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Photos I Want to Take This December | Blogmas 2019

Anyone who knows me knows I love taking photos. My friends get so annoyed with me when I always have my phone out ready to snap a picture! I just really love getting to look back at pictures from special moments because it takes me right back there.

For December, I’ve decided to make a checklist of photos I want to take so I don’t miss out on anything. I figured- why not be that annoying girl behind the camera if that means I get to carry the memories with me forever?

The Christmas tree

Gingerbread house

Shopping

Gifts under the tree

Christmas cookies

Snowfall

Family Christmas party

First gifts being opened

Christmas lights

All my family by the Christmas tree

Friends on New Year’s Eve

The last second of 2019

Confetti

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December 7, 2019August 3, 2020

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Stocking Stuffers for College Students | Blogmas 2019

Disclaimer: Some of the links provided are affiliate links, meaning I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

Last year I posted Stocking Stuffers for College Students and it seemed to be well received. I thought I would go ahead and update that with some more ideas for 2019! CLICK HERE to see last year’s post!

Candy

I think this one is a given. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t get some sort of candy in their stocking. Hershey kisses in those candy cane plastic tubes are super cute and festive. I love those. I don’t really care for regular candy canes that much, but they also serve as pretty cool stuffers too.

Movies

Walmart always has the $5 movie bins, so you could potentially strike gold and get some classics in the stocking! It’s always fun to watch a movie when there’s time off between classes and homework assignments, so getting a new DVD can also serve as motivation to get assignments done early.

Socks

Everyone knows you can’t go wrong with socks. I just bought some cute pairs at Walmart today- $5 for two pairs. It’s inexpensive and bound to contribute to many comfortable nights down the road. This is an especially good gift for those who are older because comfort is so much more important to us than flashy presents. Especially when we’re walking on cold floors and through 20 degree weather going to class.

Chapstick

Winter is infamous for drying out lips. If you think this is boring, you can always opt for cake batter, pink lemonade, or root beer flavored chapsticks. These may not be conventional, but they sure do come in handy.

Scrunchies

This one is definitely directed toward females, but it’s such a good idea I couldn’t ignore it. Scrunchies are coming back and they’re so cute! You can get so many different patterns and materials, making each one so unique. They’re perfect for days when you sleep in late but still want to make yourself look a little put together. They can pull so many outfits together, even when you forget to brush your hair!

Nail Polish

Getting new nail polishes can always brighten someone’s day. They’re so cost efficient and fun to get creative with. You could go with red, green and blue for the holidays, or you could pick any other color under the sun to add to someone’s collection! It’s so much cheaper (and more convenient) to paint your nails yourself than get them professionally done when you’re dealing with a student’s budget.

Gift Cards

If all else fails, gift cards are the way to go. My family usually goes for the iTunes gift cards that can be used for apps or music. For college students, perhaps gift cards for near by restaurants would be just as valuable.

Earbuds

What college student couldn’t use an extra pair of earbuds? I know I always misplace my AirPods and could use an extra pair of earbuds as backups.

Face Masks

After a long day of classes and homework, we deserve to pamper ourselves!

Pura Vida Bracelets

I’ve seen Pura Vida bracelet becoming popular lately. I have a ton myself and I know a bunch of people who are starting a collection! They have more than just bracelets, too. I catch myself drooling over their necklaces a lot. And good news! If you CLICK HERE, you can get 20% off your purchase at puravida.com, or you can use my code “MEGANNROSECRANS20” at checkout!

Card Games

If your college student has games like Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme?, try getting some expansion packs! Games get old after too long of playing with the same cards. Instead of buying a whole new game, save some $$ buy giving those old games a facelift!

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December 6, 2019August 3, 2020

megannlouise1 Comment

My Winter Bucket List | Blogmas 2019

Winter brings out the lazy in me, that’s for sure. The cold weather makes me want to curl up in bed with hot chocolate and watch Hallmark movies. I think that the world should just shut down during the winter months. But this year I want to get stuff done, ya know? You can only relax for so long before relaxing gets exhausting. So here’s what I hope to do this winter!

Catch Snowflakes on My Tongue

Make a Christmas Playlist

See Christmas Lights

Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

See Santa

Decorate a Gingerbread House

Learn a New Skill

Decorate Cookies

Watch a Christmas Movie with My Family

Spend Time at Home

Celebrate New Year’s with Family and Friends

Journal Throughout the Month

Take Lots of Pictures

Finish Blogmas 2019

Work on My Blog More

Get on the Dean’s List

Work Harder on Creating Content

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December 5, 2019August 3, 2020

megannlouise1 Comment

Prepping For Finals | Blogmas 2019

Finals week is next week and saying I’ve been overwhelmed would be an understatement.

