The Holy Double Helix?

So in the first week of class, Sam told a story about spraining his ankle and going to a witch doctor/ shaman/ healer when he was doing research in an “uncivilized” jungle village in the tropics. Now this shaman didn’t speak any English or know anything about modern medical tactics, but with some paste made from plant roots and a very rough massage he miraculously healed Sam’s ankle by the next morning. In later research about this shaman and others like him, the discussion of God came up between the shamans and the academics doing the research. The surveyors asked the shaman to draw/ depict what they thought, “God looked like.” To the amazement of the researchers, Sam, and the rest of my Sociology 119 class multiple different shamans roughly sketched a double helix. Our amazement stems from the fact that these uncivilized somewhat prehistoric shamans have never taken a biology class, never watched Bill Nye, or never made a double helix model out of styrofoam for a 7th grade science project.

What is so humbling about these shamans vision of God is that without any education of the scientific or religious kind these healers recognize the connection between God and the human race. As a Christian I can’t honestly think of a more explicit explanation of the phrase “created in the image and likeness of God.” This is a statement of God being incarnate, that is one like us. The Christian believes that the main form of this incarnation and this notion of God appearing like a strand of human DNA is Jesus, the Christ.

A student in class asked the question does this depiction of God as a strand of human DNA help or hurt one’s religious beliefs?

For me personally, the shamans drawing reveals that God is human and to be human is to be one with God spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

For the longest time I did not believe in the existence of heaven or hell, whether that existence be physical or psychological. I considered myself a student of the teaching that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is among us and we are called to make our own heaven on Earth. This former belief of mine relates to the double-helix-God because if God is perceived as a double helix, then we should see God in every single member of the human being (in SOC 119 we ‘learned’ that human is not a race – defined as “ the physical or biological characteristics of a person or a group”- so the term ‘human race’ is incorrect). And if God is in the genes, the very chemical being, of each one of us how can heaven not be on Earth?

I love that this question was asked because it has such a strong connection to Race and Race relations. From a religious “golden rule” perspective if God is our DNA, then how can we discriminate? How can we categorize people as ‘black,’ ‘white,’ or ‘brown?’ How can there be any unknown number of races if our entire DNA is made in the image and likeness of God? How can we hate? How can we kill?

Back By Popular? Demand

So it looks like I can’t stay away from blogging...Or maybe PSU just loves blogging.

So last semester I had to start this blog for my LA 101H class that was rooted in rhetoric, writing, and communication. We were supposed to blog about things we were passionate about and of course in my case that turned into religion and social justice. Not saying that those will be the only topics I blog about, but for my Sociology Class, “Race and Ethnic Relations,” I am required to blog on World In-Conversation  and the topic of these blogs will revolve around the discussion of race.

Also another class I’m really excited about that uses social media, technology and incorporates blogging is my Presidential Rhetoric class! This class is dedicated to studying the changes and similarities of the rhetoric and communication styles of past presidents. You can follow my class’s progress on our class website Presidential Rhetoric in The Age of Obama.

Lobbying

Like most college kids, I benefit from the magical invention that is Netflix. My hallmate Paul’s newest addition to his queue is one of my personal favorites Thank you For Smoking. If you haven’t seen this movie I highly recommend it. The reason this movie is the topic of my rhetoric and civic life blog is because of the main character: a lobbyist.

In this movie, Erin Eckhart plays tobacco lobbyist, Nick Naylor, who smiles talks and argues his way into the hearts and minds of each and every person he meets.

Who is going to side with a sleazy grease ball who works for an industry that kills thousands of people daily? Exactly. But what is amazing is that with the power of rhetoric and argument Nick can convince anyone of anything. As the movie depicts the day in and day out of a lobbyist for big tobacco it also paints the portrait of a father compelled to teach his son every thing he knows and to show him first hand the intricate aspects of his job. Essentially everything he knows about rhetoric and argument. Nick tells his son to question statistics and always encourage discussion. As his son travels with him on trips to California and witnesses the not so nice aspects of “big tobacco” he also learns the power of convincing rhetoric and the art of relentless debate. Nick gets excited as he informs his son, “that’s the beauty of argument. If you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.”

