Racism and Sexism on Wake Forest’s Campus

Every school has their issues.

Before you read this blog post, I just want to say that with all my heart, I love Wake Forest and I am so happy to go here.

I wake up every morning and am so thankful that I go to this beautiful and intelligent institution.

However, Wake, like any other school has some issues.

I normally would not discuss the issues on my campus on my blog, because they are sad and dark but I since I have grown up over the 4 plus years of having T&P, I am ready to uncover the not so pretty side of my life and of Wake Forest University.

I spent my whole English class on Tuesday, in Tribble Hall (as pictured behind me) discussing these issues and pushed aside our analysis of King Lear for the day, just to talk about these things.

This is a conversation we need to continue to have.

For starters there are the continuous and seriously problematic issues surrounding Greek life.

At the moment, two fraternities have some serious issues on campus: Sigma Chi (Machi) and Kappa Alpha Order (KA).

Machi has an annual event to raise money for their philanthropy, Brenner’s Children’s Hospital.

This weekly event is called Derby Days.

All throughout the week, each sorority competes against one another to raise money for Machi’s philanthropy.

One of the events we participate in is Air Bands, also known as a sexualized dance routine that fraternity brothers judge and watch for their enjoyment and pleasure to raise money for a children’s hospital… how appropriate.

An email from the chapter of Sigma Chi was leaked and the email contained horrifying statements about how the brothers of this fraternity wanted to rape and force themselves on sorority women.

DISGUSTING.

This chapter is undergoing an investigation and Kappa Delta, as well as all the other sororities in the Panhellenic community are deciding if we would like to participate in Air Bands.

The other fraternity with issues is KA.

KA is known nationally for being a racist fraternity.

Schools in the south have been looked into recently and many have found yearbook photos with the Confederate flag or white men and women dressed in black face.

Unfortunately, Wake Forest’s Dean of Admissions, is in a yearbook from the 80’s standing in front of a Confederate Flag with the KA chapter.

A copy of this photo was then dropped from the 6^thfloor of the library at the Dean’s List Gala as the President of our school was giving a welcoming and congratulatory speech to all that were in attendance, including parents.

The Dean did not resign, and the president of the school accepted her apology publicly via e-mail. 

This is just unfortunate, because our school talks all about being for diversity, but as my friend said in class, this just goes “against our Diversity pursuit.”

Wake Forest as a community, vows that we love diversity because we love the new ideas and new perspectives we can gain, but really, as an institution can we say that?

A girl in my English class said it perfectly, that these are issues that we do not see day to day but overtime we see these big issues and they affect us even more than just everyday nonsense.

I have no answers, and no solutions.

I am trying to grabble with these news events just like everyone else.

I would like to say that although I have some horrible opinions and feelings about these past events in the past couple of weeks, and that I do not support racism or sexism, as a whole I still love my school and would not want to be at any other university. 

Zaful gray dress | Baublebar earrings | Tory Burch black Reva ballet flats

Procrastination due to Culture Shock Coming Back from Abroad

After touring all over Europe for four months, I had a rude awakening coming back to the States.

I had major culture shock returning to my family and also returning to my beloved school.

I have been back at school now for almost three months and am officially back to my normal student ways only after one unfortunate event last week...

It took me up until last week, to be finally back into the swing of things. School is so different in Europe. I had hardly any work there compared to “Work” Forest.

Last week I had a rude wake-up call on Sunday, when I realized that I had procrastinated two big projects that were both due on Monday.

I blame my procrastination on being abroad and not doing any real big projects for four months and not being fully acclimated back to the amount of work I have at Wake Forest.

I got both my projects done, but not without any stress and serious neck and back pain to prove it.

I never want to feel that much pain in my neck and back again, it was excruciating.

I have reminded myself that procrastinating at Wake Forest is not healthy, because it will cause serious stress and pain.

Procrastinate all you want abroad, and have fun, but here, I am now reminded that I have to do a little bit each night for my projects and papers.

I recommend looking at the assignment the first day you get it and save a document on your computer with ideas starting on the first day!

I am going to start taking my own advice, because I never want to feel that stressed out or overwhelmed ever again!

One of my mementos from abroad is this beautiful silk scarf I am wearing that I bought in Venice! My jacket and sweater are also from France!

