Blog # 9 Entry

Honestly, the only thing I am constantly thinking about is my future. I don't want to plan it, however I am just concerned about where I will be a few years from now. I am also worried about how I will do in school. I am going to work to my potential when I begin classes in the fall, and I will stop at nothing. I just hope my life turns out the way it is illustrated in my mind right now. This has been an amazing experience, and I do not regret it! Waking up early is the worst for me however I got a lot out of the classes that I attended. I learned so much, and I am certainly prepared for the classes I will be taking in the fall. I am just so glad I know where every single building is now; I was having a hard time getting from point A to point B for a little bit in the beginning! Tomorrow is the fashion show and I AM SO EXCITED! Hopefully everyone attends; it is going to be an unforgettable and FUN night. This weekend is also going to be quite exciting and I hope everyone has fun with whatever they are doing; even if they will not be at campus for the weekend. In August, I hope to go to the beach A LOT and every single theme and waterpark! I need my last month to be a REAL vacation, even if its pretty short =( My birthday is on August 14th! So I am pretty psyched about that; I will be turning 18! Yay!

Blog Entry #8

The only places I have been to throughout my entire life so far is Puerto Rico, Florida, and Wildwood. I have not gone very far, but those 3 places are beautiful and it is very clear I love the beach for all three places have beautiful sunny weather as well as beaches. My ultimate dream is to visit the beautiful Island of Barbados. There is no particular place in Barbados I would be interested in going to, however I would go anywhere that has a beach. Everytime I hear the name of the Island, I feel relaxed and peaceful. Its almost as if Barbados symbolized "tranquility." I have a passion for swimming therefore I would be in the water ALL DAY. I have looked up images online of Barbados and I viewed the beach which has CLEAR BLUE WATER. I have no idea why however that fascinates me for I have never been to a beach where there was actual CLEAR BLUE water. I would also love to see dolphins and any other friendly sea mammals that are living there. I also love sinking my feet through the sand and from what I heard, Barbados has smooth, white, sand. I know I will go to Barbados one day when I am older and able to fend for myself. I also dream to have my wedding in Barbados--it is such a BEAUTIFUL SIGHT!

Blog Entry # 7

I truly admire Oprah Winfrey. She is such a relevant piece of the world, and countless people have her to thank for her support, generosity, kindness, and love. There is not one thing this powerful woman has not done. To be aware of the hardships she faced throughout her childhood simply mindboggles me; it is AMAZING. She is a phenomenal young woman and I pray that she continues to do the impossible. I say the "impossible" for the reason that she is the only successful woman who has done so much philanthropy work along with having her own television show. I commend her for turning her life of negativity into something positive. I was impressed and astonished when I watched an episode of her television show as she built a school for unfortunate young females in Africa. She has also made a complete 360 on people's lives who were in need. She has touched everyone's life including my own because I wish to be as helpful and caring to my community as she always is. The thing I love most about her is she does not brag about the people she helps or the good things she does for others and the world; but she is rather humble. She is the wealthiest African-American woman in America and she deserves every penny she receives. It is so clear that she has wanted to make a difference in people's lives for so long as well as changing the world. She should be very proud of herself for she has given the world the true meaning of love, care, and fine citizenship. I hope to meet her in the future because I will have so much to say to this wonderful woman. Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," and that is exactly what Oprah Winfrey IS.

PBS Video

I am completely appalled and disturbed. This video really taught me a lot for the reason that I was not aware of all of the things that went on over there. It angers me that schools were destroyed and turned into operation bases. It also upset me seeing the expressions of children because they were so fearful of the Taliban and the gunshot sounds from their weapons. I cannot begin to imagine how the childrens minds function. The children appear to be completely brainwashed and are misguided by cruel people. They do not knowq any better therefore they believe sucide bombings and murdering is the right thing to do. Watching the children read the Koran and make movements of "rocking back and forth" scared me because they looked like zombies. I am also angered by the fact that children are not taught major subjects such as Math and Science--they are only allowed to read the Koran which is a language they cannot comprehend. I personally feel that Madrassas are useless and should not just have one thing taught; but a variety of different subjects so that the knowledge of students can grow. Towards the end of the film, it was said that a taliban had children the age of 5, 6, and 7 who were in training of becoming Talibans. That was completely appalling and it disgusted me. I believe women should fight back and come together as they create their own path in doing what they desire. I believe they should be free to speak their minds and fulfill their dreams. Women should not have a "proper" place it sounds so demeaning.

