tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79540226579598356402024-02-20T17:26:17.895-08:00bpnadvAngle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-86171317419700831732013-09-09T15:32:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.499-07:00An Excerpt from Full Bloom: Cultivating Success - by Amy Osmond Cook, Ph.D.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Full-Bloom-Cultivating-Amy-Goodman/dp/098410688X/ref=sr_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378760289&sr=1-18&keywords=full+bloom" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chapter 8: Academic Success</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHvMMU0mcDw/Ui5AG34-Q1I/AAAAAAAAAAw/StWrLWlkIIs/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHvMMU0mcDw/Ui5AG34-Q1I/AAAAAAAAAAw/StWrLWlkIIs/s320/cover.jpg" width="202" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One afternoon, my seven-year-old son bounced in the front door after school, threw his backpack on the chair, and said, "When I grow up, I'm going to start a company that makes blocks. Then at night, I'm going to be an inventor." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sounds like a great idea," I said. "What are you going to invent?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm going to invent spy gear."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sounds cool. Now you have to do your homework."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Aw, Mom. I don't want to do my homework." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"If you want to own a company and make spy gear someday, you have to do your homework." And the battle begins.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a mother of four and an instructor of communication and interdisciplinary studies at Arizona State University, I understand the importance of achieving academic success. By this I mean not just getting good grades, but also looking ahead to get into the college or university you want to attend and doing well once you're there. In this chapter, I'm going to give you some tips that have helped me and others reach our academic goals.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Success is much more than academic achievement. Teenagers across the country have defined it as happiness, having goals, having a good job, having a family, following God's will, making good money, working hard, and being educated. For me, success is happiness, which comes from experiencing spiritual, mental, physical, and social fulfillment. But even though scuess is much more than doing well in school, academic achievement is connected to many areas of success. Achieving academically will help you get a good job, become an intelligent person, and make good money. It will also help you learn to achieve your goals and work hard. I know this has been drilled in your heads over and over again, but how do we actually get there?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my many years of teaching, I have come across all types of students. Some are shy; some are outgoing. Some are quiet; others are loud. Some are lazy; some are hard working. Some are great students and some are not. What's the difference? From my experience the A students do a few extra things that B and C students do not do, and that seems to make all the difference. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.255;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.255;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.255;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 28.80000114440918px;">Purchase your own copy of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 28.80000114440918px;"><i><a href="http://purchase%20your%20own%20copy./" target="_blank">Full Bloom: Cultivating Success</a></i> t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 1.255;">o read more of Amy's advice on Academic Success, including her top ten list of things you can do to success </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">academically</span><span style="line-height: 1.255;"> as well as essays from other amazing women who offer a variety of perspectives on what success means and how they have achieved it.</span></span></span></b><br /><div><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.255;"><br /></span></span></b></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.255;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amy Osmond Cook is a faculty associate in the School of Letters and Sciences at Arizona State University, where she teaches interdisciplinary and communication courses. She was America's Junior Miss in 1994 and is very grateful for the incredible experience and scholarship money that enabled her to receive her B.A. and M.A. in English from Brigham Young University. She later received her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Utah.</span></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a violinist, Amy performed for multiple years with the Osmond Brothers. She released her debut album, Nativity (a collection of traditional Christmas songs peformed on the violin and harp), in 2004. She has taught violin lessons and worked as a freelance studio violinist for many years.</span></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amy has been featured in the print publications such as People Magazine and USA Today and on television programs such as Good Morning America. </span></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.255;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amy is married to Jeff Cook, and they are the proud parents of four beautiful children.</span></i></span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-23283577902281925252013-06-05T08:15:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.509-07:00The People You Meet – by Julia<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I attended the fourth largest university by enrollment in the United States, and while the classroom learning is phenomenal the lessons I learned outside the classroom were equally important. Even at the end of the year I felt as if I was meeting or connecting with a new person every day (I thought remembering names at nationals was hard, but at least we had name tags there!) and the hundreds of people it seems that I have met have all taught me a little something; the following are the ones that stuck with me the most.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the exception of my roommate, Branden was one of my first dear friends at college; he was also one of the first people to figure me out. I think I had known him a week when he told me with complete confidence that I was going to be an engineer some day. I of course scoffed at this, but he just laughed and said that I would eventually figure it out. Branden had confidence in my abilities before I did and I owe him my future career in biomedical engineering for that.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura, my dear neighbor for my entire freshman year, is one of the most personable people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing or even meeting. This is a girl who can start up a conversation with anyone, lighten the mood of any room, and fill at least a quarter of our approximately 700 occupant building with her laughter. To her I owe many hours of talking and a lighter heart that has an increased appreciation and awareness for spending precious time with family and friends.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ericka, Laura’s roommate and another one of my dear friends has taught me probably much more than she knows. Besides being one of the funniest people I have ever met, she is also one of the strongest and most humble. She cares so much for her family, especially her younger siblings and has inspired me to be a better and stronger role model for my own.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick, is a friend that I met through Laura as well, and despite what we thought was a personality clash that made us complete opposites; he and I are so much alike in our work ethic it was quite shocking when it was first brought to my attention. Our competitiveness was heightened when we shared a class second semester and I must say that I most likely would not have cared about that class as much as I did, had he not been in it. I owe him a wonderful lesson in patience and a solidified belief that hard work does pay off.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary is without a doubt the most wonderfully outgoing person I have ever met. She is not afraid in any way of what others might think of her and has a knack for making a room full of people die with laughter. She has taught me how to laugh a little harder and hug a lot tighter.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ohn will argue against me until the day he dies, but he truly is the most caring person I have yet to meet. He has the biggest heart for everyone he meets and probably knows at least a quarter of the undergraduate population (or at least it feels like it). He has taught me that you should be grateful every second of every day for the people in your life and you should not be afraid to tell them so.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oseph, my first friend as an admissions ambassador(tour-guide), is a person whose hugs and smiles could brighten the day of the saddest person in the world. I secretly hope that I will see him around campus so I can yell his name and be welcomed by one of his famous hugs (not joking- everyone knows him for his hugs). He has taught me to always keep a smile on my face because you never know whose day it may brighten.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Margo, is the type of person who despite having just met her you feel like you have known her forever. She is a wonderful listener and I look forward to many long talks with her in the future. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but certainly not least, Shelby has been my roommate and best friend throughout this year. She is one of the most hard-working people I know and she has a great heart and sense of humor to match. I cannot list the number of things she has taught me because it would go on forever; but if there is one thing that she has taught me the most it is that a true friend will stand by your side no matter what the circumstances. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, most of the people reading this will not have the opportunity to meet these people, however I would like everyone to take a moment to appreciate the Branden or Shelby in their life. To those of you young women heading off to college in the fall, it may seem like the scariest thing in the world, especially if you are going somewhere where you will know little to nobody but there are so many wonderful people out there and they have so much to teach you whether they mean to or not. I am grateful that I have three years left to learn more from those that have already touched my life and from those who I have yet to encounter. Thank you all!