Week 18/19: Cara Parten

Cara Parten is perhaps one of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. This past week, filled with finals and exhaustion, and then coming home, Cara Parten was there for me when it seemed like no one else could be. 

When Cara and I were in high school we went on the trip of a lifetime to Dublin, Ireland, and for a week we lived and traveled together, seizing every moment we could and making for one of the greatest adventures of my life.  From waking up an hour early because of the time difference, to getting our picture taken with a leprechaun, to frolicking down the streets of Dublin, I realized that it was in those moments that we became true best friends, and I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to spend that week with you, Cara.

See, the thing is, that Cara is magical.  And not like Harry Potter magical. But the kind that in this life is real. The kind that can open your mind and heart to so many possibilities and has the power to leave you in awe.  Cara, you bring this sense of full-ness to all of the people around you, and it’s through your childlike demeanor and your sometimes hidden wisdom, that you have the power to keep me in check more than anyone else.

Because Cara, while some people have goals that they tell to others, just so they have someone to “keep them in line,” I’ve realized recently, that with you, it doesn’t matter what my goals are. It doesn’t matter whether I want a 4.0, or to be the Queen of England, because no matter what my goals are you’re going to encourage me. And more than that, you’re always going to have the right words to say to get me back on my feet when I’m feeling down, and get me back determined to get where I need to go.

In the past 7 years of our friendship, I learned more about myself and the person I want to be than I could ever have imagined. You taught me that I don't always have to live up to other people's expectations and that sometimes it's okay to be different. You taught me how to accept differences, love unconditionally, and how to take a bad situation and make it into a fun adventure. 

Cara, believe me when I say that I am so indebted to you. I find a new reason every week to remember how completely lucky I am to have someone in my life like you. Someone who knows me so well, and someone who I can count on, through thick and thin.

I believe that everything with us has been give and take. And perhaps that’s why we make such good friends, and I want you to know that you can count on me, just as much as I depend on you. 

So thank you, Cara. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being such a strong and incredible role model for me.  And Please, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are less important than you are. You have so much potential. And you’re gunna change the world one day. And I’m so excited to watch.

Quote of the Week: “To be nobody-but-yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” –E.E. Cummings

Other Cool Things That Happened: Finals Week Bingo with my Hall; Studied for Finals; Finished Semester 3 of the College Experience; Returned to Dearborn; Celebrated Christmas Early with Mi Familia; Spent a lot of time doing puzzles, hanging out with my family, and just relaxing!

Week 17: A Week of Heros

Alright Guys. Here it is. Sorry it’s so long.

Monday

Kim, for a really great one on one. Thank you for everything you've taught me, and continue to teach me. 

Ellen, Sophie, and Walter, I'm really grateful for our lunches in DHH. 

Audrey, thanks for always listening to me rant. 

Amanda, thank you for skipping class to work on Abstract. You really took one for the team :)

Fabrizio Zanello. Thank you for making me go to the board. I hated it, but I in doing so, I concurred a fear. 

Catie, Thanks for the encouraging text!

Andrew, Thanks for giving me Chocolate after my Presentation. :)

Katelyn, You are My Sunshine.

Sarah, Amanda, Holly and Various Residents, thanks for the food and laughs while doing Abstract.

Sophie, thanks for being there when I came back to brush our teeth. 

Tuesday

Sophie, Thanks for getting me breakfast when I overslept

Amanda, Thanks for bringing me my coat when I forgot it

Mom, Thanks for bribing me with coffee. Long live 8 AM Classes

Vasudev, Thanks for a great last IGTAAP session and thanks for the invitation for Indian Food! I'm truly excited!

Fang, Thanks also for another Great session, I hope you have great success and I'm sad to see you go back to China.

Walter, Thanks for staying to eat with me, and thanks for the ride offer to the SDC.

Amanda, Thanks for encouraging me to go to the Res. Life Info Sessions.

Bonnie Gorman, Thanks, for reading my email, and taking the time to watch the TED Talks. 

Gillyland, you impressed me with your courage today. Thank you for encouraging me without knowing it. 

Audrey, thanks for needing to go to lab. And thanks for playing in the snow with me. Your strength never ceases to amaze me. 

Sophie, Thanks for thinking of making cookies. And saying the words I'm sometimes too frustrated to say on my own. 

Girl in Kitchenette, Thanks for laughing with us. 

Wednesday

Tutor Michelle, Thanks for always helping. 

Daryl, Thanks for waving. 

Cameron, Thanks for staying to eat with me. 

