May 15, 2012 - by Ann
As I was strolling down a street in the Little Italy
neighborhood of San Diego a couple weeks ago, I stumbled upon a random art
gallery. Neatly tucked away in an
upstairs loft above a restaurant, this art gallery changed my evening into more
of an “awakening” than I would have ever thought I would experience when I left
my hotel room that night.
Let me back track a little and tell you about my art filled
childhood. In elementary school, I was
painfully shy and didn’t really take an interest in anything other than drawing
and painting. Art class assignments and
my own after school art projects filled my walls and of course, our
refrigerator. I don’t know when it
happened, but I slowly grew away from my love for art and creating. I forgot about it and took up different
interests for whatever reason. Maybe it’s time to strike up that hobby again. I
never even thought about this until I walked up the stairs into this vibrant
art gallery that night.
My friend Andrew was with me and we had no particular
schedule that night, so we floated in and out of places just exploring downtown
San Diego. Nothing really caught our
attention until we took that last step up into the art studio/gallery. Grant Pecoff, the artist, was there at his
desk to warmly welcome us into his colorful loft. It was filled with the most unique paintings
capturing scenes of the worldly destinations his work has brought him. Vibrant
colors of turquoise, radiant orange, and indigo took over his canvases and
demanded attention. Behind his art were stories and experiences of a life well
lived.
He told us about how his wife stumbled upon his gallery one
day the same way we had that night. After
an entire lifetime of hearing a little voice in her head itching to go to
California from the east coast life she was accustomed to living, she walked
into Grant’s art gallery to find everything she was looking for. Five weeks later they left on a trip to Europe
to be married.
My point is, let life take you where ever it wants. If there
is a little voice telling you something, maybe it’s not so crazy. The truth is,
most of us take quite some time to get to where we’re supposed to be. Some of
us never figure it out but enjoy the ride along the way. Grant’s wife, Layne, now writes inspirational books
about where life takes us and how we should follow our dreams. Meanwhile, Grant provides the artwork for the
books and they work as a team to create these awesome and uplifting works. Having purchased one of the books, I encourage
you to check them out too (he has a great website!). One part that stood out to me was a paragraph
towards the end of the book about ‘leaping’.
How we strive to make our dreams come true and are always wondering how
to get ‘there’, and how we need to take a ‘leap’ of faith in order to reach
what we really want!
As graduation day comes and goes, give yourself some time to
really think about what you want to do, where you want to be, and what that
little voice is telling you!
May 07, 2012 - by Kristen
Graduation is a mere week away and as of Friday, I completed my final report for one of my last two graduate classes. My feelings? Elated is an understatement. I cannot wait to walk across the stage next Friday and receive my MBA degree from Adelphi's Willumstad School of Business. Though I must admit, more exciting than the physical degree is to see the look on my mom's face as I walk in recognition for completing graduate school. She's likely been on countdown for this moment since I was born. You see, I will be the first in my immediate family to receive a graduate degree so this moment has been long awaited.
Many of you reading this may be setting your own goals - be the first to graduate high school, the first to graduate college, the first to obtain your masters or perhaps even the first to graduate as a doctoral student. The rush of excitement is unbearable...keep reaching for those goals. As you realize how close you are to obtaining your dreams, your pride, confidence, and excitement will surge. I recall reading an essay earlier this year that summed it up best... "When I graduate from Adelphi University, I will be graduating with not only an academic degree but with my dreams achieved."
As I type this message to you, I find myself beaming ear to ear knowing that one of my goals is about to be reached. I have not and will not stop dreaming, but I absolutely will take a minute to reflect upon and celebrate my accomplishment. I want you to do the same for your own achievements. As you prepare to graduate from high school, prepare for your first year of college, or simply prepare for the next chapter in your life, take a minute to jump for joy, pat yourself on the back and say congratulations dreamer, you've done it.
Just remember, you must always keep dreaming and keep smiling!
