I'm Going To Die Alone

'I Won't Find Anyone In College,' And Other Things I Said Before I Found My Boyfriend

Can you blame me?

Madison Zegarlowicz
Madison Zegarlowicz Jan 23, 2019
780
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College, and everything that it was pre-graduation, was a whirlwind that I thought I would never get through. Final exams, counting down the days, and wishing for clarity on an adult life that otherwise terrified me was enough to make my head spin. In the back of my mind was the ache that things didn't quite go the way I wanted them to in the love department.

I said more times than I can count, as I watched friends and friends of friends couple off happily, that I was going to die alone, or with an abundance of cats surrounding me as I longed for a love I'd never quite get.

Was it pathetic, by any stretch of the imagination? Oh, yes. Did I believe that to be fact despite this? Oh, yes I did.

Toward the end of my senior year, I vowed, in fact, to be the elusive, wine-drunk aunt that traveled all the time, only to be seen at Christmas.

And then I "met" my boyfriend.

What has followed since is fun-filled dates, cheeks that hurt from smiling, and getting to know the man that I consider my best friend more and more every day? Not a day goes by that I don't consider myself incredibly lucky to love him in the way that we love. I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself or laugh with anyone else. I wouldn't want to stuff my face with food or slow dance in a kitchen with anyone else. I certainly wouldn't want anyone else in the entire world to know me the way he does.

I've never loved as much or as deeply as I do with him. Knowing this now, and feeling the way that I do, I can't imagine ever feeling like I was going to be alone forever, and I hate to think about how broken and grossly irreparable I used to feel.

As my boyfriend, it isn't his job to fix those demons, no matter how dim they are now. It is not his job to pick up pieces that he didn't break. It isn't his job, necessarily, to ensure that I am this happy forever.

But he's here now. For now, I'll skip out on the cats.

Madison Zegarlowicz
Madison Zegarlowicz Jan 23, 2019
At University of Michigan

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21 Reasons You Should Date Someone Who Was A Camp Counselor

Spouse and parent material, all wrapped up in an animal shirt, Nike shorts, and Chacos.
Grace Valentine
Grace Valentine Apr 14, 2015
18405
views

1. They shop at Goodwill mostly... low maintenance you could say?

SEE ALSO: The ABC's Of Summer Camp

2. They are pretty awesome at talking to parents... opening days have given good practice for them. Give them 15 minutes and they will become best friends with your parents.

3. Their best friends actually are long distance...so you can wait a while to meet their besties who will want to know everything about you and make sure your intentions are good.

4. They have learned how to look decently presentable without showering for a week... maybe two...you may or may not like this one.

5. They are always down for adventure... sure let's hike for eight miles uphill in the middle of the week!

6. They know what it is like to be woken up at 2 a.m. because someone wet their bed... mom training.

7. They also know how to give the "modest is hottest" talk to the teenage campers... and will help give you a classy future daughter.

8. Building fires is their hidden talent... if you ever get stuck on a deserted island with them they can help you.

9. Animal shirts are a common clothing item... they know how to have fun.

10. They throw killer dance parties... ones your grandma would approve of.

11. They are used to being publicly embarrassed for others (their campers') enjoyment... and usually can take a joke or prank well.

12. They also know how to prank you back... summer camp prepares you for awesome prank wars.

13. If you want to see her with no makeup on just look at her camp photos... natural beauty?

14. They actually love children... they chose to spend a whole summer loving other people's kids; imagine how awesome they will treat their own.

15. Chances are they are a really fun person and will bring out your inner child... yes, climb that random tree and paint your face because it is Wednesday.

16. Their "real job" will come later in life... they will end up being successful. Most employers love to hire former counselors, so it is not a waste of a summer.

17. They know how to hide their favorites in life really well... so if they choose to date you they are basically saying you are their favorite and that is a big deal to them.

18. They have learned how to eat unhealthy food every day for a whole summer and stay in shape... or try to at least.

19. They also are obviously not a diva when it comes to material needs...they went a whole summer without even air conditioning and never complained.

20. If they love you anything like they love their campers your needs will always be put first...they are some of the most selfless people you will ever meet.

21. They love God, living for Him, and have already made a difference in many children's lives... they are the real MVPS.

If you are still looking for a place to work this summer and love adventure, Jesus, and children, apply for Camp Crestridge for Girls; they still have many positions available. I'll be there so you should too!

If you are a boy apply for Camp Ridgecrest for Boys!

Grace Valentine
Grace Valentine Apr 14, 2015
At Baylor University

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Be Nice To Everyone, Even The One Who May Be A Total Jerk to You

You don't know what everyone is going through, so just be nice.

Maya Brown
Maya Brown Apr 24, 2019
28
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"You're always so bubbly." "Why are you so nice?"

These are phrases I typically hear, and to tell you the truth, it's because why would you want to be mean? The reason I am nice to everyone is that you honestly don't know what people go through. You don't know if they're giving a fake smile or not because they have problems at home or with their friends. Even if you're having a bad day, don't take it out on someone else because you shouldn't use someone as your own personal punching bag.

People go through so many things in their daily lives. Everyone has their own demons and may be fighting their own fights, so why would you want to add fire to that? Wouldn't you want to be the person that makes someone smile after they have been having a bad day? Making someone's day will honestly make your day because you will feel like you helped someone.

Many people who are bitter at the moment tend to rain on other people's parades, or in other words, they want to stop the positive attitude of someone who is having a good day. This instance has happened to me many times, where people tend to want to ruin the positive attitude I have just because they don't agree with what I say or think that they're above me. When you're mean to a person, you give off the feeling that you think they're less and we live in a country where everyone should be treated equally. Being nice is about being a decent human being and treating the people you meet with kindness and respect, regardless of who they are.

In the past, I have had my share of bullying and people who are closed minded and have negative attitudes. In my experience, I don't even want to continue and engage with them because if you surround yourself with negativity, it will eventually start to rub off on you. Self-care is also choosing not to argue with people who are committed to misunderstanding you, which is exactly why sometimes I just stay quiet and let the other person think they have "won" the argument because, at the end of the day, you believe in what you want. People should know the difference between voicing their opinion and trying to change someone's opinion.

Lastly, being mean doesn't solve anything. As hate crimes have risen in the past couple of years, it is an effect of being mean to people. As a society, we honestly do not need any more hate or bullying or negative attitudes. I understand that some people aren't as friendly or outgoing, but it's simple — if you have an encounter with someone, just make sure to be nice and not put anybody down. Words hurt, too.

Maya Brown
Maya Brown Apr 24, 2019
At The State University of New York at Stony Brook

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