Be involved, get involved

I sure can say I am overly involved!

I believe the best way to have a good experience in high school or college is getting involved. Joining a club or Greek life, will definitely increase both your education and overall experience! It is hard however, to become involved, especially if it’s something new to you or your school.

Here are some tips I have gathered on making involvement easier and smoother.

11.   Connections // these are the bridges on meeting new people and joining organizations faster and easier. Orientation is a great way to meet new people and build connections. Meeting your recruitment advisors if you’re interested in recruitment is a great way to get some tips before Formal Recruitment.

22.  Attend fairs // whether it’s a job fair, club fair, or recruitment fair, GO! These are great places to visit booths and learn more information about the different ways you could get involved and get free stuff! 

Getting involved also has its perks! 

11. Meet new people // if you are new to your school or moved away from home getting involved is a great way to meet new people. The people you meet through involvement will probably be your friends forever!

22. Build your Resume // being involved is a great way to build your resume. Many employers will take your involvement as experience if you have not had a job yet.

33. You will be happier // the best one yet! You are guaranteed to be a happier person through involvement. Especially since you are meeting new people, joining an interest club, or talking with people with similar interests!

Senior year

Hey readers!

I hope you have all been having an awesome year! I actually have been having a great eventful year! This is year I have been greatly involved within my school's SGA (Student Government) program. Currently I hold the position of Treasurer but I sure deal with more than budgets! This season I have become more organized, skillful, and have gained a growth mindset. I am so excited for the upcoming events and to of course graduate!

Now college... hmm... well I have been accepted to 3/4 schools! I am waiting on my choice school in the next week so I am as nervous as anyone can be! College applications are a long process that take a lot of time and patience haha. Stay tuned to see what Universities I have been accepted to!

A couple of things that have kept me busy are: FEA, SGA,tutoring, college applications, scholarships, school, AP classes, roommates, trips, and more!

A word of advice to everyone is to create a plan and stay organized. Also, keep your goals in check and take the steps necessary to achieve them.

I am so excited to take on the rest of the year!

Goodbye Summer!

This post is actually an open letter to one of the most enjoyable summer vacation's i've had. 

I would not however, call this summer a vacation but a learning experience. This summer as most of you know I worked at a summer camp. This camp being a jewish camp taught me a lot about culture and exposed me to different yet exciting things. I also tutored this summer and I realized my real passion for teaching.

I feel like a changed person - based on looks and personality. I took off my braces, dyed my hair, and was more a trustful and brave individual. I tried new things, met new people, and most importantly tried new experiences. 

Remember to "always embrace the moment." 

Cheers to Summer 2015! I AM A SENIOR {WHATTTT??} !!

Accepting the Liebster Award

Hi everyone!

I am so excited to have been nominated for the Liebster Award by two wonderful bloggers Abigail- Living the Gray Life and Cassie- My Pop of Color!  

Now to answer the questions.... 

1. Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog as an online journal where I can reflect and share my experiences with others! I love talking but I believe I express myself better in writing.
2. What is your blog about?

My blog is a lifestyle blog about anything and everything. You will find posts about movie reviews, favorite things, advice, and just a general reflection of my days/weeks. Although lately I have been trying to discover my blog "niche."
3. How often do you post?

I wish I would post more often but I aim for twice a week. Usually I only manage one post per week. 
4. What makes you keep blogging?

The thought of being able to read back and see how much I have grown and learned throughout the years. I also find it to be a great hobby where I can meet and communicate with new people across the world. 
5. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for a couple of months - I believe since May 2015. 
6. What are your hobbies?

I love to tutor and mentor elementary aged students during the week. I consider tutoring a hobby since it allows me to gain experience for my future career in teaching! Mentoring kids allows me to be a role model when at times they may not have one or need someone to connect with. It's also a great way for us to learn from each other. 
7. What is your most favorite blog post that you’ve written?

My most favorite post was one of my earlier ones... Go and read it if you haven't! 

http://www.thebrightambitions.com/2015/06/things-to-not-procrastinate-on.html
8. To where would you love to travel?

I would love to travel to Amsterdam. What a beautiful place to go and visit; the history, art, and bright colors make it a great destination! 
9. Are you still in school? If so, what year?