I have so many papers and study guides to get completed. My head feels like it’s going to explode. I let the days fly by and totally lost track of time. Guess who’s really behind. Me. I’m behind. That’s who. *nervous laughter*

So I pretty much wanted today’s post to just be a short little heads up that blogmas might be super short posts until I’m through with finals next week.

Lame post, I know. But I had to get it out there somehow, right?

Ok, carry on with your day! See you tomorrow!

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December 4, 2019August 3, 2020

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Holiday Gifting Guide | Blogmas 2019

*This post contains affiliate links which means I will receive commission from you

Day 3 and we’re still going strong! Impressive, right?

Last year I did a gifting guide and it was one of my favorite posts to make, so I figured I’d do an updated one this year to help all my stressed shoppers! I did a lot of research for this one, so hopefully you’ll be able to find something for even the pickiest person!

I’ve also gone to the liberty of linking where you can buy these items. Consider it my Christmas gift to you!

Portable Projector

“Species Adoption” through the WWF

Apple AirPods Pro

Mini Beauty Refrigerator

Grilled Cheese Toaster

Venus et Fleur Flowers

iHome Bluetooth Vanity Mirror

Ancestry Health & Genetic Ethnicity Test

23andMe DNA Test: Health & Ancestry OR Ancestry & Traits

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Pura Vida Jewelry

Tea Infuser Bottle With Strainer

Moon Lamp

Indoor S’mores Maker

THE COMFY

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December 3, 2019August 3, 2020

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Disney+ Christmas Films I’ll Be Watching | Blogmas 2019

First, let me disclose that I am not an avid movie watcher. But something about holiday movies really gets me.

I recently got Disney+ and I’ve been really excited to watch their holiday movies with my friends and family this year! I’ve done some perusing and I have a list of the movies I’m dying to snuggle up and watch while the snow falls outside!

1. Noelle

“Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit but wishes she could do something important like her brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away… but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.”

2. The Santa Clause

“On Christmas Eve, divorced dad Scott Calvin and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa, and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.”

3. Miracle on 34th Street

“An elderly gentleman named Kris Kringle creates a stir when he’s hired as Macy’s in-store Santa Claus for the holiday season.”

4. The Ultimate Christmas Present

“When 13-year-old Allie Thompson and her best friend Sam happen upon a weather-making machine discarded by none other than Santa Claus, they use it to cause a snow day in Los Angeles. But when the machine gets out of hand, it threatens to ruin Christmas.”

5. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

“Mrs. Potts recounts another ‘tale as old as time’ about a Christmas that almost wasn’t, thanks to scheming composer Forte who is determined to keep Belle and Beast apart forever.”

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December 2, 2019August 3, 2020

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Hello Blogmas! | Blogmas 2019

Chapter 12 of 12.

Hello December!

We’ve made it to yet another year’s end and that means it’s time for Blogmas! Last year was my first attempt at Blogmas and it was such an epic fail that it pained me. But this year I’m back and better than ever!

This year needs to be different. I’ve grown and changed a lot and I really think I could redeem myself after last year’s utter flop.

I suppose today is sort of a cheat day by announcing Blogmas instead of doing an in depth post, but oh well. Let’s count it!

Time to get into the holiday spirit, right?!

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December 1, 2019August 3, 2020

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How to Ace Finals Week!

Dreaded finals week is coming up. Are you ready for a ton of index cards, stress, and Starbucks?

1. Go over old tests/quizes/homework assignments.

This applies if the exam is cumulative, meaning it’s over all the material previously covered in class. Professors love taking questions and topics off previous exams! Now, it may not always be word-for-word, so try to actually understand the material you’ve been tested on previously.

2. Find your place.

Library? Bed? Coffee shop? Find where you feel more comfortable and buckle down! For me, I love going to the library or sitting in my living room. The environment is always so comforting and it helps me hone in on my studies.

3. Plan out your study schedule.

This always helps alleviate the stress of fitting in all of my studying. I try scheduling my week in 30-45 minute studying blocks with 15-20 minute breaks in between. That way I feel like I’m staying on top of things and it gives me an extra boost of energy whenever I can check something off my to-do list!

4. Share Quizlets with friends/classmates.

Quizlet is a lifesaver! If you have friends or classmates that you trust enough to work with, create and share a quizlet where you can study and help each other. It’s like sharing notes with friends but so much more convenient.

5. Rewrite notes.

I can’t even begin to explain how much this helps me! I like to go through my notes, highlight whatever I don’t feel comfortable with yet, and rewrite it on a new sheet of paper. It’s a weird way of remembering things, but it works!

