My friends are frickin’ crazy. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. I just can’t get enough of the crazy stuff I do here at UNC. Last weekend, I went spur of the moment to…. Timeout. I’m sitting in my room right now and Bonnie, Dede and Margaret just ran in screaming and singing Taylor Swift. Now, I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure that THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN TO REAL PEOPLE! But back to what I was saying, I went on a great adventure this week.
Then, on Tuesday, I went to see the cast of the new movie Twilight in Denver. Now, I’m not obsessed (cough-cough), but my friends are. To protect their identities, I will simply call them Bella and Alice. Now Bella has always loved the books, and was hyperventilating when she heard that Taylor Lautner, the actor who plays Jacob Black, was going to be in the same state as her. Alice, on the other hand was in love with Harry Potter but that changed soon. As she said, “I’m totally 100% into Harry Potter and I was only 70% into Twilight, but now I’m about 90% into it.” These two were more excited than every other 12 year-old girl in the entire place. We had arrived too late to get tickets for the autograph session, but through eavesdropping and stalking, Alice was able to get two tickets to meet Lautner, Rachelle Lefevre, and Edi Gathagi. The latter two play Victoria and Laurent in the film. Before they even met anyone, they were in tears. Don’t even get me started on the after. I was excited, but not like that.
I was in the front row of the question-and-answer session, with our fourth cohort Andi since we didn’t get to meet anyone face-to-face, when Lautner told the captivated audience of 900+ people that he was astounded by the passion of the so-called “Twilighters” and that he was so touched when he saw three people cry when they got to meet him. ALICE and BELLA were too of the three criers! I went nuts in the front row when I heard this. I also went nuts when Lautner said his favorite band was the Rocket Summer, which happens to be one of my favorite bands. I started to yell at the same decibel level as all the children at this point. So, yes, I’m kind of crazy too.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I don’t live an ordinary life. The things I do aren’t the norm, and I’ve come to accept that. When you live on campus, and especially when you are a Resident Assistant, you’ve got to have a little ‘crazy’ in you. The end of the semester is creeping up on me, and I am just trying to keep my craziness hidden a little bit longer so I can survive until Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
It's the Simple Pleasures that Make Life Worth It
Sometimes we just need to kick back and enjoy ourselves. And with the week that I’ve had with all this election-business, recovering from Halloween and my course work, I could sure use one. (Sidebar: my Halloween didn’t really need recovering; I fell asleep at 11:30 p.m. in the Turner Hall lobby on a couch dressed as a giant Whoopee Cushion. Possibly the lamest Halloween ever, I know.) What follows is a list of 55 simple pleasures and enjoyable activities to explore without breaking the bank. This list only skims the surface… the possibilities are endless. My compliments go out to StumbleUpon, which introduced this to me last summer. I can’t get enough of how funny some of the things on this list are. Now remember:
- Author Unknown
1. Check out a book from the library and read the afternoon away.
2. Break out the old mix-tapes and mix-CDs of yesteryear… soak up the memories and sing your heart out.
3. Picnic in secluded areas.
4. Bake and eat homemade cookies.
5. Hike outdoors and explore Mother Nature.
6. Head downtown with a friend and two digital cameras. Shoot as many funny and interesting photos as you can. Then go home and sort through them all.