April 30, 2012 - by Iva
This weekend was surely one dedicated to spring cleaning- from the bookshelves, kitchen cabinets, to the stairs and backyard. Everything in between was dusted, washed, replaced if needed or repaired to work again. As with most material things, periodic maintenance must occur if we want to preserve and protect those things and spaces that we value as memorable and useful. As I was vacuuming one of my own memorable spaces, my room, I started thinking about spring cleaning in a different perspective. It doesn't have to apply exclusively to carpets, discarding expired food, switching light bulbs, or washing tablecloths; I started to think of how I can refresh and de-clutter my mind and routines by engaging in the most effortless acts.
As you begin to enjoy the privileges of the sun, the barbeque spaces in the parks, and the first day of May, I challenge you to challenge yourself to find out what needs refreshment and some simple dusting in your own minds, planners, calendars, academic, social, and extracurricular adventures. Perhaps the last few months or weeks have been so hectic that you don't want to be reminded of them- there is nothing wrong with simply tearing those pages from your planner and recognizing that May 1st is a new refreshing beginning. If perhaps you haven't achieved the most desirable grade in your last exam, there is no reason why you can't reach out for extra credit. The simplest things such as changing your computer background photograph, purchasing some fun summer frames for your most recent photos with friends and family, to changing the color of your notebooks and pens, can make the most positive difference. If you've always wanted to go hiking but the climate has just never been right, now is the time to start your adventure. If you've told yourself a million times that your mother deserves something more for Mother's Day, now is the time to start saving. There is an energy that you'll find will instantly spark when you make the decision to put your winter coat away and open your closet, drawers, and minds to find a whole new season only just beginning. Don't let the rain discourage you either; the outdoors need re-freshening just as much as our personal spaces, calendars, and habits!
April 09, 2012 - by Iva
"In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." Theodore Roosevelt
It seems appropriate to direct attention to Roosevelt's short, yet powerful insight on decisions, after all he did have to make decisions on the Spanish-American war, regulation of businesses, completing the Panama Canal, his efforts to end the Russian-Japanese war, among many others undoubtedly. I don't even come close to being an expert on our 26th President, but this is just some of the knowledge I've been able to process from an assigned presidential research paper in the eighth grade. Now I surely can't guarantee that all of us will win Nobel Peace Prizes for our decisions and actions, as Roosevelt did, but I can tell you from experience that we are very likely to reap positive rewards and satisfaction from making the right decisions. More importantly than making the right decisions or even the wrong decisions at times, let's focus on staying away from the "worst" you can do according to Roosevelt: doing nothing.
As you're entering into your final stretch of high school these next couple of months, I challenge you to remain focused, stay involved, and most importantly, continue making the right decisions. The process of making the right decisions is not simple; it's a balancing act between the final reward and the consequences. You're always going to be faced with choices and having to make decisions, but you want to critically think about which decisions are worth balancing and which aren't. Now, more than ever, you might feel as though one of the biggest decisions of your life is out of your hands. You might be done applying to the colleges and universities of your choice, and the decisions are no longer up to you. You've submitted your best work, your long hours of community service, and you're hoping that in the end you'll have choices so that the final decision will ultimately be yours. Until those letters and packages are in your hands, I encourage you to use this time wisely. Continue studying for those midterms and finals, continue staying after school for help, continue running your school clubs and organizations, and please continue researching your colleges and universities of choice. Although being accepted into these institutions is not your decision to make now, finding out if they are right for you will always be your decision to make. Don't stop researching the majors and the programs, and be proactive when it comes to visiting the campus and scheduling tours. Here at Adelphi, we are so very excited to meet you at our upcoming Accepted Student Day, April 22nd, having you join us for our Student Chats, April 11th and April 25th, and of course our next open house on April 29th. I encourage you to use these interactive days to help you make perhaps one of your biggest decisions of the year. We are always here to answer your questions, send you information, gladly share our campus with you, and most importantly encourage you to trust that your decision will undoubtedly be one of your biggest investments. And about that Nobel Peace Prize, there's no reason why you can't be next.
