Rising in the charts is Tori Kelly, a 24-year-old pop artist with big dreams and even bigger amounts of talent. She has a handful of EPs along with one full album called "Unbreakable Smile." Her vocals compare to no other with her stunning tone and perfect pitch that makes her live performances so dreamy that audience members and fans wonder why she needs to edit her voice at all in the studio versions of her songs. Here are some of my favorite lyrics from every song on her first completed album. Songs/lyrics marked with an asterisk (*) are personal favorites.
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1. Don’t buy Textbooks the first week of class.
Trust me. You are either going to drop or swap a class because you won't like all of them. Trust me, it's okay to switch!
2. Ratemyprofessor.com! PLEASE use it!
"I thought you knew what you signed up for."
This happens every semester, even when you were the one who picked them!God bless all of the students who actively write reviews on this website, because it helps with picking classes and professors. Be aware that not all of the reviews are agreeable. However, this has helped me 90% of the time when picking classes for the next semester.
3. Don’t wear your lanyard or ID around your neck, it makes it obvious for everyone to know you’re a freshman.
When Jamie Lynn Spears did it on Zoey 101, everyone thought it was cool! But it also signifies that you are a freshman. There’s nothing wrong with it! But do you really want people targeting you and knowing that you’re a freshman?
4. Always bring a charger or headphones wherever you go.
You may think your phone isn’t going to die, but trust me, there’s always a chance you’ll be bored out of your mind during lectures and will want to surf the web during the whole class. Always be prepared for a back up! Also, it would suck if you were almost done with your paper and your laptop dies. And for headphones…I mean this is obvious!
5. Don’t miss out on the free food on campus.
Would you rather spend a meal and regret it? Or just binge on free food and save some meals for the week?
6. You don’t always need to dress up…Trust Me!
Seriously, no one cares about what you’re wearing. It’s okay to wear the same hoodie and sweats 3 days in a row. You’re on a college campus and wearing heels? Good luck walking!
7. Get More Involved!
Join clubs or a sorority/frat! Either way, get involved and make new friends! This will make your college experience 10x better!
8. Don’t feel pressured to hook-up with anyone.
man and woman in bathtub
Photo by We-Vibe Toys on Unsplash
Seriously, that is not what college is about. Don’t believe what you see in college movies. Hooking up doesn’t get you brownie points or help with your career! It’s nice to experience college culture, but don’t over-do it! And remember it’s always okay to say NO!
9. The Freshman 15 is REAL! Don’t brush it off!
Don’t be fooled by the amount of hills and space on campus. The food will fill you up fast and a lot of dining halls are all-you-can-eat!
10. It’s OK to say NO!
You don’t always have to go eat with someone or go to the club. Sometimes, you need some “you” time!
11. Drinking / Partying doesn’t equal popularity.
You don’t need to fit in! There’s no such thing as “fitting in” in college. Remember, you’re not in high school anymore.
12. Try to spend less time in your dorm.
four women sitting on black steel bench during daytime
Photo by Chris Murray on Unsplash
Like I said earlier, go out, get involved, and meet new people!
13. It’s OK to change your major!
The purpose of college is exploring! Try new classes. You might like some and eventually, pick a major for you.
14. Always take an Uber or Lyft!
Uber app ready to ride on a smartphone.
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
These services will be one of your best friends! They are always there whenever you need them, and they are safe.
15. Never go to a party alone!
woman in red tank top and blue denim shorts standing beside woman in black tank top
Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
I can’t stress this enough! Especially if you are in an area you are unfamiliar with, do not go alone and NEVER go home with a random stranger without your friends.
16. Start your resume early.
blue marker on white printer paper
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Go to your school’s career center to start building your references! I mean you have to focus on your future! Why are you in college?
17. Keep your door open when in your room.
welcome signage on focus photography
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
This is a great way to make some new friends. That means clean your room too to make it presentable.
18. Get to know your professors.
If they have office hours, take advantage of those times. It’s not like you can answer a question in class and the teacher will automatically remember you. Keep in mind that your professor teaches 300 other students. Try to make an effort to get to know them during their office hours for some one-on-one extra help!
19. You don’t really need an unlimited meal plan.
This is an easy access to the ‘Freshman 15,’ and you might as well save some money by cooking anyway!
20. Procrastinate = LATE!
Don’t push away your 12-page paper, 7-page essay, and 2 online quizzes. It will bite you in the end when the deadline hits.
21. If you need to…sleep!
woman in white and black striped long sleeve shirt lying on bed
Photo by MILAN GAZIEV on Unsplash
Your bed can also be your best friend! It’s like your sacred spot. Taking power naps or binge-watching Netflix occurs here. But always be active too!
