A Letter To Your Loving Self

Dear Self,

Someone once told me life does not truly begin until you enter college. As an adult, you feel more independence over your academic courses and the balance between social life and school is all on you. Who would have ever known you'd grow up so fast? Certainly not me.

With the expectation to excel at life, you set the bar too high and expect to much from yourself. You study too much. You ponder too much. You criticize myself too much. 

Valentine's Day is celebrating love. And friendship. And relationships. So why not celebrate...you? And I don't mean celebrate you on just one day out of the year, but why not every day?

It's hard to make time for yourself in the sea of scheduled meetings, classes, and homework, but taking the time for self-care is one of the best ways to de-stress. Here are some techniques for self-love and for celebrating you:

• Yoga: Treat yourself to a yoga class or a morning filled with meditation, which can be a relaxing way to begin your busy day and ease your mind, body, and spirit. 
• Sleep: You deserve a mid-day nap to take your mind off of the craziness left in your day. Spend some time during the afternoon to refuel.
• Me Time: Pick a day to date yourself. Whether you treat yourself to lunch or a movie, take the time to get to know yourself. You'll be amazed at all the new things you learn about yourself!
• Let Go: Sure setting goals and expectations are the way to excel in academics and careers, but don't make these goals too unrealistic...that will only create more stress. Learn to let go of the past and focus on the present (this is one techniques that I have recently adopted); it takes the pressure off of you when you stop trying to control your future.
• Volunteer: When you need that time to reconnect with yourself, try volunteering in the local community. Volunteering is one way to reflect on your life and give back to others. Who knows? You might even make a new friend. 

Of course, there are always more self-kindness and self-love techniques. Someone also told me to go with the flow of life and learn to trust your gut feelings. Well? What are you waiting for? 

You owe it to yourself to go out and discover your passions, to explore everything and anything, and most importantly, to love yourself. The latter being the most difficult if you're one who tries to make everyone else happy. Always remember to never stop being the most unique individual you can be. 

Sincerely,

Me

Photo credit: http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/56853-Live-Love-Laugh.jpg

Leading the Way Through Jumpstart

Jumpstart is a program that provides incoming first-year students with the outlet to transition well into the college life and learn about their community which they will call "home" for the next four years. As a participant, I felt grateful for the opportunity to engage in both community service throughout the city of Ithaca and learn about the Ithaca College experience from my leaders and staff members. Not only that, but for me, Jumpstart resulted in my three best friends today. The Jumpstart program eased the butterflies in my stomach on the first day of college classes and has helped me easily transition to connecting with my peers and making connections with my community and my campus. 

I decided to take upon the role of becoming a Jumpstart leader as an upperclassman because I wanted to provide incoming first-year students with the resources that Jumpstart has given me as a first-year student. For the past two years, I have participated in the same Jumpstart track - Community Plunge - and have bonded with several peers and future colleagues. Being a leader with my best friend whom I had met on Jumpstart one year earlier was a fun and nostalgic part of the experience. As I helped organize the students into groups and sign them in on their first day at Ithaca College, I felt that I had the capability to utilize my leadership skills to grow as a peer mentor and resource for students. 

Me and my co-leader whom I met through
Community Plunge one year ago

On the first day, my group and I volunteered at the Tompkins County Public Library sorting books and celebrating its 50th anniversary. During our time at the library, I was able to speak with individual students one-on-one and learn about their interests, hobbies, and successes. I wanted to implement a one-on-one meeting with each of the students because I feel that it would allow for introverted students to speak up and connect with me. Not only that, but the leadership position I held with the one-on-one mentorship helped me understand the characteristics of my group members so I can figure out the best team bonding activities that would allow them to connect with each other throughout the course of the program. By dinner time, I was able to engage the students in conversation and facilitate relationships that would turn into acquaintances and potential friendships. 

By the end of the second day of volunteering, the group had become one family. Although the second site, Caroline Elementary School, prompted each of us to labor outdoors pulling weed and transferring piles of mulch and gravel, the group was able to bond whenever there was free time. During lunch, we all sat outside and learned about each other and our journeys to get to Ithaca College. The hardest part about being a leader during the second day when we had tedious volunteer work was working to motivate and encourage all of the students. One of the ways I motivated students was through fun music and exciting topics of conversation. During the times we were transferring the mulch and gravel, I turned on different genres of music so everybody could have the strength to continue with their work. 

       

          My Jumpstart group after volunteering at the Tompkins County Public Library on Day One

I am grateful for the opportunity to act as a Jumpstart leader for first-year students over the past year because I have learned much more about myself, the students, the campus community, and the city of Ithaca. I learned that I have the capability to lead a group of younger students and take responsibility over the proper procedures. During the time that I was a Jumpstart leader, I have grown as a community member and a peer mentor; for, the students today still come to me with questions. When we see each other on campus, we make a point to say "hi" and catch up on each other's schedules and college experience. To me, being a mentor and resource is the most rewarding experience of the Jumpstart process. I am happy and proud to have given back to the Jumpstart program, especially knowing that I have made the transition to college a bit easier for the students new to the Ithaca community. 

