Thoughts of a Self-Proclaimed Maverick

This year, for spring break, I will be traveling throughout Washington D.C., North Carolina, and Georgia to visit colleges. A year ago, I literally would have died at the thought spending my spring break with my family…in a car..taking boring college tours! However, now, with my junior year coming to the close, college life has become increasingly exciting. I can’t wait to find THE college for me. In Washington, I will be looking at Georgetown and Howard University. In North Carolina, I will be touring Duke and the University of North Carolina. Additionally, I will tour Hampton in Virginia and Morehouse in Atlanta.

“A road is not for a destination but for a journey”

-Buddhist precept

The point of this Buddhist teaching is that nothing in life occurs instantaneously. Time and maturation, symbolized by the journey, are required before one can arrive at their destination and achieve their success.

Personally, I believe my “beginning” is high school as a whole, for during this period I have grown physically, matured mentally, and learned a lot. In essence, high school turns children into young men and women. I have changed a lot since freshman year. In fact, I’m still changing and have yet to “find myself”. For one, I feel more driven to succeed. As a freshman, grades were important, but didn’t have any tangible value. Conversely, at the present, my grades will directly contribute to deciphering which higher institution I apply/get accepted to. Consequently, I have found that I have worked harder and with more passion than I have before. Additionally, I’m truly becoming an individual. I used to feel pressured to conform to certain stereotypes and now, I just don’t care. Whether it’s the music I listen to, the clothes I wear, or the way I act, its 100% uniquely and unequivocally me. I have wasted too much time and stress over what people think- I just don’t care anymore. If you’ve got haters, your doing something right, otherwise there’d be nothing to hate. Furthermore, on a lesser note, my indulgences have greatly changed from my first year in high school. As of now, I am a self-professed news-junkie, I love to drive, I can cook without burning the house down, and 24 is my favorite show- Jack Bauer is my idol!

Throughout my years at Brebeuf, my faith has been greatly bolstered to the point where I consider it strength. Though my family has always attended church services weekly, Brebeuf’s religious curriculum has given me a new, enlightened, religious perspective. For one, the Daily Examine has allowed me to reflect upon the occurrences each and every day and has reminded me to count my blessings. Additionally, Brebeuf’s interfaith studies have allowed me the chance to discuss Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and other religions. Aside from an increase in general knowledge, my faith has greatly improved just from having intelligent debate with peers and teachers. Also, community service and our “Social Justice” unit has taught me to see God in everything and everyone, no matter how trying the situation. Because I consider my faith pretty strong, I would not seek the “faith medicine”.

Humor is a great strength to have on one’s Hero Journey. Humor can reduce stress by lightening moods and is a great quality to have when meeting new people and building relationships. Humor truly is a universal language for anybody and everybody in the world can understand a laugh. Over the years, I have found standup comedy especially funny and have come to respect comedians for their wit and talent. Just last night, I was watching Will Ferrell stand up. I laughed to the point where I couldn’t breathe and forgot all my troubles.

Passion is one of my greatest strengths. Passion is very pertinent to the Hero Journey for it serves as motivation for persevering through trials and tribulations. When I’m passionate about something, I will work tirelessly toward achieving such a goal or perfecting that skill. My passion for Student Council and for aiding in medicinal research motivated me to not only attend the 6 hour dance marathon, BUT to arrive 4 hours early to set up and stay an hour late to take it down. Aside from such tedious tasks, I enthusiastically served the food committee and successfully solicited the aid of several area vendors. My passion for politics has provided very interesting learning experiences. During the ’08 election, I was fortunate enough to not only canvass in Indiana, BUT to travel to Ohio, a battleground state, and work for the Obama campaign.

The ability to give back defines what it means to be a hero. If a hero didn’t give back, he or she wouldn’t be a hero. Selflessness is the enabler that allows one to give back. It’s an understanding that there are others in the world that deserve respect and kindness. I, myself, strive to help others in any way possible. I volunteer at pretty much any chance I get. If anyone needs help with studying or homework, I won’t hesitate to help out- even if I have work that I could be doing.

Quick wit and intelligence is a necessity for one traveling through their Hero Journey. Without such smarts, one will have great difficulty adjusting and triumphing over peril.  Though I’m in no way a genius, I have luckily been endowed with common sense and extensive general knowledge. This is evident with my standardized test scores and GPA.