Andrew and Felicia, Thanks for an interesting conversation. 

Audrey, thanks for always listening to me rant (again).

Catie, Thanks for that random text. 

Random Guy, Thanks for waiting and holding the door open for me. 

Ross, and interested Students, Thanks for helping me remember why I truly love my job. 

Ellen, Thanks for letting me distract you. 

Stefan, I'm truly going to miss you.  

Catie, Ben, Myder, and Jim, Thank you for making me smile (and taking me to McDonalds). You turned this bad day, into a very great one :) 

Thursday

Emily, Thanks for taking my mind off of school and going back down memory lane in class.

Marissa, Thanks for reminding me to smile :)

Jin and Vikrant, Thanks for really great last IGTAAP sessions this semester.

Dr. Wang, Thank you for all your help on Calculus.

Dining Hall, for a yummy special dinner.

Catie, Thank you for letting me borrow your very painful shoes.

LC Staff and Kim, Thanks for a great night at the Library

Mom, Thanks for the cake

Armada, Thanks for eating the cake and hanging out after. 

Kim, Thank you for always supporting me. 

Friday

Brandon, Thanks for a really great last IGTAAP Prep

IGTAAP Coaches, Thanks for a good last meeting of the year. I’m always grateful for our great conversations.

Sophie, Thanks for playing Ukulele and singing with me.

Ellen, Nicole and Sophie, Thanks for all the fun times at Cyberia. I look forward to playing “Shampoo” with you again.

Ellen and Ben, Thanks for everything. You guys are wise beyond your years.

Sophie, Thanks for being there for me. Even when you don’t have to be.

Saturday

Catie, Thanks for always having an open door. And Thanks Sophie, for being Gross with us.

Ben, Thank you for checking in on me.

Mont Ripley, Thank you for giving me something beautiful to look at and dream about while studying.

Daryl, Trevor, Sophie, and Catie, Thanks for letting me play Euchre with you.

Cara, Thanks for always being an inspiration to me.

Sophie and Audrey, Thanks for a great dance party.

Liz, Thank you. For a great Skype session, and for accepting me even at my worst.

Caleb, Thank you, for working hard with me to pull off a pretty great Program.

Armada, Thanks for coming to hang out. Especially to Jon and Sean for being honorary Armada members.

Ellen, Thank you for always being so great. I miss having you as a roommate.

Daryl, Trevor, and Holly, Thank you for letting me crash your movie night. 

Baba, Thank you for another great conversation. As always.

Sunday,

Sophie, Thank you for being twinsies with me today. From matching, to eating Jimmy Johns, to studying, and watching Glee. Today was great.

Liz, Thanks for Freaking out about Josh Groban with me Today.

Emily and Nick, Thanks for being my Combinatorics Buddies. Rawr!

Audrey, Thank you for letting me listen to you rant. ;)

Armada, Thanks for jumping on board with Finals Week Bingo!

This is possibly one of the coolest and most humbling things I’ve ever done. I hope you guys enjoy it too.

Quote of the Week: "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." –Arthur Ashe

Week 14/15/16: Forgetting Why I Began...And Starting Over

Soo, it’s kinda been a while since I posted one of these, and if it’s any consolation, it’s not for lack of thought on the matter.  For a long time I struggled with who would be my “Hero.” Would it be some member of my family, for the wonderful break I had? Would it be Liz, for all the Skype bonding we did over break? Would it be Amanda, for catching up after way too long? Or would it be any of my friends at school, who made coming back to Tech feel like coming home all over again? Or maybe, maybe it would be the girl who made a mistake, but handled herself with such poise and dignity, that sometimes I’m still in awe.

I couldn’t decide.

And it took me way too long to realize that the reason none of these people were standing out to me, was because I had grown used to them.  Used to their caring nature, their patient ears, their helpful hands, and their strength and courage.

Realizing this was both cool, and kind of sad.

It was cool because I realized just how lucky I am to be surrounded by such wonderful people. And how much I truly love my life, if only for the people I get to spend it with.

On the other hand, it was sad because I realized that it only took 12 weeks for me to lose sight of my initial mission.

The point of this blog was to recognize the little things people did for me that made me grateful to have them in my life. From holding the door open, or telling me a lame joke just when I needed it, or even to those who trusted me enough to let me into their world.  Those are the people I’m most thankful for.

So, as much as I’d like to say I’m going to sit down and reenact the past three weeks of my life so that I don’t forget a single person or action that made my day just a little easier, I can’t do that. I don’t have that strong of a memory.

