So what we got hired to do, and what we're actually doing has evolved a bit. We started out canvassing restaurants and getting them to write letters to their senators, and we had a lot of fun with it! We met some super cool people, and got a lot of letters. We also got to work on a river cleanup, and help with the mayor's campaign a few weeks ago.
However, on our first few days of training, Tom and Samantha told us that the bill we are fighting is not as urgent as years past, so we have a unique opportunity to go on the offensive for once and propose a solution. They went on and on about how they always challenge the interns to come up with a project to leave behind, and sometimes they get something great, but usually they start too late and can't actually implement anything. We really took that to heart, because we didn't want to be useless, especially if this bill is overturned before we leave (which it has been).
So a few weeks ago, we started coming up with a plan. What if we developed a recycling education program that would include information about polystyrene recycling, and teach it to children? This is a totally different demographic than we have traditionally been targeting (the restaurants) but it's a valid one. The whole idea is to be able to put another arrow in the quiver, so we can go to the politicians and say, "Hey, we have all these restaurants that have spoken out about the issue, and we have educated X,000 children about recycling."
During our brainstorming session, we stumbled upon a really incredible opportunity. Our lobbying firm loaned us out to Friends of the LA River (FoLAR), a nonprofit that is all about helping restore the LA River to it's former glory. We helped with preparations for the annual river cleanup, and as we were working on that, we found out that they do field trips where they bring kids to the LA River and teach them about the ecosystem and how they are connected to the river. It seemed perfect, because we want to teach kids about recycling, and that they can help keep the ocean and rivers clean by properly disposing of their garbage. We asked if they would be willing to let us do a short presentation at their field trips, and they were really excited about it!
At the river cleanup, we talked to Sam and Tom and asked them if we could present an idea to them, and they agreed, so we worked on a presentation for the next few days, doing research and developing a rough idea for our lesson plan. About a week and half ago, we presented the idea to Tom and Sam, and they were absolutely blown away. We had answers to all of their questions, and they loved what we came up with and gave us the go ahead to get started.
We went to several of the presentations that Shelly does with the classes to get a feel for what she teaches them, and got great ideas for how we could connect our recycling lesson. In our research, we found that kids who understand that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions have stronger pro-environmental attitudes, and kids who are taught about how to recycle are 2-3 times more likely to do it for life. We thought that was pretty cool, and we decided that kids would learn better through action.
We developed several activities and tailored our messaging to those activities in order to allow the kids to learn in a hands-on manner. This week, on Thursday and Friday we actually got to try out our presentation and it went so well! We started by talking about the river and the watershed and asking the kids what they knew about recycling, and then we showed them items that are recyclable or non-recyclable and they had to tell us which category it went in. Then we had them write down all they had learned on a giant plastic poncho.
After that, we played a recycling relay, where they were split into teams, and they had to run to a pile of garbage and sort three pieces into either the garbage can or the recycling bin and then run back and tag their teammate. If they put it in the wrong bin, we made them do 5 jumping jacks before they could put it in the right bin. The kids had so much fun with this activity because when they finished, we had them ask questions about what they got wrong, and they all got to look at the different materials and hold them in their hands. It was fun to see kids get excited about recycling! (Let's be honest, isn't this the perfect job for me?)
After the relay was over, we gave all the kids cups of water, and David and Ryan put on the ponchos from earlier and the kids had to chase them and 'wash' the things they wrote on the plastic off. We had them write in wet-erase markers, so it was really easy for the ponchos to get clean. The whole point of that activity was for the kids to remember that their recycled plastics need to be rinsed before they are recycled. The kids loved that they got to basically have a water fight, and it was cool to see them start strategizing about how to best get the marker off the ponchos. After they were done, we related that strategy to the concept of a big group moving toward social change rather than a single person. They learned that if they all work together to recycle, they will make a bigger difference collectively. They all said that they were excited about recycling when we were done.
On Thursday, we got an email from our boss that he wanted us to present our idea to the top crisis management person at Edelman the next day, as well as our Bradley PR director who was in town for a few days. It was perfect timing, because we had just finished the first field trip and we knew what to expect for the second one, so we decided to shoot some video to show them what we had been up to. Later that night I went through and roughly cut the video together to show each of our activities, and we all went through and updated the presentation. I'm working on making the video into a training video for future interns to use, so when I'm finished with it I'll definitely post it.
On Friday, we did one more field trip and then went over to Edelman and presented. It went awesome! Deborah (The crisis management lady) had some excellent insight for us, and some awesome constructive criticism for our presentation which was really helpful, and she absolutely loved our idea. Tom had no idea that we were going to make the video and actually start presenting, and he LOVED it. He kept saying over and over again that we are the best group of interns they have ever had (and it's only been a month!).
