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After a disappointing college experience, I was determined to make postgrad life better. Now I’m thriving.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

The vision I had for my college experience was something straight out of a glossy homecoming brochure: spontaneous road trips, late nights spent dancing terribly at parties, football games, and a close-knit friend group to enjoy it all with.

However, social anxiety, depression, and the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans, leaving me in an ugly cycle of self-isolation and rumination.

Terrified of rejection, I’d meet someone interesting during one of my English lectures and invite them out for frozen yogurt … in my head. I’d sign up for writing groups, roller skating nights, and clubs, but I’d get too nervous to actually go.

Between different class schedules, work obligations, and my own lack of initiative, I even struggled to plan outings with the friends I did make.

By the end of senior year, I’d spent more time waiting for adventures to happen than actually experiencing them. I graduated filled with anger and disappointment in myself for not trying harder to make friends and maximize my four years living on campus.

That disappointment inspired me to take action and make postgrad life better


Tamia poses for a photo with the Chicago skyline behind her.

I moved to Chicago after graduation. 

Tamia Miller



Shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I left my tiny apartment on campus and moved to the heart of downtown Chicago.

Still mourning my college experience, I was determined to make new friends and enjoy my life instead of living vicariously through other twentysomethings online.

While scrolling on TikTok, I found a group called Chicago Girls Who Walk, a club designed to help members meet new people, stay active, and explore the city.

After weeks of deliberation, I fought my anxiety and attended one of their meetups. I had a great time, and knowing that there were so many other women of all ages searching for friends made me feel less alone in my struggles.

Was I still afraid of rejection? Yes. But I didn’t want that fear to hinder me the way it did in college and outweigh the potential of making amazing friendships.

So, I kept showing up to events and initiating friend dates. From beach picnics and outdoor movies in the summer to pumpkin patch visits in the fall, I met other girls who loved the same things as me.

Life became a mix of bike rides before work and last-minute dinner plans on a Thursday, giving me the exact kind of spontaneity and fun I longed for in college.

During a picnic hosted by the group, I met a new friend, Giovanna, and we instantly connected over our shared interest in things like theme parks, sunrise yoga, and most excitingly, travel.

After a spontaneous trip to Universal Studios Hollywood for Halloween Horror Nights only a few months into our friendship, we knew we had great travel compatibility.


Tamia and her friend on a river boat in Thailand.

Giovanna and I traveled to Thailand together. 

Tamia Miller



Since then, we’ve visited countries like Thailand, Japan and Italy together — something my postgrad job gave me the income to do.

Those trips taught me that it wasn’t too late to explore the world for the same reasons I wanted to in college — self-discovery, creative inspiration, and personal fulfillment. The biggest difference was that now, I got to enjoy those gifts alongside one of my favorite people.

My renewed love for travel inspired me to move abroad


Tamia Miller poses for a photo with the Singapore skyline in the background.

I moved to Singapore for six months. 

Tamia Miller



One of the other regrets I carried after graduation was never getting to study abroad. Once the COVID-19 pandemic started, weeks of meeting with my academic advisor to discuss host families and exchange programs felt like a waste.

My English major dreams of people-watching from Parisian cafés or enjoying gorgeous walks in Edinburgh were crushed.

But once I started traveling with Giovanna, I realized I could still make my dreams of living abroad come true. The only difference? Now I wouldn’t have to worry about the pressures of homework or budgeting on a campus-job salary.

With every international trip, I grew more curious about the possibility of building a life overseas. So, at the end of 2025, I moved to Singapore on a six-month visa.

Now, four years after graduating from college, I finally have the life my 18-year-old self dreamt of. I’m currently on month five of my stay in Singapore, where I’ve met amazing friends and surprising new versions of myself.

As I plan my next adventure, I’m more self-assured than ever and grateful for the supportive community I’ve built back home in Chicago.

The same joys I wanted back in college — community, travel, and personal fulfillment — are here now, even though they look different than what I initially expected.




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After spending 150 days on Princess Cruises, I earned Elite status. These 4 perks have completely elevated my experience.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Even after working on cruise ships for years, I love this form of travel. And although I’ve sailed with many cruise lines over the years, Princess stands out for its beautiful ships and interesting itineraries.

Just like airlines, most major cruise lines offer loyalty programs, and on every sailing, guests earn credit toward their status.

Although chasing status is never my goal, I gained the highest level — known as Elite — on Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle program, after spending 150 days at sea over three years.

Here are five Elite status perks that have completely elevated my sailing experience.

Priority access to water shuttles means more time spent at our destinations


A person holds a priority water shuttle ticket for Elite guests.

I love not having to wait for a water shuttle.

Tammy Barr



Some ports have small or shallow harbors that require cruise ships to anchor offshore and use smaller boats (known as tenders or water shuttles) to take guests ashore.

It’s often a confusing and irking part of the cruising experience because it takes time to load and maneuver these small boats to the pier, which can result in guests waiting hours to go ashore.

Luckily, as an Elite member, I now receive priority access to these water shuttles. My last cruise had three ports where a water shuttle was required to go ashore, and this benefit alone saved me from waiting and worrying about how long it would take to leave the ship.

In the past, I’ve woken up very early and waited in long lines for water shuttle tickets. I’ve also had my independent port plans ruined because of slow tender operations.

With Elite status, though, I’m able to take my entire family on the first tender of the day without having to set an early alarm.

I also have access to complimentary laundry services


Slips of paper and a paper bag on a bed.

As an Elite member, I can have my clothes washed and folded for free.

Tammy Barr



On Princess ships, passengers can pay to access self-service laundromats, as well as full-service laundry and dry cleaning. As an Elite passenger, however, I can send out my dirty laundry and have it washed and folded for free.

