Recently, I went to see a performance of a Spanish play entitled Blood Wedding.
My dad instilled in me a great appreciation for the performing arts, especially musical theater. He's a big Frank Loessor fan. However, that was all I really knew. I had seen all the big musicals; I was even in Sweet Charity my freshman year of high school. (Turnin' heads the minute I walked in the joint). Because I was most familiar with popular musical theater, I was anxious to see something different.
I had heard a lot about Blood Wedding from classmates who had seen it before me, some of whom were teching the show. A lot of the comments about it stemmed from the metaphysical aspects of the show and how they were strange and difficult to understand. I had also heard that it was reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.
With all this in mind, I went to the play prepared to dislike it. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it was the analytic skills Thea Kreis hammered into me, but I found the play easy to follow and incredibly engaging.
The character that stood out most to me was death. She was present throughout the entire play, represented by a flamenco dancer. The actress was phenomenal and moved around the stage with haunting beauty. The most interesting part to me occurred in the opening scenes. Death was given certain props to pass between other actors. All of the props she touched seemed to become cursed after that.
In the scene where the bride was receiving her gifts, Death was the one to place them on the table. When the maid attempts to open them, the bride reacts strongly saying that she does not deserve them nor does she want them. When they are opened though, the wedding seems to rapidly become a series of tragedies.
In addition, Death passes a knife to the bridegroom. Later, he uses it to stab his wife's former lover while the lover stabs him as well and they both die.
That symbolism was extremely powerful to me and I thought it created a nice thread from the beginning to the end of the play.
While it was not the typical Broadway hit that I am accustomed to seeing, it was an exciting and engaging play that I highly enjoyed. I am glad I allowed myself to expand my theatrical interest.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Before the Parade Passes by
Earlier this evening, my best friend was in a standup comedy competition. We did improv together for all four years of high school so I feel comfortable making the assertion that she's one of the funniest girls in Maryland, if not the country. Granted, I may be a little biased but she really is hysterical.
Watching her video tonight made me miss her more than I already do. It also made me realize how different we've both become. We've only been apart for a few months and we still talk every day but we have these totally new lives that neither one is a part of.
Nicole is growing up so much. I see it in her standup videos. I hear it when we talk on the phone. I notice it in her texts. She was always wonderful but now it's something more, something different.
I'm so proud of Nicole and I love watching her grow up but we used to grow together; now, I feel like I'm missing out.
It's especially apparent with Nicole but it feels that way with a lot of my other friends too. They seem to have new identities. They're all finding themselves and pursuing their interests and I sit here in my room wondering how I should address my roommate's clever avoidance of cleaning.
Of course I have interests and I'm learning a lot about myself being so far from home but I'm not enjoying the same success as everyone else. I need a goal again. I need to drive again. I wanna feel my heart coming alive again.
So here it is internet, y'all are officially holding me to this: I am going to pursue those things that I put on the back burner for whatever reason. Starting with open mic night. I solemnly promise to you internet that I will sign up for open mic night and do something whether it be reading a poem, or doing standup, or singing, despite my intense fear of singing for a crowd. I just don't want the parade to pass me by.
Sincerely,
Mare
Watching her video tonight made me miss her more than I already do. It also made me realize how different we've both become. We've only been apart for a few months and we still talk every day but we have these totally new lives that neither one is a part of.
Nicole is growing up so much. I see it in her standup videos. I hear it when we talk on the phone. I notice it in her texts. She was always wonderful but now it's something more, something different.
I'm so proud of Nicole and I love watching her grow up but we used to grow together; now, I feel like I'm missing out.
It's especially apparent with Nicole but it feels that way with a lot of my other friends too. They seem to have new identities. They're all finding themselves and pursuing their interests and I sit here in my room wondering how I should address my roommate's clever avoidance of cleaning.
Of course I have interests and I'm learning a lot about myself being so far from home but I'm not enjoying the same success as everyone else. I need a goal again. I need to drive again. I wanna feel my heart coming alive again.
So here it is internet, y'all are officially holding me to this: I am going to pursue those things that I put on the back burner for whatever reason. Starting with open mic night. I solemnly promise to you internet that I will sign up for open mic night and do something whether it be reading a poem, or doing standup, or singing, despite my intense fear of singing for a crowd. I just don't want the parade to pass me by.
Sincerely,
Mare
Monday, November 18, 2013
Guided Assignment 7
In this assignment, I'm meant to respond to the book "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women." For those of you who haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
The clever thing the authors of this book do is give examples of women and girls they have met who were in oppressive situations but by being educated or rescued from brothels or financially supported, they have been able to overcome their circumstances.
One that particularly stood out to me was the story of Dai Manju. Manju was 13 when she met the authors, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, in a rural mountain region of China. She had been asked to drop out of elementary school by her parents in the sixth grade because they could not afford the $13 a year tuition. She was at the top of her class though and she loved learning. She wanted to be the first member of her family to graduate elementary school.
Kristof and WuDunn wrote an article about her for the New York Times which sparked a generous man to donate $10,000 for her tuition. The money allowed the school to be renovated and for scholarships to be available for girls who couldn't afford school, including Manju.
With the scholarship, Manju made it all the way to accounting school, the equivalent of college. She graduated and found a job in a factory and was able to send more and more money home to her parents. After a few years there, she was able to find jobs for family and friends in the factory. Now, her family is one of the richest in her village.
Dai Manju's story is remarkable to me. She grew up impoverished with little hope of continuing her education. However, because one man invested in her future, she was able to receive an education that allowed her to get a job and support her family.
It is incredible to me how much an education can do for someone.
This story also makes me realize how lucky I am. My parents had little to no trouble putting me through 12 years of catholic school, elementary and high school. Now I'm at college and I earned a sizable scholarship but my parents still don't have an issue paying the difference. I never had to worry about buying pencils or paper. I never had to wonder if I would be able to continue my education to the next year.
I have taken all of this for granted. I always work my hardest and take the harder classes but it was all in the interest of making my future self as successful as possible. I never thought about supporting my parents (and probably my sister because you can only live comfortably on a waitressing income for so long). I also never realized how much good for others my education could do. I'm fortunate enough to be able to make it through university. I can advocate for those women who can't. Any good I do could encourage someone to invest in other women all over the world so that they can end the cycle of poverty and oppression.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Guided Assignment 6
Our assignment for this post is to discuss the words feminine and masculine and what they make us think of.
Maybe I'm crazy but those two words take me back to the four years of Latin I took in high school. Every word was either masculine, feminine or neuter and you could tell by the way it was declined. For the third declension though, there was no distinction between masculine and feminine; their personal endings were the same.
This was always interesting to me because in English, words don't have a gender. There is no division between what is masculine and feminine. And for some reason, a few third declension nouns in Latin get to enjoy that freedom.
Freedom. Now that's an interesting word. Why am I using freedom to describe something that isn't defined by gender? It's because that's not a freedom many of use get to enjoy these days.
So much of who we are and what we're allowed to do stem from our gender.
For a better part of American history, women were not allowed to do most of things men could do including vote or own property. It took years of protesting and law making to get women where they are today and even then they are not equal to men. They are still paid less than men and continue to be thought of as "the angle in the house," or "domestic goddess."