This fall I will be a Senior in high school. Ready for college applications, senior events, and GRADUATION! 
10. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

I would love to have a pot belly pig. Pigs are adorable pets and they make great companions too! 

11. And most importantly, what’s your favorite food? (don’t worry, you can have multiple)

Too many to choose from but my absolute favorite dish is Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Also, I come from a Hispanic background and all Venezuelan dishes are my favorite! Arepas, tequenos, empanadas, etc! 

11 random facts about me! 

1. I want to major in Elementary Education but get my Masters degree in Ed. Leadership and Administration. 
2. I have always wanted to be a teacher
3. I am Venezuelan by heart but was born in Florida
4. I have 4 leadership positions in school! 
5. Go Noles!!! 
6. I am obsessed with my Erin Condren Life Planner 
7. I love all things stationary 
8. Target is forever my favorite store
9. I AM A HUGE TV ADDICT
10. My style is a mixture of preppy, trendy, and minimalistic {hence, why I am not a fashion blogger} 
11. Half of my closet is also my office/vanity space! Works out great! 

Nominations and questions: 

Emma- Seeking the South, Julie- My Notions and Emotions, Gabriella- Preppy Girl in PA, Antonia- Absolutely Antonia, Madison- Mads Maybe, and Kendal- Life with Kendal

10 questions: 

1. Why did you pick your blog's name? 
2. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your former 13 year old self? 
3. What is your favorite tv show?
4. Who inspires you the most? 
5. Cat or dog person? 
6. Where was your last, best vacation? 
7. What's your favorite blog post ever written? (Link please!)
8. What are you majoring in? (If not in college, have you decided in you major?) 
9. What's your guilty pleasure? (food, tv show, things to do) 
10. What is one thing you cannot live without? 

Congratulations! They are all amazing bloggers so make sure to check them out!

P.S- My senior pictures are today! So excited! 

The Bubbly Curls is now The Bright Ambition!

Hi everyone! It's still me - Daniela!

Many of you might be thinking why I would rebrand my blog. Lately, I have been experiencing change. Good change. Honestly, I am deathly scared of change; hey I have a routine for everything. I took off my braces, I dyed my hair, I will be going into Senior Year of high school {cue High School Musical Senior Year Soundtrack} Change is one of the best things an individual can experience. Having a constant routine isn't always the best thing, it gets boring. 

I have decided to change my blog name and have many new exciting things coming into my blog. Lately, I have been thinking about creating a name that better describes me and will serve as a longterm name. Welcome to The Bright Ambition! Now I will still be my bubbly self and will still create the same environment just with a few tweaks here and there. With my new name and vision, I am hoping to create and connect with my readers and grow my viewership. 

The Bright Ambition is derived from two of my favorite things. Bright: my love of bright colors and living a fully bright life. Ambition: a blessing and a curse - I love ambition and working hard to reach my dreams but being competitive could be the worse. 

Be on the lookout for new and exciting things! 

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Currently August

I cannot believe it's already August 1st! This summer has been a whirlwind of change, new experiences, and fun. August is my favorite month not only because my birthday is the 30th - but a lot happens in August. I have always found the beginning of a new school year exciting, especially this year since I will be a senior!

Now to current events as we begin the one of best months of the year- August. 

Feeling: Happy for having a mom and daughter day. 

Loving: My new hair! I caved and did Balayage on my hair. I absolutely love it especially since it's the first time I dye my hair. 

Wanting: To start Whole 30. I felt so much better and had more energy during my first round of Whole 30. Hoping to correctly start and continue with it until my birthday - August 30th! 

Movie/Tv picks: House Hunters - love all the beautiful homes and seeing what the people pick! Love Rosie- such a sucker for romantic comedies. And Cinderella - all time favorite movie and I loved the live action version! 

Favorite song: Human by Christina Perri - I heard the song again today and I love the message behind it! 

Needing: To prepare a lesson plan for tutoring.  

Let me know what are your August Picks!! 

P.S- Any bloggers who would like to collaborate, email me! 

I guest blogged!

Hi friends! Today's post is a little different.  I'll be sending you to Hannah's blog where I wrote a post about getting involved. Click on the links to visit the post!

Make sure to read it and read Hannah's other posts! 

