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.