My Alternative Spring Break Journey: Exploring History

Saturday was our last day in the Outer Banks, and we spent the day exploring the cultural history of the area. We started the day by climbing Currituck Beach Lighthouse, one of the five main lighthouses in the state. It took us 220 stairs to get to the top, and the view from above was breathtaking. Although we felt as though we could be blown away by the wind, the view of the area was unforgettable.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse

We made it to the top of the lighthouse after climbing 220 stairs.

Our second half of the day began by our visit to the Wright Brothers National Museum in Kitty Hawk. Here, we learned about Orville and Wilbur Wright and the birthplace of aviation in the early 1900s. We listened to a speaker explain the history of the Wright Brothers' invention of aviation and explored the meaning behind an iconic moment in history.

It was interesting to hear about the geographic symbolism of Kitty Hawk in relation to the birth of aviation. The first successful power-driven flight in world history took place on a sand dune in Kitty Hawk, NC by the Wright Brothers.

Wilbur and Orville Wright contributed greatly to the birth of aviation.

The iconic photograph to depict this moment in history is one of the most reproduced photos in history. It describes December 17, 1903 as the birth of aviation and the death of impossibility.

This iconic photograph is one of the most reproduced in history. The birthplace of aviation
was the death of impossibility.

Although the Wright Brothers significantly advanced the world of aviation, they also inspired others to believe in the impossible. They brought to light the idea that impossibility is not about failure, but rather, about something that hasn't been done yet. This idea stuck with me throughout the rest of the weekend and even back here at Ithaca College.

I think the idea that the Wright Brothers killed impossibility is one that is important to remember because it motivates us to better ourselves and our daily lives. The legacy of the Wright Brothers highlights the quote that 'nothing is impossible.' Hearing about how the Wright Brothers failed numerous times before they successfully tested a flight reinforced the everyday motto that everyone fails in life. Failure is not an option, but a key to success.

All photos are my own.

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

Moving Out

What a busy past few weeks! As I finish up my last semester of freshman year at college, I first wanted to give a shout out to all of the wonderful people I have met throughout the year. From orientation to the end of freshman year, I have been blessed to meet amazing friends who I know I can always count on. I thank IC for giving me some awesome opportunities over the past two semesters, and for helping me find a passion and happiness in giving back to the community! 

As college students prepare to move-out of dorms and return home for the summer, I have decided to compile a list of ways to help out fellow peers and families pack up for the trip home. 

• Visit your friends and offer a helping hand - It is always best to ask if they need help packing, even if they turn you down. By offering your time and lending a hand, it will make the move-out process go way faster.
• Load items into their car - No matter what, everything in the dorm needs to go, so why not help pack up a car? This will allow friends to pack more efficiently and effectively.
• Provide refreshments and snacks - Packing always makes you hungry and tired! Bring your peers a snack or offer some refreshments. 
• Be conversational - With so many families coming in and out of the dorm, the room can become crowded and awkward. To suppress some of the awkwardness, provide conversation with your friends' families -- chances are, you've met them a couple of times, so it won't be too awkward.
• Give thanks to faculty - As we prepare to say goodbye to friends for the summer, be sure to also give thanks to those who have been your leaders and mentors throughout the year. Whether it is a custodian, residential assistant, or professor, everyone has taken care of you in some way. Be sure to thank them before officially moving out.

Moving out is always bittersweet, especially when you've grown accustomed to calling your dorm "home." Best of luck to the graduating class of 2014 and I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! 

Photo credit: followpics.co

The Rescue Mission

One of the most eye-opening, incredible experiences I have had during my freshman year at college took place in October 2013, where instead of heading home for Fall Break, I participated in an Alternative Fall Break mission trip through the Office of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs. Although I could have lounged around my house for four days doing nothing but watch TV, I decided to travel to Syracuse, New York.

With a small group, I got to volunteer at a local homeless shelter called The Rescue Mission. A program and shelter that works to combat hunger and homelessness, The Rescue Mission hopes to strengthen communities. By providing each individual with food, shelter, and clothing, The Rescue Mission is the impetus to getting people back on their feet.

Me and the volunteer crew

On the drive up to the shelter, we stopped at a local thrift shop, the Thrifty Shopper. Consumers (yes, people like you!) can donate gently used merchandise to the store, which will sell the goods to those in the community. As a volunteer at the Thrifty Shopper, we helped organize clothing and sort used merchandise. Volunteering at Thrifty Shopper, I learned that thrift stores are not all that bad. You know, there are numerous preconceived notions about thrift shops, such as they are stores for the poor and the quality is lacking. But that is not the case; for, customers who come to thrift stores are just like you. I can say that through my volunteer experiences at the Thrifty Shopper, I have met some of the friendliest customers. Everyone who came into the store was not afraid to say "hello" to us --- they were so approachable and conversational. 

Afterwards, we continued our drive to the shelter. Once there, I immediately saw the stereotypes of homeless shelters come to life. The people lacked smiles on their faces, the streets were bare as if they were dark alleyways, and the various areas of the shelter were gated and closed off. One of the first tasks we were assigned to do was sort bags and bags (and bags) of donated clothing, some of which would be used as Christmas gifts during the holidays. Then, we took the sorted clothing and carried them down to a nearby Thrifty Shopper. We worked as sales associates on the third day, helping to organize, sell, and interact with customers.

On the last day, we were offered the opportunity to serve breakfast to the members. Serving food turned out to be a lot of fun. The meals we served disregarded society's preconceived notions of homeless shelters; for, the food was enjoyable. We served foods such as bread, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice. After we finished serving, we got to enjoy the meals for ourselves (yep, the same exact meal we had just served!).

Spending four days at a homeless shelter gave me a new perspective on life. I realized that the members of the shelter were, in fact, hard-working citizens who took a wrong turn on their path to success. The people had incredible stories to tell. Rather than ignoring us and pushing us away during our meal, many allowed us to sit with them and converse with them. One guy told us to "stay in school" and "make our parents proud." That statement got to me. He shared with us the ways he is working to turn his life around, informing us that it is shelters like The Rescue Mission that give people hope. Before leaving, he shot us a smile and thanked us for our efforts. 

I felt touched. All of my stereotypes about homeless shelters, and its members, diminished. The fact that the shelter acts as a stepping stone for its members and the community is absolutely amazing. While serving, the people were incredibly grateful and I am glad that I got the opportunity to enjoy a meal with them. Hearing some of their stories allowed me to reflect on my own life. After living in a homeless shelter, I am extremely blessed with my life. Each day, I think about this mission trip and see the world in more perspectives than one. The clothes that I wear daily, the food that I am blessed to eat, the family and friends that I have beside me, and the daily activities I perform, all allow me to live a cherished life. 

The advice of that man will always stick with me; for, I will continue to work hard to make my parents proud, striving towards my own success, as well as that of those in the community. 

Photo credit: http://donatinsstatic.ebay.com/extend/logos/MF10858.jpg; the last two photos are my own (c)SaraKim