However, being a man is not much easier. Men not only discriminate against women but also against other men. It took a majority of American history for black men to even be allowed the right to vote. Now Latino and Hispanic men are at the bottom of the food chain, dominating the menial, labor intensive jobs because there is such a stigma against them.
That's not even the worst part though. I find it even more offensive when people use the adjectival forms of gender to discriminate. For example, when a boy is made fun of and ridiculed because he is "feminine," that's awful to me. The word feminine exemplifies all the best qualities of women: compassion, empathy, intelligence, and perseverance. To use that as an insult because the person being called feminine isn't a woman, is horrific. Just because a man is feminine doesn't mean he deserves to be treated with any less respect than a man who "properly" embodies his gender role by being strong and unemotional.
Gender roles are something that this country has always struggled with. During the 60s there was a lot of sexual exploration and gender roles definitely changed but it today, it still feels like women are inferior. We were only just allowed to participate in all forms of combat at the beginning of this year which still baffles me. If someone is willing to join the military to fight for their country they should be allowed to do just that, regardless of gender.
I think that it's important to realize how far women have come but also note that our journey isn't over. Equality for all people of any gender, race or socioeconomic class should be a goal for this country to strive for.
Maybe I'm crazy but those two words take me back to the four years of Latin I took in high school. Every word was either masculine, feminine or neuter and you could tell by the way it was declined. For the third declension though, there was no distinction between masculine and feminine; their personal endings were the same.
This was always interesting to me because in English, words don't have a gender. There is no division between what is masculine and feminine. And for some reason, a few third declension nouns in Latin get to enjoy that freedom.
Freedom. Now that's an interesting word. Why am I using freedom to describe something that isn't defined by gender? It's because that's not a freedom many of use get to enjoy these days.
So much of who we are and what we're allowed to do stem from our gender.
For a better part of American history, women were not allowed to do most of things men could do including vote or own property. It took years of protesting and law making to get women where they are today and even then they are not equal to men. They are still paid less than men and continue to be thought of as "the angle in the house," or "domestic goddess."
However, being a man is not much easier. Men not only discriminate against women but also against other men. It took a majority of American history for black men to even be allowed the right to vote. Now Latino and Hispanic men are at the bottom of the food chain, dominating the menial, labor intensive jobs because there is such a stigma against them.
That's not even the worst part though. I find it even more offensive when people use the adjectival forms of gender to discriminate. For example, when a boy is made fun of and ridiculed because he is "feminine," that's awful to me. The word feminine exemplifies all the best qualities of women: compassion, empathy, intelligence, and perseverance. To use that as an insult because the person being called feminine isn't a woman, is horrific. Just because a man is feminine doesn't mean he deserves to be treated with any less respect than a man who "properly" embodies his gender role by being strong and unemotional.
Gender roles are something that this country has always struggled with. During the 60s there was a lot of sexual exploration and gender roles definitely changed but it today, it still feels like women are inferior. We were only just allowed to participate in all forms of combat at the beginning of this year which still baffles me. If someone is willing to join the military to fight for their country they should be allowed to do just that, regardless of gender.
I think that it's important to realize how far women have come but also note that our journey isn't over. Equality for all people of any gender, race or socioeconomic class should be a goal for this country to strive for.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Here I am, Lord?
This morning, my friend and I took a trip to Austin High School to attend an Austin Stone service. For those of you who have never heard of it, here are some statements from their about page:
"We love Jesus, God’s Word, and each other. We're taking Jesus' revolutionary message of grace, truth, and compassion to Austin and to the world."
"The Austin Stone is a Church for the City. We're much more than a church to attend, but a community centered on the person and mission of Jesus Christ. We're actively working to build a great Austin, renewed and redeemed by the gospel. "
Does it sound like a cult to you? Because that's kind of what it felt like. I mean I didn't feel like I was being brainwashed or anything I just felt highly uncomfortable.
I'm so used to the traditional Roman Catholic setting where they sing classic songs and there is a lot of silence and reflection and we we read from the Bible and pray together. This service started like a Christian rock concert, then there was a lecture on the theme for the next few weeks, then more singing.
I feel like Austin Stone is a personal finance class and Catholicism is Calculus. If you have a really engaging professor you can learn a lot in calc, but if he's boring and you can barely stay awake, let alone understand him, then it becomes impossible to learn. Calculus has a lot of practical applications but again if you slept through your professor's explanation you just don't know them. Personal finance on the other hand is different. Of course a bad professor could make it more difficult but you still remember almost everything you learn because it's stuff that you need. All the practical applications work for you almost 100% of the time. You will always need to know how to manage credit cards and insurance and a mortgage, whereas in calc, you only need to know optimization if you're a box manufacturer and you want to use the least amount of cardboard to make a million 2x3x2 boxes.
Listening to the pastor of Austin Stone discuss Bible verses as they apply to us today was new for me. I'm sure my priests do that too but it can be so hard to pay attention and sometimes it feels like I'm too far removed. The pastor at Austin Stone was very engaging and everything he said made so much sense. He taught a valuable lesson but I'm unsure if I want to attend again. It was vastly different from any service I've ever been to. I appreciated the message but I felt light years away from my comfort zone and when it comes down to it, you have to be comfortable with your faith in order to practice it.
I'm sure Austin Stone is a wonderful spiritual outlet for a lot of people but to be completely honest, it scares me and I get a cult-y vibe. I want to spend my hour a week with Christ in a church, singing "Lord of the Dance" and praying the Nicene Creed.
Sincerely,
Mare
"We love Jesus, God’s Word, and each other. We're taking Jesus' revolutionary message of grace, truth, and compassion to Austin and to the world."
"The Austin Stone is a Church for the City. We're much more than a church to attend, but a community centered on the person and mission of Jesus Christ. We're actively working to build a great Austin, renewed and redeemed by the gospel. "
Does it sound like a cult to you? Because that's kind of what it felt like. I mean I didn't feel like I was being brainwashed or anything I just felt highly uncomfortable.
I'm so used to the traditional Roman Catholic setting where they sing classic songs and there is a lot of silence and reflection and we we read from the Bible and pray together. This service started like a Christian rock concert, then there was a lecture on the theme for the next few weeks, then more singing.
I feel like Austin Stone is a personal finance class and Catholicism is Calculus. If you have a really engaging professor you can learn a lot in calc, but if he's boring and you can barely stay awake, let alone understand him, then it becomes impossible to learn. Calculus has a lot of practical applications but again if you slept through your professor's explanation you just don't know them. Personal finance on the other hand is different. Of course a bad professor could make it more difficult but you still remember almost everything you learn because it's stuff that you need. All the practical applications work for you almost 100% of the time. You will always need to know how to manage credit cards and insurance and a mortgage, whereas in calc, you only need to know optimization if you're a box manufacturer and you want to use the least amount of cardboard to make a million 2x3x2 boxes.
Listening to the pastor of Austin Stone discuss Bible verses as they apply to us today was new for me. I'm sure my priests do that too but it can be so hard to pay attention and sometimes it feels like I'm too far removed. The pastor at Austin Stone was very engaging and everything he said made so much sense. He taught a valuable lesson but I'm unsure if I want to attend again. It was vastly different from any service I've ever been to. I appreciated the message but I felt light years away from my comfort zone and when it comes down to it, you have to be comfortable with your faith in order to practice it.