6. Be mindful of your mental health.

Never let your grades be prioritized over your sanity! If you feel exhausted or overworked, take a break! It’s ok! Don’t beat yourself up because that only makes things worse. Take care of yourself and listen to the warning signs.

These are just a few of my many studying tips. As I gain more experience with finals, I learn more and more tips and tricks to acing exams. Feel out what’s best for you and implement it into your routine! Good luck on your finals!

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November 30, 2019August 3, 2020

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Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Food is 100% up my alley so this holiday was practically made for me! But before I start licking plates clean, I want to go into who/what I am thankful for this year.

My family.

I can’t thank my family enough for everything they’ve done for me. In the last year, I’ve gone through a lot of struggles and they’ve been by my side through it all. They make bad days good and good days even better. I’ve always been able to call on them whenever I need a shoulder to cry on or someone to laugh with.

My hometown best friends.

My best friends from home have been holding it down for years. They’re some of the best people I could ever surround myself with. They always drop everything they’re doing to make sure I’m good and I can’t say thank you enough. I have so many great memories with them and I hope to make a lot more in the future.

My college friends.

I’ve met so many awesome people in college and they’re some of the greatest friends I could ask for. I could trust these people with my life. I was so blessed to have met these people in my classes.

School.

Having a good education is very important to me. I am so lucky and blessed to be able to further my education at Cleveland State University. It’s almost always a stressful headache but it’s all been worth it at the end of the day.

You guys.

Everyone who takes the time out of their day to read my posts are AMAZING! I am so unbelievably thankful for each and every one of you! It feels like I’ve made so many friends through blogging and I hope I can keep doing this for years to come.

What are you thankful for this year?

I hope that you and yours have an amazing Thanksgiving full of great food and even better memories!

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November 28, 2019August 3, 2020

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73 Questions Vogue Parody

After seeing Gillian’s post about the 73 Questions: Vogue Parody, I was curious what my answers would be so I had to give it a go! I’ve never really made it through a full video of 73 Questions other than Liza Koshy’s because she’s- well- everything. But being the narcissist I am, I was quick to jump onto this trend that’s going around the blogosphere.

So without further a due, here is my 73 Questions Vogue Parody!

1. What is your usual Starbucks drink?

A venti pink drink or mocha frappuccino! Yum!

2. What does your work station look like?

My bed, if I’m being completely honest.

3. All-time favorite food?

Any sort of pasta. Really. ANY.

4. Favorite author?

I’m more of a poetry reader so I’d have to say Atticus or Amanda Lovelace.

5. What do you think of open relationships?

As I’ve gotten older and experienced different things, I can see why someone would prefer it. I don’t think my complicated heart could ever handle it, but I don’t judge others who are in them!

6. What’s your favorite video game?

Mario Kart. 100%.

7. What’s your guilty pleasure treat?

Kit Kats. Anyone who knows me knows that.

8. Your favorite movie?

The entire Harry Potter series is my favorite. Pick any movie from it and I’d tell you it’s my favorite!

9. Favorite book?

Currently, it has to be This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl, which is about the girl with terminal thyroid cancer who inspired John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. It’s a must read for sure.

10. Best advice you’ve ever received?

After going through a hard breakup and feeling like I wasn’t worth anyone’s time, my grandma told me to yell “I am Megann Louise Rosecrans and I am valuable” whenever I was feeling down. It works wonders!

11. Twitter or Instagram?

Both? Can I say both?

12. Are you a desktop or a laptop person?

Laptop for sure. I’m way too fidgety for a desktop computer.

13. What projects are you working on right now?

I’m working on a bunch of things but I don’t want to spoil the surprises! Let’s just say… “big things coming.”

14. What’s your favorite color?

It used to be purple when I was little. Now it’s probably blue.

15. Did you get good grades in school?

A’s and B’s.

16. Dream job?

Making content online. Videos, blogs, etc.

17. Played any sports?

I was on a soccer team when I was little. And by “on a soccer team” I mean I owned the uniform. My shy self never played a second. I kept that bench HOT.

18. Do you have a degree?

We’re getting there, baby!

19. Nationality?

American.

20. What’s your favorite type of blog post to write?

Ones like these. Where I don’t wreck my brain over it.

21. What do you like to collect?

Carmex.

22. Describe yourself in three words.

Excessively Emotionally Attached.

23. If you were a rapper, what would your rapper name be?

Megann the Horse… is that funny?

24. Who was the last person you DM’d?

My best friend Shelby.

25. What’s on the top of your wish list right now?

Anything warm because my apartment is always like 30 degrees.