Mango denim jacket | Mango navy blue sweater | American Eagle burgundy knit jeggings | scarf from Venice | Tory Burch double pearl earrings | Tory Burch cheetah Reva ballet flats

College and Balance

Every time I give a campus tour, I am always reminded about how much I love my school.

A big point I make on my tours is that going to college and going to Wake Forest, in particular, will help you learn how to become a well-rounded individual, not just an intelligent human. 

Being a good student and maturing into an adult is important as well but being a great person in all facets of life, is way more important.

After I give my tours I am always reminded of this and this semester I am trying to live what I preach! 

I have learned that to be a great college student but to also have SO MUCH FUN in college you need balance!

I have realized that taking 14.5 credit hours, or less, is the best way to do college.

I took 17 hours my first semester of freshman year and I hardly had any fun because I was stressed out most of the time. If you can take less credits each semester do it, because you will enjoy your college experience more because you will actually be able to go out and do things and explore other parts of campus, rather than just the library (as pictured above).

Take classes that you LOVE!

I am thoroughly enjoying my classes each and every day.

This adds to the fun part of college.

Interesting classes are fun.

College is about growing up, learning but also about having fun.

I look back to my first two years of college and realized that I focused too much on classes, grades and homework.

I didn’t dance as much as I should have or spent enough time with friends or laughed as much as I should of because I was too consumed in my work.

You learn and grow from all aspects of life, and that means you learn even when you are in a frat basement!

Last semester and this one, have been the most fun semesters of all, because I am balancing school and having fun! 

I am a bit regretful that I did not have more fun my first two years.

Words from the wise: you are not going to remember or care about the paper or test you did not do so well on one-time freshman year. You WILL remember the crazy adventures that you and your friends went on.

Experience all parts of college so you can become a well-rounded individual!

J.Crew Factory chambray button down | American Eagle green knit jeggings | H&M furry jacket | J.Crew cheetah belt | J.Crew Factory gold tassel earrings (similar) | Michael Kors gold Blair watch | Vince Camuto brown riding boots

Kappa Delta Big Little Reveal 2019

This past weekend we had BIG LITTLE REVEAL!

I am not just a Big anymore but now I am also a Grand-Big!

Our theme was candy land which is so fitting because we definitely have the SWEETEST LIN out there!

I thought I would introduce you a bit to my littlest, Taylor!

I had her fill out the same questions that my little, Lauren, did last year!

Name: Taylor 

Home: North Carolina

Major: Health and Exercise Science

Dream Job: Physician Assistant

Dream Vacation Spot: Bora Bora and Europe

Favorite Food: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Favorite Color: Blue and Green

Favorite Animal: Dog

Favorite Outfit: Lululemon leggings with a T-shirt and sweatshirt and Steve Madden Slip On Sneakers

And here are my answers: 

(see how they have changed since last year!)

Home: Long Island

Major: English and French Studies double major

Dream Job: Lawyer for a French fashion house

Dream Vacation Spot: Seychelles

Favorite Food: Any type of PASTA

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Animal: Cat

Favorite Outfit: J.Crew Oxford white button down, American Eagle x4 high waisted jeggings, J.Crew navy blue puffer vest, some statement earring, or neckerchief with my Tory Burch Reva cheetah ballet flats

College Relationships Part 2: Flirting as Told by Two Gents and T&P from Wake Forest University

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to talk a little bit about LOVE!

My first blog post about college relationships from this summer was a huge success! I interviewed friends from all different colleges and compiled a deep analysis of college relationships.

This time around, I asked two of my guy friends from Wake Forest to give me their answers and now I am going to share them with you!

What is flirting? How do you flirt?

Guy 1: “I’m really nice to girls in a really goofy way. I’m not smooth, I just try to be as genuine as possible. If you can make a girl laugh, that’s my goal, it breaks down the wall of awkwardness and makes the girl more comfortable.”

Guy 2: “Flirting is the process of ultimately finding out if the individual is attracted to you back through verbal and physical signals. I hate games, but through flattery, asking them out on a date, asking them to a party, making them laugh allows you to see if they are into you.”

T&P: “I smile. I usually complement the guy and try to make him laugh.”

How do you approach someone in class or at a party?

Guy 1: “Find a similarity, find a common interest.”