I'm sure Austin Stone is a wonderful spiritual outlet for a lot of people but to be completely honest, it scares me and I get a cult-y vibe. I want to spend my hour a week with Christ in a church, singing "Lord of the Dance" and praying the Nicene Creed.
Sincerely,
Mare
Monday, October 28, 2013
iCan't
Let me preface this rant by giving a brief explanation:
At my school, you are required to pass a "computer competency" test in order to take certain classes. It basically tests your knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and your computer in general. You have to score a 90% on all 5 exams.
That being said, these tests are impossible! I am completely incapable of passing a single one of these tests and let me tell you, it's not for lack of trying. The hours I have spent pouring over the tutorials and googling answers were to no avail because I failed every test multiple times. And the best part is, once you fail, they change the questions so you can't even go off of what you know. You have to go back to step one and pour over the tutorials and google all the answers only to fail again and wish computers had never been invented.
I have reached that point. I totally resent technology at this point in my life. I hate my phone and that it progresses faster than I can understand. I hate my computer because something new goes wrong everyday (my keyboard locked earlier and it took at least a half hour to figure out how to undo it).
Everything just feels so over complicated.
Sure, writing essays with a pen and paper would be horribly time consuming but they would save you the strife of accidentally not saving the file correctly and losing all of your work.
Staying connected via snail mail is just as rewarding if not more so than the social media platforms available to us currently.
Even this blog. I don't need to tell the internet how I feel; I could simply keep a diary for myself.
Technology is too much for me to handle. With Apple creating new iPhones and iPods and iDontKnows, and Microsoft updating Word every year, I just sit by waiting for one of these industrial dynamos to make a time machine so I can ship myself back to 1920, Midnight in Paris style.
Unfortunately, until that happens, I have to prove that I know the difference between an icon and shortcut (SPOILER ALERT: I don't).
Sincerely,
Mare
At my school, you are required to pass a "computer competency" test in order to take certain classes. It basically tests your knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and your computer in general. You have to score a 90% on all 5 exams.
That being said, these tests are impossible! I am completely incapable of passing a single one of these tests and let me tell you, it's not for lack of trying. The hours I have spent pouring over the tutorials and googling answers were to no avail because I failed every test multiple times. And the best part is, once you fail, they change the questions so you can't even go off of what you know. You have to go back to step one and pour over the tutorials and google all the answers only to fail again and wish computers had never been invented.
I have reached that point. I totally resent technology at this point in my life. I hate my phone and that it progresses faster than I can understand. I hate my computer because something new goes wrong everyday (my keyboard locked earlier and it took at least a half hour to figure out how to undo it).
Everything just feels so over complicated.
Sure, writing essays with a pen and paper would be horribly time consuming but they would save you the strife of accidentally not saving the file correctly and losing all of your work.
Staying connected via snail mail is just as rewarding if not more so than the social media platforms available to us currently.
Even this blog. I don't need to tell the internet how I feel; I could simply keep a diary for myself.
Technology is too much for me to handle. With Apple creating new iPhones and iPods and iDontKnows, and Microsoft updating Word every year, I just sit by waiting for one of these industrial dynamos to make a time machine so I can ship myself back to 1920, Midnight in Paris style.
Unfortunately, until that happens, I have to prove that I know the difference between an icon and shortcut (SPOILER ALERT: I don't).
Sincerely,
Mare
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Guided Assignment 5
This post is for the purpose of brainstorming topics for paper 3.
I have been conducting research on gun control and looking at opinions from political leaders and the general public. I have also been reviewing Supreme Court cases.
I have to relate this topic to social justice, race, or gender. I believe gun control lends itself best to social justice. I will be writing to persuade my audience that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce the number of mass shootings.
I will be looking at mass shootings that have occurred in the passt two or three years and discussing the number of victims, the gunman's profile, and statements made by political leaders following the incidences. I will also be looking at proposed laws that came up as a response.
I have been conducting research on gun control and looking at opinions from political leaders and the general public. I have also been reviewing Supreme Court cases.
I have to relate this topic to social justice, race, or gender. I believe gun control lends itself best to social justice. I will be writing to persuade my audience that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce the number of mass shootings.
I will be looking at mass shootings that have occurred in the passt two or three years and discussing the number of victims, the gunman's profile, and statements made by political leaders following the incidences. I will also be looking at proposed laws that came up as a response.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Have You Read the YouTube Comments Lately?
Half of my lecture course on the 60s is about the arts and activism of the time so we listen to a lot of songs as homework. Recently we were assigned "Feel Like I'm Fixing to Die" by Country Joe McDonald. Out of curiosity I looked at some of the comments. A lot of people replaced the times McDonald says Viet Nam with Syria or Afghanistan which didn't half surprise me but then I stumbled across an interesting one.
In a nutshell, this person was suggesting that we all start gardens and move off the grid but keep our guns because our second amendment rights protect us so we can shoot members of the KKK if we feel threatened by them.
An elegant solution, sir.
Although I don't agree with this man, at least he is proposing a solution other than war. The issue in Syria continues to escalate and it is unclear if the US will physically engage with them. There has to be a way other than war to resolve our issues in the Middle East. Negotiation can be difficult but it's worth a shot. If it doesn't work though, I think we ought to let whatever happens, happen. It's not our place to be there.
To that, most people argue: but what about WWII? There was a mass genocide going on. It was our moral obligation to stop it. I agree that anything that can be done to stop unnecessary killing should be done but WWII was a different situation entirely. Back then we were fighting against the cancer that was fascism so that those infected nations could have the opportunity for freedom and self determination; now we're fighting to protect our oil interests.
A positive thing we have now that we didn't have during WWII is the United Nations. If we remove our military from the Middle East, we can keep UN representatives there to monitor diplomacy and look out for any type of genocide or killing of civilians. These representatives can then alert the Security Council and they can make a decision about how to stop whatever injustice is being performed. Other than that, I think our involvement should be very minimal.
If my plan doesn't work, we can always move off the grid and kill the Klan.
Sincerely,
Mare
An elegant solution, sir.
Although I don't agree with this man, at least he is proposing a solution other than war. The issue in Syria continues to escalate and it is unclear if the US will physically engage with them. There has to be a way other than war to resolve our issues in the Middle East. Negotiation can be difficult but it's worth a shot. If it doesn't work though, I think we ought to let whatever happens, happen. It's not our place to be there.
To that, most people argue: but what about WWII? There was a mass genocide going on. It was our moral obligation to stop it. I agree that anything that can be done to stop unnecessary killing should be done but WWII was a different situation entirely. Back then we were fighting against the cancer that was fascism so that those infected nations could have the opportunity for freedom and self determination; now we're fighting to protect our oil interests.
A positive thing we have now that we didn't have during WWII is the United Nations. If we remove our military from the Middle East, we can keep UN representatives there to monitor diplomacy and look out for any type of genocide or killing of civilians. These representatives can then alert the Security Council and they can make a decision about how to stop whatever injustice is being performed. Other than that, I think our involvement should be very minimal.
If my plan doesn't work, we can always move off the grid and kill the Klan.
Sincerely,
Mare
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Home Is Where the Heart Is
I always knew that coming all the way to Austin for college was going to be difficult. I wouldn't be able to get home as much as the other kids; I would have to adjust to the culture; I would have to get along without a support system.
I feel like I've done all that. I'm okay with the fact that I can't see my family every month or even every weekend. I've started saying y'all, so I'm pretty much a certified Texan. And I've made some really great friends. They're so good to me.
