14V: Investment

When I think of this word of the week, investment, I think of the commitment and the time put into a topic or idea to have a greater outcome. The official definition is, an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.

Two other words I chose this week to define are:

Thanks: I chose to define this on behalf of Thanksgiving. It means to express gratitude towards something.

And here is a random word this week: Paragon. This means a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence 

14I: Music Monday

I was in my room on a Monday night doing my homework, when my friend from Newtown was up at Southern. I decided to go meet her at the event she was at in the Farnham Programing Space. There I saw one of the winners of the voice, Javier Colon. He was actually the first winner of the voice. Now I’ve never heard of him before this but I will be an advocate for him in the future. He had an amazing range and his voice was so powerful, and with the mood he had, he made everyone feel his positive energy and want to sing along. Plus I got a free t-shirt out of it. Overall it was a great night spent with a great friend.

Photo Link:http://www.berkleegroove.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Javier-Colon.jpg

14B: It Doesn't Get Much Cheesier Then This

                This past year has been full of change and finding a new normal for not only myself, but for everyone in this new environment we call college.

                The first thing I’m thankful for is the opportunities I’ve been given. One I’m referring to is the opportunity to go to college and live on campus. This may not seem like a large deal to some but living at college has been my ideal thought ever since I was a child. All of this wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t get a scholarship from my town that paid a large portion of my tuition. Without this, I know I wouldn’t be able to live on campus, and possibly not be able to go to Southern. Without all of this, I wouldn’t have met some of the amazing friends I have made and the opportunity to pursue my dream and intended major of becoming a teacher.

                One of the other opportunities I have been so graciously given is the things I’ve been given towards my musical career. I have been able to meet, preform and work with many Broadway actor, directors, and producers. These are opportunities given because of tragedy but enhanced into a resume builder and career in music.    

                What I’m also thankful for is the most cliché of all: My family. Though we may disagree on some things, I love them. They have helped me reach Southern and let me fully experience the college life, which I am truly grateful for.

                I’m also thankful for my freshman inquiry class. Not this may not be something I say I’m thankful for at the dining room table, I really am grateful for this class. Without it, I wouldn’t know how to register for my classes, stay motivated, or even be remotely prepared for the work load I would acquire as a freshman

                This year has been a bumpy ride, but everything has happened for a reason and I’ve learned so much and I feel so blessed.  Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, have a great holiday!!

Photo link:http://coolrain44.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-charlie-brown-snoopy.jpg

14A: The Thrills of Finals

                I have always been a nervous test taker. I study as much as I can, though I can still feel so unprepared. I get clammy, I forget half the things I studied and I rush through the exam just to have a feeling of slight relief.

                And though some people may consider me a thrill junky, taking tests is not exactly what I had in mind. So I’ve decided to take things at a different direction this time. Obviously I will still be studying for my tests, I am going to take a break from the whole college life for a little while. I mean, I’m going to get off campus and in a more carefree environment to study, where I’m not surrounded by the constant pressure of school.

                You see, when I’m around school, or in school, it makes me more anxious and nervous. But with the different approach, I’m going to be staying in my dorm a lot more, or going off campus to a friend’s house to study. When I’m around a school environment less, I can step away from the books for a minute and take a breather without the constant reminder that being in college is a huge deal. I need to focus on the tests more, and less about the overall outcome of the tests.

                As I’ve said in many previous posts, you need to think of all the possible outcomes of your actions and decisions, the plan is to focus on that less. My plan for finals is to strictly focus on studying the information of my exam. Don’t think about, “what if I fail,” just think about knowing the information and taking the exam. Relax and test on!! 

link for photo:http://www.uisjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Finals.jpg

Final Rough Draft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w0yTJ-l_U0&feature=youtu.be

13V: Purpose

This week’s assigned vocab word is purpose. When I hear this word, I self-define it as, something or someone that specializes in a specific thing. Whatever that thing is, that is its purpose. The dictionary defines it as, “have as one's intention or objective.”

The two other vocab words I have chosen to define are:

Rituals: Sacred acts done over and over to remind people of the original event

Substantive: Belief in spiritual beings-typically decanted ancestors 

13I: The Hunger Games Refresher

I’ve never been much of a book reader, but movies that are based upon books, always seem to be the best. The Hunger Games is no different. I saw The Hunger Games for the first time two years ago, the night after it premiered. It was fantastic. So when the news broke that the second one was coming out, Catching Fire, I was thrilled. So to fully prepare myself for the premiere, I saw the first Hunger Games in the Student Center Theater. It was a nice, inexpensive, on campus way to spend an evening. Plus when I saw the Hunger Games last night, my mind was fully refreshed!