A First Time Voter

   Yes that's right, I have completed my first presidential ballot. There is now one more voice in the nation seeking positive change. Attending TCU has not only fostered and enriched my knowledge and education, college has also taught me the importance of many fundamental aspects of the freedoms we are privy to as American citizens. Until recently, politics has been far from my scope of priorities, let alone interests. However, in reality, everyone able should be tuned into the state of the economy and where our political leaders are guiding this nation.

   The values of our founding fathers encompassed a nation as a democracy, established by the people and for the people. Over the years, the government seems to have strayed from that universal idea and positive approach. The opposing groups representing our nation seem to be hung up on the competitive spirit leading to unethical and amoral actions. Instead of focusing on the issues at hand and following through with positive plans for the people of the nation, to stimulate an affluent economy and be the people's advocate, politicians have become more about defamation of the opposing group. This is apparent in the recent political debate moderated by Bob Schieffer. President Obama repeatedly attacked Romney with multiple allegations in a manner that was inappropriate. He seemed to be trying to pick a fight and arouse reactions from Romney. Despite his ill-mannered and immature verbal prodding, Romney avoided the argument. According to reviews after the debate, Romney did a great job and deferring to the question at hand instead of appeasing Obama's accusations and verbal quarrels.

   Furthermore, a more critical current problem is the rigged voting system. An article surfaced recently concerning voting machines auto selecting Obama despite voters choosing Romney. This is a scary problem that needs to be addressed. If there is illegitimate voting and voting complications occurring, then our nation has a much greater obstacle to overcome. I worry that the people are no longer the deciding factor as to the presidential campaign results. Click here to read the article.

   I urge everyone to explore and investigate the presidential plans and understand differing tactics and strategy plans presented. It is vital that every voice able act by voting to determine our country's future leader. Our nation's stability and future prospects are dependent on the decisions made now for the next election. I am proud to say I have participated in a monumental decision for the nation.

"Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are 

prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard 

of democracy, therefore, is education."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Austin City Limits 2012

Day 1

   Friday August 12, day 1 of ACL, was a great start to the memorable music festival. Alabama Shakes, Tegan and Sara, Florence + The Machine, Aviici, M83 and the Black Keys were the high points of the evening. It was a beautiful day in Austin, sun was shining, and thousands of music fans crowded into the infamous Zilker Park to watch some amazing performances. 

   Of the aforementioned highlighted bands, my favorite performance according to music style was Tegan and Sara. I enjoyed their songs because I was highly anticipating watching them perform. It was great to see the dynamic duo up on stage in person. Concerning stage presence and interaction with the audience, my favorite performance was Florence + The Machine. The English Indie rock band, with Florence Welsh as the lead singer, took the audience by surprise. Dressed in a dark green gown, Florence was jumping around and getting absolutely wild on stage. Her innate and stunning vocal talents were unmasked during the live performance.  A committed and lively performer, Florence used the entire stage as well as engaging the audience up close, to awe the crowd. She was truly one of the best stage performers I have ever seen. The day ended with the Black Keys. The Black Keys brought a varied age audience and truly owned up to their reputation. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable melodious day.

Day 2

   Day 2 at ACL seemed less promising, as there were less performances I was determined to see. With daunting clouds in the forecast, I expected less from the concerts. Regardless of this doubtful outlook for day 2, I was dumbstruck when I discovered one of my new favorite bands. Big Gigantic was one of the most incredible concerts I have experienced. The instrumental, livetronica, hip-hop and jazz musical group based out of Boulder, Colorado, combined electronic beats with the saxophone. The lead performer on the saxophone was incredible, his skills surpassed any preconceived notions I could have imagined. During the climax of their performance, the   rain started to come down in torrents. This just made the crowd more excited and pumped. Everyone was going wild! I will never forget the Big Gigantic adventures at ACL 2012. 

Day 3

   The final day at ACL was marked by new found lyrical obsessions and extraordinary shows by some of the best. I discovered a new passion for a band called NEEDTOBREATHE, whom I had never previously heard of. Other sensational performances included Two Door Cinema Club, The Lumineers, The Civil Wars, The Avett Brothers, and Childish Gambino. The music fest concluded with a performance by the infamous Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” 

~ Plato

Wined and Dined

   Fall break was a relaxing and fun-filled long weekend full of TCU football, family reunion and date nights with the best of the best. I was surprised by the best boyfriend in the world on a date night to Mercury Chophouse in downtown Fort Worth. It is so special to get all dressed up and enjoy an evening with great wine, great food and great company.

