Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Surprising Tragedy (In class assignment)
Friends and family members of Alyssa Alvarez were stunned at the recent news that she passed away today, Thursday, March 24, 2011. This sweet and friendly 19 year old grew up in San Diego County, moving from different houses and attending multiple schools. By the end of her elementary years, she already attended 4 schools, but that did not stop her from cultivating her friendships at her previous schools and making new ones. She was always really involved in school activities like basketball, drama, lacrosse, leading the Christian club and was in two youth groups. Starting in Jr. High, she entered a dark time where her faith was lost and it was not until her sophomore year when she found hope again and became a Christian. Her life dramatically changed and during her exciting and fun senior year, she was certain of what college she wanted to attend, Biola University. She was so excited to study journalism and was excited for her future. Those who knew Alyssa, feel extreme loss for their loved one.
Remembering Laura Cook (An in class excercise)
Laura Cook, a young college student who was passionate about life, unexpectedly died as an oncoming car ran into her when she was walking to class this morning at10:45am. This is a shock for those who know Laura and many do not know how to handle the recent news of her death. Her life impacted many people and today there are many mourning over her death.
The news of her death will linger on in the hearts of those who know Laura for months. Her mother has locked herself in her room and will not speak to anyone, even her husband. Tears soak the kitchen floor as the family only gets up and out of their room to get a bite to eat. Heads are hung low as they remember the short life Laura got to live.
Growing up, there was very little to wipe the smile off of Laura's face. Laughter was always heard when Laura was around. Her vibrant spirit carried her and she set her goals high. Many asked Laura what she wanted to do in the future and she would spend 20 minutes explaining all of her ideas of how she wanted to use her talents and gifts. It was obvious to the people she interacted with where her joy came from. Her love for God caused her to treat others in a loving way and desired to reach out and be a friend to many. The faith Laura had inspired her Christian friends as well as non-Christians in her life who tried to understand why Laura was so sure of her beliefs. There were many people that were impacted by Laura's life, but she also admired and had many people in her life that encouraged and supported her.
She had a very close relationship with her mother who not only taught her valuable lessons and continually loved her unconditionally, but they found how similar their personalities were. They could give each other advice and it developed into more than just a mother daughter relationship, but a friendship. Her father cried with her when ever she was hurt by something or if he couldn't provide for her in the way he hoped for. She noticed her brother calling her randomly at school asking how she was doing and wanting to catch up when he doesn't invest time in many people's lives. Lastly in her family, her sister and her bonded on a deep level and dreamed about having a career together after school and found themselves sleeping in each other's rooms when they were home together. Unfortunately, Laura was looking forward to traveling to visit her sister in Australia in just a few weeks, and now her sister has to fly home to attend a funeral.
Laura had a story coming to Biola. Her testimony of God's provision was inspiring to many and they witnessed God provide miracles in her life.The most important thing to Laura was attending Biola University and when she thought she wasn't going to be able to go back last semester, she was devastated. Laura understands what it feels like not to afford pursuing your dreams and she asked that if any thing were to ever happen, she would want any money that would be spent on other things for her funeral reception, to go to a scholarship fund for students that can't afford going to Biola. This is her way of living her legacy and sharing God's provision in her life with those whose faith is in God.
The news of her death will linger on in the hearts of those who know Laura for months. Her mother has locked herself in her room and will not speak to anyone, even her husband. Tears soak the kitchen floor as the family only gets up and out of their room to get a bite to eat. Heads are hung low as they remember the short life Laura got to live.
Growing up, there was very little to wipe the smile off of Laura's face. Laughter was always heard when Laura was around. Her vibrant spirit carried her and she set her goals high. Many asked Laura what she wanted to do in the future and she would spend 20 minutes explaining all of her ideas of how she wanted to use her talents and gifts. It was obvious to the people she interacted with where her joy came from. Her love for God caused her to treat others in a loving way and desired to reach out and be a friend to many. The faith Laura had inspired her Christian friends as well as non-Christians in her life who tried to understand why Laura was so sure of her beliefs. There were many people that were impacted by Laura's life, but she also admired and had many people in her life that encouraged and supported her.
