"We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves." - May Lamberton
Within the last three months my life has changed drastically. For me, the transition from high school to college has been a huge obstacle to overcome, but I believe that I've grown tremendously and will continue to in the next four years. Growing up and becoming an adult is something I have anticipated for quite a while now. But now that it is finally here I don't know whether or not I appreciate it. Even though I'm confused about what I want out of my life, I have slowly started to learn how to cope being away from home, family, and friends, and realizing that the future won't slow down for anyone.
This college experience, though short, has given me a new outlook on life. The world is much bigger than the hometown that I'm from. It can give me so many opportunities if I allow it to. That has been the greatest thing that I have learned. And after realizing these things, I know that I have grown up. Hopefully the world will be generous to me.
This is our last blog post!! How crazy! I had so much fun writing and reading all of your blogs :)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Blog 5: What This Award Means to Me
Being a part of the Hixson program has made a huge impact on not just my college education, but my life as well. Before coming to Iowa State, I thought this program would only have a small role in my life here, but even after the first few weeks I knew I was wrong. Growing up, it was a dream of mine to be a Cyclone, but as I got closer to my senior year I realized that I wouldn't be able to afford it by myself. Because of this program, I'm able to be here at a much more comfortable level than I would be without the scholarship. It has also helped out my mom a great deal also. Just knowing that she doesn't have to worry so much about helping me through college is a relief I'm glad to take away from her.
I'm also very thankful for the people that I've met. Our section, in my opinion, is one of the best. Getting to bond with each and every one of you has been such a great time. We've had a blast together throughout this semester, and I hope we can all continue the relationships that we've created.
I know I definitely want to continue my involvement with the Hixson program because of all it is doing for me now, and where it will take me in the future.
I'm also very thankful for the people that I've met. Our section, in my opinion, is one of the best. Getting to bond with each and every one of you has been such a great time. We've had a blast together throughout this semester, and I hope we can all continue the relationships that we've created.
I know I definitely want to continue my involvement with the Hixson program because of all it is doing for me now, and where it will take me in the future.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Blog 4: Social Media Week
“Privacy is dead, and social media holds the smoking gun.” – Pete Cashmore, Mashable CEO
For our social media week I contributed by making a LinkedIn account. Through this assignment, I learned that there are many ways potential employers can find information about me, so I should make sure any information posted about me is in a good light. LinkedIn was a great way to find companies I'm interested in and get my name out there. I feel like I can use this account to my advantage in the future.
Social media can help accomplish some of my goals. I can find job opportunities and connections with possible future employers. Hopefully, that will help me find my dream job one day. It can also help me give a positive image of myself and my skills. Social media is actually being used a lot throughout the world, not just for job opportunities. In the last link on the Hixson website, it talked about how Mexico City, for example, is using Twitter to let people know about accidents and problems going on in their city. It's a great way to spread the word about pretty much anything.
The one thing that surprised me was that so many people are connected to some sort of social media. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or another website, everyone around the world is somehow connected. I never really thought about how many people use these websites to stay in touch with other people. Social media knowledge has expanded within the last ten years, and I'm very excited and nervous to see how it will evolve in the next ten years.
For our social media week I contributed by making a LinkedIn account. Through this assignment, I learned that there are many ways potential employers can find information about me, so I should make sure any information posted about me is in a good light. LinkedIn was a great way to find companies I'm interested in and get my name out there. I feel like I can use this account to my advantage in the future.
Social media can help accomplish some of my goals. I can find job opportunities and connections with possible future employers. Hopefully, that will help me find my dream job one day. It can also help me give a positive image of myself and my skills. Social media is actually being used a lot throughout the world, not just for job opportunities. In the last link on the Hixson website, it talked about how Mexico City, for example, is using Twitter to let people know about accidents and problems going on in their city. It's a great way to spread the word about pretty much anything.
The one thing that surprised me was that so many people are connected to some sort of social media. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or another website, everyone around the world is somehow connected. I never really thought about how many people use these websites to stay in touch with other people. Social media knowledge has expanded within the last ten years, and I'm very excited and nervous to see how it will evolve in the next ten years.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Blog 3: What I Learned About Myself
My MBTI profile taught me a lot about myself and my study habits, and how my personality type relates to my goals.
I was surprised that my profile said I dealt with the world in a flexible way, and that I'm more of a spontaneous person that an organized one that likes to have things settled. Another thing that surprised me was that I am apparently creative and imaginative. I never have thought of myself that way. I really can't do much artistically, or have a lot of sweet, cool ideas for much of anything. The last thing that surprised me was that I scored as in extrovert. It wasn't a high value, but just the fact that I scored it confused me. I really like alone time. I actually prefer being alone or just hanging out with a few people about 80% of the time instead of being around a huge group of people. I guess it all just entirely depends on my mood and who I'm around though. But I for sure thought that I would score pretty high on the introvert level.
I think my profile really helped me understand more about myself. I had never really believed I was thinking about the big picture and what was going on around me. But through this I realized that I was, I just didn't quite know it at first.
