Katelynn 101

Rising Tide Cast Member || Psychology/Pre-OT Major || enthusiast of Jesus, coffee, Harry Potter, and J. Crew

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Seize the Day

So many parts of college can be overwhelming: choosing a major, choosing friends, choosing classes. For crying out loud, I don’t even know what to eat in the caf on the daily. When a long weekend comes, God bless everyone’s souls, because the Malibu campus suddenly expands to encompass the entire state of California, along with parts of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. A single Monday off and suddenly Pepperdine students can be found North, South, and East (because tbh you can’t go anymore West).

You get to college and now you are expected to have thrilling social plans?!? A foreign concept for myself, I know. But alas, I packed up a car with 4 of my closest friends at 5 in the morning and up the 101 we went. We decided to head to San Francisco a few days before and honestly, it was a little stressful trying to get everyone to coordinate (Snapshot into Abroad 2k16).

We ended up deciding to stay at a hostel, for financial, age, and location reasons, which turned out wonderfully, but at first was intimidating. One of the biggest stressors for any college student is money. I decided to budget my weekend, because #NewYearNewMe, which I ten out of ten recommend to anyone. It makes money, which can be an overwhelming thing, seem more simplified. Also, it feels really good to be able to check those boxes after the trip and see that you made it under budget: HUZZAH.

There was so much city to be explored. I know that Los Angeles is massive, but holy cannoli, so are other parts of California. We parked our car at the hostel and decided to travel by foot. I never realized how much of a city you can learn until you take a step out of the car and find your way around with an old fashioned map and $2.25 bus pass. Calorie burn, bragging rights, and awesome pictures, it’s a win-win-win. Also, my friend, Madyline, the Yelp! Queen scored us some awesome eats. You can bet your bottom dollar that sourdough was included in the mix of things. And of course a ghastly amount of coffee. Kinda, sorta, really addicted to coffee…no shame.  We may have done the touristy things, but we also got to experience a city as grown adults. We planned the trip all by ourselves and got to see a ton, all in a matter of 28 hours. It was well worth the stress.

At the end of the day, I realized that while planning an excursion may seem stressful, or even expensive, it was SO worth it. The memories I made and the friendships I got to deepen are worth the world to me. We didn’t even need to go anywhere to have a great weekend, but experiencing a new culture and city stretched us beyond what our typical Malibu weekend would have.

No matter where you are or what you are doing, take advantage of the opportunities around you, because one day you really won’t have them anymore. I’m not planning on living in California for the rest of my life. I won’t always be able to jump in a car and be in San Francisco. But, I will always be able to seize the day and adventure ahead of me.

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The 12 Days of Finals

This week has been full of Christmas cheer all around campus. I went ice skating in Santa Monica and got to sing at a tree lighting. Pictured is some of the people who have made this semester absolutely wonderful:

However, I have been neglecting the real driving force behind my last couple of weeks here: finals. In honor of a week full of studying that is yet to come, here is my version of a holiday classic:

On the first day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the second day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the third day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the fourth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the fifth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Five SunLife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the sixth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Six people praying

Five Sunlife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the seventh day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five Sunlife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the eight day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Eight photos winking

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five Sunlife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the ninth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Nine goodies gleaming

Eight photos winking

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five Sunlife Things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the tenth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Ten nights no sleeping

Nine goodies gleaming

Eight photos winking

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five SunLife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the eleventh day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Eleven teachers typing

Ten nights no sleeping

Nine goodies gleaming

Eight photos winking

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five SunLife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 On the twelfth day of finals,

my mother sent to me:

Twelve grades a coming

Eleven teachers typing

Ten nights no sleeping

Nine goodies gleaming

Eight photos winking

Seven bags a brimming

Six people praying

Five SunLife things

Four wise words

Three fountain pens

Two study guides

And a huge cup of Starbucks coffee

 While this is mainly a joke, the coffee is all too real. I love my Keurig. Also GOD BLESS the caf for having Starbucks that I can use my meal points on. It’s going to be a lifesaver. I’m a firm believer in working as hard as possible during the semester so that I do not have to stress at the end, but there is still work to be done! I’m super excited for an extended break at home, but am sad to be leaving so many wonderful people and places behind for 3 and a half weeks. This semester has been a whirlwind and in the best way possible. God totally brought me to the right place, something that has been affirmed over and over again, in countless ways. I am so excited to see what the next 7 bring! Have a Merry Christmas, everyone!

P.S. If anyone needs some encouragement this week, my friend Blair recommended this video to me and I LOVE IT. https://vimeo.com/128292930

[risingtidekatelynn-blog]

A Major Dilemma

I have an issue, a major issue (quite literally). The most frequent question you get asked once you pick a college: “what are you studying?” And let me tell you…IT DOESN’T GO AWAY. Ever. I get asked at least once a day. I work for the Office of Admission, giving tours, and my current introduction is as follows:

“Hi, my name is Katelynn Quick, I’m from Overland Park, KS and am currently a psychology major, pre-occupational therapy, but am in the process of becoming a political science major, rhetoric and leadership minor, still pre-occupational therapy”.

I’m sorry…what even?

Most people on my tours probably think that I do not have my life together, and clearly I don’t. Life is crazy and you begin to learn so much more about yourself and your calling as you journey through this little thing called college. Currently, the long-term goal is to create public policy for kids with special needs, while being an occupational therapist, so there is some logic behind my major changes (haha get it, major changes, all too real). But really, it is terrifying to think of what I am going to do with the rest of my life. I have the appearance of having a plan, and altering it scares the heck out of me.