Let’s take a look at that statement. “If you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.”

Is that the goal of rhetoric? To never be wrong? As a stubborn person myself, I know that my parents and friends think I take that statement to heart.

Aristotle defined rhetoric as “the available means of persuasion,” but can rhetoric be used as a means to justify stubbornness? Is rhetoric used to force your opinions on others?

Can you be wrong if you argue correctly? Can you ‘win’ and argument but still be wrong?

PS: I highly recommend the movie.

His Story

What is or what “defines” history?

In my American History class junior year of high school our teacher asked us this question on the first day of class, and also on the last. She challenged us to ask ourselves why we personally and societally determined certain things, people, events, and information as historical. Is history up to personal and societal interpretation? Is it about strict factual information or is it “his story?” If so, who is he?

I shutter to think that a quote from Adolf Hitler backs up my point, but when I was reading Mein Kampf for my “History of Nazism and Fascism” class I came across a quote stressing the confusion over what history really is.

“Few teachers understand that the aim of studying history can never be to learn historical dates and events by heart and recite them by note; that what matters is not whether the child knows exactly when this or that battle was fought, when a general was born, or even when a monarch (usually a very insignificant one) came into the crown of his forefathers…To ‘learn’ history means to seek and find the forces which are the causes leading to those effects which we subsequently perceive as historical events.”

Hitler’s definition is not a concrete example of what history is, and I don’t think a tyrannical anti-Semite would be the best source for a concrete definition of history. But what is important is that we realize the importance of interpretation and rhetoric in history. The line “which we subsequently perceive as historical events” is extremely powerful because it acknowledges perceptions as a crucial part of history. Factual information, decisive battles, and non-biased facts all attribute to the creation and documentation of history, but I feel the beauty of history is lost in those dates, numbers, details, which we all seem to remember.

We often forget to textually and contextually analyze the events that led to this “history.” It is crucial we understand the perceptions, biases, and opinions of the people in these events and the people who document them. We have to ask who is the “his” in “his story?”

Would the stories of “Jim Crow South” be the same stories if they were told by a person of color viruses a white southerner? Would an impoverished protester and President Mubarack view the current unrest and revolution in Egypt similarly?

It is crucial that we understand the importance of perception, context, and societal interpretation when studying history. Through critical analysis of the people, places, and events in our past we can better understand what we personally and socially define as history, and make efforts to change it in the future.

This Week

With Easter coming up and Passover being this week, the discussion of religion, the commercialization of religious holidays, and the cultural rituals associated with religion has been very popular among my friends and I.

I think what makes the best discussions the best discussions is the variance of opinion. For this blog post I asked a few of my friends to give me an anecdote of what this week means to them, whether it be Passover, chocolate bunnies, or Catholic liturgy.

Natalie:
“Judaism in general, has deep ties to its history and traditions. After being persecuted time and time again, tradition is deeply rooted in our rituals. If we had not held onto some of these key traditions, it is quite possible that Judaism would not exist today. Passover is a prime example of the rituals we have developed and continue to practice today. We come together around the same time every year, ask the same four questions, eat the same unleavened matzo and hope that next year, we’ll be in Jerusalem to celebrate. The repetition of these rituals never gets old to me. In fact I find comfort in knowing that while the world around me changes, I know that during Passover, and for that matter all Jewish holidays, the rituals and the traditions stay the same. So each year, however trivial it may seem, I dip parsley in salt water not once but twice, and sit with a pillow behind my back to remember my ancestors that came before me.”