Five fun things on a Friday

It's finally Friday or should I say FriYAY! It has been a wonderful week so far and I am excited for the weekend. I can't believe that summer is almost coming to an end! This summer has flown by and I will miss my campers dearly. Here are some 5 random and fun things I am looking forward to or have happened this week!

1. Today was a great day at camp! I work in a Jewish Community Center and today was Israel Day at camp! It's so great to learn about new cultures and engage in activities. We "traveled" to different cities in Israel each location having an activity. We made Hallah, celebrated Shabbat, and ate Falafel. 

2. Tomorrow my sister and I will have a bonding day! I am so excited to spend a day just us especially since she will be leaving soon! 

3. I recently joined the #bloggingbuddies Pen Pal community. What a great way to meet new people and discover new blogs! Also, who doesn't love snail mail! They are still accepting applications {click on the picture to read all about it!}

4. I cannot believe that in a few short days it will be August! SO many exciting things happen during August. Especially my birthday ;)

5. I am thinking about the long list of things I have to study for. SAT, ACT, my Biology midterm and final! Ahhh! Wishing studying wasn't as annoying! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! 

P.S- Any recommendations for a good book to read? I haven't had time to read and I would love to get back to it. 

I'm a working gal

I have always been a major workaholic and always truly loved working. My first official job was working at a retail store at a local mall. However, I previously volunteered at a camp and was a summer nanny. I now work at a summer camp- doing something closely related to my career choice {future elementary teacher}!  Many people have commented on why I enjoy working and what I am gaining from my experiences. Here I have compiled a list of many traits I believed I have gained.

(via)

1. How to work and communicate with others - a skill I believe everyone should acquire. Working and communicating with others is not an easy thing. I remember my early high school years where it was still difficult to work well with others. Honestly, up until last year I truly learned how to grow and learn from my team. Working at retail helped me create a bond with my coworkers where we could communicate and work efficiently with each other. Working at a summer camp with 3 other counselors in my bunk has truly taught me the most. Without communication or support from each other our bunk would be in complete chaos. Of course there are times where I may disagree, but that's part of life!

2. Learning to work with difficult individuals - ah, my personal favorite. This is a complete retail example, difficult customers. Any individual who has worked in retail have been to a place where they are frustrated by their customers. Don't let them ruin a great day {my days were ruined once in a while}. Remember to be positive and think maybe they themselves are having a bad day. Keep your cool and hey "Kindness is contagious." Events can easily turn around. This goes with difficult coworkers too!

3. Gaining communication skills - I love communicating with others. Communication is the key to working well with others. Through my work experience I have gained a great of amount of communication skills. I have mainly learned this through events that occur where nothing was communicated and we all grew from our mistakes.
                                       
                                       

4. Enjoying small moments - self explanatory. I love seeing a smile on one of my camper or kids face. Also, laughing with a customer or my coworkers!

5. Becoming ambitious - working has allowed me to build a ladder of connections which excite me for what's to come and how I could grow through my career choice! 

Sunday Bundays

Lately I have become anxious thinking of the long list of things I have upcoming this year. Many of these events are exiting and scary but I can't help but think ahead! To cope with my anxious self I keep occupied doing a couple of things, such as a great Sunday morning and afternoon!

This Sunday started of as a rainy Florida morning. I woke up and made myself a cup of coffee using my Keurig and Donut Shop blend. Then I watched a movie I have been meaning to watch but never did the Live Action Cinderella movie. It was absolutely beautiful! The costumes and the set designs were amazing. I recommend everyone to watch it! When my mom woke up we like to bond over our love for movies. We watched Still Alice another exceptional movie, which made me cry! 

{Here's a quote from Cinderella which I have fallen in love with}

My day ended with a wonderful dinner at Cheesecake Factory and at home blogging and watching Periscope! 

Braceface no more

Hi everyone! I have finally taken off my braces and I now am finally braceless!! The funny part of it is that I got so used to my braces I felt weird smiling haha.

Here are some quotes that my campers told me the next day I went to work: 

"Miss Daniela where are your braces" 

"What happened to the things on your teeth?" 

"You look worser without braces" 

"I liked you better with braces" 

"Why did you take them off?" 

Oh kids, how I love them and the things they say! 