The team after volunteering at Caroline Elementary School on Day Two

Photo credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d3/23/9b/d3239b7b73e6a38f454961a36b1ad985.jpg

Your Legacy Continues, Dr. King

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist fighting for the equality and justice for all people. His famous speech, "I Have A Dream," has been widely read and his message continues to unite us all for racial and social justice. 

On Martin Luther King Day, I had the privilege to celebrate Dr. King's message through various presentations and events conglomerated under the theme, "Whose Dream Is It Anyway?" As I attended the sessions, I learned that although Dr. King rose to prominence during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, his message and mission have yet to progress towards success by the people of the United States of America. 

His message, to combat discrimination against race, ethnicity, origin, religion, sexuality, gender, and exclusion of special persons, continues to live in the back of our minds instead of thriving in the forefront of our minds. 

The various educational sessions and presentations throughout the day spoke to Dr. King's legacy and allowed for the audience to think about inclusivity. I was privileged to attend some of these sessions and learn about ways to progress Dr. King's legacy of equality and racial justice. Before we can implement change, it is important to change the way in which we think, specifically when it comes to making pre-judgements among others and holding prejudice against those who are different. One of the biggest mistakes we make that drive us further away from achieving inclusivity and equality is our inability to be confident when speaking the truth and challenging the issues we face.

For example, Ash Beckham, a TedTalk speaker and keynote presenter of the night, discussed the importance of having the ability to speak the truth and be self-confident. Beckham's presentation was well-worth attending because it presented ways in which we, as citizens, can help inspire others to work towards equality, acceptance, and inclusion. She taught us the importance of knowing one's own identity and encouraged the audience to not be afraid to speak up for what is right. Beckham focused on gender roles, identity, and how society teaches us to conform to the truth from a very young age. I learned that it is important to understand yourself and your actions because it is a step towards understanding others and the world around you. Not until Beckham's lecture did I understand that by being silent, you are taking your stance on an issue and speaking out. Actions, as well as words, affect the way others think about you and see you. 

MLK Day never fails to teach me the most important lesson for turning Dr. King's dreams into a reality; for, it is important to learn and understand the history of racial injustice and exclusivity of certain populations to make sure that history does not repeat. 

Photo credit: My own; presenter Ash Beckham

"Stand By You"

As move-in day creeps in for many college first-year students, it is no surprise that everyone is nervous, anxious, and shy --- it's a big step into the "real world". In honor of my role as Jumpstart leader and a fun weekend ahead, I chose to share with you guys a song by Carrie Underwood called "Stand By You," which was originally performed by The Pretenders. I am beyond excited to act as a peer mentor and a role model for those looking to start off their college experience with a whole lot of memories. 

This weekend is dedicated to upperclassmen helping first-year students move-in, get settled, and make friends. I believe this song expresses the true meaning of giving back; for, we don't only have to give back to the community at select times for a set number of days per year, but we can count on each other through community service and through the everyday connections we make with those around us.

Here are the lyrics, enjoy! 

"I'll Stand By You"

[Originally performed by The Pretenders]

Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads 
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

Oh I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/illstandbyyou.html

Making Connections

Being a journalism and communications student, I have a love for movies and entertainment. The best movies, in my opinion, are like books. They depict a certain message or moral to the viewers, providing lessons and inspiration to others. Whether it's a lesson about the true meaning of love, acceptance, or happiness, movies share with us the ups and downs of life. Some of the best quotes, and some of my particular favorites, include:

• "Life's a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get" ~ Forrest Gump, 1994
• "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or...learn from it" ~ The Lion King, 1994
• "Don't ever let somebody tell you...You can't do something. You got a dream...You gotta protect it...If you want something, go get it. Period" ~ The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006
• "The world is not a wish-granting factory" ~ The Fault in Our Stars, 2014

My love for movies have led me to become a volunteer at the first-annual All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF). The festival, held in Times Square, New York City, allowed me to showcase my passion for film and entertainment while exploring NYC. 

Volunteering at the festival has provided me to network and build connections with industry-executives and other professionals. For instance, my work with assisting at the local college fair has allowed me to network with different universities and schools, a potential for the future if I decide to pursue higher education post-undergraduate. In addition, I have met professionals of the film industry, or potential future employers. Also, I have built relationships with students and volunteers of other similar interests, all while exploring the city of New York and Theater District of Times Square. 

Although the film festival was only held for one weekend from Friday to Sunday, my experience with the festival allowed me to create relationships and make connections with students, professionals, and the city. My connections and networking paid off. 

