August 28, 2015

Last Year of High School Advice // Senior Year

Yesterday marked 3 months since I graduated high school. On Monday, August 24th I started my first day of college. Crazy, right? I'm still processing everything that's been going on for the past 2 weeks. I'm super excited to share my freshman college adventures with you guys, in the next couple of weeks. But for now, I would like to help my fellow high school seniors to make their last year high school the best one yet. I guess you could say it's a senior year bucket list, but no matter what happens, make it count.

1) STILL stay true to yourself.

I know I know, I've said this a gazillion times, but I have to say this advice has probably made a huge impact me during my senior year. Thank you, Lauren Elizabeth.

2) Take lots of pictures, more than ever.

Do it. It's fun and try to not the delete the "ugly" ones. Those are the best ones.

3) It's okay to lose friends.

People say (possibly joking), the day of your graduation is the expiration date for friendships.

4) Try new things.

Most of you guys turn 18, so you have more opportunities to actually live life. Make sure it's legal and safe.

5) Plan for next year.

College. Career. Scholarships. Apply. Early is the best. Good luck

6) Write a letter to yourself and read it after you graduate.

It was a really fun activity to complete. You won't regret it. You would be surprise how much you have evolved over the past 2 semesters

7) Go to your high school graduation.

Now this you will regret, if you don't attend.

8) Buy or create a yearbook.

I feel like senior year should be the only year you should buy your yearbook, since it's crazy expensive like the college textbooks, but you do you, my friend. Since it's expensive, you can always create your own yearbook. Grab some paper of any kind, maybe print out some pictures of your own, think of a cute cover to draw or paint, let people sign and voila, there you go. :)

9) Value every moment.

Keep in mind, senior year will go by fast. Try to make everyday the best day. Focus on the positivity.

That's all the advice I can think of without repeating any advice from my previous high school advice posts. Enjoy :)

Quote of the day:

"East High is a place where teachers encouraged us to break the status quo and define ourselves as we choose. Where a jock can cook up a mean crème brulee, and a brainiac can break it down on the dance floor. It's a place where one person, if it's the right person, changes us all. East High is having friends we'll keep for the rest of our lives, and that means we really are 'all in this together'. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!" - Troy Bolton, High School Musical 3







Ten High School Don'ts // Back to School

Recently, one of my favorite bloggers, prepofthesouth, posted a list of things not to do in college. I really liked it, so I thought I would like to do the same for high school.

1) Don't fall into peer pressure.

It's important to always stay true to yourself. I find it heart breaking that people change themselves or do something desperate just to fit in. I bet that once you do that, you will not be satisfy with the people you surround yourself with. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable, pretty please get out of that situation and be surrounded by people that makes you be yourself and truly happy. It may take time, but it will be worth it. As Meghan said in her Spring Lookbook: My Brave Story , "It's eating lunch alone, because you're worth more than toxic friendships."

2) Don't be a drama queen

Like I said on my last post, there will be irrelevant drama throughout high school. No one wants to be surrounded by negativity. Try to be the bigger person to let pointless things go and move on with your life, because as they say, "life is too short.. *insert positive words.
Be the fun and happy person. You want to be able look back at the good times and satisfy your high school experience.


3) Don't ever seek an approval of others.

YOU DO YOU
Value your happiness over the approval of others. If people don't approve you, then cut them out of your life. Go find better people. You and your life shouldn't be judged by others (If it's your parents, then compromise until you move out). Do what makes you happy. Make sure whatever you do will keep you out of trouble from the law and be safe.


4) Don't skip a meal.

I will never understand why people skip breakfast. As the whole world agrees, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It's what keeps you energize and ready to show the world what you got. Plus, you'll get hungry throughout out the day and won't be focus at all and same goes for lunch. Don't skip dinner too, because you'll have a hard time falling asleep and actually end up losing sleep and that will lead to no good.


5) Don't skip class.

Skipping class may sound fun and exciting, but wait until you go back to reality.. You will miss a TON of stuff, such as important lessons and announcements. It wouldn't be smart to skip school on the day before the test. I warn you there are going to be those teachers that will make you take the test right when you come back from your absence. In my opinion, you should only skip class if it's an emergency, if you're on a club related fieldtrip, sick/illness, religious holiday or possibly visiting colleges. Just know it will be your responsibility to receive your makeup work.