Here's a selfie of myself without braces!

Favorite TV Shows

Everyone has their top Netflix picks. I am an avid Netflix and TV watcher and have quite a list of favorites. I cannot even think of a top 5 so I am giving you all a top 20! These are my top 20 movie and tv show favorites!

In no particular order....

1. The O.C

2. One Tree Hill

3. 10 Things I hate About You

4. How I Met Your Mother 

5. Clueless

6. Witches of East End

7. Gossip Girl

8. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

9. Royal Pains

10. Parenthood

11. Glee

12. Revenge

13. Crossroads

14. Down to You

15. View From Top

16. Orange is the New Black

17. Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse {LOL} 

18. New Girl

19. Hart of Dixie

20. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

What are some of your Netflix favorites? 

Currently July

Happy July!

Well this has been a long week- I am currently in bed with a fever! Now this is the magical thing about 21st century communication, not only can I blog while resting but I won't get any of you sick! One thing for sure is that I hate bedrest! I absolutely cannot wait tot get better in order to start my days normally and go back to work {I sadly missed the annual 4th of July Parade at camp}. 

                                                                                via

Now to current events as we begin the rainy sunny month of July.

Feeling: Sick with the flu!

Loving: My SGA shirt for next year {we finally agreed on a design} and how i've been catching up with emails and communication. 

Wanting: To feel better and get back to my routine.

Netflix picks: The movie Drive Me Crazy {will be watching now!} and Hart of Dixie! Netflix can you release season 4?!

Favorite song: Fight Song by Rachel Platten. Absolutely my favorite an on constant repeat along with her other songs! Check them out on Spotify.

Needing: To study for an exam I have tomorrow! 

Let me know what are your July Picks!! 

P.S- Any bloggers who would like to collaborate, email me! 

Things to not Procrastinate on

Hey everyone!

If you're anything like me and millions of students around the world we are true procrastinators! I may be organized to the point where my planner is my world and a to-do list makes a bad day better but I am a true procrastinator. 

Here I have created a list on things you should not Procrastinate on {things I have awfully procrastinated on} and tips on how to be efficient: 

1. Get your learner's permit and license on the day you are legally allowed to // I procrastinated on this big time and regret not getting my learner's permit the day of my 15th birthday. 2 years later and I still do not have my license. 

2. This is a big one! Do your homework and studying on time // My sister was a huge procrastinator when she was in high school and still is while she's in college. Start your homework as soon as you get home or after a nice warm shower. Also, use an agenda to plan your day and keep track of assignments. 

3. DO NOT LEAVE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS FOR THE LAST MINUTE // Many high school seniors leave college apps until a week before the deadline. This is a complete NO-NO. Rushing last minute is not essential and many things may go wrong. Starting and completing applications earlier will allow for counselors as well as yourself to keep track of things missing and if anything goes wrong it's not a problem. In order for you to not procrastinate, set the deadline at least 3 weeks earlier than the original deadline. EX: Application due October 15th instead of November 1st.

4. Setting goals and planning your week // Personal favorite of mine might I add. Set your goals for the week will help you keep track of things needed to do and tasks needed to be accomplished. Use a to-do list to keep track of things needed to be done. 

5. Updating your blog, youtube, or social  media {completely guilty of this} //  Keeping your blog updated is especially important to create a steady group of readers and followers. In a world powered by social media it is important to update it if you are using social media as a way to gain relationships and connections all over the world. Also updating social media allows individuals creativity to be expressed in different forms across the internet. 

So try not to procrastinate although we ALL do it. Let me know of other things I missed that are especially important to not procrastinate on! 

Mondays

Monday's are long even in summer {thank goodness for coffee}! After a great first week at the summer camp, I am officially worn out. I truly had an amazing week and adore my campers already, they're a great bunch. Now today felt like the longest Monday in a while and was tired throughout. My Monday was quite productive as I built a new bookshelf for my living room from Ikea and had a long but successful work day.

I will leave you guys with a couple of my favorite quotes that have helped me with the Monday Blues

I hope you all have a great week!!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these images they were solely repined and reposted for the purpose of this post. 