Overall, I really thought the MBTI was a cool way to figure out my personality and how I look at things.
I was surprised that my profile said I dealt with the world in a flexible way, and that I'm more of a spontaneous person that an organized one that likes to have things settled. Another thing that surprised me was that I am apparently creative and imaginative. I never have thought of myself that way. I really can't do much artistically, or have a lot of sweet, cool ideas for much of anything. The last thing that surprised me was that I scored as in extrovert. It wasn't a high value, but just the fact that I scored it confused me. I really like alone time. I actually prefer being alone or just hanging out with a few people about 80% of the time instead of being around a huge group of people. I guess it all just entirely depends on my mood and who I'm around though. But I for sure thought that I would score pretty high on the introvert level.
I think my profile really helped me understand more about myself. I had never really believed I was thinking about the big picture and what was going on around me. But through this I realized that I was, I just didn't quite know it at first.
Overall, I really thought the MBTI was a cool way to figure out my personality and how I look at things.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Diversity Event: Mystical Arts of Tibet
On September 21st, I went to the diversity event on Tibet. There were a few monks there that opened the presentation by chanting. I thought that was super cool because we don't get to really experience that here in America. Then, the speaker started. He was also a monk, but he also has his doctorate and has a lot of knowledge in philosophy. In his homeland, he was said to be thought very highly of, so I'm glad he came to ISU to talk to us. The presentation was about the symbolism of the mandala. The mandala is basically a circle with a lot of detailed art that represents the spirit. He said that it is for emotional well-being, and reduces stress and anxiety. He stressed that it doesn't necessarily have to represent a religious aspect, but mainly deals with your spiritual needs. There are five colors represented in the mandala: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The middle circle symbolizes the unbreakable teaching. The four points represent the four imaginables, like joyfulness, compassion, love, and being equal. The mandala also tries to represent ignorance, attachment, anger, pride, and jealousy. These factors are usually what take us off the path and bring negative emotion. The negative emotion is what is needed to be eliminated. This gives us the perfect view of reality.
I thought the lecture was really eye-opening. It was cool to see how different cultures live their lives. I also thought it was neat that they can use a symbol like the mandala to help them live, and they actually follow it. This lecture made me want to see how cultures around the world live.
I thought the lecture was really eye-opening. It was cool to see how different cultures live their lives. I also thought it was neat that they can use a symbol like the mandala to help them live, and they actually follow it. This lecture made me want to see how cultures around the world live.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Blog 2: My Goals/Bucket List
"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page." This quote was said by Mark Houlahan. For me it's hard not to agree completely. You are the maker of your own success. Everyday is a new day to explore your feelings and emotions. Sometimes that means you need to make goals for your future.
My goals and "bucket list" vary from subject to subject. Some are quirky and fun, others are more serious, and others focus on helping others. I'll be honest. I've had a bucket list since the beginning of my senior year. Realizing that there is more to life than school was really important to me. One of my goals in life is to score a job and fall in love with it. I feel there are too many people in our country that don't follow their dreams and get a job that disappoints them and they don't have fun. Another goal of mine is to help sick children throughout my life. No one deserves to feel pain, but I feel that innocent children especially shouldn't feel pain. So I want to volunteer time during my lifetime at a children's research hospital like St. Jude's to help raise awareness so we can find cures for cancers and leukemia. I would love to donate my time reading and coloring with the kids to put a smile on their face.
On a less serious note, there are many fun things I want to do before I die. At Iowa State I've always wanted to see what VEISHA is all about. I've never been to the celebration, but I'll have four opportunities to experience it. I also want to take a music class while I'm here. The only instrument I've played is the clarinet, which was in middle school band. I definitely don't remember much about music, but learning how to play something, or even taking a music theory class will make me happy. Before I die, I want to visit every continent in the world. Some countries on my list include: Brazil, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Egypt, Australia, and Tokyo. I know it's a pretty big list (and it'll continue to grow over the years) but seeing the world is important to me to be more cultured. I want to get a tattoo also. A lot of my friends sport some meaningful tattoos, but some silly ones as well. Getting ink on my body that means something to me, and reminds me how lucky I am for my life sounds like such a sweet idea. Another thing I must do before I die is go on a random roadtrip around America. By random I mean jumping in a car with some friends and just driving with no particular place in mind. Being spontaneous in life is something I have learned is perfectly fine and can actually be insanely fun.
These items on my bucket list might seem silly or not worthwhile to those of you that read this. To me making a list of accomplishments and goals, whether it's a week, month, year, or decade from now, is the best thing you can do for yourself. Thinking about the future can excite you for the rest of your journey in life. And I can say with confidence that I'm excited for the years to come.
My goals and "bucket list" vary from subject to subject. Some are quirky and fun, others are more serious, and others focus on helping others. I'll be honest. I've had a bucket list since the beginning of my senior year. Realizing that there is more to life than school was really important to me. One of my goals in life is to score a job and fall in love with it. I feel there are too many people in our country that don't follow their dreams and get a job that disappoints them and they don't have fun. Another goal of mine is to help sick children throughout my life. No one deserves to feel pain, but I feel that innocent children especially shouldn't feel pain. So I want to volunteer time during my lifetime at a children's research hospital like St. Jude's to help raise awareness so we can find cures for cancers and leukemia. I would love to donate my time reading and coloring with the kids to put a smile on their face.
