Today, I woke up in a most bad-tempered mood. The day ended in considerably higher spirits.
The car ride to Antioch, which suggested nothing but the most ordinary of family gatherings, was unable to rouse my spirits, grab my on the shoulders, and demand that I make the most of my day. I played my part perfectly well, the surly teenager with the nonchalant attitude. With headphones over my ears blasting JD Natasha (I recommend her album Imperfecta!) and a slouched posture, I managed to blot out everyone around me.
Upon arrival, I had to drag myself from the car and assume the role of the obedient son. It is a role filled with peril, one false step and my mother would feel compelled to loudly explain to everyone how this was his "true personality" and that everything else is him pretending to be good in front of others. All in one long sentence.
Obviously, no one likes criticism and I'm part of the rule, not the exception. I found my attitude grow even more churlish as I began to lash out at those around me. My first victim was convicted of talking too loudly and too much. My second victim had a gambling problem. My third victim squandered life on Facebook.
What changed me that day was something unexpected. Something annoying: my brother. Seeing him play with my aunt's dog was eye-opening. I saw some sort of passion seize him and made him determined that "Bobby" would become his best friend.
Through throwing a bottle to play fetch, feeding him chicken jerky from his hand, and too many shouts of "Bobby, bobby" in this childish yet caring tone, he became friends with the dog. In too many descriptions and details for my post, Bobby and my brother reminded me that happiness and fun can be found in the most unexpected and boring of places, with each other.
Thank you.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Intertwined, Inevitably
Between APUSH summer reading and reading Stephen Colbert's satirical book I Am America (And So Can You!), I've come to see that to get your point across, no matter how absurd or wise it may seem, a certain amount of frenzied passion and unyielding reasoning must be applied to the situation.
Perhaps, a brief introduction to the figures that have led America through its nascent years during my elementary and middle school years has left a sour impression of the impressive legacy that our founding fathers have left behind. By glossing over the details that bring the brief two-hundred years of American history to life, I was left as a child, unimpressed.
Delving into the business world, I find that the boards that are composed of the decision-makers of corporations are astoundingly similar to the delegations of representatives that make the decisions that form policies that govern our lives. By participating in one such board, for my high school business organization, I've developed a taste for being part of the decision making process.
There's a unique feeling that comes with realizing that what I am doing now was replicated, on a grander scale, for creating America, for writing the Constitution, for figuring out every little logistic that comes with running a nation.
And so I drift back to the present, to read a piece of political satire, dictated by the blunt, albeit humorous, voice of Stephen Colbert. I realize that our flawed society, reflected by the lavish American lifestyle, is a byproduct of how our leaders have guided us, and that no matter what is done, not every can be happy. Debates can rage for decades, but not every view can be represented, and the decision that is ultimately made cannot be an amalgamation of every opinion compromised and rolled up into one.
And this is what empowers me to step forth. The belief that my voice will be heard among millions, that it can bring change so that a greater number have better lives.
So I walk forth and begin.
Perhaps, a brief introduction to the figures that have led America through its nascent years during my elementary and middle school years has left a sour impression of the impressive legacy that our founding fathers have left behind. By glossing over the details that bring the brief two-hundred years of American history to life, I was left as a child, unimpressed.
Delving into the business world, I find that the boards that are composed of the decision-makers of corporations are astoundingly similar to the delegations of representatives that make the decisions that form policies that govern our lives. By participating in one such board, for my high school business organization, I've developed a taste for being part of the decision making process.
There's a unique feeling that comes with realizing that what I am doing now was replicated, on a grander scale, for creating America, for writing the Constitution, for figuring out every little logistic that comes with running a nation.
And so I drift back to the present, to read a piece of political satire, dictated by the blunt, albeit humorous, voice of Stephen Colbert. I realize that our flawed society, reflected by the lavish American lifestyle, is a byproduct of how our leaders have guided us, and that no matter what is done, not every can be happy. Debates can rage for decades, but not every view can be represented, and the decision that is ultimately made cannot be an amalgamation of every opinion compromised and rolled up into one.
And this is what empowers me to step forth. The belief that my voice will be heard among millions, that it can bring change so that a greater number have better lives.
So I walk forth and begin.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Finding a Niche
With the midpoint of summer approaching, I am torn between reflecting over the past year and planning for the next one to come. As my thoughts flit from NLC in Anaheim to the impending challenge of 5 AP/honors and Journalism on a daily basis, I feel myself invariably wondering if this would make me stand out on a college application.
Probably not considering how many others manage to do the same. So I turn my attention to the doubts in my mind that demand to be assuaged.
"What makes me unique...?"
Well, one could always start at the superficial level. Height, but then again, on my former club volleyball team, I was of average height. Likes shoes. Well, probably a bunch of girls and the few guys that refuse to admit it, but once again, who would care.
Delving deeper into my activities, I find myself average to a fault. Played piano since childhood, yet not the best. Average standardized test scores, good grades, varsity sports, boring... Maybe being very involved in FBLA shows something, but there must be more, something chiefly ESW.
And I am left with a handful of things. Parliamentary procedure, an introspective nature, and a passionate drive to succeed at whatever endeavour I choose to embark upon.
Of course my path is not set in stone yet and there is a long, long ways to go. And along the arduous trek, I will find something that says "This is what ESW does the best."
Probably not considering how many others manage to do the same. So I turn my attention to the doubts in my mind that demand to be assuaged.
"What makes me unique...?"
Well, one could always start at the superficial level. Height, but then again, on my former club volleyball team, I was of average height. Likes shoes. Well, probably a bunch of girls and the few guys that refuse to admit it, but once again, who would care.
Delving deeper into my activities, I find myself average to a fault. Played piano since childhood, yet not the best. Average standardized test scores, good grades, varsity sports, boring... Maybe being very involved in FBLA shows something, but there must be more, something chiefly ESW.
And I am left with a handful of things. Parliamentary procedure, an introspective nature, and a passionate drive to succeed at whatever endeavour I choose to embark upon.
Of course my path is not set in stone yet and there is a long, long ways to go. And along the arduous trek, I will find something that says "This is what ESW does the best."
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