Holiday Spirit?

Where is the holiday spirit these days? Sure there are festive decorations, Christmas parties, lights, and holiday cider, but I’m not talking about the commercial aspect rather the feeling of peace and happiness. All I’ve come across is stress and hostility. Christmas should bring out the best in everyone and that it does. If you consider getting into a cursing battle at the mall for a parking space, practically knocking each other over to grab that last sale item or even as extreme as killing another person. This year there were not just one, but several cases of people actually getting killed on Black Friday. I couldn’t even believe it when I saw it on the news, it truly blows my mind. I don’t understand how people can be so greedy and selfish, just to save a few extra bucks. What great model citizens we have here in America. People’s true character shines through during the holidays. I know we are experiencing an economic disaster right now, but you would have never known it by the way people were out in full force on the biggest shopping day of the year. Merry freaking Christmas, I hope you enjoy that new plasma TV I literally killed to get. It’s almost like a joke or something from a movie, but unfortunately it’s reality and I probably shouldn’t even laugh about it. I couldn’t imagine losing someone to a deathly holiday shopping accident. I really hope that present was worth taking a life for. Like a stampede of wild elephants attacking their prey is representable of our fellow citizens herding the aisles of every store in America. To my surprise, some stores even opened as early as midnight on Thanksgiving. So much for giving thanks and cherishing family on one day out of the entire year. It was about praying for good bargains to some people and camping out in line after scarfing down a piece of pecan pie.

I know that this even furthers my decision to NOT celebrate the gift part of Christmas this year and proven my point that Christmas isn’t what it use to be. Yeah I know very un-American of me to not go out and max out my credit card, so I can be in debt for the new year. Way to start it off right. My mom and I already agreed that we are going to go out and "do" things, enjoy each others company rather than spend money on gifts we probably don’t need or want in the first place. Memories are forever, gifts are for the moment.

Simplicity looks more and more enticing every year as our world and daily life gets more and more complicated. It has just become so ridiculous and people have gotten out of control. Peoples’ lives are so busy with a million things on their minds. We all just need to slow the hell down and enjoy the moment.

Christmas is becoming a gimmick and seems more like a burden to get gifts for everyone. People feel obligated to get each other gifts, because they think the other person will give them a gift. If you don’t get the other person a gift in return than it makes you look selfish and greedy. There is really no winning in this situation. I understand if it is something from the heart that represents someone or for the kids, but when we become adults it seems like more of a hassle than anything else. This is why we are so stressed during the holidays, when we should be relaxed and "in the holiday spirit." Which we often easily forget what that means. It is about being good to one another and thankful for family and friends. Cherishing everything we are lucky enough to enjoy and helping the less fortunate.

When I was younger, Christmas was the best time of the year, but then again I was just that: young and naive. All I needed was the newest toy and I was a happy camper. Now that I am older, I am more aware that it’s not just about getting a Wii or i-pod. It’s being thankful and blessed to have one another together. The true spirit of Christmas and the holidays are becoming ignored and neglected by materialism. It is becoming just another "Hallmark Holiday." Good for business bad for society and culture. Whatever happened to family traditions and values?

Instead of guessing what your in-law from the east coast wants, you should spend your time and money being more productive. Like volunteering at a local shelter or donating to the food bank. That is what the true Christmas spirit is about, making sure everyone has a nourishing meal and clothes on their back. I understand, easier said than done especially with the current state our economy is in and more families than ever living below the poverty line. But if everyone does their part and contributes in one way or another things can workout. Last year I served Christmas dinner at a local shelter and that was a fulfilling enough gift to me. Most of us just donate and volunteer during the holidays which is greatly appreciated by many and is often when needed the most, but what about the other eleven months of the year? Poverty doesn’t just occur one month out of the year unfortunately. We easily forget throughout the rest of the year to help others.

Back in the good ol’ days, as our grandparents would say, things were simple and people enjoyed the little things in life. But just like everything else, times change, and along with that so do people. As people change, customs, traditions and values also change. So just slow down and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Going Abroad Essay

Life is really about what you make of it. To me, it is not about the size of my paycheck or the kind of car I drive. It is about the people I surround myself with, following my dreams and most importantly, the experiences I encounter that truly shape my life. Studying abroad is one thing I have always wanted to do. I know it will be a life changing event and I will learn a lot, not only in the classroom, about different cultures and people, but about myself. I am a third year Communications major with a love for writing and learning. I am very dedicated, focused, and hardworking. I feel studying abroad will benefit all aspects of my life and allow me to look at things through different perspectives. I am very interested and excited to study in Sweden, I know I will get so much out of it and forever remember my time abroad.