She had a very close relationship with her mother who not only taught her valuable lessons and continually loved her unconditionally, but they found how similar their personalities were. They could give each other advice and it developed into more than just a mother daughter relationship, but a friendship. Her father cried with her when ever she was hurt by something or if he couldn't provide for her in the way he hoped for. She noticed her brother calling her randomly at school asking how she was doing and wanting to catch up when he doesn't invest time in many people's lives. Lastly in her family, her sister and her bonded on a deep level and dreamed about having a career together after school and found themselves sleeping in each other's rooms when they were home together. Unfortunately, Laura was looking forward to traveling to visit her sister in Australia in just a few weeks, and now her sister has to fly home to attend a funeral.
Laura had a story coming to Biola. Her testimony of God's provision was inspiring to many and they witnessed God provide miracles in her life.The most important thing to Laura was attending Biola University and when she thought she wasn't going to be able to go back last semester, she was devastated. Laura understands what it feels like not to afford pursuing your dreams and she asked that if any thing were to ever happen, she would want any money that would be spent on other things for her funeral reception, to go to a scholarship fund for students that can't afford going to Biola. This is her way of living her legacy and sharing God's provision in her life with those whose faith is in God.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Set Us Ablaze
Mission's conference's theme was to set the hearts of the students Ablaze. Students have been working on Mission's Conference for months now and were excited to see it come into fruition. For those who left early or decided to not attend, really missed out on an event that changed many hearts of students that could not help their souls be ignited for God from the various messages that the speakers touched on.
There were many topics that different speakers spoke on, but the main focus was Jesus' love and His power to heal and change lives. "I felt freedom and released from bondage," said Kendra Schmidt, a freshman at Biola University. One of the speakers listened to the Holy Spirit and sensed that the students were broken and needed confess their sin and not hide what they were dealing with. Adrienne Grey, a freshman, mentioned that after this revival, students need to be held accountable to what they learned because it was a serious time of growth. "My professors ask what we got out of missions conference which helps us remember what we learned," Kendra commented.
How can Biola continue to stay in the same mindset of accountability and focusing on God? Adrienne said, "We need to trust and have openness with one another at all times." Nathan Fan absorbed what the speakers said about the importance of love and obedience, "You can't love God with out being obedient, so I'm encouraged to live out the commandments."
"Missions is a step in the right direction," Nathan said. The hearts of the students were set ablaze and will continue to be on fire for God if students are holding each other accountable and following up with one another. The theme was not just for the three day Mission's Conference, but was a theme to reach the students and transform their lives for the rest of their lives. Learning about the different mission's needs across the world was just an aspect of the conference, but the students did not realize their hearts were going to be transformed and set ablaze.
There were many topics that different speakers spoke on, but the main focus was Jesus' love and His power to heal and change lives. "I felt freedom and released from bondage," said Kendra Schmidt, a freshman at Biola University. One of the speakers listened to the Holy Spirit and sensed that the students were broken and needed confess their sin and not hide what they were dealing with. Adrienne Grey, a freshman, mentioned that after this revival, students need to be held accountable to what they learned because it was a serious time of growth. "My professors ask what we got out of missions conference which helps us remember what we learned," Kendra commented.
How can Biola continue to stay in the same mindset of accountability and focusing on God? Adrienne said, "We need to trust and have openness with one another at all times." Nathan Fan absorbed what the speakers said about the importance of love and obedience, "You can't love God with out being obedient, so I'm encouraged to live out the commandments."
"Missions is a step in the right direction," Nathan said. The hearts of the students were set ablaze and will continue to be on fire for God if students are holding each other accountable and following up with one another. The theme was not just for the three day Mission's Conference, but was a theme to reach the students and transform their lives for the rest of their lives. Learning about the different mission's needs across the world was just an aspect of the conference, but the students did not realize their hearts were going to be transformed and set ablaze.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My Favorite Sugary Treat
My eyes grow big when I see the stand at Disneyland. The sweet sugary smell can be smelt 100's of yards away. I can't wait to hold the warm, foot long treat in my hands. When I am handed the buttery, chewy desert, my mouth starts to water. My teeth sink into the top of the desert and instantly my eyes close to capture the taste of this delicious treat. My lips are covered with sugar, but I don't lick it off because I want to savor the flavor. Every bite warms the inside of my body. The ridges on the outside of the desert create the perfect crispy texture. I look forward to this moment every time I enter the gates of the "happiest place on earth." I dread eating the last bite of my churro, so as soon as I finish the mouthwatering treat, I go up to the stand and purchase another one.
How Does Biola Feel?