March 27, 2012 - by Kristen
I wish I could freeze time. Actually, I wish I could rewind time. With neither of those wants possibilities, I'm simply left with a fuzzy memory of moments. Moments. There's a frame I keep on my office window ledge that reads "We do not remember days...we remember moments." As time passes, dates fade, and time ticks by, we are left relying upon on our memories for the laughs we once shared and the life-changing moments we once experienced.
I recently "adultified" my childhood bedroom, packing up the stuffed animals, hiding the glass figurines, and putting away the childhood pictures. As I said goodbyes to a stuffed Elmo and a glass Mickey Mouse, I stumbled across a memory jar I had made as a young teenager. The project as I recalled was from a teacher of mine who required us to jot down memories as they occurred on brightly colored strips of paper, adding them to an empty jar. (Much easier and less time consuming than keeping a journal I thought!) Come the year's end, the class and I found our jars were no longer empty and were instead, filled with brightly colored strips covered in scribbled moments. At the time, I found myself not quite sure what to do with the jar and so I set it aside on a small table in my room. There it sat for years. Now faded from time, the paper strips stared me in the face begging to be opened. Cross-legged on the floor, I unfolded each and every strip reliving the moments that shaped me over the years.
I know I can't rewind time. I know I can't freeze time. But I do know the memories I've made can never be taken from me. Some of you may be experiencing a mix of emotions associated with high school ending and a new frontier on your horizon. Although you are about to close an old chapter in order to begin a new and exciting adventure in your life, just remember; no one can steal your moments. Write them down. Save them. Put them in a jar, stuff them in an envelope, pin them to a corkboard. Save your favorite memories and perhaps when you least expect it and most need it, you too will uncover the little moments in time that helped to make you the person you are today.
March 16, 2012 - by Iva
Ever since I can remember, I’ve folded
my laundry a certain way. I’ve taken photos at almost exactly a ninety degree
angle. I’ve used APA format for all my bibliographies since high school. I
create and carry a to-do list on a daily basis. I read the news and feature
sections of the New York Times every day. My favorite quote has never changed
(“To become truly great, one must stand with people, not above them”- Charles de Montesquieu). These are probably some of the only things
that haven’t been exposed to change in my own life- I would say I’m working on
them, but I don’t see any of them changing any time soon. I can share what has
been exposed to quite some change this past year- I’ve completely given up
coffee and the substitute has been headaches. I’ve traveled less than previous
years. I’ve spent more time writing papers than studying for exams (that is
graduate school!). Definitely not last or least, I’ve developed a new passion
for categorizing and sharing my interests via social media outlets- thank you
Pinterest.
I would describe Pinterest as a social
media scrapbook, collecting and categorizing different tastes and interests
from people all over the world. The categories include food, home décor, books,
travel-you name it and there are images or videos of it on Pinterest.
Individuals “pin” these images onto their pinterest. The difference between
your old scrapbook at home and your pinterest boards- you are now able to
visually share your interests. In a sense, the idea allows you to share both
your material findings and who you are with the world. I’ll go on pinterest if
I need motivation planning an event, making an ornament, tying a scarf, or
where to travel to next.
The most important lesson that
Pinterest has opened my eyes to is the importance of not-very-important things.
As you’re stressing about completing college applications or just nervous about
being admitted into the institutions of your choice, make sure you take some
time to discover new food recipes you can bake at home, new ways to arrange
your bookshelves, clever gift ideas for your teachers or loved ones, how to
decorate your room differently for the new year, choose your new favorite quote
(and maybe incorporate it into your college essay if it fits right), and who
wouldn’t want to learn how to make Oreo lollipops or art out of melting your
crayons from third grade. I challenge you to either learn something fun or
creative from someone else, or share your own discoveries and brilliant ideas
with others. This is the beauty of social media and our open marketplace- if
one individual has done this from across the country, you don’t need to meet
them to learn from them. This upcoming year, value even your smallest and
unusual hobbies, talents, or discoveries, and feel confident sharing them with
others. Don’t change what’s significant (or slightly insignificant!) to you,
but perhaps add on to your list. Make to-do lists to keep you categorized and
organized, but make “to-not-do” lists once in a while to keep yourself sane as
well!