I just didn't realize how hard it would be to watch everyone stay so connected with their family and friends. Only a few girls in my class made it west of the Mississippi, but most of them went to California. Me, I'm in Texas, all by myself. I don't get to go home on the weekends like a lot of kids here. I don't have an aunt or an uncle I can go see and catch up with. I don't even have a family that can afford a flight home for Thanksgiving.
I love it here, don't get me wrong. I just didn't expect to have to grow up so fast. I don't see my family and friends every single day anymore. It's quite a rude awakening to know that after 18 years of support, you're cut off.
I wish I could go home for Thanksgiving, or at least fly to St. Louis to see my sister. Money's been tight though and I don't want to be selfish. I chose this life. My parents did enough to get me out here. The least I can do is tough it out for a few days in November. And besides, after that, it's only a few weeks until winter break which happens to start on my mom's birthday. It'll be great to celebrate with her. It'll be great to just be held by her and hear her call me "honey bunny" the way she does when she's poking fun at me. God, I miss that woman.
I miss home. I'll never really be whole while I'm away, but I'm starting to think that's true of Austin too. This is my city now, and although looking out over Lady Bird Lake isn't the same as the Potomac (or the Anacostia), it's getting to be familiar. It's getting to be like home.
Sincerely,
Mare
I feel like I've done all that. I'm okay with the fact that I can't see my family every month or even every weekend. I've started saying y'all, so I'm pretty much a certified Texan. And I've made some really great friends. They're so good to me.
I just didn't realize how hard it would be to watch everyone stay so connected with their family and friends. Only a few girls in my class made it west of the Mississippi, but most of them went to California. Me, I'm in Texas, all by myself. I don't get to go home on the weekends like a lot of kids here. I don't have an aunt or an uncle I can go see and catch up with. I don't even have a family that can afford a flight home for Thanksgiving.
I love it here, don't get me wrong. I just didn't expect to have to grow up so fast. I don't see my family and friends every single day anymore. It's quite a rude awakening to know that after 18 years of support, you're cut off.
I wish I could go home for Thanksgiving, or at least fly to St. Louis to see my sister. Money's been tight though and I don't want to be selfish. I chose this life. My parents did enough to get me out here. The least I can do is tough it out for a few days in November. And besides, after that, it's only a few weeks until winter break which happens to start on my mom's birthday. It'll be great to celebrate with her. It'll be great to just be held by her and hear her call me "honey bunny" the way she does when she's poking fun at me. God, I miss that woman.
I miss home. I'll never really be whole while I'm away, but I'm starting to think that's true of Austin too. This is my city now, and although looking out over Lady Bird Lake isn't the same as the Potomac (or the Anacostia), it's getting to be familiar. It's getting to be like home.
Sincerely,
Mare
Monday, October 14, 2013
Let's Talk About Sex, Baby
Growing up Catholic, I was always taught that premarital sex was wrong. But looking around, I got a different impression. Television, movies, advertisements, everything was telling me that sex was cool and that you could do it whenever you wanted.
These conflicting ideas were cause for much consternation during my development. I spent a lot of time wondering if I was missing something, or if sex was even as important as the church made it seem.
Eventually, I came to the conclusion that sex is a very big deal indeed. To me, sex is something that should be shared by people who are in love and who are willing to commit 100% of themselves to each other. The decision to do it should be made after college at least so you have a little more life experience and maturity. I plan to wait until marriage or at least until I'm engaged because I want this to be something I share with only one person.
I know that a lot of people are more lax about it and that they'd rather not wait and I'm no one to judge, I just have a deep respect for sex and I plan to remain chaste (probably because of the prayers of my improv team as well as my own mentality).
However, when I say I'm not one to judge, that doesn't mean I won't give my opinion. For instance, my best friend is planning to lose her virginity when she comes home for Thanksgiving break. When she told me this, I went a little bananas (or a lot). I don't think she's mature enough to be making this decision. Her history with this boy is spastic and complicated. They don't have a healthy relationship, and it's been even worse because she's away at college and the boys there give her a lot of attention which she is all too happy to return. I spent a lot of time asking her questions and making sure she knew what she was getting into and after all that she still hasn't made me believe her. Instead she started ignoring me and I haven't spoken to her in a few weeks.
I know she doesn't share my views and I know she doesn't agree with the church but her view of sex is so skewed because all she really knows comes from the media. She believes sex isn't anything special and that wanting to do it is the same as being ready to do it. I think this is due in part to how casually it's treated in this day and age. Shows like Gossip Girl or Grey's Anatomy treat sex like a cigarette break: something pleasurable done a few times a day to relieve stress.
I really miss the days when to know about sex was to experience it firsthand in privacy, if not in wedlock. Let's start leaving things up to the imagination shall we?
Sincerely,
Mare
These conflicting ideas were cause for much consternation during my development. I spent a lot of time wondering if I was missing something, or if sex was even as important as the church made it seem.
Eventually, I came to the conclusion that sex is a very big deal indeed. To me, sex is something that should be shared by people who are in love and who are willing to commit 100% of themselves to each other. The decision to do it should be made after college at least so you have a little more life experience and maturity. I plan to wait until marriage or at least until I'm engaged because I want this to be something I share with only one person.
I know that a lot of people are more lax about it and that they'd rather not wait and I'm no one to judge, I just have a deep respect for sex and I plan to remain chaste (probably because of the prayers of my improv team as well as my own mentality).
However, when I say I'm not one to judge, that doesn't mean I won't give my opinion. For instance, my best friend is planning to lose her virginity when she comes home for Thanksgiving break. When she told me this, I went a little bananas (or a lot). I don't think she's mature enough to be making this decision. Her history with this boy is spastic and complicated. They don't have a healthy relationship, and it's been even worse because she's away at college and the boys there give her a lot of attention which she is all too happy to return. I spent a lot of time asking her questions and making sure she knew what she was getting into and after all that she still hasn't made me believe her. Instead she started ignoring me and I haven't spoken to her in a few weeks.
I know she doesn't share my views and I know she doesn't agree with the church but her view of sex is so skewed because all she really knows comes from the media. She believes sex isn't anything special and that wanting to do it is the same as being ready to do it. I think this is due in part to how casually it's treated in this day and age. Shows like Gossip Girl or Grey's Anatomy treat sex like a cigarette break: something pleasurable done a few times a day to relieve stress.
I really miss the days when to know about sex was to experience it firsthand in privacy, if not in wedlock. Let's start leaving things up to the imagination shall we?
Sincerely,
Mare
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Guided Assignment 4
My rhet and comp class is taken in conjunction with a lecture on the 60s. This lecture covers everything about the 60s including the Vietnam War which is the topic we're currently discussing.
Right now, we're looking a the use of the media and comparing to other wars America has been/is involved in.
This is a really fascinating topic for me, history buff that I am, because of the way the media has evolved over time. Most of the pictures and posters I see from WWI and WWII are propaganda used to support or condemn the war. Then we move into the Cold War. Propaganda was important during the Cold War as well but we also begin to see uncensored pictures of devastated areas like East Berlin. It wasn't really until Vietnam, the first televised war, that Americans were really aware of what their soldiers faced. Much of it was censored so that support of the war wouldn't drop (which it did anyway), but it was still more than the public had previously seen. Now, in the midst of the War in Afghanistan, correspondents are risking their lives more than ever to provide Americans with the truth about what's happening to their soldiers but magazines and newspapers are too afraid to print the more graphic pictures for fear of losing readers. The Department of Defense also has precautionary regulations when it comes to printing pictures taken from the front.