The cool thing is that now, we don't have to canvass restaurants anymore, we are mainly going to focus on developing this curriculum and market it to potential partner organizations. It's so cool because we've essentially turned this grassroots PR internship into a full-blown campaign internship. I am so excited about this! It's so rewarding to see your hard work pay off, and get some recognition. I am confident that this will definitely set us apart, and give us some great work product to include in our portfolios. I'm so excited to see where this takes all of us!
Life is good
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Why I work here
So here I am in Los Angeles, California. I live for free in a sweet apartment that's furnished with everything I need, and I drive a rental car and don't even have to pay for gas. I get $75 every week for food, and I don't even have to pay for parking. Plus, I get a paycheck. Honestly, I'm living in the lap of luxury.. it's seems almost ridiculous to me, but I am so grateful for it, because it means that I can pay for my last year of school and everything else! Most PR internships aren't paid, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plus, it's giving me such a great opportunity to network and hopefully will help me in 6 months or so when I'm looking for a real adult job. That's weird to think about.
Anyway, I have been here for a month now! There are four of us (Me, David Lake, Lindsay Bragg and Ryan Gray) working on this internship. And it has been crazy- but in a good way. We spent our first week or so learning everything we could possibly want to know about recycling, grassroots campaigning, and our client.
Basically, we work directly for Edelman Public Relations. Our client account is Kindel Gagan, a grassroots lobbying firm employed by the American Chemistry Council. The ACC has several members, including DART and the Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group (the people who make takeout containers and foodservice materials). It's pretty confusing, but I'll explain.
For the past eight years or so, there have been proposed bans on different types of plastics. The one that is the most common, is a ban on Polystyrene foam (#6 plastic). Although there are many types of plastic found in the rivers and ocean, Polystyrene has become the scapegoat- a symbol of modern consumerism and a target for environmentalists. These bans look positive, because their goal is to eliminate marine debris in the ocean. However, it's more like putting a band-aid on a broken leg than anything. The only thing these bans really do, is cause more expensive garbage to end up in the river. There aren't any materials that we know of, that will decompose in salt water, so there's really no best option for takeout containers. Many restaurants use foam because it is cheap, and simply put, it is the best material for the job. Foam is the only product that keeps cold food cold, and hot food hot for more than 5 minutes.
Cue the interns. We were hired to raise the voices of restaurant owners by helping them write letters to their senators asking them not to support the bans on plastics. Our main goal, is to discredit bans as a policy tool and show that they really don't provide a solution. Often, politicians sponsor these types of bans, because their constituency wants them to show that they are pro-environmental, and proposing a ban looks great on paper. In reality, bans don't actually work so our mission is to prove that to the governing body.
Anyway, I have been here for a month now! There are four of us (Me, David Lake, Lindsay Bragg and Ryan Gray) working on this internship. And it has been crazy- but in a good way. We spent our first week or so learning everything we could possibly want to know about recycling, grassroots campaigning, and our client.
Basically, we work directly for Edelman Public Relations. Our client account is Kindel Gagan, a grassroots lobbying firm employed by the American Chemistry Council. The ACC has several members, including DART and the Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group (the people who make takeout containers and foodservice materials). It's pretty confusing, but I'll explain.
For the past eight years or so, there have been proposed bans on different types of plastics. The one that is the most common, is a ban on Polystyrene foam (#6 plastic). Although there are many types of plastic found in the rivers and ocean, Polystyrene has become the scapegoat- a symbol of modern consumerism and a target for environmentalists. These bans look positive, because their goal is to eliminate marine debris in the ocean. However, it's more like putting a band-aid on a broken leg than anything. The only thing these bans really do, is cause more expensive garbage to end up in the river. There aren't any materials that we know of, that will decompose in salt water, so there's really no best option for takeout containers. Many restaurants use foam because it is cheap, and simply put, it is the best material for the job. Foam is the only product that keeps cold food cold, and hot food hot for more than 5 minutes.
Cue the interns. We were hired to raise the voices of restaurant owners by helping them write letters to their senators asking them not to support the bans on plastics. Our main goal, is to discredit bans as a policy tool and show that they really don't provide a solution. Often, politicians sponsor these types of bans, because their constituency wants them to show that they are pro-environmental, and proposing a ban looks great on paper. In reality, bans don't actually work so our mission is to prove that to the governing body.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Real life.
There have been a lot of events recently that have made me think a lot about my life, and how far I've come, where I want to go, and who I want to become.