7. Find old stuff in your attic, put it up on eBay and watch the bids role in.
8. Play old-school board games like Monopoly and Scrabble.
9. Learn to play guitar (or any musical instrument) online.
10. Go swimming.
11. Crank up the tunes, break out the Wii and invite some friends over.
12. Fly a kite.
13. Research and discover new bands and musicians similar to the music you already like.
14. Stargaze.
15. Re-watch a great movie you haven’t seen in a while.
16. Learn to play new card games.
17. Test-drive a really expensive car.
18. Fire up the backyard BBQ.
19. Browse around thrift stores.
20. Make a pizza from scratch.
21. Craft some artwork.
22. Take an easy, breezy bike ride.
23. People-watch in high traffic areas.
24. Build a backyard bonfire and roast marshmallows. Or microwave s’mores. It’s all the same, right?!
25. Feed small wild animals… like squirrels. Just not on campus, okay?
26. Prepare a big ice cream sundae or a banana split.
27. Master a new simple skill you’ve been meaning to learn.
28. Go bowling on discount bowling night.
29. Dance.
30. Look through old photo albums.
31. Create a digital video highlight reel of all your favorite digital photos and video clips.
32. Play Catch Phrase or Charades.
33. Host a water-gun war with water-balloon grenades.
34. Dream an afternoon away in your cozy bed.
35. Host a paper airplane distance competition.
36. Learn new jokes online and share them with friends and family.
37. Go rollerblading.
38. Challenge someone to an exercise competition. Choose 10 simple exercises and see who can go the distance. (I wouldn’t do this, but you could!)
39. YouTube
40. Call an old friend and catch up on things. Use your night and weekend minutes. I don’t do this enough, but I’m trying. (That’s a shout-out to you MLC folks!)
41. Climb up a large oak tree, hang out and think (not too high). There’s one of these on Central Campus. I climb it a lot.
42. Learn to juggle.
43. Youtube. It’s on here twice because I can’t get enough of it.
44. Plan your next vacation.
45. Look at the current ingredients in your cupboard, find some recipes online and cook a feast (or something simple) you’ve never made before.
46. Karaoke anyone?
47. Attend an Improv comedy show.
48. Put together a framed photo collage.
49. Wink at complete strangers in a busy public setting. It’s more fun than you think.
50. Play with puppies at the local pet store.
51. Give people unexpected compliments and watch them smile.
52. Go sledding or play in the snow, weather permitting.
53. Stretch.
54. Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
55. Pillow fight!
p.s. I register for next Spring’s classes in 3 hours. I’m so excited!
Enjoy yourself.
These are the good old days you’re going to miss in the years ahead.
- Author Unknown
1. Check out a book from the library and read the afternoon away.
2. Break out the old mix-tapes and mix-CDs of yesteryear… soak up the memories and sing your heart out.
3. Picnic in secluded areas.
4. Bake and eat homemade cookies.
5. Hike outdoors and explore Mother Nature.
6. Head downtown with a friend and two digital cameras. Shoot as many funny and interesting photos as you can. Then go home and sort through them all.
7. Find old stuff in your attic, put it up on eBay and watch the bids role in.
8. Play old-school board games like Monopoly and Scrabble.
9. Learn to play guitar (or any musical instrument) online.
10. Go swimming.
11. Crank up the tunes, break out the Wii and invite some friends over.
12. Fly a kite.
13. Research and discover new bands and musicians similar to the music you already like.
14. Stargaze.
15. Re-watch a great movie you haven’t seen in a while.
16. Learn to play new card games.
17. Test-drive a really expensive car.
18. Fire up the backyard BBQ.
19. Browse around thrift stores.
20. Make a pizza from scratch.
21. Craft some artwork.
22. Take an easy, breezy bike ride.
23. People-watch in high traffic areas.
24. Build a backyard bonfire and roast marshmallows. Or microwave s’mores. It’s all the same, right?!
25. Feed small wild animals… like squirrels. Just not on campus, okay?
26. Prepare a big ice cream sundae or a banana split.
27. Master a new simple skill you’ve been meaning to learn.
28. Go bowling on discount bowling night.
29. Dance.
30. Look through old photo albums.
31. Create a digital video highlight reel of all your favorite digital photos and video clips.
32. Play Catch Phrase or Charades.
33. Host a water-gun war with water-balloon grenades.
34. Dream an afternoon away in your cozy bed.
35. Host a paper airplane distance competition.
36. Learn new jokes online and share them with friends and family.
37. Go rollerblading.
38. Challenge someone to an exercise competition. Choose 10 simple exercises and see who can go the distance. (I wouldn’t do this, but you could!)
39. YouTube
40. Call an old friend and catch up on things. Use your night and weekend minutes. I don’t do this enough, but I’m trying. (That’s a shout-out to you MLC folks!)
41. Climb up a large oak tree, hang out and think (not too high). There’s one of these on Central Campus. I climb it a lot.
