My very last article for The Breeze (James Madison University's newspaper) was recently posted — I had to share it with my Twenty-Fit & Fab readers too! Here's to exciting, new beginnings and learning how to adult.
Dear fellow
students,
My time at JMU has
consistently revolved around one of my strongest passions: health and wellness.
The moment I received that glorious acceptance letter (well, post-jumping
around the house celebrating), I declared a major in health sciences, with a
concentration in pre-physician assistant. Nope, I wasn’t messing around. From
there, my journey began. To gain experience and rack up those ever-important
clinical hours, I received my Certified Nursing Assistant license and was
chosen to be the medical assistant at the University Health Center’s walk-in
clinic. Here, I spent a few days a week assisting the wonderful doctors and
nurses in any way my little self could (sorry if I had to give you a strep
test, those things aren't fun). It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I
discovered my true passion, health marketing. Luckily for (what turned out to
be) my weak stomach, I decided I wanted to reach the population before they
were even admitted as patients. I wanted, and still want, to use my background
in health sciences to encourage others into leading a healthier lifestyle.
So, I did the unusual for a
health sciences major: I added a minor in writing, rhetoric and technical
communication. Writing would serve as my outlet to communicate and market my
expertise in all things health. If only I had a platform to further my reach of
students. Any ideas on where this is going? Yes, I marched myself to The Breeze
office in an attempt to convince the editor-in-chief that a health column was
desperately needed. From there, my baby, “Health Hacks,” was born. The overall
goal for this column was to present college-aged students (us) with simple
lifestyle changes that they could incorporate into their daily activities. From slimming down your Starbucks to keeping healthy during tailgate season, I’ve tried to cover
all of our favorite topics. As my love for marketing a healthy lifestyle
continued to spark, I looked for more ways to gain experience around campus,
especially concentrating on the marketing aspect. This is where my ever-loved
marketing assistant position at UREC comes into play. Being a marketing
assistant has taught me about the industry in more ways than I could ever
imagine. From optimizing social media, learning the Adobe programs and finding
ways to intrigue our target audience, UREC has supplied me with endless skills
to take with me in my next marketing adventure.
Each student position — from
medical assistant to marketing assistant — has further molded my love for
sharing my health knowledge and passion. Although my academic ride has been a
zig-zaggy one, it’s introduced me to some pretty amazing people. People who
have given me inspiration and guidance all along the way. As I move forward, my
post-graduation plans will continue to direct me toward my dreams. Starting
with this summer. I’m stoked to have officially accepted a marketing internship
position with Women’s Health Magazine — a company I’ve been anxious to work for
since I can remember (yes, even before the aspiring physician assistant days).
I’ve also been accepted into a Digital Marketing program abroad in London, the
land of hot tea and scones. Wherever my journey leads me, I’m certain it’ll be
filled with amazing moments and learning experiences.
With all that being said, there
are a few wise words I want to leave with you. Some “final words of health,” if
you will. First, college can be plain exhausting at times. I know what you’re
thinking, this is a “duh” statement. But I’m not just talking about schoolwork
(that’s a whole other element of exhaust). You may find yourself feeling
pressured with the idea of going out, when you really just want to stay in. You
may feel like you should be partaking in some sort of event because “you’re a
crazy college kid” or have the fear of missing out. You may find yourself
constantly comparing your appearance, GPA, social life or future plans to a
peer in class or on social media. Just stop. Don’t waste time exhausting your
mind and body on these thoughts and just do you. Bottom line, it’s unhealthy.
Take all that time and energy spent comparing or worrying and put it toward
something useful — something that’ll build your self-purpose, as well as make
you happy.
Second, don’t be a fitness and
nutrition stickler to the point of no return. I love daily runs, morning oats
with berries and a quinoa-veggie dinner just as much as the next health
enthusiast, but that doesn’t mean we can’t ever break free of this wellness
barrier. Give yourself a couple days to lounge around with friends and order a
nice, greasy pizza; heck, “treat yo’self” to a wine and sweets night while
you’re at it. Taking days off is crucial. Rest days allow your body to regain
strength and prevent fitness crashes from happening. And cheat meals keep you
sane. To me, leading a healthy lifestyle is all about living this type of
balanced life. It’s about making tiny tweaks in your day-to-day activities and
turning those tweaks into lifelong habits. And I think we can all agree, those
lifelong habits must include lazy Sundays and a daily taste of chocolate.
Lastly, find an exercise
activity that you truly love, not one that you dread. It’s easy to think that
in order to stay fit, you must run so many miles a day or join a CrossFit gym.
But if these ideas are painful for you to think about, don’t do them. Honestly,
there are a million and one ways to squeeze in your daily 30 minutes of
exercise. Why not find one you love and will continue to do? Go for a hike,
swim or ride a bike, sign up for a yoga session, dance class or intramural
team, jump-rope, work in a garden, take a walk around the neighborhood — it’s
easy to engage in healthful and fun activities. Grab friends and family to join
in too. Kind of like that saying, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never work
a day in your life.” choose an exercise you love and you’ll never work out a
day in your life. Clever, right? Feel free to quote me. But seriously, as long
as you’re breaking a sweat and feeling the burn, it doesn’t matter if you’re
marathon training or dog walking.
I hope your time at JMU is an
amazing, balanced, healthy, you-inspired one. Take care of yourself and have
the time of your life.
Caroline
