20 Things I Learned Before Turning 20

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Hello friends and happy Thursday!

It seems like just yesterday I was turning 19 and praying God would make it a good year. Some years have felt harder than others (18, I'm looking back at you), but overall, 19 was good. I learned a lot about myself, met some wonderful people, & have sensed myself starting to grow up a bit. Now, here I am, two decades of life down! At first, I dreaded turning 20. I've heard so many young women talk about how your 20's are full of insecurity and confusion because you're finally trying to figure your life out. In a few short years, I'll have to become a real adult (scary!). I thought I would share 20 things I learned before I turned 20 and maybe some of you can relate to these as well.

1. Even after the darkest night, the sun will always rise.

2. Time heals most things.

3. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing.

4. There will always be more than one bad phone call.

5. Everything happens for a reason, you just might never find out why.

6. When in doubt, write it out.

7. Reading a book is a good way to get lost.

8. Long walks/drives are important.

9. God gives you the people you need when you need them.

10. Always call your mom.

11. You can always go back home.

12. Find the people who challenge you + support you and make them your people.

13. Love with all of your heart, even if you get nothing in return.

14. Know when to put someone else's needs before your own.

15. But, self-care is sooo important.

16. Know your worth.

17. Know what you're willing to fight for.

18. Travel often.

19. Embrace change because it leads to growth.

20. Adulthood is inevitable! 

I hoped you enjoyed this post! Anything that you've learned before getting another year old?!

xoxo,

Carly 

Do People Really Change?

It's the same old problem, over and over again; complaining to our mothers about boys who don't deserve us or talking to our girlfriends about why that guy isn't texting us back. It's our mothers asking us in concerned voices what do we see in him anyway to the calm, soothing tone of our girlfriends saying that he'll come around. But after the voices of our loved ones fade away, the ones in our head appear. Our right side of our brain battles our left side till the end, or at least until we experience another painful heartbreak by making the same mistakes.

There is always someone in our lives we wish would change. Whether it's to drink less or exercise more, there is going to be something that someone needs to change in their lives. Upon, reading the book "You Are A Badass" by Jen Sincero, I began asking myself, do people really change?  I've come to some harsh, yet crucial conclusions that I figured others needed to hear as well.

Humans Are Not a Light Switch
Inevitably, we are going to have bad days. We will have days where it feels like the world is against us and other days where the world is beside us. Having a bad day doesn't exempt you from having bad behavior. A person cannot be turned on one day and off the next. Someone cannot say they are going to change one day but go right back to doing the same thing they were before the next. Our behavior is constant and our attitudes and beliefs are constant. However, if you chose to think of a person as a light switch, consider this: no matter how long you leave the lights on, the bulbs will go out eventually. The person who is trying to change will break if they are under constant pressure from you about how much they need to change. Then you'll be left wondering why you didn't change it sooner.

Maybe People Can Change, but It Won't & Shouldn't Be For You
We all know that couple who breaks up and gets back together again a thousand times. "He says he's going to change his ways and become better for me" your best friend will say. So, you mean someone is going to automatically change the things you hate about them into things that make YOU happy? That's quite the commitment. However, what does the person you want to change gain from only making you happy? Nothing. People do not need to change for other people. People need to change for themselves. Remember, you are the one starring at yourself in the mirror everyday. You are the one living your life. Your willingness to get out of bed in the mornings needs to be because you want to better yourself everyday, not to please someone else who cannot accept you for the person that you already are.

Someone is Meant to Love That Person As They Are. It Just Won't Be You.
Often times, we build up how great someone is in our head. How they could do no wrong, how no matter how many times they ignore our calls and texts, they are still the fabulous person we think they are. Even after this same person has hurt us countless times, we still hold them to a higher standard than anyone else. I can recall numerous occasions that I've complained to my mother about someone in particular. She silenced my complaints with the simple questions, "What do you see in this person anyways? What long-lasting qualities do they have?" Her questions puzzled me but made me realize that I could not answer them honestly. Just because someone isn't perfect for you doesn't mean that they aren't perfect for someone else. The qualities that don't appeal to you may appeal to someone else. It's okay to realize that we aren't capable of loving everyone and not everyone is capable of loving us. Also, don't think that the person who is perfect for you will never come. Some say that what's meant for you will never pass you by.

