Thrifting is not only a hobby of mine but now an ethical choice. My thrifting journey started in the fourth grade; which seems early considering the modern image of a person who thrifts is just a hipster. Well, for my family, thrifting was a primary means of saving money. I distinctly remember happily arriving at the local Goodwill with my mother to go shopping. Even then, the hunt for a cool new dress or shoes was something that excited me. However, the excitement didnāt last long as I entered middle school the following year. I was a student in one of the richest towns in Oregon: Happy Valley. Surrounding me were the newest Uggs, Juicy Couture and any other brand you could find at Nordstrom. I soon learned that when a friend asked me where I got my top, it was in my best interest to respond with a brand name, and not āGoodwill.ā As time went on, I matured and became more secure in myself. I found friends who loved my style, and who would join me at my usual thrift shops. I started to take pride in the unique pieces I collected secondhand. I started to post my outfits on Instagram, some of the pieces I had sewn and altered to be my own. Of course, it's now years later and thrifting is far from embarrassing. I would argue someone who thrifts now are received by others as interesting, and cool. Iām thankful for this change because it promotes individuality, living within oneās means, and shopping sustainably. At the same time that secondhand clothes are trending, so is āfast fashion.ā Stores like Forever 21 and online retailers like Shein offer trendy clothes for an extremely affordable price, however, it promotes a culture of waste. This clothing is not made to last more than a few wears, prompting the consumer to throw it out and buy new soon after getting it- shortening the life cycle of clothing substantially. In contrast, new clothing lines like Reformation focus their brand on being sustainable in every way possible. The caveat, of course, is the price. I wish nothing more but to purchase something from Reformation, but it's simply not in my budget. I hope that in the future all brands, from affordable to high-end, make sustainable business practice a priority. I hope even more than I can be a part of it.
The pictures attached are some of the outfits Iāve captured over time that Iāve thrifted head-to-toe.Ā
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Through the University of Oregonās job shadow program, I have had the opportunity to connect with numerous companies in the northwest. This year, I was selected to visit Intelās Community Engagement/Public Affairs department at their headquarters in Hillsborough, Oregon. I was particularly interested in this department because their focus is largely on giving back to the surrounding community. They have given technology like laptops to schools in the area as well as raising money for them and other organizations. One thing that I was not only shocked to hear about but also very pleased, was that every employee has an expectation to complete community service hours. This past year, one of their largest volunteer events was where employees volunteered in schools in the community and assisted teachers in teaching elementary students how to read. The campus headquarters is the focal point of the community, and since it largely impacts those living around it, it is important to them to make the community feel valued. During my job shadow, I was given a tour of one of the multiple campuses, complete with a cafeteria, gym, and garden for all employees. The building was very reminiscent of a college campus, except everyone had their sh*t together. I voiced my interest in sustainability with my host Donna Maleki and she kindly introduced me to the department head of sustainability at Intel, Anisha Ladha. Sustainability at Intel is largely focused on how to keep producing their products efficiently while minimizing things like greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water use, and hazardous waste; all of which theyāve been very successful at. In addition to minimizing harmful parts of their production process, theyāve made efforts in installing alternative/renewable energy and creating inventive products that assist the agriculture industry in reducing water waste. One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Anisha is that corporate sustainability has to be specific to the companyās impact and at the end of the day, compromising the success of the business is not an option so innovation is the only way to complete both. The experience was truly invaluable and made me extremely excited about my future career out of college. Who knows, next time I visit Intel, maybe Iāll be more than just a shadow.Ā
I spent the majority of my day yesterday with other students at the University of Oregon dancing and raising funds to support the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at our local hospital in town. The best part of this event for me was hearing directly from the families the organization supports and provides for. Each hour, a different family would share their story. One of them was Mateo, who lives in Springfield, close to where my parents live. He lives with Hirschsprungās Disease, a congenital condition relating to missing nerve cells in the colon. He spent 71 days in the NICU, and has had 12 surgeries. During his transport between hospitals, his mother was given a Polaroid picture they took of Mateo and was told to say her goodbyes. But because of the resources PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center had, he survived. I was able to speak to his dad personally and he was recalling the day his daughter was born. He told me that Mateo was also in the hospital that day, but not just to celebrate his little sister; he was still having complications related to his diagnosis. The whole family seems to hold a lot of joy in their hearts and I was so grateful to have heard their story and see the success that was brought to them in part by the dance marathonās efforts. By the end of the day, the marathon had raised over $68,000 - what an accomplishment!