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><em>Julia Carlson is a college freshman at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota majoring in Biology with a minor in Management. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Julia was a participant in the </em></span><a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><em>Distinguished Young Women</em></a><span style="color: purple;"><em> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Nebraska for 2012. Learn more about Julia </em></span><a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/11/get-to-know-julia-carlson-distinguished.html" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em><span style="color: purple;">!</span></em></span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-77932918069057277042013-05-29T15:01:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.518-07:00Shine Your Light – by Emily<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2XWHCMdewI/UaZ5uWc5uoI/AAAAAAAAA80/nRCnzF014f4/s1600/Thomas-Emily_post+8_photo+1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going back down to Mobile this June as a has-been is by far going to be the highlight of my summer. I cannot wait to see the girls that I grew so close to during those two weeks at Nationals, and to enjoy the rich city of Mobile once more. As my departure gets closer, I can’t help but reminisce on all the amazing memories I have from the National Finals last year. I also find myself reliving every fun time and memorable experience as I prepare the 2013 representative from Massachusetts, Brittany, as she readies herself for the trip of a lifetime. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite memory, but there is definitely one experience that seems to stand out from those two weeks. During the first Tuesday night of my trip, after we had spent a long day participating in team-building activities at Camp Grace and educating our Girl Scout troops on the essentials of Be Your Best Self, all 50 of us sat around a bonfire to unwind. Guided by questions from Katye Brock, the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2011, the 50 of us conversed and shared our individual stories. We talked significantly about who our role model was in life, and more importantly what it was like to be a role model in our communities. We were asked to think of a candle, with its flame burning bright and illuminating the darkness around it. A light constantly gives, constantly providing support and guidance through dark and confusing situations. We were then asked to imagine if that light was locked up in a cabinet or sealed away in a box. What good does that do? A light has a duty to provide brightness and clarity to other people, so if it’s locked away somewhere with no one to shine for, then it might as well be put out all together. I looked around the campfire and realized that I was gathered amongst 50 lights that will never be put out. All 50 of us have consciously chosen, on our own, to spread our light to the world, and the Distinguished Young Women program has enhanced that ability for us. Our titles are more than just a medallion around our neck or an achievement to put on our resumes. Being a Distinguished Young Woman means we have allowed the light that is in each and every one of us to shine for the benefit of others. We are role models, inspirations, guides, and persistent lights. That light exists in all of us, you just have to have the courage to let it shine. This program has helped me and so many others recognize the bold and brilliant light that is eager to shine. If you can recognize your unique light and never let it burn out, th<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>en that is all it takes to not only be your best self, but to be a truly distinguished young woman. </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Emily Thomas is a college freshman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Originally from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Emily was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012. Learn more about Emily <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-emily-thomas-distinguished.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i></span></span></i></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></i></span> Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-45565297357210482472013-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.528-07:00An Ode to the Letters “D”, “Y”, and the Legendary “W” – by Sierra<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ByXFFRWmo/UZ-3MkPHi6I/AAAAAAAAA8k/NSm0NJL0a3w/s1600/2012_Bellingrath_Maxwell-Christina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ByXFFRWmo/UZ-3MkPHi6I/AAAAAAAAA8k/NSm0NJL0a3w/s1600/2012_Bellingrath_Maxwell-Christina.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ever since my junior year of high school, roughly three years ago when I was first introduced to the Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship Program, I randomly find myself feeling proud of belonging to the sisterhood of these three letters. Separately, each letter has its own sound and belongs to many different words – just like each woman that is a part of this encouraging program. Each one of us, we find our own path and belong to many other groups. All of us, uniquely able to have a marvelous impact on our surrounding environment, having great potential. However, when these three letters combine to make the acronym, “DYW”, there becomes an undeniable presence – just like if every member of this program were to unite, the potential would be limitless.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I realized that as much as it is important to shine in our own light and glory, it is just as important to shine with our peers. Throughout my life, I have been a part of numerous clubs and dance teams, but never have I experienced what it means to be a part of a true “sisterhood.” My first mentor when I became a member of this program was Ms. Shannon, an alumna. She was a great help at making me feel comfortable and helping me to realize what a great opportunity I had received. She instantly treated me with love and I admit that at first, I was not sure how to receive it. However, I was fascinated by her stories of her trip to nationals some years ago and the confidence she exuberated. Then, I was introduced to more “has-beens” – some already grown with a career, husband, and children. All of these women had such assurance and respect about them. I thought that maybe I would get intimidated, but instead, I felt nothing besides comfort because they were giving me nothing but love, care, and support. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did not see it then, but I do now. All these strong, independent, courageous women that I have met through this program began to gain such qualities back when they were my age and experiencing this program just as I am. Every category I faced, they too faced, and we all have gained personal insight through this process. I look back at my junior year self and realize that I have become more confident, respectable, and courageous. I no longer hesitate to speak my mind or give suggestions if I feel I am in the right place and it is the right thing to do. Whenever I do get nervous about speaking in front of my class or speaking my mind, I think to myself “If you were able to speak in front of hundreds of people that you didn’t know with bright lights shining on your face while also being judged, why would this time be so hard?” And whenever I find myself feeling slightly disappointed or being too hard on myself, I think, “You belong to a group of women that have done so much and will continue to do even more. You earned your spot by being you, so continue to do that and you too shall achieve.”</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DYW or Distinguished Young Women, either way you put it, it is not simply a scholarship program…it is an opportunity, experience and a sisterhood.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Sierra Terrell is a college freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama majoring in Psychology. Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Sierra was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012. Learn more about Sierra <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-sierra-terrell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i> </span></span><br /><br />Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-68631960109462717812013-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.538-07:00Learning to Appreciate The Little Things - by Chloe<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHMWRbI8qUk/UZ5289fD8uI/AAAAAAAAA8U/9NQdWrCclJ0/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+8_photo+1.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After one year of college I have learned to appreciate a few things about home that I never realized I would miss at school. Here is a list of some things I have a newfound appreciation for.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Soft Toilet paper</b>: It’s good stuff guys. Let’s be honest. I go to a great school, but their toilet paper is reminiscent of that tissue paper you fill gift bags with; <i>Truly awful</i>. Love it while you have it… and then pack some for college!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Soft water:</b> Some of you probably don’t even know what I mean by this. Well at my house we have a water softener that takes the hard minerals and other things out of the water. (This is the reason your hair feels softer when you shower at home than at a hotel.) Well colleges don’t have that, so every time I come home it is like a vacation of soft hair:<i> Glorious</i>. You’ll understand someday.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Home cooked food: </b>You knew this one was coming, but it really is worth noting. There <i>IS</i> a difference; maybe it’s mom’s love, who knows.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Seeing Old people</b>: No really. Every time I see a person over the age of about 60 at IWU it is either a Sunday and they are there for their Sunday brunch, or it is Grandparents Day. No exceptions. Sometimes it is nice to know that there are still people other than college students out there.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Animals (other than squirrels):</b>Every college campus has a million squirrels. I don’t know why, but that is a cold, hard, fact. All other animals, however, might as well be mythical creatures. IWU actually has a Puppy Day where they bring in puppies from local shelters for the students to play with because we never see dogs and the dogs get to run around. It is a win/win, but love on your pet while you can because you will miss them!