger for teaching me about the art of avoiding all my problems. 

Stage 3. Depression

Trust me girl we've all been there. Eat the chocolate....chocolate soothes everything.

 Stage 4. Acceptance

Some people just want to see the world burn.

Stage 6. Mad Cram Sessions

"I just....need....the printer..."

"So many words.....so much effort..."

"Alright number 1 done....time for a nap."

Stage 6.5 Two Words: Library. War-zone.

"OMG, Mom. I almost died today....mhmm...mhmm...AT THE LIBRARY."

"OPEN CHAIR...MINE!"

Stage 7. All Nighters

"But....Test...Tomorrow...."

"What do you mean those aren't a thing????"

"Mom? Is that you?"

"Why didn't I go to study sessions?"

"When did we ever learn that?!"

"Go to college they said. It'll be fun they said."

 Stage 8. FINALS DAY

"I honestly don't even know what I wrote."

"Wait....IT'S ALREADY TUESDAY?! My test is in an hour.... *hysterically sobs"

"Must.... get.......to.....wait...Where was I going again? Oh, right....finals."

"Mom, please let me drop out..."

"Why did you put everything on the test that I didn't study?"

"Well.... I tried right?....and I wrote my name....That has to give me some points, right?"

"Wait....THAT TEST WAS 80% OF MY GRADE?!"

"I tried, Mom."

Stage 9. It's Over

"Sleep....I need sleep.....WAIT.....IT'S OVER!"

 Good luck on finals!

X

My Top Tips for Studying a Foreign Language

Bonjour mes beautés!

This post is going to be slightly different from my usual posts because instead of updating everyone on my life, I'm going to share some tips on studying a new language.

In case I haven't mentioned it before on here, I am a French and English major (a struggling French major, but a major nonetheless). These are just some things that I have found to be extremely helpful when learning a second language.

1. Practice is key. 

When I was just beginning French (8 years ago), I would constantly try to use my given vocabulary. For example, one of the first batch of words we learned were colors, numbers, and basic introductions. So if I saw a number (let's say 10), I would say ten, but in my head I would repeat it in French, dix. Languages are easier when you try to use them outside of the classroom.

Since our generation is so keen on technology, I thought I might as well include an app that I use and find helpful.

Duolingo

Duolingo is for those who have a background in French (I started after taking basic French in middle school). It's a fairly simple app that is easy to follow.
It has multiple language options, so it is not limited to just French!

2. Talk to people.

This goes hand in hand with my last point because it is practice outside of class. If your friends are in your class with you, try speaking in French for 10-15 minutes a day with each other. Trust me, it will be super awkward in the beginning, but by the third or fourth time, you'll begin to look forward to it. If you screw up, that's okay. When I speak with Rhees, we mess up frequently, but we laugh it off and try to explain around the words we don't know. It's like a game!

If you don't feel comfortable physically speaking to someone, you can always try texting, emailing, or writing pen pals. (Always be cautious if it is someone you do not know. Never give out information and stay safe!)

3. Wordreference is your new best friend.

I use wordreference way more than a dictionary because it's quick, easily accessible (they have an app for smart phones!), up to date, and it can help with certain phrases. Be cautious of the dreaded forums though. Sometimes they can help, but they can also be horribly wrong (it's similar to Yahoo Answers).

4. If you can meet with natives, do it!

Natives are very understanding (generally) of the struggles to learn their language. I have some really good friends from France who try to help me with any questions I have. They can also give you exposure to the speed and fluidity of their language. You'll also learn secret shortcuts for if you ever study abroad! They can teach you slang and ways to combine words to speak faster (in English we sometimes say: D'ya wanna go to the store? when we need to say it quick. It's the same in French and most other languages).

5. Entertainment

Music, movies, books, video games, etc. can all help. I started off watching Madeline (similar to Dora the Explorer), and then, I gradually watched more complex movies/TV shows. In high school, my French teacher would have us read fairytales and short books in French with minimal help, and then we would watch the movie (in French of course!) in class with subtitles in French (in case they spoke to fast). I found this really helpful, personally. Books are lovely, and since I'm a nerd, it's my favorite part. Start small by reading children's books (Le petit prince, La belle et la bête, and more!) and gradually work your way towards harder books like Le comte de monte-cristo.

Madeline the book

 I like listening to music a lot, so I started out small by listening to a common French singer, Stromae. Be warned: he uses a lot of slang! Gradually, I started listening to other genres of music. Edith Piaf is fabulous.

6. Study abroad or travel abroad!
Trust me, I understand the money struggle, but the money is 100% worth it. I'm planning on going abroad in college, and I am stoked! Study abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it's your chance to be in a country around their natives. There are a millions of options available at your fingertips: your school study abroad office, API, AIFS, EF, etc.