But what I will say, is that this coming week, I hope to keep a list of every little itty bitty thing that happens that I’m grateful for. The true “Lollipop Moments” in my life.

So, get ready, 7 days from now, you will have a list in front of you. Some names might be repeated. Some might not. Some things might not have a name attached to them, because it might be a random person on the street, and some might have more than one name.

I’m excited for this task, and if you are too, join me. Send me your list. Post it on the web. Share your joy.

Other Cool Things that Have Happened: Girls Night with Armada; Hockey Game with Armada; Hockey Game with Res. Life in the Box; Thanksgiving Break with My Family; Ellen’s Birthday Surprise at Joey’s Seafood; Champed my Calc test after studying for over 5 hours straight; Did legit PA work; Skipped Class and Napped/Watched 500 Days of Summer with Sophie; Saw (more than one) beautiful night sky; Watched my Friends in Coffeehouse; Watched my Friends get ready and go to Dining Out; Enjoyed the First Snows of Houghton; Built the Best Gingerbread Boat, ever.

Quote of the Week: “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” -Leonardo da Vinci 

Week 12/13: Amanda Stenzelbarton

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to write this Hero of the Week. Maybe it’s because I had food poisoning, maybe it was because I was stressing over my Abstract Algebra Exam, or maybe it was because break was around the corner and I just stopped caring about any commitments.  I think, more likely though, it’s because I knew I wouldn’t be able to find the words that would give due justice to Amanda Stenzelbarton, this week’s Hero.

Amanda is great. Really, really great. And if you don’t believe me, you should meet her, because she is one of the coolest ladies I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know.

Last year I knew Amanda from a distance. I thought she was just like every other Pep Band Member that was different from me, and I didn’t give myself the chance to get to know her. After getting to know Amanda this year by studying for Abstract Algebra, and dealing with Res. Life Craziness, I can honestly say that I’ve never been so happy to be wrong about someone.

If that’s not reason enough for someone to by my “Hero of the Week,” the reason I chose Amanda for these particular weeks is because of the hours we spent hanging out with Casve the Cat, on Election day Tuesday, just lounging around, bonding, and watching TV Shows.  Those few hours were some of the most relaxing I’ve had all year. And more importantly than that, I feel that is the moment Amanda and I stopped being merely “study buddies” and started being real friends.

Beyond that, I am eternally grateful for her help studying for Abstract Algebra. After I missed the Exam because I was sick, I knew it would be a lot for me to ask Amanda for help on something she was able to put behind her two days prior.  But Amanda, being the awesome person she is, came over, no questions asked, and sat with me going through the entire practice exam and other questions, until I felt confident for the exam.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and again: Amanda Stenzelbarton is great.

Thank you.

Other Cool things that have happened:

Smoothie Making and Miracle with Armada; Got Food Poisoning; Went to Kaleva Café with some of my favorite people; Came home for Thanksgiving Break; Saw the Bertrands; Had Breakfast with my dad nd Tata at Golden Bakery; Beat my mom twice in Cribbage; Went to see “Perks of Being a Wallflower” with Audrey and Margaret;  Visited Kyle, Allie, and Camille at U of M; Watchin’ the 40^th American Music Awards

Quote of the Week: “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.” –Perks of Being a Wallflower

Week 10/11: Falling Behind/Going Home/Tata

Dear Friends,

I’m deeply sorry for not putting up a Hero of the Week for the past couple weeks.  School has been crazy, and this past weekend (November 1-4) I had to opportunity to go home to Dearborn for the weekend and surprise my family with my presence.

It was really great to get away, and I had a lot of fun…A lot of fun that definitely paid its dues in my busy-ness levels today. But it was worth it.

I hadn’t realized how much I had missed my family until I was getting ready to see them and then they were right in front of me.

As such, it only makes sense that these past two weeks go out to Tata-my Grandma (on my dad’s side).

Nimati Allan is perhaps the strongest, most beautiful women I’ve ever met.

In recent years my grandma has faced a downfall…with her Alzheimer’s worsening, causing her to lose some of her communication skills, every day I spend with her I realize more and more, how between me and her the only language we really need is love and patience.

The look on my Grandma’s face when I walked in was enough to make the entire trip worth it. She was so happy to see me, and the pure joy and love I felt just by looking at her is always inspiring.

I can barely speak Arabic. And the only word my grandma knows in English is “no”. But that doesn’t matter…When my grandma talks to me, I can always tell that what she’s saying is really important and wise.  And even though I can’t understand every word, I find comfort and happiness in my ability to decode some of her words, and understand most of what she says…even if I’m not able to respond.

