The Doubt Weasel
Doubt’s one of those weird feelings that can seem nearly impossible to control. A few years ago I was tasked with organizing a first-time event…
Identity Crisis: How Banishing My Life Road Map Helped Me Define Myself
For most of my life I’ve been Kat the Student. This title, first bestowed upon me in my wee preschool years, stuck with me until…
What I Wish I Knew Before Living Alone
As a child, I thought that living alone meant doing whatever you wanted. While I occasionally live out this childhood belief (usually by eating unlimited…
Why My Journalism Degree Is Useful (Even Though I’m Not a Journalist)
In college, I majored in photojournalism, a major that more than one person reminded me was a dying profession. I’m rather stubborn, though, so I…
How Creative Packing Made Trips More Interesting
My desire to become an efficient packer grew out of frugalness more than anything. As a childhood packrat, I never put much intention into packing.…
3 Ways to Plan a Creative 4th of July Celebration
Coming from a family with a strong love of holiday traditions, I’m more than mildly surprised that our Fourth of Julys vary so much from…
When FOBO (Fear of Better Options) Leaves You With No Options
Throughout college, I excelled at making even the most last-minute plans possible. While other friends diligently planned out their weekly calendars, I did my best…
How I Learned to Confront Indecision
Several years ago, I decided to hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. In the months leading up to the trip, I scoured hiking…
Weekends With My Sister: How Hiking Helped Us Grow Closer
There is a six-year age gap between my youngest sister and me. As children, we fought constantly, which perpetually baffled my mother. “You’re six years…
Rethinking Conflict: How I Learned to Have More Honest Conversations
For most of my teens and early 20s, I had this idea that the best way to deal with discomfort or conflict was to pretend…