22. It’s also OK to say ‘no’ to going out all the time!
Grades always come first, or sometimes, you may be tired. Every once in a while, it's important to have some me-time! Don’t fall into peer pressure. It’s okay to have FOMO, or seeing your friend’s Snapchat stories. It’s not like it’s the only party…….that week!
23. Take advantage of the free stuff on campus!
pink pig coin bank on brown wooden table
Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash
Like #5, save your money! 75% of the clothes in my closet are basically free, all because I signed my name! The amount of T-Shirts that I have are ridiculous!
24. Not everyone in college drinks.
Don’t pressure yourself into doing something stupid that you’ll regret. People are watching!
25. Community bathrooms aren’t THAT bad.
To be honest, if you or other people can’t clean up after yourselves, then you can’t survive in general. Every experience is different, but don’t be dirty! During my freshman year, I never had to wait on a "line" to use the shower and our bathrooms were cleaned regularly.
26. Please get along with your roommate.
You may not agree on everything, but you have to learn how to get along because you will be seeing each other every day except for breaks! Hang in there! You might learn a thing or two about them. Your roommate knows the real you.
27. Spotify/Apple Music Playlists!
person holding iPhone 6 turned on
Photo by Fath on Unsplash
Or even Tidal! You need music to get through just about anything. Did I forget to mention that if you are a college student, you could get Spotify premium for $4.99 a month, as well as a Hulu account with your purchase! You’re welcome!
28. Please clean your room frequently!
Trust me, you’ll feel great about yourself knowing that you did something adult-like! Plus when you have people over, its important for respect.
29. Please Go to Class….You’re paying for it!
You know what? Skip as many classes as you want. Don’t be mad when you have to finish undergrad 7+ years later. (Some teachers allow a maximum number of skips, but if you skip a class, it feels like you missed a whole chapter!)
30. Do the extra credit!
It will really boost your grade. Colleges don’t have extra credit assignments too often, so take advantage of them!
31. DON’T Pick 8 am Classes!
You can, pick at your own risk or choose a time that is best for you. If you have a hard time waking up in the morning, then these classes aren’t the best to take.
32. Use the resources on campus.
person holding pencil near laptop computer
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
If your school has a writing center, math help, science help, or even tutoring, please take advantage! Even on-campus shuttles! Remember you are paying for these resources!
33. Eat at Dining Halls to save meals or even cook your own food.
person slicing vegetable
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
The more you save, the richer, you’ll feel!
34. Make sure to pick your classes on time!
Picking classes is basically the Hunger Games at my school. Always plan your schedule ahead of time, and if you have extra time, try making a back up (yes…it is that intense). The earlier you pick, the greater the chance you’ll get the classes you want!
35. Make every day count! College goes by QUICK!
Remember, you’ll always make mistakes in college, but don’t let them consume you! College goes by quick and then you’ll have to start living the normal adult life. It’s okay to party but not too hard! You are in college for a reason and make it count! And I mean, do you really want to start thinking about student loans? You might as well make the best of it before the time comes!
1. I'm shy.
woman covering mouth with sweater
Photo by JJ Jordan on Unsplash
It's a little difficult to be in a relationship with a guy when you can barely manage a "hey" when you see him. I, personally, have always been shy in general and while I've done so much better with my shyness in everyday situations, when it comes to talking to boys it's usually pretty hopeless.
2. I'm picky.
I mean, he doesn't have to be Nathan Scott but he should probably have a few of the same qualities. I'm just not looking to settle for a guy who parties all the time or doesn't care about his future or someone who's going to try to bring me away from God.
3. Different interests
person holding remote pointing at TV
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Honestly, a perfect night for me is watching Netflix and eating some pizza. Most college kids (guys and girls) like to go to parties, drink, smoke, and have sex. That's just not me, never has been and never will be. Also, I'm not saying all guys are like this, but there are a lot of guys that are "only after one thing" and that's not what I'm after.
4. Differing maturity levels
a woman with her arms raised in a crowd of people
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
I get it, it's college, we're young, it's the time of our lives, having fun is everyone's top priority. Most people aren't looking to settle down or have a long-term relationship. That's fine for some people to only be looking to have fun but again, that's just not me.
5. I don't want to waste my time.
It's better to be in no relationship than to be in the wrong relationship. I'm not trying to date someone for the wrong reasons just to be able to say I have a boyfriend.
6. Small selection
I live in a small town and go to a small school. Most of the guys that live around here and don't party all the time are taken. There just aren't too many good Jesus-loving, single guys around here that seem interested in me.
7. God hasn't shown me "the one" yet.
This is actually the only reason. None of the other stuff on this list matters except for what's in God's plan. Regardless of my shyness, or pickiness, or how many bad boys are out there that seem like the good guys, if God wanted me to be in a relationship right now then I would be. I have faith that one day He's going to show me the person I'm supposed to be with, whether that day is tomorrow, in a few weeks, or in several years. Until then I'll just stick to reading my Bible and watching my Netflix.
