Alrighty, so it has been a good bit of time since I have updated. But some very interesting things have taken place in that time.
The weekend of April 16th was the weekend of CAL Day, which is a large open house for the Berkeley community. It allows upcoming accepted freshman come and sample the campus. Almost the same as A Day In The Life: Spel-bound. I had been excited for CAL Day all semester due to the fact that it was a large part of the reason I chose to come to Berkeley in the Spring instead of the fall. I saw pictures of a former domestic exchange student's experience of CAL Day and decided that it was something that I really needed to see for myself.
So, I met up with a friend of mine from my DeCal and decided to explore the festivities for a bit. It was pretty exciting because they had the marching band performing on Sproul. The Cal band is AMAZING in person. And the festivities were quite exciting. There were multiple band performances, the walk ways were filled with people and each department created a booth to represent itself. One of the most exciting things was the animal sciences department out on the lawn, allowing people to touch animals. I got to touch a HUGE turtle as well as a albino python (the same kind Britney Spears is famous for using at the VMAs... Let me just say. CREEPY!)
I didn't spend the whole day but I did enjoy most of the festivities of the day. During the same weekend, there was a special Hindi holiday called Holi. It's also called color fight. It is basically a huge water balloon/paint ball fight that centers around the god Kāmadeva. It was pretty intense to watch take place because there were colors, water and screaming constantly going. They played a lot of festive Hindi music and they kept the party going for hours... As I was walking to the event, I saw people covered from head to toe in colors, laughing.
I had never heard of Holi previous to this day, and I was really glad to be provided with the opportunity to experience something so new. Yet another new thing that I have learned from being at Berkeley. And I'm truly grateful each and everytime my eyes are opened to something new.
Another great opportunity that I had was to go to Cal's Relay for Life Cancer Walk sponsored by the American Cancer Association. I really wanted to participate because it used to be a tradition that my family would participate every year while we lived in St. Louis. My mom was always really passionate about going to these events, so I wanted to participate again to recapture some of those memories. Also, because I know that it is an excellent cause. I went with my RA and we walked the track, which was on Memorial Glade, in front of Doe Memorial Library. They had a lot of exciting events going on at the same time. There was a dance instructor who had a group dance in the middle of the track, there was a bead station that you could make a bracelet out of beads to count the number of times that you circle the track.
I also really enjoyed the Luminaria ceremony at dusk. There were multiple shared stories of experiences with cancer, by students as well as volunteers. It felt like people were able to release into the atmosphere hurts and anxieties that they had been experiencing. One of the most inspriational stories being that of an older woman who had cancer for nearly 14 years before she was diagnosed and has survived 11 years later to continue to tell her story. She makes sure to tour with multiple relays every year, sharing the experience with other cancer survivors.
During the luminary lap, we each carried glow sticks, instead of candles around the track. At the end, we tossed each of our sticks into a very talk "paper bag" (at least 7-8 feet high) that had a drawing of the Campinile on the front, baring the Cal Motto, "Fiat Lux" (Let there be light). It was a truly amazing sight.
As for the Royal Wedding... Ok ok. I was one of the ridiculous people up at 2am to watch the wedding on the internet. I admit it. It's shameful. Let's all just move on, ok?
It's finals week this week and my days at Cal are coming to a close. I know even now, I will leave this place a transformed person. I can barely recognize the scared, nervous and unsure girl who landed in California on January 11, 2011. Now, I know that I can travel the world, do anything and go anywhere. I have confidence in myself that I never would have had before. I was afraid of traveling to far away places, afraid of leaving home for the unknown. I was afraid to fall and land flat on my face. And even though that didn't happen, I know even now that if it had, I would have been strong enough to stand back up. Now I am ready to go, wanting nothing more than to explore more of the amazing world that God has created. I want to lay my eyes on as much of it as possible and experience as much of it as possible... I want to take the world by storm.
So, as always, I will leave you with a quote to think about for your own journey:
“I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery
depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.” -- Martha
Washington
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Couple of Exciting Experiences
It has been a good amount of time since I updated. And quite a lot has happened. But, there are two particular expriences that were pretty exciting for me within the last month. The first was going to the induction of my friend into her sorority. It was my first time visiting a sorority house, and I had always wondered what they were like. It looked pretty much like the greek houses that you see on the tv show, Greek, which was pretty entertaining.
During the ceremony, we had a lovely brunch a tour of the entire house. It's a lot bigger inside than it orignially looks on the outside. (I have always wondered how they house that many people into the building when it looks soo small!)
They had multiple bedrooms on three levels and a large kitchen and dining area. They also have a huge foyer,a study room, a piano room and a patio. It was a very nice house overall. After we had lunch, there was a presentation between the young ladies as they shared their favorite moments together.
I though that it was a very lovely way to spend the morning/afternoon and it was an experience that I would have never anticipated. That's why I thought it was important to share it. This trip to Berkeley has opened my eyes to so many experiences that I never would have thought I would experienced on my own. It made me glad that I decided to open myself up to the oppurtunity to be here.
Another really great thing that I was able to do is spend a couple of days at the Boalt Law School, which is Berkeley's Law School. It is a top 10 law school and it is number 1 in intellectual property law, which is my desired field of practice. The chance to get in contact with the first year class helped to answer some of my questions about what it will be like to enter into law school. The school was described as being like an old, comfortable couch, which sounds a little weird at first. But given the highly competitive nature of law schools, this can actually be a good thing.
Visiting the school made me more resolute in my desire to apply here for law school this upcoming fall. I have always wondered if I was truly capable of traveling this far away from home. Part of me even hoped that Berkeley wouldn't be everything that I dreamed it was so that I wouldn't get too attached to anything here. However, it has been all that I imagined and more. And it feels good to have had the time here to test it and see that Berkeley is not too big for me and that it will not swallow me up, but rather, that it is possible to achieve the things that I desire.