In my opinion, these images must be shared. It is only once the public gets get an honest idea of the war that they can begin to make informed decisions about if they want this to continue or not. The victims portrayed in these startling pictures are human begins, regardless of race or relationship to the Taliban, and the sooner we realize that the better.
Make love not war y'all.
Right now, we're looking a the use of the media and comparing to other wars America has been/is involved in.
This is a really fascinating topic for me, history buff that I am, because of the way the media has evolved over time. Most of the pictures and posters I see from WWI and WWII are propaganda used to support or condemn the war. Then we move into the Cold War. Propaganda was important during the Cold War as well but we also begin to see uncensored pictures of devastated areas like East Berlin. It wasn't really until Vietnam, the first televised war, that Americans were really aware of what their soldiers faced. Much of it was censored so that support of the war wouldn't drop (which it did anyway), but it was still more than the public had previously seen. Now, in the midst of the War in Afghanistan, correspondents are risking their lives more than ever to provide Americans with the truth about what's happening to their soldiers but magazines and newspapers are too afraid to print the more graphic pictures for fear of losing readers. The Department of Defense also has precautionary regulations when it comes to printing pictures taken from the front.
In my opinion, these images must be shared. It is only once the public gets get an honest idea of the war that they can begin to make informed decisions about if they want this to continue or not. The victims portrayed in these startling pictures are human begins, regardless of race or relationship to the Taliban, and the sooner we realize that the better.
Make love not war y'all.
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Girl Who Reads
I don't get asked to parties. This is college right? Aren't I supposed to be out all the time living it up? Isn't this my time to rebel against the fetters of my youth? For of a lot of people that's exactly what they do. But I don't get asked to parties.
I am the girl who reads.
You know the type. There's always that girl who might be pretty under her acne and glasses but is known more for her brains than her looks. The guys think she's nice enough but they'd sooner ask for her help on math homework than a date.
This stereotype comes in varying degrees. I'd like to think that despite my reserved, librarian-esque demeanor, I'm fairly pretty. But most guys instantly put me into that category of homely bookworms. I don't mind being the smart girl, but it's nice to be thought of as physically appealing.
Unfortunately, the exact opposite stereotype is just as prevalent: the ditzy knockout.
You know her too. She's unfathomably beautiful. Legs for days, flawless skin and perfect hair to cover that empty head.
Of course this varies as well but how could you blame these beauties for leaning to the dumb side? They spent all of last night out with soccer team instead of studying for the English exam. And why shouldn't they? They can't help that they're incredibly blessed.
The reason I'm bringing this up is because I recently read an article for rhet and comp by popular celebrity gossip columnist Anne Helen Peterson about Olivia Wilde. Peterson discusses Wilde as an anomaly because she appears to be intelligent as well as drop dead gorgeous. How is this possible when all we know is the dichotomy of smart and unattractive v. beautiful and stupid? Olivia Wilde arguably comes the closest to bridging the gap but what about the rest of us lowly folk? How do we make ourselves Olivia Wildes?
The best solution I can think of is to just eliminate the dichotomy all together.
Guys: stop judging girls solely on their looks. Bookworms enjoy companionship too!
Ladies: just because you're smart doesn't mean you have to give up on your looks. It's nice to look nice sometimes. And if you're stunning, don't rely on only your looks. Your head isn't just for makeup; fill it with facts.
Just some food for thought.
Sincerely,
Mare
I am the girl who reads.
You know the type. There's always that girl who might be pretty under her acne and glasses but is known more for her brains than her looks. The guys think she's nice enough but they'd sooner ask for her help on math homework than a date.
This stereotype comes in varying degrees. I'd like to think that despite my reserved, librarian-esque demeanor, I'm fairly pretty. But most guys instantly put me into that category of homely bookworms. I don't mind being the smart girl, but it's nice to be thought of as physically appealing.
Unfortunately, the exact opposite stereotype is just as prevalent: the ditzy knockout.
You know her too. She's unfathomably beautiful. Legs for days, flawless skin and perfect hair to cover that empty head.
Of course this varies as well but how could you blame these beauties for leaning to the dumb side? They spent all of last night out with soccer team instead of studying for the English exam. And why shouldn't they? They can't help that they're incredibly blessed.
The reason I'm bringing this up is because I recently read an article for rhet and comp by popular celebrity gossip columnist Anne Helen Peterson about Olivia Wilde. Peterson discusses Wilde as an anomaly because she appears to be intelligent as well as drop dead gorgeous. How is this possible when all we know is the dichotomy of smart and unattractive v. beautiful and stupid? Olivia Wilde arguably comes the closest to bridging the gap but what about the rest of us lowly folk? How do we make ourselves Olivia Wildes?
The best solution I can think of is to just eliminate the dichotomy all together.
Guys: stop judging girls solely on their looks. Bookworms enjoy companionship too!
Ladies: just because you're smart doesn't mean you have to give up on your looks. It's nice to look nice sometimes. And if you're stunning, don't rely on only your looks. Your head isn't just for makeup; fill it with facts.
Just some food for thought.
Sincerely,
Mare
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Stream of Consciousness
At my last lecture, I decided it would be fun to track my thoughts throughout the class. I chose to write down a list of words and phrases as they came to me. (Don't worry Dr. H. I still took solid notes and paid close attention)
So here it is:
9%
Shh
Ooh bah ba do
Chi-town
Chinatown
Freaky Friday
Brave
Lumberjack
Lumberjacks are tough, huh! Strong and unafraid!
?
SJE
WASPs
Guilty, not guilty
A few good men
No good men
I need a man
I need a hero!
I need your love
Goulding
Aw
Guys and Dolls
*Gasp*
Goose skin
Cold
Snowflake
Nicole
Snuggles
Cuddles
Dogs
My horn can pierce the sky
George Wallace!
Aw
Wheelchair
Keds
Nolan
PLL
Shurn
Soul Survivors
German, Germane, Germane Jackson, Jackson 5, Tito!
Yugoslavia
Class+Ass that's Beyonce
Cats
I don't like it
SNCC
Snick
Nick
Rocket Power!
ATL
World of Coke
Go Badgers
Cool it!*
Stop packing up!
Quit it y'all!
I say y'all now
Seriously stop
You're disrespectful
*From that point on I was getting angry with my lecture class because they pack up before the professor is done teaching and I find it horribly rude.
Anyway, those are my unfiltered thoughts. Enjoy?
Sincerely,
Mare
So here it is:
9%
Shh
Ooh bah ba do
Chi-town
Chinatown
Freaky Friday
Brave
Lumberjack
Lumberjacks are tough, huh! Strong and unafraid!
?
SJE
WASPs
Guilty, not guilty
A few good men
No good men
I need a man
I need a hero!
I need your love
Goulding
Aw
Guys and Dolls
*Gasp*
Goose skin
Cold
Snowflake
Nicole
Snuggles
Cuddles
Dogs
My horn can pierce the sky
George Wallace!
Aw
Wheelchair
Keds
Nolan
PLL
Shurn
Soul Survivors
German, Germane, Germane Jackson, Jackson 5, Tito!
