Rush Season, new classes, and that awkward Duke Snow Day (approx. 1in.); looks like Spring Semester is in full bloom and it’s going to be a crazy semester. This year, I decided to do things a little differently. I want to leave Duke this May and look back on the semester as my best semester so far. Somehow this semester is going to be a mix of ridiculously awesome and ridiculously insane; it’s going to be my ratch nirvana!
Make no mistake ladies; this shan’t be a journey I take alone. You will be with me on my spiritual journey to ratchetivity. Think of me as your ratch prophet and my articles shall be my teachings, which will soon become the third testament of the Holy Bible (fourth if you’re a Mormon). You may be asking yourself, “Fedner how do we attain the glory that is ratch personified?” Well young Padawan, I’ve formulated this 5 Step Quick-Start Guide to jumpstart your spiritual journey.
1. New Wardrobe
A new wardrobe is the start to a fabulous new semester! Don’t pretend that you haven’t been dying to show off what you splurged on during the Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) Holiday sales because that insanely sexy wine leather jacket can’t spend forever in your closet. It’s time to show the world that even though wearing sweats to class can be extremely comfortable, you have the effortless style and grace that radiates in ANY occasion. The goal isn’t to reinvent yourself but to let your true self be revealed. So ladies, and gentlemen, out with the old and in with the new!
2. New Workout Playlist
At first, this step was a complete and total joke; however, I found out that the art of making a new playlist is a great motivator for change. Personally, I love the feeling I get while making a new playlist. It may take hours but the final product is always better with sick beats bumping through your head. Also for those weirdos who do work out a new playlist will galvanize you into hitting the gym harder than ever. It’s all about changing up your routine. Being stagnant won’t help you achieve the best you possible. You gotta change it up, explore new options, and grow in all the ways possible.
3. New Addictions
It’s a well-known fact that Olivia Pope is my goddess, idol, and future wife, but this semester is about changing it up. Which means that my one-sided love affair with THE Olivia Pope is going to have to make room for the new and reclaimed addictions in my life. I’m talking about the triple threat: Netflix, romance novels, and wild berry skittles. These are my fav addictions that I can’t live without this semester. A word of caution, addiction is a pretty strong word but the point is to take some time out for you. This semester indulge in some of your deepest, darkest secrets. That means spend a night in and re-read Twilight or watch a marathon of Doctor Who for example. It’s all about self-pampering in order to find your inner calm.
4. New Planner
I truly believe that planners are God’s gift to the masses, especially me. I literally can’t remember to do a single thing in my life unless it’s right in front of me. I know I’m not alone in that forgetful boat. Let’s not forget that being a Duke student is no walk in the park. So break out that planner to help plan out school, extracurriculars, and life. Trust me once you’re a junior trying to beef up the resume for an internship, a planner will be your best friend.
5. New Job
Biggie once said “Mo money, mo problems.” He obviously didn’t have bills to pay or better yet heard the phrase “treat yourself!” A new job is a great way to shake up the routine and fund that new wardrobe. Also it’s fabulous when trying to meet new people and gain more experience. We’re all going to have to enter the workforce someday, unless you attain Trophy (Wife) Husband status, so it’s better to get used to it now. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to learn how to navigate Office Politics, while it’s still ok for you to make mistakes now and while you can still save some money by living at home.
These are my five steps to jumpstarting your ratch nirvana.
So go my new acolytes with not only my blessing but also Yonce’s #touchedbyanangel