6) Don't be rude to your teachers.

This is has to be one of my pet peeves. I'll never understand why people are rude to their teachers. I mean they're also humans, just older than us. There's a reason why they decided to become a teacher, one of them is mostly likely, to wanting to make a difference in a student's life. They most likely want to teach and spread their knowledge of their interest. If you don't like your teacher, then at least be civilized with them. Always remember that they might be going through a situation you may not be aware of.

7) Don't make fun of fan girls.

Super important, because I'm also one of those girls. It's important to be aware that there is a specific reason why they go crazy over their idols. Don't be ignorant, just feel free to ask them why they go hardcore. I'm sure they would be delighted to answer any of your questions. Another thing to be aware of, is not all fan girls are the same.. Believe it or not, there are variety types of fan girls, some are crazy and hyper, while others could possibly have a chance to become friends with their idols. Just remember to assume nothing and be open-minded.


8) Don't spend too much time on your electronic devises.

No matter what, I'm always going to regret spending so much time on my phone and laptop..
YOU GUYS THERE IS A WORLD OUT THERE, GO EXPLORE IT
In case you're not able to explore the world for some reason, there are other ways to spend your free time, such as read a novel, bake/cook food, find your artistic ability, or you could watch tv..
 It's not that great to spend too much time on electronics, because it's unhealthy for your mind. We all need a break from it. The least you could do, is utilize your time.


9) Don't stop in the middle of the hallway to talk to your friends.

There is nothing more annoying than being stuck in "traffic" and seeing people standing in the middle of the hallway while trying to walk to your next class. In most high schools, you'll have five minutes to get to your classes. No one wants to get tardy. Be mindful to others. I promise that you will have other opportunities to socialize with your buddies.


10) Don't be uncomfortable with awkwardness.

I think one of my goals in high school, was to get out of my comfort zone, striving to become an extrovert. I haven't exactly achieved that goal yet, but I did made some progress. The key thing, is to be okay with awkwardness. We're all humans, we're not perfect. Just be you without caring what others think of you. Like I mentioned in the third advice, "Value your happiness over the approval of others."

Quotes of the day:

"Be friends with people who aren't your age. Hangout with people whose first language isn't the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn't come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how you grow." - Unknown

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss





August 14, 2015

Start All Over // High School Freshman Advice/Tips

It's the moment you've all been waiting for, ever since you first saw High School Musical and the very first episode of Gossip Girl. High School. I hate to tell you this, but high school-related movies/tv shows are nothing but exaggerated plots for entertainment purposes. Despite of that, they can be useful sometimes, such as Emily Fields from Pretty Little Liars, who struggled with coming out. I assume her character helped someone who was also going through the same situation as her.

 Anyway I'm finally done with high school and I thought I would like to share my tips to the people who will be starting high school or for anyone really.

1) Be you.
There's nothing better than being yourself. By being you, you will make friends that will love you for you and most importantly you'll truly be happy. You shouldn't care what people think of you, so what if they think you're odd. They just lost their chance of being friends with the coolest person ever. In my opinion, you would be wasting your time if you pretended to be someone you're not.

2) Set goals and focus on them.
School is a place to help you learn, grow, and prepare you for the future. Is there a college you have in mind? Or do you want to make a difference at your school? Well make that your goal. Do everything that will help you reach your goal(s). Work hard in the smartest way possible. Don't forget to find your motivation.

3) Be open-minded
It's 2015 and you're most likely going to a school that's filled with different types of people from different backgrounds (race, religion, ethnicity, political views, etc.). Please don't be that person, who only surround themselves with people, who have similar views and background. How on Earth are you ever going to learn and grow? High school is the best time to expand your mind.  It's also important to respect other people's opinions. As my U.S. History teacher once said, "The point of high school is to get along with other people." Hey, you never know you might get invited to their traditional cultural wedding.

4) Be kind.
Nothing goes wrong with spreading kindness. Our society is already polluted with negativity, so why make it worse? We're all struggling with personal problems. Perhaps invite that person, who's sitting all alone nearby, to your table. Be the reason for someone's smile. Spread positive vibes.