Yugoslavia
Class+Ass that's Beyonce
Cats
I don't like it
SNCC
Snick
Nick
Rocket Power!
ATL
World of Coke
Go Badgers
Cool it!*
Stop packing up!
Quit it y'all!
I say y'all now
Seriously stop
You're disrespectful
*From that point on I was getting angry with my lecture class because they pack up before the professor is done teaching and I find it horribly rude.
Anyway, those are my unfiltered thoughts. Enjoy?
Sincerely,
Mare
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
The Many Talents of my Peers
I've been posting a lot in the passed few days and I'm pretty proud of myself. I also just have a lot to say.
I've been listening to Lorde a lot lately. For those of you who don't know, Lorde is a singer from New Zealand. She's been making waves on American music charts with her song "Royals." A lot of her lesser known songs are pretty great too. She has such a unique sound and mature voice that it's hard to believe she's only 16, 17 in November.
It's girls like Lorde that make me think "what am I doing with my life?"
Everywhere I turn, the younger generation seems to be biting at my heels.
The Fab Five winning gold for the US in gymnastics during the 2012 Summer Olympics is a prime example. I feel so inadequate now. What had I done at their age? "Yeah hi, I haven't won any sort of international athletic title but I can make a killer PB&J sandwich so yeah."
Is this what it's like to be old? You're constantly being replaced by the newer and better model? I feel like I just got started. I'm the iPhone 5 and everyone is relatively happy with me and what I can do but then out of nowhere comes the 5c and it does everything I can do but it comes in colors other than white and black. What the heck? I didn't approve this! I thought I was such a catch! But now you're saying that since I can't sing or defy gravity I'm obsolete?
That's fine though. I'll just continue through life under the radar, until one day I make a magnificent discovery or change the human race forevermore. Then you'll all know me and my talent which rivals those of my peers.
Sincerely,
Mare
I've been listening to Lorde a lot lately. For those of you who don't know, Lorde is a singer from New Zealand. She's been making waves on American music charts with her song "Royals." A lot of her lesser known songs are pretty great too. She has such a unique sound and mature voice that it's hard to believe she's only 16, 17 in November.
It's girls like Lorde that make me think "what am I doing with my life?"
Everywhere I turn, the younger generation seems to be biting at my heels.
The Fab Five winning gold for the US in gymnastics during the 2012 Summer Olympics is a prime example. I feel so inadequate now. What had I done at their age? "Yeah hi, I haven't won any sort of international athletic title but I can make a killer PB&J sandwich so yeah."
Is this what it's like to be old? You're constantly being replaced by the newer and better model? I feel like I just got started. I'm the iPhone 5 and everyone is relatively happy with me and what I can do but then out of nowhere comes the 5c and it does everything I can do but it comes in colors other than white and black. What the heck? I didn't approve this! I thought I was such a catch! But now you're saying that since I can't sing or defy gravity I'm obsolete?
That's fine though. I'll just continue through life under the radar, until one day I make a magnificent discovery or change the human race forevermore. Then you'll all know me and my talent which rivals those of my peers.
Sincerely,
Mare
Guided Assignment 3
Background: Pick a research topic for the next few papers/projects. They have to fall under the category of current American controversies. This blog entry is meant to flesh out some ideas for a topic and how best to approach my argument.
I want to research gun control laws. The subject hits pretty close to home for me because I grew up in the D.C. metro area and we've seen our fair share of gun violence. There was a sniper in my area when I was in the second grade and more recently there was the Navy Yard shooting. Also our family friend, Brian Murphy, was the police officer who stopped the shooter at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin earlier this year.
My biggest challenge will be stopping myself from running away with my emotions. This is a topic I feel strongly about so reigning that in will be tough.
The best approach for my argument would be to argue for stronger gun control laws with the support of credible and scholarly sources from well respected publications and authors.
Then I will provide information about the counter argument and explain why my side should be more widely supported.
Then I'll restate my opinion for emphasis and use rhetorical strategies like appeals to pathos and logos to convince my audience to agree with my opinion.
At the very least, I would like my essay to inform readers about both sides so they can make a decision they believe in.
I want to research gun control laws. The subject hits pretty close to home for me because I grew up in the D.C. metro area and we've seen our fair share of gun violence. There was a sniper in my area when I was in the second grade and more recently there was the Navy Yard shooting. Also our family friend, Brian Murphy, was the police officer who stopped the shooter at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin earlier this year.
My biggest challenge will be stopping myself from running away with my emotions. This is a topic I feel strongly about so reigning that in will be tough.
The best approach for my argument would be to argue for stronger gun control laws with the support of credible and scholarly sources from well respected publications and authors.
Then I will provide information about the counter argument and explain why my side should be more widely supported.
Then I'll restate my opinion for emphasis and use rhetorical strategies like appeals to pathos and logos to convince my audience to agree with my opinion.
At the very least, I would like my essay to inform readers about both sides so they can make a decision they believe in.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Racism, Sexism, Ignorance Oh My!
In my rhet and comp class, and all over campus really, I'm hearing a lot about Miley Cyrus's VMA performance and more recently, the Miss America pageant.
Miley is getting a ton of criticism for her performance because it pushed boundaries, in a manner of speaking. Of course I have a problem with her objectification of women and her use of black people and culture as a marketing gimmick, but I think I'm most disappointed in her for forgetting a huge part of her demographic, pre-teen girls.
As someone who grew up watching Hannah Montana and seeing Miley as a role model, I have to say that I feel betrayed by her complete turn around. When I was younger, I thought of her as someone I'd want as my friend. Maybe she wasn't the best actress or singer but she was dressing appropriately and making pretty sound decisions (besides breaking up with Nick Jonas; honestly what sane person would do that? I'll keep that seventh grade crush with me forever). Now that she's gone off the deep end, she's hardly a good example for any young girl, or human for that matter. Yet, a large part of her audience continues to be pre-teen girls. They don't know any better. She used to be normal. She used to have the best of both worlds. Is she not just expressing herself creatively?
Miley has completely neglected that part of her audience and her inappropriate behavior may drive a generation to act out in extremes the way she appears to be doing.
Now a brief comment on Miss New York being crowned the most recent Miss America.
You go girl! You may be taking a lot of twitter crap and criticism from other social media sites but you have my support!
America is supposed to be known as the melting pot right? We're supposed to be accepting of all races and nations. There will be prejudices of course but the point is to move past them. How many of you are of Irish descent? Do you know how hated the Irish were when they first immigrated to the US? Now, most Caucasians you meet have Irish blood.
So why not skip a step and just accept people from the beginning? Being white is not a characteristic of being American. To those of you naysayers, our President is black; White is a minority majority; and most of us are fine with it. The country is moving forward. You'd better move with it or you'll get left behind.
Miss New York is of Indian descent. To me, there's no one else who's more American.
Rock on Nina Davuluri!
Sincerely,
Mare
Miley is getting a ton of criticism for her performance because it pushed boundaries, in a manner of speaking. Of course I have a problem with her objectification of women and her use of black people and culture as a marketing gimmick, but I think I'm most disappointed in her for forgetting a huge part of her demographic, pre-teen girls.
