Life Happens

Hello!!! I want to welcome myself back to the blogging world because I have been really out of touch with you:(. I am so sorry and I hope you can forgive me:). I missed you guys! And I hope you all are doing so well (HAPPY SUMMER!). SO much has happened to me these past four weeks. Don’t worry, I will catch you up on EVERYTHING. What a mixture of emotions I felt, and honestly I still feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster that just keeps going and going. But you know what!? It is time for me to accept and work out all of these e M o T i O n S and F e E L i N g S ~!

To start off, I graduated college! On May 13, 2017 I received my diploma and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lebanon Valley College! Woot Woot. Walking across that stage and receiving my diploma has been one of the most rewarding and gratifying experiences that I have ever had in my whole life. All the hard work has paid off, now it is time to find a job- a job that suits me the best. Since graduation, I have turned down two teaching jobs, one in North Carolina and one in Florida. Reason being is that they did not seem “right” for me. I felt as if I would be forcing myself to be happy, and I will not bargain with my self happiness. I will always be true to myself and I want to be genuinely and authentically happy. Sometimes, though, I wonder “OMG  should I have not turned down that job? Will I even earn another interview?” But, I will not stop trying! So if you know of any teaching jobs in Maryland, Delaware, and/or southern PA, holla at your girl (a.k.a, ME!)

After graduation, I traveled to Disney World! Even though it has taken me 22 years to visit the most magical place on Earth, it was an experience that I will always keep in my memory box. (I just want to thank my sister for the graduation present 🙂 ). Have you seen the new light/firework show? WOW it put me to tears because it was so amazingly beautiful!! Let me tell you, you need to get down there and see it! It was compiled with different songs from new and old Disney classic movies. Have you heard Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go?” If not, YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO IT RIGHT NOW. It is such an empowering song, and you just need to listen to it! While in Disney, my sister and I met up with our cousin, Kim, who I have never met before! It was so cool to spend the day with her in Disney. Kim acted as our tour guide within the park. Our vacation concluded with a trip to Cocoa Beach. Let me just give you a hint, if you are laying out on the beach, reapply sunscreen every like 30 minutes, ok? Thank me later.

What did I do after Florida? Well, I had to move out of my college apartment. I lived there for the past two years- my junior and senior years of college, and I could not believe how much stuff I accumulated over the past two years! This was a great time for me to throw away items that I had forgotten about, like those pairs of shoes that were at the bottom of my bin. If I did not wear them for two years- I knew I would never wear them again, so bye! Another tip for moving, LABEL EVERYTHING! It will help you in the future.

Remember when I blogged about how I lived in Ocean City, Maryland last summer? Well, I moved back down there recently, too! I work for Telescope Pictures in Seacrets, Jamaica, USA (the best summer job eva!) I was so happy to reunite with my best friends for the summer, and it is just the beginning- the best it yet to come ;).

However, about a week and a half into my stay down in OCMD, I had to come home because I needed to have a small procedure completed. Thankfully, everything is ok! Along with the procedure, I found out that I have tiny veins and it was hard for the nurses to put my IV in, LOL.

But, this past Tuesday night, after my car was packed up and ready to go back down to Ocean City the next morning, my dad informed my family and I that my Baba, (Baba means Grandmother in Ukrainian) has passed away. Baba was 86 years old with 5 children, 14 grandchildren (all who which have degrees), and 2 great-grandchildren. I will always remember her homemade meatballs. Oh my goodness they were the best things I have ever tasted! Baba is also the reason why I want to have all the family over for the holidays and other family gatherings. She brought us all together, even before I was born. She was so proud of all her grandchildren, especially since they have completed and are continuing their education.

Unexpectedly, life happens. And sometimes, things just seem to snowball. You are allowed to be sad and experience all different kinds of emotions. But, eventually you either stay down and remain helpless, or you can get back up on your feet and keep fighting and living your life how you want to live it. You take the good with the bad, and remember all of your happy memories with those that you love. Always remember to live your life to the absolute fullest because this is a great life, and you do not want to leave when you haven’t finished writing your book.

I just wanted to thank all of my family and friends for your support this past week, you have no idea what your kind words have meant to me. I love and appreciate all of you. Sometimes, you have to take a different route to chase your sunset, but, don’t ever stop doing so.

Ali

The Best is Yet to Come

Howdy y’all! Happy Thursday 🙂 I hope you are having a phenomenal week so far. I have something special for you this week and something that comes from the heart. But everything I do comes from the heart, but this is something extra special to me.

I have come to the realization that I will be accomplishing an enormous goal in just nine days.

When you type into Google’s search bar, “what is a goal?” it responds, “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” (S/O to Google). Sounds pretty reasonable, right? In addition, my definition of a goal is something that you work toward so you can better yourself and others that are around you. A goal can be something that is achieved and completed, or it can be something ongoing.

