Hi, I’m Helen!

Hello friends! Welcome to “The H“. This is where I will be writing about my everyday “Helenisms”, travels, and unique experiences along the way. My inspiration for this first blog stems from being “made fun of” in college by some of my closest friends, who by the way are still some of my closest friends.

The background:

In May of 2013 I graduated high school and took a gap year to travel with the organization Up with People. It was the best decision I could have ever made for myself ( a story for another time). So consequently, I started my college career in the spring semester of 2015. I chose to go to South Dakota State University, SDSU where two of my high school friends went. Naturally, I clung to them for the first few months. My idea of college culture was definitely different from what it actually was. I assumed everyone knew each other and were hanging out. I was worried I was behind on the whole “friends thing” and my extroverted side was pushing me to get out there and meet people. The FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) was real!

The story:

One day I was walking with my high school friend, Jane, and she was laughing and making fun of me because I would smile at everyone and say “Hi, I’m Helen!” I just wanted to make friends and memories. Is that so wrong (cue: hands flying up)? I think not. This habit of introducing myself came from my upbringing as well. My parents always taught me to look people in the eye, smile, shake their hand and clearly state my name (I was/am a mumbler).   When Jane would introduce me to her friends she would always die laughing as she watched my arm extend out, smile on my face and hear the words, “Hi, I’m Helen.” It eventually became the root of what my friends call “Helenisms” (there will be more to come) and to this day I still say that same sentence and I have met some of the most interesting and exciting people because of that simple gesture. Thanks Mom and Dad!

The end:

So to you readers, “Hi, I’m Helen (insert smile and handshake)! Until next time.”

• Feel free to message me. I love constructive feedback! Let me know if there’s a topic you want to hear more of, let a sister know.

Friends are like four leaf clovers, hard to find, lucky to have. — Anonymous