March 14, 2012 - by Ann
On the road, students are always asking me about how they can get more scholarship. If you were wondering the same thing, here is your answer: Get Involved! Whether it's community service projects or volunteering, Adelphi rewards student's efforts for bettering their communities. There are even companies out there that want to see you do just that; get involved!
This year, Ann Taylor, the clothing retail company, is jumping on board with this idea as well! They launched ANNpower Vital Voices Iniative to help young women leaders of tomorrow get a jump start at making a difference today. On their website for the project, they go on to describe it as;
"The ANNpower Vital Voices Iniative is a grounbreaking partnership between ANN INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices Global Partnership. We are working together to empower young women from across the U.S. to affect global progress, invest in their communities and begin their journey as the next generation of global trailblazers."
They will select fifty rising high school juniors and seniors to be their ANNpower
Fellows for 2012. I encourage you to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to stand out and start making differences in the communities you live in. Winners get to attend a 3 day leadership training conference in Washington, DC and later go on to become eligible to win project grants for improving your own community! So if you were looking for something worthwhile to do with your time over the summer that could earn you some recognition scholarship later on, look no further! Here is their website for more information and to apply. Good luck, ladies!!
March 06, 2012 - by Kristen
If you've been combing the media for political news, you may have seen the most recent critiques of Mitt Romney's wife, Ann Romney. Having been quoted as saying "I don't even consider myself wealthy...," Ann's words were criticized across America as insensitive to the middle and lower class based on her financial standing. Before jumping on the bandwagon, I'd encourage you to read a bit further into her quote. In fact, as you read on, you'll find that the true meaning of her statement had nothing to do with measures of money. Rather, it took wealth to a new meaning, one of much more importance.
How would you define wealth? Money? Happiness? Health? I often wondered growing up why my ever-changing career ambitions were met with responses such as "you won't get rich doing that" or "don't expect to be wealthy in that line of work." Today, as a more mature adult, I realize that those people were wrong. I could be wealthy - perhaps not in monetary value - but certainly in happiness, health, and love. I better understand Ann Romney's statement of "I do not consider myself wealthy" based on her battle with multiple sclerosis and concerns for her health. It's easy to judge someone's wealth based on apparent financial status however it becomes much more difficult to measure wealth based on health and happiness.
As you select your major and career, I hope that wealth does not stay synonymous with money for you. I'd rather you find happiness and passion in a career that gives you much to smile about each and every day. Whether you find yourself helping others through medicine, counseling or perhaps even research, I hope you find wealth in the gratitude you receive from others. I hope you find wealth in those who love and support you. Most importantly, I hope you find wealth in knowing you are appreciated for being you.
March 02, 2012 - by Iva
It seems as though
everything we’re doing, we’re either moving too slow or too fast. When I need
to pack my bags, I wait until approximately five hours before the flight or
road trip. When I’m asked to accomplish a work-related task within the week, I
instantly drop checking my email or eating my yogurt and get on the assignment
within half an hour. When it’s time to get my sneakers on and go for my daily
run, I’ll wait until my favorite show is over first or for the rain to stop
(and if the rain doesn’t stop, I definitely just won’t run for the day). I
wrote my holiday cards as soon as I bought them, however I delayed wrapping
gifts until my mother offered to do so. I’ll visit and revisit my to-do list
every day; however I’ll wait to tackle some of those less significant tasks
until the deadline rolls around. In college, I would study for exams and begin
drafts for my papers the day they were assigned, however when I was asked to
submit drawing assignments for art class in elementary school, I’d pretend they
weren’t due for weeks before I completed them because I knew my artistic skills
were less than average. Is packing, running, wrapping gifts, or drawing just
boring to me, or do they trigger fear of not being good enough to excel in
these areas? It is most likely both, however think of it this way, at least
you’ll never be bored when procrastinating because you’ll always have things to
look forward to doing, at some point or another.
