Head Candy

Today on my way back to school I hopped into a taxi to find a nice, inspiring man driving me safely back to campus. The first few minutes of the ride was a typically awkward taxi ride, but he after one long light he apologized for the long wait and pointed out how poorly the roads are in Tacoma. This lead to me discussing my academic plans, of double majoring English and theatre. His first reaction, was like many, what are you going to do with that? teach? And I confidently replied, yes. What amazed me was when he revealed how jealous he was of me and his dreams of studying classic literature and philosophy and consuming 'head candy,' pleasing and enjoyable treats for the mind. For financial reasons he didn't continue onto college and really wished he had. He wished he was in my position, to explore any academic territory without any fears of what others will think or succumb to financial pressures. He made me realize how fortunate I am. Not everyone can study what they want to, or even have the freedoms to choose what they want to do with their lives without societal or financial pressures. I feel fortunate that I won't spend my life wishing I was able to invest my time in something that interests me, unlike my taxi driver. I admire his courage to even admit his longtime desire to a total stranger. English is 'head candy' for him, consumed sparingly, but for me, its a 'head meal,' its what fuels and drives me and what ultimately keeps me going in life.

Immortality of Words

Last weekend I saw The Pillowman written by Martin McDonagh on my campus. Before seeing the seeing produced by fellow theatre students, I have read the play and am familiar with its dark plot. I was originally expected to be reminded of the horrific scenes in the play, but instead, I had surprisingly inspired. Behind the gruesome tradegy of the play, is a beautiful theme of immortality of words and the universal fight of writers to ensure that their words live on when they don't. As a newly declared English and theatre major, this really really struck cord of inspiration. It made me think of how meaningful my words are, whether spoken or written and the power of art. Art and language are what separates humans from animals. For the next three years and beyond, I will spread this truth with my studies.

Also, on a unrelated note, last night I had an illuminating thought that everyone around me is a buddha like figure. I have been learning many insightful things from a lot of different people. College truly is the place of immense knowledge and personal growth. It hit me last night how incredibly lucky I am to be be at such a fitting university.

Being in the Zone of Life

Firstly, I had an memorable spring break in Orlando, Florida with my tennis team. During this trip I had a insightful talk with my coach. A simple technique question led to great inspiration. He told me that the right brain controls motion and physical action in the body. When I play I tend to over analyze and stress out. The reason I lose some of my matches is because I let my left brain have more control of me than my right brain. In tennis, and life, its important to equally use the right and left brain. In tennis, when hitting a shot, the right brain needs to emerge to give you fluidity and unconscious control. When the right brain is functioning and when you allow it to function, you are able to enter "the zone." The popular term "in the zone" applies on and off court.
The ego lives in the left side of brain. If we use too much of the left side (as I do) unnecessary stress develops. Being 'in the zone' is when you strike a perfect balance between right and left. Your ride side gives you the freedom to make mistakes and not punish yourself for; it allows you to fully express yourself without any hesitation. While the left side allows you assess your judgment and actions as a final detail. So let yourself live! Your left side will jump in if you go a little too crazy.

What Valentines Day Should be About.

Normally I am indifferent and contempt about Valentines Day. To me it was just a marketing devise to sell flowers, chocolates, cheaply made stuffed animals and cheesy love cards, but this year Valentines is more than just bitter and cynical feelings.

In my English class this morning my professor opened the class with her change of perspective on the holiday. She and her five year old daughter made Valentines Day cards for her kindergarten class and her daughter asked her 'why do people hate Valentines Day?" A seemingly awkward let to great insight. Before my professor could even respond to her daughter's question, the girl asked, "Isn't Valentines Day suppose to be the day when you give out hearts?." My professor's moment with her daughter put be in a moment of deep gratitude and joy. Just because I am not in a romantic holiday doesn't mean I can't celebrate the holiday. I am merely celebrating a different type of love. Both my parents sent me Valentines Day care packages, my friends and I exchanged chocolates; Valentines Day is the day to remind yourself just how much you love others and how much they love you. We often take love for granted. In high school, having a relationship seemed to be signify some ridiculous requirement, now that I'm college, relationships are options and choices. For the people in relationships I wish you the best happiness and for those singles out there, soak in the abundance of love that you have and that others have for you.
Happy Valentines Day everyone <3

Who Am I?

Who Am I? A question we first ask ourselves during our adolescent years. As we grow older that question always seems to become more complicated, especially through college as one's interests and outlooks rapidly change.

In one of my classes Representing Multiculuralism, I read an essay entitled, "Who Am I?" that addressed ways of identifying oneself. Hazel Rose Markus argues that race and ethnicity are just one of the few matters that impact the way we see ourselves and the world around us. She also conducted surveys and asked people my age to define themselves. People from Asian countries used defined themselves through academics and family pride, while American teens identified themselves through personal characteristics. Our identities are a grand mixture of personal qualities, cultural upbringings, geographical upbringings, academics, race and ethnicity. We are composed of much more than just a name. This made me realize how much beauty is in the human race. Humans make one too many millions of mistakes, but errors can be avoided if we understand and respect people's backgrounds and upbringings. Every human being on this planet is different. Instead of dismissing those differences, people should learn to embrace them. The world isn't just in black and white, the world is actually quite colorful.

Fresh!

I find a tremendous amount of beauty in the transition between winter to spring. This year was the first year I experienced seasonal changes. Winter was the hardest part of my semester. The low temperatures, the snow, everything was too new and unusual; but I survived and actually enjoyed making snow angels and sledding. After returning home to my tropical abode, I feel awaken and fresh.

Tomorrow marks the first day of my spring semester. Just like the season, my outlook on the next few months is bright and fresh. I love the changes nature experiences, it can turn from dark, cold and dreary to cheery, bright and beautiful in just a few months. It showed me that I can always snap out of a negative attitude. No matter how gloomy things are, a brighter tomorrow is just around the corner.

Speaking of Spring time whats everyone's favorite flower? My favorite are Roses. Elegant, but rough.

Hawaii, my home

This is where I spent my afternoon. I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, but the downside of living in paradise is leaving it. Besides the stunning views and nearly perfect weather, the best part of living in Hawaii is the kindness and support people shower you with. Aloha: Hello, Goodbye and I love you. I will be in and out of Hawaii and will always love it no matter where I am.