{day by day}

Has it really been 3 months?! The passing of time is strange here. In many ways, it feels like I've been in school for much longer. I've developed a day-to-day routine, and its repetitive nature has induced a sense of familiarity. However that feeling doesn't usually last very long; with each new tradition, and every time I get lost in the library, I am reminded that I'm still new here. Mount Holyoke has quickly become a second home, and I am so blessed to get to spend the next 3 1/2 years here.

But most of the time, it feels like life is whizzing by. I can't believe that I'm almost finished with my first semester of college. I've learned many valuable lessons in these short months, and the world of 'almost' adulthood has definitely brought both challenges and freedoms. Until recently, I've done really well with adjusting to living so far away from home. The welcoming community along with the excitement of a busy, new environment on the east coast has kept the homesickness at bay. But now, especially as we approach the holidays and many of my peers plan their trips home to their families (I will be going home with a friend), it's a lot harder to ignore all the feels. It will be my first Thanksgiving away from family and the Midwest, and I can't help but think of what I'll be missing. Though I know it will be different, I'm sure it will be equally wonderful experiencing holiday traditions with another kind, loving family as my hosts. Regardless, I'm excited to be staying in an actual house with delicious home-cooked meals.

{obligatory dorm room photos-a bit late I'm sorry!}

{view of Upper Lake from dorm room: end of summer & prime time New England autumn}

{favorite lunch spot overlooking Lower Lake}

While technology has kept me quite connected to home, I hate that there are certain events I can't physically be present for. Brothers are getting their licenses. Friends are having choir concerts and performing in plays I want to see. Some cousins are getting engaged while others are quickly growing up (like the two little nuggets below). It's crazy to think that when I come home, so many things will have happened--for both me and friends/family in Minnesota. These darling twin cousins of mine will be 4 months older, and will have grown immensely in the process. Every time I get a photo of them and see how much bigger they've gotten, I realize how long I've been away. Homesickness has officially seeped into my being, and I'm counting the days until I board my flight back for intersession (Dec. 16!!). Nevertheless, while I miss family, friends, Minneapolis, and Caribou (it kills me that it doesn't exist here), I will make the most of every day in Massachusetts. Before I know it, my time will be up--and I don't want to waste a second!
XOXO,
    ~Sonia

{photos taken one month after birth, mid-August 2014}

{Setara--left, Negeena--right}

{Setara--bottom, Negeena--top}

{mountain day}

This week, I experienced Mount Holyoke's oldest surprise tradition: Mountain Day.  At 7AM on Monday morning the bells rang 100 times (I didn't actually hear them as my dorm is too far away) and received an e-mail from Lynn Pasquerella, the president of the college, stating that all classes were cancelled for the day. I could hear whoops and hollers from the open windows in my dorm hall, and was greeted with "Happy Mountain Day" by everyone I passed on campus. It's basically a holiday.

We hopped on the shuttle and were brought to climb the Mount Holyoke Summit, which is technically a glorified hill at 942 ft. But don't get me wrong, the "shortcut" hike up the trails was definitely steep enough to give us all sore glutes the next morning. The day was off to a foggy start, but dear Mary Lyon (may she rest in peace) brought out the sun by the time we made it all the way up. Waiting for us at the top was Lynn, with ice cream cups, free hats, and buttons. We spent a good 45 minutes enjoying the warm, breezy 80 degree weather and taking in the glorious view of farmlands, colorful trees, and even a few of the neighboring campuses. Before Monday I had yet to even take my camera out of its case; Mountain Day was the perfect opportunity to capture life through the lens!

{the first Mount Holyoke Mountain Day was held in 1838}

convocation 2014

The secret is out... my school is actually Hogwarts.

Convocation is celebrated in the amphitheater the day before classes begin, and is held to welcome both new and returning students to campus. There are performances and speeches given by faculty and alumna, and everyone is decked out in costumes and colors to celebrate their class and Mount Holyoke, a college that has pioneered (and continues to lead) women's education in the United States.


Each class is assigned its very own color and creature:
{Class of 2015} Yellow Sphinx
{Class of 2016} Green Griffin
{Class of 2017} Blue 'Lyon'
{Class of 2018} Red Pegasus

To view the live-stream video of this year's Convocation Ceremony at Mount Holyoke, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Xjyo0IBTs&feature=youtu.be

road trips & dirty dancing

After 1352 miles and 22 hours of driving we finally made it! Since we made great time our first day driving, we decided to take a short detour to Niagara Falls in NY. My parents hadn't been there since an anniversary before I was born, and it was a first time experience for me. What an amazing sight to see!

Today concludes my first official day at college. As a traditional closer for us firsties, the school puts on a movie night, featuring Dirty Dancing in the auditorium. Watching a classic 80's chick flick in an auditorium filled with hundreds of excited young ladies is most definitely an experience. Whoops and hollers when slick Patrick Swayze enters the scene and loud cheers and whistles when Baby makes the first move. But nothing compares to the screams that erupt from everyone's mouths when we get to the best 5 seconds of the whole movie, cause "Baby's GOING TO MOUNT HOLYOKE IN THE FALL!"

Though today has been hectic with getting IDs and keys and moving all my stuff to the top floor of my dorm in 90 degree weather, it has been a wonderful journey so far. I have already met and reconnected with some pretty amazing young women from all over country (and the world!), and I know that my time here has only just started.

So let the adventure begin!

{packing}

One giant puzzle. That's what packing a car with my entire life feels like. Everything seems essential, and I do not trust shipping.
"Do you have to take your books?"
"Yep."
"Is bringing your cactus absolutely necessary?"
"Mhmm."
I ignored my family's attempts to explain that it was not physically possible to fit my many boxes of necessary crap into the car. BUT ALAS, IT HAS BEEN DONE.
Truthfully, I had my doubts about halfway through. But a bit of repackaging and reorganizing and the job was finished. Thankfully it didn't take as long as I thought it would; the heat and humidity got to me quickly. Walking outside felt like stepping into a lukewarm swimming pool.

{project completed}

These past few weeks I've felt so ready to move on to this new phase. The transition from high school to college has seemed so natural, and I couldn't be more excited for the independence and freedom coming my way. But my last day here in Minnesota has brought on the feels; neighbors, friends, and family members have all popped in to say goodbye and happy birthday, showering me with gifts, hugs and so much love. I realize how lucky I've been to grow up in such a caring environment, and it's inexplicably strange to think that tonight is my last night here for another 4.5 months. My brother is already planning his takeover of my room.

But at the same time, I know I really am ready to start my college journey at Mount Holyoke and become the confident, empowered woman that I have seen in each student and alum. I am ready to meet people from all over the world and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I am ready to pursue my academic passions and change the freaking world.
South Hadley, here I come!

diy // paper flowers

Fell in love with this diy featured on A Beautiful Mess the other day; they are so dainty and delicate! I'm jumping the gun on dorm decorating here...I still don't find out where and with whom I am living for at least another week. Crossing my fingers for one of the older (but still refurnished) Mount Holyoke dorm halls, though the antiquity and individual beauty is consistent in every one. Waiting so long to find out has been slightly irritating, but it's mostly because I cannot wait to make the space my own! Anyway, enjoy the craft and check back for more--I'm sure I'll continue to update once I'm moved in!

{original}

{my version}

>> placed on one of my handmade crochet doilies<<

Project by: 100 Layer Cake and Heart of Light. Videography: Scott Clark. Video editing: Buckshot Creative