Sarina:
“Springtime for me is not defined by matzos for Passover, or church services for Easter. My sister and I were raised in what you may call a “secular” household. My mom chose not to include religious leanings in our childhood, but instead our holidays revolved around school breaks and fabled figures. Easter for me was simply a time to celebrate the hopping of a giant bunny, literally. The end of my spring break was defined by dying Easter eggs, and leaving out our Easter baskets for the Easter Bunny. Jelly beans and chocolate bunnies (not that I like chocolate) were something I looked forward to Sunday morning. Until I was older did I actually realize that Easter had a different meaning besides candy. But even then, the thought of a resurrection seemed unrealistic, much like the Easter Bunny. Religion depends on the personal beliefs of each individual, and these beliefs are greatly influenced by family relations. Being raised in a household that never mentioned Jesus, or his death, I do not associate Easter with any type of religious distinction.”

Austin:
“Ever since I was young I have loved the Easter Season especially Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Throughout Lent I take more time out of my life to improve my relationship with the Lord while at the same time attending the sacrament of Confession more frequently. I attend the services of Holy Week on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, which focus on the events of the Last Supper and the Lord’s Passion. Holy Week prepares me for the celebration of Easter Sunday with the Catholic Community. I find it upsetting that many Christians have become “Easter-Christmas” Christians who only attend Church on those two days each year. All I can do is better myself to make the world a little better place and the Easter Season is a beautiful time to grow spiritually.”


Is this week equally as important to all three parties? Are their commitments to ritual just as strong? Is the fact that this week can have deep significance to multiple people but for different reasons, what makes this week so special?

Building Blocks For The Future

Almost every kid loves Legos, well maybe only guys, but I had a legitimate obsession. I think the first crime I ever committed and the first time I ever sinned was over Legos. My Mom’s office partner had a big box of Legos, and she had some sweet pieces that enhanced my collection back home, so in the mind of a five year old if they made my collection better, I had the right to them.

What is so awesome about Legos is the freedom and creativity associated with Legos. I could be a deep-sea diver, a pirate, a space cadet, or a knight in shining armor. These sweet occupations in the world of Legos carried over to my vision for my real life. My dream job was to build real life Legos. For a huge majority of my childhood I wanted to be an engineer and design planes for Boeing, or guns for Remington, or build giant bridges and cities.

My parents were so proud of their “little engineer” who was always building and modeling and creating. Legos give kids the power to create and develop, and so I was compelled to create and develop in the real world. And this elates parents! I remember one year for Christmas Santa gave me book about building bridges. I guess Santa was proud of the “little engineer” as well? My plan to be an engineer, work for Boeing, or design the world’s coolest bridge was foolproof! Except there was one minor detail: math.

Legos need a warning label. I would suggest something like this: WARNING: Playing with “real life Legos” requires math. Enjoy it while you can.

Am I bitter that playing with Legos in real life requires math? Yes. Why am I blogging about this? Because even if I had the opportunity to become a math genius, I would never trade the Liberal Arts for real life Legos. I find passion in the Liberal Arts. Not just in fellow students, and myself but in the actual course of study, and the professors who teach it. And this passion makes building “real live Legos” seem unexciting.

Dishes

Everyone has quirks.

Charles Jumonville, my Dad, loves to clean.  And when I say clean, I mean clean.  No matter where he is, or how much time he has he loves to clean.  His favorite motto about cleaning also permeates his life: “leave it better than you found it.”  My Dad is always striving to make whatever he has or wherever he is better and cleaner than he found it.  This motto is an excellent statute to model your life after, but I personally would not scrub the bathroom of the hotel we just stayed in.

But as much as I love to tease my Dad about cleaning, there is one aspect of cleaning that I actually enjoy.  For whatever reason The Jumonville’s do not have a dishwasher, thus we wash all our dishes by hand.  And honestly, I can say I like washing the dishes. 

Some of you, mainly Liz, may sarcastically say, “Washing dishes is necessary. Why are you blogging about that?”  I am blogging about washing dishes because the motto I associate with washing dishes also permeates my life: “Justice is washing your own dishes. Love is washing your neighbors dishes.”