I try to get very involved with extracurricular activities and make the most of my time in college. Since I can remember, I have been involved with sports. I was a three sport athlete through high school and continued into my freshman year with a scholarship to UC Irvine. I think it has contributed to a huge part of who I am today. More than the game, I learned how to get along with others, commitment, hard work and dedication that will continue to help me throughout the rest of my life. Along with sports I have done everything from Camp Fire, youth group, volunteer work, and various clubs. I am currently the sports editor and staff writer for the school newspaper, a DJ for the school radio, conversational partner to three international students, and on the Ultimate Frisbee team. I think all of these activities have helped me to become more outgoing, adventurous and open minded. They have prepared me to handle different situations and become well rounded. Aside from the Communications courses I have taken, a few others have caught my attention. A general education course I took, Sociocultural Anthropology, opened my eyes to different people, societies and cultures. I enjoyed learning about the different cultures throughout the world and know that Sweden would be a good place to see for myself and experience their traditions.

I feel my academic and career goals will tremendously benefit from my time abroad. I want to learn how different countries and cultures see the media. How national news is portrayed throughout the world. Being abroad will allow me to see the different aspects and contrasts of the media. It will also give me insight to what it would be like to travel and write, being that I want to become an independent journalist and write stories around the world. It will familiarize me with different places and different cultures.

I truly feel that at this point in my life, after all the obstacles and triumphs I have faced, I am now more than ever prepared for a new experience that will leave an impression on me for the rest of my life. It is not just a reason to get away or escape, but I know it will be life changing and provide me with many unforgettable and irreplaceable memories. I have worked hard for everything I have earned and will do whatever it takes to be able to experience studying abroad. I don’t want to regret letting the opportunity of a lifetime pass by.

Living the Dream

Informing the world one story at a time. For Wadner Pierre, life is about getting his message to the public through independent and photo journalism. He is all about the truth and breaking people’s perceived image of his country, Haiti among other topics. Wadner was inspired to start his journalistic career, shortly after the Coup D'état in February of 2004, where he was involved and witnessed the many struggles Haiti and it’s people were facing. The Coup D'état, was the removal and overthrow of the popular government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide by Canadian, French, and U.S. policy. The consequences of the overthrow of the elected government caused many struggles and trauma to Haiti and they have endured it even to this day. The United Nations is still the major force and predominant power in Haiti.

"I live for the moment and try to take everything in at every situation." The passion and motivation come from the heart for Wadner Pierre, an independent journalist and an all-around inspiring person. Interesting is an understatement to describe Wadner. He is good-hearted, true and dedicated. It is clearly present in his daily life and all the work he does.

"A picture says a thousand words and it depicts feelings and emotions of the people. The only way you can get more real is to personally be there. It is the best way to perceive actuality," feels Wadner. He experienced and saw the problems his people were living and wanted to do something about it. He used photography along with his writing as a powerful way to show the reality of what was going on.

Born in 1983 in the city of Gonaives in the Artibonite province of Haiti. Wadner has eight half brothers and sisters. He is currently visiting California from his home in Port-au-Prince, where he writes for the Inter Press Service and other independent news outlets. He is a co-founder and contributor to HaitiAnalysis.com, a media collective of young journalists from Haiti, the United States and abroad. In 2007, he won an award from Project Censored for his outstanding coverage of the largely overlooked conflicts currently taking place in Haiti. Many of Wadner’s photos are used in magazines throughout the world, such as Human Rights Network Magazine. During his time here in Sonoma county, he has had articles in the Bay View Newspaper, Press Democrat, and different Sonoma State University mediums. Although, Wadner has not been in the journalist field for long, he has received more awards and accomplishments than some do in a lifetime.

"I do it because I love it and want to spread truth and awareness." He doesn’t do it for the money, far from it actually. Wadner started out his career working for his own enjoyment and contribution to society. Even to this day, the money he makes still barely covers his costs. It is about the strong love and belief in his cause that guides him to his work. The feeling he gets and the fact that he is doing his part to help the world is his form of payment.

"I thank God everyday to live the life I have. It is more than I could have ever imagined and no amount of money could compare," said Wadner about his lifestyle. He is thankful everyday for the blessings to be able to live his dream and have these opportunities. Just seeing the joy and excitement in Wadner’s face when he talks about his job and life truly show how happy and grateful he is.

"Getting to the truth is my main focus," said Wadner about his work of independent journalism and photography. "By being an independent journalist and not working for a news media corporation, gives me the freedom of choice". Wadner is very proud and connected to his home country of Haiti, so most of his work deals with and is based around it. He really wants to show the world the truth about Haiti and prove it is more than just the image that most people have. Wadner writes about many different topics from human rights, news, politics, international relations, economy, law, civil society, culture, environment, health, and mass media. He works a lot with human rights issues and the grass roots project. All of Wadner’s articles are honest and true. He feels to get the truth, you have to go to the source or the "roots". Wadner doesn’t just speak for himself and only give his own personal opinion, he goes to the people and gives their story. He lives with them and listens to them, because that is the only real way to find out about their lives and message. From that he gains inspiration and realism to truthfully write his story.
"Besides being inspired by my country and my people, I am also very influenced by Ghandi and his non-violence movement."

"I want to see things happen, people to take action." The greatest challenge of his work isn’t the writing or creating of the story, but rather actually seeing the change happen and giving new perspectives. Wadner wants to see that his work has influenced cultures and societies to change for the better. Awareness and change are his goals that he seeks out daily. Through independent journalism he hopes to achieve them.

