The transition from high school to university was, in many ways, refreshing. It was like the slate was wiped clean and I could be whomever I wanted to be. I didn't have to worry about any more drama erupting which so often happened in high school. I didn't have to worry about cliques, or bullying because none of that exists anymore. That's what I hated most about high school - the constant "grouping" of people and how people thought they were superior to others. To me, popularity doesn't exist and never has... but it wasn't always that I saw life in this perspective.
***
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
She stood in the cafeteria line, conscious of her surroundings, yet wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. She shifted her weight from foot to foot. She kept her head down and continuously coughed to rationalize her silence. I watched as she tried to make conversation with a group of girls in front of her. I could tell she worked up a lot of courage to get words out, only to get shut down. They rejected her, thinking they were superior and this girl didn't live up to the privilege to be talked to. I watched this girl and my heart ached for her.
I had seen her in the hallway, alone. I had seen her eating lunch a few times, alone. So here she was again, in the lunch line, alone. I tapped her on the shoulder and smiled, "I really like your sweater! Where'd you get it?" She looked down and stuttered over her words. I could tell in her voice she was emotionally damaged. I continued to make conversation with her and she left the lunchline with a smile on her face.
I was glowing inside, knowing that I shon a little light on her day.
So what is popularity? Why do people feel superior than others? Why do people look down upon others? So, some people wear hand-me-downs, and maybe don't wear makeup. Is that any reason to snub them in the hallway or bully them?
I think I just realized this recently. I mean, everyone realizes it but never does anything to make it better. So, how about not being one of those people who look down at others? Why not partner up with that person in Biology class who sits in the corner? That person who always gets picked last for teams... why not pick that person first? Why not go out of your way to smile and say hi to a person who looks like they need it. It could make their day a whole lot better, maybe even their life.
So before you make fun of that person who doesn't quite seem to fit in, put yourself in their shoes... and maybe you should talk to them, instead of talking about them. Let them know you care.
I care. Do you?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Little of This & That
It certainly feels good to have the slate wiped clean and start fresh this semester. After my first week of classes, I'm feeling enthusiastic and motivated to stay on top of things. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy all my classes, as long as I keep up with the work.
It can be extremely easy to fall off track, and sometimes it can be even easier to stay off track, than to go through the effort of getting back on again. When you're in university, you're not under the constant supervision of your parents (or other guardians), so you inevitably feel tempted to do things you may not have been able to do when you were still at home. You may feel tempted to watch an excessive amount of TV, go out and "party" more often than you should, stay up late, and sleep in late.
It's extremely important that you don't get caught up in all of that and that you keep in mind why you're in university in the first place. You're there to get a degree, so keep focused on that goal. There's nothing wrong with watching television, partying, staying up late or sleeping in, but make sure you get your work done first. You'll enjoy your "extracurriculars" so much better when you're not trying to repress your stress due to the work you haven't done yet!
Putting aside an hour each day to do your work, is much better than leaving it go until the weekend and rushing to get it finished before your class. You'll feel great having done it way in advance!
***
I signed my lease for my apartment next year. Leah (my current roomie) and I are living with my other friend, France. I'm excited because it's about seven minutes closer to campus than where I am at now, and it's also a short walk to the grocery store. We took a tour of the three-person place and we fell in love with it instantly. It's perfectly cozy and we're anxious to move in. It's also a lot cheaper than my rent now and everything is included in the monthly fee; therefore, a lot of my current stress will be diminished because I won't have to worry about dishing out money for separate bills every few weeks.
It'll be May before we know it and I'll be moving in to the new place. I can't believe the first semester is over already. I'm so much closer to entering my last year here at Mount A. Spring break will be flying around the corner in no time; although, it's technically not "spring" break because it's still winter. So, I'll refer to it as "reading week" as that is what it's officially known as. I have no big plans for reading week, but I do know that I'll be going home to the Cape.
***
I'm going to do something a little different for my next blog. It will be a "pictorial blog" where the whole thing will basically be narrated in pictures. I'm doing this, so you'll get a better idea of what my life is like here at MtA, and really get a feel for it through my eyes.
Take care, folks!
Remember to e-mail me if you have any questions or just want to chat.
It can be extremely easy to fall off track, and sometimes it can be even easier to stay off track, than to go through the effort of getting back on again. When you're in university, you're not under the constant supervision of your parents (or other guardians), so you inevitably feel tempted to do things you may not have been able to do when you were still at home. You may feel tempted to watch an excessive amount of TV, go out and "party" more often than you should, stay up late, and sleep in late.
It's extremely important that you don't get caught up in all of that and that you keep in mind why you're in university in the first place. You're there to get a degree, so keep focused on that goal. There's nothing wrong with watching television, partying, staying up late or sleeping in, but make sure you get your work done first. You'll enjoy your "extracurriculars" so much better when you're not trying to repress your stress due to the work you haven't done yet!
Putting aside an hour each day to do your work, is much better than leaving it go until the weekend and rushing to get it finished before your class. You'll feel great having done it way in advance!
***
I signed my lease for my apartment next year. Leah (my current roomie) and I are living with my other friend, France. I'm excited because it's about seven minutes closer to campus than where I am at now, and it's also a short walk to the grocery store. We took a tour of the three-person place and we fell in love with it instantly. It's perfectly cozy and we're anxious to move in. It's also a lot cheaper than my rent now and everything is included in the monthly fee; therefore, a lot of my current stress will be diminished because I won't have to worry about dishing out money for separate bills every few weeks.
It'll be May before we know it and I'll be moving in to the new place. I can't believe the first semester is over already. I'm so much closer to entering my last year here at Mount A. Spring break will be flying around the corner in no time; although, it's technically not "spring" break because it's still winter. So, I'll refer to it as "reading week" as that is what it's officially known as. I have no big plans for reading week, but I do know that I'll be going home to the Cape.
***
I'm going to do something a little different for my next blog. It will be a "pictorial blog" where the whole thing will basically be narrated in pictures. I'm doing this, so you'll get a better idea of what my life is like here at MtA, and really get a feel for it through my eyes.
Take care, folks!
Remember to e-mail me if you have any questions or just want to chat.
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