Posts

New Year, New School, New Major, Same Rube

Image
New Year, New School, New Major, Same Rube Hello loyal five of you that read (or at least open) this blog. It's been a wild summer to say the very least. In the span of about three months, we've relocated some 68.8 miles (I'd round up but this is a family blog), I left my amazing job at Linn Benton Community College, in which I helped incoming and existing students navigate the perils of college life, and took my skills to the University of Oregon. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I truly fell in love with writing (as attested by the fact that I'm writing this on a Sunday night after homework and instead of watching football or playing video games), so much so that my new major and career path is Journalism. What better school to get a journalism degree than the best journalism school in the nation? So in early June, I applied at the direction of a faculty member at UO. After what felt like enough time for the newest Game Of Thrones book to be released but what was act

Joining My Flock

Image
I recently graduated from Linn-Benton Community College with a 3.5 GPA. That might not sound like much to most people, but to a dude that spent more time in the Jack in the box adjacent to my high school rather than actually in it for four years, that statement is nothing short of astounding. Throughout my time at LBCC, to complement my GPA, I was also a full-time member of our Student Leadership, serving as both the Financial Director one year and the Legislative Affairs Director the next. In addition to that, I helped with many events and volunteer opportunities, worked (and continue to do so currently) as a Student Ambassador for the college; answering questions and assisting other students to achieve their educational goals just like I was able to do, as well as relaunch the Oregon Community College Student Association as the Vice President charged with serving the students of all 17 community colleges in Oregon. I kept myself busy, to say the least. That was by design though. I ma

A Plea For Help

Image
  Today I’m writing to ask for your assistance in a crucial cause. The world we know and love, our everyday life, and the lives of the creatures, plants, oceans, and streams of the planet are in dire need of a savior. You can be that savior for our planet. Humans are the cause for a massive amount of turbulence in the world, it doesn’t take an eagle eye to notice that. Industrial expansion and out-of-control population growth are driving our ever-growing theft of vital resources our blue sphere has to offer. These resources are depleting and because of that, we’re seeing more and more losses of biodiversity in the world around us. Biodiversity, as I’m sure you’re aware, is classified a few ways but the generic classification is described as the number of species on Earth or within an area, the genetic variation within all these species, and the different habitats available across the entirety of the globe. Currently, due to human activity, we’re seeing losses in biodiversity across the

10 Questions with the LBCC Foundation's Linnea Everts

Image
It’s no secret that college can create many struggles for students. It is, of course, meant to challenge you academically.  There are, however, other major challenges many students face that are less visible. You may face challenges of maintaining good grades across the board or finding a balance with your time management. Perhaps you’re struggling to get a group project off the ground or finding just the right topic to write an essay on.  The most challenging struggle facing many students today, though, is finding the funds to allow you to continue with school and cover your bills, without going so far into debt you feel like you’re drowning before you even get a degree. Linnea Everts of the Linn-Benton Community College Foundation wants to assist with that. She’s dedicated her time at LBCC to helping students in financial need. I spoke with Linnea Everts on a wide array of topics. She shed some light on issues that affect most college students, how she relates to the students she hel

Learning From A Legend: Thoughts On Stephen King's "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft"

Image
Over the last whirlwind of 10 weeks, I’ve had the privilege to read the work of one of America’s best authors, Stephen King. Which book of his was I consuming you ask? His memoirs on the art and pastime he’s dedicated his profession and livelihood on, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.” In all honesty, I wasn’t looking forward to reading this book. Stephen King, while highly regarded and esteemed, isn’t my first pick of an author when I’m looking for something to read. I don’t much care for the spooks and thrills he’s gained his fame from, so to say I was hesitant to read his memoir is an understatement. From the opening pages, I was enthralled with this book. King breaks down the art of writing in extremely intuitive and easy-to-understand ways. Not only does he openly discuss the skills and techniques needed to improve at the craft of writing, he also openly discusses his life and all that it contains. Some of the most meaningful and heartfelt moments of the book are those in which

Postcard From The Future: Walking Through The Magic Of Disneyland

Image
The long walk up to Disneyland’s ticket booth and bag check will be buzzing with excitement. Eager children, unable to contain their elation, bouncing and jumping here and there, getting into spontaneous games of tag.  Young adults, wearing their custom-made, Etsy purchased mouse ears.  Families with strollers the size of SUVs and equally packed with supplies for the adventure ahead.  In that mix, my daughter, eyes full of enchantment and thrill, my wife and myself Disneyland has always held an air of intangibility to it. As a child, Disneyland was as real as dragons or unicorns. Going there was as likely as going to Jurassic Park or getting a selfie with the Loch Ness Monster holding a sign with my name plastered on it. As an adult, I’ve twice had the privilege of walking the hallowed grounds of Disneyland, located in the tempered climate of Anaheim, California. Both times were an absolute delight and magnificent.  I first got to experience the charm of the magical mouse lands as a yo