One day, Barbara Park sat down and wrote some of the best children's books of all time: Junie B. Jones. Every girl remembers reading this hilarious and heartwarming series. I learned a lot from these books. A lot of the advice that Junie B. gave me still follows me as a 20-year-old college student. Here are a few things that Junie B. taught me that you can relate to!
1. “A little glitter can turn your whole day around.”
Glitter is a magical thing! Sorority girls everywhere can relate to this. No matter how bad my day is going, a little crafting with sisters always seems to cheer me up. It is nice to take the time to sit down and create something like blocks or an inspiring canvas to decorate your dorm. Whether you are an amazing crafter or a terrible one, crafting is a calming way to bond with friends and escape stress. My big taught me any time you mess up on your craft, cover it up with some glitter. No one will ever notice!
2. “Sometimes when you're very mixed-up inside, you do things you know you shouldn't do."
In the inspiring words of Hannah Montana, "Nobody's perfect." Life is going to throw challenges your way. It is not easy for anyone; we all have personal challenges every day. "Mixed-up inside" is first-grader talk for anxiety, depression, confusion, conflict, fear and more. When we feel these things, we are more likely to mess up and make mistakes because we are constantly distracted. We do not make the best decisions because our judgment is clouded. So, next time you are feeling "mixed-up inside," maybe add a little glitter to your day by crafting! Or read a good book, watch Netflix, talk to a sorority sister or a best friend about it, or eat a gallon of chocolate ice cream and just do not tell anyone about it! Try to take your mind off it. It will all work out.
3. “Sometimes grown-ups don't act their right old age.”
Technically, 20-year-olds are grown ups, but that does not necessarily mean we have to act like it 100 percent of the time. Being in your 20s is an amazing time. Enjoy it while it lasts! Go out with your friends on Friday nights even though you work the next day. Sing....no, YELL Taylor Swift in the shower, even though everyone can hear you and you know you are a terrible singer. Flirt with that cute guy at the mall. Order a pizza at 10:30 at night. Have sleepovers with your best friends. We can be grown-ups tomorrow; let's be young today.
4. "Girls can be anything boys can be!"
Junie B. Jones was on point with this one! We run the world, girls! Junie B. Jones taught us as kids that women can do whatever we set our minds to. Now we need to make her proud.