When I was little, I was scared of my grandma.  She was so big. So tall. And she didn’t speak my language. But for some reason my parents expected me to want to hug her. I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand her. And I didn’t understand why I was named after her.

Looking back, I feel silly. Foolish, really.

My grandma is by far the strongest women I’ve ever met. She is pure, brute force. And most days I hope I turn out just like her.  I feel so blessed just knowing that I am even in the same blood line as someone as incredible as her.

These days, I’m so proud and so honored to carry her name. And I’m so grateful that I’ve been given the chance to know such a strong woman.

Other Cool things that have happened:

Careers in Student Affairs Dinner; HuskyLead Session; Roni Sanlo Queer History Presentation; Made my Chuck Norris Bulletin Board; Watched a Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 with Audrey and Trevor; My 19^th Birthday; IGTAAP Halloween Party; Armada Halloween Party; Went Home for a Long Weekend; Voted Absentee

Quote of the Week: “I don’t care how poor a man is; if he has family, he’s rich.” –Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford

Week 9: The Girl at Cyberia Café

Now, I’m sure many of you are thinking “huh, that’s strange and nondescript…” But please, let me explain to you my Friday Night…

This Friday at around 6:45, I got it in me that I should go for a walk.  I didn't really plan out how long it would be (and I can prove that by my choice of shoes—clogs), and I wasn't even really sure which direction I would go in.  But I started at the same place I start all of my walks, which is at the Great Lakes Research Center.  It’s a newly built campus building that is right on the edge of the Portage.  

When I got to the base of the Research Center (literally the shore of the water), I started walking west.  I didn't really know what was west of there exactly, but it turned out to be Facility Type Buildings and Campus Vehicles, and dirt roads.  It was interesting to me that this whole part of campus is blocked off and not really visible from Main Campus, so I kept going west.  Eventually I hit the end of that trail/dirt parking lot, and had to move back up towards real road.  This road ended up being the Bike Trail/Snow Mobile Trail.

From there, I walked.

And walked.

And just kept walking west.

When the Trail turned, I turned with it.

Until I got just 200 feet away from the Houghton-Hancock Lift Bridge.

Then I turned around. 

But rather than just return the same way I came, I went up even higher, to the streets of Downtown Houghton.

And this is where the real magic happens.

I was walking back, when I saw Cyberia Café.  And I thought to myself, “Hey, Jinan. You should get something from there. It’s getting chilly out, and why not?”

SO, I went inside, I placed my order, took my debit card out, and the barista was about to start making my “Leprechaun Latte” when she said “actually, we don’t have a card-swiper here, and I dunno what bank you use, but there’s a Wells Fargo ATM down the street.” And feeling a little defeated, I said “You know, it’s okay, I actually don’t use Wells Fargo, so it’s probably not gunna happen.” And as I turned to walk away, she (amazingly) responded with “well, if you want, we could probably just use the Honor System (as she continues to make my drink), and you can just come back sometime later this week and pay for it then…” I stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t believe it. And all I could think was “What? Only in Houghton would something like this happen.”

So I took her up on it.

And I enjoyed that Leprechaun Latte all the way home.

And then when I got home, I sat in my comfy chair, with my warm(ish) drink, and read.

It was really great.

And more important from a “free” latte, and the beautiful sights I saw while on my walk, I learned something very valuable. I learned that it’s okay to do things alone. And as Nicole later said: “Being alone, doesn't have to mean being lonely.”

Later that night I got an early Birthday Cupcake from Myder, and I went to a Country Music (Katie Armiger) Concert with friends, where I swing danced, and had a great time.

I also saw a shooting star that night

.

This week was great. At times it was almost boring. But truly, this week was great.

Other Cool Things that Happened This Week: Saw Ted in Fisher; Watched Presidential Debate #2, and Bonded with Amanda; Went to “the Dating Doctor”; Went to Cyberia to repay my debts with Sophie, and played with a puppy; Life Chats with Audrey and Catie; Went to the HuskyLEAD Seminar on Robert’s Rules of Order; and Skyped Liz for 2 Hours.

Week 8: Homecoming Week/Trevor Birr

To be a leader means to step up when you’re not asked.  To step up even when you don’t want too. And to do good even when no one is watching.

This week that’s exactly what Trevor did.  I’ve known Trevor for over a year now, and we’ve had a lot of really great times together.  From going to dairy queen, to building a Christmas Gingerbread Trailer Park with other Hallmates, to watching Bones, and to just having Breakfast together, Trevor has impressed me many times.  But this week, I was impressed more than I can properly express.  

