The Final Lap

I see each semester as a mile race. After running many miles in my day, I find it an appropriate parallel. Okay undergrads, we are embarking on the bell lap, the final 400 meters of the semester.

If you are anything like me, by now you have hit the brick wall. Your quads and hammies are chock-full of lactic acid (aka. your brain would rather stare blankly into the infinite abyss than process anymore information). Ah, but you see, this is the most important lap. To give up now would be to sacrifice all of your effort in the previous three. It's time to turn on the jets and high tail it to the finish line, where hard work translates to endless glory (a great transcript). Starting to see the analogy?

There is good news. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Finals conclude in just three weeks time. Three weeks of dedicated hard work and we are home for the holidays. With the end in sight, I say, let your goals pull you forward. Let your dreams put wings on your ankles.

During your victory lap, make sure you sing "Celebrate Me Home." ;)

Thursday Night Thoughts

“No story is the same to us after a lapse of time; or rather we who read it
are no longer the same interpreters.” 
― George Eliot

Life has a way of giving us perspective. It teaches us through time, through change, through what remains. And what remains?
You. Everywhere you go, there you are.

It seems so simple. But upon deeper contemplation, I hope you find the same comfort that I found. There is one thing that remains constant in the turmoil of life- you always have you. We continue to grow and change with each sunrise, with each breath. We look back and realize that not long ago, we viewed the world through different eyes. 

One thing is clear. Stories of  the past mark important moments of our lives. But the second hand never stops, its rhythm is constant. And just as time moves forward, so do we. Keep an eye on the future, keep focus on the present, and enjoy the wisdom that develops from lessons of yesterday. 

But yesterday is yesterday, and we are not who we were yesterday. 

So be who you are today with who is here today. 

Tuesday November 6th, 2012

The culmination of the presidential race is upon us- this coming Tuesday is election day.

Are you worried by your prospects (or shall I say lack thereof) for a stable job post college graduation? Are you concerned about how you will afford health insurance once you are kicked off your parent's plan? Under the Affordable Care Act, by the way, you have until you are 26 to figure that out. Are you concerned about financing your college education? Or perhaps, are you now faced with the challenge of working yourself out of debt accrued from years of sky high tuition?

Me too. 

Fortunately, you have a choice on Tuesday. The outcome of this race will directly affect you, and you have a say in the matter! Each vote counts the same as the next and each vote adds to the total. The only voice that goes unheard is the vote not cast. Get to your polling place November 6th and make your voice heard.

That being said, for your voice to reflect your thoughts on the questions posed above, work must be put into your decision prior to election day. Contemplate your stance on these pivotal issues and research parallels between your thoughts and the platforms of each presidential candidate. I challenge you to search further than the super PAC ads constantly run on television. Pick up a newspaper, research reputable online sites, tune into news programs... engage in political debate with others! When you honestly open your ears to opposite viewpoints, you'll be surprised what you can learn about your own. Whether you switch sides on a debate or reinforce your own views, you will gain perspective on the extensive, divisive issues currently facing our nation.