First off, I realized that I'm more than halfway through college, and that is terrifying. I'm almost done being a kid, but I don't feel like a grownup yet. Besides the paying my own bills stuff. That's not a big deal though because I've always done that. But what's weird is realizing that I'm older than missionaries, and all the little kids I used to babysit are starting to go through puberty and go to High School. Also, the fact that in 18 months I have to leave the Provo bubble and make my own decisions about what to fill my time with.
What's exciting though, is realizing that I am in a major that I am good at, and that I have power to help people to make their workplaces more effective and successful. I remember last year, thinking that everyone in my program was so much more experienced than me, and that they were so much more qualified than I was. It is intimidating to be in such a competitive major, but it's also good for me because it makes me try my hardest. Now that I only have 2 semesters of the program left, it's beginning to hit me. I have the same experience. I have the same qualifications. I know what I'm doing, and I'm going to be successful.
Case and point, 1 and 2. Number 1: Since Freshman year, I have only thought about the New York Internship program. It was my goal and I REALLY wanted to go there. Until I heard about Edelman PR's internship in LA. They basically do grassroots campaigning and it's interpersonal PR, which is what I want to do. It's an incredible opportunity, and it's very competitive. The more I learned about it, the more I felt like it was the internship for me, even though it isn't what I had originally planned on, so I applied for it, and worked hard to make my resume perfect. There were 19 applicants and only 4 positions open, so it was pretty intimidating but I went into the interview confident, and I was offered a position! Although it did take more than a month to get the final offer. But I am SO excited! I get to see what I'm made of, and work with an incredible PR firm, get some amazing experience and have an adventure. Getting this internship has been a huge blessing for me, because I know exactly what I'm going to be doing for the next year and a half.
Number 2: I was also recommended for a competitive internship on campus with University Communications over the summer, but since I was out of town I wasn't able to be interviewed in time, so I applied again this semester to start during Winter semester, and I was the first choice out of six applicants! I didn't end up taking the position since I got the other one in California, and they conflicted, however, they do want me to do the internship in the Fall/Winter of next year. So that is really exciting too! I want to get as much experience as possible in the PR field, and I am definitely getting that. It's exciting and scary all at the same time.
I just feel very lucky and blessed to know that I am following the path that has been laid for me, and that someday I'll look back on all this and see the hand of God in my experiences, just like I've seen in my life so far. I know that there is a purpose for all of this, and I have a mission to help people and to use my education and life experience to make the world a better place. Even though it seems impossible with all of the violence and tragedy that is going on right now in the world. I believe in humanity. I believe that there is good, and that people just need to be reminded of their power and ability to make an impact.
First off, I realized that I'm more than halfway through college, and that is terrifying. I'm almost done being a kid, but I don't feel like a grownup yet. Besides the paying my own bills stuff. That's not a big deal though because I've always done that. But what's weird is realizing that I'm older than missionaries, and all the little kids I used to babysit are starting to go through puberty and go to High School. Also, the fact that in 18 months I have to leave the Provo bubble and make my own decisions about what to fill my time with.
What's exciting though, is realizing that I am in a major that I am good at, and that I have power to help people to make their workplaces more effective and successful. I remember last year, thinking that everyone in my program was so much more experienced than me, and that they were so much more qualified than I was. It is intimidating to be in such a competitive major, but it's also good for me because it makes me try my hardest. Now that I only have 2 semesters of the program left, it's beginning to hit me. I have the same experience. I have the same qualifications. I know what I'm doing, and I'm going to be successful.
Case and point, 1 and 2. Number 1: Since Freshman year, I have only thought about the New York Internship program. It was my goal and I REALLY wanted to go there. Until I heard about Edelman PR's internship in LA. They basically do grassroots campaigning and it's interpersonal PR, which is what I want to do. It's an incredible opportunity, and it's very competitive. The more I learned about it, the more I felt like it was the internship for me, even though it isn't what I had originally planned on, so I applied for it, and worked hard to make my resume perfect. There were 19 applicants and only 4 positions open, so it was pretty intimidating but I went into the interview confident, and I was offered a position! Although it did take more than a month to get the final offer. But I am SO excited! I get to see what I'm made of, and work with an incredible PR firm, get some amazing experience and have an adventure. Getting this internship has been a huge blessing for me, because I know exactly what I'm going to be doing for the next year and a half.
Number 2: I was also recommended for a competitive internship on campus with University Communications over the summer, but since I was out of town I wasn't able to be interviewed in time, so I applied again this semester to start during Winter semester, and I was the first choice out of six applicants! I didn't end up taking the position since I got the other one in California, and they conflicted, however, they do want me to do the internship in the Fall/Winter of next year. So that is really exciting too! I want to get as much experience as possible in the PR field, and I am definitely getting that. It's exciting and scary all at the same time.
