I should do this more often

In my field of study, Public Relations that is, you always hear about WRITING as one of the main strengths of the profession.

Starting in college I noticed the great emphasis the professor placed on one's skills of writing well. I am slowly beginning to understand the importance of communicating clearly not just in a face-to-face situation, but probably even more importantly in writing. After all, writing is the most common way we communicate now days. Even when we are desk to desk with someone, most often we'd still send out an email rather than yell out what we need.

So what is exactly good writing? Is it the style of it? The tone? The grammar and syntax? Or maybe all of it...I don't know, I of course, have an opinion about it, as I do about everything else, but whether or not it's an accurate one that's a different story.

I believe that one's capacity of explaining in the least amount of words and in a clear manner their intention and needs is effective writing.

What I've noticed too, is that the more I wrote the easier it got to be and the more I've started to enjoy doing it. At first I was dreading it, specially that most professional writing needs to follow certain patterns and rules...however, even when I finished those documents I would still re-read them all over again, with a certain satisfaction.

I do write in my journal about once a week. And that I enjoy more because there are no rules there, although I kind of follow the same pattern most of the time. But then I realized that I can just blog more and hopefully improve my writing. I always feel like I have something worthwhile saying anyway...so I may as well share it with the world. All that unnecessary thinking that I do at no profit, I may as well put it to use somehow.

Anyway, so this may be the beginning of it. As you can see I am not committing to it yet, as far as how often or regular. I'm going through this phase of life that I'm trying to avoid having too many self-imposed rules and regulations, and for that reason I'm not promising it. That being said though, I am excited to embark in this journey, and to maybe discover a side of me that I haven't even known it's there.
We shall see.....

Why Nephi is so amazing...

This morning I was reading 1 Nephi 4, and a few things occurred to me.

First of all, just as Lehi informed his sons of what the Lord has asked that they returned and got the records, Laman and Lemuel of course started murmuring. Nephi, knew right away that it was the Lord's request and not his father's. Then when they went into the city to get the records from Laban, Laman was almost killed, and I wonder if it didn't have to do with his negative attitude towards the whole task of getting the records.
Maybe it didn't though, because even Nephi's plan of trading all of their richness that they had previously left behind for the records didn't go through, as Laban took their goods and wanted to kill them.

However, the difference is that as the older brothers were ready to return to their father's, Nephi was persistent in completing the task. He exhorted them to return to the city and to act in faith. Murmuring they did follow him, and as he went into the city, he even stated that didn't know beforehand the things which will happen. And soon enough Laban was delivered into his hands, all weak and drunk.

Likewise, I feel like sometimes in our lives all the Lord wants to see from us is trying in faith, and even though our plan may not pan out, as Nephi's didn't either, He will eventually make it happen according to his will.

That gives me comfort, knowing that although I still need to try very hard and to the best of my abilities, that in the end He can and will make it happen, many times in miraculous ways.

And this is one of the many instances that I think Nephi is so amazing...

What is the role of a civilization?

Today I read this quote

The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak.
President G.W. Bush, March 2005

And it made me think, and that's always dangerous when i start thinking...
I actually believe that if a civilization/society is healthy and functional will form strong individuals, who of their own free will and choice will take care of the weak because they would have high values. However, as things have developed for the past few decades is that there is a lack of genuin interest of ensuring the survival and decent level of living of the weak. So what have we tried to do? To force the strong of taking care of the weak...and although this may seem as the optimum alternative on ensuring that the weak are taking care, I think even a better way of using our resources is to educate and empower the weak, only that would provide lasting, real results. That being said, of course there are special cases and that's not what I am talking about. I just think that too often in society we'd rather go for the quick fix, which in this case is to make the strong protect the weak, when instead we should treat the weak to their real potential and help them reach it.