 7. Homework and Exercises
Trust me, I know the struggle of doing homework and exercises. I hated them too, so I had moments where I wouldn't do them because I wanted to watch T.V. or go do something. It's hard to just sit down and do it, but I promise it makes a huge difference. Writing in pen also works well (when you know what you are doing!).

So there you have it! These are my tips for studying a foreign language.
Do you have an other advice? Have these worked for anyone else?

Au revoir et bonne chance!

X 

Amber

Busy, Busy, Busy....

Hello Lovelies,

How have you been? I feel like I haven't written a blog post in forever!

I have some big news to share....

I went to Chicago, and I decided what better way to spend my first time in Chicago than with you guys?

I traveled with my best friend, Brittney, and let me tell you, Chicago is so much fun.

The past month has been crazy, but I have so much more exciting news coming up in the next few months.

I feel like I need to spill....

I'M GOING TO FRANCE!

No, not for vacation, as you might be speculating. No, I am going to France for a whole semester.

I repeat: A WHOLE SEMESTER!

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking:

"Amber, aren't you scared of planes" ...Deathly, but whatever

"Have you even been outside of the U.S.?" Nope, but it's cool.

"What about you family and friends?" Well....They are obviously staying in the U.S., duh.

"Aren't you slightly scared?" I feel like I might pass out from anxiety, but honestly, I can't bring myself to care.

Anyways, going to France means one thing: everyone is coming with me on here!

Now without further interruption, the video I promised:

X

Something New?!

Ahh...school...

 

Hello my loves,

I am back once again! I thought I would try something new for once. I know...I know...hold your gasps.

Alright so quick update from this week: 

1. I am finally almost done with my study abroad application *fingers crossed*

2. This year, I joined Her Campus at KU! I am a campus cutie writer ;)

3. I went to a Sporting KC football match...I REPEAT A SPORTING KC FOOTBALL MATCH!

Here are some fab pics:

We kinda stole these front row seats...YOLO?

This is Mariela; she's from Costa Rica!

Mariela, Me, Adam, and Alex!

At the Top of the Stadium

The ISS Group!

And now...for the moment you've all been waiting for.... 

*drum roll please*

I am going to share some of my favorites of this month with you!

1. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream

Although I usually hate this type of BB cream (because it usually makes my skin oily and causes a breakout), but this particular BB cream makes my acne go away, and it makes my skin look fabulous!

 

2. Hollister Super Skinny Jeans

 

Now I know, "Abercrombie is such a horrible company and blah blah", but these jeans are the only ones that actually fit me perfectly! They also come in a variety of washes, and I got them on sale for $20 each.

3. Plato's Closet

I have recently been thrifting a lot, and out of all the places I go, Plato's always has the best options. On the down side, Plato's is somewhat pricey. 

 

4. Coach handbags

I recently bought this gem in a Coach Outlet Store for $80 (originally $200). I love neutral purses, and when I saw this baby, I had to buy it!

5. Tae Bo

Recently, I have been trying to get my abs back, and Tae Bo is has become my go to work out. Tae Bo is a mixture of Tae Kwon Do and Boxing. I usually just search YouTube for a different Tae Bo workout every day.

6. Plum- Go Bars

 These bars are so delish and even better? They are organic and made with veggies. So far, I have only been able to find these bars at Target!

7. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner

This toner smells god awful but works wonders. My skin always feels tight (in a good way), and this toner doesn't dry my skin out. Oh, don't forget that it's cheap!

8. WordReference

 Okay, I know this is a website, but if you are like me (studying a foreign language), WordReference.com is the best tool. It even has an app!

 

9. Victoria's Secret Dark Orchid

This perfume smells like autumn and heaven. It's described as a dark plum with fruity undertones. 

10. TRESemmé- Platinum Strength Heat Protector

There's not much to say on this product besides: it's cheap, and it works. I've been using this heat protectant for almost 6 years.

11. Formula 10.0.6- So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser

I've been using this on and off for around 2 years. Right now, I have a travel size that I got for free from Ulta. The only reason I don't use this regularly is due to the drying it causes. It is also known for burning slightly on sensitive skin, but this cleans everything out.

12. Neutrogena- Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

I originally bought this because I ran out of my other cleanser and decided my old cleanser wasn't working. It was cheap and seemed good for sensitive skin. Man am I glad I bought this. This cleanser is amazing and it takes off makeup while cleansing. 

13. Pink Sugar- Body Mousse

I originally bought this because it was on the sale rack at TJ Maxx for $1.99. I have repurchased this body mousse twice now because: it smells heavenly and moisturizes my body for 24 hours.

15. Hannah Maggs- YouTube

I started watching Hannah Maggs this past May, and I adore her. If you haven't watched her vlogs, you are seriously missing out.

16. Glass Animals- Hazey

Such a beautiful song

17. Live Nation App

I just bought my the 1975 tickets through them. I was one of the first to buy them, and they have the cheapest tickets.

 

Well...That's all from me.

Later Lovelies, 

 

X Amber