I was glad that I got the chance to talk to others who shared my interest and who could give me some advice on what I can be doing now to prepare myself for the future and for applications. Some of the best advice that I received was to start preparing my personal statement even now. One girl mentioned that it took her months to craft her personal statement. She also mentioned how important it is to the Berkeley community to take students who have taken so time off before they apply to law school. While that is not my intent, since there is nothing I desire more than to jump head first into my law school, it helped clarify for me the kinds of obstacles that I need to prepare myself for in the impending future. However, I also met a Spelman sister from the class of 2011 who went straight from Spelman into Berkeley.
That is the amazing thing about the Spelman sisterhood. Its spans the continent and hopefully, it is going global and it will soon span the world. I love the comfort of having a sister near by who can talk to you on the level without any games. And that, is once again, something that was provided for me by Spelman. I think some people get so caught up in the academics of the institution, that they miss the deeper embedded community that goes with the Spelman atmosphere. So, I would say that it is important to take advantage of every avenue of venue that Spelman provides. While she may be small, in comparison to the Harvard's, Yale's and Berkeley's of the world, she is a treasure chest hidden deep. It would be a shame to miss out on that treasure because it you are not paying attention.
Also, Spelman's 130th Founder's Day came and passed. In honor of the day, I wore my Spelman gear.
"Spelman thy name we praise,
Standards and honor raise.
We'll ever faithful be
Throughout eternity.
May peace with the abide
And God Forever guide
Thy Heights Supreme and true
Blessings to you.
Through years of toil and pain
May thy dear walls remain.
Beacons of heavenly light
Undaunted by the figt
And when life's raise is won
Thy Noble works is done
Oh God forever bind,
our hearts to thine."-
The Spelman Hymn
Written by Mrs. Eddye Money Shivery C' 34
During the ceremony, we had a lovely brunch a tour of the entire house. It's a lot bigger inside than it orignially looks on the outside. (I have always wondered how they house that many people into the building when it looks soo small!)
They had multiple bedrooms on three levels and a large kitchen and dining area. They also have a huge foyer,a study room, a piano room and a patio. It was a very nice house overall. After we had lunch, there was a presentation between the young ladies as they shared their favorite moments together.
I though that it was a very lovely way to spend the morning/afternoon and it was an experience that I would have never anticipated. That's why I thought it was important to share it. This trip to Berkeley has opened my eyes to so many experiences that I never would have thought I would experienced on my own. It made me glad that I decided to open myself up to the oppurtunity to be here.
Another really great thing that I was able to do is spend a couple of days at the Boalt Law School, which is Berkeley's Law School. It is a top 10 law school and it is number 1 in intellectual property law, which is my desired field of practice. The chance to get in contact with the first year class helped to answer some of my questions about what it will be like to enter into law school. The school was described as being like an old, comfortable couch, which sounds a little weird at first. But given the highly competitive nature of law schools, this can actually be a good thing.
Visiting the school made me more resolute in my desire to apply here for law school this upcoming fall. I have always wondered if I was truly capable of traveling this far away from home. Part of me even hoped that Berkeley wouldn't be everything that I dreamed it was so that I wouldn't get too attached to anything here. However, it has been all that I imagined and more. And it feels good to have had the time here to test it and see that Berkeley is not too big for me and that it will not swallow me up, but rather, that it is possible to achieve the things that I desire.
I was glad that I got the chance to talk to others who shared my interest and who could give me some advice on what I can be doing now to prepare myself for the future and for applications. Some of the best advice that I received was to start preparing my personal statement even now. One girl mentioned that it took her months to craft her personal statement. She also mentioned how important it is to the Berkeley community to take students who have taken so time off before they apply to law school. While that is not my intent, since there is nothing I desire more than to jump head first into my law school, it helped clarify for me the kinds of obstacles that I need to prepare myself for in the impending future. However, I also met a Spelman sister from the class of 2011 who went straight from Spelman into Berkeley.
That is the amazing thing about the Spelman sisterhood. Its spans the continent and hopefully, it is going global and it will soon span the world. I love the comfort of having a sister near by who can talk to you on the level without any games. And that, is once again, something that was provided for me by Spelman. I think some people get so caught up in the academics of the institution, that they miss the deeper embedded community that goes with the Spelman atmosphere. So, I would say that it is important to take advantage of every avenue of venue that Spelman provides. While she may be small, in comparison to the Harvard's, Yale's and Berkeley's of the world, she is a treasure chest hidden deep. It would be a shame to miss out on that treasure because it you are not paying attention.
Also, Spelman's 130th Founder's Day came and passed. In honor of the day, I wore my Spelman gear.
"Spelman thy name we praise,
Standards and honor raise.
We'll ever faithful be
Throughout eternity.
May peace with the abide
And God Forever guide
Thy Heights Supreme and true
Blessings to you.
Through years of toil and pain
May thy dear walls remain.
Beacons of heavenly light
Undaunted by the figt
And when life's raise is won
Thy Noble works is done
Oh God forever bind,
our hearts to thine."-
The Spelman Hymn
Written by Mrs. Eddye Money Shivery C' 34
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A little something exciting
I also thought that, (now that I have discovered how to share videos on here), I should post my project for my vitrual communities course.
Tip: Keep your eyes on the green lights. ;-)
Tip: Keep your eyes on the green lights. ;-)
Putting Our Bodies Upon the Gears
This is not meant to be a very long entry due to the fact that I have a gracious plenty of homework to do this evening. But I felt it important to address something that happened in my Politics and Social Change course today.
We spent the class period watching a documentary called Berkeley in the Sixties, which documents such incidents as the Free Speech Movement, the introduction of counter culture (hippies) to the campus and the protest of the Vietnam War.
