Walk Away

Recently, I went to a debate camp thing. I do Policy debate which if anyone knows anything about it, it's hell. I decided that the camp would be a good idea for me to get better and for me to fully get a grasp on the topic and debate style. The camp started and all was good, I was enjoying it; the people were mostly younger than me. We started doing research and practicing debates and then everything around me came crashing down. I was suddenly so stressed and couldn't handle myself anymore, I was counting down hours before I could go home. That was when I realized that it's okay to say goodbye. It's okay to walk away and it's okay to not want to do something anymore. We are so hellbent over committing permanently to something without realizing that commitment doesn't have to be forever. It's okay to put yourself first. <3

Traveling Alone

Recently I went to Slovakia by myself to visit friends and family. It was tons of fun and the freedom felt great until bumps in my road occurred. Traveling alone on a budget isn't easy. I often would skip lunch because I didn't have the cash to buy something. But I still had a good time. I realized that money doesn't grow on trees and it is indeed limited. Right when I got home I went on a massive shopping spree but it felt good. On the way home, all 3 of my flights got delayed and instead of a 16 hour trip, it was a 25 hour trip. I realized that while I may be mature and independent, I still need my mom to answer questions like "my flight got delayed and I will miss my connection, what do I do?" But I learned. And I got 2 tattoos, one of which is a friendship tattoo with a best friend of mine. Fun days. -Sylvia Karjala

Back to school

It's time to go back! We've come so far. We can do this! I went hiking last weekend in the high tatras and it was like a dream. It was ethereal. I've got to admit I will greatly miss summer but I've made beautiful memories and I won't forget them. I've met amazing people and gone to wonderful new places creating lovely new experiences. I'm lucky I've gotten to see so much of the world at such a young age and I'm blessed with the best people. Thank you ❤️

Slovakian Adventures

This summer has been blissful. I've met so many wonderful people and have created so many new beautiful memories. I've explored a new faith and fallen in love with the world. My friend has been rooming with me for a week now and we decided to go for a Friday outing to go dancing and whatnot but 10 minutes into our adventure we were approached by boys in their low 20s.They said they were visiting Bratislava and wanted 2 pretty girls to show them around so we decided to show them to a few pubs. We ended up spending the whole night with them. My friend went off with one of them and I was stuck with the remaining 2 which wasn't bad but one of them was incredibly touchy which is awkward being taken and all. But it was a night I won't forget. I was flattered to have been approached. This summer I grew. I fell in love and opened my eyes. I'm ready to take on the next year and genuinely enjoy it. Thank you Slovakia. I love you.

Post-Warped/Flight #1

Warped was actually kinda fun, I met some bands. I met Escape the Fate, Our Last Night, The Amity Affliction, SayWeCanFly, Consider Me Dead, and some other cool people. It was really hot, I'm pretty sure I sweat out 1/2 of my body weight. The free Monster was actually bad because I drank far too much and got really jittery and in that heat, it wasn't a great idea. I crowd surfed and moshed- you know, the usual Warped endeavors. Today I had to wake up at 5 in order to make it to the airport to catch an early flight to LAX, then 2 more stops until my destination. If LAX lived up to the name I'd be happy but frankly it is the opposite of lax, its like a-lax because this stupid airport is stressful as nothing else. Finally got my MacBook fixed though, highlight of my day.

Making Peace

Today is the International Day of Peace. Yay! I wanted to talk about the situation with the british boy. So I messaged the girl that I thought was just his ex and it turns out she was his girlfriend. She seemingly got kind of mad when I messaged her, which I understand entirely. Then, her bestfriend messaged me (which I didn't receive until three weeks after) which I guess I get but how was it my fault? He told me that the whole situation would've been avoided if I would've waited...but I guess that's something I've never been good at. So to everyone that this situation has involved, I am sorry. And I hope you forgive me for taking part in such a thing. I forgive you, and I do hope you will do the same. Gosh. I feel so bad. But I have forgiven myself. And that's what matters. I feel like I've successfully made peace with you. Who will you make peace with?

Back to school!

Hey guys, school started for me one week ago and it's already intense. I go to a college prep school (BASIS) and we already have 7 quizzes planned for this week. I hope I can make it through this year without breaking down too much! Is anyone here really good at chemistry? I may or may not need help. Thankfully AP Calculus and my other AP classes are going relatively well. I hope you all have a great school year! Remember: study hard and get A's. It's important. No matter how hard or stressful things will get, you can do it. I promise! Stand strong. Love always, -Sylvia <3

End of the year

School ended on Friday. I have to say that it was not like in the movies where everyone is excited to leave. I honestly couldn't care less if school was over or not. I already miss my friends... and some of my teachers. I hardly got to say goodbye to some of my classmates. I keep re-reading my yearbook notes and they almost bring tears to my eyes; only now do I see how much my teachers and friends appreciated my endless work. I appreciate it now, but this last year has been hell. The trip to Durango was an amazing way to end the year but it almost ripped my heart out. I have made so many memories on that trip that I now long to go back. At least I'm going to the Bahamas and Costa Rica and Warped tour. Anyone else going to Warped in Arizona? Hit me up!! Someone kik me at rebelution159 (: Have an amazing summer. I will be sure to make frequent updates for those that actually contact me from here.

Durango

I am going to Durango, Colorado with some classmates on Monday! Problem is, most of them absolutely hate me. Maybe I can fall into the river while rafting and no one will notice. This is so insanely stressful. I will try to make the most of this. After all, it might be fun and I'm just not giving it a chance! :) Remember to smile today!