Reflectorial: Tips and tricks from your new Publishing Editor

Hey there Reflector readers! I’m Nina, a long-time Reflector staff member and first-time Reflector publishing editor. While this is my first semester as publishing editor, it’s far from my first semester at Mount Royal. In fact… it’s my 10th. Which is upsetting and I wish I hadn’t just figured that out.

I’ve learned a few things along this winding road of studenthood. Some things school-related, others not. In light of my new role and the start of a new year, I’m going to share what habits to drop to preserve your sanity, humanity and sense of self.

1. Stop comparing yourself to people on Instagram. It’s sad. It’s lonely. It’s a waste of energy. And it’s almost impossible to not do. Just remind yourself that people who look like they have their shit together are probably floundering through life like the rest of us, they’re just better at projecting perfection on social media. While I can respect the choice to sleep on white linens, drink cappuccinos in bed and eat breakfast off a tray with fresh flowers every morning, I would still choose a $10 bottle of wine over a rosemary-thyme freshly squeezed Cru juice. And so should you. It probably tastes better anyways.

2. Stop ordering Pizza 73. This one’s hard. They literally market to students. We are the core demographic for the ‘two for one’ deals. No one is hungry enough to eat two medium pizzas, but who can say no to the challenge? Anyways, unless your metabolism is still in high school, those ‘two for one’ deals can start to do some serious damage. Cut back on the pizza, friends! But also, do you and live your life.

3. Stop sleeping irregularly. I don’t know about you guys, but the only time I feel hopeful and motivated is between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. This doesn’t work in life. So what happens is I spend all day in a sloth-like state, going through the motions and avoiding deep thought. That sounds more depressing than it is. But if you want to avoid my mistakes, get on a somewhat regular schedule. It is a boring and very un-glamorous fact of life that regular sleep is vital to your health and success as a functioning human being. Ugh. I hate myself for typing that.

4. Stop taking on too much. Life is short. When you’re gone, no one will remember how many A’s you got or deadlines you met. They will however, remember if you smelled bad or said stupid things. So don’t do those either.

5. Stop waiting for your turn to talk and start listening to people. If you want to understand people’s experiences, how they feel and what motivates them, you need to take the time to listen. Ask questions and start dialogue. Maybe if more people had been doing this over the past few years, there wouldn’t be an abominable, twitter-happy cantaloupe in the White House.

Above all, treat yourself kindly, work hard, and let yourself flow in the direction of the things you’re passionate about.

That’s my hippy-dippy parting quote.

You know you love me.

Xoxo,

Publishing Editor