I truly enjoyed this documentary for many reasons. First, coming back from spring break, I needed something to reignite my passion for this experience. Although it has been a great few months here in Berkeley, there are moments where I am weary for the comforts of hearth and home. But, in watching the documentation of this amazing time in Berkeley's history, I was reminded me of what drew me to the campus in the first place. I loved the idea of politically motivated and active students who are dedicated to making a change in the world. Often times, "change" and "politics" are looked at with a cynical eye, which is problem a large portion of the cause for a decline in civic engagement within our nations. It's refreshing to reflect upon a time where these things were unmarred by cynicism. When students actually did believe in their ability to make a difference.
Also, it's amazing to look back on the kind of passion with which they regarded life. It reignited a part of my passion to take in this experience for all that it is worth. I know that I am lucky. This is not something that could have been possible for everyone on earth. I know that this is not an experience that is for everyone. So, when my heart gets heavy, I need a reminder of just how big this step has been and why I wanted it.
Second, it was amazing to view the campus of Berkeley in the sixties. To look and recognize the buildings. Knowing that everyday, I pass through a place which is inhabited with the spirit of revolution. To know that I take up the same space that people such as Mario Savio took up. I am amazed, and I walk through now with a deeper appreciation for what exactly this all will mean.
So, I just wanted to spend some time reflecting upon that.
History is a very powerful thing. It has the ability to place us right in the midst of something that we may never see with our own eyes. It also has the power to inspire us for the future. To know that once, great things were in existence. Once, there were people alive so filled with passion... with drive. It connects us to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the balance of frailty and fervor that is humanity. I think that is why I was so deeply moved. For only a moment, I was not living in the year 2011, but I was existing at Berkeley during this volatile time.
So, I will leave you with the now famous/infamous words of Mario Savio:
We spent the class period watching a documentary called Berkeley in the Sixties, which documents such incidents as the Free Speech Movement, the introduction of counter culture (hippies) to the campus and the protest of the Vietnam War.
I truly enjoyed this documentary for many reasons. First, coming back from spring break, I needed something to reignite my passion for this experience. Although it has been a great few months here in Berkeley, there are moments where I am weary for the comforts of hearth and home. But, in watching the documentation of this amazing time in Berkeley's history, I was reminded me of what drew me to the campus in the first place. I loved the idea of politically motivated and active students who are dedicated to making a change in the world. Often times, "change" and "politics" are looked at with a cynical eye, which is problem a large portion of the cause for a decline in civic engagement within our nations. It's refreshing to reflect upon a time where these things were unmarred by cynicism. When students actually did believe in their ability to make a difference.
Also, it's amazing to look back on the kind of passion with which they regarded life. It reignited a part of my passion to take in this experience for all that it is worth. I know that I am lucky. This is not something that could have been possible for everyone on earth. I know that this is not an experience that is for everyone. So, when my heart gets heavy, I need a reminder of just how big this step has been and why I wanted it.
Second, it was amazing to view the campus of Berkeley in the sixties. To look and recognize the buildings. Knowing that everyday, I pass through a place which is inhabited with the spirit of revolution. To know that I take up the same space that people such as Mario Savio took up. I am amazed, and I walk through now with a deeper appreciation for what exactly this all will mean.
So, I just wanted to spend some time reflecting upon that.
History is a very powerful thing. It has the ability to place us right in the midst of something that we may never see with our own eyes. It also has the power to inspire us for the future. To know that once, great things were in existence. Once, there were people alive so filled with passion... with drive. It connects us to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the balance of frailty and fervor that is humanity. I think that is why I was so deeply moved. For only a moment, I was not living in the year 2011, but I was existing at Berkeley during this volatile time.
So, I will leave you with the now famous/infamous words of Mario Savio:
"There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart that you can’t take part! You can’t even passively take part! And you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus — and you’ve got to make it stop! And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it — that unless you’re free the machine will be prevented from working at all!!
That doesn’t mean — I know it will be interpreted to mean, unfortunately, by the bigots who run The Examiner, for example — That doesn’t mean that you have to break anything. One thousand people sitting down some place, not letting anybody by, not [letting] anything happen, can stop any machine, including this machine! And it will stop!"
Saturday, March 19, 2011
My Best Week In Berkeley Yet...
Well, the past week and a half here in Berkeley have been really great!
My best friend from Spelman flew to California for her spring break and I got the chance to show here what I have been up to for the past 3 months.
When she arrived, the first place I took her was C.R.E.A.M. (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) [Yes, it is a play on the rap song by Wu Tang Clan...] This is a place right around the corner from the campus where you can get homemade ice cream sandwiches for $1.50! They take the cookies out of the oven as you come and order them, which means they are still hot.
She was instantly addicted, just like everyone else here on campus. We also went to Doe Memorial Library to do some studying (just because she was on break doesn't mean that I was... Sigh)
Well, the next day, I took her to class with me. We went to Politics and Social Change Lecture and discussion. It was pretty funny when I explained to my professor what she was doing in class. He laughed a little, almost as if to say, "Your friend flew across the country for spring break, and you actually came to class..." which was pretty funny indeed. In all honesty, the thought of not coming to class didn't really seem like an option up until that point. (And by then, I was already there so... Might as well stay.)
During discussion, she was actually called upon to answer a question, which was pretty funny. She also started to meet and talk to the various people that I have been spending time with since arriving in Berkeley.
We ended the day with going to my Twilight Decal (she's just as big a Twilight fan as I am, so she really enjoyed herself.)
Once class was finished, we made a stop at Crepes-A-Go-Go, which is absolutely fabulous. (I can tell you now, a good portion of this particular blog is going to be about food in Berkeley. Because that is sincerely one of the best parts of being in Berkeley. THE FOOD!) I had and apple sauce and cinnamon crepe with powdered sugar and whipped cream. She had a nutella crepe with bananas and strawberries. We basically had breakfast/dessert for dinner. Ah, the life of college students...