Guy 2: “In class, I would sit next to them, come in early, ask them for help on something, and then probably give them a complement and then invite them to a party or get a meal.”

T&P: “If it’s in class, I talk to them about the class and maybe ask to study together or look over papers and exchange phone numbers. If it’s at a party and they are wearing a jersey or a cool shirt, I will go talk to them about it, and usually make a joke about them not being from New York, and how New Yorkers are better than whatever state they are from. This always gets the ball rolling!”

  

How do you know if someone is flirting?

Guy 1: “If you don’t know a guy and he comes up to you, 9/10 times he’s flirting with you.”

Guy 2: “If they follow you on Instagram, and you get their number and they add you on Snapchat, and they comment on your Instagram photos, then they are flirting.”

T&P: “All of the above!”

How to meet a possible significant other in college?

Guy 1: “Several different places: 1. In the classroom, sit next to them, introduce yourself. 2. At parties, but be weary, you can’t go to frat basements to find love. A hookup yes, but not a girlfriend. 3. Clubs. 4. Literally anywhere.”

Guy 2: “Tinder or in class. In class, I would sit next to a cute girl, and say hi.”

T&P: “Go to class and meet people! Make friends with everyone! Go abroad! Go to parties! I have met so many people that are friends of friends at the dining hall or at parties, and that have turned into crushes or possible significant others. You never know who you are going to meet and who is going to turn into a crush! Be nice to everyone! And meet everyone you can.”

How do you go from friends to more?

Guy 1: “Take things slow, start talking in class and then invite them to get lunch after class and then keep going and going. The most important thing is to get to know someone. It’s a relative time frame, you have to know them until a spark. You can’t purse someone just based on if someone is cool. If you don’t feel a connection with someone than you are not compatible. It’s good to be friends and be as comfortable as possible as friends before you move into a relationship. You either are friends and then date or you meet at a party or in class and date. If you aren’t friends with the person, and they are only a significant other, you can’t be yourself.”

Guy 2: “It would usually be being friends for a while and then asking them out on a date, or any situation that would lead back to your room or theirs and you can make out.”

T&P: “Take it slow, be friends, get to actually know the guy and then if you want to make the first move do it! Ask them to go out to eat, one on one, and see where the feelings are.”

Can guys and girls be friends?

Guy 1: “Guys and girls can’t be friends.”

Guy 2: “Yes, but only if one of those individuals is in a serious relationship.”

T&P: “NOPE!”

How is dating different the older you get in college? How is college and high school dating different?

Guy 1: “As you get older being in a relationship means more. When I was younger having a girlfriend was just something to have. When you get older, you find out who you are and can figure out what you want in a partner.”

Guy 2: “You become far less susceptible to playing games, you become far more direct and blunter. After a long-term relationship, you become far better at reading physical and non-physical signals. Depending on the individual, your standards can drop at the end of a long-term relationship, or you will be far pickier, because you know exactly what you like and what you don’t like, and you can narrow down your criteria.”

T&P: “I have noticed, that guys tend to settle down a bit and slow down the older they get. Some of them are done partying and being crazy for the most part and like to actually date, but others will always be in the party hook-up mentality.”

J.Crew Factory black ruffle sweater (similar) | faux fur vest | American Eagle burgundy jeggings | Tory Burch double pearl studs | Tory Burch black riding boots

It’s Okay to Not Have a Plan

I am the queen of planning.

My planner has hour-by-hour schedules of my life.

Every weekend trip when I was abroad, was planned down to the detail, by yours truly.

But when I was abroad, I learned the importance of not always having a plan and going with the flow.

Right now, I do not have any definite plans for a lot of things.

I have no set plans for spring break.

I have no definite plans about what I’m doing and where I am living for senior year.

And I have no plan of what I am doing after college.

I have lots of ideas, but no concrete plans, for once in my life.

My goal for my whole life, as long as I can remember was to get into a great college, and now that I am in college, I don’t have another plan.

I want to go to law school, and always have, but I have no set plan of when I am going to take the LSAT, where I am going to go to law school and when.

And if I don’t go to law school directly after undergrad, I have no ideas about what I am going to do.

I am a bit clueless.

I may look put together, (a trench coat can be deceiving) but I am ultimately a bit confused and maybe a little lost.