As it was Homecoming Week, this week held a lot of hurdles that I, as a PA, had to overcome.  And it was having Trevor there behind me that helped make it manageable. Cardboard boat was destined to be a failure. Though people said they wanted to do it, no one was stepping up.  The week prior, Ellen got people to sign up, but no one was actually attempting to make the boat.  And it was difficult to know if I was supposed to take the initiative and force them to make it, or if I was just supposed to let it slide, and not make a boat this year. 

Fortunately, on Wednesday, Trevor stepped up.  I went with him to pick up cardboard, and to buy duct tape, and even though we faced difficulties, by the end of the night we had the base of a boat done! I went to bed that night grateful.  Grateful things were working out, and grateful for Trevor, who I knew didn’t really want to head up cardboard boat, but was still willing to because it needed to be done.

From there, things just started getting better.  We finished our boat.  Trevor drove it down to the park in his truck.  We had a big barbecue at Chutes and Ladders.  And when it came down to it, we totally lost in the race.  Like, didn’t even make it off the starting line, lost. 

It was great.

I was so proud, not only of Trevor, but of my entire house.  People came together, and worked as a team.  For a moment, differences were put aside. 

And I believe that none of that would have happened if Trevor hadn’t stepped up.

This week a lot of really great things happened:

I found out I got the 4^th highest grade on my first Combinatorics Exam.

I champed my Calc 3 Exam.

I didn’t completely fail my Abstract Algebra Exam

I hung out with Nicole, who I hadn’t spent time with in Forever

I saw 'Brave' in Fisher

I saw 'Pitch Perfect' at the Houghton Cinema (a Classy establishment)

I saw my good friends Jade and Sophie perform at Coffeehouse

I watched the Vice Presidential Debate with my House

And We lost Cardboard Boat…and I couldn’t be more proud.

Quote of the Week: “Ninety percent of life is just showing up” – Woody Allen

Week 7: The World

So, tonight, I faced a dilemma. What happens when everyone is great, but no one stands out? What happens when you realize, even though you’re going to fail your exam on Tuesday, and even though sometimes you find yourself overwhelmed, you are still extraordinarily grateful for the life you have, if only because of the people that are in it?

Well, that was this week.

This week was difficult.  But it was also great.  An uphill battle, that I’d like to think I conquered.

I learned many things this week, and maybe because it’s late at night, but I just don’t have a lot to say about it. Only, thank you. Thank you, world, for being awesome.

Quote of the Week: “Oh love, oh the many colors that you’re made of” –Brad Paisley

Cook Things this week: First Presidential Debate; Life-Chats with Many-a-Folk; Saw the Amazing Spiderman in Fisher; Gave Tours with Open House; Had my First Rounds as  PA; Walked around the Great Lakes Research Center; Painted the SDC Windows; Didn’t go to Career Fair

Week 6: Audrey Hutton

Audrey Hutton is an extraordinary woman.

This week I faced a great deal of difficulties and Audrey Hutton was always there to help pick me back up.  She listened to me rant.  She gave me advice.  She offered smiles when needed, Blondie Brownies when lonesome, and even vented some of her own troubles that helped me put some perspective on my own life.

Since the beginning of this year, I have gotten closer and closer with Audrey.  From our early morning breakfasts, to our mutual love-hate relationship with school, and to our interest in leadership and what it really means, Audrey has become a comfortable constant in my life, and I could not be more grateful than I am today.

Audrey, you are so brilliant, and I know you are going to go on and do great things in the future.  I know you pretend to doubt that, and I know we all have high expectations for you, but I also know that’s because we’ve seen you achieve before, and we all (well, at least I) have the confidence in you to continue to exceed beyond measure (no pressure though ;) )

This week, was just awful for me. From schoolwork, to work responsibilities, to disappointments and to time-consuming events, you were always there for me, and we were always more than great.  You helped me rise against (at least some of) the adversities.

I’m so glad that at the end of the week, even though I didn’t have your phone number, you were able to come out and see the northern lights with us.  It really was a great way to end this horrid week, and a fantastic reminder of how much I have in this world that sometimes I take for granted.  Things and people, just like you, Audrey.

So, in short, you’re awesome, Audrey. You’re truly great.  You make my mornings when we have breakfast. You’re phenomenal at listening.  Your passion inspires me, every day. And even though I didn’t like you last year, I’m so glad I got to know you this year, and I can’t imagine my life without you now.

