Grace S.

Senior, Communication

I grew up in a simple town on the coast of Maine, moving to Tampa, Florida for college where I'm is a communication major, minoring in public relations.

I’m now is a full time student on track to graduate early, living in my first apartment, and working for a local boutique. My biggest priority is to successfully balance the aspects of my life while still being able to set and accomplish personal goals. Working part time while being a full-time student makes time management her my to thriving. My ultimate goal is to live the healthiest, happiest, and least stressful life I can.

When my mother passed away after a 6 week battle with cancer I was 18-years-old and had only a semester of college completed. I now find myself factoring in the ability to support myself in every way on top of standard responsibilities. Everyone's experiences differ, but, I had a lot to figure out very suddenly and very alone.

I have a lot of new goals and interests I was able to identify and prioritize once I realized how I need to life and what doesn’t require my attention or energy. This was a huge step in me becoming my best self, someone not only I’m proud of but I’m sure my mom is too.

I’m now writing with the goal of sharing how to cope with change or growing up, all while living a college lifestyle. College is the time to figure out not only who you are, but what you want to be. Stress will be inevitable but, there are many healthy ways to stop yourself from becoming overwhelmed. I have my own routines that have helped me overcome the worst of things, leading myself to a balanced head space.alone.