You Don’t Need to Be Super to Be Someone’s Hero

Batkid, he is old news now isn’t he? But what the news coverage itself has sparked is remarkable. The monumental difference organizations like Make-A-Wish can make is incredible.

Although Make-A-Wish is known for providing the silver lining to those who have already fought the battle and lost time, it gives awareness to other groups solving the problems and hope to all about how much effect every person can have by just giving a little of their time or money. I myself never saw the level of impact the foundation has on children and families until recently. Like a majority of people I just saw the name Make-A-Wish and automatically associated it being for a good cause. But it’s more than that.

I’m part of an on campus group that just recently raised money for a young boy battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia in our community to make his wish of attending the 2014 Superbowl come true. With the help of another university we had to raise $5,000 and we did! I was able to meet with him and see the joy in his eyes, probably a look he hasn’t given much in the past few years. Along with all the press on Batkid and the positive after effects, I really feel honored to say I was a part of something that touches and changes so many lives forever. How many people get to say that they were instrumental in forming a day that a child will never forget?

It’s also amazing how one day, especially in Batkid’s case, could spike donations and volunteering levels as it did. Seeing San Francisco and the nation come together for one cause through compassion and generosity, it’s extraordinary. Not to mention, the appreciation of Miles Scott’s (Batkid)  family to start the Batkid fund that will benefit Make-A-Wish and the Ronald McDonald House.

These children really do suffer and it’s not only them personally experiencing pain, their entire families are affected as well. I hope that in the future I will continue to stay involved and keep being able to positively impact the lives of those who deserve more.

One Obsession

One Direction’s latest album, Midnight Memories, was leaked today and it is just as awesome as I expected it to be!

It is officially released in a couple weeks, and the latest song the band has released as a single is Diana. I still can’t wait for the day I can buy the CD in the store and physically hold it my hand and cherish… oh, is it getting weird now? I’ll stop.

But I don’t think this girl will ↓

My roommate unfortunately caught me watching this alone in my room with the lights out smiling and laughing. oops.

I can’t even be embarrassed though because I’ve recently discovered a new trivia game. As everyone should know trivia games are the bomb.com so it was a great day overall. I rocked my typical categories, TV shows, mythology, and logos. However, I failed at One Direction! Some of the questions were their moms names, eye colors, first pet names, and the directors of specific music videos. No one should have that much knowledge on five boys they have never met in my opinion.

Even if I’m saying that out of jealousy, I’m still proud of all the Directioners that are partly responsible for shutting down 8 tracks for a period of time when the CD leaked. Whoo!

One Day

Veterans Day.

It is an under-appreciated holiday.

The day itself serves the same function as doting February as Black History Month. Why do we dedicate days and months to things that should be everyday. Black history should be taught, learned, and spread all year, along with all histories. As people we should want to stay educated on such things to better the future and not repeat mistakes of the past.

The same idea goes for Veterans Day. We should not celebrate veterans that have served, still serve, and have made sacrifices for the greater good only one day of the year.

Which brings me back to birthdays again. These are important because sometimes people do need to be reminded how awesome I am and how much they want to celebrate the day I was brought into the world.

For veterans however there aren’t enough days in the year to thank all the men and women for everything they have done for us. Just keep in mind that we are thankful on every other day that isn’t 11.11 and we do appreciate you.

Roaring Twenties

Something that bothers me: When people look negatively at my generation for being immature or uneducated or out of control and ignorant. Or worse, when they say they don’t trust this generation to be running things in a couple of years and that we need to get our act together.

Really? What does “get your act together” even mean? When is anyone allowed to not have their act together? When we were children, we couldn’t make our own decisions. As teenagers, we would be grounded for screwing up or get the car taken away. But as college students, now isn’t the time to get our act together. It’s the time to figure out what our act is.

People make a bucket lists to achieve everything they wanted before they die. In reality there are some things that if I don’t do them, now, in college, I might never get the chance again. This is the time to live without fear because we don’t have other obligations, we don’t have our own families yet to look out for, or a career that holds us back with commitments. We are experiencing our freedom for the first time

At some point we need to make mistakes, to learn from them. That doesn’t make us reckless. I look forward to new experiences. I know I probably won’t make the right decision every time, but messing up is better than never knowing. I refuse to be embarrassed for myself and others that are living their lives right now to the fullest, even if that means not every memory they make is one to be proud of.

