I haven’t written a personal blog post for a long time. Part of that is due to traveling, and I’ve focused on other parts of my life instead of keeping up with my blog, which will be changing starting today. Lots has happened since I posted a personal blog post, so here are some life updates.

James Madison University

I’m currently finishing my last semester at James Madison University. I’m graduating this May with a B.A. in the School of Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Creative Advertising! I’ve loved JMU and changed infinitely being here. It’s bittersweet knowing I’ll be starting my next chapter in life soon, but I’m ready to take on a new season and challenge.

Study Abroad and Travel

Last spring I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for 4 months! It was incredible and definitely pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. I made some new best friends, traveled a TON, and ate my heart out in pasta and pizza. I went to ten countries and over 25 cities, including visiting a new continent Asia. Besides Italy, I explored Spain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hungary, Croatia, the Philippines, and Thailand. My favorite week was spent in the Philippines with one of my best friends from high school.

Living in Los Angeles

After study abroad, I moved to Los Angeles for the summer and worked with the incredible Valorie Darling of Valorie Darling Photography! I also worked with a movie production company, which allowed me to see behind the scenes into the entertainment industry and making movies. I shot the cover of a movie poster, shot behind the scenes photo and video for two movies, and got to help with production of the films. I visited Lake Tahoe with two of my dear friends, and got to shoot with Charlotte McKinney – GQ model and Super Bowl commercial actress!

Videography and Youtube

2018 was the year I really delved into videography. I became really passionate about creating videos, got tons of new equipment, and got paid bookings for a bunch of video gigs for the first time. I’m hoping to add it into my business eventually! Cinema is a whole different world than photography, and I’m having so much fun learning a new form of media!

While studying abroad I also made a Youtube Channel and began posting blogs. Thinking of posting more if people are interested! Below is a recent video I shot, edited, and helped direct for Bare Naked Ladies’ annual campaign.

Fitness, Makeup, and Fashion

Once I got back from LA and began my senior year at JMU, I knew I needed to get back in shape. I had put working out and eating healthy on the back burner while traveling for the past eight months, and was so determined to get in the gym again. I’ve developed a passion for working out and being the healthiest version of myself I can be now – and this is the longest that strong commitment and desire has stuck! You can now find me at the gym 6 days a week lifting most of the time, and I’m loving it.

I also started becoming more passionate about makeup and fashion. Makeup is so fun for me and another creative outlet! I love playing with different eye color palettes and learning more about how the makeup world works. I’ve also started pushing myself in the fashion realm and love using fashion as a way to express myself. I’m challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone more often these days and learn about different clothing pieces.

 

Conclusion

That’s a pretty decent life update of the past year. I have exciting plans in store that I’m looking forward to sharing once I graduate, but that’s a post for another time.