In December,I sat down with the upcoming and growing social media influencer, Arden Palmquist. The lifestyle and beauty blogger is not only quickly growing her platform but was quickly approaching her college graduation day.
If you’re a student, you know that is a day every college student yearns for, but even though it's the day most dream of, students still find themselves worrying about life outside of college and leaving behind their college identities.
Join us in the conversation where we ask Arden about post college hopes, fears and aspirations.
Are you ready to graduate?
Yes but no. I am ready to finally get my degree, but I truly am going to miss the college lifestyle. It goes by way faster than you think and before you know it, you can’t make the mistakes you can in college. I’m so ready for the next steps in my life and what journeys are out there for me but a part of me fears of being forgotten from the college lifestyle. I don’t just want to be a small page in someone’s book.
Knowing what you know now, would you have chosen a different major?
Honestly? Sometimes I wish I went into psychology or criminology. I’ve developed a big interest in the psychology of serial killers. That sounds so odd but I truly find it so interesting how their minds work and what drives them to carry out the crimes that they do. Even though I don’t think I could make a career out of that, I wish I would have explored the opportunities/possibilities. But I don’t regret going down the path of Public Relations!
Favorite class you’ve taken during your college experience?
Intercultural Communications with Dr. Syd. This class was dedicated to learning more about other cultures, religions, privilege, etc. It was so cool because even though our class was under 23 students we were all different. I will always remember how in one class when we were talking about privilege and two students stories stuck out to me because of their backgrounds and I couldn’t relate to them, I never will relate to them. It truly made me appreciate cultures and the human race a lot more. Plus, our professor was hands down the best professor I have ever had. I will truly miss her.
What is your biggest stressor for post college life?
FINDING A CAREER!!!! I have had so many breakdowns because I keep getting told “no” or I get so close in the interview process only to be let down OR it’s a pyramid sales scheme. Every time I call my parents crying, they always say (and everyone else), “Your time will come, everything happens for a reason.” And while I believe that, I still feel as if I am on this clock on getting a career and having full benefits and creating this life for myself. It’s overwhelming and it constantly eats at me.
If you could change one thing about your college experience, what would it be and why?
To take more chances. I went into college being shy and have bloomed into a confident young woman that I am today. But I truly wish I would have taken more chances. Taken up that date when he offered, shotgunned a beer in front of a frat house, etc. I experienced a lot, don’t get me wrong. But I ended up holding myself back from a lot of things because I was scared. When I graduate, I’m hoping I take more chances in the post-grad lifestyle.
An incoming college freshman comes up to you and asks you to give them three tips on college, what would those tips of advice be and why?
Hahaha, oh I could give a ton. In my four and a half years of being in college, I have lived what feels like an entire life so the tips are endless but the top three that come to mind would be… One, BE INVOLVED. I literally say this to everyone I encounter who is going into college or feel as if they’re having a hard time. Join clubs and meet new people. I wasn’t from where I went to school and I was the only student from my class going there, I didn’t know anybody. How did I get to know more people? I got involved (and I left my dorm room door open to meet my floormates). I was in several organizations throughout my time at school and I don’t regret it. Two, don’t waste your time over finding “the one.” Let me tell you the amount of tears and journey’s I have gone on from trying to find a guy. I wasted a lot of time and wasted time on myself which wasn’t worth it in the end. Being single and college was fun (and if you’re in love, that’s okay but this is for my gals who feel left out of love), it’s the time to make mistakes and do fun things because once you graduate you can’t. It’s the time for YOURSELF, remember that. And lastly, take a lot of photos. You’re going to look back one day at a random photo and remember a moment that you thought you forgot about, it’s such a good feeling. I wish I would have taken MORE photos.
Does life outside of college scare you or make you excited?
It’s a mix of both. As of right now, it doesn’t feel real. But I am so excited to get a career going and start building myself up as a super successful boss. But I’m also scared because what if the path I wanted for myself was all wrong?
Best college memory?
Living in my off campus house my sophomore year with 4 of my other friends. We got into all sorts of trouble but learned from everything and had the best year possible. They’re my people and they always will be!
One thing you hate about college culture?
The hatred on Greek Life. I’ve had my ups and downs with greek life but honestly, where I go to school – the media has it all wrong. Plus, some of the most successful people were in Greek Life. GOOGLE IT.
Tell us about a time during your college experience that you made yourself proud.
Oh boy.. This is a good question. I honestly think it was the spring that I planned my sorority’s Red Dress Gala. It was one of the hardest things I had to balance but we ended up raising over $11,000 and that was a new record for us. It was a blast and the feeling of how successful we were was a moment I will never forget. Plus, it’s something that not every college student can say they did!
One song to describe you college experience?
I have a different song for every year of college to be honest… But one that will always make me think of Akron will be Closer by The Chainsmokers. That sounds weird but we screamed those lyrics at different parties and it just always made me happy.
What's one thing you’d tell freshman Arden?
Don’t be afraid to take those chances you end up second guessing and canceling on. Take chances and have fun! You’ll regret it later on if you don’t step out of your comfort zone.
Want to follow Arden on her Journey? Find her here
INSTAGRAM: Itsardenn
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