On a bit of a more serious
note, I really do challenge you to practice utilizing tools that will make you
aware of your reactions to tasks, and encourage you to tackle these tasks
sooner rather than later. I love to swim, so I’ll swim every day in the summer,
but since running isn’t as amusing to me, I’ll create playlists of songs that
will encourage me to run almost every day as I listen to them. When the
occasion to travel arises, I know packing isn’t an activity I enjoy, so I’ll
make checklists to make it faster and simpler for me. The next time you just
don’t know how to start an essay, don’t delay writing it, just skip writing the
introduction for the moment (as it’s usually the most nerve-racking part), and
start spilling your knowledge of the subject in the body of the paper. If you
just can’t decide on how to organize your resume, don’t put the whole project
off, skip the subheadings and spend time brainstorming how you would describe
your experiences, as they are the meat of the resume. In other words, my most
important suggestion would be to begin by focusing less on getting everything
done, and focus on getting everything started. When you’re glancing at your
to-do list for the week, perhaps it’d be wise to not only jot down tasks, but
deadline dates next to the tasks in order to keep yourself up to date with your
own goals. Lastly, if you’re absolutely positive your next assignment, batch of
laundry, or college application can afford procrastination, please
procrastinate wisely- eat an apple instead of chips, go running instead of
sleeping, or help your sibling with their homework if you aren’t doing yours!
February 27, 2012 - by Ann
I'm coming to visit YOU! I will be attending the national college fairs going on in Southern California and hope to meet you on the road. If you attend one of the fairs (I'll list the ones I'm attending below) please come say hello!! I receive quite a few emails from readers all the time asking when I'm going to be in their area so here's your chance to comment on this post to let me know you'll be there with me!
Here are the events I will be attending:
Sunday, April 22, 2012: Orange County National College Fair @ Anaheim Convention Center
Monday, April 23, 2012: Orange County National Hispanic College Fair at Concordia University in Irvine, CA
Tuesday April 23 & Wednesday April 24: Inland Empire National College Fair @ Ontario Convention Center
Thursday April 25, 2012: San Diego National College Fair @ San Diego Convention Center
Monday April 30 & Tuesday May 1st: Greater LA National College Fair @ Pasadena Convention Center
Tuesday May 1st: Ventura/Tri-County National College Fair @ Ventura County Fairgrounds
I will be visiting select high schools in between the dates above. Details about that to follow shortly! If you want to attend one of the above fairs with parents or friends, more information, including times and directions (and registration) is at this link:
National College Fair Details
Please comment on this post if you plan on attending!! All commenters will receive a special token of appreciation when I meet you!
February 21, 2012 - by Ann
“There are no mistakes, no coincidences.”
-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Opinions on mistakes vary, but personally I believe the above to be true. Maybe it’s no coincidence when you run into a stranger and do a good deed; perhaps they were having a bad day and you made it that much better. Or, maybe it’s no mistake that you get partnered up with someone you never talk to for a school project; maybe it’s life trying to open you up to new people and new ideas. Whatever curiosity brought you to this blog or sparked your interest in Adelphi, perhaps there’s a bigger reason at play than what you can imagine right now.