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Sleep:</b> Everyone has heard the all-nighter stories, but you don’t know the truth of lack of sleep until you are up until 3 or 4 writing a paper or studying for a test. I came home for the summer and slept for 14 hours the first night! I guess I really was exhausted!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>7.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>My parents:</b> I couldn’t leave this without saying that I missed my family a lot more than I thought I would. They are pretty spectacular people and after a year in college I have an even greater appreciation for them.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are a graduating senior, or a younger student in high school, keep these things in mind this summer and appreciate the little things. You might just realize that it is the little things that make a place feel like home.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span><br /><i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indiana Wesleyan University</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Marion, Indiana majoring in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church Music and Christian Worship</span>. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the </span><a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe </span><a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-chole-mclaughlin.html" target="_blank">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-48909986511584700102013-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.551-07:00Do It Anyway - by Christina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay33CEyzDmg/UZ5zrE9mBdI/AAAAAAAAA8E/OS4MFjeMPGk/s1600/Maxwell-Christina_post+7_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" 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table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite places to be is the Welcome Table, a homeless ministry in a church in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Wednesday, they serve hundreds of homeless people a delicious meal, sometimes serving as many as 600 people in one afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, they open up the sanctuary for a worship service that embodies a “holy chaos” as ministers, homeless people, college students and CEO’s on lunch breaks all praise God together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This year, I’m blessed to be home in Asheville for the majority of the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time, I’m able to go help serve meals before the services on Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not your typical soup kitchen homeless ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of moving through an assembly line of food, visitors are served family style gourmet meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first day I served, I helped pass out platters of lemon poppy seed chicken adorned with banana peppers and sprigs of fresh cilantro, collard greens, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, buttery cornbread and fluffy raisin bread pudding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The two incredible men who run the kitchen plan the meals well in advance, taking joy in creating delicious dishes that match the quality of something you could buy in a nice restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the men explained to me how important the presentation of the food is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he didn’t want them going through a soup kitchen line as if they were in a prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted them to know they didn’t deserve leftovers or second best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As fellow human beings, they deserved the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How often do we get rushed, stressed, burned out or lazy and give people our second best, particularly people we may think don’t deserve our best?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a striking portrait of love for humankind it would be if we treated everyone with the respect, compassion and thoughtfulness we sometimes reserve for those we consider by our standards or the world’s to be “worthy”?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yet sometimes when you open your heart and give your best, people may not notice your kindness, may not bother to thank you or may accuse you of ulterior motives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to not be discouraged.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At the very first table I served at the Welcome Table, a women asked for more chicken, which we couldn’t give seconds of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologized and offered to get her more salad or bread instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was furious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed her thumbs down at me and told me my service got two thumbs down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then told me I could go and send someone else over to refill her water, that I was a disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At first, I was stunned and didn’t know how to react!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, we have to love people where they are, knowing that we are all in need of a little grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I pulled myself together, smiled back at her and said, “Alright, great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know if I can do anything else for you!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes life isn’t all peachy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we go out of our way to give our very best and get two thumbs down in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you refused to cheat on a test like your friends did and ended up getting a lower grade in your class because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe when you don’t get the playing time you deserve, instead of complaining or being rude to your coach, you wait patiently with humility – something no one ever compliments you on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the greatest acts of kindness go unnoticed and unappreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that these are the times when the core of our ministry and character is tested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite poems of all times provides inspiration for the times when we may think that our hard work is insignificant or meaningless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written by the selfless Mother Teresa, it helps us to remember what to do when we get two thumbs down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do it anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anyway”</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by- Mother Teresa</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span> <br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;<br />Forgive them anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;<br />Be kind anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;<br />Succeed anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;<br />Be honest and frank anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;<br />Build anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;<br />Be happy anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;<br />Do good anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;<br />Give the world the best you've got anyway.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;<br />It was never between you and them anyway.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i></div>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-88611515398147044782013-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.563-07:00Maxed Out - by Carly<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0b6nI38kRg/UY0vS8yDwFI/AAAAAAAAA7s/KP5AMIYC--Q/s1600/Henry-Carly_post+7_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0b6nI38kRg/UY0vS8yDwFI/AAAAAAAAA7s/KP5AMIYC--Q/s1600/Henry-Carly_post+7_photo+1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> At the end of the semester, the word on the tip of everyone’s tongue is stress. Just last night I was surrounded by books and study buddies, and we were all nervous for the biology exam in the morning-7:30AM no less! We sat there crunching numbers trying to determine the lowest possible grade we could get on the final to maintain the grades we had labored over all semester. At two in the morning, we all finally looked at each other and just started laughing. Those giggles turned into tears of stress, exhaustion, and pure insanity (it was 2 in the morning!). After our outburst, we seemed to have things under control and went to bed. About four hours later it was time to wake up and take on the day we had stressed about. The test was not as difficult as anticipated, but was that late night studying really worth it? Was the anxiety necessary to grasp the concepts in thirty chapters of ecology, evolution, and animal phylums? </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It is now one in the afternoon, my test is complete, and I have arrived home, for Elizabethtown is only an hour from my town. I’m lying in my backyard sipping on a Capri Sun and soaking up the long anticipated rays of summer. So was it worth it? I can honestly say that the late night cram session was not worth it. One exam is not going to determine the success of my future, but it can ruin life’s precious moments. I missed out on my last night with my new family all for a test. My mind was maxed out with endless vocabulary and concepts. I wish it had been maxed out with the love of my friends and one last night of adventure. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Every day I try to remind myself of the truly important things in life, and an exam is not at the top of the list! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day rhythms of life, but taking a minute to soak up the beauty around you makes things just a little bit sweeter. To everyone stressed out with the busy weeks of spring time, remember that it all works out in the end. You will survive and come out stronger than before. Stay strong, and enjoy each day, for it is truly a special gift. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carly Henry is a college freshman at <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elizabethtown College</span> </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania majoring in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">biochemistry with a minor is business</span>. Originally from <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">York, Pennsylvania</span>, Carly was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012. Learn more about Carly <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-carly-henry-distinguished.html" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: small;">!