On Friday, we went to my two classes, Yougartland and then Cheeseboard Pizza. Which was delicious. It was the best pizza I have ever eaten in my life. We went with my floor-mates, which automatically means it turned into an adventure to say the least. We ended up eating pizza in the median of the street... (Which was actually pretty awesome. If ever you get the chance to eat gourmet pizza on a median, do so. It's a near death, crazy nonsense that is worth it. Lol. [For my parents who I know are reading this... Obviously I lived. Which means you can stop worrying now. Lol])
Another great thing about Cheeseboard is that they have a live jazz band playing as you eat. So, they open up all the doors and windows until the whole street is flooded with music. And, it was one of the places that I was instructed that I MUST try while I was in California. I worked at a restaurant last semester, and the Chef and both managers/owners have all lived or spent a good amount of time in the Bay Area. They gave me a list of things to try, which I can publish later. And so far, all of their suggestions have been great. (If only I'd have known about the huge pillow fight in SF that takes place on Valentine's Day... I would have made a little detour there... So, if you come to Berkeley during that time, check it out.)
Afterwards, we went to CREAM again... Yummy *greedyface* And we went to Rasputin Music/DVD store to see what goodies they have. They had tons of movies and cds "on the cheap". (But it was all legal, I swear.)
Now, Saturday was the most awesome day! We woke up early and caught the BART to Union Square in SF and spent the entire day shopping. I am telling you, you have never seen a mall like the Westfield Shopping Center of San Francisco... It was beautiful. The design... the architecture... The stores... It was beautiful. We literally spent the whole day wandering around, trying things on and having a great time. Also, there happened to be a St. Patrick's Day Parade going on, which was pretty fun.
I have to say that overall, it was the best week that I have spent in California. It was amazing because, it's very hard to sum this experience up and describe it to others. But, to have someone share a little part of it with you... And, to have you best friend pick up and fly all the way across the country in order to visit. It's pretty amazing. It makes you feel special.
I'm glad that she came to visit and I'm glad we participated in so many activities together. There were a lot of things we did that I kept saying I was going to do but that I hadn't done because I kept thinking to myself "I have 5 months, it doesn't need to be done all at once." Like, going to visit the school's Campanile. (You must look this up on the internet. It's not possible to describe it in words. But basically, it's a large tower in the middle of campus that holds the bells that are played every hour. Also, everyday at noon, they play a mini-concert for the campus. So far, I have heard they have played some music by U2 and the theme song to Harry Potter... Which is pretty awesome.)
Other fascinating things that have taken place was taking my midterms. I took my midterm for Virtual Communities and it was pretty easy. Plus, he gave us extra credit for writing the word Mardi Gras at the top of our paper next to our names. Then, we learned about internet crime such as "Firesheep". I think it should have been renamed internet paranoia week. Because, it was enough to make you feel like the internet is NOT your best friend... But, obviously I have moved past these feelings because here I am blogging.
I also had midterms for my Sociology of Culture and Politics course.
I also managed to score really well on my first quiz in Society and Technology.
It's interesting to be doing so well as far as grades here this semester. Although it is definitely hard work to stay on top of everything, I have to say that, thus far, this is the best semester academically that I have had in college. I thought it would be impossible to adjust to the rigors of being at Berkeley. However, it's not only been manageable. (Although, I must admit, I was getting a little bit desperate for Spring Break. So MUCH reading... So much.)
This adventure in Berkeley has truly been worth it for me. It is teaching me a great deal. But the education seeps out of the classroom and into the aspects of my life. I have learned that, I am strong enough, courageous enough, to fly across the country and be successful. I don't have to feel afraid to "Go big or go home". And, I am glad that I have Spelman to thank for making this opportunity possible for me. I know that, had I gone anywhere else for my undergraduate years, I would not be on the path that I have found. And honestly, I know that any other one, would not have been as excellent or fulfilling.
I have the take the time to be slightly existential here...
Before Spelman, I allowed the people and the world around me to TELL me who I am. I depended on that external perspective to know exactly who I was supposed to be. Being at Spelman has been like someone handing the mirror to me and telling me, "Look and see for yourself who you are." I have been finding out who I am on my own terms. And being at Berkeley has been an extension of this discovery.
My only hope is that, I can take this gift and use if for others. It would seem like a useless gift if it stopped at just me. So, my next goal is to find ways to pass this gift of discovery on to others.
So, of course, I will close with my usual quote. And this one, I think, is perfect.
"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time." -Anna Freud
P.S. I am only hours from turning 21!!!! And I will be spending my birthday in Palo Alto, California!!!! (
My best friend from Spelman flew to California for her spring break and I got the chance to show here what I have been up to for the past 3 months.
When she arrived, the first place I took her was C.R.E.A.M. (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) [Yes, it is a play on the rap song by Wu Tang Clan...] This is a place right around the corner from the campus where you can get homemade ice cream sandwiches for $1.50! They take the cookies out of the oven as you come and order them, which means they are still hot.
She was instantly addicted, just like everyone else here on campus. We also went to Doe Memorial Library to do some studying (just because she was on break doesn't mean that I was... Sigh)
Well, the next day, I took her to class with me. We went to Politics and Social Change Lecture and discussion. It was pretty funny when I explained to my professor what she was doing in class. He laughed a little, almost as if to say, "Your friend flew across the country for spring break, and you actually came to class..." which was pretty funny indeed. In all honesty, the thought of not coming to class didn't really seem like an option up until that point. (And by then, I was already there so... Might as well stay.)
During discussion, she was actually called upon to answer a question, which was pretty funny. She also started to meet and talk to the various people that I have been spending time with since arriving in Berkeley.
We ended the day with going to my Twilight Decal (she's just as big a Twilight fan as I am, so she really enjoyed herself.)
Once class was finished, we made a stop at Crepes-A-Go-Go, which is absolutely fabulous. (I can tell you now, a good portion of this particular blog is going to be about food in Berkeley. Because that is sincerely one of the best parts of being in Berkeley. THE FOOD!) I had and apple sauce and cinnamon crepe with powdered sugar and whipped cream. She had a nutella crepe with bananas and strawberries. We basically had breakfast/dessert for dinner. Ah, the life of college students...
