JustSimSim

     During the summer, I went on an amazing trip to Istanbul Turkey for a short two days and was given one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It wasn't amazing just because of Istanbul's famous buildings, Turkish delights or the delicious tea, but because of the kindness and liveliness of the people that live in the city. It's definitely on my list of places to come back to. My family and I stayed in the Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel,very close to the Blue Mosque and within walking distance of the many other landmarks. The staff in our hotel were amazingly kind and really made you feel like family. Right away they took our bags for us while we waited for our room and gave us Turkish Tea. Now I don't drink tea or coffee (I know... shocking), but for the first time in my life I actually liked the taste of tea. You best believe I bought a bag to take home with me and share... (maybe). The staff was also very helpful in telling us the best way to get around and see all the main sites. Since we had only two days we had a private tour guide show us all the main sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more. I pray that I get the chance to come back and visit Turkey's other many scenic and gorgeous cities. I hope you all enjoy the few pictures I have on this two day trip! With Love, 
        Simrah 

Topkapi Palace // Istanbul

The very kind Majdi (Left) and delicious Turkish Delights // Sura Hotels

Carpet Shop // Istanbul Turkey is well known for their beautiful Turkish lamps!  Blue Mosque // Istanbul

      It feels like just yesterday that I was in middle school thinking about my future college life. Time really does fly and I cannot believe I have already completed my first semester of college!! It is also very convenient that I am what I like to call "dorming at home". Thankfully I don't have to pay for laundry, a meal plan, housing, plus I get home cooked meals and the best part is I get to still see my cats every day. I don't like to admit it to my parents but living at home is quite nice. I have always wanted to go to a college in California. I regularly used to tell myself that I would NEVER go to UW-Milwaukee because "it's not me". However, I realized that UWM is an amazing school and very underrated. I was also lucky to have one of my best friends Hailey with me every day. We were thrilled to know we could have lunch together every single day and have become even closer this past semester. I was very afraid that as a commuter I wouldn't make any friends. In the beginning it was difficult but getting involved in school activities helped a lot.
      Although I commute to school I spend most of my time at the university. So far at UWM I have joined two organizations, the Student Association and the American Marketing Association (AMA). Like in high school I wanted to join many different clubs and organizations but realized quickly that college takes up a lot of time and being involved in two organizations was enough. That way I can dedicate more time towards them. Student Association has taught me how the student government at UWM works and how to be a leader. AMA has introduced me to some AMAzing and very special people and has given me some wonderful opportunities including being a part the AMA National Collegiate Conference in New Orleans coming up this March 2017. The friends I have made and the awesome learning opportunities I've had, have been very incredible. I would definitely recommend anyone going into college to join a club/organization, because you will make some awesome friends and learn a lot along the way. I am excited to see what the next few years brings me and what opportunities will arise. I have learned a lot this past semester and am looking forward to learning and making some awesome memories next semester.

AMA volunteering for Make a Difference Day

AMA collecting donations to buy toys for children.

 Hope you enjoyed this post! Please don't forget to follow me on all my other social media and share this post! :)

     Love,

          Simrah

Twitter: SimrahAwan
VSCO: http://vsco.co/simrahawan/images/1
Snap: simsim437
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simrah.awan/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Simrah437/