Change Usually Evolves From Gut-Wrenching Experiences
I can remember the times in my life where I've experienced dramatic change better than I can recall what I ate for breakfast yesterday. That's because it changed me and well, my breakfast probably just made me bloated. Anyways, I've never met someone who's road for change and happiness was all flat with no bumps in it. Some roads go over mountains and some are just curvy. Unfortunately, some people will have to hit rock-bottom before they completely change their lifestyle. Not everyone will face something terrible for them to change, but usually the experiences that are the hardest transform you the most. I have learned more when I had nothing than when I had everything. I've never appreciated my life more than when I saw it in ashes versus when it was pieced perfectly together in a white dollhouse.

All in all, do people really change? Eh, I'm no psychologist, but they might after self-accessing and reaching that conclusion themselves. The bottom line is that, if you're waiting for someone to change, you're going to be waiting for a long time. You need to stop waiting. You need to let go of the person you thought they were and realize the person who is right in front of you. The kind of glorified change I'm talking about does not happen in a day or over drinks. It happens with the willingness to want to change to better yourself, your life, and your health. If we spent less time accessing the change that needs to occur in our people's lives instead of our own, that energy could be used to be more productive in our jobs, being nicer to our parents, and being a better friend.

"People often show their true selves early on, if you're paying attention." - me

Opportunities & Reflections

As my summer is coming to a quick end, I couldn't be more excited to begin a new chapter in my life: college. 

The summer before college is a 'weird' transition time. You truly begin to learn how to be an adult. Purchasing things for my dorm was one of the most stressful yet exciting experiences that I've had this summer. I'm telling you, deciding what you need to live on your own is a weird thing. I've had to purchase things that I use to never think about when I walked into Target like medicine, cleaning supplies, a lint roller, (haha) and the list goes on. 

Another part of the 'weird' feeling of transition is that your friends will not handle the idea of moving on the same way you will. 

Most of my friends are very anxious about the start of college, or the next chapter in their lives. While I am nervous about facets of college like sorority recruitment, how to study, finding my classes, etc., I'm also pretty dang excited for the opportunities I'm about to have and the people I will meet. My roommate is already a close friend of mine and I've met some great people through Orientation. Honestly, when you work really, really hard in high school, not only are you working towards getting into your dream college, you're working towards opportunities that will develop your career and allow you to become your best self. How could I not be excited about that?!

Along the lines of opportunities, I was recently chosen to be on the editorial team for Spire & Co. If you all aren't familiar with Spire & Co, it's an amazing website that inspires and supports young, ambitious women in all endeavors of their lives. I had to submit a piece in order to be considered for the job and ironically, the one I submitted was a piece I wrote two years ago after a breakup. Thanks for the job, ex boyfriend?? haha. 

I was always reluctant to share my writings with people because what I write is very personal to me. Putting yourself out there, in any way, is terrifying. Writing has always been a passion of mine. I also wanted to be apart of another facet of the fashion industry, which is why most of my articles will be featured in the Style & Beauty section. Look for my name in a couple of weeks :)

Best, 

Carly

How I Chose UGA

I'll never forget the moment I knew that the University of Georgia was where I would call 'home' for the next four years of my life. It was on a hot, mid-September evening in Athens. UGA was playing a popular rival-South Carolina. This was my first game I attended in the 2015 season. It was a highly-anticipated game, the fans were wild, and campus was flooded with students, alumni, and die-hard UGA fans. My parents have had season tickets to the Georgia games for years, and my brother and I grew up going to the games. We always had to walk through campus to get to the stadium, and naturally, I would be people-watching, but this particular time was different. Instead of watching people who had obviously had too much to drink already, I found my focus was on the buildings through North Campus. (A little history lesson, Georgia was the first state to charter a state-supported university/college in the year of 1785. So yeah, some of the buildings are old.) I noticed how beautiful the design of each building was, and how those stones and bricks represented a place that prepared so many people for their future. I remember looking over to my mom and saying, "I know this is where I'm supposed to be." Naturally, she replied, "Well, I hope you can do whatever it takes to get accepted!" ha!

As Taylor Swift once said, 'And that was the moment I knew'.  

Sometimes in life, you have these moments of affirmation or realization that you are supposed to be in a place, at a certain time, with a certain group of people. That night was the moment I knew UGA was were I was supposed to be. My only problem was that I had to await my acceptance letter, which came some 6 months later. The wait was miserable but definitely worth it!