Hi,

It's been too long, I admit it. Even before sitting down right now, I was thinking whether or not I have the time to do this, but you know what, for some things it's worth making the time.
I have a few thoughts as a result of own recent experiences as well as talking with various friends. I have realized that being happy, although it is each and every person's goal ( whether they're conscious of it or not), that there is an art to reaching that state of being. It seems to me more clearly than ever, that one could have everything that they thought it would make them happy, and still feel unfulfilled, like there is still something missing. I venture to say that everyone of us has been in that situation at some point in our lives. So...my dilemma is, how come we are not feeling those ecstatic emotions that we anticipated feeling as a result of finishing up school, or getting that ideal job, or better yet, getting into that perfect relationship. What I experienced in my life is that even when I reached that one goal, instead of focusing and enjoying my accomplishment I would focus on what I was yet lacking...or perceived to be lacking. You know what this behavior leads to? I think it leads to feelings of worthlessness and inability of functioning to our full potential. Whose desire is it to make us work in a lower gear, or not run at all? Whose plan is to bring misery unto the humankind? You guessed right...that serpent, who is as old as the world is...Satan. I truly believe that one of the best tools satan is using against Heavenly Father's children is to make us feel like there's something missing, to make us yearn always for something better and higher, to make us want feelings and sensations that are not even real, nor leading to true happiness.
At first I thought that well, the reason I'm feeling off it's because I have good reasons, I don't have that great job that I've hoped for, or I didn't get into Law school like I thought it should have happened, and as those are good reasons to make me feel a little down or want to re-evaluate my life and make some decisions, I was not justified in feeling so low. But then I looked at some of my best friends, who I thought they have it all and that they surely should be completely happy. And you know what I found, that they also focused on what they were yet missing, or better yet, on what could possibly go wrong, how they could get cancer or what if something happened to their spouse. Yes, I also have those few friends who are always content with life, who have such a good energy and know their true value. I am so grateful for those examples in my life. They are a true example of discipleship, for how can we serve those around us when we are not in a good state ourselves.
Maybe some have been born with the ability to be happy naturally, but for those of us who seem to always need something more, I am certain that there is another way to live our lives. Emulating what those who are truly happy do and say is a good way to start. There seems to be a common character trait, that of true concern for others' wellbeing. Also that of asking for a lot but taking whatever one is given; of feeling in control of their emotions and reactions even when life is really tough.
I want to commit myself, that in spite of my circumstances I will always be grateful for what I do have, for my mind and testimony even if I have nothing else. I need to feel enough before I will accomplish all the great things I am attempting to, and only then will I have gotten the essence of it all.
See, I have it so well....in theory...the hard part is applying it. But i think we can help each other, specially that we're all going through it. I think that sincerely caring and complementing each other reminds us that we really should feel enough as we are.
Anyway, I could probably keep going on about this topic, because I care so much about not only me overcoming this mortal/satan-induced predicament, but it also pains me that most people out there are feeling the same way. It is all in our power to change our perspective and eventually have no outside sources influencing our spiritual and emotional state for the worst.

Feel free to add your opinions or comments on this. I'd be interested in your perspective and/or experiences.
Take care,
A.

Can ordering food be compared with dating?

Not too long ago my brother and I, being really hungry went to Subway, he likes eating there, and he usually orders the Tuna sandwich, pretty boring if you asked me.
First of all one could fix that at home having the same final product or close enough, and then ordering the same thing each time.

So anyway, we were in line and each person in front of us who got to order took...I don't know maybe 4 minutes to order, and they would order the set menus, so pretty easy. My turn came up and...I started with the bread, picking a healthier one that what the person assumed I’d have, then I ordered the cheese, provolone, and then came the grilled chicken and some more toppings which I carefully picked. As a dressing I picked a combination of both vinaigrette and low fat ranch. Anyway, following me the line ended up being longer, because unlike the rest of the people I took at least twice the time to order. When I was finally done, asking carefully for just enough salt and pepper, my brother commented that I knew exactly what I wanted.

That's when it kind of hit me, I wasn't taking that much longer on purpose, nor was I trying to complicate the Subway person there...I simply knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. If given the option, why not order exactly what I'm wishing for?!

Similarly to ordering food (and by the way, that was not an unique incident, I usually tend to take longer to order, not because I don't know what I want, but because I know it a little too well sometimes), I compared my behavior to dating. Is not like I like the fact that I am picky about guys, nor do I want to take longer to get one on purpose...I simply know exactly what I like, and since I am given the option of choosing, why rushing!!!

So the question comes...would it be easier or better for one not to know in detail what they want, whether it is in regards to their dinner or the person they'll marry?

I don't know, it may be...it would definitely save some time, as for me, though, that would not fly by. Given my personality, I am damned, one could say, to have high demands on the food I order as well as the guy I'm going to marry.

Teach For America personal letter

Prior to compiling my personal letter for Teach for America I've done some online research, and some of the help I received was actually from individuals' blogs, where they either posted their own letters or shared their experience with the application process.
Today I was just informed that I was selected for a in-class interview, so I get to skip the phone interview, and I thought to return the favor to future Teach for America inquirers and post my own letter.
You should also know the questions they ask, which are:
* Why do you seek to join Teach For America?
* What would you hope to accomplish as a corps member?
* How would you determine your success as a corps member?

Here's my letter

To The Teach for America Selection Committee:

As a first generation immigrant to the United States and as the first college graduate in my family, I can attest to the importance of an education. I want to join Teach for America because I want to make a difference in the lives of the many children of our nation. With a diverse background, a passion for personal realization and a commitment to overcome the injustices in this world, I know I could succeed as a corps member.

