Whoo! It's mid-April and you know what that means; the spring semester is almost done.
I realize it has been over a month since I last blogged. Aside from slight writer's block, I've been insanely busy. What with trying to organize events for M.A.P. Association, keeping up with school work, preparing for my upcoming research conference, and spending much needed time with friends, I haven't had time to blog.
To give you guys a quick update, MAP just put on two events this past weekend: the Cultural Rhythms and Cuisines Festival and the Charity Male Date Auction. Both events turned out better than any of us could have expected. The festival was originally supposed to be outside but the weather on Friday was absolutely horrid. Our fingers were freezing as we were decorating with streamers and balloons so we realized that we had to move the party inside. I was so happy with the groups and friends who came and supported us. The highlight for me was probably seeing all of the willing males who got up to learn salsa lessons from one of MAP's presidents.
The auction was AMAZING! The females were bold and the men were charismatic. It made for a great event. MAP Association raised over $100 that we will give to the Christian Community Food Depot here in Kirksville.
Another major area in my life is the Student Research Conference tomorrow. I present in the morning and I'm not so much worried about speaking in public as having something to contribute to research. Does my research contribute to global politics? I sure hope so! My research advisor is confident so I'm sure it will be fine. I'm blogging right now because I want to start de-stressing to allow for a smoother presentation.
After the presentation, my stress levels will be much more stable as everything will be on a downward slope to the summer. Three things have happened recently to keep me motivated. I have been chosen as one of four young women to represent Truman at the 21st Century Sue Shear Leadership Academy. The Academy aims to offer guidance on becoming a leader in public policy and networking opportunities with other scholars. We will spend a week at a university and will also go to the state capital to visit with women-elected officials. Also, through Internships.com, I've been offered an internship with React to Film's College Action Network and will serve as Truman's founding Chapter Leader in the 2013-2014 school year. React to Film seeks to initiate dialogue and social change through film documentaries. Finally, my mom told me about a test option for general undergrad courses through CLEP which will allow me to test out of Bio and Chem. This frees up more time to shadow my dear friend Judge Cruse, study for the GRE, and complete grad school applications.
Really the best thing that happened within the last month is that my big brother (not by blood) Martin came to visit me and my bestie Belen for two weeks after our Spring Break. He and Belen started dating last semester and it has been the best thing since ice cream, chicken, pasta, and TV! Emotional moment, though. Martin is from Germany and was attending Truman during my freshman year. When Martin left us in May 2011, I honestly thought I might not see him again. As an African American girl raised by parents from East St. Louis, I've grown up with the reality that international dreams and aspirations don't really happen when you don't have money. Unless you're a pro athlete, don't expect much. I've shattered most of those expectations, but even I have been subject to the realities of being a lower middle class family can do for you. Still, Martin always said that we would all see each other again and he was right. He and Belen met in the fall while she studied abroad in France and he managed to swing a few weeks in the states to visit with me and other friends from my freshman year. We took many pictures and had a ton of adventures but here are a couple that truly define our friendship.
2011 
2013
I realize it has been over a month since I last blogged. Aside from slight writer's block, I've been insanely busy. What with trying to organize events for M.A.P. Association, keeping up with school work, preparing for my upcoming research conference, and spending much needed time with friends, I haven't had time to blog.
To give you guys a quick update, MAP just put on two events this past weekend: the Cultural Rhythms and Cuisines Festival and the Charity Male Date Auction. Both events turned out better than any of us could have expected. The festival was originally supposed to be outside but the weather on Friday was absolutely horrid. Our fingers were freezing as we were decorating with streamers and balloons so we realized that we had to move the party inside. I was so happy with the groups and friends who came and supported us. The highlight for me was probably seeing all of the willing males who got up to learn salsa lessons from one of MAP's presidents.
Another major area in my life is the Student Research Conference tomorrow. I present in the morning and I'm not so much worried about speaking in public as having something to contribute to research. Does my research contribute to global politics? I sure hope so! My research advisor is confident so I'm sure it will be fine. I'm blogging right now because I want to start de-stressing to allow for a smoother presentation.
After the presentation, my stress levels will be much more stable as everything will be on a downward slope to the summer. Three things have happened recently to keep me motivated. I have been chosen as one of four young women to represent Truman at the 21st Century Sue Shear Leadership Academy. The Academy aims to offer guidance on becoming a leader in public policy and networking opportunities with other scholars. We will spend a week at a university and will also go to the state capital to visit with women-elected officials. Also, through Internships.com, I've been offered an internship with React to Film's College Action Network and will serve as Truman's founding Chapter Leader in the 2013-2014 school year. React to Film seeks to initiate dialogue and social change through film documentaries. Finally, my mom told me about a test option for general undergrad courses through CLEP which will allow me to test out of Bio and Chem. This frees up more time to shadow my dear friend Judge Cruse, study for the GRE, and complete grad school applications.
Really the best thing that happened within the last month is that my big brother (not by blood) Martin came to visit me and my bestie Belen for two weeks after our Spring Break. He and Belen started dating last semester and it has been the best thing since ice cream, chicken, pasta, and TV! Emotional moment, though. Martin is from Germany and was attending Truman during my freshman year. When Martin left us in May 2011, I honestly thought I might not see him again. As an African American girl raised by parents from East St. Louis, I've grown up with the reality that international dreams and aspirations don't really happen when you don't have money. Unless you're a pro athlete, don't expect much. I've shattered most of those expectations, but even I have been subject to the realities of being a lower middle class family can do for you. Still, Martin always said that we would all see each other again and he was right. He and Belen met in the fall while she studied abroad in France and he managed to swing a few weeks in the states to visit with me and other friends from my freshman year. We took many pictures and had a ton of adventures but here are a couple that truly define our friendship.
2011 
2013
'Til next time. Have a great day Byrds!
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