It is necessary to wash your own dishes.  If not, they pile high and leave your whole house smelling like dirty dish water.  But washing your neighbors dishes is not necessarily necessary (see what I did there? I incorporated my blog title in a blog post!).  There are no direct negative effects such as high piles of dishware and poor odors.

So is justice necessary? Is love not?

I think this quote implies that humanity is rooted in justice.  Even though there may be people who never do their dishes unless they are told (my roommate), this action is an integral part of what makes humans human.  Justice is forever rooted in humanity.  We are all called and compelled to work for justice.  We do what is right and just for ourselves. Even though types of justice, such as distributive and social, are perceived and operated on the societal level, attitudes of justice towards yourself and others are engrained in human nature.  When little kids do something wrong, guilt leads them to believe that they deserve their ‘just desserts.’ 

But does this mean that love is not?  This quote leads me to believe the power of love stems from the freedom associated with love.  We have the freedom to choose whom we love, and whom we don’t.  When we choose to wash our neighbors dishes, we choose to go beyond the personal obligation of washing our own dishes, and we reach out to those around us.  Love is a greater sign of the goodness of humanity than justice can ever.  We all wash our own dishes, but it is a powerful sign if we wash our neighbors dishes.  We all like our friends and look after their well-being, and our own but how powerful is it when we look after the well being of those who aren’t our friends and family?

A Just Society

I guess I would consider myself an advocate for social justice. I am in the Be House special living option that focuses on leadership and social justice, and I love to debate sensitive issues and “hot topics.” But I ask myself over and over again what exactly is social justice?

Today in class when we were discussing our persuasive essays and speeches on public policy we were asked to list ten problems we found in society. My list included racism, gay rights, video games, and access to education. But as I look back I ask myself what determines an issue as a problem? What deems something an injustice against society?

I think the fact that these questions are so hard to answer is why so many “problems” exist in our society. The average individual would not consider himself or herself an advocate for social justice, and this is a problem! People don’t know what social justice is and this ignorance just perpetuates the problem. How often do we overlook those who have less than us? Do we ever stop and think about how our actions affect those around us? A web of moral ecology connects us all, and we must be cognisant of our interpersonal connections. Refusal to realize these interpersonal connections results in a world that refuses to be responsible for our actions. This responsibility is crucial to understanding the true nature of social justice, and without it solutions are hard to come by. But just now I admitted that I ask myself over and over what social justice is? So does that mean that each and every one of us perpetuates social injustice by not having a clear definition?

So is social justice just an endless chain of questions? I feel terrible saying that I honestly don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.  It appears just as society quells one social injustice another one seems to present itself. But this “endless cycle” is what makes the commitment to social justice so strong. And as citizens I believe we are compelled to continue this struggle no matter how endless the cycle seems.

The Grotto of Our Lady

For all you Notre Dame fans out there, and anyone interested in reading, this is my favorite piece of literature ever published.

Dr. Tom Dooley's letter to Fr. Ted Hesburgh

I wonder if Mick Jagger ever applied to college

Tradition.  A word that means so much to so many different people. So what does tradition mean to me?

Tradition is why I came to Penn State.  But, sadly, not for the reasons you would usually associate with the word “tradition.”  My entire life I wanted I attend the University of Notre Dame.  I applied to eleven other schools including Penn State (on a whim), but my heart was set on the Fighting Irish.  My father is a graduate and my sister is a currently a senior.  Just like singing the fight song, visiting the grotto, and watching Notre Dame football games on NBC, acceptance to the university was a tradition.  But when acceptance letters came out it was apparent the “Jumonville tradition” stopped with me.  After the tears and devastation my only solace and relief was found in The Rolling Stones: “You can’t always get what you want.  But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.”  Why do I need Penn State?  Why do I now bleed “Blue and White” and call Happy Valley home?  Tradition.  I find tradition at the Pennsylvania State University.  How big is the “Jumonville Tradition?” My Dad and my Sister.  How big is the Penn State tradition? 45,000.  