Though I stated earlier that selflessness was strength for me, it is also a weakness. I often find myself caring way too much about what others think, and thinking little to nothing about my own personal feelings. Today, if I could, I would bring Courage medicine along with me on my journey to reverse such tendencies. This medicine would hopefully help me to do what’s right without even questioning my actions.

Although I am intellectually gifted, at times, I can be slow to pick up the obvious. This often happens because I, at times, can over think situations. The Discernment medicine would allow me to focus on the small picture as well as the large picture.

Patience is essential when traveling on one’s Hero Journey. Because success isn’t handed out, it is important to have the patience to wait for it. As a product of the information technology revolution, I have become quite use to instant gratification. When such immediate satisfaction becomes unavailable, anxiety and restlessness ensue. Hopefully, by bringing Patience medicine, I would be able to avoid such Hero Journey hindrances.

Whilst I have been blessed with quick wit and intelligence, I still lack the wisdom of adults. Quick wit and intelligence are valuable when making quick, day-to-day decisions, however, once making long-term decisions, one must call upon as much experience as they can to make the best choice or plan. Wisdom supplements would enable me to make the best, most educated and thoughtful decisions in life.

It’s one thing to say that money and success won’t ever change who you are, but it’s another, to actually stay grounded in the midst of spectacular success. For this reason, I would take a Humility vaccine. By taking this vaccine, I will have prevented myself from becoming egotistical and arrogant in the future, no matter what the outcome. Consequently, in addition to being prosperous, I will be well respected and admired. In essence, I will be a hero!

On March 21st 2009, the Brebeuf Jesuit Student Council will be holding its first annual Dance Marathon! The event is from 4-10pm and will raise money for the patients at Riley Children’s Hospital. Registration packets were due today, although I doubt we will turn away late-packets (so, if possible, you should still try and register). Along with the packets is a minimum donation of 25 dollars. Whilst this donation might appear quite expensive, its going to a really great cause and I can asssure you we aren’t looking to profit from the event. For the duration of the event, we will be dancing (it is after all a dance marathon…) and doing activities that will benefit the children at Riley’s. Because the event isn’t directly (face to face) aiding the kids, the event will not count for Religion or Community Service hours- although many OTHER organizations such as Key Club, National Honor Society, etc. WILL recognize your participation. This event will very fun and rewarding! Other schools have raised thousands of dollars and have had huge turnout rates. Please make plans to attend and feel free to contact me with any questions!

Bottom Line: This is a great way to spend a Saturday with friends and to give back to the less fortunate.

Rush Limbaugh is a pompous, hypocritical, fear mongering, spewer of hate. Just listen to the man talk!. He can’t go a day with out personally attacking another person. His hyper-partisan rhetoric has continually been a cancer to Washington politics. Republicans, pressured by Limbaugh’s bully-pulpit, go to overwhelming lengths to appease Limbaugh and therefore their constituents indirectly. This means no compromise, no walking across the aisle, and no independent thought from the conservatives. Like a writer writing actors’ scripts, puppet master Rush, controls republican beliefs, what they say, and how they say it. If any Republican steps out of line, say bye-bye to their conservative support. Such an instance recently occurred as Limbaugh proclaimed his desire that the president of the United States, Barack Obama, fail. In the midst of economic recession (caused by eight years of Republican dominated government), this lunatic wants our president to fail? In the midst of two wars, Limbaugh wants the leader of the free world to fail? How ignorant can one be! Now, I’m a proud liberal and have never, in the eight years of Bush II’s reign wished failure! This doesn’t mean I agreed with his policies, but, as every American should, I wished the president success whether it be with the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, catching Osama Bin Laden, the economy, national security, healthcare, etc….Though, Dub-yah’s presidency largely was a failure, never did I hope for such an outcome. As an American, regardless of ideological views, I want my country AND my leader to be successful. Initially and rightfully, members from both major parties condemned his Limbaugh’s ridiculous proclamation, however, many, if not all, of the republicans later recanted their condemnations.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele:

After initially responding to Limbaugh’s wish that Obama would fail, Steele said, “Rush is not the head of the Republican Party. He’s an “entertainer” whose show is “incendiary” and “ugly.”

Later…
“My intent was not to go after Rush – I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh…”

“I was maybe a little bit inarticulate… There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.”

