Last Spring Break in the Windy City!

This post is coming a little late, but I had to document my last spring break in college! The last bit of my spring break was spent studying for a finance exam today, but the first half was in the Windy City - Chicago!

Chicago was amazing. It is such a vibrant city - and yes, it is like a clean New York City. I like to think of it as a fusion between New York City with its city-feel and Washington D.C. with its dedication to architecture and museums. And can we just talk about the weather? I. WAS. FREEZING. It snowed. Kristine was happy. I wasn't. Haha!

The first night in Chicago was spent at Wrigleyville - a district filled with nightlife near the Wrigley Stadium. The next few days were filled with typical sightseeing. We took the trolley tour to the Willis Tower, the Bean at Millennium Park, the Field Museum, and the Public Library. And of course, we went shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Kristine and I found a new favorite store - A'GACI. Check it out ladies. The prices are comparable to Forever 21 and I find their clothes a lot trendier and edgier. On the other hand, Kristine's boyfriend, Gavin, had a different meaning of sightseeing. Exhibit A:

Here are some more pictures that sum up the trip. It was definitely one to remember :)     

Media Relations Summer Internship with Busch Gardens!

I'm really supposed to be packing for Chicago right now, but I just HAD to blog before I left.

It is just CRAZY how things fall into place. This week I was offered a media relations summer internship with Busch Gardens! Considering that I thought the interview was the worst one of my life (due to a button that popped open in "that" area"), I was shocked when I got the phone call. I literally gave a high-pitched, "Really?" And as per usual, Kristine was right next to me when I got the phone call. Seriously, every milestone happens around her - gotta keep her around ;)

Nevertheless, I am excited. Nadim interned with Busch Gardens previously and loved it. HUGE shout-out to him for recommending me! Anyway, I'll be working closely with the PR team on concert series like Viva La Musica, writing blogs, escorting/briefing media, and assisting with media lists and pitches. A summer in Tampa - hmm, who would have thought!

Victoria and I at the soccer game.

This past week was a fun one. I was an avid supporter of intramural soccer and softball, and I went to the Strawberry Festival with some friends. Sadly, I bought strawberries for my parents, then left them in my fridge this afternoon. Typical Stephanie, I know. 

Oh! And I also worked this event called Grad Stampede - an event where graduating seniors order their cap and gowns, announcements, and tassels. There was a company there to take complimentary pictures of students in their cap and gowns. Naturally, I took some pictures along with friends. I wasn't expecting to take photos, but I just gotta say - I loved that my red tassel matched my red lips that day! Haha! I'll be sharing those as soon as I get them via email. Seeing my friends in their cap and gowns, and even myself in it, gave me chills. 

This is happening. And it's happening  really fast!

9 Weeks.

And the countdown continues...

I must say, I have had quite the weekend! Cold, but fun. It was a weekend full of - surprise, surprise - friends and food. 

First Friday:

The weekend started off with St. Petersburg's First Friday. This is a block party that St. Pete has every first Friday of the month with live jazz bands and drink specials. It was my first time and it was a blast.

First off, St. Pete is beautiful - especially downtown. It felt very New Orleans-y with friendly people on a string-lit block and good music.  It was definitely a night to remember. But anyway, what happens on First Friday, stays at First Friday!

Acropolis: 

My good friend, Nadim, came to visit this weekend from Miami and treated me to lunch. We met up and had some Greek food in Ybor City. It literally felt like it took 3 hours to get food, but it was worth it. Seeing him and catching up made me realize that the friendships that I make in college are the ones you'll keep forever. No distance can interfere with that :) 

USF v. DePaul Basketball Game:

I love my school, but I'm not in denial. Our basketball team sucks. We have been on a 10-game losing streak, but today we actually won. Is that not a sign of a good weekend or what? The Green and Gold Guides met up, got some free pizza, and enjoyed the game together. And what happens after we are together? We eat. Psh, naturally. A group of us went to Chili's after, played with some children's menus and got scared of the future after Nadim told us the crude truth about life after college haha. No offense taken Nadim, that's why we are living it up while we still can!

With that said, I begin my last 9th week until graduation. This week is filled with papers due, tests, and my departure to Chicagoooooo!!!!! Spring break is on the horizon! I can feel it!!

Here is some more of First Friday, including an exclusive video of Kristine and Daniela eating an oyster!

The whole group at First Friday

My Graduate School Acceptance Letters!!

NYU Acceptance Letter

I write in extreme pride and accomplishment today. Yesterday morning I found out that I got accepted into New York University! But what many people don't know, is that I also got accepted to the University of Miami in January. I was in such shock about NYU, that I posted my acceptance on Facebook right away. FYI: NYU was my "reach" school. With Miami, I shared the news with my fellow Green and Gold Guides at our retreat weekend - which is when I found out.

Anyway, I figured I would post my acceptance letters since it is a huge milestone. Coincidentally, I found out both of my admissions decisions in the middle of having a conversation with Kristine - shows how much I "multi-task." 

Now the million dollar question is: Where are you going to graduate school? The decision is still pending. I am the type of person that can't even make a decision on where to eat. So, these kind of life-changing decisions are really difficult for me. A huge factor is price. Getting a graduate-level education is not cheap and living expenses don't help. After I receive admissions decisions from other schools and see what financial help can be offered, I will be able to make a decision holistically. 

UM Acceptance Letter

New York is definitely in my future; it's just a matter of when. Right now, NYU is a dream that is now in reach and I am so grateful that I have this opportunity - especially since New York is the Mecca for PR. But we will see and I will be sure to keep you all updated on my decision. 

I also want to take the time to say how grateful I am for the friendships and relationships that I have in my life. What makes these acceptances so special is the outpouring of love and support from people. Dear God, after I put my acceptance on Facebook, I got so many likes, comments, texts, phone calls, emails, screams, and hugs. It nice to be surrounded with people who get just as excited as I do for my future. I'm just lucky, I guess.

Thank you.