As someone who grew up watching Hannah Montana and seeing Miley as a role model, I have to say that I feel betrayed by her complete turn around. When I was younger, I thought of her as someone I'd want as my friend. Maybe she wasn't the best actress or singer but she was dressing appropriately and making pretty sound decisions (besides breaking up with Nick Jonas; honestly what sane person would do that? I'll keep that seventh grade crush with me forever). Now that she's gone off the deep end, she's hardly a good example for any young girl, or human for that matter. Yet, a large part of her audience continues to be pre-teen girls. They don't know any better. She used to be normal. She used to have the best of both worlds. Is she not just expressing herself creatively?
Miley has completely neglected that part of her audience and her inappropriate behavior may drive a generation to act out in extremes the way she appears to be doing.
Now a brief comment on Miss New York being crowned the most recent Miss America.
You go girl! You may be taking a lot of twitter crap and criticism from other social media sites but you have my support!
America is supposed to be known as the melting pot right? We're supposed to be accepting of all races and nations. There will be prejudices of course but the point is to move past them. How many of you are of Irish descent? Do you know how hated the Irish were when they first immigrated to the US? Now, most Caucasians you meet have Irish blood.
So why not skip a step and just accept people from the beginning? Being white is not a characteristic of being American. To those of you naysayers, our President is black; White is a minority majority; and most of us are fine with it. The country is moving forward. You'd better move with it or you'll get left behind.
Miss New York is of Indian descent. To me, there's no one else who's more American.
Rock on Nina Davuluri!
Sincerely,
Mare
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Guided Assignment 2
Background: Analyze Stephen Colbert's Truthiness video.
In a clip from a 2005 Colbert Report episode, Stephen Colbert discusses truthiness. The main rhetorical strategy he utilizes is sarcasm. He makes an arguable claim that states logic and thought are unreliable ways to make decisions and that it is best to trust your gut feeling when seeking the truth. The evidence he uses is a clip of an address made by President George W. Bush on the nomination of Harriet Miers to the White House Council. In the clip, the President claims that he "knows [Harriet's] heart." At this, Colbert continues to satirize the decision by likening it to the war in Iraq. Thinking about the war makes it seem bad but wouldn't it feel great if we took down Saddam Hussein?
Throughout the segment, Colbert continues to reiterate his personal preference of going with your gut over your logical reasoning or whatever a reference book might tell you.
Although the overall tone of the segment is humorous sarcasm, Stephen Colbert is actually making a statement on the ineffective decision making of certain leaders like President Bush because they did not take enough time to consider the more logical and reasonable responses to risky situations.
In a clip from a 2005 Colbert Report episode, Stephen Colbert discusses truthiness. The main rhetorical strategy he utilizes is sarcasm. He makes an arguable claim that states logic and thought are unreliable ways to make decisions and that it is best to trust your gut feeling when seeking the truth. The evidence he uses is a clip of an address made by President George W. Bush on the nomination of Harriet Miers to the White House Council. In the clip, the President claims that he "knows [Harriet's] heart." At this, Colbert continues to satirize the decision by likening it to the war in Iraq. Thinking about the war makes it seem bad but wouldn't it feel great if we took down Saddam Hussein?
Throughout the segment, Colbert continues to reiterate his personal preference of going with your gut over your logical reasoning or whatever a reference book might tell you.
Although the overall tone of the segment is humorous sarcasm, Stephen Colbert is actually making a statement on the ineffective decision making of certain leaders like President Bush because they did not take enough time to consider the more logical and reasonable responses to risky situations.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Faith or Fiction?
There's a pretty big Muslim population at my school and today it so happened that I got into a conversation with one of them, a boy named Muhammad. We were discussing religion and how he finds Christians to be less than passionate about their faith.
He of course wasn't speaking of all Christians; he just happened to notice that many of them can't find support for their beliefs in the Bible because they aren't well versed in it. And he's right. Many Christians can't reference specific parts of the Bible. Even fewer have read it cover to cover. In reality, many Christians only claim that as their faith because it's what they were born into. I know that's true for me. When I was born, my parents baptized me in the Roman Catholic church and I have been ever since.
Muhammad made great points about how straightforward the Koran is and how Jesus is a prophet rather than a member of the Trinity and why he deems it to be most logical religion there is.
I'll admit that after my conversation with him I was left baffled. I didn't know how to prove any of the things I had been taught to be true in all my years of Catholic schooling (13 going on 14).
Well Muhammad, I've been thinking about it all day and I finally have my answer:
I don't need to prove it. I don't need to fight you and deliver cold hard evidence that Jesus Christ was truly divine and truly man. I don't need to explain that the Trinity exists. I don't need to dig through the Bible to find clear times where Christ was obviously more than a prophet. I just know.
I know that that doesn't hold much weight for you and that all the evidence in the Koran is enough for anyone to believe that the Muslims have had everything figured out since day one (hell they knew the earth was round lifetimes before we even knew the solar system wasn't geocentric), but I just know.
I know because I came to these conclusions myself. I may have been born into this religion but I made it my own. I had all your questions in my head years ago and there's still so much I'm unsure of but I believe what I've been taught.
It's so great how sure you are of your religion and how deeply you trust it and I believe that Islam is true for you in the same way that Catholicism is true for me.
Catholicism is the best medium for me to praise God. I may not know the Bible backwards and forwards, I may disagree with the Vatican on certain points but I know this is the only way I know how to live. My faith has allowed to me have a relationship with God and really feel his presence in my life and I wouldn't have been able to do that if it weren't for the Catholic practices I've been doing my whole life.
God has called me to be his and I pray I can always find ways to walk in His light.
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
Sincerely,
Mare
He of course wasn't speaking of all Christians; he just happened to notice that many of them can't find support for their beliefs in the Bible because they aren't well versed in it. And he's right. Many Christians can't reference specific parts of the Bible. Even fewer have read it cover to cover. In reality, many Christians only claim that as their faith because it's what they were born into. I know that's true for me. When I was born, my parents baptized me in the Roman Catholic church and I have been ever since.
Muhammad made great points about how straightforward the Koran is and how Jesus is a prophet rather than a member of the Trinity and why he deems it to be most logical religion there is.
I'll admit that after my conversation with him I was left baffled. I didn't know how to prove any of the things I had been taught to be true in all my years of Catholic schooling (13 going on 14).
Well Muhammad, I've been thinking about it all day and I finally have my answer:
I don't need to prove it. I don't need to fight you and deliver cold hard evidence that Jesus Christ was truly divine and truly man. I don't need to explain that the Trinity exists. I don't need to dig through the Bible to find clear times where Christ was obviously more than a prophet. I just know.
I know that that doesn't hold much weight for you and that all the evidence in the Koran is enough for anyone to believe that the Muslims have had everything figured out since day one (hell they knew the earth was round lifetimes before we even knew the solar system wasn't geocentric), but I just know.
I know because I came to these conclusions myself. I may have been born into this religion but I made it my own. I had all your questions in my head years ago and there's still so much I'm unsure of but I believe what I've been taught.
It's so great how sure you are of your religion and how deeply you trust it and I believe that Islam is true for you in the same way that Catholicism is true for me.
Catholicism is the best medium for me to praise God. I may not know the Bible backwards and forwards, I may disagree with the Vatican on certain points but I know this is the only way I know how to live. My faith has allowed to me have a relationship with God and really feel his presence in my life and I wouldn't have been able to do that if it weren't for the Catholic practices I've been doing my whole life.