On a less serious note, there are many fun things I want to do before I die. At Iowa State I've always wanted to see what VEISHA is all about. I've never been to the celebration, but I'll have four opportunities to experience it. I also want to take a music class while I'm here. The only instrument I've played is the clarinet, which was in middle school band. I definitely don't remember much about music, but learning how to play something, or even taking a music theory class will make me happy. Before I die, I want to visit every continent in the world. Some countries on my list include: Brazil, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Egypt, Australia, and Tokyo. I know it's a pretty big list (and it'll continue to grow over the years) but seeing the world is important to me to be more cultured. I want to get a tattoo also. A lot of my friends sport some meaningful tattoos, but some silly ones as well. Getting ink on my body that means something to me, and reminds me how lucky I am for my life sounds like such a sweet idea. Another thing I must do before I die is go on a random roadtrip around America. By random I mean jumping in a car with some friends and just driving with no particular place in mind. Being spontaneous in life is something I have learned is perfectly fine and can actually be insanely fun.
These items on my bucket list might seem silly or not worthwhile to those of you that read this. To me making a list of accomplishments and goals, whether it's a week, month, year, or decade from now, is the best thing you can do for yourself. Thinking about the future can excite you for the rest of your journey in life. And I can say with confidence that I'm excited for the years to come.
Blog 1: A Story
So far in my short eighteen years of life, I have experienced a few moments where I felt I did my very best. In high school I was a good student. I turned my homework in on time, did projects efficiently, and studied for tests. I participated in many groups and clubs and volunteered my time to my community and Church. However, none of these things made me feel like I was at “my best”. The word “family” to me is much more than just a word. My family means the world to me, more than they probably know. I am quite positive that the moment where I have felt “my best” was repairing the relationship with my mom and my brothers.
Like fifty percent of America, I am a child of a divorced family. When I was thirteen, my parents decided to split up. Of course, it was a hard situation to go through. I felt like the relationships I had with both of my parents meant nothing anymore. Basically, I felt like my family broke up. Being apart from my mom took a toll on me emotionally. Even though she lived a few blocks away, I missed being a family unit.
Over the next few years I continued the resentment towards my parents. I still didn’t know how to deal with it. None of my close friends could relate to my situation, so I couldn’t really talk about it with them. But eventually, once I entered high school, I realized life was too short to be bitter. I slowly started to mend the relationship with my mom back to what it was before the divorce. By the time I graduated high school, my mom and I were living together apart from my brothers, and we became closer than ever. I feel so great to be able to call my mom one of my best friends. I know that whenever I have a problem about anything I can turn to her for advice and if needed, a shoulder to cry on. I can honestly say that right now I am at my best. I did my best work in mending my relationship with my mom and it worked out to where we can count on each other. Now that I’m in college, I can have a great support system in my mom that I’m not sure I would have if I continued the resentment.
I can translate this positive moment in my personal life to prepare myself in my time here at Iowa State. In my opinion, looking forward with a positive attitude is one of the things you must practice in life. While at college I am sure that I will know the feeling of accomplishment and success because of my happy relationships I have made in my life.
The moments in life when you feel your best aren’t necessarily getting a good grade or making the game winning shot. Sometimes you can feel your best just by having a great relationship with a family member or friend.
Like fifty percent of America, I am a child of a divorced family. When I was thirteen, my parents decided to split up. Of course, it was a hard situation to go through. I felt like the relationships I had with both of my parents meant nothing anymore. Basically, I felt like my family broke up. Being apart from my mom took a toll on me emotionally. Even though she lived a few blocks away, I missed being a family unit.
Over the next few years I continued the resentment towards my parents. I still didn’t know how to deal with it. None of my close friends could relate to my situation, so I couldn’t really talk about it with them. But eventually, once I entered high school, I realized life was too short to be bitter. I slowly started to mend the relationship with my mom back to what it was before the divorce. By the time I graduated high school, my mom and I were living together apart from my brothers, and we became closer than ever. I feel so great to be able to call my mom one of my best friends. I know that whenever I have a problem about anything I can turn to her for advice and if needed, a shoulder to cry on. I can honestly say that right now I am at my best. I did my best work in mending my relationship with my mom and it worked out to where we can count on each other. Now that I’m in college, I can have a great support system in my mom that I’m not sure I would have if I continued the resentment.
I can translate this positive moment in my personal life to prepare myself in my time here at Iowa State. In my opinion, looking forward with a positive attitude is one of the things you must practice in life. While at college I am sure that I will know the feeling of accomplishment and success because of my happy relationships I have made in my life.
The moments in life when you feel your best aren’t necessarily getting a good grade or making the game winning shot. Sometimes you can feel your best just by having a great relationship with a family member or friend.
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