Understanding Yourself

Understanding Yourself

When I was in high school most of my time was spent avoiding fixing myself or being extremely pessimistic. I have quirks, being impulsive, lack of attention span, things of that nature but I tried to forget all that. Slowly, from being in college, I'm beginning to learn that your future can be changed. I can work on my listening skills, organizational issues, etc they don't define my entire life. Everything can be worked on, however, one must have the willingness to accept their faults

Getting Sleep

Getting Sleep

It's incredible how prevalent sleep is needed in one's day. Had to stop myself from dozing off during presentations today, and for one, that's super disrespectful to whose presenting as well, I'm way less aware of what's occurring in class. I should probably just set a bedtime for myself, it's not a bad idea

3500 Words

3500 Words

I'm having such a difficult time trying to drag my last paper out to 3500 words. It's really tough to avoid unnecessary words to reach this quota, but, that takes away from my paper so I know that can't be done. Perhaps I can just add more into the paragraphs that help dictate what I'm trying to convey; 3500 words can be done.

Mindset

Mindset

I applaud people who can see the best in every situation. It's so hard for me to always maintain a positive mindset, especially while having a horrible day. I've always believed that I could change this, and maybe I can, but it's five hundred times harder than you'd expect. Maybe it's just something to work on

Jose Altuve

Jose Altuve

My favorite baseball player is 3 inches shorter than the average male height in the U.S. Yes, Jose Altuve is 5'5 and considered one of the best hitters in MLB. I find it impossible not to root for a guy like this, all his life people told him he was too small or too lean to make it to the Major Leagues. However, he played his first game at 21 years of age, and was scouted by only one guy coming out of Venezuela. For a lot of people, a challenge is nothing but something to be overcome; how can you not love Jose Altuve

Natural Talent Vs. Developed

Natural Talent vs. Developed

To me, this debate is super interesting. If someone wants to be good at something and never works at it, they'll end up never developing that interest. However, if someone already has a natural talent, perhaps, say their Dad is a marathoner but they don't run often, they'll never perfect what's in their genes. I think this debate is probably one of the best topics to research

Sad Day

Sad Day

Do you ever have those days where you feel depressed but there's no reason behind it? It's like, you try and think what the cause could be but you're left confused and without reason for feeling so sad. It kinda sucks that these days happen from time to time but that's what tomorrow is for, right?

First Red Rocks Concert

First Red Rocks Concert

Last Saturday night I went to my first Red Rocks concert with my two brothers. We saw the old school rapper Nas and a reggae band called "Souja." Of course, they ended up getting exceptionally drunk, but that didn't bother me as I was the designated driver and I'm 19. There was something about all of us enjoying a concert together as brothers, embracing the music and sharing stories about our lives that made that moment so meaningful for me. Red Rocks was a sweet venue, and I look forward to the next concert I see there, but that feeling of pure kinship is a powerful one. I hope when I'm 65 and looking back on my youth I'll remember days like those

"Brotherhood is not just a Bible word. Out of comradeship can come and will come the happy life for all." - Heywood Broun 

Video Games

Video Games

Video Games just seem to be one of those topics that can go either way. Kids can take this concept to excess by never leaving the house and avoiding social contact or they can regulate themselves to 2-3 hours a day max. I'm no stranger to video games, often I'll find myself in front of my PS4 should a friend come over, but alone, it's exceptionally dull. Also, I tend to only want to play Madden, FIFA or NBA 2K15; I have no diversity when it comes to video games. 

The aim to put games into the school system is a great idea, this way Elementary kids (or older), can see learning a new topic as fun and exciting. As well, it's a good way for friends to bond and find entertainment playing a certain game for numerous hours. So, you can't say video games only provide a negative aspect for an individual.

I really don't know where I stand on this issue, it's a win-lose situation

Study Plan

Study Plan

I'm totally booked this weekend with schoolwork, but I think I've developed a smart plan to go about all this work. I'm taking four classes, (12 credits); so why not dedicate an entire day to each class. This way I can be super productive and spend a lot of time to each class and what needs to be done. Should work

Introverts vs Extroverts

Introverts vs Extroverts

I've always found it interesting how someone is born on either side. Me for one, I'm certainly introverted, I crave alone time when I'm out in public for long periods of time. I cannot work on schoolwork in groups, and if I do, I'm super distracted and unable to concentrate.

However, my mom is super extroverted and keeps in constant contact with a ton of people; so different these two sides.

Rappers

Rappers

It's annoying how unoriginal mainstream rappers are compared to those considered "underground." For example, Wiz Khalifa can make millions writing a song like "Black and Yellow" that have no depth or meaning and artists like Zion I and J Cole are put in the back. In my opinion, when someone produces music that serves only to satisfy society and make money quickly they lose their identity as an artist and only appear to me a sellout. I'd much rather try to figure out what a song is saying then listen to some catchy beat that repeats the same stupid lyrics over and over.

Finally

Finally

 It took me forever, but I have finally found an article worth presenting to the class on my subculture. All I can say is "Wow!" there is so much garbage on the internet, when I first searched my topic all that came up were articles or lists completely off what I was trying to say. People often say the internet makes finding information very accessible for the average person, but that's debatable when everything gets published.