   Mercury Chophouse is located in the heart of Sundance Square and offers some of the finest food in Fort Worth. We started off with a sampler appetizer that included crab cakes, scallops and calamari. Having never been privy to scallops, my whole perspective was transformed after trying the perfectly seared appetizer. We then enjoyed dinner which consisted of the most exquisite and mouthwatering filet mignon and swordfish. The Mercury Chophouse truly owns up to their reputation by offering world-class food and flawless service.

   While pampering ourselves by indulging in a bottle of sauvignon blanc, Brandon and I had the most incredible 2 hours. A much anticipated and needed date allowed us to forget our busy schedules for the night and enjoy each other. Brandon and I have been together nearly a year and a half, being some of the most memorable and happy months I can remember. There are still so many experiences that we have yet to take advantage of with each other and I look forward to many more adventures with him.

   In terms of food delicacies, discovering the Chophouse was a great find. It is truly one of the best restaurants we have ever been to. I recommend this venue for anyone who is looking for a high class and unique restaurant experience. It also offers the perfect location to continue your evening and explore the thriving Sundance Square night life.

"Life is a journey, not a destination."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Tribute to the Beatles

Come Together- Abbey Road Album
October 6, 1969

Spiritual Therapy

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts human beings plan their course,
 but the Lord establishes their steps.

   Finding an activity that has acted as personal spiritual growth has been a positive influence on my weekly schedule. Recently, I accompanied my friends Cassie and Grecia to the Wednesday night service at Crossroads Church on West Berry. The service was far superior to what I had expected. Not only did I find the people to be very welcoming and passionate, the message the pastor relayed was extremely influential. I felt as if the sermon was targeted specifically towards me and the pastor illustrated his points on an engaging platform. At the conclusion of the service, I felt rejuvenated with the proclivity to further my biblical knowledge and spiritual health.

   As a child, my family and I attended church regularly. I accepted Christ into my life when I was in fifth grade and for many years lived by faith and Christ's love. However, during high school I found my involvement in Christian based activities to drastically decline. At this time, I suffered the loss of 2 family members and a dear friend. I did not understand why I was dealing with so much pain and over time I became detached from my faith. Beyond this struggle, I was going through a time in my life when I was discovering my identity. Facing troubling situations with my family, I began to lose my faith and become angry with God.

   At the start of my college experience, I came to reason with my past issues and turned back to my faith. It is indescribable the immeasurable differences between a life without Christ and one with. I have turned to God to give me strength in so many situations and without him I don't know where I would be today. He works through me on a daily basis and I have learned that putting my faith in him has given me so much relief during hard times and in contrast, exponential happiness and direction in life.

   Due to an extremely busy college schedule, I admit to a loss in my religious attentiveness. I have struggled with prioritizing a schedule that gives more time to practicing my faith. When Cassie invited me to Crossroads, I was excited to have the opportunity to change my habits and begin to devote more time to God. Crossroads is surprisingly one of the most enjoyable services I have attended. I plan to commit at least one hour every Wednesday night to the services at Crossroads. Not only is it a great time for a college student to worship, the experience offers revitalization and staying power to undertake the remainder of the school week.

Proverbs 3:5 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

 and lean not on your own understanding.

Medicine of the Mind

   As a music junkie, I find great pleasure in attending concerts, music festivals, and learning new instruments. Music has become part of my life on a day to day basis. I find it is an avenue of escape and stress relief when I exercise. Furthermore, music tends to improve my study habits and minimize stress. Being from Colorado, I have been influenced by and introduced to a wide variety of music. Music ranging from artists like John Mayer, The Lumineers, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Avicci and Childish Gambino, as well as country like Keith Urban and Josh Turner, have been a significant influence on my music appeal. 

   I have always been taken back by artists whose lyrical expression and unique music form go beyond the norm and truly tap into the audience’s emotions. I believe that music can be one of the best forms of personal therapy and self expression. I can’t even imagine a world without the art of music.

