Diversity

Again sorry this took so long to write, I've been off my blogging game. In class before break we went over diversity. The first thought that comes to mind when I think about diversity is race and ethnicity but it was cool to see how diversity is not just a word to describe those traits.  The word I was given was HIV+/AIDS which sucked, that defiantly is a tough one to get. It was disheartening to hear some of the stereotypes that they would receive and some of things people thought. I was really surprised when I opened my envelope and was given the story of a man who didn't receive AIDS through sexual behaviors, instead he was infected with the disease through a blood transfusion while he was trying to save his life. It was defiantly sad to hear but it hurt that I had made judgements about the mans sexuality and that honestly had nothing to do with it.

Out of Class Activities 1-4

So I have defiantly been slacking on typing up my out of class activities and I'm sorry the semester is almost over and I'm just now typing them but "better late than never" right?! Haha

1st Out of Class Activity: Heads vs. Feds Debate
Carolina Productions put on a pretty interesting debate in Russell House between Steve Hager, the editor of High Times Magazine and Robert Stutman, a DEA vet. It was pretty cool to see how many people actually showed up. I thought I showed up late but more and more people just kept coming in after me. It awesome Carolina Productions actual was able to find people willing to debate on such an "hot-topic" issue that has been going on for some years now. Even though I support the legalization of marijuana, I was impressed by the good points that Stutman presented in his argument. Even though the debate was heated at some times, they didn't let their differences is views change the amount of respect they had for each other.  My opinion didn't change after the debate but I was glad to see the views of an another person.

2nd Out of Class Activity: Showcase
Homecoming week was sooooooooo hype! It was a great freshman experience being able to go to all the different events around campus. For showcase, one of the senior captains for University Ambassadors was nominated and performing for the event, his name is Ned Durrett. It was really great to see the diversity in our school being represented by so many different people in Showcase and them being able to show everyone their talents and hear their successes during their time here at USC. Even though Ned didn't win Homecoming King he was crowned Homecoming Prince, even though I though his performance with his band was really good. Overall I glad I went.

3rd Out of Class Activity: Struts and Spurs
At first I really did not want to go to this but I was in a bind for out of class activities. I'm glad I went though because it was pretty entertaining to see the different frats and sororities having a dance off, in front of a legit panel of judges and a ton of students. I went with Matt Van Dyne, we had a pretty good time but I would defiantly not be able to get up and attempt to dance in front of a good amount of students because I would make a complete fool of myself.I honestly don't remember the name of the sorority with the best performance but my favorite was the one with the guys who threw money at the girls, I thought that was hilarious, too bad that they had to redo their entire routine because the music got messed up.


4 Out of Class Activity: Step Show:
For the entire homecoming week all I was hearing about was how awesome the step show was. Literally the entire week, that's all I heard, so I defiantly had to drop in. First off, their was a TON of people their, people that didn't even go to USC were there. One of my favorite movies is "Stomp the Yard" so I was defiantly interested to see if the show would be anything like it haha. It was sorta like it but not really, probably because that's a movie and this real life, but anyways the show was awesome and the Kappas did work. Plus their were a ton of girls there who all seemed willingly to talk. It was a great way to wrap up my out of class activities.

Honestly I could've skipped the class and still have known what bystander accountability is. It's pretty common knowledge. Don't just assume that someone else is going to step up in situations but instead we should always try to help (unless our own safety is at risk). The presentation was good but not one of the best but it was an important topic so I can understand why it was something that was brought out. That's about it.

Out to Lunch

Out lunch wasn't bad or awkward like I thought it would be probably because I ate my food as fast I possibly could so I wouldn't have to do too much talking. My English professor is actually a pretty laid back guy and I swear he looks exactly like crocodile dundee hat and all. We talked about ways to improve my papers and what he was looking for on the upcoming paper that I've yet started to write. We also talked about how he is studying here to get his Ph.D if I was listening correctly. Overall I'm pretty glad that I got the opportunity to talk to my teacher outside of class even though it was for a brief moment. I'm hoping he gives me a good grade on my upcoming essay.

My Strengths

Haha before doing assignment, I had no idea what my strengths were. I'm somewhat funny, have a decent smile, and make decent grades...so I thought I was pretty decent. But after doing the exercise I saw that I had a few strengths that fit me, and some that I had no clue even related to me. The 5 strengths that I was pegged with were: Adaptability, Focus, Harmony, Significance, and Futuristic. So for Adaptability, I thought it fit me pretty well. Being able to adjust to certain situations and living life for each moment and not going by an agenda, kinda hippy but whatever, I didn't argue. Focus on the other hand was something I didn't think I was. With making decent grades and all I didn't think I was focused when it came to school, but I feel like I'm focused when it comes to other things.  Harmony sounded kinda fruity and I was like "what the hell is this," but after reading the description it made sense. Being a person who avoids conflicts and rather resolve issues by talking and peacefully working out issues. Significance was something i guess fit. Wanting to feel important in the eyes of others but then I felt that it conflicted with my mentality that "I really don't care what people think of me." But whatever, it is a test and stuff isn't always accurate.  Then finally Futuristic, one that I really thought that fit me. I enjoy picturing what I will be like in 10, 20 years. Will I be married with kids and successful or would I be a complete bum, living off his parents haha..who knows and only time will tell. But in talking too my friends (which is hard to get a serious response from) they seemed to agree twits Adaptability, Harmony, and Futuristic. So now you know a little about my strengths.

My Carbon Footprint

So this was the first time I've ever checked my carbon footprint and I must say I was pretty shocked by the amount calculated. I came in at around 33 tons of emissions. The national average is about 27 tons. I'm OVER! Looking at some of the things I checked, I really have the ability to cut back on but then again some things are out of my control. I feel that I am able to limit the number of miles a day I drive and possible find methods of public transportation. As well as cutting back on the long distance plane trips. Even more basic things can be done, eating less meats, and consuming more organic foods. Walking places instead of driving is also an option. Even starting a compost pile instead of just throwing away scraps, even recycling a few more bottles instead of being so quick to toss them in the garbage can. Things like these are so simple that they often go overlooked. As I read "No Impact Man" I like most people just kinda read through just to finish and say that I did, I didn't analyze and get the full meaning out of what I was reading but after seeing how my 150 lb self was making 33 tons of emissions a year which is more than the national average, it's almost like a wake-up call. Seeing these number tells me that I need to do better, be more environmentally friendly and most importantly really try to lower my emissions.

Impact

I've been doing a lot of thinking about what it means to make an impact. Not just being another face in the crowd at a university of thousands of students. Isn't that what everyone who's in college wants, to be an individual and not just another student,  and to have an lasting image on the university whether its big or small? All in all, we should just have something that you can be proud of and say "I WENT to college", and not "I went to college and stayed the dorm all the time."

So what are some things that you can do to get involved? So far my first few weeks on campus I've been able to find countless things to do. Whether it's parties, intramural flag football, clubs, frats or sororities, universities are always offering for students to get involved in. But it all comes down to finding something YOU enjoy and sticking with it. Once you find something that catches your interest, join and stick with it. Another tip, find something outside the campus to do or possibly start your own club if they don't have something that interest you. Remember there are thousands of other students and you are guaranteed to find someone that has like interest. Maybe you could start a benefit for a local charity, something where your action is helping others, along with bringing a positive image to your school. Also it's an easy way to meet girls and vice versa. 

Basically, it boils down to doing something you like. Make your college experience memorable, because you can never change the past. Make an impact, get involved, and make memories that you will never forget. Like usual, let us know your ideas.