I just feel very lucky and blessed to know that I am following the path that has been laid for me, and that someday I'll look back on all this and see the hand of God in my experiences, just like I've seen in my life so far. I know that there is a purpose for all of this, and I have a mission to help people and to use my education and life experience to make the world a better place. Even though it seems impossible with all of the violence and tragedy that is going on right now in the world. I believe in humanity. I believe that there is good, and that people just need to be reminded of their power and ability to make an impact.
Jack Kerouac paid tribute to those people. He said,"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble makers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. The only thing you can't do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
I'm crazy enough to think I can change the world. The world needs a lot of help, and I want to help it. I want to use my skills and talents in a way that will benefit the world. I am so grateful to be studying in a program that is helping me to hone those skills and develop strong relationships. I am 100% confident that my life will include a career path, and that I will find fulfillment in that, along with my responsibility to have a family. But no matter what, I am glad to know that there is a plan for my life, and that I can be an instrument in God's hands if I will let him guide me.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Got an award. Internships terrify me.
So I finally went into the Universe newsroom today to pick up my award from Summer term, because I keep missing Rebecca (editor-in-chief) and apparently she wanted me to have it. I wasn't to concerned about it, because I sometimes feel like awards are kind of trite. They're just pieces of paper and nobody remembers, so its whatever. Right?
Wrong. I got an award for "Best overall writer." For the whole Universe! (meaning the campus newspaper, not the actual whole universe, although that would be pretty legit!)
While I wasn't expecting quite that, I am pleasantly surprised! I am glad that someone noticed my hard work, and confident in my abilities as a strong writer. Plus, it's something really great to put on my resume.
Also, I went to a meeting for PRSSA about internships yesterday, and I'm super terrified. I feel like there are so many people in the program who are way more qualified than I am. Intimidation to the extreme! But now I feel that I can be confident about my abilities. And I can get one of those internships FOR SURE!! I'm stoked about the prospects.
I am committing myself to giving 110% into all of my classes. I love them, and I love the growth I'm going through.
Confidence is key right?
Wrong. I got an award for "Best overall writer." For the whole Universe! (meaning the campus newspaper, not the actual whole universe, although that would be pretty legit!)
While I wasn't expecting quite that, I am pleasantly surprised! I am glad that someone noticed my hard work, and confident in my abilities as a strong writer. Plus, it's something really great to put on my resume.
Also, I went to a meeting for PRSSA about internships yesterday, and I'm super terrified. I feel like there are so many people in the program who are way more qualified than I am. Intimidation to the extreme! But now I feel that I can be confident about my abilities. And I can get one of those internships FOR SURE!! I'm stoked about the prospects.
I am committing myself to giving 110% into all of my classes. I love them, and I love the growth I'm going through.
Confidence is key right?
Friday, August 31, 2012
Some thoughts about growing up.
Sometimes, I have to stop and take a break look back at my life because I feel like I'm living it way too fast. Case and point, I just started my JUNIOR year of college, and I'm not really sure how that happened. I'm pretty excited about the coming future- no more tuition to pay soon, awesome internships, taking classes that I actually care about. Things like that. But I'm also nervous. Like, what the heck happened? I feel like I was a freshman last week, and now I am in 300 and 400 level classes? When did I grow up? And how did I get so lucky to get into such an intense and selective Top-5-in-the-nation program? The real world is becoming more real to me. It's scary, but I've learned that I know I can handle it. Even though the future is uncertain, and I still feel like an 18-year-old freshman sometimes.
Uncertainty aside, I am so happy with my life right now. I have the opportunity to attend an incredible university and take classes that stretch me and bring meaning to my life and goals. I absolutely love my classes, and I love the learning process. My life is richer. My heart is happy. I am completely content with where I am academically, and who I am intellectually.
One thing that tells me that I really am on the right track though, is that I don't feel like everyone in my classes is smarter than me anymore. I am just as competent, and I know what I'm doing. I am learning, and applying my knowledge. I am a powerful human being.
I like that phrase a lot. I have spent over 6 months cumulatively, standing on the street in downtown Portland, telling people that very phrase. I am a powerful human being, and so are they. They can make anything happen if they set their mind to it. That's who we are. That's the world we live in. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit. When we don't think we can accomplish great things, we don't. Its that simple. When we believe in our abilities and give ourselves credit, we have power.