   The next few weeks are going to be bubbling with excitement and anticipation as the infamous Austin City Limits arrives. This year will be my first experience at ACL and I am thrilled for the line up. There are so many amazing bands that will be uniting in one place to spread their talent and love. “It is going to be one for the books,” as Danielle and I always say. 

   College has blessed me with some of the best friends I could ever imagine. I am ecstatic that I will be able to share this experience at the upcoming ACL music festival with my best friend, Danielle. Only having met two years ago, Danielle has acted as a true confidante and has been there for me through thick and thin. We have already shared so many grand and priceless memories together, and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.

   As senior year races by, it is important that I take every opportunity and experience that comes my way. Danielle shares the same joy and passion in music that I do, and the music festival will be a truly unforgettable time. Thank goodness for Texas; good food, good music, and great friends.

"A painter paints pictures on a canvas.

But musicians paint their pictures on silence."

Leopold Stokowski

Embracing Family and Change

   Having my family here for TCU’s family weekend was an unforgettable experience. TCU put on a hefty variety of festivities which truly made the weekend exciting for all ages and was an ideal portrayal of the college TCU spirit. Coming to TCU from Colorado served as an obstacle throughout my college years during Family Weekend due to my siblings varied activities and conflicting obligations. However, I was fortunate enough this year to have my two brothers and my parents all fly down for the memorable weekend.

   We started off the weekend right with the Schieffer School of Journalism Family Weekend Kickoff Party. I was thrilled that I could introduce my family, principally my mother and father, to a number of my teachers and friends. It is one thing to communicate my class activities across a phone, but it was much more influential to share my education and knowledge gained in person. I have enjoyed the past three years in the Strategic Communication major and find myself enjoying my classes the more demanding and specialized they become. I was also able to share a new perspective of two of my professors, Professor Levering and Professor Johnson, with my parents that I had yet to acquire. Seeing Levering and Johnson perform in a band showed me a little bit more about their unique character and hidden talents. They were an amazing band and I was taken back by the musical skill and lyrical expressions they possessed. The music set the tone for the evening and allowed my parents to see what an amazing group of professors the Schieffer Journalism school has to offer. I feel that the education I have gained so far has been so effective and inspiring. 

   Morning mimosas and family adorned with TCU paraphernalia started off game day versus Virginia. Although it was an early morning, the frog fan spirit and excitement was bubbling in frog alley with the marching band entertaining the crowd. It was my parents first experience going to a college football game and they soaked up each and every minute. We stayed the entire game to ultimately see TCU dominate Virginia. 

   You never know how much family bond means until reunion incurs after a timely absence. I missed my family so much and united by happiness we lived each moment to its fullest. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend with my family at TCU. They have seen me grow so much during high school and college, and now to have them with me while being presented my TCU class ring, I am beyond overjoyed. The real world is right around the corner, and I am confident and optimistic that the future bears many incredible opportunities and adventures for me. Family by my side, I intend to explore each venture that arises, confident that I have a strong base to fall back on.

“Lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at you.” 

David Brinkley

Uniting in the Effort for Change Over a Nation Divided

  
  September 11 will always be marked as a day of great sadness and remembrance for America. Unfortunately, this year brought further violence with the destruction and murders at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Will September 11 become a day marked by feelings of premonition instigated by imminent fear of further attacks?

   Labeled as a Millenial and nearing the end of my college years, I realize the prevalence that generation Y has in regard to impacting and transforming the future of America’s economy and international welfare. We are the voice that will rock the nation. It is a revelation that has truly changed my outlook on political awareness. Young adult’s like me will play a significant game changing role in the coming election.

   Following the heinous rioting and insurgence at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, President Barrack Obama proceeded to give a public apology expressing sympathy for those insulted by a viral YouTube video representing the Prophet Muhammad in disrespectful ways. His statement was later countered by Obama’s opponent, Mitt Romney, whose opposing opinion was highlighted in defense of the U.S. and condemning the President's apology. I personally was astounded by the public apology that Obama made when the issue at hand was far greater; trespassing, terrorism and murder forced upon the American people. 