There is an unusual stillness on campus for a Tuesday afternoon. Students are quietly studying around the cool fountain trying to stay focused. Most students look weary and as they walk by, little conversation is passed between friends. There has to be a lot of students still sleeping and resting in their dorm rooms or diligently studying for the last bit of classes today. The tiredness of the students is obvious as they stare at the fountain's water instead of their book in their hand. Endurance is felt by the students studying around me. Although there are a lot of students weary, I can hear laughter near by and recognize the sense of community around. The fountain gathers students and the misty water makes everyone feel peaceful.
The cement pathways swerving around campus connects the school and makes everyone feel welcome. The cafeteria's outdoor gate's buzzer went off because of an act of rebellion from a student. More loud beeping sounds were overpowering the birds singing from a large crane driving through campus. Next to the crane, a small building's walls are covered with metal and ridged spin dials that students turn in hopes to find a letter sitting in the smooth metal box. If a letter is discovered in the mailbox, students drift over to the forest green, plastic chairs and place their arms holding the letter on the cold, outdoor patio. The school is filled with rough, brick buildings, and tables to encourage people to be outside and share conversation with one another, but it is the nature that pulls everything together to feel serene.
Tim, a resident of Hart, said that every morning he wakes up to the sound of ducks squawking. He quickly gets annoyed because of the early wake up call, but is soon relaxed by the nature that the ducks bring to the campus. As he walks around the school, he feels mellow and loves that Biola's campus makes him feel relaxed outside of the classroom.
The cement pathways swerving around campus connects the school and makes everyone feel welcome. The cafeteria's outdoor gate's buzzer went off because of an act of rebellion from a student. More loud beeping sounds were overpowering the birds singing from a large crane driving through campus. Next to the crane, a small building's walls are covered with metal and ridged spin dials that students turn in hopes to find a letter sitting in the smooth metal box. If a letter is discovered in the mailbox, students drift over to the forest green, plastic chairs and place their arms holding the letter on the cold, outdoor patio. The school is filled with rough, brick buildings, and tables to encourage people to be outside and share conversation with one another, but it is the nature that pulls everything together to feel serene.
Tim, a resident of Hart, said that every morning he wakes up to the sound of ducks squawking. He quickly gets annoyed because of the early wake up call, but is soon relaxed by the nature that the ducks bring to the campus. As he walks around the school, he feels mellow and loves that Biola's campus makes him feel relaxed outside of the classroom.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What Was That Smell?
The whiff that breezes past me as I walk past a man, always captures my attention. I have often thought about switching wearing my perfume to men's cologne, but socially, that would be bizarre. There is something about men's cologne that is captivating. Maybe it is their job to smell good, but there are distinct smells that make my nostrils flare.
The Pulitzer Prize: The girl in the window by Lane DeGregory
There was a girl found in a closet by policeman who was investigating a run down house that a family lived in. He could barely make out the girl in the dark room and found her naked with soars covering her body, lice in her hair, and a swollen diaper. Investigators wept on the scene and were completey furious that a mother could let this happen to a child. This article was heart wrentching, intriguing, and heart breaking.
After reading this article, something moved inside of me. The end of the last paragraph made me as a reader curious about who the girl was that the neighbors never saw before and that they never saw her again until someone decided to call the police. The writer gave an intense visual of the house that the investigators came across, and the condition of the child. My arms filled with goosebumps when I read "'Due to the severe neglect,' a doctor would write, 'the child will be disabled for the rest of her life.'" The story begins by sharing the mystery of a little girl living in a dark, run down house and tells the story of her rescue and the healing process that she faced at the hospital for 6 weeks. Quotes are used to make the feature like a story and enhance the story to be filled with rage from the people who came in contact with the child. Tears filled my eyes as I read the story. The emotion and visual that was filled in this feature, will stick with me for the rest of my life.
After reading this article, something moved inside of me. The end of the last paragraph made me as a reader curious about who the girl was that the neighbors never saw before and that they never saw her again until someone decided to call the police. The writer gave an intense visual of the house that the investigators came across, and the condition of the child. My arms filled with goosebumps when I read "'Due to the severe neglect,' a doctor would write, 'the child will be disabled for the rest of her life.'" The story begins by sharing the mystery of a little girl living in a dark, run down house and tells the story of her rescue and the healing process that she faced at the hospital for 6 weeks. Quotes are used to make the feature like a story and enhance the story to be filled with rage from the people who came in contact with the child. Tears filled my eyes as I read the story. The emotion and visual that was filled in this feature, will stick with me for the rest of my life.
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