So, my advice...

Hopefully, all of you upcoming seniors applying to college will have your 'Taylor Swift moment' like I did. Most people have a gut feeling, but some do not. Some just go to a college because they were forced to or it wasn't their first choice. I know that with a couple of colleges I did visit besides UGA, I did not have a gut feeling that that was where I belonged. For example, I visited Ole Miss last August and nothing clicked for me. My parents absolutely adored Oxford and the campus but it just wasn't for me. Do not feel pressured to settle on a school that you will not be happy going too. Seriously. Your personal happiness is so important, especially since you'll be living on your own for the first time. Of course you can transfer schools or even take a gap year. Whatever you have to do to make sure you are happy, do it. If that means not attending the college your parents did, like me, then do it!!

I wish you all happiness and best of luck this school year.

xx, Carly

Life Lately

Hello, all!

I know it has been quite some time since I've posted. So many of y'all have requested that I start posting again! Honestly, I've been in a writing-rut. Sometimes, it's hard to create content to discuss everyday- also, I'm leaning towards doing more lifestyle posts. 

Here are a few photos that represent my life in the past month!

My high school graduation, definitely a day that deserved a selfie!

After graduation, 6 of my closest friends and I drove to Destin, Florida for our senior trip. We had a blast and created so many memories. 

This is my view 5 days a week during the summer. Working on the lake isn't all that bad- sometimes ;). 

I just had orientation for UGA!!! I got my first semester classes scheduled and got to stay in the dorm I'm living in next year. Any upcoming UGA students reading?!

Thank y'all for reading and continuing to support my little space on the internet. What kind of posts would you all like to see?! Feel free to shoot me an email at carlymixon11@gmail.com or ask me in my Tumblr linked here.

Where I'm Going to College

I've published a few posts about college, the admissions process, and the tests needed for college. As most of you know, I'm a high school senior and that was what was occurring in my life. This past Friday, I received some big news- one that made me cry with excitement and relief. 

I got accepted into my first choice of school, the University of Georgia! 

It's been my dream to go to UGA for the past two years and I am so excited to be joining the freshman class of 2020. There were over 23,000 applicants this year, the highest number ever and the incoming class is the most academically competitive it has ever been. 

It still feels so surreal to know that I will be moving to Athens in the fall. I have been praying about this since the beginning of my senior year and a huge weight has been lighted off of my shoulders. The college process is so stressful and now I feel like I can finally enjoy my senior year since I know where I will be attending school.

GO DAWGS!

xoxo, 

What I Learned From Parson's

A little bit over a year ago, I remember showing my mom a 3 week summer course at Parson's in New York City. My eyes were wide with excitement, hoping she would let me go. 6 months later, I was boarding a plane to New York to study at the fashion school of my dreams. 

My parents and family members asked how I had heard of Parson's. Easy enough, I do my research on people. I read something fashion-related everyday, whether it's blogs or Vogue. I'm obsessed over learning about the industry and the people who have 'made it' in that world. Parson's has notable alumni, such as Olivia Palermo, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Tom Ford, etc. Powerhouses. Those were the leaders Parson's created and for all intents and purposes, I wanted the insight scope to create my own path to success. 

First off, I was so nervous. I remember sitting in the auditorium for orientation and thinking, 'my little southern self doesn't know anything about fashion.' Parson's is a school that attracts many international students which is so awesome. I had made friends who were from China, Paris, Brazil, and Canada, as well as in the United States. The talent there was unreal and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to survive. I was only 1 of 3 people I knew from the South. 

As nervous as I was, I didn't realize how important this experience was until I was back home, reflecting on it just like I am now. I truly miss my summer in NYC and my tiny dorm room.

Surround yourself with the right people:

At Parson's, it was one of the first times in my life I felt like I was surrounded by the right people. People, my age, who had the same dreams I did and the same drive to want to make it come true. Everyone in my class was so supportive of each other and our work. It was very different from high school because I wasn't having to deal with drama. I looked forward going to class everyday. The friends I made there were amazing and I still keep in touch with them to this day!

Keep a portfolio of your work:

If you're an artist in any way, you have probably heard of the importance of a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your work. Our portfolio was our 'final exam' at Parson's. It becomes very handy for future interviews! Plus, it is great to look back on what you did at that time. Progress is everything.

