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