Blog Entry # 6

"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere."- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is certainly considered a role model in my life. She was an extremely courageous woman who did not care what others thought about her. She was never fearful of thinking outside the box and speaking her mind. She has countless other quotes that are absolutely inspiring and influential. I believe this quote means rules are meant to be broken. Marilyn meant if she were to have obeyed every single rule in her life, she would not have been as successful as she became. I completely agree with that quote for the reason that not every single rule is meant to by obided by. I do not follow every single rule in my life; I tend to bend the rules which I do not find anything wrong with. There should be limits to rules because a person should not be told how to function their life. I make the decisions I desire, and follow the path I want to follow. Everyone would be the exact same person if they all followed the same exact rules. If everyone were the same, the world would be very bland and dull. I am the complete opposite of that; I love to speak my mind and simply be different. If everyone is going to the right, I choose to go left. Also, everyone would be perfect if they all followed the rules and there would be no point in living. It was very clear that Monroe loved to stand out and be different from others. Numerous people cared for her and accepted her the way she was. She was never concerned about people not liking her for those people did not matter to her. She was not phased by others that disliked her and she continued to live her life the way she wanted to. I believe being unique and bending some rules makes a person successful and influential. Marilyn Monroe is definetely an idol through other people's eyes as well as mine! Her legacy continues to live on for she was such an important piece of the world.

Blog Entry # 5

In the future, I hope to have the career I've always wanted. I want to be a psychiatrist and help others all around the world. I do not want to have an office in one location; but in several places all around the world. I want to travel assisting people with their problems, and simply getting them back on their feet. I also wish to earn an immense amount of money; I want to have an excellent salary. I have always had a passion for helping others and an interest in reading other people's behaviors. I find it completely impressive to know that there are people in this world that have the ability to discover a person's problem without even knowing who they were to begin with. Most importantly, psychiatrists are able to actually solve their problem for them! In the future, I wish to be successful and happily married with 3 children, I wish to have 2 boys and one girl. Another thing I have always had an interest in doing is volunteer work such as donating blood, money, and anything else. I want to travel across the world in countries that are developing and impoverished because there is always a way to help people there and improve their lifestyle. Oprah Winfrey and Greg Mortenson are both two beautiful inspirations and I hope to be as much of a role model to people as they are. My plan in the future is to simply make a difference as one person. I want to change the way things are today in the world and I will do it one step at a time. I wish to dispose of all the negativity that occurs in the world. Since I was in the 4th grade, I always wanted to become a singer. I'm not exactly sure if it is possible to be both a pyschiatrist and a singer, but who knows; I may be the first to pull it off. Music has always been a way of expressing myself to people and still to this day that is what I do. I always had a passion for singing and I grew out of being nervous and fearful of performing in front of others. Today, I tend to be a little bit shy however if I practice a lot I will do fine. Lastly, I want to be a big-time traveler. The first place I want to visit is the beautiful country of Barbados. I love every single caribbean island for the reason that it gives off an aura of tranquility. I would feel very relaxed and peaceful; the beaches over there are without a doubt impressing and attention grabbing. I also want to travel in all parts of Europe and South America simply because it would be a pleasure to experience the lifestyles of others in those areas.