The opportunities are endless:

I remember considering attending Parson's for college. I thought to myself, 'wow, I could really start my career by going here.' New York City in general is SO FULL of opportunities. I say it in all caps because it's so true, if you have the right connections. My professor had referred some of his students to top designers and companies like Donna Karan and J. Crew. 

Many people ask, 'so if you're into fashion, why don't you go to school in New York?'

Great question, and it comes with an answer.

I have always, always loved the South. I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else. From going to football games at UGA to wearing cowboy boots in the fall and eating good BBQ, I'm not ready to leave that yet. I also want to join a sorority and go to football games which is a huge part of the southern lifestyle. Plus, I want to focus on southern fashion. I feel like it disappeared but it's coming back again. Look for my name out there soon :)

xoxo, 

Carly 

Knowing Your Worth

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Hey y'all!

I haven't decided how frequently I would start posting again. It's hard for me to have a new post every single day, but I will try my best to post something at least once a week. 

This topic in particular came to be after a phone call with my best friend. I did something cool for one of my guy friends and I was irritated at the result. Naturally, talking situations out with my friends helps tremendously. I kept asking myself, 'why do I continue to be nothing but good to people who don't do the same for me?' It's something we all struggle with. Whether it's that one friend, coworker, or anyone in your life who continues to disregard a kind gesture, #ifeelyou. 

It made me start thinking about my value, wondering how much is 'too much' to invest in others. Frankly, we are all caught up with the idea of someone or something. There's a point though, where it can become degrading if that's your main focus. I'm getting off on a tangent here, but I mainly wanted to express my thoughts on how sometimes, it's okay to cut people off who don't value you. It's exhausting to continue giving everything to someone who doesn't do the same for you back. Know that you are worth the kindness, love, and attention. 

It's All About Perspective

One of the things within blogging I struggle with is taking pictures. Having someone take pictures of me in general is awkward, let alone OOTD pictures. I consider myself a photogenic person but I've never liked having all of the attention on myself. With that being said, I want to make some personal #photographygoals for my blog!

1. Take more pictures

I really struggle with this. I see something once and say, 'that's it.' Done, I don't need to remember this place nor this moment. At the beginning of my senior year, I vowed to take more pictures since it was my last year of high school. Yeah, that's coming along great. With second semester a few weeks in, I plan to try again for this semester!

2. Take better quality pictures

Whether or not I stick with blogging in college, I need to get a better camera. I currently use an old Canon my mother used to own. It's slow, freezes up a lot, and doesn't capture the image like I want it too. Maybe 2016 will be the year I invest in a camera! Any recommendations?

3. Take the picture, even if you've already seen it

Over the summer during my three week stay in New York City, I was able to explore the city more in depth and take pictures, obviously. That was my 4th trip to the city and somehow, I still had the feeling I was missing something while I was reminiscing through photos. My logic now is, it doesn't matter how many times you've seen that building/road/view/sunrise/or sunset, take another picture. I'm so surprised at how taking pictures of the same thing overtime can be different. For example, I've been to The Plaza Hotel all 4 times I've been to New York. But you know what? My perspective has changed, my life has changed, and I have changed since the first time I took a photo of The Plaza to the most recent time. I know that example may sound really weird but it's so true. Even when you visit a familiar place, life is different and that's just how it goes. 

Do you guys have any tips for good photography?

xoxo, 

Carly

College Admissions: Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

At the end of my junior year, a common question for everyone was, "should I apply early decision or regular decision to my #1 choice of college?"

The answer? Well, that's your choice. 

Remember, this post is 100% my opinion and experiences I have learned from my friends. I definitely don't have a preference to either or, but I will share what I know now after applying to colleges. 

Early Decision:

This means that you apply sooner and will hear back sooner. *(Ex. apply by October 15, hear back by November 20). Most admissions offices will tell you the only difference about this decision is that you hear sooner than regular. While that's definitely true, early decision is extremely competitive. It's literally top-of-the-class students from every school applying, hoping to get in. Now, I'm not saying you have to be #1 in your class to apply early. Seriously, if you have great grades, test scores, and your GPA is ah-mazing then go for it. Early decision is a hit or a miss. You either get accepted, deferred, or denied. The only statistics the admissions office has to go by is the one from the previous year and they look at how the applicant pool is as a whole. Please note, they only look at grades, test scores, and GPA. Your extracurriculars will more than likely not be accounted for in this decision. 