A cool thing that happened this summer as we were driving home from a family outing. My sister and brother and I were in the car with our parents and both of their spouses, and we got on the subject of my sister and brother-in-law's new business they are planning to open soon. We began discussing the best location for the business, and things like that. With such a wide range of people in the car, we had a lot of differing perspectives. Dad has owned a small business for nearly 20 years, so he knows about being an entrepreneur just from his own experiences. Richard is studying entrepreneurship and business in college, so he has that baseline. Marissa knows all about the products they want to create. I have a background in PR and Marketing because of my studies, and Tayler has had similar experiences to me. Many of us have worked in a sales capacity, so we know what gets people to buy things. Because of all of our experiences and knowledge, we were able to come up with a large amount of ideas for them. Then we started talking about Dad's Vet hospital, and his need for more business. We were able to take the same principles and experiences and apply them to a completely different business and give him some ideas for re-vamping his marketing practices. It was awesome to be able to contribute to the conversation and give actual input that was helpful and creative, and even though I am a good 30+ years younger than Dad, he still valued my knowledge and skills.
It seems kind of silly, it was just a conversation we had on a long drive home, but for me it kind of flipped a switch. Even though I'm still learning, and I'm definitely nowhere near being a professional yet, I am becoming competent. The skills I am gaining have the potential to help people. I can translate the things I have learned in the classroom, into making it possible for other people to be successful.
I am a powerful human being. It strengthens my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because I know that there is a plan for my life. The skills and experiences I am gaining have a purpose.
Looking back on the defining moments of my life, I can see how my decisions led me to certain opportunities. I can see how things that I thought had no significance at the time, actually carried a lot of weight for what happened later. I can see that my experiences have definitely set me on this path. I have been opened up to opportunities that are exactly what I need at that time in my life. They have come as answers to the prayers that I have earnestly prayed, and to the prayers I have been afraid to pray.
For example, I left Portland this summer, feeling very bittersweet. I love my time in the city, bugging strangers to help children in need. It is one of those jobs that is so incredibly hard that you come home every day physically and mentally exhausted. But it's one of those experiences in my life that has made me feel so much richer, not monetarily, but culturally, intellectually, as a human being and as an activist. The world is a scary place. But it's easy to find beauty if you look for it. Closing that chapter in my life is hard. I grew so much and learned so much from having that experience. I learned how to love people, and I made hundreds of new friends. I helped people to have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest potential- and I'm not just talking about the kids that got sponsored because of me.
When I got back to Provo, I felt discontented. I don't think I'll be living in Portland again for a long time, and working in that capacity is not really very realistic for me anymore. I found myself wondering if I would be able to find something that brought me that much meaning. Not too long after, I ran into a great friend who just went to Kenya to build schools for children there. We talked for hours about his and my experiences, and our passions for this kind of work. As a result, he introduced me to an amazing woman with a similar story to me. She started the charity he went to Kenya with, and as a result of our conversation, she asked me to be on the board of her charity. Wow. Just a few days before, I found myself wondering how I could use my skills and knowledge to contribute to something as meaningful as getting people to sponsor children. I hadn't even prayed to find a new outlet. Heavenly Father knew me better than I knew myself, and like usual, he gave me a distinct kick-in-the-pants message- don't waste time wondering what will happen. Trust that he will give me opportunities, and he will. He has definitely never let me down, and I know he never will. He has set me on this path, and he expects me to follow it.
It's a little bit scary for me to realize that my life has a distinct purpose. I know that I am meant to accomplish big things. I have the potential to make a difference in the world. The phrase is cliché, but it's true. I don't know what those things are, but I'm starting to get an idea. And I'm excited to see how the rest of my story unfolds.
Uncertainty aside, I am so happy with my life right now. I have the opportunity to attend an incredible university and take classes that stretch me and bring meaning to my life and goals. I absolutely love my classes, and I love the learning process. My life is richer. My heart is happy. I am completely content with where I am academically, and who I am intellectually.
One thing that tells me that I really am on the right track though, is that I don't feel like everyone in my classes is smarter than me anymore. I am just as competent, and I know what I'm doing. I am learning, and applying my knowledge. I am a powerful human being.
I like that phrase a lot. I have spent over 6 months cumulatively, standing on the street in downtown Portland, telling people that very phrase. I am a powerful human being, and so are they. They can make anything happen if they set their mind to it. That's who we are. That's the world we live in. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit. When we don't think we can accomplish great things, we don't. Its that simple. When we believe in our abilities and give ourselves credit, we have power.
A cool thing that happened this summer as we were driving home from a family outing. My sister and brother and I were in the car with our parents and both of their spouses, and we got on the subject of my sister and brother-in-law's new business they are planning to open soon. We began discussing the best location for the business, and things like that. With such a wide range of people in the car, we had a lot of differing perspectives. Dad has owned a small business for nearly 20 years, so he knows about being an entrepreneur just from his own experiences. Richard is studying entrepreneurship and business in college, so he has that baseline. Marissa knows all about the products they want to create. I have a background in PR and Marketing because of my studies, and Tayler has had similar experiences to me. Many of us have worked in a sales capacity, so we know what gets people to buy things. Because of all of our experiences and knowledge, we were able to come up with a large amount of ideas for them. Then we started talking about Dad's Vet hospital, and his need for more business. We were able to take the same principles and experiences and apply them to a completely different business and give him some ideas for re-vamping his marketing practices. It was awesome to be able to contribute to the conversation and give actual input that was helpful and creative, and even though I am a good 30+ years younger than Dad, he still valued my knowledge and skills.