There are always going to be outliers, that don’t succeed, but that’s for every generation. It is just unfortunate that mediums like Reality TV  exploit those who aren’t necessarily the most deserving of the attention. Other generations didn’t have to deal with the pressure of their worst moments broadcast-ed for the world. But then again, who is watching these shows? I can guarantee the popularity isn’t due to my generation only.

All I’m really trying to say is that I know plenty of people that I would trust in high authority positions, politically and in big business. I know plenty of people struggling through college to get the best possible learning experience, with a mixture of academics, internships, and athletics. Maybe I’m just surrounded by the exception of people, but I doubt it. I’m nothing but proud of my peers and my generation and what I think we have the power to accomplish in the future.

And to all the parents and grandparents who look down in shame, thank you for raising us the way you did.

Speak for Yourself

UPDATE: I’m officially passing!

With a few easy assignments, participation points, and one good speech performance I’m making my way up the academic grading ladder. Well, I’m no longer failing.

The key to speeches, as I’ve finally learned from experience unfortunately, is speaking on something you are passionate about. And that might be hard to find, but that’s what us amateurs need to do. My next speech assignment was to write about the First Amendment and how Big Brother is watching us (not something I’m very passionate about.)

At first I was sold on discussing how the biggest threat to our First Amendment rights is not Big Brother, but ourselves and those of us that don’t really know the rights it gives us. As I was typing it out the sources and information were easy to find. The format was easy to follow. And the persuasion was easy enough.

Then I read it aloud to a friend. Half way through she stopped me and told me it wasn’t working.

I was monotone already and even boring myself, on top of my previous nervous habits, and I wasn’t even on a stage yet. However, the speech was due the next day so I was slightly out of options. Pushed against the wall, under pressure I typed out the worst speech I’ve ever written about campus newspapers and our freedom of press as students because I had been effected by it many times and was knowledgeable.

I walked up to the podium the next day and my half-completed speech didn’t matter, because when I began reading the introduction everything changed. I was making eye contact because the words were flowing out of my mouth so freely. I had emotion because I actually cared. I had confidence because I knew I was right instead of hoping I took information from a trusted website. It was glorious.

I may still not be a finalist for the mandatory speech competition I have to enter, but at least I won’t be an embarrassment because I finally have the key. When I talk about something I’m passionate on, I successfully capture the attention of the audience and more importantly, find my own confidence.

Next goal: somehow manage an A in the class.

Eager Beaver

Some important dates are coming up in November that I’m too excited about not to share.

November 4^th – D-WHY’s  Young, Loved, Hated, Broke EP! I couldn’t be more excited for this. I love all of his songs, and oh boy do I wish more than anything him and Hoodie were coming to Michigan on their tour right now, because I would be there in a heartbeat. If you have never heard anything of his music, 2,000 miles and David and Goliath are some great listens.

November 5^th – Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is his eighth studio album. An American artist we can be proud of. He has never sold out and is always great. I expect nothing less than legendary for this album, especially after Rap God which is pure genius.

November 25^th – One Direction’s Midnight Memories, is one I’m nervous about. Because the third album is usually the definition of if they are going to continue to be successful. With One Direction at least I can be sure they will be successful for a while even if the album sucks because their tween supporters are so in love they don’t even care. Also, much of their stadium tour in 2014 is already sold out. So kudos to them, but for me, I just hope they don’t turn into the boy bands that lose their personalities to the songs when they try to recreate or keep up with past fame.

And of course the movies!

Ender’s Game – It was a mistake not to read the book, but oh well, it’s too late now. I am looking forward to seeing how Asa Butterfield takes on this role. And talk about finally being back on aliens attacking  the Earth over zombies and sea monsters.

About Time – This is going to be the cutest movie I will probably see all year. I will drag my boyfriend to it no matter what it takes and will be thoroughly surprised if I don’t cry. I think the story will be just crafty enough to not be confusing, but still unexpected.

Catching Fire – I hope it’s good, I expect it to be, and it’s a must see on my list. Ever since the first Hunger Games opened I’ve read up on my Jennifer Lawrence facts and I’m praying that everything in her life turns out successful.