Regular Decision:

You apply later, you hear later. *(Ex. apply by January 15, hear back by middle of March). In this decision, the admissions office will look at everything. Grades, test scores, GPA, essays, extracurriculars, teacher recommendations, etc. The reason is takes so long for a decision to come out is because the admissions office looks/reads over everything. However, less people tend to apply regular decision than early decision, from what I've seen. Also, applicants can see how the accepted/deferred early applicant pool looks and compare to where they line up with those applicants. 

My experience:

All of my friends applied early to the school that was my number one choice, except for me. So, 6 of my friends applied and only 1 got in. 2 were deferred and 3 were denied. I was really surprised about my 2 friends who got deferred because they met the 50% of previous years EA's statistics. But it just means that there was a very strong applicant pool for early decision and that's one thing you don't know when you apply early.

It felt weird waiting to apply regular decision, but I was so glad I waited. I got my SAT scores up, was able to write the essays (which I like), and I have a good amount of extracurricular activities that I was able to put down and write about. I definitely feel more confident about my application. Even though I have to wait a little while to hear back, I know it will be worth it! 

On another side note, I did apply early to a few schools. Some schools have a rolling admissions which means you can apply anytime (by April 1) and hear back anytime. I applied to 3 schools by November 1st and heard back from those 3 by then. 

Ok, enough ranting for one post, there is my 2 cents about early decision vs. regular decision. I hope you choose the one that is best for you and get accepted!!

xoxo, 

Carly 

* these dates are from one school's timeline, not all schools go by these!

Why a Break Can Be Good

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Hello, all. 

It's been a few a months since I posted on my blog. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I wanted from blogging. Trying to find your voice in a world of 7 billion people can be tricky. Sometimes, I would get writer's block or write about random things. It can be challenging at times to know what your readers want to see. But I realized, I haven't had this blog for long and I'm not sure if anyone reads it, but hey, I'm ok with that. I'm a rookie in the world of digital media, but I learn something new everyday.

I'm so glad blogging has had the impact it has on the fashion industry. Seriously, who knew taking pictures of what you wear daily or how you do your makeup could be so influential. A blogger I read, Caroline, from Citrus & Style recently posted an ah-mazing post about dealing with negativity. An avid reader of blogs myself, I don't see why people feel the need to post negative comments on blogs. I have personally never had one, but I've seen it happen to the most kick-ass bloggers out there.  When I first started my blog around August of last year, I was very worried about people at my school, or anyone really, finding out about my blog. I was a 16 year old, posting random things about why I loved this trend or that outfit. I didn't know what I was doing half of the time. Now, I'm 18. While I'm not a full-blown adult, I realized that I have no reason to be afraid of what people think about my blog. Yes, it took me two years to realize that and how much I missed blogging. This sounds cliche, but blogging added a positive aspect to my life. I felt the need to be more creative, learn to take better pictures, and come up with cool stuff to write about. I also love watching the relationships between bloggers and their readers. You literally feel like you're talking to your best friends 24/7, and that's how I aim to portray to y'all. 

One of the reasons I started this blog was because of my love of writing, and obviously fashion. I have enjoyed writing since I was a kid and being in AP English classes has helped my academic voice grow tremendously. Also, I love fashion. Like, that's an understatement. I can't explain how much I enjoy getting dressed in the morning or reading about the inspiration behind collections. Fashion makes me happy, like the kind that you know if you were forced to do it forever as a job, you would be content.  I want a career in the industry, as a designer or something else, I've got time to decide. Most teenagers my age have no clue what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I knew I always wanted to be in fashion (mentally), but after studying at Parson's over the summer in New York City, I knew, in my heart, I belonged in the industry. Hopefully it will all work out!

Currently, I am a second semester senior of high school, barely hanging on because of senioritis-(it's very real). I am still waiting to hear back from my number one choice of college and possibly my second choice of college. I have been accepted into the 3 out of 5 colleges I applied too so far. No lie, the college admissions process is stressful and I am glad that part is behind me. 

Anyways, I'll stop ranting now. But hey, a break is good. I needed it. 

Thanks for stopping by my small space on the internet. The best is yet to come.

Always, 

Carly