Blog # 4

I am completely honored to read this book for the reason that Greg Mortenson has a beautiful soul and he means everything he says. He is completely determined to give the unfortunate children of Afghanistan and Pakistan an education so that they are able to excel in the future. Without a doubt, I would be honored if he were to be my father because I would be so proud of all the things he does to help those who are in need. I disagree with the people who write him letters and e-mails indicating that he is not a good father. I believe those people are very much close minded and blind to the things Greg has done for people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Greg sets a wonderful example to those who wish to be leaders in the future. He sets a clear path for everyone to follow. I never exactly thought it would be possible for ONE PERSON to make a difference. Greg had the potential to make a difference in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and he succeeded. I definetely hope to make a difference in the future and even now. I hope to set a wonderful example for others and influence them in a positive way. The thing I realized about Mortenson is that he is never thinking initially for himself; but for those that need help. There are several people in this world who are extremely selfish and would never put anything in their lives on hold for anyone. In the story of "Three Cups of Tea," Mortenson does not continue his climb to the summit of K2 for the reason that he had to help a climber to safety. I feel that takes an abundant amount of courage and I completely commend him for that. That scene also showed that Greg Mortenson had so much faith in himself; everything he said he knew he was going to do. I wish to have a mindset such as that in the future as well as now. Greg Mortenson must continue to shine his light in the path of courageousness, generosity, and determination for there are people who would be willing to follow that light.

Blog Entry #3

I believe my boyfriend has drastically changed my life. I never exactly received as much love and attention from my mother like my brother always has, thus I seeked to find that attention elsewhere. My mother always favored my brother; and she made it very clear that it was going to remain that way. There was nothing I could do and when a person does not receive the love they need during the time of their childhood until their adulthood, they tend to search for it unstoppably because everyone needs love. There is not one person in this universe that does not want to be loved or cared for. I would not say he changed me; but rather he motivated me to change my own life. Inside, I used to be a sad and gloomy person before I met him, however I always kept it inside of me because I had no one to speak with about how I feel. Trust is very valuable to me and it is also very limited; I do not trust many people at all. I feel he has definitely pulled me out of my shell and I feel a lot more open, energetic, and charasmatic with people. Now, there is no need to hide my gloominess for I have no more of those emotions. My boyfriend is without a doubt my reflection; a male version of me. I tell him everything for the reason that I trust him with my life; he means a lot to me. We have known each other for almost 2 years and recently started dating. He has a beautiful mind, heart, and soul. I thank him very much for coming into my life and sharing his with me. I was always running around searching for the affection I never had as a child, teen, and now as an adult however I know now that that is all unnecessary. Sometimes, a person does not need to look very far for the reason that it is possible that the person could be right in front of them. He is such a blessing to me and I thank God for placing him close to me on this earth!

Blog Entry #2

I have certainly done philanthropic work. I took part in a lot of community service while I was a ccd student at the St. Anne's Church in Fair Lawn, NJ. For five summers, I was a camp counselor at the Fair Lawn Bible Church. Each August I would look foward to seeing the children. I was a counselor for Kindergarteners and First graders. During the summer camp, several counselors including myself would plan things for the children to do throughout the week. I would plan fun activities such as making crafts, snack time, sports, and all types of children games. I also was a caregiver at an after school program in Lyncrest Elementary School in Fair Lawn, NJ. There were children from grades K-5 and I enjoyed interacting with each and every one of them. The children would have snack time, homework time, as well as play time. I would assisted the children with their homework and made them feel extremely comfortable and at ease. I volunteered at St. Anne's church as a snack assistant and I took part in the annual fair. I cooked food and brought it to the fair and then sold it. I also assisted any other volunteer that needed help with their duties. I believe there is nothing any more beautiful than to help within your community. Not only will you have a memorable reputation, but you are also making a difference. I hope I set an example for others that wish to change their life around and help the community. Community service was never time consuming for me, but rather a wonderful experience because it is simply a blessing to know that there are people in this world who are willing to make a change in the world and take steps foward although some step back.

Blog Entry # 1

I believe there is a possibility to convince Americans to care about other countries and the people who live there. I feel people that live in other countries should invite Americans to their countries so that they are able to experience and visually see the events that occur in those countries. If Americans visit those countries, they will also see the lifestyle that the people of the country live. In my perspective, everyone struggles in life therefore Americans can actually understand and value their life more. There will always be another person who suffers more than another person. All in all, if Americans catch at least a glimpse of lives in other countries, they would most likely have a greater concern as well as consideration for that country and the people who live there.