42. Learn to juggle.
43. Youtube. It’s on here twice because I can’t get enough of it.
44. Plan your next vacation.
45. Look at the current ingredients in your cupboard, find some recipes online and cook a feast (or something simple) you’ve never made before.
46. Karaoke anyone?
47. Attend an Improv comedy show.
48. Put together a framed photo collage.
49. Wink at complete strangers in a busy public setting. It’s more fun than you think.
50. Play with puppies at the local pet store.
51. Give people unexpected compliments and watch them smile.
52. Go sledding or play in the snow, weather permitting.
53. Stretch.
54. Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
55. Pillow fight!
p.s. I register for next Spring’s classes in 3 hours. I’m so excited!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The light at the end of the hallway
Every time I sit down to write a post, I think to myself, “what did I do this week?” And this week, I almost drew a total blank. (Minus the awesome concert I went to with my best friends on Friday night.)
You know why this week has been “blank.” The answer is really easy: SCHOOL.
This week has been dominated by my academic life: I know, after I the fun I’ve been having, I might as well have a week from Hades. Karma sucks. But seriously, I’ve been swamped with all the work I’ve been doing in my classes. I love school, don’t get me wrong, but its weeks like this that push me to the limit. In the last 10 days, I’ve written 30 pages worth of papers. (That’s in 4 assignments!) I’ve almost finished my second novel in the last two weeks as well.
I really couldn’t have gotten through this week with my awesome residents, staff and professors. I know it may seem lame, but the people I live and work with have been such a resource to me. I get such a kick out of them and they remind me of why I love living on campus. Even in these really dark weeks, I see the light at the end of the tunnel (or hallway). From encouraging words, to late night runs to Wal-Mart and McDonalds for a caffeine fix at 2 in the morning, I can look to my building as a great crutch to help me.
My professors are real people! Granted, I’ve known this for a while, but my professors always surprise me. I needed help this week, and they were there for me. I tend to think of myself as a good student, but every once in a while I need help and want to bang my head against a wall. My English professors have been great this week and have helped me so much.
Let’s hope next week gets better. (It probably will, I’m kicking off the weekend with a massive trip to the Fritzler Corn Maize!!)
You know why this week has been “blank.” The answer is really easy: SCHOOL.
This week has been dominated by my academic life: I know, after I the fun I’ve been having, I might as well have a week from Hades. Karma sucks. But seriously, I’ve been swamped with all the work I’ve been doing in my classes. I love school, don’t get me wrong, but its weeks like this that push me to the limit. In the last 10 days, I’ve written 30 pages worth of papers. (That’s in 4 assignments!) I’ve almost finished my second novel in the last two weeks as well.
I really couldn’t have gotten through this week with my awesome residents, staff and professors. I know it may seem lame, but the people I live and work with have been such a resource to me. I get such a kick out of them and they remind me of why I love living on campus. Even in these really dark weeks, I see the light at the end of the tunnel (or hallway). From encouraging words, to late night runs to Wal-Mart and McDonalds for a caffeine fix at 2 in the morning, I can look to my building as a great crutch to help me.
My professors are real people! Granted, I’ve known this for a while, but my professors always surprise me. I needed help this week, and they were there for me. I tend to think of myself as a good student, but every once in a while I need help and want to bang my head against a wall. My English professors have been great this week and have helped me so much.
Let’s hope next week gets better. (It probably will, I’m kicking off the weekend with a massive trip to the Fritzler Corn Maize!!)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Lions, Tigers, and BEARS! oh, my!
I’ve seriously slept less than 4 hours a night all week. But it’s totally worth it… you know why?
HOMECOMING!!
This week was packed with awesome activities from a Banner Making Contest (Go Turner!!) to a great BBQ hosted by UPC and Student Activities. But the highlight of the week so far was the Lobby Decorating Contest on Wednesday. Turner Hall had the greatest lobby EVER!! The University’s Homecoming Theme was “Become the Claw” and, although cryptic, was supposed to mean Superheroes. Turner Hall decided to take that in a different direction: we became the claws of the LIONS, TIGERS, and BEARS of the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Since Turner’s mascot is the Lions, and we are the UNC Bears, and since we are going to play Idaho State University’s Tigers on Saturday in the Homecoming Game, it just made perfect sense! With our lobby, we became the claw in full force! A tornado, a yellow brick road and an entire munchkin village made our lobby look like a scene straight out of the movie.