With thattttt, I asked seven goal-driven individuals 1) Why it is important to create goals/dreams? 2) What is your dream? 3) What are you doing right now to make that dream happen?

First up, Sarah!

Sarah is a sophomore at Hofstra University studying journalism. When I asked her why it is important to create goals, she said that if you aren’t creating goals, what actually are you working toward? So, what makes Sarah tick? Well, she absolutely loves creating goals and accomplishing them and then designing more goals to aim towards (you go girlfriend)! Sarah also said that you would not enjoy life if you are not challenging yourself. Some of Sarah’s dreams include graduating college with a degree in journalism, moving to Manhattan, and writing for a magazine, People Magazine to be exact. Did you recently catch the Met Gala this week? Well Sarah wants to one day report from the red carpet and maybe interview Kate Middleton while she’s at it. She would also love to walk into Kate Spade and buy whatever she pleases (every girl’s dream, am I right?). Right now, Sarah is taking it day-by-day and making the most of it. She plans to find a GREAT internship for next semester. By doing that, Sarah takes part in many clubs on campus and is networking with different individuals. I love that she said it is the small victories that really matter because they will eventually turn into bigger victories. She knows that it takes a lot of hard work to accomplish these dreams, but she is up for the challenge! I know you can do it!

Next up, Lexie!

Lexie is a senior at Lebanon Valley College and she will be earning her degree in Neuroscience. When Lexie was asked about why people should create goals, she stated that people need something to work toward so they feel a sense of accomplishment. It is important for individuals to continuously better themselves each and every day.  Lexie’s goal in life is to be happy and to touch people’s lives in a positive manner. She wants to improve the well-being and overall health of individuals. How is Lexie going to do this? She will be attending Penn State Hershey Med’s PA Program. You got this, Lex!

Next, we have Taylor!

Taylor is also a senior at Lebanon Valley College and her studies are in Psychology. She said that it is important to create goals because it gives you meaning in life and it is a stepping stool for success. After a couple of rough months, Taylor still wakes up in the morning with fire in her step. Taylor wants to be successful and happy. She absolutely adores dogs. Can you tell by her photo? Taylor would not mind if some of her successes involve dogs. Taylor plans to move to Florida to create a fresh start for herself. You can do whatever you set your mind to, Tay!

Say hi to Caroline!

Caroline is a freshman at LVC and she is majoring in Business. She says that it is important for people to create goals because it gives them something to strive for. Caroline wants to live a happy and healthy life. To accomplish this, Caroline surrounds herself with good friends and people that push her to be the best version of herself! You are doing great, girlfriend!

Here is Cody!

Cody is a senior at LVC majoring in Criminal Justice. He also believes that it is important for people to create goals because it gives them something to shoot for. Some people may need direction in their life, and creating goals is a great strategy to help with that. Cody loves the excitement after you accomplish a goal, he says that no other feeling amounts to it. Cody’s dream is to become a border patrol agent and have a family of his own. He wants to provide for them and make sure that they never have to want for anything. Currently, Cody is networking with individuals in his field so he can open up the door and make a name for himself. The door is wide open for you, bud!

Next up is Sam!

Sam is a boss lady for Telescope Pictures. She once has taken a job and lived in Florida, but now resides in Delaware. Sam’s dream is to find balance in life, work, chores, friends, family and life passions. She says to not be afraid to quit the job that is making you miserable. BUT, do not quit without having a plan! She has personal experience with this, and without a plan you will fall back into another job that you do not like. Sam also believes it is important to figure out what is important to you, that is a major key to success. To reach her goals, Sam says it is imperative to use your time wisely and to not procrastinate! She works on this daily. Sam also truly believes that you need to make sure you stop and smell the roses. Take in your surroundings, love your life, enjoy every single second that you have and be happy. 🙂

Lastly, we have Dakota!

Dakota is a graduate student studying Business Statistics with UMASS.  Dakota says that it is important to find the balance between never settling and having the ability to recognize success without being complacent. Dakota’s goal is to finish up grad school, work his way up through the company he works for, and to eventually become a professor and own a business. Dakota is working towards his goal by finishing grad school. He is continuously looking out for advancement in his profession and other opportunities that will better himself for the future. Keep working hard, Dakota!

 

I wanted to thank all of my interviewees, you were a blessing to work with! Now, to my viewers, I hope your brain is now turning, and you are asking yourself, “What should I do next?” Your possibilities are endless and I believe in you!

Don’t lose sight of your dreams and goals because the best is yet to come.

Chase your sunset,

Ali

6 Ways to Enjoy the Last Week of Classes

Hello there, friends! Happy Sunday. Sorry I could not reach out to you this past Thursday, it has been a roller coaster ride this past week. It is also a bittersweet time for me right now. Currently, I just want to scream from filling out applications, finishing assignments, and studying for tests, but we are closing in on the finish line.  Yep, there are LESS than two weeks until I graduate college. 13 DAYS. (I never knew it would arrive here so quickly!)