On Friday, we went to my two classes, Yougartland and then Cheeseboard Pizza. Which was delicious. It was the best pizza I have ever eaten in my life. We went with my floor-mates, which automatically means it turned into an adventure to say the least. We ended up eating pizza in the median of the street... (Which was actually pretty awesome. If ever you get the chance to eat gourmet pizza on a median, do so. It's a near death, crazy nonsense that is worth it. Lol. [For my parents who I know are reading this... Obviously I lived. Which means you can stop worrying now. Lol])
Another great thing about Cheeseboard is that they have a live jazz band playing as you eat. So, they open up all the doors and windows until the whole street is flooded with music. And, it was one of the places that I was instructed that I MUST try while I was in California. I worked at a restaurant last semester, and the Chef and both managers/owners have all lived or spent a good amount of time in the Bay Area. They gave me a list of things to try, which I can publish later. And so far, all of their suggestions have been great. (If only I'd have known about the huge pillow fight in SF that takes place on Valentine's Day... I would have made a little detour there... So, if you come to Berkeley during that time, check it out.)
Afterwards, we went to CREAM again... Yummy *greedyface* And we went to Rasputin Music/DVD store to see what goodies they have. They had tons of movies and cds "on the cheap". (But it was all legal, I swear.)
Now, Saturday was the most awesome day! We woke up early and caught the BART to Union Square in SF and spent the entire day shopping. I am telling you, you have never seen a mall like the Westfield Shopping Center of San Francisco... It was beautiful. The design... the architecture... The stores... It was beautiful. We literally spent the whole day wandering around, trying things on and having a great time. Also, there happened to be a St. Patrick's Day Parade going on, which was pretty fun.
I have to say that overall, it was the best week that I have spent in California. It was amazing because, it's very hard to sum this experience up and describe it to others. But, to have someone share a little part of it with you... And, to have you best friend pick up and fly all the way across the country in order to visit. It's pretty amazing. It makes you feel special.
I'm glad that she came to visit and I'm glad we participated in so many activities together. There were a lot of things we did that I kept saying I was going to do but that I hadn't done because I kept thinking to myself "I have 5 months, it doesn't need to be done all at once." Like, going to visit the school's Campanile. (You must look this up on the internet. It's not possible to describe it in words. But basically, it's a large tower in the middle of campus that holds the bells that are played every hour. Also, everyday at noon, they play a mini-concert for the campus. So far, I have heard they have played some music by U2 and the theme song to Harry Potter... Which is pretty awesome.)
Other fascinating things that have taken place was taking my midterms. I took my midterm for Virtual Communities and it was pretty easy. Plus, he gave us extra credit for writing the word Mardi Gras at the top of our paper next to our names. Then, we learned about internet crime such as "Firesheep". I think it should have been renamed internet paranoia week. Because, it was enough to make you feel like the internet is NOT your best friend... But, obviously I have moved past these feelings because here I am blogging.
I also had midterms for my Sociology of Culture and Politics course.
I also managed to score really well on my first quiz in Society and Technology.
It's interesting to be doing so well as far as grades here this semester. Although it is definitely hard work to stay on top of everything, I have to say that, thus far, this is the best semester academically that I have had in college. I thought it would be impossible to adjust to the rigors of being at Berkeley. However, it's not only been manageable. (Although, I must admit, I was getting a little bit desperate for Spring Break. So MUCH reading... So much.)
This adventure in Berkeley has truly been worth it for me. It is teaching me a great deal. But the education seeps out of the classroom and into the aspects of my life. I have learned that, I am strong enough, courageous enough, to fly across the country and be successful. I don't have to feel afraid to "Go big or go home". And, I am glad that I have Spelman to thank for making this opportunity possible for me. I know that, had I gone anywhere else for my undergraduate years, I would not be on the path that I have found. And honestly, I know that any other one, would not have been as excellent or fulfilling.
I have the take the time to be slightly existential here...
Before Spelman, I allowed the people and the world around me to TELL me who I am. I depended on that external perspective to know exactly who I was supposed to be. Being at Spelman has been like someone handing the mirror to me and telling me, "Look and see for yourself who you are." I have been finding out who I am on my own terms. And being at Berkeley has been an extension of this discovery.
My only hope is that, I can take this gift and use if for others. It would seem like a useless gift if it stopped at just me. So, my next goal is to find ways to pass this gift of discovery on to others.
So, of course, I will close with my usual quote. And this one, I think, is perfect.
"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time." -Anna Freud
P.S. I am only hours from turning 21!!!! And I will be spending my birthday in Palo Alto, California!!!! (
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fight for your Rights
I figure it has been about 2 weeks since I have had time to write anything. Which usually means that the weeks have been jam packed.
The most fascinating thing that has taken place recently is the strikes that started this week due to budget cuts in the UC public school system. This is the first time I have seen strikes and protests and I have to admit it was pretty exciting. Yesterday was the day of action. When I was walking across Sproul to get to my classes, I noticed that there was a crowd of people in front of Sproul Hall. As I read the signs, I realized what the gathering was about.
Once I arrived in class, I noticed that the number of students present was evidently depleted. It wasn't until I arrived in Society and Technology that I was informed about the implications of the budget cuts for Berkeley.
Budget cuts will inevidently lead to raised tuition, less classes, larger class section, reduced pay for professors, minimized office hours, reduces staff for cafeteria, abbreviated library hours, etc.
Due to the fact that Spelman is a private institution, all of our endowment comes from our own efforts in receiving grants as well as tuition. So, while we have had some tightening of "the purse strings", it has not been as devastating. Also, since Spelman is smaller, we have less students to manage.
