Let me preface this by acknowledging that we are a generation of technology. I want you to understand that I am a promoter, supporter, and admirer of technological advancement. I think technology does amazing things, but in a world surrounded by artificial communication it never hurts to take a step back.

I’ve never been a person who is constantly on their cell phone. I’m never texting 100 people at once, my Twitter feed often goes unread, and Instagram pictures unliked. Since I’ve moved to college, I’ve discovered a profound increase in my use of technology. Not only for classes (since high school teachers were so anti anything useful), but to keep in contact with loved ones. I stalk my sisters facebook daily for updates on my nephew (who just started kindergarten), for silly photos of my niece, for house renovation updates from my mom. I scour the Internet to keep up with what I miss so much.

My week without a cell phone was not by choice but came in lieu of a destroyed iPhone 5c (we’ve all been there). Luckily, I had just moved into a house of 85 girls and have plenty of distractions to keep me from constantly checking my phone. But here’s what I learned.

1. Pay attention: Where you at?

Checking facebook for family updates, scrolling down your Twitter for funny comments and devouring outfits from last night Instagrams are so much more enjoyable when you haven’t been trying to check every two minutes for the last 24 hours. Social media has become something I learn to appreciate because I’m not getting it every minute of the day. I look forward to pictures of my nephew, because I’ve waited all day for them.

2. Make plans: What are you doing tonight?

Not having a cell phone makes it difficult to get a hold of people for last minute plans. You have to plan ahead and make sure everyone knows the game plan way before it actually happens. Best of all- you can’t bail. You’ll totally leave someone hanging if you don’t leave them a last minute text “sorry I can’t make it - something just came up” and it keeps you from using lame excuses to bail on something you’ll actually enjoy.

3. Make the time: BRB.

A long distance relationship is something that requires effort anyways. But not being able to get the text update on how their day went, not being able to call my mom every five seconds has made me really appreciate the people that are in my life. Not having constant contact made me realize I need to set aside my day to catch up with the people I love the most.

4. Chill for a hot minute.

Disconnect. In a house of 85 women, it gets a little difficult to find the alone time we all crave. But not being physically and emotionally attached to the GroupMe, allows me to stay focused and keep on task. It also keeps me from distracting myself when I should probably be catching up on sleep or doing homework. If you find yourself constantly making plans and overbooking yourself, not having a cell phone definitely helped me chill for a hot minute.

I’m not, by any means, saying get rid of your cellphone. It’s made the last couple of weeks kind of a pain in the butt, to be honest. Everything’s inefficient and it requires a lot more effort on my part. (On the part of my friends -- my roommate has my banking app on her phone.)

But in the midst of texts, Tweets and Instas, at least appreciate it. Shout out to Connor Orrock for making me realize it.