26. Sorting House?

Hufflepuff.

27. How many tattoos do you have?

I have 5 and I’ve planned my 6th and 7th already!

28. What are you most grateful for this year?

Being reintroduced to my faith.

29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?

I got to bring someone really special home to meet my parents. That was the first time I really “brought someone home” and it was nice.

30. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?

I took a long, hot shower and felt my body temperature return to normal. Maybe the blood in my veins thawed too. Then I got out and went back into my freezing cold room.

31. What’s the best thing ever?

Connecting with people.

32. Favorite season?

Fall. I can’t imagine it ever being anything else either.

33. Favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving!

34. What fictional character do you relate to the most?

I’ve never really thought about that before. Hmm… I have no clue!

35. Do you like surprises?

NOT AT ALL.

36. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?

Probably where my life is now, if I’m being completely transparent. I never expected to even see 21, let alone have all this going for me if I did!

37. What’s the surprise that made you cry?

I don’t really cry when I’m surprised… I’m emotionless, I know.

38. What’s the best surprise you’ve ever given someone?

I suck at surprises. But maybe the surprise 18th birthday party I threw my sister this year!

39. Do you like muffins?

Only pumpkin muffins! Those are HEAVEN.

40. Do you cook often?

I never have the time or energy. I should probably force myself to more often!

41. What’s your favorite dessert?

I was just thinking about it today. Either a super chocolatey brownie (edge piece only) or a strawberry jello pretzel dessert!

42. Is there a dessert you dislike?

Cheesecake! Yuck!

43. Cake or pie?

Cake. Hands down!

44. What’s your least favorite food?

Any seafood other than calamari.

45. What’s your favorite condiment?

Ketchup or Mayo.

46. It’s 4 am on a Saturday night, what would you eat?

Probably donuts or chocolate pudding. Whatever I can get from the kitchen without waking up my roommates.

47. If you could teach a college class, what would it be called?

How to Bullshit Assignments 101.

48. Best animated film?

Finding Nemo.

49. What has a guy done or said to impress you?

After my experiences with guys, simple things like “I know whether to write a zero or one on my W2” is impressive to me. Yikes.

50. The best thing to do on a first date?

Hang out somewhere that’s moderately loud so there’s no awkward silence!

51. The worst thing to do on a first date?

Anything romantic. I get super uncomfortable!

52. What’s the funniest pick-up line a guy could use on a girl?

I used to have a friend who would send me pickup lines he used on girls and I died laughing at them but I can’t think of any right of hand!

53. Best comic book character?

I’ve never touched a comic book. I know. Sue me.

54. What are three things that are always in your purse?

Carmex, my apartment keys, and my wallet.

55. Favorite drink?

Starbucks pink drink.

56. If you could play a historical figure in a movie who would it be?

I think it would have to be my ginger queen, Lindsey Lohan.

57. Kittens or puppies?

Kittens. They’re cuddly little babies. I used to have a kitten who never wanted me to leave him or he’d cry. I had to have my sister babysit him while I ate because he’d just lay on my chest and try to bite whatever I brought toward my mouth!

58. Tell me your favorite sushi roll?

Sushi? YUCKKKKKKK!

59. What kind of lipstick do you use?

I’m not a big lipstick person but I used to use the L’Oréal Paris J-Lo lipstick in Jennifer’s Nude.

60. What kind of foundation do you use?

I opt for elf tinted moisturizer instead! Much lighter weight!

61. Blow dry or Air dry?

Air dry!

62. Who is your fashion icon?

Milena Ciciotti. I loooove her style!

63. Favorite Disney character?

Princess Ariel, my fellow redhead.

64. What are doing tomorrow?

Working on papers and projects that are due soon. The grind doesn’t stop!

65. A movie you laughed the hardest through?

C Me Dance. If you know, you know.

66. A movie that made you cry?

The Lion King (2019). I had never seen the first movie so the mix of shock and realism got me good.

67. If you could sing a duet with someone, who would it be?

Assuming I could sing in this alternate universe, I would love to sing with EDEN. He’s such a god.

68. If your life were a song, what would be the title?

Right now? Probably Better Than You Loved Me by Aaron Smith.

69. What’s your favorite animal?

There’s a ton. Right now my mind is telling my to say sloths. So, sloths.

70. Favorite illustrator?

Not a single clue.

71. A person you want to have coffee with?

My big-second-something Eric! We’ve never met in person, but he’s been like a big brother to me for years!

72. What country do you wish to visit?

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia!

73. Best way to decompress?

Watching Youtube movie commentaries in bed with Kit Kats and a strawberry daiquiri by my side. Sounds like a perfect stress reliever to me!