I chose Penn State because when I visited in the spring of my senior year of high school I found a place where tradition meant as much to the students and faculty as it did to my family and I.  I wanted a place where university pride bellowed from the student section during football games and whispered down the quiet halls of the library.  


I truly believe I have found that at Penn State, and for that, I thank you.

Blogging

Today I’m blogging about blogging.

Why do people blog? I’m not asking why my LA101H classmates blog, because frankly they are required to. But why do people feel the need to post their thoughts and feelings on the Internet? I just don’t get it! And I don’t know why.

Usually people keep their thoughts to themselves and if they share them it is with close friends and relatives, not complete strangers. But I believe the notion of complete strangers turns bloggers on in a way. Everyone wants to be noticed. Everyone wants fame. People thrive off the notion of their thoughts and words being appreciated and talked about. I am a perfect example: I check how many Twitter followers I have daily (follow me @benstanj). I want to know what new people are following me and why. I want to be recognized for my creativity and cleverness. People love recognition, and the Internet and social media are perfect outlets and channels of recognition. The Internet is limitless, and thus helps expand your recognition beyond the limits that would be set outside of the cyber world. Social media is the perfect medium for broadcasting and communication. People want their ideas broadcasted and relayed, and the Internet is the easiest method of broadcasting out there.

What is an even bigger dilemma than the act of blogging, is the subject of blogging. I always ask myself why I feel that my posts or tweets are worthy of other people seeing. What makes this post readable and pleasing to the eyes? What makes my tweets clever or funny? In class we learn that the aesthetics of your blog attract viewers. The tile of your blog catches people’s attention. All of these things add to making a good blog. But when it comes down to it, it’s all about the words. My Dad always tells me “writers write.” And I agree with him. But is that it? People write because they write? People blog because they blog? Did I even answer any of my questions?

Family Vacation (minus Chevy Chase)

Everyone loves his or her family. Everyone is proud of his or her family.

What am I most proud of my family for? Vacations.

People are often amazed with my family’s vacations. Not because we go the coolest places, or because we spend oodles of money on expensive trips, but because we drive. We have always driven everywhere.  And we will always continue to drive.  Our furthest trips include Colorado and Canada (remember I’m from Louisiana so Canada is quite the hike). I honestly can’t say why we drive. With gas prices these days, it’s probably more economically and environmentally efficient to fly. But our vacations would not be half of what they are if it weren’t for the times we share in the good ole’ minivan (our vessels of choice: Nissan Quest and Kia Sedona).

A lot of people think we are crazy for driving so far. Or they will say things like “If I was in the car with my family for that long, I’d shoot myself.” And honestly, those feelings definitely arise during a 20+ hour car ride (sorry Mom and Dad, but I have to be honest).

Most people can understand long van rides in the early days of parenthood when the kids are small enough to lay across the seat, or even remove the middle seat and lay sleeping bags across the floor (from personal experience this is the most glorious way to sleep in a car), but they run from the idea of driving across the country when your kids are 18 and 21 years old. The Jumonvilles embrace it.

I am ever thankful for my parents insisting on driving. I’m actually not quite sure why though. I guess it adds to the memories, bonding, and overall experience of a vacation? Maybe the journey is often overlooked because we are so focused on our destination? But to this day I still have not come to a logical reason why driving is so much better. Maybe it’s because it’s all I know? But I do know that I like what I know.

PS: As I write this blog my parents are en route from Louisiana to pick me up

Lessons From Disney

At THON this past weekend many families, survivors and benefactors of The Four Diamonds Fund told their stories. Some were sad.  Some were happy.

Families who had lost children, told the story of how their love for their lost one so deeply connects them with The Four Diamonds Fund and how the selflessness of Penn State students keeps them coming to THON year after year.  We saw PowerPoint slides of numerous survivors, some of whom are giving back to THON.  But of all the emotional stories that tugged at our heartstrings; I didn’t expect the most empowering message to come from the voice of a Pixar robot, as told by a seventeen year old cancer victim.