Our lobby was packed too. We had over 100 residents come to join in the festivities who all enjoyed caramel apples and popcorn as well as many small games with prizes.
I can’t wait for the Homecoming Formal on Saturday. I have a sweet suit that I got from a secondhand clothing store that I plan on wearing. Yeah, it’s that awesome.
HOMECOMING!!
This week was packed with awesome activities from a Banner Making Contest (Go Turner!!) to a great BBQ hosted by UPC and Student Activities. But the highlight of the week so far was the Lobby Decorating Contest on Wednesday. Turner Hall had the greatest lobby EVER!! The University’s Homecoming Theme was “Become the Claw” and, although cryptic, was supposed to mean Superheroes. Turner Hall decided to take that in a different direction: we became the claws of the LIONS, TIGERS, and BEARS of the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Since Turner’s mascot is the Lions, and we are the UNC Bears, and since we are going to play Idaho State University’s Tigers on Saturday in the Homecoming Game, it just made perfect sense! With our lobby, we became the claw in full force! A tornado, a yellow brick road and an entire munchkin village made our lobby look like a scene straight out of the movie.
Our lobby was packed too. We had over 100 residents come to join in the festivities who all enjoyed caramel apples and popcorn as well as many small games with prizes.
I can’t wait for the Homecoming Formal on Saturday. I have a sweet suit that I got from a secondhand clothing store that I plan on wearing. Yeah, it’s that awesome.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Homecoming Preparation
Sorry about last week: technical difficulties. Haha. Last week was pretty nice, I am working hard in my classes with the midterms looming, but I am staying afloat. The workload in my classes is pretty heavy, but that’s only because they are all higher level classes… oh, how I miss my 100-level courses! One of my English classes is challenging me to write a 20 page paper by the end of the semester and read one novel a week until then. Seriously?! I would complain, but I just like the class too much. But I am getting excited for HOMECOMING next week! This is one of my favorite weeks of the school year and I love the atmosphere on campus. With events every night of the week, (see the schedule here: http://www.unco.edu/upc/UNC%20Homecoming%202008.html ) I keep so energized and busy.
These past weeks have been a blur with all of my midterms starting, but I always know that I can blow off some steam with the different events that go on all-across campus. I’ll let you know next week what happened with all the craziness from this week.
(AND DON’T FORGET: My favorite event of all time, BINGO, is this Wednesday at 8:30 in the UC Ballrooms. Be there or be square!)
These past weeks have been a blur with all of my midterms starting, but I always know that I can blow off some steam with the different events that go on all-across campus. I’ll let you know next week what happened with all the craziness from this week.
(AND DON’T FORGET: My favorite event of all time, BINGO, is this Wednesday at 8:30 in the UC Ballrooms. Be there or be square!)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Family & Friends Weekend
This weekend is going to be Ď‹ber-busy. Its Friends and Family weekend on campus and you all know what that means: my family is coming to bring me everything I need to survive until Thanksgiving! (And all sorts of other activities: the first Home Football game of the season included.) I’m excited to have my family visit, they haven’t seen the sweet set-up in my room and my sister is doing her college visit tomorrow. She’s an athlete and is getting the full treatment.
Having the UNC football team back at Nottingham is awesome. I’m not really the most athletic person (if you know me, you’re probably laughing at the truth in that statement) and I never really get that into sports. But there is something about cheering in the stands and losing your voice with all of your friends. We may not be the team that wins every game, but at this point in the season, you can’t say we don’t have spirit!
Plus- tomorrow is my favorite event ever: BINGO! A whole crew of my residents on the 3rd floor (20+) got together this past Wednesday and made “3rd Floor Pride” shirts that we are going to sport all day Friday with the culmination of BINGO at 8:30! I have been so impressed this week with all of my 3rd floor homies, they have gone above and beyond to be active members of our community and have really supported each other. (Last week, I got 13 residents to support our Northern Colorado athletes (2 of which live on my floor) at the Alumni game!)