I recently stumbled upon an essay I wrote in middle school that was submitted anonymouslyĀ to our schoolās book titled, This I Believe. I read it today proud of the courage it took me to write it at that time and of how far Iāve come since then. Although extremely personal, Iāve decided to share it now, unedited from when I wrote it six years ago.Ā
I believe throughout struggles that feel as if they may never fade, perseverance and hope for the future can act as the light to lead you out of a dim tunnel. The hardest time in my life started in the Fall of fourth grade. I had been home sick with the flu for four days until my mom decided to take me to the ER. My condition was getting worse every hour. My mouth was chalk dry from dehydration, and all I had left in my stomach was a disturbing shade of yellow that burned my throat as it came up. It was stomach acid. After a day in the ER, I was admitted to Emanuel Childrenās Hospital. I stayed helpless in there for five days until being released. At the time, doctors didnāt give us much of an explanation of why the flu had affected me in such an extreme way. I honestly didnāt think much of it, just knew it sucked. I definitely didnāt want to experience something like that again.
I thought it was just a one-time thing, but that Spring, still in fourth grade, I came down with strep throat. I was practically used to strep though; Iād been getting it my whole life, with no unusual problems. It was the same situation as before- I was sick at home for a few days, until my condition got out of hand. I couldnāt eat, drink, or stand up straight without vomiting. I was unconsciously getting rid of all the nutrients in my body, which was making me extremely weak and dehydrated. This time, because of my condition, I was admitted to the hospital right away. The doctors thought if I had the antibiotic for the strep, the IV for the dehydration, and the medication for the vomiting, Iād be feeling better in no time. Unfortunately, that wasnāt the case. I remember feeling so confused and helpless, days passing by in a blur. On the ninth day, with no signs of improvement, and concerns of so many days with no food, the doctors put me on a feeding tube. Miraculously, the next day, I was all better. After ten days, I was free to go. Skinny and weak, but free to go. When I arrived home, I tried on my favorite pair of Aeropostale sweatpants. They slid right off my hips after I pulled them up. It would be a while before these fit again. Weeks later, after undergoing lots of tests, the GI doctor concluded that I had CVS. CVS is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, it means that when I start throwing up, I canāt stop myself without medical assistance.
Fifth grade went by with no problems, but in sixth grade, my symptoms started to re-occur. Every morning for the first couple weeks of school, I would get nauseous, and sometimes throw up. I hated it. I didnāt want to feel sick every morning or hover over the toilet. I wasnāt sure what was causing this, but I later found out it was my anxiety.
I play competitive basketball. In sixth grade, I played AAU and was on a traveling tournament team. One of our destinations was Reno, Nevada. I was so excited. I got to travel with my friends to such a cool place- to do what I love. The first day before our games was great. Unfortunately, I was not expecting what would wake me up at six in the morning. I bolted out of bed before I even knew what was going on. First destination: the toilet. I was on my knees slumped over for what seemed like days. Ā Occasionally, I would move to the trash can. I was beyond embarrassed my teammate and her mom had to see me like that. I felt bad for them. It must have been uncomfortable to watch; not to mention how horrible I looked. Despite all of this, I was wanting to play so bad! We had traveled all this way, I wasnāt going to let this sickness get the best of me. I got dressed in my uniform, and into a car, I went with my team. It was all a blur at that point. It was like a dream; I only remember distinct pieces of the story. I was in the very back seat of the team van, throwing up anything left in my system into a Ziploc bag. I hated all the attention. They even started praying for me. At that point, I donāt even know why I thought I could have actually overcome it and play. I hadnāt even made it to the gym before I felt horrible again. As I walked through the doors of the place, I was hunched over, everyone staring. Before I knew it, I was stooped over the public bathroom toilet, the maid talking to me in Spanish. I think she was offering me a paper towel. I had no energy to talk. Instead, I shrugged her off. Ā After that, I remember sitting outside of the bathroom in the commons on a chair. I could feel the sympathetic stares even though I couldnāt lift my head to see them. It wasnāt long before I was on my coachās back, getting carried out to a car headed to the hospital. I ended up staying overnight and taking a flight home the next day. I finished the season with minor nausea.
In seventh grade, also the first year of middle school for me, I experienced anxiety every morning the first week. One day, I couldnāt bear it any longer and caved in. I had to go to the ER for three days in a row. Ā On the fourth day, I was admitted to the hospital for a few days. After visiting many doctors, I was prescribed medication to help stop my anxiety and nausea. This helped tremendously and got me through the rest of the year with no problems. I also started to see a therapist to help sort out my feelings and deal with my symptoms when they start to occur.
I am now currently in eighth grade, doing very well. I am off medication, able to cope with my problems using the techniques Iāve learned. I now know if I didnāt have hope that one day I might overcome my anxiety and CVS, that I would have taken the easy way out: quitting sports to take away the possibility of any repeats of my past. Although my struggle may not be exactly like yours, I feel that by sharing it, we can relate. Ā No matter how big or small, complicated or not your story may be, we all have them. Itās how we use it that separates us one from another. Ā Remember to keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel. This I Believe.
