Road2Gold

Hey, all, so quick update before we jump in, let me just give yall a quick update:

I started college classes at 14.

I officially graduated high school at 16.

I got my ABA Approved Paralegal’s Certificate at 17.

I’m currently 18, almost 19 next week. I’m a senior, I have a few part-time jobs, and I’m looking forward to completing my Bachelor’s degree this May.

I’ve worked my booty off to get here, and it hasn’t been easy. The worst part for me is trying to find my identity in either my age, or my grade. I can lead with “Hi, I’m Audrey, I’m a senior,” or “Hi, I’m Audrey, I’m 18.” Either way, I’m going to be assumed to be something I’m not, like significantly older, or a freshman student. Nothing ticks me off more than being labeled something that isn’t true about me, but I guess the real question is, why do I have to have to define myself by either of these labels at all?

Last week, I was in an interview for a full-time gig. I tended to make everything about my age. I realized I was doing it, formally apologized, and began focusing on my skills and qualities more. Unfortunately, I do this often. I get so wrapped up in my young age that it becomes the only thing I define myself by.

Similarly, however, I get wrapped up in being a senior. With impending adulthood (and I mean true, post-graduate adulthood, with apartments, and chores, and grad school, and *gasp* work!) it’s very hard to mature fast enough to feel like I’m up to speed. The folks that are my age don’t quite understand the extreme stress I’m walking into, but the people that are in my grade seem a whole lot more prepared. After all, they’ve got two years of growing up that I haven’t gotten. It’s hard to relate to people at school because of this.

By the way, I got the job. I very well might be the youngest person there, but I felt that it wouldn’t be like me to pass up an opportunity like this one. I wanted to learn how to be an adult, this is my chance to throw myself in.

Something that I’ve learned: I have a lot of growing up to do. There are so many experiences that I haven’t gotten yet that I feel like won’t come in college but in the real world. If I’m meant to be in the workforce at 19, then so be it! It doesn’t matter that I’m young, what matters is that I grow to be someone I can be proud of down the road. People say “age is just a number” and that’s true, so why should I keep defining myself by it. Who cares how old I am?

Oh, bouncers. That’s right.

Alright, I know I don’t post much anymore, but I want to keep it updated, so yall aren’t confused when I start writing about college.

What? Yeah. College.

When I was 14, I started taking classes at Asnuntuck Community College. Great little school in my area, met some great people, and eased myself into the world of higher education. I took two classes my first year, eight class

Creds to ACC Photographer

es my second year, and fourteen classes my third year, with three more this summer. I just recently earned my Paralegal’s certificate from Manchester Community College this past Spring, and now I’m in the process of transferring to Western New England University’s International Business program as a Junior. 

So why haven’t I talked about it? I’m just really, really busy. See, the normal course-load for regular college students is four or five, maximum seventeen credits. I plowed through at eighteen-twenty credits each semester, plus six over the winter, and three this summer. It’s insane, and I can say that because I’m the one doing it. It’s been extremely stressful, and it has tested my patience and emotional perseverance as a 17 year old girl.

Unfortunately all that homework has put me into some kind of physical dip. It increasingly becomes more difficult to exercise, not just because of my schedule, but simply because of motivation. I won’t lie, it really is hard finding the energy to swim for two hours when you’re either at work or at school. Some days, I would spend fourteen hours at school each day. How am I supposed to say, “Let’s go for a run!” when in reality, I just want to run to my bed and nap.

The biggest thing happening right now is my transfer. I will be swimming on Western New England University’s swim team. You’re never gonna guess what their mascot is.

It’s a Golden Bear! 

So while I was not able to become an Olympic athlete, and win the gold medal in Tokyo, my school is having a business trip for my International Business program that will hopefully allow me to travel to the Games. And I mean, come on! GOLDEN. Get it? Road to Gold? It was meant to be. I just realized that a few weeks ago and almost cried.