As I look back on my own path to selecting a college, I sit back and think about the possibilities I had and how things actually worked out. Before you read on, I want to emphasize that different paths are for different people. No two stories are identical. Any decision you make in life can be viewed as a mistake by one person, but a blessing by another. I went into college undecided about everything; a major, career path, who I wanted to be. When I tell people about my college experience, some give me a sympathetic look, others a judgmental one. Between the two colleges I attended, I changed my major a total of six times before graduating with my well earned degree (actually, two degrees!). If I didn’t follow my heart and explore what I was honestly curious about, and maybe make some mistakes along the way, who knows if I would have been sitting here writing this blog today. If I stuck to what my parents wanted for me (and I did for a while!), I would not be doing something that I personally enjoy.
Mistakes, wrong turns, failures and roadblocks make us who were are today and shape us into the person we are meant to be in the future. As long as you learn from these mistakes and accept that you’re the only person who decides how to react to your own failures and short comings, you’re on your way to becoming who you’re meant to be.
February 13, 2012 - by Iva
As a consumer in today’s rapidly changing communities, streets, markets, businesses, homes, and of course colleges, I’m always aware, even if not interested, in what is going on out there. Two years ago about this time, I was living in London through a travel abroad program close to Piccadilly Circus, the Times Square of London. The advertisements were fascinating, the billboards so colorful they could direct traffic themselves, and the images spoke to us consumers without the need for a single word. It’s obvious that whether you’re exploring New York city, a short forty five minute commute from Adelphi, or London, not necessarily a stop on the Long Island Rail Road, you are bound to be surrounded by images that will look you in the eye even if you aren’t necessarily looking at them.
Five months and six countries later, I landed back home in New York, and I got to thinking about my next communications project for my Public Relations and Communications minor in college- I got to exercise the creative part of my mind that is always screaming for autonomy. I decided I would focus on advertising and media initiatives that contribute to the cultural life of a city and its constituents. The completion of this project brought me to the challenge I will ask of you, and hopefully you’ll find it exercising your own creativity. As you’re brainstorming to write your own college essay, submit original work that shows your abilities, or produce packed resumes to walk to the post office, I challenge you to think about how you would advertise yourself. Of course you’d want to flaunt your accomplishments, grades and your most grand work, but I challenge you to do it in a way that will distinguish you from other students. Don’t be afraid to go over the top. This is your time to brag, but make it amusing. Create a story and tell it with exciting detail. If you’re artistic, create a map and trace all your accomplishments down the road. Think of it this way, if you were asked to read your own college application materials, would you be excited to sit down and read them? Most importantly, make sure you’re being honest with yourself and after all is said and done, make sure just as much is done as is said.
What would be your pitch in a sentence or less, or more, to the colleges you’re applying for? Would you market yourself as an image or words, or both? We all know the images we see in magazines, newspapers, social media, and television are full of effects. Million dollar campaigns go into the production of these images, so I challenge you to market yourself just by being yourself. Perhaps it’s certainly worthy having conversations with your family or friends, or even yourself (believe me, I’ve done it!), to really dig deep into your values and qualities. If your resume could be an image or even just two words or two sentences, what would it be? At the end, strive for your personal campaign to be worth a million dollars, and you’ll find that the colleges you’re applying for will be competing for you!
January 26, 2012 - by Iva
As another holiday season comes to an end, we start the New Year the same way we started the holidays- rushing to the malls to find the leftover gift wrap, the cards, the toys, the wreaths, and the cashmere for less! The good thing about having a mid-January birthday is that I don’t feel the end of the holidays until my birthday has passed as well. That is day that the tree goes down, the ornaments are cautiously placed back in their boxes, the lights outside will no longer have to endure cold weather, and the festive linens are swapped for flowery décor. I’ve come to find that just as I’m becoming nostalgic for those lights and childhood ornaments, in the blink of an eye, the next holiday season is here. In the blink of an eye, we grow a year older. What’s the point of shopping when everything is full price, when in the blink of an eye, everything is thirty percent off? So was Albert Einstein correct when he said that the only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen all at once? But doesn’t it feel like sometimes everything really is happening all at once?