5) Organization is the key.
PLANNERS/AGENDAS. BUY ONE. Or use the one your school provides. It's 100% helpful, because I know I'm horrible when it comes to remembering stuff. It's a lot easier to jot down homework, assignments, test/projects due dates on your planner than to trying to remember it. Plus, if you glam it up, it can also be a great motivation and make school fun. There are several cute planners you can purchase from, such as Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Bando, or even Target.

6) Get involved with your school.
Do you want to make friends? Is there something you're passionate about? Do you need service hours for scholarships or graduation? If you said yes to any of these questions, then perhaps you should get involved with your school, by joining a club/sport. From my experience it was fun. My favorite club that I joined, was PeaceJam. It's a club for students, who are passionate about becoming leaders to create a positive change in themselves, their community and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates. I have to say, being part of PeaceJam was my favorite experience from high school. It's also another way to stand out from your peers on college applications.

7) Take care of yourself.
There's going to be a time, where you are stressed, busy, and just crazy-minded. First thing first, take a deep breath and a 10 minute break. It's really important that you take breaks between your busy schedule. Make sure you prepare healthy meals, because you need that good energy. I know Bethany Mota is an expert on that, so here's her videos on breakfast and lunch/snacks. Don't forget to get reasonable amount of a good night sleep. If you need more tips on taking care of yourself, I advise you to click this.

8) Take several pictures.
Yes. Taking pictures with your phone or camera is important. You want to make good memories, while you're in high school. I wish I've taken pictures more often. I think it would be good for your soul, if you took pictures at least once or twice a week, everyday if it's spirit week or a holiday/break.

9) Stay away from negativity.
Sadly, there will be irrelevant drama. Ignore it. Don't waste your time with those people. Surround yourself with positive people. You don't want majority of your high school experience to be filled with drama. Always remember, a boy is not worth ruining a friendship.

10) Change is good.
Apparently, a lot can actually happen between the transition of middle school to high school (summer). Just go with the flow. There's going to be a time where you make new friends and start drifting away from your old ones from middle school. At first it's going to suck, but again, go with the flow. You would contact your old friends, if you still wanted them to be in your life. It will be okay. Take this time to explore new things.

Style. If you want to change your style, then go for it, girl. Don't let people hold you back from what you want to wear or do. If money is holding you back, you can always shop at the clearance/sale section or buy the knock-off brands. You should use Pinterest for inspiration. Please don't think, what you wear is what going to lead you to more friends and popularity. Although, it maybe true, but is that really what you want? A friendship built from brand labels. There's going to be people like that, it's your choice. At the end of the day, it's all about kindness, your personality and creating pure happiness within.

11) Challenge Yourself
One way to learn about yourself, is to figure out what you're capable of doing, such as taking rigorous courses or run for an office position for a club, that you're actually passionate about. Not only will it look good on your college applications, but it will help you become a leader and make your high school experience even better.

12) Stuck on something? Ask for help.
Teachers and Guidance Counselors are there for a reason. They're one of the most important resources in every school. I promise your guidance counselor can help you with your needs, from giving you advice on college to helping you too solve your problems with your friends. Depending on some teachers, they can help you reach your ideal grade and provide study tips. It's up to you to seek their help. Plus, by reaching for help from teachers and guidance counselors, it can create a great relationship. Just maybe when the time comes, they can write a recommendation letter for you. Take advantage of their office hours.

I hope these tips were helpful for you. I'm pretty sure there are more, but these are all I can think of solely based on my experience. I know you all will do great this year. Make the best of it.

Helpful links
http://study-hack.com/
http://www.sparknotes.com/

Videos
Study Tips And Organization
CrashCourse

Quotes of the day:

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." - Malala Yousafzai

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris












August 6, 2015

Too Much Information Tag

Happy August aka the Sunday of summer. There's no better way to get to know me more than to complete a TMI Tag. Hey you never know, we both might share the love of a tv show or have the desire to travel to the same country. I hope you enjoy reading these crazy specific informational facts about me. Stay awesome. (I created this post few days ago)

1. What are you wearing?

A solid purple short sleeve shirt and striped pajamas. The colors of the stripes are violet, mint green, sky blue, and dodger blue