It seems kind of silly, it was just a conversation we had on a long drive home, but for me it kind of flipped a switch. Even though I'm still learning, and I'm definitely nowhere near being a professional yet, I am becoming competent. The skills I am gaining have the potential to help people. I can translate the things I have learned in the classroom, into making it possible for other people to be successful.
I am a powerful human being. It strengthens my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because I know that there is a plan for my life. The skills and experiences I am gaining have a purpose.
Looking back on the defining moments of my life, I can see how my decisions led me to certain opportunities. I can see how things that I thought had no significance at the time, actually carried a lot of weight for what happened later. I can see that my experiences have definitely set me on this path. I have been opened up to opportunities that are exactly what I need at that time in my life. They have come as answers to the prayers that I have earnestly prayed, and to the prayers I have been afraid to pray.
For example, I left Portland this summer, feeling very bittersweet. I love my time in the city, bugging strangers to help children in need. It is one of those jobs that is so incredibly hard that you come home every day physically and mentally exhausted. But it's one of those experiences in my life that has made me feel so much richer, not monetarily, but culturally, intellectually, as a human being and as an activist. The world is a scary place. But it's easy to find beauty if you look for it. Closing that chapter in my life is hard. I grew so much and learned so much from having that experience. I learned how to love people, and I made hundreds of new friends. I helped people to have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest potential- and I'm not just talking about the kids that got sponsored because of me.
When I got back to Provo, I felt discontented. I don't think I'll be living in Portland again for a long time, and working in that capacity is not really very realistic for me anymore. I found myself wondering if I would be able to find something that brought me that much meaning. Not too long after, I ran into a great friend who just went to Kenya to build schools for children there. We talked for hours about his and my experiences, and our passions for this kind of work. As a result, he introduced me to an amazing woman with a similar story to me. She started the charity he went to Kenya with, and as a result of our conversation, she asked me to be on the board of her charity. Wow. Just a few days before, I found myself wondering how I could use my skills and knowledge to contribute to something as meaningful as getting people to sponsor children. I hadn't even prayed to find a new outlet. Heavenly Father knew me better than I knew myself, and like usual, he gave me a distinct kick-in-the-pants message- don't waste time wondering what will happen. Trust that he will give me opportunities, and he will. He has definitely never let me down, and I know he never will. He has set me on this path, and he expects me to follow it.
It's a little bit scary for me to realize that my life has a distinct purpose. I know that I am meant to accomplish big things. I have the potential to make a difference in the world. The phrase is cliché, but it's true. I don't know what those things are, but I'm starting to get an idea. And I'm excited to see how the rest of my story unfolds.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Time really flies.
Man time flies. Its crazy huh? It's been an interesting few months since February- much has happened, at least I feel like it has. My life is crazy as ever. I finished my semester a week and a half ago, and we shall see about the final grades pretty soon.. I have been stretched more than ever and I have grown a lot, scholastically and personally. I am grateful for the difficult semester, but definitely glad it's over. Although, it doesn't necessarily get easier from here on out!
Things that make me happy recently:
Awesome roommate bonding moments.
Kneaders for Breakfast on my last day in Provo.
Friday Temple days.
Meeting extremely attractive gentlemen.
Not having to move all of my stuff because I'm living in the same apartment again in 6 weeks.
Finding an awesome condo to live in with my awesome cousin next fall.
Going to see Young the Giant in concert and being surprised by the opening act- Grouplove.
Seeing my brother marry a wonderful girl for time and all eternity.
Finishing finals early and spending quality time with my mommy.
Playing foursquare for 3 hours one night- it was surprisingly fun!
Finding out that my Anatomy/Physiology credit from PCC transfers as a BIO credit to BYU and I don't have to take Biology to graduate!
Flying home with my family to Portland and I get to be here for the next 6 weeks!
Working with my favorite people and doing something I really care about while I'm home!
Finally reuniting with my lovely Ellen after a very long 4 months!
Starting up my same summer job from last year this week, and I'm really excited- almost to the point of being giddy. I'm gonna go save some more babies!
Things that make me happy recently:
Awesome roommate bonding moments.
Kneaders for Breakfast on my last day in Provo.
Friday Temple days.
Meeting extremely attractive gentlemen.
Not having to move all of my stuff because I'm living in the same apartment again in 6 weeks.
