I just finished up my sophomore year at Columbia this month. Let me just say, my 2nd year a Columbia was a rollercoaster. From moving into my 1st non-student style apartment, to having appendicitis, to having that sophomore-year-life-crisis, to getting the best job I could ask for, & every little thing in between. 

I jumped into my 21 credit hour schedule the day after Labor Day. I missed Columbia & all of my artsy friends so much over the summer, I was so happy to be back doing what I love every day. Just as expected I loved every single one of my dance classes & fell in love with my fashion classes as well. (look out for a post about my projects from this year!) I also managed to enjoy some required academic courses, (hint: they're easier to enjoy when your science lab class is just fabric dyeing...). 

Kristen & I started a tradition, as both of us had Friday's off, we started "Date Days." We have a jingle that goes with it and everything. 

As November began, we all knew it was so close to the end of the semester. November & December are always a whirlwind & this year, they threw everything they could at me. 

Although November was stressful, I had my birthday & Thanksgiving break to look forward to. For my birthday, my friends & I went out to dinner & then celebrated back at my place & just enjoyed each other's company. 

Check out this hilarious video Andrea, Umiko & Kristen made for me! "Maria Almighty"

After my last class before Thanksgiving I made my way home to spend time with family & meet my new baby nephew. This year for Thanksgiving we spent the holiday at Angela & Jim's new house! 

Getting back from Thanksgiving, knowing I only had 3 week left till the end of the semester excited me & stressed me out. There were so many projects & papers to finish & lots of praying that my body didn't give out before break. The weekend before finals, I was cursed with Appendicitis. It's a very long story, & if you want the details, feel free & ask me, but I won't bore you with them right now. It was a very stressful & unfortunate situation. After having my appendix removed that weekend, my parents brought me home, leaving the last week of the semester open ended. I finished my projects & papers throughout the 6 week break I had throughout the holiday. The only evidence of this event is 4 tiny 1 inch scars scattered across my stomach. Thankfully, since Columbia's holiday break is so long, I had plenty of time to recover, but not dancing for weeks straight almost killed me. 

Can't wait to share how the Spring semester treated me! Trust me, it ends a lot better than Fall did. 

Maria Natalia xx.