Soooo, if you are a college senior or freshmen, or any student for that matter, you deserve a break from studying! Here are some ways you can enjoy life with your friends outside of the library.

1. Go to a baseball game. A bunch of my friends and I went to a Phillies game this past week and student tickets were only $15 plus a $12 voucher for food. It was a beautiful night in Philly and I had a blast with my friends who were sitting beside me. Plus, Maikel Franco hit a grand slam, so that was pretty cool. Did someone say free food?
2. Watch a day full of movies. Before your schedule becomes crazy, binge watch whatever-the-heck you want. Because you know what, you deserve it!!
3. Sorta figure out what you are doing after graduation. Do not freak out, but have a plan. Even if you do not have a job lined up, or you are waiting to hear back from your latest interview, create a back-up plan (AND DO NOT STRESS OUT). This life is crazy and you never know what will happen so just have something on the back burner for yourself. Everything, somehow, someway will work out for you 🙂
4.  Write thank you notes. I have had some of the best mentors at LVC and I thought that it was appropriate for me to tell them that. They were a huge help to prepare me for my future profession and in life itself. They will also greatly appreciate the gesture 🙂
5. Celebrate your victories. If you earned a job, celebrate! (& congrats, btw). If you received an A in your capstone class, CELEBRATE. If you handed in your paper one minute before it was due, CELEBRATE~ If you are in the mood to celebrate, no one is stopping you, go out and celebrate! 😉
6. Hang out with your friends. As sad as this sounds, especially if you are a senior, you may never see some of your graduating class again. (That sounds too real and sad- brb while I grab tissues). But enjoy these last weeks you have with your peers. They have seen you at your best, and they have seen you at your worst. Embrace the time that you have left. (S/O to every single friend I have made at LVC the past four years<3 )
7. BONUS. Take as many pictures as you can so you can reminisce. You want to remember all of the crazy, fun, and silly memories that you made.

If you are graduating college or high school, or just feel stressed out, take the break that you need (and want). You will never get this time back.

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I hope my latest blog has convinced you in some way to take a break. Because you absolutely deserve it:)

Have  a great week-

Chase your sunset,

Ali

What’s in Your Bucket?

Happy Thursday folks! Today is such a happy day 🙂 It’s my birthday eve (cough, cough) and it is also the eve of Dutchmen Day at LVC (my favorite time of year)! I am also looking forward to seeing my friends and going out to eat with my family this weekend. So, as you can already see, I AM SO HAPPY 🙂 🙂 [hopefully I am spreading some cheer to you!]

Anywho, I am one for making lists and crossing items off when I finish them. But as far as my bucket list goes, there are very few items that I can actually cross off. What is a bucket list you may ask? Well, according to Google it is “the number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.”

Sooo, why should you make a bucket list? Don’t worry, I will tell you. You should create one so you can keep your life interesting and fun! Making a bucket list will give you something to look forward to. With the help of Kate Spade’s Places to Go, People to See book, I have created my very own!

1. Take a road trip without using a map. – I would love to come across quaint, cute towns across the U.S along the way to my destination.
2. Soak up the rays in Copacabana Beach, Rio. -Ever since the 2016 Rio Olympics, I want to soak up the sun on the same beach that Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross won a bronze medal.
3. Salute the guards at Buckingham Palace. -Maybe I can make a guard on duty laugh. Or better yet, maybe he will give me his big, furry hat to try on!
4. Eat Pizza in Rome. -When in Italy, there’s an unwritten rule that you need to eat pizza.
5. Watch a sunset in Santorini, Greece. -This idea came to mind when I saw an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians (don’t judge)!
6. Win a round of Texas Hold’em in Las Vegas. – I remember I beat my brother and his friends one time playing Texas Hold’em when I was younger, so why not take my talents to Las Vegas? (End Lebron James reference).
7. Instagram a photo of a celebrity in L.A. – Because, why not?
8. Wear a crazy hat to the Kentucky Derby. – It’s all about the big ‘ol fancy hat.
9. Go skydiving. – I am planning on crossing this one off this summer!
10. Swim with dolphins in the Bahamas. -Ever see Mary Kate and Ashley’s, Holiday in the Sun? Well, that is where this one came from. Cowabunga!
11. See the Full(er) House house in San Fran. -And the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a trolley ride, and see everything San Francisco has to offer.
12. Go to every professional baseball stadium. -I will forever be a Phillies fan, but it would be awesome to see each stadium!
13. Read a book in one day.– Any suggestions?
14. Earn my doctorate degree. -I want to walk across the stage as Dr. Alison Semanchik (but hopefully I will be married at that point 😉 )
15. Be a mom. – No explanation for this one!