Well, today, when I met up with my discussion section at Cafe Milano, the first thing my GSI said as he sat down was that students had cuffed/chained themselves to Wheeler Hall in protest. Well, I have my Decal class in their, so with the hour between my discussion and class, I usually, go to Morrison Library in order to get some quiet reading done. As I passed by Wheeler, I noticed there was a pool of students gathered on the steps of Wheeler and I saw the students who had placed themselves on the top of the building. They had covered the building with writing, protest banners and were shouting from a megaphone. When I passed the sides of the building, I noted that there were still some students in the building. However, my friend from my Decal text me to let me know that Wheeler had been closed down for "health and safety" reasons. I returned to Wheeler and noticed that police were situated outside as well as news camera. In the sky, there were at least 3 helicopters hovering overhead.
I met up with some of the girls from the Decal and we discussed the reasons for all of the madness. It was the student teacher of the Decal that informed me that, the night before, there was more than just a day of action. She showed me a copy of The Daily Californian, which is the independent student paper. On the cover, it hailed the title "Berkeley Joins Nationwide Protests for Public Education". The primary picture was a student being held to the ground by multiple policemen, screaming. She told me that the police had been unlawfully brutal in detaining 17 students who refused to leave Wheeler the night before. They used the plastic wrist restraints which left bruises upon the students. It was horrifying for to imagine that such a thing could happen to students on their own campus. Especially when non-students roam freely on campus, sleeping on benches, handing out papers about the end of the world and juggling tennis balls. And never once have I witnessed any of these people being handled in such an inhumane manner.
While on the outside, I laughed at some of the fact that I couldn't imagine such a thing happening at Spelman, I began to wonder, Why not? Why don't Spelman become so outrageous about the politics of the campus. I initially thought that it is because, Spelman allows it's students the open forum for expressing their thoughts through other means. Town Hall meetings with the Student Government Association; Open Office Hours with President Tatum. If we want to speak to our dean's we simply go into the office and make an appointment. And then, there is the Women's Research and Resource center with professors such as Dr. Kuumba who actually encourage us to be activists, even assisting us in "shaking up the system". Not to say that this is a better aspect of Spelman. More, the sociologist in me just began to wonder, what is the reason?
While watching the protests, I noticed students beginning to yell up into the windows of Wheeler Hall where I noticed a man standing. Apparently, he was trying to speak to the crowd from the window. Using taunts, insults and obscenities, the students encouraged the man to come down and speak into the megaphone. Eventually, he did, reading a statement that basically sympathized with the reasons for the strike. However, he condemned the fact that they chosen a methodology that prevented their fellow students from attending class.
While I agreed with this part of his speech, I began to wonder. There seemed to be no danger that I could tell. The protesters were loud, but the seemed to intend no harm. Was it possible that the school purposely closed the building to maybe turn the students against the protest as an effect of being prevented from attending class? (I must admit, Conspiracy Theory was my favorite movie at the age of 7. Lol. That might have a great deal of effect on the way I think...)
After awhile, I decided to leave the protest, due to the fact that I was slightly offended by some of the actions that students and protestors were being taken (smoking marijuana, threatening to throw objects at the school administrors and yelling obscenities.)
What's uncanny is that, in Politics and Social Change, we have just begun to discuss what factors can lead to a revolution. Although this is not a total revolution, it simply reminded about the concepts. It seems that, for all my years in college, the events that surround me coincide perfectly with the things that I learn about. I feel fortunate for this to be true because, it helps me to apply the concepts to real life experiences. This is probably one of the greatest reasons to be a sociologists. And there are some phenomenal Sociology majors in the world... (Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Shirley Chisholm, and Maxine Waters.)
Everyone is called to do something. Whether is Chemical Engineering, Sociology, Biology, English...
Anyway, other interesting things have taken place as well. For instance, I spent yesterday evening at a friends apartment, trying authentic Korean foods. I had Kimbap (Gimbap), Kim Chi and pork bone soup. All of which were completely wonderful and delicious. I was glad that I finally tried something new, which I am not prone to doing very often. However, lately, I have tried many new things. I have allow California to come in and change things about me. And it's been pretty nice, to step outside of the someone that I thought I knew and get to know some newer things about me.
Until coming to California, I didn't know I had the guts, moxy, courage or fearlessness to hop on a plane and fly across the courtry. But I do and I did.
And, I hope that that courage follows me for the rest of my life. And I hope that it rubs off on others.
Last weekend, I called my mother and we talked about some heart aches that I had been feeling. Following the recent death of one of my Spelman sisters, I had really been shaken inside about what my life is about. Whether I was doing enough with the time that I have on earth. But, my mom reminded me of something that I previously had not thought about. She told me that, when you look back on life, and you share your stories with others, you never really reflect on the moments that made you cry. You thrive on the moments that your triumphed. And those are the parts of the story that influence others. But, I think it's important to fill in those gaps. To let other that look up to you that, there were moments when your cried. There were moments you weren't sure how to go on.
But she also said something to me that made me smile. She told me that one day, I would share my stories with others, and they would look to me the way I look to my professor, Dr. Spence.
One day, maybe I will get the chance to inspire someone else to not only think outsife the box, but live outside of it.
I can hardly believe it's already March. I am at the very middle of the journey, and I am excited to see what the rest of it will hold.
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The most fascinating thing that has taken place recently is the strikes that started this week due to budget cuts in the UC public school system. This is the first time I have seen strikes and protests and I have to admit it was pretty exciting. Yesterday was the day of action. When I was walking across Sproul to get to my classes, I noticed that there was a crowd of people in front of Sproul Hall. As I read the signs, I realized what the gathering was about.
Once I arrived in class, I noticed that the number of students present was evidently depleted. It wasn't until I arrived in Society and Technology that I was informed about the implications of the budget cuts for Berkeley.
Budget cuts will inevidently lead to raised tuition, less classes, larger class section, reduced pay for professors, minimized office hours, reduces staff for cafeteria, abbreviated library hours, etc.
Due to the fact that Spelman is a private institution, all of our endowment comes from our own efforts in receiving grants as well as tuition. So, while we have had some tightening of "the purse strings", it has not been as devastating. Also, since Spelman is smaller, we have less students to manage.