He believes that there are many benefits to working independently. He has much more freedom to write what he feels has importance and doesn’t have as many restrictions or guidelines as a common news company would have. He can give his own personal insight and express feelings and emotion. Whereas, mainstream news corporations perceive and experience things differently. They will show viewers what is beneficial to them, meaning what will profit the most versus independent journalists that show the truth and reality of an event. He has actually met several former corporate news writers, that are now working independently. They were tired of being restricted to show one part of a story and having so much censorship over them. Major corporate media firms are about money and as we know money talks. So, they are biased to show what will be profitable in the long run.

"To be a good independent journalist, you must not do it for the money, but because you are honest and you care." You want to help change the world by giving true perspective and awareness. Wadner is very proud that he can tell the world what they want to hear through his work. He stands by his writing, but doesn’t believe in brainwashing in any way. People can perceive it the way they want. Intelligibility is an important part of journalist writing according to Wadner. It is the ability to be understood and to understand. Which I think really does have significant meaning. If you are passionate about spreading your word and cause then the writing will come easy. Like Wadner, you may even meet interesting people, make new friends and also experience some life changing journeys along the way. Since, he’s began his career as a independent journalist only two years ago, he has already experienced a world full of adventure. He has traveled to many different places, meet many interesting people, and made many lasting memories. He is very happy and excited with where his life is leading him. He is so appreciative to be able to travel and continue his true passion. Wadner is motivated for the future and all the journeys he will experience.

"I like to take one day at a time and believe things will workout the way God intends them to." Wadner is very dedicated to his family, friends, and pursuing his dreams. He is focused on all of those important aspects of his life. Belief in himself and god have helped guide him to where he is today. It is hard for the citizens of Haiti to break free from their routine and live outside the normal lifestyle. Wadner has proven to do more than just separate himself from the rest, but create a successful and fulfilling life.

The Last Lecture

Enough to make you cry and smile all at the same time. Not tears of joy, but rather tears of motivation and imagination. Randy Paush is good hearted, spirited, and genuine. A true kid at heart. He gave one the most amazing, heartfelt and meaningful speeches you’ll ever see. Can truly tell it comes straight from the heart. Although, his lecture created quite an occurrence and powerful message across the world, he didn’t do it for the fame or glory, but because he cares for others and wanted to share his experiences with everyone. His outlook on life is amazing and we should all be grateful that he was able to share it with the world. He has changed and inspired many lives through his journey by his words and mentality.

It wasn’t just your typical college lecture on Sept. 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University, far from it actually. Possibly the best lecture many of us will ever witness our entire lives. More than the lecture itself, it was about following your dreams. "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", was the title of his lecture. The substance of his speech was about childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and lessons learned. Randy shared his own dreams he had as a kid, childhood memories, and all the achievements he had experienced throughout his life. The most important point Randy emphasized was "how you can achieve your dreams or enable the dreams of others."

"I probably got more from that dream and not accomplishing it than I got from any of the ones that I did accomplish. It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you," Randy strongly agrees that not matter how big or small are dreams may be we still need to have them. It is not just about accomplishing our dreams, but about the process to get there. It is a learning experience and it can only help us. It is not about finding ourselves through our dreams, but about creating ourselves along the way.

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand," Randy feels you have to take everything you have been given, good or bad and make the most of it. Randy had slides of his CT scans on the background for the audience to see. He told them about the cancer that was destroying his pancreas and that eventually claimed his life a few months after. But clearly this lecture was not about how to die, rather it was about how to live. On the stage, Randy was very youthful, energetic, cheerful, and funny. He was having a fun time and really interacting with the audience. You never would have been able to guess he was dying a slow, agonizing death. He seemed invincible with the world in his hands. He had an inspirational and peaceful spirit that filled the room and the hearts of every person watching. He touched everyone witnessing his speech, in one way or another. The impact his words have were so powerful that they will affect you in one way or another. Some will take it as a push to succeed, others as a glimpse of hope. Whatever it may be, Randy’s lecture is inspiring and has taught us all a lesson in life.

"Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome. Be good at something, it makes you valuable." Randy drove the importance of being unique and having something personally special to share with the world. He shows us a way of leading a great life by achieving what you want for yourself, but remembering to always help others, as he has done throughout his life. He will make your outlook on life brighter just by reminding you of the simple things. Learn more, love greatly and never give up. All too often people make life more complex than it really is. In reality the answer to life's questions lie in the simply things. In Randy's case it was in his childhood dreams.

"The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough." The things in life worth working for don’t come easy. Good things will come to those who prosper through the hard times and survive.

Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as well as his book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. There is a lot to be learned from Randy. I feel touched and blessed to have witnessed such an amazing speaker give such a life changing speech. It is amazing to see how Randy has influenced people all over the world. He makes you look deeply into your own life and also how you affect others lives. Only until we love ourselves, can we love others. The most important message from his lecture is that leading your life the right way is never just about yourself, but about you and the people around you. Although, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25th 2008, his legacy will continue to inspire us all for generations to come. It is true, the good die young. Randy is another hero blessed to heaven.