When Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler coined the term “lifestyle,” he used it to describe the cognitive schema and its effect on human’s perceptions and reactions to the world. When I applied to be a lifestyle columnist, I wanted to write about food and good living.

Throughout the summer and until the end of the fall semester I’ll be writing this column to bring you a hodgepodge of articles highlighting all things good: positive life changes, saving time and money, embracing Columbia, having a good time and really anything captivating. My goal is to give readers tips to live life better and have more fun.

As college students, both free time and disposable income are luxuries that we rarely have. As I’ve “matured” and learned to “take care of myself,” I’ve become more interested in taking control of my quality of living. I’m hoping to continue to embrace living simply by practicing principles of minimalism, sustainable living, self-reliance and creating meaningful experiences. I’m excited to highlight ways to save time and resources and, hopefully, ways to make life less stressful and more exciting.

College is a time for growth and the perfect time to learn and try new things. As we somewhat reluctantly (and completely awkwardly) transition into adulthood, we’re at a strange balance between freedom and responsibility. Living without parents is great until you realize that you haven’t mastered things like the fine arts of grocery shopping and remembering to pay your rent on time (personal experience).

You can look forward to my column as a conglomerate of writing about local businesses, food and cooking, living eco-friendly on a college budget, and how to have a great time without spending a ton of money. I’ll be highlighting ways to make things simpler. In the past year I’ve learned through trial and lots of error about cooking for myself, living somewhat-independently, and trying to be a pseudo-adult. This year I’m working to waste less, de-clutter my life, manage my time better, and embrace everything MU and Columbia has to offer.

Consider this an experiment. If you’re not exactly sure what a “lifestyle columnist” is, that’s OK. I can tell you that I’m extremely excited to work with the ambiguity of the term and to bring different ways to make life better.