Hey guys!
I just wanted to write a quick update about what I’m working on at the moment and what life as a grad student has been like.
To be honest, I’m a little behind schedule on my current blog post as I meant to have posted it by Sunday. But, it’s a really fun one that’s just taking a while to put together.
Why?
I’m currently working on an exhaustive list of amazing social enterprises and non-profits where you can find the best Christmas gifts for 2020. Not only do they have incredible, high-quality products, but they’re just great causes to support.
So keep an eye out for that post! I’m hoping to have it done by tomorrow or Wednesday.
I also recently wrote a post about 8 amazing woman-owned ethical & sustainable activewear brands that I love. So be sure to check that out if you haven’t yet!
Otherwise check back in later this week for the Xmas post that I’m using all my spare time to finish up.
Life as a grad student makes things a bit harder though...
As you may know from other posts or pages on my website, I recently started grad school at the University of Cambridge.
The program and the university are both amazing, but I definitely have less free time than I used to.
For all of you fellow grad students out there, how are you doing managing school on top of all your other priorities?
Personally, I also work as a medical interpreter for German-speakers on the side and I’m working on starting my swimwear social enterprise. Juggling those on top of this site and family and exercise and hobbies can get pretty overwhelming!
On the plus side, however, I’ve made some incredible friends through the program that have lead to some fun new experiences.
Last month while we had our last weekend of summer out here in the Midwest, for example, I got to spend the day on a yacht with a fellow classmate and some friends (pictured below).
And, despite being so busy, I was able to whip out the simple swimsuit I’m wearing in the photo. Comment below and let me know if you want to see a tutorial about how to make it!
It’s a super simple design that only took a few hours to make.
Otherwise, life as a grad student has been a little boring, especially considering the fact that the pandemic has kept me grounded for a while. But, I’m planning to get back out there and travel someplace warmer soon. So, I’ll keep you updated once that happens!
Be sure to follow me on IG and be ready for lots of tropical photos somewhere and probably a new swimsuit collection (plus tutorials, of course!).
In the meantime, I’m soaking up the beautiful fall weather we’ve been having in Illinois and loving the extra cuddles with my puppy.
On a side note, I was struggling emotionally for a while as I dealt with so many changes due to the pandemic. I went from traveling all the time and getting regular work as a translator to moving back in with my parents and basically losing my job.
It was a rough transition!
So lately, although I’m busy, I’ve started making time again for all the little things that make me happy. I’ve been playing the piano tons, learning to play the guitar, learning to speak French, and going on lots of walks with my puppy. Going to the gym and spending quality time with a couple close friends and family has also helped.
One of my friends and I have also had so much fun lately doing little photo shoots since it’s so empty everywhere at the moment! (The photos at the bottom of this post are from one of those outings).
I’m curious how all of you have been dealing with similar changes? Is there anything I can do to help?
In the near future, I might write a post about all the things I did in the past to overcome depression, truly love myself, and live the happiest life I could.
Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in hearing more about!
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming blog post about social enterprises and non-profits where you can find meaningful Christmas presents this year.
And as always, comment below if you have any questions or suggestions! I’d love to hear what kind of content you want to see on my site.
That’s all for now! Thanks for reading and stay healthy out there.
Love,
Emily