Having been born and raised in Romania, and being 50 percent Roma (also known as Gypsies, an underprivileged segment of the population in Romania, who are strongly discriminated against), I learned early on in life that we are not born with equal opportunities, nor do we have equal access to resources. In spite of my scarce beginnings and due to encouraging, hard-working parents, I have been able to overcome many obstacles and pursue higher education in the United States. Improving the quality of teachers in this country is the most important ingredient in creating better students. As opposed to countries such as Romania, America has superior resources for creating an effective learning environment. For example the use of technology, quality textbooks and other materials provide instructors with the tools necessary to thrive. Teach for America is committed to producing quality teachers, a commitment which I would be privileged to help materialize.

As a corps member, I envision myself becoming not just a good teacher for my students, but also a source of direction, inspiration, and stability in a world that hasn’t been too responsive to their needs. Moving a person to action is probably one of the most difficult things to accomplish; moving 30 kids to action is even more difficult. However, as their instructor, I will take the time to get to know them individually, their weaknesses and strengths. I will praise them for their accomplishments and also help them turn their weaknesses into strengths by being patient and supportive. Outside of class I will continue working with the students’ families and seek ways to help them connect the classroom materials with the outside world. I know that it takes hard work, perseverance and mutual respect to succeed in this world, and I intend to emphasize these and other positive characteristics in the classroom.

The measure of my success in the classroom will be both an improved academic performance, as well as a development of personal character. True success will especially be measured in the years to come and in the choices my students will be making. I would hope that as a result of our interaction, my students would choose to be honest and hard-working individuals, who are committed to success.

I look forward to hearing back from you, and to further discussing how I can contribute to the Teach for America team and make a difference in the lives of children.

 I decided to also include some details of the in-person interview, as some people have asked me about it. And although I wasn't selected as a Corps Member, this may still be helpful. 
So here's my response to one such inquiry:

So I ended up skipping the phone interview, as you saw on my blog, but the in-person interview was in San Francisco, there were about 6 or 7 of us candidates.

They briefed us a bit on the format of the interview, we filled out some forms, and then each person taught the lesson in front of everyone else. You have a time limit, so try to stay within that. Also be nice and friendly with everyone else, don't view them as competition. You should also spend some time into finding the right thing you wanna teach, some were very unprepared and didn't come across as very impressive.

And even my lesson, I think it was too simplistic, I was teaching an elementary class a method to

remember how long words are spelled.

If you prepare a Science lesson it may be smarter, as I think that's an area they are in greater need,

that's just my guess though.

Following the lesson given to everyone, there is a one-on-one interview where they ask you why you wanna do this, and what would make you a good teacher. It's been a while so I may have left some important details out, but that's the gest of it.

Hope it helped you some, if you have further questions, let me know.

Family Traditions

I am finally getting it. I've never quite understood what's going on with all these families who are trying to follow certain patterns every Christmas, Easter, Thanks Giving Day and any other occasions they find fit to follow a family tradition. I thought they did so to give them a sense of comfort and of predictability, two of some of the basic human needs.
Ironically enough, what has helped me actually get the whole tradition thing it's the Vampires Diaries....yes indeed, and although I am Romanian and Transilvania is part of Romania, this has nothing to do with that. Vampire Diaries is a TV show, I'm not even sure on what channel, which caught both my brother David and my attention about three weeks ago. We both agreed on watching that first episode all the way (we normally argue what channel to watch, he wants his MTV cribs shows, and I usually demand the news station). We both ended up liking the show, and because it ends on a climax each time, we were anticipating watching the show the following week.
Following Thursday, without even mentioning the intent of watching the show again, around 8pm David was in front of the TV letting me know the show was starting.
Now, maybe that doesn't sound like a lot, I mean any typical 15-year-old may react just like that, but knowing my brother, he is more aloof and wants to do his own thing, and since I have been gone out of the house for some time now (and the fact that I'm 10 yrs older than him), we don't have many things that we do together.
Third week of watching the show, it hit me! We have actually developed a family tradition of watching the Vampires Diaries every Thursday night. And as much as I dislike wasting time watching TV, I realized the greater thing which is behind watching the show. My brother and I are bonding...it has become our thing that we do together. This is more important to me than anything else I could be doing during that hour.
I know this is not the best example of a family tradition, but through this experience I got a little bit of the vision of what family traditions can do for us. I am committed to set my own family traditions when the time will come. I am not sure if one should sit down and decide what they should do periodically or if we should experience different activities and based on how much the family has enjoyed it to decide on making it a tradition.