Keep on keeping on, Audrey.

Other interesting things that happened this week:

1.       Natural Gas Leak in Wads—Spent an hour outside as a crossing guard since I’m a PA

2.       Saw the Northern Lights for the first time, by sheer coincidence

3.       Went to my first Huskies Football Game, as a spectator, vs. GVSU

4.       Took a walk through the Cemetery, and saw deer!

Quote of the Week: “I claim to be an average man of less than average ability. I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith.”

Mohandas Gandhi

Week 5: Baba

This week was crazy.  The more time that passes, the more I realize that every week is crazy.  But, perhaps that is what is so great about life.  Maybe, just like all the cliché’s say, living through the rough stuff, can get you to the really great stuff.

This week I almost didn’t make a hero of the week. It’s actually the first week I got some suggestions on who should be my hero of the week, and though I agree who they opted for is pretty neat, and probably will one day be the hero, this week, I realized that it’s my dad who deserves it most.

My dad is my pillar. He taught me so much of what I know and he is the reason I am the person I am today.  So, even though in the past weeks, as school has gotten increasingly busy, I have had less time to talk to him, I realize that at the end of the day, my Baba is still my Baba.  

My father is the strongest man I have ever met.  He does so much for others, and hardly ever asks for anything in return.  It’s strange, people usually hear about parent’s being proud of their children.  But for me, I’m proud of my dad.  I’m proud of what he’s accomplished.  I’m proud of how he spends his days, and of the sacrifices he’s made for my family.  I’m proud of how he’s raised me.  And I’m proud to call him my Baba. 

Ramsey always teases me that when I was little I asked Baba if I could call him “dad,” like all of my other friends.  And though I don’t remember asking him this, and I don’t remember his answer, I’m not surprised.  I was a shy little girl, and all I wanted was to fit in.  If it wasn’t for my dad being there for me during my adolescence, and working with me on how to stick up for myself, I wouldn’t have half the self-esteem or strength I have today. 

I could bore you all with endless stories of how great my dad is, and of all the great memories I have with him.  And I could lie, and say there have never been rough patches too.  But I’m not going to do either of those things. Working through the small troubles with my dad has made our relationship stronger and more trusting. 

When I was growing up, my Baba always told me (Something to the effect of): “Every dad deserves a daughter.” But I have come to believe that every daughter deserves a dad. And I’m so grateful for the one I’ve got.  

So, Baba, I hope you get over this cold soon, and I can’t wait to see you over Thanksgiving Break! :)

Also, this picture of you is just so classy...it always makes me smile :) 

Quote of the Week: “Great Leaders do good even when no one is watching.” –Inspired by Ellen Nightingale

Cool things I did this week: Watched Armada’s Frisbocky Team; Went to a Seminar on Emotionally Intelligent Leadership; Aced my Calc 3 Quiz; Watched Men in Black III in 3D in Fisher; Watched Lilo & Stitch with Armada;

Week 4: Being Sick/Sophie Rizzo

Sophie. Is perhaps one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world and I'm almost sad that it's already her week. I mean, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since she’s obviously just so nice and awesome and stuff, but really. She's wonderful. And that’s really all I should have to say.  But since that would be boring, a story:

This week I got terribly sick. So sick that I spent all of Tuesday blowing my nose, couldn't sleep through the night Tuesday, threw up for the first time in ten years Wednesday morning, and I even almost missed class. 

Wednesday morning was awful, full of tears, and I felt miserable. Somehow though, by the afternoon I was watching 'Gilmore Girls' with Sophie and feeling better. That night we watched ‘Bridesmaids’ with Ellen, and when I fell asleep on her extra bed, they (well Ellen decided to) let me stay sleeping there.  Then, even though I was woken up at 6 in the morning because Sophie had to go to PT, I still managed to have one of the best sleeps I had had in days, and waking up early proved to be a blessing in disguise, when it gave me the opportunity to take my time getting ready for my 8 AM class. As the week went on, I continued to feel better and better, with consistent help and comfort from Sophie.

Sophie continued to shine through the weekend, by letting me vent in her room, studying with me, making Daryl take us to Taco Bell, quoting Mean Girls, and then watching part of Mean Girls too :) 

Sophie Rizzo is an incredible human being, and I'm so glad to have her in my life. Sophie Rizzo is a hard worker, and even though she had so many other things to do this week, and is always busy, and always answering other people's calls, she somehow managed to find the time to help take care of me, and for that, I am grateful. 

