Hi there! My name is Yvette, and welcome to my personal blog.
In an era of content overload, why add to the already crowded mess of information on the Internet and undergo the pains of creating a blog? Do I fall under the category of narcissistic Millennials who use the Internet as a self-marketing platform? Perhaps this is just a convenient ploy for me to start building a “personal brand” – whatever that is.
In all honesty, I decided to start a blog for my personal growth. The title “Four Eleven and a Half” is a reference not only to my incredibly short stature, but also to the notion of falling short of expectations – being barely there. Stuck between two phases, I am an adult by technical definition yet I often feel like a lost teen from a John Hughes film. Like many college students on the brink of graduating, I am still in the process of figuring out my future. Thus, this blog is my way of connecting the dots – to weave my thoughts, interests, and experiences into one story. My story.
It all started when I studied abroad in Paris this Spring 2015 semester. In an attempt to break away from the plethora of study abroad blogs, the hipster in me was prompted to write newsletters that chronicled my experiences to my closest family and friends. After composing letters for almost five months, I realized two things: Firstly, I enjoy writing and reflecting on my experiences. Secondly, and most surprisingly, people seem to appreciate my writing. Ironically, what started out as an adamant refusal to broadcast my personal journey via blogging eventually became the primary impetus for doing so.
So, what can you expect from my blog? I wish I could offer you a clear answer. Most of the time, I will write about whatever topic that currently sparks my interest. Do expect a lot of existential musings on subjects that occupy the stressed minds of my fellow peers entering adulthood though. This, of course, doesn’t mean that established adults aren’t welcome; by all means, please do impart your wisdom. While this blog is for my own self-discovery, I hope that my posts will leave you something to think or maybe even laugh about. Just like how the stories of friends, family, and mentors constantly shape my narrative, I hope that mine will somehow be part of yours.
Four Eleven and a Half 