The Wolf of Wall Street – Who doesn’t love Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, and an interesting angle to the plot? I’ve been excited for this one since mid-summer and that’s all I have to say.

The Delivery Man – Not sure about this one, it will probably just be another feel good, happy ending, cheesy story movie that I will end up seeing. The only way it will probably effect my life though is the fact that I downloaded the trailer song immediately after I saw it for the first time.

Mandela: the Long Walk to Freedom – I don’t know if I’m going to see this one but I think it will be quality. I tear up every time I watch the trailer. It’s another one with a great musical choice in the trailer.

The Race is On.

I am convinced that apple orchards are the best part of fall. Especially the one I went to this past weekend. I still can’t get over it. Back home I usually go to the typical, cider and donuts, pumpkin patches, goats and various farm animals. But who knew that the west side of Michigan had so much to offer.

Yes, you are right that is a Zebra. They also had camels, lemurs, sloths, kangaroos, wallabies, and reindeer! The best part though was definitely the fact that I was able to see the pig races.

Everyone that was at the orchard gathered around the fences and chuckled at the announcers comments mocking the poor pigs. The pigs themselves were glorious performers. I can honestly say I’ve never seen a pig run before and they are actually quite fast. At least when they aren’t turning themselves around, running into the other pigs or sniffing the ground.

But let’s not forget the delicious popcorn they sell, breads, donuts, and other desserts outside of their sweet shop that serves as a concession stand with multiple flavors of ice cream. I would recommend Anderson and Girls to anyone for a fun day out anytime, and I’m going to do my best to make this a yearly visit.

Friday Food Day

Have you ever seen that girl in the restaurant that spills their cup of water all over the table, sending the waiters and waitresses into a frenzy to clean up the mess causing the smallest scene possible?

Well, that was me today. The girl at the table adjacent to ours spilled, not her water, but a container of syrup all over her table. And don’t ask me why but I swear she had enough syrup to eat 14 pancakes. I could have laughed or pretended I hadn’t noticed, but I’m a good person.

And her right arm was in a sling, so she was really struggling.

I’m happy I helped though, because then I knew the procedure for cleaning up spilled messes when your at a college campus and not a restaurant and nobody is getting paid to help you.

Because this is what I did a few hours later at lunch. →

I should have thought to take more pictures while there was still ketchup all over the table.

I’m not being dramatic. The ketchup squirted out of the bottle sideways like it was trying to stab through me. It made for a pretty eventful lunch outing, and the girl next to me even thanked me for not getting any on her clothes. You’re welcome, I tried my hardest to make sure you weren’t hit when I was trying to control the rapid fire of my favorite condiment. 

It didn’t stop me from enjoying my fries, I just started to dip them in the pile of ketchup on my burger and other miscellaneous places it landed that I deemed sanitary over trusting another ketchup bottle enough to try again.

Side note: after dinner, I stepped on a banana peel walking back to my dorm… and didn’t slip.

“If I get my shirt dirty my mom is going kill me!”

Monday Night Lights

Mondays: Always long and exhausting and never failing to be the worst day of the week. I still had three hours before it would make sense to go to bed, enough homework to fill that time, and absolutely no desire to work on any of it.

So I decided to head to my friends room for inspiration, hoping she was working hard on her class work and I’ll catch a hint. However, the minute I got to the door, our friend was leaving for his flag football game, which immediately sparks another idea in my head.

I walked in the room, set my laptop on the table, and said “let’s go.” So we grabbed our coats and walked to the car. I can’t think of a better way to spend a long Monday than watching my friends let off some of their own steam in a game that every takes way to seriously. I’d much rather be there than doing homework, especially after what happened to us at the field.

A few minutes into the half…

they were clearly going to win the game and considering we didn’t know much about the rules and it was getting too cold to just stand around, we decided to walk around a bit. We ended up at the intramural softball field and practiced our softball pitch with an imaginary ball – throwing strikes every time.

It’s all fun and games until your pretend game of softball is interrupted by a long series of scratches coming from the dug out. We walked over to investigate after a long session of speechless eye-contact.

We bicker for awhile, but not long enough considering I was the one who was chosen to look inside the trashcan that we deduced the noise was coming form..