This means I no longer have to spend time doing laundry on vacation. Instead, I put my clothes in a bag, and they return clean and folded within a day or two.

I like to use the service for things like socks and underwear, and it’s nice to know I can pack less for long cruises.

Internet access is offered at half price

Although I try my best to disconnect when I’m on vacation, I typically purchase a WiFi package to check in with family members and friends back home.

WiFi is included in some bundled packages, but can also be purchased separately. Luckily, as an Elite member, I receive 50% off all WiFi packages.

There are opportunities for free and discounted food and drinks


An alcoholic beverage and hors d'oeuvres on a table.

I love enjoying free drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Tammy Barr



One of my favorite parts about being an Elite member is that I get access to discounted food and drinks. For example, certain suites on Princess cruises come with a one-time mini bar, but as an Elite member, this is a perk I get to enjoy on every sailing.

My room comes stocked with 10 alcoholic and 10 non-alcoholic drinks, which include a mix of liquor, beer, soda, and sparkling water. With the price of alcoholic drink packages now up to about $100 per day for each guest, I think this perk provides a good value.

On one formal night each cruise, Elite loyalty members are also invited to the Captain’s Circle party, which includes live music, complimentary drinks, and hors d’oeuvres.

Plus, on formal night, I have the opportunity to order and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while getting ready. I’ve enjoyed small plate options like seared tuna, salmon, and beef — all paired with the mini-bar drinks to create a fun happy hour vibe in my cabin.

I save a lot of money by taking advantage of the various hosted food and drink events on board. In fact, I don’t even purchase a drink package anymore.




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I tried on coats at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. The experience reminded me that a great piece is worth investing in.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

  • I tried on similar black peacoats at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.
  • I compared each winter coat based on the design, fabric, price, and overall quality.
  • I wasn’t a fan of how the Gap coat felt, but really loved the option from Banana Republic.

I recently moved from Southern California to the more chilly and gloomy Bay Area. In other words, I was in dire need of a good winter coat.

So, I turned to three trusted Gap Inc. retailers — Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy — to find a one that’ll keep me warm throughout this season and beyond.

I compared similar styles based on the design, fabric, price, and overall quality. Here’s how it went.

I started my day with a trip to Gap.

I had no trouble finding what I was looking for at Gap.

Chloe Caldwell

I started my search for a stylish and well-constructed peacoat at Gap.

When I walked in, I appreciated that the store was easy to navigate and neatly organized. Plus, I found the coat I was looking for almost immediately.

However, I wasn’t blown away by this option.


Chloe wears a long black peacoat in a fitting room.

I thought this coat looked a bit like a bathrobe.

Chloe Caldwell

I tried on the wool-blend wrap coat and could tell right away that it offered a nice shape and structured fit that would fit easily over layers.

I liked the thick-notch lapels, and thought the material (52% recycled wool, 40% recycled polyester, 8% other) felt warm without being overly bulky. However, the wool blend felt a bit itchy, especially around the neck area where it directly touched my skin.

Plus, there were no buttons and the pockets were hidden, making it look somewhat like a bathrobe.

Although it was a good, basic option, I wanted something with a little more flair. I also had a hard time justifying the price of $248 for a coat that was 40% polyester.

Next, I went to Banana Republic.


Coats, jeans, and shirts hanging at Banana Republic.

The Banana Republic store I visited was well-organized.

Chloe Caldwell

After striking out at Gap, I decided to try Banana Republic for another option. The store was neatly organized, and I was able to locate a black peacoat easily.

This coat was pricey, but I think it would be worth the investment.


Chloe wears a long black peacoat in a fitting room.

The coat was made of a blend of wool and cashmere.

Chloe Caldwell

When I saw the $550 price tag on the Italian-wool cashmere wrap coat, I thought, “There is absolutely no way I would pay that much for a coat.” But after trying it on, I reconsidered.

I could immediately tell that the quality of the material (made with 91% wool, 6% cashmere, and 3% other materials) was thick and warm, with no polyester in sight. The inside lining was also silky and smooth, and the overall fabric felt soft and comfortable without itching.

I also loved the overall design of this coat. The pointed collar and large pockets added chic touches that were flattering yet functional.

This try-on reminded me that it’s important to invest in pieces that will actually last a long time. I know this coat is something I would wear every winter for years.

I made one last stop at Old Navy before heading home.


Racks of coats, pants, and dresses on display at Old Navy.

It took me a few minutes to find a peacoat at Old Navy.

Chloe Caldwell

I’m a big fan of Old Navy because it offers both basic and trending styles for an approachable price.

However, my local Old Navy was less organized than the other stores I visited, so it took me a bit longer to find a black peacoat. Thankfully, I was able to find one and brought it to the fitting room.

I didn’t love how the Old Navy option felt.


Chloe wears a long black peacoat in a fitting room.

I wish this coat had a waist tie to add some shape to it.

Chloe Caldwell

The first thing I noticed when trying on the oversized twill overcoat is that it didn’t have a waist tie, which, to me, feels like a must for adding shape and style to any peacoat.

The coat was also made of 100% recycled polyester, so I’m not sure how warm it would actually keep me during winter. The fabric also felt less flexible than the others I tried on, leaving less room for layers underneath.

I did like the overall style, though — it had a spread lapel and the buttons featured an eye-catching texture.

This was my least favorite coat out of the three, but for $90, I think it’s a solid option for anyone shopping on a budget.

I’d be most likely to buy the coat from Banana Republic.


A composite image of Chloe wearing three different long black peacoats.

The Banana Republic coat checked all my boxes.

Chloe Caldwell

Overall, the Banana Republic coat impressed me most, thanks to its durable fabric blend, comfortable fit, and elegant design.

This shopping day reminded me that high-quality staple pieces are worth investing in.




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