   I for one intend to take advantage of my right to vote and stay actively engaged in world events and politics. Although I have never been one to be thoroughly engaged in the political arena, over the past few years I have learned the magnitude of how government and politics effects not only the economy but me personally. Americans are subject to the choices of the government, thus making the young people’s role in the election that much more instrumental. We are a product of our choices. The future is dependent upon the good or bad choices made now, so make those decisions characteristic of thought, wisdom and of moral vanguard.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
Maria Robinson

Blake Shelton Giving Voice to a New Year

   Thousands of Blake Shelton TCU fans flooded the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center lawn to watch the country music superstar perform. It was an incredible experience in a breathtaking setting with the newly renovated 163 million dollar Amon G. Carter stadium in the backdrop.

   Having Blake Shelton perform at TCU really amped up the horned frog spirit, foreshadowing the eventful and unforgettable events yet to come in the 2012-2013 school year. For me this concert topped the previous three years, making my senior year just that much more memorable. This experience will resonate with all who attended Shelton’s incredible concert Thursday night.

    It was an eventful week post concert with numerous festivities surrounding the first TCU home football game versus Grambling State on Saturday, September 8. A full day of barbecues, tailgating, and game time ensued. One of the most exciting moments was when the game football was flown in by the TCU Rocketman. The unexpected entrance was followed by a killer game. TCU absolutely demolished Grambling State, concluding the game with a nearly perfect score of 56-0. It was a great start to the football season leaving the student body and TCU fans with high hopes for the success of the horned frogs.

    A number of fans stayed after the game to watch TCU present Gary Patterson with an award for being the coach with the most wins in TCU’s history. Afterwards, a beautiful fireworks show erupted over the stadium. It was a bittersweet moment when seniors realized that this was the last first yearly concert and last first TCU football game in our college years. I am grateful for the events that have made the beginning of senior year so priceless. Let’s go out with a bang TCU, let’s do it right! GO FROGS!

"LEFT SIDE! STRONG SIDE!"

-Remember the Titans-

The Ideal Balance?

As senior year begins, I find that readjusting to school life can be a bit of a challenge. I want to take advantage of each opportunity that arises and enjoy every bit of my last year in the college life. With a full load of classes, all of which I have high hopes for, and two part time jobs, I find that juggling all activities can be challenging.

After getting used to an 8 to 5 full time internship this summer, I was optimistic that I would be able to adjust easily. However, with my time being divided between school, work, and weekend festivities I find that I have little time to devote to myself.

Prioritizing my activities are so important so that I can devote a supple amount of time to exercise and self empowerment. Yoga, as a physical and mental discipline, has been an important activity for alleviating personal stress. Furthermore, I regard exercise to be a necessary part of my day. I have found that in the first few weeks of school, being able to organize my time so that I allocate an hour a day to exercise has given a boost to my health and motivation in school and at work.

A health advocate, I know that the coupled affect of exercise and a healthy diet is what it takes to accelerate weight loss and maintain a healthy heart. I have chosen to make some diet changes this semester. Some of which include:

Instead of...          Choose...

Dairy Milk ->       Almond, Hemp or Soy Milk (unsweet)

Meat ->               Beans, Legumes, Tempen or Quinoa

Cheese ->            Hummus, Olive Oil, Balsamic, Vegetables, Baba Ganoush

Eggs ->                Plant based protein shakes, Almond Butter, Oatmeal

Beyond health ambitions, I hope to set my future goals in motion and begin to establish a career path. I have found that companionship with my close friends has helped me to truly appreciate and live up my final year at TCU.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE

C'est La Vie -- A Sibling Bond

   I have heard people say for as long as I can remember, "don't waste precious moments with your family and friends." You never know just how incredibly special someone is to you until they are gone. Death is a part of life, that everyone encounters whether it be through the loss of an acquaintance, loved one, or facing your own death.

   My life has been rocked by hardship and loss. To say that any moment could be your last is a revelation that rings true to its nature. Like so many, growing up I though that I was invincible, that no one or no harm could come to me. I now realize how incredibly faulty that perception of life was. Wake up world, there is evil and danger all around.

   The Aurora movie theater shooting hit so close to home for me. A Colorado native, I was all too aware of the horrific Columbine High School massacre growing up, and yet I could not relate because I was still so young. You think, hey it will never happen to me. Little over two years ago, I was gripped by a fear all too real to imagine.