I know that I will probably add or change some ideas to my bucket list, and that is OK. It’s your list, do whateva you want! But, I truly believe that if you create a list and you do what you can, and you cross things off, you are not going to regret anything in your life. You will have stories and memories that last a lifetime.

What is on your bucket list? Please let me know by leaving a comment below, or on my Facebook page. I look forward to seeing yours! 🙂

I hope you have a splendid weekend!

Chase your sunset,

Ali

Beach Boss

Heyya! I hope you had a great week thus far. As promised, I wanted to share with you how I spent the Summer of 2016. Last week, I “revealed” a photo to give you a hint. There was water in the background, I was holding a camera, and I was wearing a red T-shirt that says “Telescope Pictures.” Didya figure it out? YES! I worked in Ocean City, Maryland, working in Seacrets for Telescope Pictures. (By far the best experience of life)!

It was always a dream of mine to live and work at a beach for at least one summer. I felt that the best time to do this was the summer going into my senior year of college. So, I landed a job with Scopes, and was ready to start making memories (and money$$).

The beginning of the summer was such a unique experience. I went on this journey all on my own, and was living with six other random girls. I did not know what to expect, and was starting to miss home. But, as a couple of weeks went by, I was finally starting to catch some waves.

From my experience, I wanted to share with you:

5 Things I Learned Living On My Own For the First Time!

–Make a budget and buy items that are only a necessity. I realized that I spent so much money, or I should say, wasted money last summer. I ate out a lot (even though I had food at home), I ended up throwing groceries away because I let food go bad (because I ate out, lol), and I spent $50 on an Uber one night! (Crazy, I know, I still am salty about that). I worked hard and earned my money, and it urks me that I was not as responsible as I should have been. But, you live and you learn 🙂 If you are in this situation, write down what you make and then write down what you spend, this way you will see where you are spending your money, and which ways you can cut back!

–Even though you do not feeling like going out, go out. When your friends say, “Let’s go out for a bit after work!” And then you say, “No, I am exhausted. I am just going to watch Netflix and call it an early one.” NO, NO, NO, NO! The best memories come from being spontaneous, and with those memories, I can reminisce for-everrrr with mi amigas.

–Living on your own means that you actually have to talk to people. For me, it is not hard to start a conversation with someone. But, this was a great opportunity for me to meet people from all over the East Coast. By doing this, I was able to network and make new connections. I was even able to retrieve numbers from administrators from New York and Maryland. You never know when you might need him/her to help you with a job. 🙂

–You will meet some of your best friends, that will actually stick with you for life. I will be honest, if I was in high school, I really do not think that I would have been best friends with my chicas that I met. I say this because we would have been in different cliques (so sad, but true). These girls are so driven, funny, and down to earth. Best yet, they fuel my fire. I think that you should surround yourself with people who do that for you. Make sure that you are around people who bring you up, rather than bring you down.

 

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–Take the risk. This was the best decision I could have ever possibly made. It was scary and nerve-racking at first, but once I settled in, I really felt like I was at home. I made so many memories, and made friends that will last forever. Plus, the beach was my backyard, how could I ever complain?

I enjoyed last summer so much, and because of that, I am heading back down for the summer of 2017! If you think that you would want to work for Telescope Pictures, you can fill out an application at http://www.mytelescopepictures.com/.

I cannot wait to check in with you next Thursday!

And do not forget, chase your sunset,

Ali

Here, we, go!

Welcome! My name is Ali, or Alison, I will answer to whicheva. I created my site back in October 2016, but was unsure if  I would like to take on the whole blogging world and didn’t know if I wanted to throw myself out there, you know what I’m saying? However, my fellow-‘teacheree’, colleague, coffee-loving friend, Bri just started her blog and she inspired me. (Subscribe to Bri’s blog, “Coffee, Tea, and the Life of Bri” Here!). I also was inspired by my cousin, also a coffee enthusiast, Sarah, (love you!) and you can find her blog —> Here!!! So here I go, chasing my sunset…

To tell you a little bit about myself- I am a college senior (yikes), a beach-loving, fun-seeking, family/friend-revolving, life-thrilling, dream-chasing individual. I soon hope to enter the professional world as a classroom teacher… I better or my mom will kill me! (Teachers are awesome, btw). In the meantime, aside from trying to gather my life together- I worry about handing in assignments, getting to work on time (Shout out to JCrew!), retrieving my daily iced coffee, and contemplating ways in which I can fall off the treadmill. I am seeking strategies to enjoy running, so if you know the secret, please please please share.

Just to remind you, you are a beautiful soul- inside and out. And I truly appreciate you and your time for reading this little snippet about myself. Check back next Thursday to read about how I spent the Summer of 2016! Here’s a hint….

Chase your sunset,

Ali