2. Ever been in love?

I mean I get really excited when my fries are done heating in the toaster oven

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

Nope

4. How tall are you?

I think 5'6 or 5'7 I'm not exactly sure

5. How much do you weigh?

On a good day, 32489320329430 pounds. WHY YES FOOD IS LIFE

6. Any tattoos?

I don't plan on it

7. Any piercings?

My ears. I want to get my 2nd set of holes, cartilage and nose pierced

8. OTP?

OH MY
CHUCK AND BLAIR & SEASON 1 DAN AND SERENA FROM GOSSIP GIRL

 


 WILL AND KATE



BLAKE AND RYAN
 
 
 
AND OF COURSE CAMERON DALALS AND I
 
Pictures coming soon
 
 
9. Favorite show?

There are so many hahaha
 
Gossip Girl (finished the show for first time ever on June 30th)

 
 
Baby Daddy

 
 
 Teen Wolf

 
 Pretty Little Liars


 
 Boy Meets World

 
 
 Saved By The Bell

 
 and many more

10. Favorite bands?

The Lumineers

My favorite: Classy Girls


 
 
 and I guess One Direction haha

My favorites: She's Not Afraid, Alive,


 
11. Something you miss? .

Being five years young, my dad's side of the family in India, and the old Disney Channel & Nick

12. Favorite song?

I have no clue. Is there such thing?
Although my favorite country song is Play It Again by Luke Bryan

13. How old are you?

I have 2 months and 4 days left to still call myself an 18 year old gal

14. Zodiac sign?

Libra babyyy

15. Quality you look for in a partner?

Anything  from...
 
 
 
 
 
and Ansel Elgort

 
16. Favorite Quote?

There's a special place in my heart for quotes.
As of right now I'm really loving, "escape the ordinary"
 
17. Favorite actor?

I guess Johnny Depp and Leonardo Di Caprio, they're both successful and inspiring


 
18. Favorite color?

Mostly pink, but I do like gold
 
19. Loud music or soft?

Both

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

My room

21. How long does it take you to shower?

Maybe 20 minutes I don't know haha

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

10 minutes because, I don't do much, but I hope to change that. I usually spend the remainder of the of time on my phone laying on my bed

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

A physical fight as in hitting people, then yes. whoops

24. Turn on?

Kindness, gives a real smile, and open-mindness

25. Turn off?

Ignorance, rudeness, and being cocky

26. The reason I created a blog?
(I alternated this, since I didn't exactly join Youtube haha maybe someday)

To express myself, have fun, and hopefully inspire someone. I'm also shy and awkward in front the camera so vlogging wasn't the best option.

27. Fears?

My goals won't be achieved, pass away with regrets, and snakes

28. Last thing that made you cry?

Not being able to speak up

29. Last time you said you loved someone?

I just tweeted Cameron I love him so yeah hehehe

30. Meaning behind your blog Name?

I love the beach, so I guess seaside is another word for the beach and my name is Sameera.
I think the blog name is pretty catchy

31. Last book you read?

Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie, it was for my English class
 
 
32. The book you're currently reading?

Wow this is embarrassing, I need to get back to reading

33. Last show you watched?

I finished Gossip Girl on June 30, 2015

34. Last person you talked to?

My friend Mae

35. The relationship between you and the person you last texted?

My friend Alex. I texted her Okay!!!

36. Favorite food?

I can't choose between fries, pizza, and chicken curry

37. Place you want to visit?

Everywhere on this planet, but Rome, Italy to be specific

38. Last place you were?

In the kitchen in my home

39. Do you have a crush?

His name is Cameron Dallas

40. Last time you kissed someone?

I've never been kissed

41. Last time you were insulted?

Last night by my parents. Long story

42. Favorite flavor of sweet?

Chocolate

43. What instruments do you play??

I don't play anything, but I do want to learn to play the acoustic guitar, the drums, and the piano

44. Favorite piece of jewelry?

My golden/diamond studs earrings

45. Last sport you played?

Hahahahahaha

46. Last song you sang?
 
I was jammin' out Taylor's 1989 album

 
47. Favorite chat up line?

I don't have one. I'm so awkward that I can't even say hi

48. Have you ever used it?

Skipping this question hahaha

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?

Few months ago with my best friend Elisabeth

50. Who should answer these questions next?

Anyone who's reading this right now

** Pictures are not mine

Quote of the day:
 
"Shine bright, be yourself." - Stephen Richards