Moral of the story: I am really excited for this weekend. Anything that starts with BINGO has to be good!
Having the UNC football team back at Nottingham is awesome. I’m not really the most athletic person (if you know me, you’re probably laughing at the truth in that statement) and I never really get that into sports. But there is something about cheering in the stands and losing your voice with all of your friends. We may not be the team that wins every game, but at this point in the season, you can’t say we don’t have spirit!
Plus- tomorrow is my favorite event ever: BINGO! A whole crew of my residents on the 3rd floor (20+) got together this past Wednesday and made “3rd Floor Pride” shirts that we are going to sport all day Friday with the culmination of BINGO at 8:30! I have been so impressed this week with all of my 3rd floor homies, they have gone above and beyond to be active members of our community and have really supported each other. (Last week, I got 13 residents to support our Northern Colorado athletes (2 of which live on my floor) at the Alumni game!)
Moral of the story: I am really excited for this weekend. Anything that starts with BINGO has to be good!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Why I Love Teaching
Last weekend totally lived up to the hype. I had a marathon of my favorite T.V. show, ALIAS and made some sweet t-shirts with my staff members.
But back to the task at hand-
My teaching experiences have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Working with students and learning more about my future profession make me so thrilled to be in this field. I’m assigned at the University schools here in Greeley and I am learning so much from my host teacher. I spend a lot of time sitting in the back of the room watching Mrs. X teach, and I have already gained so much from her. Everything from classroom management to how to form those crucial and friendly relationships with students. Mrs. X is a professional teacher who I get to observe twice a week and she is involved with all the extra-curricular activities that I want to be involved with. I’ve been spending so much time in her Freshman English classes that I am beginning to remember what high school was like for me and more importantly, WHY I wanted to be a teacher. I want to make an impact. Helping others is why I do most of the things in my life, from my job to my future.
Although the program is confusing at times, it always keeps me on my toes. I am learning so much from the specialty seminars and from my professors on how to deal with different situations I might be placed in as a teacher.
I just got word today that I get to chaperone the Homecoming dance… now THAT I’m excited for!
But back to the task at hand-
My teaching experiences have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Working with students and learning more about my future profession make me so thrilled to be in this field. I’m assigned at the University schools here in Greeley and I am learning so much from my host teacher. I spend a lot of time sitting in the back of the room watching Mrs. X teach, and I have already gained so much from her. Everything from classroom management to how to form those crucial and friendly relationships with students. Mrs. X is a professional teacher who I get to observe twice a week and she is involved with all the extra-curricular activities that I want to be involved with. I’ve been spending so much time in her Freshman English classes that I am beginning to remember what high school was like for me and more importantly, WHY I wanted to be a teacher. I want to make an impact. Helping others is why I do most of the things in my life, from my job to my future.
Although the program is confusing at times, it always keeps me on my toes. I am learning so much from the specialty seminars and from my professors on how to deal with different situations I might be placed in as a teacher.
I just got word today that I get to chaperone the Homecoming dance… now THAT I’m excited for!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
An Un-Week, kind of
Every once in a while, I have an un-week, where nothing really happened. This week was definitely NOT an un-week. Haha.
I feel like Monday was great; no school, a great day of community service and free Jimmy John’s, I hate to simply summarize it that way, but it really was just that positive. That’s just how it happened... I swear. Tuesday I was really excited because I got to start my student observations with the education program. (Don’t worry; I’ll elaborate on those experiences later.) AND I got my gorgeous mug in the Greeley Tribune for my volunteer work. I’ll find the picture soon and post it up here.
I LOVE BINGO!! The Center for Peer Education puts this on every other Wednesday night and I couldn’t have had a better time. I went with a bunch of my residents and, though I didn’t win, I yelled and screamed every time I got to mark my card.
Generally speaking , it was a pretty packed week. I hope this weekend can live up to the hype!