When I started this blog, I was eleven. I was in middle school, had never swam with the “big fish” and was just starting to discover the male phenomenon. I would tell people I wanted to join the military, or become a lawyer. I wanted to be Golden. As we grow up, sometimes our childhood dreams fade, but somehow mine came back. I’m moving to WNE to be a Golden Bear, I’ve earned a Paralegal’s certification that allows me to work in the legal field, and I’m still thinking very seriously about joining the Air Force’s JAG Corps. My dreams never left.

I bought a tank top a few years ago that read, “Don’t follow your dreams, follow my blog.” My friends, truthfully, I encourage you to do both. Don’t discount your childhood aspirations as folly, stick with it, and God will bless you and surprise you in ways you can’t even imagine.

So, friend, you have decided to head to your first con. That means you listened to my advice. Good job.

What? You’re nervous? You’re not sure how to prepare? Fret not, amigo! You will be just fine.

Here are some things you should know before attending your first convention:

1. Know what kind of convention you’re going to.

Before anything else, you must understand what kind of convention you are about to head to. It’s important because every con is different. Check out a few pictures or forums from last year’s con to get an idea of the expectations. Don’t forget to ask friends. Friends are always there to tell you what to bring, what to wear, etc.

2. You don’t have to cosplay.

Seriously, no one is going to judge you if you don’t cosplay. Especially at bigger cons, people dress comfortably because wearing a gown or holding a giant sword in large crowds is not only annoying, but you or someone else could get injured or stabbed or stepped on.

I didn’t cosplay to my first con and I loved it. Did I feel out of place-ish? Kind of. Did I have fun? YES. Were there others not in costume?Absolutely! It’s all good, fam! Dress however you’d like!

3. Know the weapons policy.

This is a really important one. If you are cosplaying, and your costume has a potentially

Swords!

dangerous or fake prop, know the weapons policy of the convention before you show up with your lightsaber. The weapons policy is usually found in the FAQ or Cosplay section of the con’s website. If you can’t find it, ask a friend. You don’t want to get stuck in a 2-hour weapon’s check line because you brought your foam sword instead of leaving it in the car.

4. Bring food.

I cannot stress this enough. Bring snacks. You are going to miss them. Sometimes they prohibit outside food, but sometimes they don’t. When you want to get your first and only bite to eat at the con and it’s $4 for a water, $7.50 for gross empty mozzarella sticks, and $8 for a lousy tuna sandwich, you’re going to wish you packed a granola bar in your bag.

5. Bring cash.

This is also important, because if you do not have cash, you will be bored. At bigger cons, some panels and tournaments require an entry fee. Also, when meeting guests or celebrities, getting an autograph or a picture with the star can usually cost anywhere from $30-$200 (depending on who it is)!

Plus, if you see a T-Shirt or any other piece of merch that you find cool, and you think, “I NEED THIS NOW!” and you blew all your cash on empty mozzarella sticks and parking, you are going to kick yourself.

Merch ain’t cheap. Bring yer dough.

6. Take pictures, but try to ask first.

I know you are an upstanding individual who won’t take creepy photos of random people in cosplay without their permission, but some people do and it’s awkward. So, whoever is reading this: My gosh, man, don’t take pictures of people without asking!

Also, you’re going to want to treasure these memories forever. So go on! If you see a really cool cosplay, ask your friend to take a pic with the two of you and put it in a photo album.

7. Bring a friend.

When you’re at a con, never go by yourself. If you do, try to make new friends while you are there. Why? Because meandering around a convention without anyone to talk to, play games with, go to panels with, take pictures with, or cosplay with just isn’t fun! Trust me. I went to PAX alone and I didn’t last ten minutes by myself.

If you are cosplaying, when someone asks for a photo, you do not want to leave your bag unattended on the ground. That’s what friends are for: Holding stuff. (Totally kidding, but it’s definitely a plus.)