In February, I landed an internship with the AAHSFF team. As an intern, I am learning many skills that will help me in my future career. For example, I have learned valuable time management skills as a result of the tedious tasks completed. Moreover, I am learning how to further connect and keep in contact with my networks. As an intern, I have utilized my journalism and public relations skills to spread the word about the event, hoping to gather more volunteers and attendees for the festival. The internship has allowed me to learn and grow into both an individual and an employee. 

**To learn more about the All-American Film Festival, future volunteer opportunities, and event/ticketing information, check out the website!

**Click here for the link to the AAHSFF facebook page

**And be sure to follow AAHSFF on twitter

Photo credit: http://geniusquotes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/David-Brinkley-quote.jpg

Remembering Maya Angelou: An Inspiration

Today marks a day of remembrance for renowned poet, author, and Civil Rights activist Maya Angelou. In the world of literature, Angelou leaves behind a legacy; for, she has often written about racism, identity, and self-revelation, connecting with the audience in a moving and emotional way. Her works, such as "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" and "On the Pulse of Morning," became widely popular, quickly inspiring her readers and fellow authors to write with meaningful and fulfilling words. 

Angelou was not only known for her works, but also for teaching us to live life to the fullest and with purpose. She has spread an infinite amount of inspirational and motivational quotes that are often referred to when discussing the philosophical meaning of life. Whether through her passages or from her personal speeches, Angelou spoke to a large audience. As we continue to honor her legacy as a poet, author, and activist, she will be remembered for her messages revolving around life, hope, love, dreams, courage, and identity.

So take the words of Angelou and apply them in your own life and make a difference. We can rely on each other and listen to the words of Angelou to inspire change and justice in our own communities. Whether it's lending a helping hand to a close friend, reconnecting with a loved one, or spreading cheer to a kind stranger, it is never too late to bring about change. Who knows? Maybe you can learn something about yourself along the way. As Angelou said, "Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud."

An inspiration to us all, Angelou shows us how to find our true identities and live life to the fullest. She makes us aware of the world around us and the true meaning of giving, teaching, and learning.

**Read about Maya Angelou's life and accomplishments here

**Learn more about Maya Angelou here

**Check out some of the greatest life lessons from Maya Angelou here

Photo credit: http://meetville.com/images/quotes/Quotation-Maya-Angelou-life-Meetville-Quotes-37354.jpg

What It Means to Be A Leader

Happy February! I hope this short (and cold) month finds you well! 

Throughout high school, one of my favorite after-school activities was sports. Now, you may be wondering what sports have to do with being a leader in the community, but in fact, there are many reasons why sports are a great way to build leadership skills. Let me take you back to my high school years.

Basketball became a sport I enjoyed playing since I was a little girl. I couldn't wait for basketball practice and for the season to begin. When I entered the upper girls league, however, I found that the middle and high school girls' leagues were combined. This was a surprise, as I have always been on teams where the players were of the same age. The combined leagues had girls from grades seven to twelve mixed together on the same team. Seventh grade basketball was not only a surprising reality, but also a fun year. I guess you could say that it became the year  that I realized what it takes to become a leader.

Being one of only two seventh graders on a team of high school students, I felt defeated. I was unfamiliar to the new league and that made me insecure about my abilities as a player. The first few games of the season were rough. I had to adjust to the new basketball court, new players, and a new team. Being the youngest, I worried that I would rarely see the ball in my hands. That all changed further into the season as we held weekly practices.

During practice, the high school players (our team captains) would help out the younger players and teach them techniques to improve their shooting, dribbling, and passing skills. They would stop in the middle of the drill to correct our hand positions, footwork, and defense skills, incorporating me into the plays and molding all of the players into an efficient team. Slowly, I saw myself becoming an improved player. 

Now, what is the point? Well, I followed their lead upon entering my freshman year of high school as I found myself to be one of two high school students on a team of mostly seventh graders (needless to say, I became team captain). Learning from my team captains, I showed up to practice with optimism and enthusiasm so that I could do my best in helping the seventh graders adjust to the new league. Yeah, it was tiresome and frustrating, but I learned throughout my four years as team captain that being a leader is about patience, strength, and the ability to demonstrate rather than inform. 

The first year as team captain allowed me to really think about the role of a leader. Although most of the time it was just working with the coach and assisting them with demonstrations, being a team captain showed me how leadership skills build character. As I became more comfortable with communicating and interacting with the other players, I learned that to be a leader takes time. Being a leader means taking control of a situation when it gets out of hand and working with others for the improvement of a greater good. By taking control on the court, I was able to communicate with my team in a way that allowed us to work well together during the games. 

As the seasons progressed, I accepted my role of team captain with confidence. Even though I did not win any championships, basketball has taught me about much more than winning. Basketball has given me the opportunity to grow as both a leader and team player. It has taught me that confidence is key and that leadership is the gateway to building a strong character. 

"...leaders will be those who empower others" ~ Bill Gates