   I chose to go out of state to Texas Christian University, some 780 miles from home. Going so far from home for college was a huge decision. As an independent, strong-willed and adventurous person, I knew the choice was right. However, the first year was much harder than I had imagined. Don't ever take for granted the things your parents provide and the companionship of family. The hardest thing to overcome was being without my siblings all the time. I didn't realize how much I missed them until they were no longer down the hall. So close to my baby brother and sister, I had a trying time dealing with the fact that I would be missing school dance preparations with my sister and continuous comedian laughter with my mischievous brother. I didn't want to miss out on seeing them grow up!

   I remember the exact moment in which I discovered that my little brother's middle school was the target of a deranged gunman. I remember walking home from class on a perfect Spring day in Texas, carefree. I received a call from a friend asking if I had heard.... I remember being so confused. She told me there had been a school shooting, and I remember thinking how awful that was, yet still not grasping why she called me. I turned on the news and was in complete shock to hear that it was my brother's school.

   In a panic, I dialed my little brother and could not reach him, so I tried my parents. They did not answer. Then I tried my sister and she didn't pick up. Those first few minutes felt like hours. Trying to stay calm I tried to dial my older brother, who at the time attended CSU in Fort Collins. No answer. My panic state became uncontrollably frantic and I dropped to the floor in tears.

   So overwhelmed by the thought of losing my baby brother, my best friend, I began to think of the worst case scenario. My older brother, Drew, finally called me back but had no answers. It wasn't until later that evening I was able to get in contact with my mother.

   After such hysteria, I was terrified that my brother had been one of the victims. My mother told me he was in the hospital which made me think that he was injured. (During a crazy time like that, the way that you receive information is so critical and the first words I was told, "hospital," did not set well).

   Miraculously my little brother had not been at school that day due to a severe reaction of pain medication he was allergic to and was admitted to the emergency room just minutes before the shooting. Cole was at the hospital being treated when some of his friends, the victims of the shooting, were brought in.

   God was watching over my brother that day. God has a plan for everyone and it was a miracle he was not at school. He would have been standing in the exact area he did every day after school, where the gunman opened fire, injuring three children before a teacher and parents tackled him to the ground.

   A close friend of Cole's was standing next to a girl who had been shot, so close that blood splatter his his face. He recalls dropping his backpack and running, not thinking, just running. He was so disoriented and in shock from the shooting that he found himself lost and in an unrealistic haze between imagination and reality.

   Awful events like this seem so unreal. The sad truth is that they are very real. Just like the recent Aurora theater shooting that shocked the community at large. What truly amazes me most is that despite the evil in the world, the light shines through overpowering the darkness. People come together in grievance, giving and unity to empower one another and overcome life altering situations.

   My father always told me, "It's not about what happens to you that matters; what matters is how you deal with it and the person you become as a result." Evil will always exist in the world, but do not live in fear of evil because then and only then will evil triumph. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke

   I've seen the good in people triumph every day. I believe that no act of kindness is ever wasted. The number of heroic stories that have flooded media since the Aurora shooting is inspiring. Likewise, over the past few years I have been a first-hand witness to the empowerment and growth of my little brother since the Deer Creek Middle School shooting. He truly grasps life by the reigns and has learned to enjoy every minute of this time he has on earth. It is not fair that someone so young has to experience and witness such a trying event, which he has relived through not only his eyes but the eyes of each of his friends there that day.

   They all have chosen to take each day by storm and live each moment as if it were there last. I am so proud of my baby brother, he continues to bring joy into the lives of everyone he meets. He will be successful in whatever he chooses to pursue. I must say that he may be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. As an inventor, he is a young prodigy and as a person he is a natural comedian. I love you Bear.

  Don't take life for granted. You get one ticket on the life train and there is no return. Use that priceless gift well, do good for others, and don't waste a breath on hatred.

  My heart, words, thoughts and prayers go out to the recent victims, as well as friends and family affected by the Aurora tragedy. Healing is a process and will take time. Know that there are so many GOOD people out there willing to stand by your side through that process.

"Hatred paralyses life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."

 -Martin Luther King, Jr.