</span></i></span></span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-81019857165014033242013-05-07T11:40:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.571-07:00“Be Your Best Self”: A Message For All Ages – by Stephanie<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXc04QnX--4/UYlKaTawyDI/AAAAAAAAA7U/mXpF0Hsd3RE/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+7_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXc04QnX--4/UYlKaTawyDI/AAAAAAAAA7U/mXpF0Hsd3RE/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+7_photo+1.png" height="223" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, when I heard about the Be Your Best Self message for the first time, my initial reaction was “wow what a great message to teach to kids”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as I made presentations to different groups throughout the year, I quickly learned that this message by no means applies only to children, but to anyone from any background of any age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since learning about Distinguished Young Women’s outreach program, I have not only become more contentious about striving towards being my best self, but have begun noticing when others do as well. In the past few weeks especially, with the passing of national Be Your Best Self week, I have been excited to notice many different aspects of the program being put into action all over UConn’s campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly enough, I noticed many of the aspects being focused on through activities revolving around Spring Weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, in the past, it’s no secret that UConn’s spring weekend has been associated with wild partying, destruction, injuries and arrests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, for the past two years, all activities have been banned and the campus has been put into a semi-lockdown state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this year, the president of the University decided to reinstate the tradition, but press that it be associated with a much more positive message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the motto surrounding the three-day event was “UConn Learns, UConn Serves, UConn Cares”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the entire weekend, I watched as students enjoyed the beautiful New England spring weather and participated in fun and constructive events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the featured events of the weekend was the annual Oozeball tournament-a massive, multi-court, day long tournament of mud volleyball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I agreed to sign up a month in advance, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, I knew that it was a long-lived tradition in the school, and I felt like there had to be a reason why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, it was probably one of the most entertaining activities I’ve participated in all of my freshman year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my team ended up losing a tied game in the last 20 seconds of the first round, it was a great experience, and an awesome way to get exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For students who preferred more “clean” fun, there were different service activities being hosted the entire weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a trash clean-up crew, to different off-campus service trips, to the “stuff-a-husky” care package drive, there was something for everyone, allowing students to be involved and give back to their school and their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For students that were beginning to prepare for upcoming finals, workshops were held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These focused on different study techniques, time management and even thesis writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it was a fun and exciting weekend, students were encouraged to continue to be studious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday, there was a carnival, which consisted of blow-up games, tents, free food and giveaways (basically, a college students dream).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one of the booths, the suicide prevention group was coordinating a program called “100 Reasons to Live”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students were asked to decorate an index card, and record a goal that they had or something they wanted to achieve in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goals ranged anywhere from elaborate life plans, to finding love, to traveling the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All were unique, all were special, and all showed the ambitious personalities of the different students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, the president of the university recognized the concerns of many students that because of the restrictions put in place, they wouldn’t be able to have fun this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reassured everyone that she understood the concerns and that she wanted all to have a good time, but while staying safe, remaining in control and taking full responsibility for actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, it was an enjoyable weekend and for me personally, it was great to see the pillars of the Be Your Best Self program being encouraged on a college campus, a place that a message like that is far-too-often not associated with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtPM-_JZaV8/UYlKTD8s8nI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/JwL1e6VHAxc/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+7_photo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtPM-_JZaV8/UYlKTD8s8nI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/JwL1e6VHAxc/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+7_photo+2.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">University of Connecticut</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TNw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=uconn+storrs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWFWcZ6pA6P-1_gz9iufrbPNP51oxWTNHt26QhkAKdw8eSwAAAA">Storrs-Mansfield</span></span>, Connecticut majoring in <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pre-pharmacy</span>. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">Distinguished Young Women</span></a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-stephanie-brady.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">here</span></a>!</span></span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-35914139506070109862013-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.578-07:00Top 4 Tips for Staying Healthy – by Marin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctp7tITuj4M/UYfSbOU0NUI/AAAAAAAAA68/fnBol-jo2_0/s1600/Helppie-Schmieder-Marin_post+7_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctp7tITuj4M/UYfSbOU0NUI/AAAAAAAAA68/fnBol-jo2_0/s1600/Helppie-Schmieder-Marin_post+7_photo+1.jpg" height="84" width="320" /></a></div><br />For those of you that didn’t know, May is National Health Month. This means all throughout this month, different organizations are bringing to light prominent health issues in our country. What I found to be even more interesting is that from May 12-18, it is National Women’s Health Week! Because this week is quickly approaching, I thought I would share with you the ‘Top 4 Tips for Staying Healthy!<br /><br /> 1. Visit a doctor or health care professional to receive regular check-ups. As we women get older, it’s important to frequent the doctor more often to make sure everything is “up to snuff!”<br /><br /> 2. Drink water! Water is so vital to living a healthy and balanced life.<br /><br /> 3. Sleep is vital for everyone’s health. Anywhere from 6-8 hours is ideal for proper body and mind function the following day.<br /><br /> 4. Try to avoid unhealthy habits. This includes smoking, or texting and driving.<br /><br />As healthy women, we can all set an example for others to follow! It’s important to remember these tips not just through the month of May, but all the time!<br />To learn more information on staying healthy or about National Women’s Health Week, visit <a href="http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw">http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px/normal "Lucida Grande"; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Marin Helppie-Schmieder is a college freshman at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TNw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=uconn+storrs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWFWcZ6pA6P-1_gz9iufrbPNP51oxWTNHt26QhkAKdw8eSwAAAA">Pittsburg</span></span>, Pennsylvania majoring in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modern Dance</span>. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, Marin was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2012. Learn more about Marin <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/11/get-to-know-marin-helppie-schmieder.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i></span></span></div>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-12036708284077309722013-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.586-07:00Be Studious - by Chloe<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDhCbdDByGo/UYATrphKf2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/3PayINHy1Ak/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+7_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDhCbdDByGo/UYATrphKf2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/3PayINHy1Ak/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+7_photo+1.png" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My parents are both educators, so school was always an important part of my daily life. They always stressed that it is a privilege to be able to afford a good education and that my brother and I should work hard and do our best. My parents have instilled in my brother and I the importance of being studious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being studious is not necessarily about getting straight A’s or graduating with honors, and studious people are not always the smartest or the “nerdiest”, they are just people who work hard and have a successful work ethic. As I have worked my way through high school and have just recently finished my first year of college, I have learned that being studious has much more to do with personal standards. I have learned that procrastinating and stress prevent me from being studious because they disable me from being able to turn in my best work. Being studious has everything to do with never settling for less than your personal best work and allowing for the time to create it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here are just a few tips for how to BE STUDIOUS:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Work ahead: Do not procrastinate. Sometimes it may feel necessary to work on things until the very last minute, but it will save you a lot of stress and earn you a lot of sleep if you develop a system of always being a few steps ahead. Getting behind is like GPA murder, so staying ahead gives you a little bit of wiggle room if one week is especially stressful.