While the unknown seems daunting, it is also so exciting. God knew that I was coming to Pepperdine long before I did, and He led me here with very clear closed and opened doors. Not everyone gets this. There was never a moment when I walked on campus and “knew that Pepperdine was the only place for me”. The warm fuzzies weren’t there and that scared me. There is a large pressure to feel a certain emotion or draw to somewhere, and sometimes you just have to listen for God and go with your gut. There are so many options that are good options. It really is what you make of it. It’s so easy for me to tell that to people looking at schools now, but a lot harder to apply to my own life. There are multiple careers that are good options and good fits for me. Yes, it’s scary that not every college graduate gets a job. Yes, it’s scary that I may have to pay for grad school. No, I may not have the right job right away. That’s okay. I’m figuring out a little more everyday.

Coming into Pepperdine, we had a summer assignment to read an article on vocation and reflect on it. It put every struggle I had ever had in imagining my future into terms. My potential job does not equate my worth or my vocation. My vocation is to serve Christ in anything and everything I do, in the official workplace and in my community. My mom’s job is not her favorite thing in the world, yet it allows her to serve our family, church, and community theater in ways that she would otherwise not be able to. Her job has given her great flexibility and the capacity to love so many. When I think of her, it gives me peace in my career search. I do not have to find the perfect job fit in my first year of college. I do not even need to find it 20 years after college (although I wouldn’t complain if I did). God is going to use every decision and turn of events to further His Kingdom if I make myself willing and obedient. I will most likely change my major again, and that is okay! I have a lot of interests and am trying to weld them all together into something beautiful. The thing is, I don’t have to. God has already done that for me and now it is my job to keep working hard in everything and leave it up to him. He is creating a beautiful work in me and in everyone I am surrounded by here. I can’t wait for the next adventure. There we go, major crisis averted.

P.S. current feelings while looking at the academic catalog:

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Katelynn and her roommate explain why they get along so well, ways in which they learned to be better roommates, and how lucky they are to be so close in the first semester of their freshmen year. 

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A New Ocean

Now this may come as a shock, but in Kansas, I did not live by an ocean. Hard to believe, I know, but I promise that I would not lie to you. Moving out to Malibu has been the dream - my walk to class every morning filled with a breathtaking sunrise and glistening ocean. Many people back home watch me on social media and come to the understanding that Pepperdine is all glitter and rainbows and every afternoon is filled with dedicated studying while laying by the ocean. In actuality, I am crunched over my desk (which does have a very pretty view of a courtyard, but not quite the ocean blue) and still trying to figure out life on my own.  It is easy to look at someone from a distance and think that they have their life together. Hah. So far I have:

1) Gotten a C on my first college test. I have only gotten a C on a test once before and it was AP Chemistry. I am not one to struggle academically, so this was a bit of a wake-up call. #oops

2) Eaten entirely too much froyo and added a few pounds because of it. I like to convince myself that it is the muscle I am developing from the hills, but I don’t actually think that’s the case.

3) Skipped my workouts far too many times. During rush, my fitness plan went down hill. I have gotten back on track since, but found myself really struggling to go the gym, after I had developed a consistent habit of working out for the past year and a half.

4) Run out of patience with sweet dorm-mates. I do not always speak as kindly as I should or take the time to listen to others. I focus too often on myself and not on the other people I am living with.

5) Left my laundry in the dryer over night on multiple occasions. This is a no-no. I am thankful for gracious dorm-mates, however do not do this because it is irritating to others!!

6) Tripped up far too many stairs. I pretty much make a fool of myself on a consistent basis. Tonight I almost face planted in front of all of crossfit. It was very embarrassing.

7) Managed my time poorly. I spent too much time on Instagram and not enough time on reading the Iliad. Great Books reading just can’t always take priority, okay?

8) Forgotten the verb in my thesis statement of a major paper!! Okay this is not actually that major of a thing, but let’s just say that is not the first impression you want to give your professor…

9) Face planted in front of 20+ boys at a fraternity bowling mixer. It was basically humiliating. Enough said.

10) Become addicted to caffeine. I literally get a headache if I do not have coffee every morning. Good thing I have a Keurig?

11) Disregarded my roommate’s distaste for Greek yogurt. I eat it every morning, even though she hates the smell. ILY SARA, you’re the best!!

While these are not the end of the world, I still feel like a failure. Despite my mistakes, I am reminded of God’s grace. One of my favorite songs, Oceans by Hillsong, proclaims, “your grace abounds in deepest waters”.

My slip-ups in college do not define me. My relationship with Jesus defines me. He covers my errors with His abounding grace. Every time I walk outside, I have a beautiful reminder of God’s ultimate forgiveness and hope for me. At Pepperdine, I have met a new ocean. Its name is not the Pacific, however, but merciful God - a God who loves me, cares for me, and continue to show me how to navigate my new home. He has given me abundant grace, and now I need to give myself the same. I am figuring things out and learning to love and embrace the challenges. Here’s to diving in.

DISCLAIMER: This makes it sound like my first month at college has been a giant struggle. In actuality, I am loving life and 97% of my days are wonderful! But everyone has their moments, and God is teaching me through those. I am so thankful for awesome suitemates, dorm-mates, friends, sorority sisters, and professors who are there help me succeed. Every mistake I have made is helping me become a better college student, for which I am very thankful!

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Katelynn spent one of her first weekends of college trekking out to Yosemite with Pepperdine’s Campus Rec. Her first video blog recaps the trip!