8. Bring a backpack.

Not a purse, not a little wallet, not even your deep-dish man pockets that can carry everything under the sun. Bring a good-sized bag to carry all the wonderful stuff you need and want. You don’t want to be stuck holding all the wonderful merch you just bought, or a jacket, or a poster FOR THE WHOLE DAY!

9. Meet people. 

Con-friends are those people you will see again and again and again. Think of it this way: You have something in common with every single person at this convention. Whether it’s NYCC, or CampAnime. Everybody came here because they love being a geek, nerd, otaku, etc. We all love the same things, we’re all passionate about who we are. So why not introduce yourself and trade usernames?

And, of course —

10. Have fun!

I know this one’s a “duh”, but I’m totally serious. Some people mope around cons because they are tired or bored, when there’s so much to do. If you need rest, take a seat, head back to your hotel to take a cat nap, but don’t get all angry or upset. Go to a cool panel, buy something awesome, take pictures, go for a walk, meet people, and my gosh– GO HAVE FUN! YOU’RE AT A CON!

Seriously, go.

Now.

Peace out, fam. I’ll see you at the next convention.

~#1kid

So, friend, you want to go to conventions? Not sure where to start? New York Comic Con is gigantic, PAX is breathtakingly huge, and San Diego Comic Con is a distant dream out west… Not to mention you aren’t about to break your piggy bank to go to a convention.

What if I told you that there are also tiny cons, happy little trees that dot the East Coast and the entire world with their judgement-free, Pocky-filled nerdiness?

What if I told you that there are cons held on college campuses, created by nerdy/geeky college students just like you?

What if I told you that conventions are everywhere, and you just didn’t know about them yet?

I’m going to share a few of my favorites (big and small), what I love about them, and how you can get involved too! Let me know your favorites, or any good ones that I should check out.

Anime Conventions!

I especially love anime cons because no matter what, hardly anyone judges you. Conventions like Comic Con or PAX are fairly popular and mainstream, where people may (or may not) point at your homemade cosplay and laugh. You hardly see this at anime cons because everyone is trying their hardest and is fairly comfortable. You meet new friends, take pictures, attend some pretty great panels, and have an all around fun time. Here are a few famous favorites:

• Anime Boston – Boston, MA – March/April

Anime Boston, held at the Hynes convention center in Boston, MA, is one of New England’s most popular anime cons. I personally have not been yet, but I hear it’s awesome (and busy!). Also, 2017 will be my first year going and I am PUMPED!

• CampAnime – Woodstock, CT – September

“Seriously, it’s a thing.” This gem of a convention is a family-friendly, all-ages, most-epic, never before seen, summer camp convention. You don’t have to like anime to come to CampAnime, you just have to be okay with having fun. CampAnime is my all-time favorite anime convention, and was actually my very first con I went to. You can read all about it on Road2Gold’s past posts.

• And many, many more!

Comic Cons!

Comic cons are known for their incredible size and popularity. Of course, the bigger, most famous conventions featuring well-loved guests are mentioned in the news or are seen in our news feeds all the time. But a few smaller cons have sprung up all over the place. Comic cons usually aim toward the older crowd, along with sci-fi cons, but every con is different.

• New York Comic Con – New York, NY – October

It’s huge. I’m not allowed to go because I will get so lost and squished I won’t be able to find my mom ever again.

• Rhode Island Comic Con – Providence, RI – November

RICC isn’t that big when compared to NYCC, creating a fun atmosphere with enough
bustle to keep you on your feet. Also, there are no chairs, but that’s beside the point. The cosplayers are friendly, no matter how advanced. While pricey, it’s a great con to grab a friend and spend the day looking at merch and meeting some cool guests.

• And many more that I don’t know enough about!

Campus cons!

College and university campuses have their own conventions too! If you don’t have one near you, and you’re a college student, create a club/event at your school. They’re super fun, and really bring the college’s community together for a great time.