As scary as it is for me to not have a real plan, and to not have every detail of my life figured out, I am accepting that it is okay.

I am just trying to go with the flow, and let life take me where ever I am supposed to go!

 Banana Republic classic trench coat | J.Crew bow t-shirt | American Eagle green jeggings | J.Crew Factory black belt | J.Crew Factory gold tassel earrings | Tory Burch black Reva ballet flats

Denim Jacket Club

Kate, Victoria, and Alex are my four best friends that studied abroad with me in Dijon.

Together, the four of us create the Denim Jacket Club.

It just started one day, we were all wearing denim jackets, another friend made a joke about us, like we had planned it, which we didn’t, but then the group and the name was formed.

I love my denim jacket club members as much as I love my denim jackets.

I had a J.Crew one that I lost on the first excursion in France, click HERE to read that sad tale.

But, I repurchased a new one at Mango, and this one is more special because I bought it in Dijon.

Denim Jackets go with everything.

This blog post is just to share of my undying love for denim jackets and to announce that I will be sporting one probably every single day for the rest of the year!

Mango denim jacket | J.Crew Factory burgundy a-line dress | J.Crew Factory “New York” kerchief | Tory Burch cheetah Reva ballet flats | J.Crew Factory crystal link bracelet | Tiffany pearl studs

My Haircare Routine and GIVEAWAY

I can spend hours doing my makeup and picking out my outfit, but when it comes to doing my hair, I like to be as maintenance free as possible.

I am lucky that my hair is very straight and has a nice wave at the bottom of it. I have been blessed with beautiful hair and I love it.

Sorry to brag, but I love that I am able to let my hair air dry and occasionally in the morning, if there are any little kinks in the back of my head from sleeping, I can straighten them out with my flat iron.

But my least favorite part about my hair has to be my oily scalp.

I usually only go two days without washing my hair. On day three, my hair has to be up in a pony tail.

Formulate reached out to me to see if I would be willing to take a questionnaire and talk about my hair and hair goals so Formulate could personalize and customize a set of shampoo and conditioner to work with my hair.

I was so excited that they reached out!

Formulate’s shampoos and conditioners are sulfate free, paraben free, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, which made me even more excited to work with them.

The first step into getting my shampoo and conditioner was to fill out the questionnaire. It was very detailed and asked me for my hair type, hair color, hair texture, hair moisture, hair length and my scalp type: oily or dry.

After profiling my hair, the next set of questions asked me about what I wanted to change about my hair care routine and my hair.

My first instinct was to answer that I wanted to my scalp to be less oily!

Within the first wash, I was blown away by the lack of oil my scalp had and was able to hold off from washing my hair more than once a week without it looking gross! I was shocked. My friends immediately noticed that my hair looked different and commented on it at dinner. They said they couldn’t stop staring at it because it looked so healthy and shiny.

Back to the questionnaire, I also noted that I wanted to strengthen my hair, mend split ends, hydrate my hair and make it shiny and beautiful.

At the end of the questions, I got to pick the scent of my duo.

I picked the “At Dawn” sent. My hair smells like a rose garden.

When the shampoo and conditioner arrived in the box, they came with a card that said exactly what my shampoo and conditioner was going to do for my hair: mend split ends, hydrate my hair, protect it from heat and strengthen it. It also gave me instructions about how to wash my hair; five pumps of the sulfate-free shampoo, and five pumps of conditioner, as well as detailed instructions about massaging the shampoo into my scalp, everything I have known how to do since infancy. It was very funny.

The little card also gave me a list of all the ingredients in my duo. The three big ingredients that were included in my duo were Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Polyquaternium-37. 

From the first use I was very impressed with my custom shampoo and conditioner. 

The two don’t lather, and they are very thin in consistency, because they are sulfate free, which made me concerned that my hair would not feel clean, but I have been so pleasantly surprised.

I cannot believe I can go five days without washing my hair even though that I take Pilates and spin classes weekly! 

While I was walking to class the other day, my friend stopped me on the quad and said that my hair looked so bouncy and beautiful! I thought that was so sweet of her, and I am so glad I am able to see a difference in my hair, just like my friends.

My hair looks great and feels great!

If you want to win your own set of customized shampoo and conditioner you can enter the GIVEAWAY HERE!