Well, today, when I met up with my discussion section at Cafe Milano, the first thing my GSI said as he sat down was that students had cuffed/chained themselves to Wheeler Hall in protest. Well, I have my Decal class in their, so with the hour between my discussion and class, I usually, go to Morrison Library in order to get some quiet reading done. As I passed by Wheeler, I noticed there was a pool of students gathered on the steps of Wheeler and I saw the students who had placed themselves on the top of the building. They had covered the building with writing, protest banners and were shouting from a megaphone. When I passed the sides of the building, I noted that there were still some students in the building. However, my friend from my Decal text me to let me know that Wheeler had been closed down for "health and safety" reasons. I returned to Wheeler and noticed that police were situated outside as well as news camera. In the sky, there were at least 3 helicopters hovering overhead.
I met up with some of the girls from the Decal and we discussed the reasons for all of the madness. It was the student teacher of the Decal that informed me that, the night before, there was more than just a day of action. She showed me a copy of The Daily Californian, which is the independent student paper. On the cover, it hailed the title "Berkeley Joins Nationwide Protests for Public Education". The primary picture was a student being held to the ground by multiple policemen, screaming. She told me that the police had been unlawfully brutal in detaining 17 students who refused to leave Wheeler the night before. They used the plastic wrist restraints which left bruises upon the students. It was horrifying for to imagine that such a thing could happen to students on their own campus. Especially when non-students roam freely on campus, sleeping on benches, handing out papers about the end of the world and juggling tennis balls. And never once have I witnessed any of these people being handled in such an inhumane manner.
While on the outside, I laughed at some of the fact that I couldn't imagine such a thing happening at Spelman, I began to wonder, Why not? Why don't Spelman become so outrageous about the politics of the campus. I initially thought that it is because, Spelman allows it's students the open forum for expressing their thoughts through other means. Town Hall meetings with the Student Government Association; Open Office Hours with President Tatum. If we want to speak to our dean's we simply go into the office and make an appointment. And then, there is the Women's Research and Resource center with professors such as Dr. Kuumba who actually encourage us to be activists, even assisting us in "shaking up the system". Not to say that this is a better aspect of Spelman. More, the sociologist in me just began to wonder, what is the reason?
While watching the protests, I noticed students beginning to yell up into the windows of Wheeler Hall where I noticed a man standing. Apparently, he was trying to speak to the crowd from the window. Using taunts, insults and obscenities, the students encouraged the man to come down and speak into the megaphone. Eventually, he did, reading a statement that basically sympathized with the reasons for the strike. However, he condemned the fact that they chosen a methodology that prevented their fellow students from attending class.
While I agreed with this part of his speech, I began to wonder. There seemed to be no danger that I could tell. The protesters were loud, but the seemed to intend no harm. Was it possible that the school purposely closed the building to maybe turn the students against the protest as an effect of being prevented from attending class? (I must admit, Conspiracy Theory was my favorite movie at the age of 7. Lol. That might have a great deal of effect on the way I think...)
After awhile, I decided to leave the protest, due to the fact that I was slightly offended by some of the actions that students and protestors were being taken (smoking marijuana, threatening to throw objects at the school administrors and yelling obscenities.)
What's uncanny is that, in Politics and Social Change, we have just begun to discuss what factors can lead to a revolution. Although this is not a total revolution, it simply reminded about the concepts. It seems that, for all my years in college, the events that surround me coincide perfectly with the things that I learn about. I feel fortunate for this to be true because, it helps me to apply the concepts to real life experiences. This is probably one of the greatest reasons to be a sociologists. And there are some phenomenal Sociology majors in the world... (Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Shirley Chisholm, and Maxine Waters.)
Everyone is called to do something. Whether is Chemical Engineering, Sociology, Biology, English...
Anyway, other interesting things have taken place as well. For instance, I spent yesterday evening at a friends apartment, trying authentic Korean foods. I had Kimbap (Gimbap), Kim Chi and pork bone soup. All of which were completely wonderful and delicious. I was glad that I finally tried something new, which I am not prone to doing very often. However, lately, I have tried many new things. I have allow California to come in and change things about me. And it's been pretty nice, to step outside of the someone that I thought I knew and get to know some newer things about me.
Until coming to California, I didn't know I had the guts, moxy, courage or fearlessness to hop on a plane and fly across the courtry. But I do and I did.
And, I hope that that courage follows me for the rest of my life. And I hope that it rubs off on others.
Last weekend, I called my mother and we talked about some heart aches that I had been feeling. Following the recent death of one of my Spelman sisters, I had really been shaken inside about what my life is about. Whether I was doing enough with the time that I have on earth. But, my mom reminded me of something that I previously had not thought about. She told me that, when you look back on life, and you share your stories with others, you never really reflect on the moments that made you cry. You thrive on the moments that your triumphed. And those are the parts of the story that influence others. But, I think it's important to fill in those gaps. To let other that look up to you that, there were moments when your cried. There were moments you weren't sure how to go on.
But she also said something to me that made me smile. She told me that one day, I would share my stories with others, and they would look to me the way I look to my professor, Dr. Spence.
One day, maybe I will get the chance to inspire someone else to not only think outsife the box, but live outside of it.
I can hardly believe it's already March. I am at the very middle of the journey, and I am excited to see what the rest of it will hold.
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Caught up in a Whirlwind...
Alright, so we have been making quite a bit of progress on this adventure. There have defintiely been some major highs. However, within the last week, we had the first of the lows. The first of which being behind in reading in class. However, we will not focus on that part so much. Because, any good journey has to have some pitfalls, right.
I have been trying to catch up on my work, however, it is time for midterms, which means the same amount of reading, coupled with trying to prepare for quizzes/exams.