• U-Con @ UConn – Storrs, CT – February/March

Held at UConn in Storrs, U-Con @ UConn is wicked awesome. All ages are welco
med to
join the group in late Feb/Early March, students and non-students, etc. I’ve been twice, and I’ve always had a blast. If you’d like more info, head to their Facebook group.

• ConBust – Northampton, MA – March

Conbust is a small campus convention at Smith College in Northampton, MA. I went in 2016, and met up with some New England convention friends for a day of cosplaying and fun. With many guests and panelists to keep you busy, Saturdat wraps up with “One Dance to Rule Them All” and it’s pretty awesome.

Gaming conventions!

• PAX East – Boston, MA – March

Everyone in the gaming community has an idea of how incredible PAX is, but no one
knows its true beauty until they have actually gone. It’s different than any con I have ever been to. (*tears up* So much money and technological advances in one place.)

Last but not least, that one con that I don’t know how to categorize:

• Connecticon –  Hartford, CT – July

So every convention is built for all types of people, it’s hard to categorize. Connecticon is one of those conventions. Anime, gaming, sci-fi, comics, books — whatever you’re into. Connecticon’s got it. It’s a good size, with a variety of dealer’s, artists, photoshoots, panels, and activities. Hartford is pretty cool, too.

Honorable mentions

• Another Anime Convention – I’ve heard fantastic things. It’s in New Hampshire. Manchester, NH – October
• Bakaretsu Con – One of the very few Vermont conventions. I hear is pretty epic. Colchester, VT – October
• Katsucon – Not really anywhere near me, but it’s huge and very popular and everyone all around the East Coast goes to it. National Harbor, MD – February

There’s a con for everyone, and frankly, the only way to truly know what kind of cons you’re into is to GO TO ALL OF THEM! Seriously, go to maybe three a year, visit the small ones, meet some people, maybe try a big con once in a while. You’re going to have a blast. Trust me.

Have fun!

~#1kid

Hey, people. Welcome back to the club.

This 2015-2016 Winter Season was quite strange, awkward, and, well, bad.

Every day, every practice, every meet – Something was missing. It all felt wrong. Even my mom noticed the atmosphere of the swim meets felt off, like we were just going through the motions.

We all have those seasons, the ones where you get home from a meet and ask “What the heck is wrong with me?” because you feel that you didn’t perform as well as you wanted to. It happens.

However, we can’t continue like this during the next season. We have to get down to the source of our problem. We do indeed have to ask what went wrong, what is affecting our performance, and how we can fix it.

Now starting the Summer season, I know I have to get back on my feet as soon as I can if I’m going to make any progress.

Until next time –

~#1kid

Hey, welcome back!!

Since I’m older now, my mom and I have been looking at colleges. Now, I’m not very tall. 5’3” AND A HALF to be exact. (can’t forget that half) Most swimmers are about six feet, so that puts me at a disadvantage.

So this summer, I had to buckle down and lose some weight so I could drop the seconds off my time. There were times I had to say “NO EVEN THOUGH I REALLY WANT THAT COOKIE, I ALSO REALLY WANT TO BREAK 1:03 IN THE 100 FREE”. I had to think, “What do I want more? This cookie, or this victory?”

The victory made more sense.

Although, cookies ARE pretty good, they’re not a priority… 🙂

As a swimmer, I have to eat a lot of calories to burn during my workouts. 900 Calories a practice is a lot! That does not mean 900 calories of mac and cheese, but I’ve learned the magic food is this:

Chicken.

It makes the world go round.

If you’re on a diet, and you find yourself watching BuzzFeed Food pizza chip dip videos (like me), think about why you started the restriction in the first place. Are you trying to fit into a dress? Or are you like me, trying to perform well in something?

Whatever it is, don’t give up. 😉 I know, it’s hard. Pizza chip dip is pretty yummy. But wait. Feeling lighter in the water is way better than temporary yumminess.

Something that really helped me was drinking water. If I got full on drinking water, I didn’t want to eat. So it’s a win win. I’ve also heard it’s good for your skin.

Stay thirsty, my friends.