I feel like Monday was great; no school, a great day of community service and free Jimmy John’s, I hate to simply summarize it that way, but it really was just that positive. That’s just how it happened... I swear. Tuesday I was really excited because I got to start my student observations with the education program. (Don’t worry; I’ll elaborate on those experiences later.) AND I got my gorgeous mug in the Greeley Tribune for my volunteer work. I’ll find the picture soon and post it up here.
I LOVE BINGO!! The Center for Peer Education puts this on every other Wednesday night and I couldn’t have had a better time. I went with a bunch of my residents and, though I didn’t win, I yelled and screamed every time I got to mark my card.
Generally speaking , it was a pretty packed week. I hope this weekend can live up to the hype!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Week One, down
Its official: I’ve survived the first week of my Junior year in college. Seriously?! If you would have told me when I was in high school how content I would be, I would not have believed you. I am in such a good place. This week I was the busiest I had been in a really long time… and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m the kind of person who thrives on being busy and having stuff to do. When I have a slow week, I turn almost counter-productive to the task at hand. Getting to know all my residents, attending the first Turner Hall Council meeting, and attending classes (of course) made this week fly by and I am trying to get a grasp on all the work that I still have to do before the three-day weekend and one of my best friend’s birthday. AHH!
My classes are what I am really pumped about this semester. I am finally taking more classes that directly relate to my major and I can’t WAIT to dig deeper into the discipline that I love. My 400-level class is going to push me to my limits, but I can’t wait to read and learn more. (Yes, I’m a nerd. I know.)
My classes are what I am really pumped about this semester. I am finally taking more classes that directly relate to my major and I can’t WAIT to dig deeper into the discipline that I love. My 400-level class is going to push me to my limits, but I can’t wait to read and learn more. (Yes, I’m a nerd. I know.)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Who's Ready?
- - Transcribed from notebook paper in the midst of power outage - -
As I sit here in the Turner lobby, I can’t help but think about how excited I am for the next school year. With my staff members, we have helped to craft an awesome place for almost 600 residents this year. Opening week is going to be extremely filled and I can’t wait for students to finally arrive. There are activities every night from watching Iron Man in the UC Ballrooms to a giant teambuilding exercise for all students living on campus called Play Fair. It’s going to be such a packed couple of days, but I’m pumped!
The Fall “Bizarre” is one of my favorite events and is a great way for students to see many of the clubs and intramural sports on campus. It’s also a great way to get free stuff. LOTS of free stuff.
For more details of on the first four weeks of school, visit http://www.unco.edu/studentactivities/2008events/
As I sit here in the Turner lobby, I can’t help but think about how excited I am for the next school year. With my staff members, we have helped to craft an awesome place for almost 600 residents this year. Opening week is going to be extremely filled and I can’t wait for students to finally arrive. There are activities every night from watching Iron Man in the UC Ballrooms to a giant teambuilding exercise for all students living on campus called Play Fair. It’s going to be such a packed couple of days, but I’m pumped!
The Fall “Bizarre” is one of my favorite events and is a great way for students to see many of the clubs and intramural sports on campus. It’s also a great way to get free stuff. LOTS of free stuff.
For more details of on the first four weeks of school, visit http://www.unco.edu/studentactivities/2008events/
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wendy's Anyone?
Okay, so I have been swamped these last few weeks. Sorry about the lack of updates. But it for a totally good reason: I’ve been in Resident Assistant training and moving into my room in Turner!!
Training is long, but extremely useful. I feel so prepared to help residents in whatever they may need in this coming year. Being on campus (especially in Turner, where I have lived before) just reminds me of how much I love campus life. With everyone so close, I can be so connected to others and feel supported. For instance, last night I went to Wendy’s at 11:00 p.m. with a couple friends … for no apparent reason than I was craving a Frosty. That doesn’t happen where I normally live.
My community is Olympic-themed. I’m so psyched to watch the Olympics every night when I have a spare twenty minutes and the Olympic spirit of cooperation and teamwork is something I would love to carry with me throughout the next semester. I have been working hard to make my floor community a positive place where my future residents (and let’s be hopeful – my friends) will be able to form those connections so they can find someone to take to Wendy’s at 11 o’clock at night.