However, I can report that it has not all been rough. I took my first midterm in Sociology of Culture and I was completely nervous that I was not truly ready. I had been diligent about the reading up to this point, and have been doing every extra credit assignment thus far. (You ALWAYS do extra credit, because you never know when your going to need it... You can be flying high and then all of a sudden... And Extra Credit is what is going to pull that bacon out of the direct fire and put back into the frying pan.)
Anyway, I am happy to report making a 100% on that midterm!
Which is exactly what I needed to gain the confidence for my midterm in Politics and Social Change which is due this Thursday. It reminded me that I am not to small for this big adventure, which sometimes, I wonder.
Another major milestone came for me during this past week, in the discussion portion of my Politics and Social Change course.
This story is specifically for women who might be taking the time to read this... (Although this is written specifically to log my adventure with the intention of helping any other Spelmanite who might want to take a similar journey, I hope they are not the only ones who will benefit from this...)
Anyway, we were having a discussion in the course about whether or not the State (government) can be considered inherently capitalist or not. I will not tell you my arguement because that is not the important part. The important part is that, a classmate of mine disagreed vehemently with me about my perspective. Well, that in and of itself is not a big deal. However, it is to be noted that, I am the only female who was present in this discussion section. Also, I was the only African American.
Anyone who truly knows me knows, the thing I hate most in human relationships is confrontation and disagreement. I usually try to avoid it. But, anyone who is alive knows, avoiding it... is impossible.
Well, when my classmate disagreed with me, my argument kind of got lost in discussion. Other tried to argue both sides but, I was not able to speak up to support my own idea. And, that really upset me because, inside my own head, I had an argument to the statements, and they were not being voiced by anyone else. But, I felt afraid to speak them. However, I decided, I wasn't going to let fear be the determining factor in whether or not my ideas were going to be heard. So, I decided to argue. And, I am most proud of myself because, I argued until there was nothing left. The point wasn't really to be right, but to support my ideas. Which I did.
This is important because, often times, women's ideas get lost in translation, overlooked or spoken by a male and then praised. And, so many times, we allow this to be the case.
But, I have to say, being assertive does not have to translate into mean and nasty or the negative image that so many people have of assertive and outspoken women.
So, if there is a point in the next few days when you get the chance to speak out, I encourage you to do it. Your heart may race, and your voice my quiver, but, you say it. Why? Because your ideas are valuable. And no one else is going to speak your mind for you.
So, go for it. And, do not get intimidated by the person you a voicing them to. At the end of the day, they are just human too. God didn't make them any MORE than they made you. You just have to choose to use it.
Well, that's the insight for the week. And it was a point of personal growth that I felt deserved to share.
(And, I'd like to add that sense then, I have been speaking my mind so much, I can barely keep it to myself. And it feels really, really good. Like filling your lungs with air after coming up from underwater....)
So, get to it!
I'll close with this parting thought:
"To tend, unfailingly, unflinchingly, towards a goal, is the secret to success."- Anna Pavlova
I have been trying to catch up on my work, however, it is time for midterms, which means the same amount of reading, coupled with trying to prepare for quizzes/exams.
However, I can report that it has not all been rough. I took my first midterm in Sociology of Culture and I was completely nervous that I was not truly ready. I had been diligent about the reading up to this point, and have been doing every extra credit assignment thus far. (You ALWAYS do extra credit, because you never know when your going to need it... You can be flying high and then all of a sudden... And Extra Credit is what is going to pull that bacon out of the direct fire and put back into the frying pan.)
Anyway, I am happy to report making a 100% on that midterm!
Which is exactly what I needed to gain the confidence for my midterm in Politics and Social Change which is due this Thursday. It reminded me that I am not to small for this big adventure, which sometimes, I wonder.
Another major milestone came for me during this past week, in the discussion portion of my Politics and Social Change course.
This story is specifically for women who might be taking the time to read this... (Although this is written specifically to log my adventure with the intention of helping any other Spelmanite who might want to take a similar journey, I hope they are not the only ones who will benefit from this...)
Anyway, we were having a discussion in the course about whether or not the State (government) can be considered inherently capitalist or not. I will not tell you my arguement because that is not the important part. The important part is that, a classmate of mine disagreed vehemently with me about my perspective. Well, that in and of itself is not a big deal. However, it is to be noted that, I am the only female who was present in this discussion section. Also, I was the only African American.
Anyone who truly knows me knows, the thing I hate most in human relationships is confrontation and disagreement. I usually try to avoid it. But, anyone who is alive knows, avoiding it... is impossible.
Well, when my classmate disagreed with me, my argument kind of got lost in discussion. Other tried to argue both sides but, I was not able to speak up to support my own idea. And, that really upset me because, inside my own head, I had an argument to the statements, and they were not being voiced by anyone else. But, I felt afraid to speak them. However, I decided, I wasn't going to let fear be the determining factor in whether or not my ideas were going to be heard. So, I decided to argue. And, I am most proud of myself because, I argued until there was nothing left. The point wasn't really to be right, but to support my ideas. Which I did.
This is important because, often times, women's ideas get lost in translation, overlooked or spoken by a male and then praised. And, so many times, we allow this to be the case.
But, I have to say, being assertive does not have to translate into mean and nasty or the negative image that so many people have of assertive and outspoken women.
So, if there is a point in the next few days when you get the chance to speak out, I encourage you to do it. Your heart may race, and your voice my quiver, but, you say it. Why? Because your ideas are valuable. And no one else is going to speak your mind for you.
So, go for it. And, do not get intimidated by the person you a voicing them to. At the end of the day, they are just human too. God didn't make them any MORE than they made you. You just have to choose to use it.
Well, that's the insight for the week. And it was a point of personal growth that I felt deserved to share.
(And, I'd like to add that sense then, I have been speaking my mind so much, I can barely keep it to myself. And it feels really, really good. Like filling your lungs with air after coming up from underwater....)
So, get to it!
I'll close with this parting thought:
"To tend, unfailingly, unflinchingly, towards a goal, is the secret to success."- Anna Pavlova
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