“I went back at that tape and I realized words that I said weren’t what I was thinking…”
________________________________________________________

Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC):
“Anybody who wants [President Obama] to fail is an idiot, because it means we’re all in trouble…”

Later…
Sanford’s Communications Director, said that “the governor was not referring to anyone” in particular.
________________________________________________________

Its one thing to state an opinion on the air, but using the radio to excessively bully politicians into submission is not better than extortion and bribery. Aside from causing tension in Congress, such actions by Rush have directly inhibited discussion, debate, and passing of bipartisan legislation. Oh and to all republicans out there whining about the stimulus package, 1) you have no credibility when it comes to managing a budget (you via Bush turned our surplus to a deficit), 2) the Democrats overwhelmingly won the election and its simply illogical to debate pertinent legislation that could be passed instantaneously.

“Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society.” -Rush Limbaugh

“Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.” – Rush Limbaugh

And you wonder why the Republican party has no diversity! and no, three token blacks out of a 168 committee does not count!

Another hit from the Lonely Island..

A recent presidential survey completed by 65 historians ranks George W. Bush the seventh worst president (I am certainly surprised) in American history. Honest Abe Lincoln finished first, followed by George Washington, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman respectively. Bill Clinton was ranked at 15th, with George H.W. Bush ranked at 18th. James Buchanan — the man who watched helplessly as the nation lurched toward civil war in the 1850s — finished last (not far from George W. Bush’s 36th place). Oh and don’t think I took pleasure in dub-yahs low ranking…because I definitely didn’t (wink, wink)

For more findings from the survey, go to: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/02/16/historians-give-bush-bad-early-verdict/#more-40184

Bush-isms

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For eight long years Republicans have ran this country. For eight long years our moral credibility, treasury, and alliances have suffered. Now, just three weeks into an Obama presidency, Republicans know just what to do (or, more appropriately, what NOT to do)? President Obama has attempted to govern as moderately as possible and has stressed the importance of bipartisanship. In fact, he has appointed a precedential number of minority party members within his cabinet, met with congressional Republicans, and made himself quite accessible. What has the Republican party accomplished? Nothing, save for being the predictable “loyal opposition”. Instead of presenting solutions, Republicans continue to tear down Democratic proposals whilst digging their defensive, political war trenches. In fact, talk show host/conservative fear mongerer, Rush Limbaugh, announced clearly and publicly that he hoped President Obama would fail. It appears to me that the GOP is willing to let the Democrat dominated government fail JUST so that they can be re-elected in the next election cycle and possibly regain a majority. Well I hate to break it to them, BUT, Americans are suffering through a great depression and don’t have time to wait and play political games. GIVE ME A BREAK! To make matters worse, Michael Steele, the newly elected Republican National Committee Chairman, has reaffirmed his party’s role as the loyal (narrow minded) opposition and has even had the audacity to proclaim “power has gone to democrats’ heads”. Are you serious? After all of the Bush regime’s attempts to limit the rights of Americans, this man has the nerve to call Democrats power hungry? Democrats aren’t the ones who allowed warrantless domestic spying. Democrats aren’t the ones who held prisoners indefinitely in Guantanamo Bay. Democrats aren’t the ones who invaded Iraq, a sovereign state, for mere ideological differences. Oh, the hypocrisy!

“I find it amazing that the Republicans who doubled the debt of the country in eight years and produced no new jobs doing it, gave us an economic record that was totally bereft of any productive result are now criticizing him for spending money. You know, I’m a fiscal conservative, I balanced the budget, I ran surpluses. If I were in his position today, I would be doing what he’s doing.”  – President Bill Clinton

Ok, recently Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Rod) admitted to past steroid use and has since come under a lot of scrutiny…and I want to know, WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL!!?

1) Steroids do not spontaneously generate skill

2) Essentially everyone has done it, so its not like there is an unfair advantage (yay peer pressure!!)

3) It happened in 2003..its 2009! Why not focus on how to prevent future steroid use?

4) Baseball isn’t the sport it used to be with regards to national popularity and the Steroid Scandals are only repulsing fans

Personally, I feel that the MLB should enact tougher steroid use penalties and sumbit its players to routine drug testing. Furthermore, I think a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” type policy should be adopted with regards to past teroid use. Nothing positive comes from taking players to court and digging into their past medicinal habits.

Thats my whole spin on steroids…what do you think?