Swifties from around the Delaware Valley flooded South Philadelphia for a three-day Swift-a-palooza, with many bejeweled in ‘style’ from head to toe, symbolizing the eras of the Reading, Pennsylvania natives' decade-long career in the music industry. Fans camped out overnight just to get their hands on the tour's well-made merchandise to commemorate the upcoming evening. You could feel the anticipation building inside and outside the sold-out stadium as Swift was set to take the stage hours from showtime.
Fresh off a Grammy nomination for song of the year, GAYLE was first to open the tour with seven genre-blending selections that had a large majority of fans rise to their feet. The ‘abcdefu’ singer had such poise and pureness in her vocals, and the chemistry between her bass player and drummer was unmatched. My favorite part of her set was a rock-infused tribute to Elton John's 1973 iconic hit, ‘Bennie and the Jets’. It’s a tough song to cover, and GAYLE did it justice and more.
Phoebe Bridgers followed moments later, dressed alongside her band in their signature black skeleton suits. Bridger's folk-infused hits were a delight to hear live, and I love the storybook visuals that portrayed how each song felt like a new chapter in her life. Matt Healy, frontman of the 1975 and Swift’s rumored-to-be boyfriend, was on guitar for the entire set, which was a surprise to the audience.
With a 46-song set spanning the ‘eras’ of Taylor, the twelve-time Grammy Winner took fans on a musical journey through her dozen album discography, beginning with Lover and ending with her latest album, Midnights, released late last year. It’s been nearly five years since Swift performed back in her hometown with her Reputation Tour in 2018. Since then, she has released four projects and two re-recordings of her albums Fearless and Red, each of which has never been performed live until now. In a previous interview, Swift said she wants fans who have seen her previous shows to have a completely different feeling each tour, and this statement couldn’t ring more true. She knows what the fans want ‘all too well’. And unsurprisingly, Swift and her team have outdone themselves once again. The tour is a testament to Taylor’s pure genius and a creative visionary mind, bringing her songs and sets to new heights in imaginative fashion.
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
It’s so fascinating to see live how strong the connection is between Swift and her fans. Unlike some of her colleagues in the industry, Taylor has songwriting credits on each of her timeless songs, focusing on topics such as heartbreak, depression, and childhood innocence. The personal anecdotes and honesty in her music make fans feel like they know her through her art of songwriting. Even with over seventy-thousand in attendance, Taylor made each fan feel like they were seen and heard as she gracefully danced her way around the stage, waving and blowing kisses to everyone she could see in her field of vision. From beginning to end Swift had such swagger and charisma on stage. She was born to entertain, and the audience was bedazzled by her presence.
Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Fans had immense energy from start to finish, singing every word and ad-lib as if they wrote it themselves. Mid-way through the show, fans gave Swift a rapturous ten-minute standing and cheering ovation that was loud enough to hear miles down the road. Taylor matched the energy and more and was filled with so much vigor and vibrancy in her performance. She took time throughout the show to speak directly to her fans with humble, down-to-earth interactions.
“Hi, I’m Taylor. Whether or not you intended to, you’ve ended up at my hometown show. I grew up right down the road.”, Swift said. Wearing a sparkling gray dress and matching boots, Taylor kicked off the show in her Lover Era with ‘Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince’ as her backup dancers paraded around her in elegant peacock-esque outfits. The visuals made me feel as if I was in the clouds as Swift danced on a box that rose above the stage. Swift seamlessly transitioned into her hit ‘Cruel Summer’, and the stage was filled with purple and pink aesthetics that looked like milky ways in the night sky. My favorite song of the Lover Era is by far ‘The Man’, a song about the mistreatment between men and women in our culture. With a creative three-story office set, upbeat liveliness from Swift and her suit-wearing dancers, and dramatic facial expressions, it felt as if I were inside one of her music videos.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Each Era felt perfectly timed and refreshing with new costumes, vibrant aesthetics, set design, and song choices, with the production quality of a broadway play. While I thought each Era brought something special, my personal favorite was Red. Sprinkled in with upbeat jams like ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ and ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’, Taylor brought Phoebe Bridgers back on stage to sing their duet of ‘Nothing New’. Their soul-stirring voices were succinct and in perfect harmony as they ricocheted throughout the stadium, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the building after it was over. Taylor ended the set with her ten-minute version of ‘All too Well’, and the song gave me chills to hear live. The LED light-up bracelets given to every concert-goer transformed the stadium into a sea of red that looked like twinkling stars. If this is what heaven feels like, then I can’t wait to go.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
The Eras tour is a dazzling delight, a first-class concert experience that is pure euphoria, bliss, and happiness. It’s a must-see show that will make everyone who witnesses it leave feeling ‘22’.
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