Special shout outs this week should also go to: 

Ellen Nightingale, for making me rice when I was sick, and always making me smile. 

Myder Vang, for inspiring me and helping me realize what it really takes to accomplish my goals. 

Kendra Poszywak, for taking me out to Calumet after listening to me rant and helping me get away. You matter, and you've affected me. 

Quote of the week: “Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists.. it is real.. it is possible.. it's yours.”

                Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

Week 3: Appreciating the Little Things/Camille Charara

From a smile down the hall, to someone holding the door for you, to someone sending you a simple letter, People affect us in little ways every day.  Though at the time these little acts of kindness don’t seem to grasp our attention for more than a few seconds, I believe they are vital. 

Small, simple acts of kindness can turn someone’s day, or even week, completely around.  And it is my belief that by doing just one small thing for someone, you could be unknowingly turning their life around, and opening up the doors to many great possibilities for them to do good too.

This week, Camille Charara sent me a letter. A simple letter, a thank you letter.  A letter that I wouldn’t be surprised if her parents put in the mail for her. But a letter nonetheless.

The day I got it, I was in no mood to be messed with. I was grumpy.  I wasn’t expecting any mail, and I only checked my mailbox because my friends were.  I was so surprised to look inside my little mailbox and find a letter from Camille.  Instantly, my heart (and my mouth) smiled. 

As I was walking back to my room, I just got happier with each word I read.  

So, Thank you, Camille.  You are great.  And you turned my week around.  Good luck at U of M this year.  I know you are going to succeed beyond measure, and I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Also, we need to take more pictures together, but you are beautiful ;)

Quote of the Week: “Smile, It’s contagious.”

Week 2: Myder Vang

This week was full of many great times.  And, as such, I really struggled on who most affected me.  On Tuesday, I had the great pleasure of listening to and Meeting Conor Grennan, the Author of “Little Princes.”  I read his book over the summer, and was incredibly inspired by his story.  Then, I spent a substantial amount of time with Audrey this week, who became a comfortable constant in my life, and showed me great kindness just by listening to my rants, dancing with me, and taking me swimming with her Friday morning.  And finally, it was a great pleasure to be able to greet more of my friends back to Tech, and face a full hall.

But alas, in the end, I realized that as great as all of these people are, and as much as I love having them in my life, it was Myder Vang that affected me most this week.

In getting to know Myder this past year, she has encouraged me, pleasantly surprised me, and even left me standing in awe.   I’m sure everyone has ‘a Myder’ in their life: someone who is constantly working hard, but is always so incredibly kind, and always smiling.  These people who leave you wondering: “Dang, why can’t I be more like her/him??”

As an Orientation Team Leader, Myder had an incredibly difficult and busy week. She had to go from meeting to meeting, constantly on the spot, having to answer First Year Student’s Questions, and working shifts starting as early as 7 AM, and ending as late as Midnight.  And yet, this did not stop Myder from participating in almost every event I presented to her in the hall.  From encouraging me to go to the Global Social on Thursday, to going swimming at Prince’s Point today, Myder has done it all.

Myder is one of those incredible people, that leave you standing, wondering how they are doing it all.  They make you feel good about yourself, even when you didn’t think you could feel any better, and they show you what it means to find happiness bigger than you expected. 

In the entirety of this week, I was never completely sad.  And yet, Myder still found a way to make me smile, and really appreciate that smile, every single day. 

I was with Myder the first time I watched the TED Talk that inspired this Hero of the Week Dealio, and in her own quiet way, Myder has told me that I am one of the “Lollipops” in her life.  And there’s not many ways you can repay a person for that, so this is my way.  My way of saying that Myder, “You are one of my Lollipops too.”  You encourage me to go beyond what I think I can accomplish.  You push me to go past my limits, and you prove to me that I can do it all, with a smile.  You are one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  And your sense of humor always leaves me laughing. 

I’m so proud of who you have grown into.  From the quiet girl that lived down the hall, to being an OTL, that has truly gone above and beyond to get to know her team, and include them in everything, you are succeeding in everything you do, and I’m incredibly honored that I get to stand by and watch it happen.

Myder, you are not stupid, you are brilliant.  You are always welcome in my room.  And talking to you is always going to be more important than any phone conversation I might be having.  If you ever want to go anywhere, I will go with you.  If you ever want to do anything, I will join you.  You are a true Leader. 

Thank you for always encouraging me to accomplish my goals.  Thank you for helping me do my job as a PA.  Thank you for always being honest, sincere, and kind.  Thank you for asking questions.  Thank you for sharing your story with me.  And thank you, for letting me be a part of your life. 