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As VPM, I organized a Sisterhood event at Eugeneās local āDemolition Zoneā where members could relieve some stress after midterms and have a blast smashing things. I was happy to come up with an event not typical of a sorority sisterhood, and thankfully it was well-loved by everyone. Canāt wait to plan the next one!
The past few days I was able to be a part of Pi Phiās College Weekend In St.Louis with my chapterās President, Emma. While I was there I met so many inspiring sisters from chapters across the nation. Iām coming back with endless ideas for my position as VPM, but also for Oregon Alpha as a whole. The highlights of my trip were meeting another sister serving as VPM with the name of Greta, and listening to the advice of the current and past grand presidents of Pi Phi, Paula Shepard, Ruth āSisā Mullis, and Mary Tatum. Iām so excited for my upcoming year on executive council, and even for the years after as a Pi Phi Alumn. Above all, this weekend has proved to me the importance of leaving a legacy for all the future pifes out there.
From The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho,Ā āDonāt forget that everything you deal with is only one thing and nothing else. And donāt forget the language of the omens. And, above all, donāt forget to follow your Personal Legend through to its conclusion.ā
During my winter break from school this year, I decided to re-read The Alchemist. This time around, I decided to annotate as I went. I donāt often have the attention to revisit a book Iāve already read before, but this story proved to be as exciting as it was upon first discovery.Ā
The messages within this book couldnāt have been read at a more vital point in my life. I started my breakĀ with the dooming conclusion that I need to re-take an accounting course I had slaved over for the past three months. Confidence in my ability to persevere, in my level of intelligence, and what I wanted out of college or a career was at an all-time low; I considered those things to be completelyĀ broken within myself.Ā
After reading about the shepherd boy and his journey to find the treasure that had spoken to him in his dreams, I have gained new perspectives I hope to carry with me.Ā
As I take the steps to explore the path Iām on and the opportunities of others, I want to listen to the feeling inside myself to guide me. I am tired of explaining away the omens to justify the future Iāve held onto for reasons unknown but largely influenced by outside perspectives other than my own. Instead, Iāll seek to discover the path I believe to be written for me by God.
I donāt expect the answers to appear in front of me as magically as they did for the boy in the book, but maybe if I open up my heart and faith wide enough, they will reveal themselves to me in one way or another.
I somewhat spontaneously got this tattoo on my back, based off an illustration of the alchemistās hawk in the story. I have never been able to pull the trigger on a tattoo before, but as soon as I made the decision on this I was never more content. I donāt want this renewed hope and excitement for my own Personal Legend to fade away like much otherĀ literatureĀ Iāve read before has. So now, Iāll carry it with me forever as my good omen and a reminder of these lovely things.Ā
This is the Oregon Coast. The same beaches I grew up on are now lined with trash and plastic debris. I am aware this is just a small taste of what many other beaches are already experiencing, yet it doesnāt make it any less troubling. Iāve been cautious about my plastic consumption since Iāve been old enough to know about its environmental effects but after witnessing the direct impact its had on land so special to me, Iām even more empowered to do the right thing and encourage others to do so as well. I wish the current government would more seriously acknowledge the ocean pollution and the negative effects its already taken on marine wildlife and climate change. Change is in the legislation. I hope America votes for saving the environment next round before its too late.
On Friday, I visited Envirosightās marketing department located in Portland through the Lundquist College of Business Job Shadow Program. I gained valuable knowledge about the industry, as well as a more concrete idea how a smaller B2B business operates. Each team member I spoke with gave me great insight into the business world and their personal journey within it. Iām excited to stay in contact with the team at Envirosight who made me feel so comfortable and gave me their full attention despite their busy schedules.Ā
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I took a chance recently and failed. For a moment I thought it defined me. I was sure I no longer comprised of the good values and qualities I always believed myself to hold. My dad shared some words with me that although quite plain-spoken, were just what I needed to hear. He said, āEveryone gets their ass handed to them at some point, and that just means youāre playing with the big dogs now.ā I concluded my experience was one that humbled me and provided me with a great lesson. Itās important to be knocked down to understand where you are, and how much you need to grow. Iām proud I tried and failed at something intellectually challenging, rather than staying in one place because itās easy.
I heard this recently from a speaker broadcast of Dr. Oz at my chapterās National Society of Leadership and Success meeting and it really resonated with me, as it probably does with many others. I often find myself creating a problem out of nothing, believing it to be the size of a lion when really it is more likely a house cat. This idea reminded me of a few things; I need challenge myself when overthinking (is this beneficial to my wellbeing/positive attitude?) and remember the right about of stress is a good driver of success. Lastly, in moments when I feel it is harder to separate myself from my thoughts, there are healthy ways to de-stress. Some good self therapies include: stretching, jaw relaxations exercises, meditation, or simply confiding in someone close to me.