Finding an awesome condo to live in with my awesome cousin next fall.
Going to see Young the Giant in concert and being surprised by the opening act- Grouplove.
Seeing my brother marry a wonderful girl for time and all eternity.
Finishing finals early and spending quality time with my mommy.
Playing foursquare for 3 hours one night- it was surprisingly fun!
Finding out that my Anatomy/Physiology credit from PCC transfers as a BIO credit to BYU and I don't have to take Biology to graduate!
Flying home with my family to Portland and I get to be here for the next 6 weeks!
Working with my favorite people and doing something I really care about while I'm home!
Finally reuniting with my lovely Ellen after a very long 4 months!
Starting up my same summer job from last year this week, and I'm really excited- almost to the point of being giddy. I'm gonna go save some more babies!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
It's been awhile..
How my life has changed... I feel like I've grown up like 17 years in the last 7 months. Okay not really, but life is good. I have learned a lot. Let me tell you about it.
I learned that it's okay to love people, even if it's not meant to be.
I learned that sometimes it's just worth it to forgive and forget, even if people don't change.
I learned that sometimes, the only thing you can change about a situation is your perspective and your attitude. You are in control of you, and only you.
I learned that if we want to see the world change, we have to start the process by being that change.
I learned that Gandhi is one of the best role models, after Jesus Christ of course.
I learned that the Atonement is real, and not just for when you make mistakes, but also for when you are broken inside and you feel like all is lost. If you ask for his help and give him your burden, and are willing to give it away, he takes the burden away.
I learned that my troubles are very little compared to a little 7-year-old boy living in Zambia. I am so blessed, and no matter how poor I am, I will never know that much poverty.
I learned to be grateful for the little things. Like the sun when I wake up in the morning. Or for having awesome roommates. And sisters who will drop anything to come give me rides or let me hang out with them. For little toddler boys who always somehow know that I need the love they have to give. For an awesome bishop who encourages and loves me. For amazing friends who just let me talk. For an incredible experience to learn how to love. For amazing parents who always know what to say to me when I don't know where to turn. For the love of my Heavenly Father when I feel so alone. For a temple 5 minutes away from my apartment, and an amazing friend who wants to go with me every week. For the ability to hope. For my job where I can do my homework the whole time. For getting accepted into my major and having the confirmation that I am doing what I am supposed to do with my life. For things just falling into place when I'm ready for them. For brothers. For sisters. For my ballet class that gives me the opportunity to focus on improving my dance ability and forget about everything else that stresses me out. For friends who make me go and do things that are fun and meet new people, even though sometimes I'd rather watch movies and be by myself. For class discussions that make me feel like I'm stretching myself intellectually, but make me feel smart at the same time. For boys who smile at me when I walk down the hall. For meeting people who are best friends with people that I love. For making connections with every new person I meet. For learning how to identify how I am feeling, and consciously make an effort to improve my state of mind. For getting answers to my prayers. For getting answers in an unexpected way. For meeting amazing people, and then realizing that I see them everywhere. For being able to give advice, and have people appreciate it. For being able to serve others when I'm feeling down. For getting in shape and feeling endorphins. For dancing and singing. For grocery shopping. For sharing clothes with my sister. For people who make me feel special and important. For going to bed early and sleeping late. For candles that smell good. For inspirational quotes. For having time to play with my hair. For making delicious food. For living on the third floor and having to walk up the RB stairs every day. For pretty clothes that make me feel cute. For bright shoes that make my feet happy. For learning how to budget and realizing that I can handle my life. For making crafts. For talking to 3 year olds on the phone. For giving my brother advice and talking about his life. For laughing at nothing. For blue skies. For people who make me believe I can change the world. For professors who enable instead of terrify their students. For Uggs. For co-workers who have really good insights. For making friends. For realizing that I have so many blessings in my life, and all the troubles are only temporary.
I learned that I can accomplish anything I want to accomplish if I trust up above.
I learned that I can't understand everything, but that someday I will, and I'm okay with that.
I learned that I can be best friends with some guys without having to worry that they will interpret it the wrong way.
I learned that my family is, and will always be my best friends.
I learned that it's important to live in the moment, and embrace the experiences I'm living through instead of wishing time would pass quickly.
I learned that when you are obedient, you get blessed.
I learned that I can trust my own judgement, and I am responsible for my life.
I learned that I don't have all of the answers, and I didn't necessarily go where I thought I would. Life is pretty unpredictable, but sometimes Heavenly Father intervenes and helps me realize that my plans for myself were pretty good, but he has something way better in store for me. Everything I go through is shaping me into the person I am meant to be, and I'm grateful for the hard times and the struggles because I'm stronger now and more understanding.