Training is long, but extremely useful. I feel so prepared to help residents in whatever they may need in this coming year. Being on campus (especially in Turner, where I have lived before) just reminds me of how much I love campus life. With everyone so close, I can be so connected to others and feel supported. For instance, last night I went to Wendy’s at 11:00 p.m. with a couple friends … for no apparent reason than I was craving a Frosty. That doesn’t happen where I normally live.
My community is Olympic-themed. I’m so psyched to watch the Olympics every night when I have a spare twenty minutes and the Olympic spirit of cooperation and teamwork is something I would love to carry with me throughout the next semester. I have been working hard to make my floor community a positive place where my future residents (and let’s be hopeful – my friends) will be able to form those connections so they can find someone to take to Wendy’s at 11 o’clock at night.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Precautionary Tale
Every once in a while, you get the chance to see something that changes your outlook on life.
With that being said, I saw The Dark Knight this week. Now, while I won’t spoil the plot for the remaining seven people in America who haven’t seen it, I will pass on this message that the movie tried to press upon the audience: Sometimes you need to do what is needed for others as opposed to what YOU want to do. In my humble opinion, that’s crap. Sacrificing your own personal goals and aspirations is not what life is about.
This movie got me thinking about what my responsibilities are in life and what I am putting “on hold” so that I can help others. My summer job is working retail, and although I enjoy the people I work with, I do not enjoy helping spoiled pre-teens pick out which tank top matches her shorts best. I’ve put on hold my desire to travel and my need to advance skills I will need for my future for this job. Now, retail isn’t demanding, but for what I make hourly, I need to work as many hours as I can. I don’t want to sound full of teenage angst here; I am privileged enough to work at a summer camp for high school students in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and the CHSAA Leadership Camp for High School Students, and for that I am thankful. But I don’t want to put the rest of my goals and wants on the back burner, just waiting for someone to wake me up, even if it does benefit others. I want to be the guy making decisions, the one going “all in” in the next hand.
This entry is more of a precautionary tale: don’t be like Batman. Sometimes personal sacrifice hurts in the long run. He may be awesome, but it’s just not worth it.
p.s. The Dark Knight did not change my life all that much; I just needed something dramatic to start this post with.
With that being said, I saw The Dark Knight this week. Now, while I won’t spoil the plot for the remaining seven people in America who haven’t seen it, I will pass on this message that the movie tried to press upon the audience: Sometimes you need to do what is needed for others as opposed to what YOU want to do. In my humble opinion, that’s crap. Sacrificing your own personal goals and aspirations is not what life is about.
This movie got me thinking about what my responsibilities are in life and what I am putting “on hold” so that I can help others. My summer job is working retail, and although I enjoy the people I work with, I do not enjoy helping spoiled pre-teens pick out which tank top matches her shorts best. I’ve put on hold my desire to travel and my need to advance skills I will need for my future for this job. Now, retail isn’t demanding, but for what I make hourly, I need to work as many hours as I can. I don’t want to sound full of teenage angst here; I am privileged enough to work at a summer camp for high school students in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and the CHSAA Leadership Camp for High School Students, and for that I am thankful. But I don’t want to put the rest of my goals and wants on the back burner, just waiting for someone to wake me up, even if it does benefit others. I want to be the guy making decisions, the one going “all in” in the next hand.
This entry is more of a precautionary tale: don’t be like Batman. Sometimes personal sacrifice hurts in the long run. He may be awesome, but it’s just not worth it.
p.s. The Dark Knight did not change my life all that much; I just needed something dramatic to start this post with.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
And So It Begins...
- My name is Erik. If you’re not my friend, you should be. I’m a pretty cool guy, if I do say so myself.
- I am 20 years old. (But not for very much longer, the 21st b-day countdown has begun.)
- I am going to be a junior at the
- I am pursuing a double major of both Communication and English with an emphasis in Secondary Education. I want to be a High School English teacher; education and learning are my passions.
- I am from
- I am a Resident Assistant on campus and will live in Turner Hall next fall.
Well, those are Erik’s Ideas for this week. Let me know what you think!
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