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Set goals: If you have a grade in mind or a certain percentage of improvement it will help motivate you to work hard.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Never settle for less than your best: If you turn in something that is sub-par because you ran out of time at the last minute you risk doing as well as you could have. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Sleep is not a waste of time: Getting enough sleep helps you to do your best work. No one works well on 2 or 3 hours of sleep, so don’t feel guilty about taking a nap if you are too exhausted to think. I have had to learn that naps can be a good use of a half hour, because they can make you much more productive later.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Don’t compare yourself to others: Being studious has nothing to do with anyone else. Do YOUR personal best and know that is good enough. It doesn't matter what anyone else can do or what grade they got. Focus on your own improvement.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at </span></span>Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana majoring in Church Music and Christian Worship. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" style="color: #a30461; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-chole-mclaughlin.html" style="color: #a30461; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>! </i></div>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-58447043401816131482013-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.594-07:00You Are Your Number One Priority – by Sierra<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is one word that just about everyone on this planet fears being called: selfish. Growing up, we’re taught to do the selfless thing and to share, share, share. We’re always to think of others first and to never do something out of our pure pleaser. Of course there is nothing wrong with this; however, sometimes we are so scared of being selfish, we forget to put our own happiness into the equation.<br /> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is so easy to get caught up in the motion of making sure our family is happy, then making sure our friends are happy, and then sometimes even making sure our teachers/professors are happy. By the end of the day, we find ourselves exhausted and indifferent. Overtime, we realize that just about everyone else around us and doing wonderful, and we’re still not truly happy.<br /> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This usually happens when we overexert ourselves, and to be honest, if this happens to you, there is nothing wrong with that. If more people had the issue of being “too selfless”, the world would be a better place. On the other hand though, you must always remember to only act in what will have the best outcome for you mentally, physically, and emotionally. This means that sometimes we will have to say no to going out with our friends just so we can get some “me time.”<br /> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don’t be ashamed to have to tell people that’s what you need. Needing some “me time” is not a sign of weakness or having a nervous breakdown; at some point everyone needs some of it. I will admit, that I find myself wanting to be alone so that I can dance in front of the mirror or so I can belch out every word to my favorite Beyoncé song. Laugh if you want to, I find it very therapeutic.<br />So find whatever makes you happy and not necessarily what makes everyone else happy. Don’t forget about them, and always be there, but remember: you are your number one priority.</span></span><br /><br /><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Sierra Terrell is a college freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama majoring in Psychology. Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Sierra was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012. Learn more about Sierra <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-sierra-terrell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-71232952936896493142013-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.690-07:00Boston Strong – by Emily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCYB2Qew6S8/UX6a5lAeBHI/AAAAAAAAA6c/paO61zC8eZk/s1600/Thomas-Emily_post+7_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCYB2Qew6S8/UX6a5lAeBHI/AAAAAAAAA6c/paO61zC8eZk/s1600/Thomas-Emily_post+7_photo+1.png" height="320" width="244" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The events that took place two weeks ago in Boston were devastatingly close to home. I go to school less than a half hour away from the shootings and knew people both running and volunteering at the Marathon, some of whom were within walking distance of the attacks. The initial onset of it all was truly heart-wrenching, but what myself, my peers, the city of Boston, and the nation saw during and after the events were truly inspiring.<br /><br />Last Friday, five days after the events in Boston took place, the police were still hunting for the attackers. That night also happened to be the night of Merrimack College’s annual Spring Concert and The Band Perry was on their way to perform. The campus was antsy and anxious as they kept checking social media for updated news reports, but the show was sure to go on.<br /><br />And then something so powerful and triumphant happened. I was sitting with my friends in the arena waiting for The Band Perry to take the stage when my friends phone went off. It was a text from her mom saying they had captured the final attacker. The battle was over. I turned to my other friend and told her the news and she turned to her friend and within seconds the entire crowd of 3,000 plus people had heard the news.<br /><br />And within a few more seconds the entire crowd was chanting “USA! BOSTON STRONG! USA! BOSTON STRONG!”<br /><br />And then The Band Perry took the stage and joined in our rejoicing. They sang Sweet Caroline in honor of our city, and we all took a moment of silence to reflect.<br />In the past decade we’ve seen school shootings, movie theatre shootings, terrorist attacks, and now these attacks on the Boston Marathon. I think the most devastating thing was how sacred and honored the Boston Marathon was. It was a day for people to take pride in their accomplishments and show that they can succeed in something that they put their mind too. The bombings and attacks was a chance for someone to take away that honor.<br /><br />But they didn’t succeed.<br /><br />We are Boston Strong, We are notorious for our headstrong ways and our Boston pride. These attacks didn’t take that pride away from us, in fact it made it stronger. People now more than ever are motivated to run the Marathon and for those who couldn’t finish. There are people in this world that are going to try and break spirit. But just like the 3,000 of us at that concert, the good in this world surely outnumbers the evil. It may not seem that way in these dark and confusing times, but if we can all stand together and appreciate the good in life, we can all be Boston Strong.</span></span><br /><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Emily Thomas is a college freshman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Originally from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Emily was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012. Learn more about Emily <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-emily-thomas-distinguished.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-14944694186385746572013-04-26T06:52:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.786-07:00National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Studios - a video from Christina<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, April 22-26, is <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/national_bybs_week/" target="_blank">National Be Your Best Self Week</a>! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being studious, one of five elements that make up the <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/" target="_blank">Be Your Best Self program</a>. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/00xwRtnAxrQ" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-43691102938294620722013-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.879-07:00National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Responsible - a video from Christina<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, April 22-26, is <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/national_bybs_week/" target="_blank">National Be Your Best Self Week</a>! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being responsible, one of five elements that make up the <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/" target="_blank">Be Your Best Self program</a>. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9DJ8qWPYV38?list=UU97-CJhwcD2vNVeF-9csS3Q" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br /><i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-34456454987250150972013-04-26T06:33:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:54.975-07:00National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Involved - a video from Christina<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, April 22-26, is <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/national_bybs_week/" target="_blank">National Be Your Best Self Week</a>! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being involved, one of five elements that make up the <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/" target="_blank">Be Your Best Self program</a>. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B8HQrKCKPaA?list=UU97-CJhwcD2vNVeF-9csS3Q" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-77077209993082809212013-04-23T13:56:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.069-07:00National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Ambitious - a video from Christina<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, April 22-26, is <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/national_bybs_week/" target="_blank">National Be Your Best Self Week</a>! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being ambitious, one of five elements that make up the <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/" target="_blank">Be Your Best Self program</a>. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IDvFl2hTmmE?list=UU97-CJhwcD2vNVeF-9csS3Q" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><i style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-81811350012255769682013-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.162-07:00National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Healthy - a video from Christina<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, April 22-26, is <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/national_bybs_week/" target="_blank">National Be Your Best Self Week</a>! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on staying healthy, one of five elements that make up the <a href="http://distinguishedyw.org/be_your_best_self/" target="_blank">Be Your Best Self program</a>. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2umnVRmYDuw?list=UU97-CJhwcD2vNVeF-9csS3Q" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-christina-maxwell.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-49808501695421027912013-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.263-07:00Looking Back - by Lauren<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYEJyj0qNLo/UXWG7xung2I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/CUN9DDYjhzs/s1600/Hoppa-Lauren_post+6_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYEJyj0qNLo/UXWG7xung2I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/CUN9DDYjhzs/s1600/Hoppa-Lauren_post+6_photo+1.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Recently, I passed my title of the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado off to new aspiring young woman. It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, a group of us senior girls walked in to the theater as complete strangers. However, within an hour, an outsider may have thought we had known each other our whole lives. As the day continued with rehearsals, interviews and constant laughter, I realized the unending encouragement, love and support from all the competitors and wonderful staff who helped to put on the program. By the time the night program came along, I saw that anyone of us could easily win. In a way, this put me at ease going into the results. I had gained so much in the short span of 12 hours. Little did I think that I would ever have won because I was surrounded by such incredible women.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Now, being on the other side of the competition, if officially hit me how much my life as been impacted by the Distinguished Young Women program. I am certainly not the same person I was a year ago at this time. I have grown so much in the past year all thanks to Distinguished Young Women. I feel comfortable in my own shoes taking on interviews, public speaking and any other obstacles that may come my way. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X5Sn5TN66w/UXWG7qWnx9I/AAAAAAAAA6I/Zsu-dF_9JMQ/s1600/Hoppa-Lauren_post+6_photo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X5Sn5TN66w/UXWG7qWnx9I/AAAAAAAAA6I/Zsu-dF_9JMQ/s1600/Hoppa-Lauren_post+6_photo+2.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> People always say to take in every moment before it is gone. I believe that it was in that very moment on stage, as I was giving my farewell speech, that I was so grateful for doing just that. Awhile back, someone once told me to “live in the moment”. Immediately I was overwhelmed with how many wonderful moments that I had experienced within the past year. I am beyond thankful for each moment and how it has been a piece of my life.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Reflecting back, I’ve realized how important it truly was to “live” in each moment. Before I knew it, my time as the current Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado was up. I think that’s another thing that I have learned this past year. Sometimes I think we spend so much time thinking and waiting for a certain day to come, a certain event to get here faster, for school to finish sooner, for a trip to come faster. Sometimes I think we forget about the other half of the equation—the journey that precedes it. For me, my journey through the Distinguished Young Women program is what I cherish the most. It was so many moments filled with friendship, laughter and tears that led to the final conclusion at Nationals. And I think that’s the greatest gift all. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Much love,</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Lauren Hoppa</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Lauren Hoppa is a college freshman at Oklahoma State University<span class="Apple-style-span"> in Stillwater, Oklahoma majoring in Athletic Training. Originally from Parker, Colorado, Lauren was a participant in the </span><a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a><span class="Apple-style-span"> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2012. Learn more about Lauren </span><a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-lauren-hoppa-distinguished.html" target="_blank">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span">!</span></i></span></span> </span></span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-88363465097315615812013-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.357-07:00Sweet Leadership - by Carly <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBhC-v2SAvM/UXBPhHA2hUI/AAAAAAAAA50/8IGJ7FsnaI4/s1600/Henry-Carly_post+6_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBhC-v2SAvM/UXBPhHA2hUI/AAAAAAAAA50/8IGJ7FsnaI4/s1600/Henry-Carly_post+6_photo+1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scholarship, leadership, and talent are the three platforms that truly define Distinguished Young Women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These three words define what the program is about, but after the program I knew I wanted to be able to continue living by these principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, continuing to pursue my love of violin and being a good student would easily fulfill scholarship and talent, but where would being a leader fit in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer to this question came quickly when I found an organization on campus called the Office of Student Activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within this organization is a branch called S.W.E.E.T. (Students Working to Entertain E-Town).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S.W.E.E.T. plans all kinds of on-campus events and trips for students to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began working as a programmer this past semester, which was the perfect opportunity to get involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week ago, the position of S.W.E.E.T. coordinator opened up, and I decided to apply!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coordinator oversees the entire S.W.E.E.T. branch and serves on the leadership team for the Office of Student Activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the youngest person to ever interview for coordinator, but I thought I would give it a try!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An application and interview later, I had the job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being so young, I had my qualms about taking on such a big leadership role, so I spoke to my advisor about what would happen in the next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started by saying that being a leader is easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, some would say that being a leader is one of the hardest things you can do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, when you break it down, all a leader has to do is what they say they’ll do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader does not have to be extremely intelligent or creative; they just need some courage and strong will power to stand by the promises they make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader does not need to be in the spotlight; in fact, some of the best leaders put their followers in the spotlight and humbly reside in the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leader is true to themselves and self reflects on their actions constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most powerful wisdom that my advisor had to share was that you do not have to be “in charge” to lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because you do not hold the highest title of them all, does not decrease your ability to positively influence those around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When it comes down to it, leadership is the easiest of the three principles of Distinguished Young Women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that I needed to start all over and find a new group to lead in school to still be a leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have come to the realization that I have always been in a capacity to lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just being human makes you capable of leading your peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day is your opportunity to step up to the plate and be the example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, leadership <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> easy.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carly Henry is a college freshman at <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elizabethtown College</span> </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania majoring in <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">biochemistry with a minor is business</span>. Originally from <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">York, Pennsylvania</span>, Carly was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">Distinguished Young Women</span></a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012. Learn more about Carly <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-carly-henry-distinguished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">!</span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-36739981573729205782013-04-17T08:30:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.454-07:00Top 10 Things No One Told You to Bring To College - by Ali <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHYDHEtVy2M/UW2r_DbYNMI/AAAAAAAAA5k/ZMh85IQsbOE/s1600/Houser-Ali_post+6_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHYDHEtVy2M/UW2r_DbYNMI/AAAAAAAAA5k/ZMh85IQsbOE/s1600/Houser-Ali_post+6_photo+1.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>A sleeping mask and earplugs. Remember: This is no longer just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your </i>room. There will be nights where your roommate has to stay up late to get that paper done or decides to clean her side of the room at 2 in the morning. Trust me when I say, earplugs and a sleeping mask may become your new sleeping buddy! Also, Melatonin (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">natural</b> sleeping regimen) definitely got me through some of those “Wide-Awake-Katy-Perry-Style” nights. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>A Brita water filter. College campuses have student groups all about going<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>green so why not help out? I’m not a huge fan of drinking water out of the sink so this definitely helps out! </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Rain boots! It doesn’t matter where you choose to go to school. There will be days where it is cold and rainy out and you’re going to wish you had some water-resistant, knee-deep rain boots to keep you warm and dry. Also, umbrellas… are just wonderful. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Extension cords. Dorm rooms have few, low-to-the-ground outlets and if you’re like me and have a short phone charger cord, this doesn’t really get you anywhere. Extension cords help you to… you guessed it… extend! Also, power strips are really nice if you need to plug in multiple appliances, etc. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Bathrobe and flip-flops. Everyone (we hope) uses the bathrooms and showers at your campus. We don’t know what goes on in there. With that being said, shower flip-flops are a lifesaver. Also, bathrobes allow you to be hands free and you don’t have to worry about your towel falling down while you are walking by the boys’ rooms. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Mattress Pad. Honestly, the beds at most campuses are not the most comfy things to sleep on. Mattress pads can easily turn a stiff, rock-hard bed into a soft, luscious cumulus cloud. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Can Opener. Huh… who would’ve thought you’d need this to get your cans of Spaghettios opened? I learned this the hard way. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Quarters. Whether you need to do some laundry or catch the bus to the mall, you’re going to want a few quarters around. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>A stapler. Yes, unfortunately, you are going to have homework that is more than 1 page long. One day, I had 3 guys from my floor come over to my room and ask if I had a stapler. Lucky for them, (and me… cuties! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>) I did indeed have one! While we’re on the topic of school supplies, duct tape does wonders! </span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Homesick cuddles. To be honest, there will be days and nights that you may get homesick or stressed. It’s good to have something that you can hold or cuddle with to get you through these rough times. As of right now, I currently have a body pillow, pillow pet, monkey, and panda residing in my bed as well as me. I also brought my favorite blanket, yearbook, and tons of pictures of family and friends. The first 2 weeks of school were extremely hard for me but with the help of these things and a few phone calls home to Mom and Dad, things got so much better! </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"> Ali Houser is a college freshman at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></i></span></span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">in Minneapolis, Minnesota majoring in </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dental Hygiene</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">. Originally from <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beresford, South Dakota</span>, Ali was a participant in the </span><a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">Distinguished Young Women</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of South Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Ali </span><a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-ali-houser-distinguished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span">!</span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-72328867902394161802013-04-16T13:30:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.550-07:00You are more beautiful than you think – by Keyna <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iswiKQbtwXQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As girls, we tend to look at ourselves and notice our flaws. There is no need to be ashamed of our imperfections—it is our imperfections that set us apart and make us beautiful. Be proud of who you are. You are beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br /> <br /><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Keyna Hoselton is a college freshman at Oklahoma City University</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TNw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=uconn+storrs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWFWcZ6pA6P-1_gz9iufrbPNP51oxWTNHt26QhkAKdw8eSwAAAA">Oklahoma City</span></span>, Oklahoma majoring in Dance Performance with a possible minor in History. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Keyna was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">Distinguished Young Women</span></a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Keyna <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-keyna-hoselton.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">here</span></a>!</span></span></span></em>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-31908605449185884702013-04-11T13:30:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.646-07:00Top Ten Useful Items to Keep In Your Purse - by Stephanie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwGt_k35Z5w/UWcWHzIKg1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/hlRxKqNRG3I/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+6_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwGt_k35Z5w/UWcWHzIKg1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/hlRxKqNRG3I/s1600/Brady-Stephanie_post+6_photo+1.png" height="161" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Pony tail holder-The possible situations that could arise in which a hair elastic could be useful are endless. Whether you get to the gym and the hair elastic you’re using breaks, or you’re walking outside and get caught in a burst of wind, always be prepared in case you want your long locks up and out of your face. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />2. Baby wipes-Messes can happen suddenly and without warning, causing sticky evidence on your hands, face or any other personal items. Carry a travel-sized pack of baby wipes and be prepared for the unexpected. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />3. Pen/Small pad of paper-Although the need for this is becoming less and less due to current-day smartphone technology, keeping a pen and pad of paper with you is a nice backup in case the batteries on your electronics fail you. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />4. Mini deodorant-Self-explanatory-who doesn’t like to stay feeling and smelling fresh, especially on a warm day.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />5. Pair of small fold-up flats-This item will particularly come in handy if you wear heals on a daily basis or walk as a main form of transportation. For those days that your dress shows and your feet are just not in synch, whip out your pair of flats. They’re cute, comfortable, and easily stored. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />6. Band-Aids-In case you forget your pair of fold-up flats, this is the next best thing you can keep in your purse. Even if you can’t change your shoes, use a band aid to protect blisters and sores that form. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />7. Emergency whistle-This is especially important if you walk alone often. If you ever run into trouble, one of the best self-defense mechanisms is to create as much noise and commotion as possible. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />8. A pill box containing Advil/Tylenol and Tums-Don’t take up the space and weight of carrying 3 full bottles of tablets and medications. Purchase a small pill box at your local grocery store, and keep it stocked with just a few doses of your over-the-counter medications. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />9. Pocket brush with mirror-Serves two functions. If you weren’t fortunate enough to remember your hair elastic, mentioned at the beginning, then if you have this, you can at least fix your hair style once you’ve gotten to where you’re going. Use the mirror to be on the alert for food bits in your teeth after a meal and to check for smudged makeup.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />10. Key holder-These are both practical and cute. They usually hang over the edge of the outside of the purse, displaying a cute logo or emblem. On the inside, there is a clip from which your keys can be clipped. This way, they don’t get lost in all of the other items listed above and you will always be able to find them in a moment’s notice. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">University of Connecticut</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TNw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=uconn+storrs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWFWcZ6pA6P-1_gz9iufrbPNP51oxWTNHt26QhkAKdw8eSwAAAA">Storrs-Mansfield</span></span>, Connecticut majoring in <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pre-pharmacy</span>. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">Distinguished Young Women</span></a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-stephanie-brady.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a30461;">here</span></a>!</span></i></span></span></span>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-39432872937895470162013-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.744-07:00Fun in the Sun - by Marin<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-un_kWlINeco/UV-o3sFjtdI/AAAAAAAAA5E/T-VfKeEP4fk/s1600/Helppie-Schmieder-Marin_post+6_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-un_kWlINeco/UV-o3sFjtdI/AAAAAAAAA5E/T-VfKeEP4fk/s320/Helppie-Schmieder-Marin_post+6_photo+1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Y’all, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Well, I guess it’s not that much of a secret since I know I am not the only one thinking it. Anyways, here it is: I am so completely and utterly excited for summer! It is definitely going to be bittersweet with the school year coming to a close, and having to depart from my friends for three months, but that’s a completely different story! So, getting back on track to summer.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For a lot of students, summer means working at a job, or maybe taking a couple of courses for school credit. However, it also means being with family and friends and having ‘fun in the sun’- which brings me to the main point of this blog post: The Sun (didn’t see that one coming, did you?)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While summer is such a happy and fun season, it is also very important for young women and men to be informed on the effects of overexposure from the Sun. I know there is and will always be a trend towards “getting the perfect tan,” but it’s important for the younger generations to be aware of what a “perfect tan” really means for the body in the long run. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Skin Cancer Foundation has stated that this year, “1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer,” as well as, “</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.” Also, did you know skin cancer is “the most common form of cancer in the United States?” Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to enjoy time out in the sunshine. For me personally, there’s nothing better than a hot summer day outside with a good book and some sweet tea! However, that means alongside my tea and book is my handy-dandy SPF 30.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-indent: 36.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other precautions a person can take to stay proactive is not spending too much time outside when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Also, I’m a personal fan of cute hats! They protect the sensitive parts of the face (eyes and nose) while being fashionably trendy at the same time!</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Like I said before, summer is such a great time to be outdoors and to have fun. However, if you’d like to continue the outdoor activities for years to come, take some precautionary measures for your health. The “perfect tan” might be great for a while, but it would be a shame if that tan cost you some health issues later down the road. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, before you go to take a dip in the pool, or play a game of soccer, or simply relax, lather up! I promise it will be well worth it in the long run and there will also be no possibility of getting a terrible, achy sunburn. I know when I board the airplane to go home to the Texas heat this summer, I’ll have my sunscreen and hat packed. But the question is, will you? </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Marin Helppie-Schmieder is a college freshman at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">in <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TNw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=uconn+storrs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWFWcZ6pA6P-1_gz9iufrbPNP51oxWTNHt26QhkAKdw8eSwAAAA">Pittsburg</span></span>, Pennsylvania majoring in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modern Dance</span>. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, Marin was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2012. Learn more about Marin <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/11/get-to-know-marin-helppie-schmieder.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i></span></span></div>Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-38114914007165837962013-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.842-07:00It’s Spring, so Stop and Smell the Roses - by Emily<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIfS1V4up9s/UVnavkP2Q6I/AAAAAAAAA4k/NfcGMpYX0q4/s1600/Thomas-Emily_post+6_photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIfS1V4up9s/UVnavkP2Q6I/AAAAAAAAA4k/NfcGMpYX0q4/s1600/Thomas-Emily_post+6_photo+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ironically, the first day of spring this year and the start of my spring break coincided with a snowstorm that brought a foot of snow and cancelled classes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I never really liked spring. I treasure the four seasons that New England offers, but spring was always one I felt I could do without. The beginning of spring is always wet and soggy as the snow melts and the sun tries to peak through. You never really know what to expect when you step outside during spring until early June when summer starts to come. But spring is an important season nonetheless because it’s a transition period. In high school, spring was my busiest time of year and because of that I never really got the chance to appreciate spring, even with all it’s wavering weather and mysterious ways.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We live in a fast paced society where everything and everyone is constantly on the go. I know in the past I've been guilty of letting this fast paced lifestyle force me into thinking we don’t need things like spring. Why can’t we just fast-forward after winter right to summer, so we can enjoy the warm weather? But we do need spring; it’s nature’s way of telling us to slow down and appreciate.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In my philosophy class, we were asked to devote 45 minutes over our spring break to silent meditation. Though it seemed crazy and pointless at first, once I completed the exercise I realized why my professor gave us this assignment. He encouraged us to examine who we are outside of the pressures of society and while sitting in solitude. He offered us this quote that seemed to resonate strongly within me and opened my eyes to all I've been missing:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“We can busy ourselves so much with work, sports, social events, extracurricular activities, hobbies and movie going that we lose our souls. If we stay busy enough, we will never have to confront who we are in silence, solitude, and reflection.”</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've always tried to fast forward through spring, and I blame the pressure of society to move fast and brush over the seemingly insignificant. But now I've realized the real reason why we need spring. Nature could easily switch from the cold dark days of winter to the warm sunny days of summer, but instead it chooses to take the time to move slowly and gradually. I think we could all be taught a lesson by spring, one that teaches us to slow down and appreciate all that we have in life. So take a moment today to stop and smell the roses of spring, and don’t let them and the many other quiet but meaningful things in our life go unnoticed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Emily Thomas is a college freshman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Originally from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Emily was a participant in the <a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012. Learn more about Emily <a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-emily-thomas-distinguished.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></i><br />Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954022657959835640.post-29702481737682259962013-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T01:14:55.939-07:00Single and Failing to Mingle - by Chloe<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hate to admit it, but I go to a school where it is incredibly common for girls to graduate with not only a Bachelor’s degree, but also an M.R.S. degree. Common IWU terms are “Ring by Spring” and “Freshman Mating Season.” (Ring by Spring refers to the ridiculous amount of engagements that happen in the months of February-April. Freshmen Mating season is basically just a loving description of the madness that ensues as the freshmen discover new future mate possibilities. Yes. It really is that ridiculous.) It seems like so much value is placed on finding a mate and it is an embarrassment to graduate with a bare left ring finger. Since when did it become a crime to be single at 22 or 23?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EqXIHuQ7QQ/UVndCMi_rqI/AAAAAAAAA44/sQv5VDK4Too/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+6_photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EqXIHuQ7QQ/UVndCMi_rqI/AAAAAAAAA44/sQv5VDK4Too/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+6_photo+1.png" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will openly admit that I don’t really have any experience where relationships are concerned; in fact I have spent 19 years becoming really awesome at being single. My friends have said before that I am single and failing to mingle. Don’t be too jealous. Haha (I should also note that the possibility of this streak being broken anytime soon is slim, because I go to a college where the girl: guy ratio is 3:1. Yes I am still serious.) I have never been ashamed of my single status, because I have learned how to be myself. So many people, especially women, see singleness as a weakness or a disease of some kind. Well news flash my teenage and twenty-something friends, IT’S NOT!!! Embrace your singleness without shame!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come on All my single Ladies!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNlrWbAR0C4/UVndBtYF47I/AAAAAAAAA4w/SvpddHIoXq0/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+6_photo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNlrWbAR0C4/UVndBtYF47I/AAAAAAAAA4w/SvpddHIoXq0/s1600/McLaughlin-Chloe_post+6_photo+2.png" height="189" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom has always taught me that being married and having a family is wonderful, but there is something amazing about the years you get to be yourself. My early twenties are the years I should be finishing up school and pursuing my dreams, but the average expectation seems to be that I will be planning a wedding. I want to spend the next 6-8 years chasing the things that I have been dreaming about my entire life! I want to have the freedom to live somewhere incredible, travel around the world with nothing but a back pack, or ride my bike across the country like my mom did. After all, you really do only live once. I don’t want to regret not pursuing one of my dreams.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing shameful about being single. It can be exhilarating and fulfilling! Whenever I accidently drink the IWU Kool-Aid and start getting down about being “alone” I just remember that my relationship status on Facebook or a silver band on my left hand does not define my value. I have to love myself before someone else can love me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So ladies (and gents if you are reading this!) do not stress about being “alone!” Spend your college years trying to find your maid of honor or best man and then you can worry about your groom or bride. Becoming your best self does not have to include another person! Enjoy college and stop worrying! Become YOU and happiness will follow!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indiana Wesleyan University</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Marion, Indiana majoring in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church Music and Christian Worship</span>. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the </span><a href="http://www.distinguishedyw.org/" target="_blank">Distinguished Young Women</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe </span><a href="http://www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-to-know-chole-mclaughlin.html" target="_blank">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />Angle Dropetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212268811361168737noreply@blogger.com0