“I don’t want to survive. I want to live.” – Wall-E

A seventeen-year-old kid, who has a reason to give up, and is himself on the fringes of life, taught over 15,000 college kids the importance of living.

Nick does not let his life threatening cancer hinder his ability to live.  Live for the moment. Live for the future.  Nick is living his life as a high school senior to the fullest by being valedictorian of his graduating class, student body president, and president of his school’s technology association.  Nick told PSU students, “it’s pretty clear cancer changes people worldwide. Have I let it change me? No.”

Do we live to our fullest everyday?  Do we let things change us? Are we so focused on surviving that we forget to live?

That simple saying spoken by a computer-generated image of a robot is exemplified in the life of Nick.  Something so simple, yet so misunderstood is a defining factor that separates human kind from robots and other lifeless creations. 

So how can we make sure we live for every day, as opposed to just surviving?  How can we achieve our lives’ full potential?  Is this something we have to figure out for ourselves? Or is it up to Pixar to explain it to us?

2011 THON PROMO

Only 4 and a half hours till doors open!

"All I can do is be me, whoever that is." -- Bob Dylan

When we think of popular music artists we tend to focus on their singing voice, and place their true voice on the backburner.

Throughout the music industry’s history numerous musicians and artists have been using their voice for more than just record production. People tend to judge a musician solely on their music, and overlook the message behind their music.

This seems to be a common conversation about music among young music enthusiasts.
“Why do you like that song?”
“ I like the music! It has a sweet beat and nice rhythm.”

I’m not making a hasty generalization about young listeners, and I know there are numerous music enthusiasts who understand the messages and voices of their favorite artist or band.

One voice that has permeated the musical industry is the political one.

In the sexual revolution of the 1960’s and 1970’s one of the strongest political voices that spoke out against The War in Vietnam, violence, and racial injustice came from a skinny five foot seven kid from Minnesota. His weapon of choice: guitar. Bob Dylan is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and is known for his lyrical genius all over the world. His peaceful lyrics asking questions such as “How many years can some people exist, before they're allowed to be free?” and “And how many deaths will it take till we know, that too many people have died?” These questions challenged some of the major current issues in society and promoted the idea of political activism through music.

In the 21st century a strong voice made it’s way onto the main stage of political activism through outrageous wardrobes, elaborate showmanship, and her never ending desire to be proud that she was different. Lady Gaga is one of the strongest human rights activists in modern society. Born and raised in New York City, Stephani Germanotta was considered an outcast and a disenfranchised member of society. This would normally hinder some people’s plans of success, but Stephani Germanotta used this hatred to fuel the fire that propelled her into stardom. She adopted the stage name Lady Gaga, and made a lifelong commitment to embracing who she is, whomever that may be, and empowering others to do the same. In her new single “Born This Way,” Gaga tells her listeners “Don't hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you're set.” This empowering message of hope and self-confidence inspires numerous youth who feel outcast to embrace their differences and know that they are loved. Her main audience would be her “little monsters” (the millions of youth who identify with the LGBTQA community) and she constantly is giving speeches, tweeting about Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and pressing for social change in the area of gay rights. “Born This Way” states that “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life…I was born to survive.”

Just like the victimized and oppressed people of society the music industry has also fought to survive. Through the many ups and down throughout the years the political voice of those in the limelight also continues to survive, and provide powerful messages for its audiences.

"Rad Bromance"

I decided to post my "This I Believe" on my 'Passion blog' as well as my RCL blog, because the topic is something I'm very passionate about.  Sadly, I don't think writing a weekly blog on friendship would be an adequate topic for a 'Passion Blog," and it would also be a challenge to come up with 15 weeks of material. 

Ars Gratia Artis

I walk past the Palmer Museum of Art almost everyday and how many times have I been inside? One. And the only reason I’ve been inside that one time was because my Dad made me when I came for my college visit senior year in high school.

