My SIPA Essentials: What’s in my literal and metaphorical bag

I am absolutely a basic tote bag girl, which my bag taste has evolved from the picture above (although that backpack still rocks)- and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also, however, usually spend the entire day out of my house and therefore call my bag “my endless pit of stuff.” 

You can call me unorganized, but you can’t call me unprepared! 

Here’s what to make sure you have in your bag for a successful SIPA day!

1. School supplies
   1. You may have a professor that doesn’t allow computers- so remember to bring a notebook and pen!
2. Infinite lip gloss and chapstick
   1. I truly believe this is a highlight of my bag, and that you can never have too many lip products. 
3. An emergency kit
   1. My emergency kit includes nail glue, phone chargers, and a tide pen. I think that's a pretty good insight into who I am. 
4. Many snacks and protein shakes
   1. You will forget to eat. I am not sure how it happens, but it just does. Something to tide you over in class is necessary if you want to put your best foot forward. 
5. Your emotional support water bottle
6. Headphones
   1. You never know when you have to hop on a zoom meeting or when you need to call your parents!
7. Gym clothes and tennis shoes 
   1. I like to go straight from class to the gym. Even if you don’t, it's a great time to take a hot girl walk (meant for all genders!) after class. 

My metaphorical school bag is a bit more interesting. Before I walk into SIPA, I always have to remind myself how thankful I am to be here. I focus on greeting the staff and peers I know, and giving out compliments to hopefully better someone’s day. When I get to class, I have to remember that the imposter syndrome does not belong in my bag, and that I deserve to participate and make mistakes through this journey. Although SIPA is professional at times, I think it's really important to embrace the silly things about yourself. 

Although this is wildly tacky (maybe this whole blog post is tacky), my little tote bag always has something small Columbia related (usually a keychain or a free water bottle) to remind me of the honor of being here. Many of the greats have been here before, and to honor them, I try to bring the kindest version of myself to school. I know my peers are likely going through a lot, as we all do, and just a little bit of warmth in an interaction can remind us that we are a community of people who may not be the greats, but do hope to make great changes one day.