I grabbed a fistful of sleeve in each hand and peered inside, instantly screaming when I saw it. Regaining my composure I looked again, right at a baby raccoon! Once we understood that it was trapped inside the 4 ft. tall trashcan, guaranteeing our safety,  we observed it some more. And tweeted about it. And took pictures with it. And made a vine about it. Fun fact: a baby raccoon is called a kit.

And then it occurred to us, that we should probably let it go so it doesn’t die. Considering, with a bit of research I’ve learned that raccoons are fantastic swimmers and they can make noises ranging from hisses, whistles, screams, growls, and snarls, we need to keep them around.

(Also, I’ve heard that raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for up to 3 years – so hopefully I don’t have to worry about this happening again.)

We carefully climbed on top of the bleacher bench next to the trashcan and I knocked it over as gently as I could. Almost immediately the raccoon scurried out. Once again, we realized we were safe from it’s terrors and made another vine before it scampered off into the woods behind the field.

All in all, I can officially check off saving baby animals on my to-do list.

                 To-Do List:

• Saving baby animals 

 

Teamwork is Dreamwork

Who wants to hear about my quality of sleep last night?

12:15 a.m. – I first went to sleep.

2:06 a.m. – I woke up around  to random beeping. It woke me up the first time and I ignored it and fell back asleep. Beep. I looked around my room, and checked my phone. Beep. I turn my lap on and sit up, staring at nothing racking my brain to figure out what the noise is. Beep. I jump out of bed and unplug every appliance in my room. Slowly crawl back in bed and fall asleep.

3:30 a.m. – I hear loud pounding on the door, as if the police had a warrant for my arrest. I get up and go to turn the nob, shortly before I realize I should probably throw some proper clothes on.

I open the door to see three freshmen on the team staring at me. They were all wearing our black rain jackets and looked a terrifying mixture of tired and pissed. Am I going to be the first ever player hazed by freshmen? How embarrassing would that be?

“We are sleeping in your room, powers out, there is a fire in the basement of our dorm from electrical problems. We are tired and have been standing outside for the last half hour.”

I turn to look in my room, not too messy, and I’m still not to sure what was really happening. Besides I only have one futon, and I am not about to share my bed. Three girls, one futon, but finally answers to the beeping  in my room.

No. This wasn’t going to work. I looked at them and picked the poorest one, wearing obscene basketball shorts and no shoes. I invited her in and took the other two across the hall. I opened my friends door, forgetting to knock and she shot up in bed staring blankly. I apologized apathetically and explained someone would be sleeping on her futon and cut through her bathroom to the next room without missing a step. Repeating the scenario for the third victim, or victims because I guess the situation sucks to both. In a zombie state I walked back to my room and climbed once again into bed.

But wait, the story isn’t over.

6:00 a.m. – My alarm goes off, time to get up and go to practice. I’m in the bathroom, my teammate still sleeping on my futon, when I hear my door open. Why does this keep happening?! It’s one of the freshmen I passed off to tell me practice was pushed back an hour because the lights on the field wouldn’t be working and we needed to wait for the sun to rise. Which is actually really depressing. 1) I realize I am up an hour early for no reason. 2) On a regular basis I am up before the sun rises.

6:30 a.m. – So we are all up, hanging out in my room  talking about how tired we are but not sure what to do with this extra time because falling back asleep seems almost like work at this point. So we decide to leave for practice anyways, seven of us, matching head to toe in our practice uniforms. We enter the lobby and are overwhelmed with people sitting on the floor, laying on tables, couches, and chairs, those not lucky enough to have connections to futons at 3:30 in the morning It resembled scenes from apocalyptic movies and yet here we were still off to soccer practice, no excuses.

7:30 a.m. – Finally we are out on the field warming up. I am thoroughly exhausted and the freshmen who caused this are sitting on the bench eating breakfast, unable to practice because their cleats are locked in the dorms they are unable to enter.

7:45 a.m. – The freshmen leave, heading back to my room to sleep again since they aren’t doing anything at practice. Meanwhile I stay and suffer through the drowsiness of the drills. Happy Tuesday !

I can’t be too mad though because when I said the team was my family I meant it, and isn’t this what you do for family? And luckily for me, there is no initiation or hazing to be apart of the family with our team.