I learned that there is so much more to learn. and I learned how to be completely and totally ME in every way.
In 7 months I've done a lot of learning.. but I'm happy with where I've come. Life is full of surprises, but I like them.
"If you don't like where you are, then change it. You are not a tree." I'm not going to be a tree. I'm going to take what I've been given, and make some lemonade. Or limeade. or a smoothie. I have control over my life, and nobody can change that or make me feel inferior. My life is going somewhere.
And with that, it's bed time. until next post.
I learned that it's okay to love people, even if it's not meant to be.
I learned that sometimes it's just worth it to forgive and forget, even if people don't change.
I learned that sometimes, the only thing you can change about a situation is your perspective and your attitude. You are in control of you, and only you.
I learned that if we want to see the world change, we have to start the process by being that change.
I learned that Gandhi is one of the best role models, after Jesus Christ of course.
I learned that the Atonement is real, and not just for when you make mistakes, but also for when you are broken inside and you feel like all is lost. If you ask for his help and give him your burden, and are willing to give it away, he takes the burden away.
I learned that my troubles are very little compared to a little 7-year-old boy living in Zambia. I am so blessed, and no matter how poor I am, I will never know that much poverty.
I learned to be grateful for the little things. Like the sun when I wake up in the morning. Or for having awesome roommates. And sisters who will drop anything to come give me rides or let me hang out with them. For little toddler boys who always somehow know that I need the love they have to give. For an awesome bishop who encourages and loves me. For amazing friends who just let me talk. For an incredible experience to learn how to love. For amazing parents who always know what to say to me when I don't know where to turn. For the love of my Heavenly Father when I feel so alone. For a temple 5 minutes away from my apartment, and an amazing friend who wants to go with me every week. For the ability to hope. For my job where I can do my homework the whole time. For getting accepted into my major and having the confirmation that I am doing what I am supposed to do with my life. For things just falling into place when I'm ready for them. For brothers. For sisters. For my ballet class that gives me the opportunity to focus on improving my dance ability and forget about everything else that stresses me out. For friends who make me go and do things that are fun and meet new people, even though sometimes I'd rather watch movies and be by myself. For class discussions that make me feel like I'm stretching myself intellectually, but make me feel smart at the same time. For boys who smile at me when I walk down the hall. For meeting people who are best friends with people that I love. For making connections with every new person I meet. For learning how to identify how I am feeling, and consciously make an effort to improve my state of mind. For getting answers to my prayers. For getting answers in an unexpected way. For meeting amazing people, and then realizing that I see them everywhere. For being able to give advice, and have people appreciate it. For being able to serve others when I'm feeling down. For getting in shape and feeling endorphins. For dancing and singing. For grocery shopping. For sharing clothes with my sister. For people who make me feel special and important. For going to bed early and sleeping late. For candles that smell good. For inspirational quotes. For having time to play with my hair. For making delicious food. For living on the third floor and having to walk up the RB stairs every day. For pretty clothes that make me feel cute. For bright shoes that make my feet happy. For learning how to budget and realizing that I can handle my life. For making crafts. For talking to 3 year olds on the phone. For giving my brother advice and talking about his life. For laughing at nothing. For blue skies. For people who make me believe I can change the world. For professors who enable instead of terrify their students. For Uggs. For co-workers who have really good insights. For making friends. For realizing that I have so many blessings in my life, and all the troubles are only temporary.
I learned that I can accomplish anything I want to accomplish if I trust up above.
I learned that I can't understand everything, but that someday I will, and I'm okay with that.
I learned that I can be best friends with some guys without having to worry that they will interpret it the wrong way.
I learned that my family is, and will always be my best friends.
I learned that it's important to live in the moment, and embrace the experiences I'm living through instead of wishing time would pass quickly.
I learned that when you are obedient, you get blessed.
I learned that I can trust my own judgement, and I am responsible for my life.
I learned that I don't have all of the answers, and I didn't necessarily go where I thought I would. Life is pretty unpredictable, but sometimes Heavenly Father intervenes and helps me realize that my plans for myself were pretty good, but he has something way better in store for me. Everything I go through is shaping me into the person I am meant to be, and I'm grateful for the hard times and the struggles because I'm stronger now and more understanding.
I learned that there is so much more to learn. and I learned how to be completely and totally ME in every way.
In 7 months I've done a lot of learning.. but I'm happy with where I've come. Life is full of surprises, but I like them.
"If you don't like where you are, then change it. You are not a tree." I'm not going to be a tree. I'm going to take what I've been given, and make some lemonade. Or limeade. or a smoothie. I have control over my life, and nobody can change that or make me feel inferior. My life is going somewhere.
And with that, it's bed time. until next post.
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