By Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu

Webster’s dictionary defines a void as: not occupied; vacant; not inhabited; deserted; containing nothing. That sounds about right.
I define a void as: sadness; depression; loneliness; fear; defeat.

For as long as I can remember, I have tried to fill the void. I’m always trying to keep myself distracted so I won’t feel like I’m alone.

It starts when I go home. I check Facebook and I have no new notifications. I check my e-mail and see that no one needs me for anything.

My homework is complete, my house is tidy…The panic sets in.

By Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu
Photos by Lauren Belcher

It has been over one month since I have washed my hair with traditional shampoo and conditioners.

Since starting this no-poo lifestyle, as it is not-so-fondly called, I have eliminated every feature I used to hate about my hair. My hair is not frizzy, it’s not greasy and it’s not dirty. It’s clean, soft, shiny and healthy.

This new lifestyle is cheaper, easier and definitely better for the environment.

By Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu

I’ll admit it: I should have tried harder in my college classes. But, should the nine Cs that I accumulated in six semesters of college really play a role in my obtaining a job? Do they accurately reflect my abilities to perform in society? No. They do not.

Story and Photos by Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu

I am a codependent.

And, as a codependent, there are a few obvious truths about me. I hate being alone. I get attached really easily and once attached, good luck getting out unscathed.

By Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu

As an environmental science student at a Liberal Arts college, I don’t get much experience in my field.

To combat this loss of information and resources, I decided to head down to Ponce Inlet, Fla. and check out the Marine Science Center. I can honestly say I learned more in two and a half hours at the center than I have in the six science courses I’ve taken at Flagler College.

By Lauren Belcher | cbelcher@flagler.edu
Graphic by Victoria Van Arnam

As I came upon my year anniversary of being a vegetarian this month, I couldn’t help but think about how much has changed in the last year.

Since September 18, 2009, I have changed in so many ways.

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu
Photo by Lauren Belcher

I missed my best friend’s birthday.

Not because I wasn’t close enough to attend; I’m right down the street. I’m still not sure why I chose to miss her birthday. All I know is: I woke up that morning and decided I couldn’t be there and I needed to spend time alone.

To anyone who knows me, that sounds like a joke. I hate being alone. In fact, I do everything in my power to avoid it (read my earlier piece if you don’t believe me.)

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu

Less than a year ago, I went on a journey.

It was five days of intense therapy called Hero’s Journey.

I was told to have someone drop me off at a hotel that was about 15 minutes away from my home in West Palm Beach. Pack five days worth of clothing and leave all electronics at home. No cell phone, no laptop. These days were to be spent with no distractions so you can only spend time with you and your thoughts.

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu

Webster’s dictionary defines a void as: not occupied; vacant; not inhabited; deserted; containing nothing. That sounds about right.

I define a void as: sadness; depression; loneliness; fear; defeat.

For as long as I can remember, I have tried to fill the void. I’m always trying to keep myself distracted so I won’t feel like I’m alone.