God has called me to be his and I pray I can always find ways to walk in His light.
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
Sincerely,
Mare
Monday, September 2, 2013
Identity Crisis
I figured I would follow my assignment up with a life update.
The first week of school was bananas. Between my 17 credit course load and my books trickling in via FedEx, I have been struggling to acclimate myself to the alternate universe that is college. My classes are much more work than I imagined. Not more than I can't handle though. My high school rocked and I'm definitely prepared. I just wish I had a better idea of what I'm doing.
So far being a biology major is less than stellar. If there are any other college freshmen out there reading this, let me offer some advice: do not do this to yourself. If you're a science and math person, do science and math. If you're prefer the humanities, pursue a major in that field. Do what you love. Don't force yourself to be something you're not because someone else told you you had to. And I understand that a lot of you are choosing a major based on future job security. Don't do that either. My sister is an English major. There aren't a whole mess of jobs available for English majors. However, she has two part time jobs, an apartment, and she's the only one of her friends from high school that hasn't moved back in with her parents. It can be done. If you do what you love, and you're really passionate about it then good things will come your way. But if you ever see me in the bio lab and tell me to take my own advice I will deny that I know what you're talking about. Biology forever! Med school what up?!
In all honesty, I thought biology was it for me. I would major in biology, go to med school and become a pediatric neurologist with an epilepsy specialty. As dumb as it sounds, I was going to cure epilepsy. It's relatively impossible because almost every case is different and everyone thinks that preventative medicine is good enough but I was going to cure it.
Now that biology is kicking my butt and my 60's class is making realize why my friends back home knew me as a "history buff," I can't see my future and that scares me. I guess I'm just wishing for some clarity.
If you find yourself with an extra eyelash or draw a blank at 11:11, wish for me. Wish for all college freshmen. We need it.
Sincerely,
Mare
The first week of school was bananas. Between my 17 credit course load and my books trickling in via FedEx, I have been struggling to acclimate myself to the alternate universe that is college. My classes are much more work than I imagined. Not more than I can't handle though. My high school rocked and I'm definitely prepared. I just wish I had a better idea of what I'm doing.
So far being a biology major is less than stellar. If there are any other college freshmen out there reading this, let me offer some advice: do not do this to yourself. If you're a science and math person, do science and math. If you're prefer the humanities, pursue a major in that field. Do what you love. Don't force yourself to be something you're not because someone else told you you had to. And I understand that a lot of you are choosing a major based on future job security. Don't do that either. My sister is an English major. There aren't a whole mess of jobs available for English majors. However, she has two part time jobs, an apartment, and she's the only one of her friends from high school that hasn't moved back in with her parents. It can be done. If you do what you love, and you're really passionate about it then good things will come your way. But if you ever see me in the bio lab and tell me to take my own advice I will deny that I know what you're talking about. Biology forever! Med school what up?!
In all honesty, I thought biology was it for me. I would major in biology, go to med school and become a pediatric neurologist with an epilepsy specialty. As dumb as it sounds, I was going to cure epilepsy. It's relatively impossible because almost every case is different and everyone thinks that preventative medicine is good enough but I was going to cure it.
Now that biology is kicking my butt and my 60's class is making realize why my friends back home knew me as a "history buff," I can't see my future and that scares me. I guess I'm just wishing for some clarity.
If you find yourself with an extra eyelash or draw a blank at 11:11, wish for me. Wish for all college freshmen. We need it.
Sincerely,
Mare
Guided Assignment 1
Background: In rhet and comp we are currently learning about rhetorical acts i.e. texting, advertisements, etc. Our first assignment is to analyze a rhetorical act we've engaged in in the passed 24 hours using the rhetorical triangle.
Yesterday, my favorite commercial came on the television. It's for Zwillo, a real estate website. In the commercial a woman is looking for a house for her and her daughter while her husband is serving overseas with the Army. Eventually they agree on a house and when she arrives there her husband is standing in the living room.
I should note that I cry at this commercial every. single. time.
The creators of this advertisement are attempting to promote their real estate website. Their subject is house hunting which they have their main character demonstrate by navigating the easy to use website and choosing her new home that way as opposed to the traditional way of searching for a new home. They successfully appeal to viewers like me through sympathy for the woman raising her child while her husband is at war. The reunion of the couple creates the context of the joys of finding a perfect new home through their product, Zwillo.
Yesterday, my favorite commercial came on the television. It's for Zwillo, a real estate website. In the commercial a woman is looking for a house for her and her daughter while her husband is serving overseas with the Army. Eventually they agree on a house and when she arrives there her husband is standing in the living room.
I should note that I cry at this commercial every. single. time.
The creators of this advertisement are attempting to promote their real estate website. Their subject is house hunting which they have their main character demonstrate by navigating the easy to use website and choosing her new home that way as opposed to the traditional way of searching for a new home. They successfully appeal to viewers like me through sympathy for the woman raising her child while her husband is at war. The reunion of the couple creates the context of the joys of finding a perfect new home through their product, Zwillo.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
How do you college?
As an assignment for my Rhetoric and Composition class, I have been instructed to keep a blog for this semester. The minimum number of posts we can have is 10, 6 guided and 4 self paced. However, we're allowed to have as many self paced ones as we'd like. At least, that's what I'm hoping. I'd really like to hit the ground running with this whole blog thing. I always feel like I've got so much to say but I haven't done much exploration with this medium.
As it turns out, this isn't just my first semester blogging, but it's my first semester college-ing.
So I've decided that this will be an account of the ups and downs of college as well as haven for some of my rhetoric assignments.
To start, I'll provide some background.
I went to a small, private, all-girls Catholic school in Maryland. I found my college through some girls who formerly attended my high school. They had nothing but praise for it so I decided it wouldn't be a bad home away from home for the next four years. So I packed up and moved halfway across the country to Texas!
I've been here a week and I'm still a little speechless.
The people in Texas are so much different from people back home. Not in a bad way, it's just quite a culture shock. I've made some great friends already but I miss my old friends a lot, especially Nicole. I can't begin to describe my relationship with her except to say that she is my best and truest friend. You'll be hearing her name a lot.
As a biology major, I'm taking a few fairly difficult classes like calculus and introductory biology. Those are already catching up to me and I've only been once.
Other than that, week one has been spent adjusting to the college life. I'm not there yet but I'm expecting great things.
Sincerely,
Mare
As it turns out, this isn't just my first semester blogging, but it's my first semester college-ing.
So I've decided that this will be an account of the ups and downs of college as well as haven for some of my rhetoric assignments.
To start, I'll provide some background.
I went to a small, private, all-girls Catholic school in Maryland. I found my college through some girls who formerly attended my high school. They had nothing but praise for it so I decided it wouldn't be a bad home away from home for the next four years. So I packed up and moved halfway across the country to Texas!
I've been here a week and I'm still a little speechless.
The people in Texas are so much different from people back home. Not in a bad way, it's just quite a culture shock. I've made some great friends already but I miss my old friends a lot, especially Nicole. I can't begin to describe my relationship with her except to say that she is my best and truest friend. You'll be hearing her name a lot.
As a biology major, I'm taking a few fairly difficult classes like calculus and introductory biology. Those are already catching up to me and I've only been once.
Other than that, week one has been spent adjusting to the college life. I'm not there yet but I'm expecting great things.
Sincerely,
Mare
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