Whole 30 Experience

Recently I tried and succeeded with the Whole 30 program. For those of you who don't know Whole 30 is a 30 day lifestyle change program, where you will transform your eating habits while creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself. During the month of May I completed my first Whole 30 challenge. As difficult as it was I am glad with my results and non- scale victories. During these 30 days I was restricted to not eating a specific list of foods such as legumes, dairy, or wheat. On a typical day I would eat eggs for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch, and dinner would vary.

After completing my first whole 30 I tried again during the month of June #fail. I believed I was going to be able to succeed and slay the sugar dragon {did not happen}. Now I believe in starting once again with the support of family and friends. Although I am not yet a novice within the program, I would be happy to show support to anybody who would like to start their own challenge with me! Remember to live healthier and happier! And be Body Positive!

A great image from Swanson's Vitamins - check out her whole 30 post! 

My Recent Trip to USF

Since senior year is fast approaching my college search has begun. Recently I took a tour with my sister to one of the universities I am highly interested in. University of South Florida! USF has become one of my top choices. Since I plan on majoring in Elementary Education I believe USF's School of Education has one of the best teaching programs in Florida. Well enough bragging, my trip was awesome! Seeing the campus in person made me fall in love even more. USF is definitely one of my top contenders.

My sister and I with Rocky the Bull! 

My future College of Education! 

Snap and Save

Next stop UCF! 

Things to look forward to during Summer

Living in Miami is not as fabulous as it sounds. I do not go to the beach everyday or jump in the pool as soon as I wake up. I instead spend summers like most teenagers do... doing absolutely nothing. Well my summer is actually not boring and I find joyous moments in volunteering or working. With the beach being only a couple of miles away, I will spend an occasional afternoon soaking up the sun hoping the clouds do not change their emotions and sprinkle on my sunny parade.

As summer begins I have created a list of things I look forward to do before summer ends. 

1. I will be working at a Summer Camp this summer and I cannot contain my excitement!!

2. I am excited to see what adventures will be created with my small blog 

3. Tutoring! I will be tutoring a sweet girl this summer 

4. Hanging out with my best friends is always enjoyable

4. I hope to shop and create new summer styles

5. THE BEACH {a girl needs her vitamin d} 

6. Meetings- super excited about my senior year and planning it 

with my fellow SGA family

7. SAT preparations - I will be ready to rock it in the Fall! 

8. Watching the new season of Orange is the New Black! {Any OITNB fans out there?} 

As you have read my list, what are some things similar or different to yours? Be sure to comment your summer plans! 

Back to blogging

I have been MIA lately and I am tired! All tiredness aside, I am officially in summer! {Cue High School Musical "It's Summer Time" musical number} I am now officially a Senior in high school! My last blog post was in January when I was still a Junior. In-between tests, elections, and end of year preparations I could not find the time to blog. A lot has happened since January... I quit my first job and got hired as a Summer Camp counselor! I was also elected to my school's Student Government as Treasurer. I took a ride on the Whole 30 bandwagon and lost 15lbs and now I'm starting #round2!! {where are the fireworks??}

After updating my resume and getting one step closer to college, I'm starting on a new chapter in my life,  let's see where this adventure takes me! 

P.S- I wanted to thank Kelsey over at Kreated By Kelsey for a fabulous new blog design! She is amazing and will work with you to make your blog amazing. 

What have I been up to?

Hey blog world!

Here's a peek into the busy last week's in January...

1. I finally received my Erin Condren Life Planner and I am planner obsessed!!! It is wonderful and it keeps my scheduling, work, homework, and life together.

BTW.. here's my link if you would like to receive $10 off!!

https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/danielavillasmil1231

2. I recently took 3/6 of The Department of Children and Families training credential exams and I passed ALL 3 of them!!!  

3. Recently I have been doing one-on-ones with my preschoolers. The best moment is when I see growth and they see it themselves too! 

Here's a peek into one of my lesson plans for a specific child: 

Today we used cups labeled with numbers, straws, and goldfish to practice number recognition and number order. We practiced amounts and my child determined if the amount of goldfish or straws was too little, too much, or equal. 

4. My new TV show obsession is Scorpion about a group of friends who together have a high level of IQ but because of their IQ level their EQ level is low. It is a great show to observe and learn about gifted children and people. 

5. Now i'm off to watch my weekly TV favorites!