This week’s overlooked beauty is art.

I ask myself what is art and do I overlook it? I don’t know if anyone can explain art, and I think that is what makes art so captivating. Each “work” of art is up to individual interpretation. A breath taking, stop me in my tracks piece of art for me, might be ho-hum for another viewer.

I equate art to learning poetry in middle school. I used to love studying poetry for one reason: no matter what I said my teacher always told me I was right. You interpret it figuratively. I see it literally. We are at odds, but we just chalk it up to our individual outlooks on life.

The goal of any form of art is to access and affect many individuals; this is what makes art so powerful. Even though art may have a goal, its purpose is highly debated. Some say that art is here for the purpose of art. This is expressed perfectly in the Metro Goldwyn Mayer media company’s motto Ars Gratia Artis, a Latin phrase that translates into “art for art’s sake.”

The beauty of art stems from the universal understanding that art can be embraced by all. But that’s the thing! Art CAN be embraced by all, but sadly it isn’t. I’m not saying we all need to go to the Palmer Museum of Art, or even that we need to enjoy frescos, mosaics, or any other type of visual art. There are endless types of art and artistic expression and we are lucky to have the ability to embrace every type. We are especially fortunate to have all these types so easily at our disposal at PSU in the crosshairs of our campus with easy access for all. We have the ability to immerse ourselves in all these art forms daily, but we don’t always take advantage of this opportunity.

Snow, Hey Oh!

You know when you’re walking down the street, whether it be to class, the gym, or downtown and you see that fool who is either sticking his tongue out eating snowflakes or running through knee deep snow even though the sidewalk is right there? Well yeah, that fool is me!

Being from Louisiana snow for me either consisted of a half inch of ice on two occasions in my entire life, or skiing in the Rocky Mountains. So this whole snow on the ground everyday, having to wear boots and a north face to go to the gym is something I’m passionate about.

Around Penn State this time of year, snow is a part of every day life. But I look at the people who yell at the ice, and complain about the layers we must wear and realize that a good population of the student body takes the snow for granted. With the current stresses of college, including homework and exams, I look to the simplicity of snow and know that it is one of the most calming things about life in Happy Valley. The blizzard like conditions we have recently encountered have taken their toll on the sidewalks. This past Tuesday, the freezing rain covered the sidewalks in a layer of black ice. As most students blamed Penn State for not canceling classes, I looked to this unfamiliar “black ice” as a new and challenging experience. Compared to the average temperature of eighty degrees back in Louisiana, these icy sidewalks posed a new step, or fall I could take as I become accustomed to life in the north.

Passionately un-passionate

“Passion Blog.” A blog about something we are passionate about; something that drives us. Something we can talk about for days on end. Something we love. So what am I passionate about? What is something that drives me and only me? How can I even determine what I am passionate about? I really have no idea. And that’s scary. But refreshing.


Well lately I don’t feel that "passionate" about much. Actually I even feel rather passionately un-passionate, which is a weird phenomenon for me. I have always been a ‘Mr. Everything’ kind of guy running here and there leading this and that. But I guess lately I’ve enjoyed taking a backseat attempting to listen, reflect and soak up all life has to offer, which is a mental struggle for a person like me who constantly wants/ needs to be the center of attention.


This backseat listening and reflecting is what helped me stumble upon the topic of my “Passion Blog.”


Sometimes, the things in life that are unnecessary and superfluous are the most rewarding. In the busy world we live in full of status updates, news headlines, and social media people rarely take the time to sit and reflect on all the beauties their life has to offer. And not just their life individually, but also the life that surrounds us all. It is truly amazing to realize all the surrounding world has to offer and all the beauty contained in the things we take for granted.


This blog is dedicated to exploring the beauties we overlook in our daily lives. The things we pass over.


When do we ever stop, look around, and truly reflect on the wonders of the world we take for granted. You may do it all the time, and if so props to you, but I don’t.