This was a lot of fun! A lot of these questions got my brain going to places I hadn’t really been to before!

If you want to participate in the tag, I TAG YOU! Just let me know if you complete it so I can see what your answers are! I’d love to see!

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November 8, 2019August 3, 2020

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Fall Essentials Every College Girl Needs

Disclaimer: Some of the links provided are affiliate links, meaning I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

GUYS IT’S FALL!

I love everything about fall- sweaters, falling leaves, chilly football games! I swear, it’s like I wait 75% of the year for fall! To me, there’s only two seasons- fall and not fall. I guess if you haven’t gotten the idea yet… I THRIVE IN THE FALL. And to help you guys thrive too, I’ve come up with some of the greatest fall-time goodies I’ve ever come across!

1. BLANKET SCARVES

Don’t you EVER tell me that blanket scarves are one of the greatest things ever. They’re so comfy and adorable. I sound like such a basic bitch… I’m sorry. One thing I love about blanket scarves is that they make last minute outfits work! I mean, you can throw on a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans, grab a blanket scarf, and look like you put so much more effort into your outfit!

2. CREWNECK SWEATSHIRTS

The holiest of sweatshirts. I’m in love with crewnecks year round, but the fall really brings it out! I swear I could live in these things every day. Sometimes I like to pair them with a scarf, denim jacket, and hoop earrings for a messy but presentable look- if that makes sense.

3. THERMOSES

I think this one is pretty self explanatory. How else would you keep your hot chocolate warm when you’re walking to and from classes? I collect cups with plastic straws like it’s my job, so to me thermoses are the fall equivalent. Target and Amazon have so many cute options!

4. CABIN SOCKS

I’m ashamed to say that it took me a little longer to hop onto the trend of cabin socks. But I’ve fallen in love with them. They’re so comfy and warm, PLUS they come in so many cute patterns! I love matching them with my outfits so when I take my shoes off they work as a cute accessory. Am I crazy? Most likely.

5. SHERPA PULLOVER

Anything sherpa is a 10/10 in my book. It’s so soft and warm and perfect for fall! I have so many sherpa blankets and pullovers. Everyone I talk to thinks that the good sherpa pullovers are really expensive, but I got my favorite one for only $10 at Walmart!

6. PURA VIDA BRACELETS

These are a necessity year around, but I especially love stacking their jewelry during the fall months! I’m actually a Pura Vida representative, so I have a discount code! If you’re looking to buy ANYTHING from Pura Vida, click here to save 20%!

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October 21, 2019August 3, 2020

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I Walked to End Suicide.

Earlier today I joined family, friends, and members of my community in walking to end the stigma around mental health and reduce the suicide rate by 25% by 2025. Roughly 1600 people were in attendance in Cleveland as we heard stories from survivors and families of those who lost their battle.

Suicide has impacted my life in so many different ways and I felt that this year I was ready to attend a walk and expose myself to others who come from similar experiences. When we arrived, I was amazed. I didn’t expect to feel so much overwhelming support and solidarity from everyone there.

Prior to walk day, those registered (and even some who had not registered) collected donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, we raised over $146,000 which was more than our targeted amount for the walk! One team alone collected $8,000 in donations!

At the walk, participants wore different colored beaded necklaces to represent why they walked. I did not originally plan on representing myself at this walk, but after walking around and seeing others doing the same, I gathered the courage to don a green beaded necklace. This symbolized my personal struggle with suicidal thoughts and mental health. I’m not one who likes to broadcast my struggles- especially in a society where it’s taken as a plea for attention. However, today felt like a day where I could be open about my struggles with mental health and not be judged or ashamed.

My team and I also sported buttons with the names of those we walked for. I was proud to carry the names of my loved ones close to my heart as I walked. Writing the several names down on the buttons and seeing the different names each person had on theirs was chilling. It was hard to process that so many people know of more than one person who lost their life to suicide.

Before we began walking throughout Cleveland, we heard the story of a widow who had lost her husband only a few short years ago. She talked about the time leading up to her husband’s passing as well as her adjustment afterward. Hearing her story was sobering.

I can list several people whose lives crossed paths with mine that have taken their own lives- friends, relatives, classmates, members of my community. It’s a painful reality that we are hoping to change each and every day.

Today I walked for those I knew.

Today I walked for myself.

Today I walked for anybody who needed or needs help getting out of the darkness.

I look forward to doing this walk again in the future and sharing more memories with the community of survivors and loved ones of those who have passed on.

I am still collecting donations to go toward the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! If you would like to donate, click here!