Week 4 of fall term and I need to pause. Life feels as though it hasnāt stopped recently, and thereās one thing that always makes me feel like I can slow time and breathe. I call it myĀ āzen recipe.ā
The start of life in a sorority house this week has been something Iāve been looking forward to. So far, adjusting has been surprisingly difficult, but filled with positive interactions to counteract moments of unease. Iām confident that as the school year begins, relationships will only continue to grow and be shaped in ways I canāt predict. Thereās something really special when a large group of women, all similar in values yet each differentiated in their personalities, can thrive cohesively.Ā
What a big, beautiful support group to be a part of.
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Healthy breakfasts donāt get much easier than this folks. This meal takes about five minutes or less to make and never gets old.Ā
What youāll need:Ā
one eggĀ
one slice of breadĀ
one slice of tomatoĀ
half an avocado
butterĀ
lemon pepper
basilĀ
banana
Start by picking your toast (in this case mine is Daveās Killer Bread: 21 Whole Grains and Seeds) and put it in the toaster oven. While that is browning, place the egg(s) in a small bowl and break the yolk. Then, wrap a napkin tightly over the open top of the small bowl by tucking the napkin over the sides and under the bowl. To cook the egg, microwave it for 45 seconds (the egg will start to sound like its popping - this is normal, donāt take it out). While that is cooking, start to slice the tomato, avocado, basil, and banana. By now, the egg should be ready to let cool. To finish the plate, I butter the bread, place the tomato and avocado on top of the egg, sprinkle lemon pepper on top of that, and finish off with fresh basil. Today I paired the meal with a sliced banana and Starbucks Pike Place roast mixed with Ripple vanilla plant-based half nā half.Ā
As move-in day is approaching, I wanted to utilize this week to do some serious organizing. Starting with my closet, I categorized by seasons, type, and items to be donated. Among those to be donated were my old tees collected from regattas over the years. As much as it hurt my heart to see them go, Iāve been lugging them from place to place with no wear for far too long. I figured taking pictures of my favorites would be just as memorable as keeping them locked away in the back of my closet.Ā
These shirts reminded me much of what rowing gave me, and how I missed it. Reflecting on this today, I wish there was a way I could still keep it a part of my life without the immense time commitment it calls for. Before rowing, I had never competed in a sport as mentally and physically exhausting - and Iāve tried just about every sport. As much as muscular and cardiovascular endurance plays a role in being a successful rower, so does the mental capability of hitting a stroke rate, maintaining rhythm, and not allowing the body to break before the finish line.Ā
I find rowing to be so powerful in the way it requires how strong a team has to be together. I never got the sense there is an MVP in this sport. In other words, even though a team mate might have a faster split than me, we were all equally necessary to have in our seat to win. If one person is not pulling their weight (quite literally), the rest of us feel it and have to compensate. If one person looses rhythm, it could set the others off in the boat similar to a domino effect. Each seat has purpose, equally important. The front seats set the pace, middle seats are the powerhouses, and seats to the rear carry the balance. Even the coxswain, could arguably be the most valuable because they have so many details on their plate to manage. Knowing we were all in the āsame boatā, all working towards a common direction, only makes this sport more valuable to those playing it.Ā
There are days where I look for peace, and my mind takes me back to memories of morning practices and perfect races. I can feel the send of the boat under me after each push of my legs, accompanied with a grunt in unison with my crew. I can hear the click of the ores when they hit our abdomens, immediately followed by the silence over the water as we glide to our next position. These moments are so serene, and often helped me overcome whatever internal battle I was fighting that day.
I am not a person who can remember specific moments in my life well. Iām usually the type who can recall a vague time or place only with fuzzy details. But this moment I remember very clearly; I had hit the split time my coach set for me at the beginning of the season, and the fastest time for me yet. Starting out with my power 20ā²s to set the pace, I didnāt think I could hold onto it for 2,000 meters. Midway, I wanted to stop. I wanted to slow, give my legs and heart a break. My coach, Kenzie noticed. She came over to me and spoke to me for the remainder of the race. She held me accountable and believed I would do it. I watched the meters count down to 0 with my goal split stuck on the screen. I was so overcome with relief and happiness I felt tears start to build up behind my eyes. In that moment I had truly experienced what it meant to work hard for reward.Ā
Rowing is a sport of respect, sportsmanship, dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork. Iām so glad that I got to know the sport that many never do, even if it was just for as long as I did.Ā