Myder Vang, you are perhaps one of the most wonderful human beings on the face of this planet.

Quote of the Week: “Wishing will not bring success, but planning, persistence and a burning desire will.”

-Unknown, via (Step-Grandma) Carol Johnson, April 2010

Quote of Last Week:  “I do not have superior intelligence or faultless looks.  I do not captivate a room or run a mile under six minutes.  I only succeeded because I was still working after everyone else went to sleep.”

–Greg Evans, via Brandon Sauer

Week 1: The Eighteen Hour Work Day/My LC Staff

Over the course of the past year I documented what happened every day and posted it to Facebook.  Often with a picture of myself, but more often of the activity I did that day.  Now, 365+7 days later, I am back, doing something just a little different.  Rather than posting a picture, or my daily schedule, I will instead be posting a “Hero of the Week.” Every Sunday I will post something about someone who inspired, encouraged, or just helped me get through that particular week.  Sometimes, it might be a group of people (like this week), sometimes it might be someone I know personally, or it might be someone fictional, or some historic figure.  On that note, sometimes it will be written, sometimes it will be a video, sometimes it will be a picture, or sometimes it will be a combination of those.  I’m leaving this task open ended, and I’m very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

So, Why do you ask? Well, when I realized the final days of my 365 days were approaching, I started asking around with suggestions as to what I should do.  In due credit, this idea was in fact, my mom’s, but I wasn’t convinced until Ramsey reminded me of a video I had shown him (and tried to apply to my life), over a year ago.  I was inspired by a TED Talk called "Leading with Lollipops" by Drew Dudley. You should watch it. But in case you’re too lazy, it basically tells you that you should let the people know who have changed your life for the better.  This was also equated to “The Butterfly Effect” and “Paying it Forward,” when I was taking about it with my brother.  So call it what you will, but it’s what I will be doing, and if you care to join me, or if you acknowledge a “Lollipop Moment” in your life, than I encourage you to share your story.

So, here it is…the moment you’ve all been waiting for!

My first Hero of the Week is my Res. Life Learning Community Staff. This phenomenal group of 8 RA’s and PA’s (not including myself), and the RLC (AKA, the Resident Life Coordinator-My Boss), are the only reason I was able to endure this past week.  With their constant encouragement, humor, and brilliant ideas, I can honestly say that the little family we’ve started to create is what kept me going when everything started going wrong. 

Some background:

This week was full of 18 hour work days.  Waking up at 6 AM, and in training from 8 AM to 10 PM, after which we had to do all of our Bulletin Boards, Door Decorations, and Room Inventories, parts of this week were just awful.  There were so many instances when I thought I should just give up…having an ear infection the first few days, making it so that I couldn’t hear properly, certainly didn’t help.  And neither did not having the time to talk to my parents, or clean my room, or do my laundry, or in one really pathetic moment while talking to Liz, I didn't even “have time for tears.”

Fortunately, I am on the downhill of all the hectic-ness, and have actually been able to start hanging out with the residents in my hall.  I have caught up on my sleep, my ear infection is gone, and I am feeling better.  The work is still hard, but fortunately, the really awful parts from the beginning of the week are now only a distant memory.

I am excited for O-Week and for the year to begin.  And I have my LC Staff thank for that:

From sharing a room with Hannah that first night, to daily inspirational quotes from Brandon, to going to the bathroom with Krysten and missing our bus to Heritage Manor, to Casey and Nate checking in on me and helping me with simple things, like plugging in my phone when I was just tired and feeling pathetic, to venting with Sam, to working late into the night with Caleb, and to the smiles Kyle and Kim were always able to offer, this group of extraordinary people has changed my life. 

Each of these individuals has taught me something unique this week.  But more than that, they taught me how to work through a tough situation, and that there is more than what meets the eye.  As much as we may all try, (not) judging others is a battle we face every day, and it is because of this group of people that I was reminded that people can surprise you, and that you should let them.  One of the Core Values of Michigan Tech is “Community,” and while I’ve always strived for that, my Res Life Staff proved to me this week that every person is different, but every person is also the same.

My LC Staff was my backbone this week, and without them, I don’t know if I would have been able to handle the intense training.  I never could have done it alone, but more than that, with each act I witnessed from one these individuals, I was learning how to be a good person. They showed me what it takes to be a good PA, and what it takes to have the tenacity to overcome obstacles. 

And for that, I am grateful.