We are constantly trying to juggle emails, phone calls, assignments, family, friends, eating, sleeping, appointments, calendars, and budgets all in one day! Multitasking doesn’t even seem to be an option anymore; it’s becoming more of a pre-requisite for our future. As I was flipping through old holiday cards last week (yes, it’s been a few weeks after the holidays and I’m already feeling nostalgic!), I was reminded of Hallmark’s campaign this past year and I wanted to share its content with you. The theme was “Life is a Special Occasion,” and the purpose was to remind everyone that special moments don’t need to happen every day, they can happen any day and should be cherished. The campaign encouraged consumers to spend more time together and make the most out of a short amount of time. Now that the holidays are over, I encourage you to continue taking time out of your busy schedules and new responsibilities for anything or anyone you feel deserves the special time. Prioritize your day, your week, or your month as you see fit and don’t feel intimidated to rush your endeavors. New Year calendars may have outlined the days, months, dates, and some holidays for you, but you get to outline your own schedules. I encourage you to even create your own special holidays and incorporate them in your calendars. I’ve even dedicated specific months and weeks to specific tasks, and believe me it helps your goal-setting skills more than you can imagine. You choose what you’d like to do this year that you didn’t get to do last year, who you’d like to spend more time with, what you’d like to improve, and perhaps how you’ll be more productive than last year. Hurry though, 2013 will be here in the blink of an eye!
January 11, 2012 - by Kristen
There are 24 hours in a day. Not surprising... yet I wonder how the day manages to fly right on by. I've even turned into my mother, finding myself repeating "there are just not enough hours in the day." Unfortunately, we don't have much control over adding additional hours however I've found that the 8-8-8 rule helps to balance my days a bit better. Split into three equal parts, a 24 hour day can easily be divided into 8 hours per part. Now, how to spend each part...
Part one...eight hours of sleep. Easier said than done but it's true! Doctors, physicians and parents suggest eight hours of sleep for a healthy living style. Well-rested, well-nourished, and well-prepped for the day's events. You will feel your best!
Part two...eight hours of work. This is a tricky one. Eight hours may include classes, homework and study. I'll admit, on more than one occasion, you may have to add an extra hour or two to this section however eight is a reasonable number to use. Work, whether it be high school, college, or career responsibilities, should be a priority for you. Dedicating eight hours to your work will help to ensure a strong future outlook.
Part three...eight hours of leisure. Use this time to discover your passions. Explore clubs, organizations, sports, and opportunities to spend time with friends. Everyone deserves a break from work. Use these eight hours wisely to balance your work with plenty of memory-making activities.
Who would have guessed? 24 hours truly is the perfect amount of time to create a well-balanced day!
January 04, 2012 - by Ann
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” –Aesop
With the start of each New Year, we have the tradition of making resolutions for the upcoming future. Maybe it’s to do better in school or lose some weight or any other cliché goal we think of that sounds great at the time. Honestly though, do we ever sit down and think about or even write out what steps are needed to get to that goal? That’s the biggest mistake people make when making these resolutions each year that fizzle out by the end of January.
Don’t get me wrong, resolutions are a great way to start. There needs to be a plan behind the goal, though. At my previous job at a fitness club, January brought in tons of “resolutioners” eager to get down to business. They would point at a picture of a fitness model or give a number that they wanted the scale to reflect by a certain time, not really understanding that a resolution is something you need to work at every single day, not just when you remember it every now and then.
I want to challenge you today to begin the New Year with an “everyday resolution”. Even if you don’t have a personal resolution, here is one for every single person reading this: Be kind to one another. Do one random act of kindness every day. You really don’t know how much it could mean to someone. It can be anything; sit with someone new at lunch or on the bus ride home from school. If you have to pick partners in gym class, pick someone who you’ve never talked to. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If we all resolved to be kind to one another, life would be so much easier. If you haven’t read my blog about how I met my college house mate (now one of my closest friends), go back to the older posts and discover that I gave a stranger a chance and how it changed my life! I hope this resolution changes yours, too.
