MY FAVORITE NONPROFITS

"Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering.  Not a career.  Not wealth.  Not intelligence.  Certainly not status.  We have to feel for one another if we're going to survive with dignity." -- Audrey Hepburn

We're all facing difficulties in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic;  however, some groups of individuals are experiencing these difficulties more profoundly.  In fact, these individuals typically experience hardships more profoundly than the rest of the general population, and the pandemic has only made matters worse for them.

I usually have a goal that I want to accomplish when I publish a post, and my goal for this one is simple:  to inspire you, reader, to have some empathy for the individuals who are struggling now, who are always struggling.

Each of the nonprofit organizations listed below has a mission to help those who need help the most.  Most of them have a 4-star rating (the highest rating) on Charity Navigator, so you can rest assured that these organizations are not relying upon lofty words alone.

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE LOTS OF FREE TIME

Long time, no see!  So much has changed in the world since I last posted--most notably, COVID-19 has spiraled into a pandemic that has impacted all of us in one way or another.

Before I delve into this post, I want to say thank you to the healthcare workers, researchers, policy makers, restaurant workers, store workers, delivery workers, and many others who are on the front lines, tirelessly working to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to help others in need of medical care, food, and supplies.  You are truly what has kept the world functioning to this point, and I am so grateful for your bravery and compassion.

To all those who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19:  to those who know people suffering from the disease or who are suffering themselves, to those who are struggling financially, to those whose mental health has been shaken:  I am so sorry.  Please don't feel guilty for feeling sad, or lonely, or hopeless;  your feelings are valid.  Please, remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can't see it yet.

With that being said, many people have found themselves with newfound free time, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do with it.  It's tempting to sit and dwell on the state of the world for hours, but that typically doesn't do wonders for your mental health.  Here are some alternatives:

1. Read a book:  an old favorite, one that you never quite finished, a new e-book, etc.

2. Make a list of charities that you want to donate to.  Do your research!

2019 IN PHOTOS

What a year.  2019 seemed so long yet so fleeting.  It's fascinating to think about where I was at the beginning of the year and the beginning of the decade.  I was still in elementary school then--mindblowing!

I wanted to wrap up this year in a creative way, and I was inspired by a few of my favorite bloggers to create a "year in photos" post.  I hope you enjoy this peek into my hectic (as always) year.

JANUARY

During the first month of 2019, I started taking walks on the weekends.  It doesn't sound like much, but at the time, I was struggling with homesickness and negative thoughts.  The simple act of being outside in the fresh air, watching the beautiful sunrise and sharing little moments of camaraderie with other walkers, really improved my attitude.

COLLEGE STUDY TIPS

August is quickly approaching, and the beginning of the fall semester is following closely behind.  I know that many people are going to be starting college for the first time, so I wanted to round up a list of my favorite tricks for studying and doing well in college classes.

Since college classes typically require your study routine to be highly disciplined, I've had to slightly modify my studying habits from high school in order to stay on top of the material.  These tips are the result of that modification.  Without further ado:

1. Read your required materials before class.  Even if you just take five minutes to skim over the main ideas of a reading excerpt, you'll be more knowledgeable than if you do nothing.

SNAPSHOTS FROM NYC

I've always wanted to visit New York City, especially as an American citizen;  so much of the country's history is housed in the streets and waterways of that island.  I am extremely blessed to have an aunt and uncle who were willing to take me to see all of the sights there for a few days.

I think that the city has countless opportunities to see and experience new things, but it's too fast-paced for my liking.  Too many people, too much traffic, too much smoke:  it was a total sensory overload for someone like me.  That being said, it was an incredible place to visit, and I would gladly go back to see another Broadway production.

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

I've always been fairly open about myself and my life on the blog, but as I've matured and my blogging has become more sporadic, I've realized that there are some facts that have yet to surface.  Because some of these details constitute large parts of my personality and my interests, I thought that now would be as good a time as any to write about them.

1. I really enjoy listening to K-pop.  It all started about two years ago when I watched an interview with the K-pop group BTS (yes, that BTS), and as I learned more about the members and their music, I became hooked.  I wouldn't consider myself a connoisseur of K-pop by any means, but I particularly like listening to BTS, Blackpink, Red Velvet, Twice, and Got7.  I would love to know any recommendations that you have!

A COLLEGE DAY IN MY LIFE: FRESHMAN YEAR

Hello everyone!  My first year of college is coming to an end (I'm heading home in less than a week!), so this post is a bit late, but I want to share it while I still can.

If you're curious about what a pre-veterinary student's typical college day looks like, you've come to the right place!  This is a brief description of a pretty busy Thursday in my life.  Please enjoy!

6:00 AM - Rise and shine!  Get ready, eat breakfast, and watch some mindless YouTube.

8:00 AM - Leave for my first class of the day.