Subcultures

Subcultures

I'm having such a touch time trying to nice a unique subculture I would consider myself a part of. I was thinking, maybe, I could go with Progressive Christians. We're Christians who tend to side more progressively with gay rights, abortions, etc. I may just go with that

Summer

Summer

 I cannot wait for summer to start. I'm very excited to start my job, as well as go hiking with friends, travel and get in shape. It's going to feel weird to have so much free time, but I'm excited for what the future may hold. Only a few more weeks

New Job

Waiter

I just got a new job as a waiter. I'm excited, I feel like working in a restaurant will be exciting and help me socially branch out there with customers. My last job was as dull as possible, and I like the idea of not knowing what could happen night in and night out; a new table to serve every few minutes. Can't wait for this summer

ESPN

ESPN

In ten to fifteen years, I will be working as an analyst for ESPN. As a fourth grader, I wrote 75 pages of stats one season, on every offensive player in the NFL, just for "fun." I can tell you the score of every sporting event I've gone to, whether that be five years ago or seven; it's muscle memory, it's my passion.

When I was nine I told my family I would be a broadcaster one day. They shook it off and laughed saying how hard it is to make it as an analyst. "Alex, you have to know so much, it takes a lot of dedication to stand out."  That's the thing though, ever since Elementary I could keep a conversation with anyone just based on their favorite team. I've blogged for my favorite baseball team, and made connections with Reid Ryan (President of Baseball Operations for the Houston Astros), former players, and even GM's. People have started to follow what I write, telling me they like my insight, and even engage in debates every so often.

Yes, there are a millions of guys who watch the NFL, MLB and NBA, but I'm a minority. Stats run through my head, players salaries are forever internalized in my mind, I never forget a game. I'm not the smartest person in the world, I know that, but I've yet to meet someone who knows more or shares my everyday passion for this "hobby". 

I will make it one day, I will be on TV or posting for a team on their website. Sports have been a part of me since I was a young insecure kid with no friends to turn to; my favorite teams were there for me. When I was bullied in High School I dived deeper into my passion for sports. They say "It's just a game" but not to me, It's my one true love and keeps me feeling whole when I'm lost.

I don't care if you doubt me, others can tell me majoring in journalism is stupid for five more years if they want. I'd rather die of a heart attack tomorrow then give up on a dream then listen to people who tell me my dreams are built on a fantasy that only lives to be unattainable. Never will I give up; the day I listen to others is the day my soul shatters. 

Gym Memberships

Gym Memberships

Gym Memberships are the biggest waste of money. First of all, you'll spend a lot of the time waiting for others to finish using the equipment, second, I hate the idea of working out with 150 other people. As someone who likes to save money, I'd rather go out for a run and buy weights to use at home.

Why not just buy 20 pound barbells and use them multiple ways? you'd be surprised by how many at home workouts you can do. In my opinion, it's a way better investment than buying a gym membership where you'll have to drive there (gas money), pay a monthly bill along with waiting on weights.

I cannot fathom why people spend money on gym memberships.

Abortion

Abortion

Abortion is such a hard topic for me to take a stance on. I've always sided with the "It's her body, and her right" argument, but there are some ways I'm against it. If a woman is raped I think she should reserve the right to have an abortion, however, if it was her own fault and due to unprotected sex I'd rather her go the adoption route.

I'm not a woman, and I don't wanna control anyone. I'm just extremely 50/50 on this issue

Missing Texas

Missing Texas

The title pretty much says it all, Texas has always felt like my one true home. I've lived here for five years, but oftentimes, I find myself missing the warm weather, people, and family back down south. I'm definitely one of those "die-hard" Texans who will tell you it's the best place in the world; it's in my blood.

I'm only 19, so hopefully in a year or two I can transfer some credits over to Texas Tech University and return to the Lone Star state. As I stated earlier, it's the only place that feels like home to me

One Person

One Person

Oftentimes, I'll see friends fall for a girl that could not care less about them. They'll obsess over how to catch her attention, and even try to change who they are to appear 'better' to that crush. Not going to lie, I've done this in the past, but it doesn't go anywhere; you're a fake person and that's obvious to the world when you create something your not. Why get caught up in someone that isn't going to enjoy the real you, much less the false image you've tried to make?

We live one life on this Earth, don't waste it by worrying about those who don't care anything for you. When two people click, it's because they're appreciated by one another for their faults and positives. You can spend the rest of your life trying to fit into somebody's vision, or you can find true happiness being the individual you are deep down. 

It's really all up to you.

ADHD and it's Challenge in School

ADHD in School

Having ADD makes school seriously difficult, especially when trying to be successful in four to five different classes. You'll start one assignment and ten minutes later you're on an entirely different paper, for a whole other class. Staying on task is incredibly difficult, and looking over an assignment or essay is borderline impossible; you'll wanna do something else.

It'll always drive me crazy when friends say "I have ADD with this assignment", completely exaggerating their level of focus. They have no idea how stressful it can be at times, and it'll make you feel like a complete idiot whose constantly off topic during class and in their personal relationships. 

While it sucks, I can't use it as a crutch for my struggles; I was born with this difficulty and you can't change what you're born with. I have to work twice as hard to do well in school and when given an A on an assignment it's hard not to get a little emotional, because that took every ounce of effort in me to produce that. In life we can either let our shortcomings define us or we use them as inspiration to overcome them; no matter what I will do my best to stay positive

Drinking Age in America

Current Drinking Age

21 as the drinking age has to be one of the dumbest laws in America. I can literally die for my country but I can't go to a bar and have one or two beers; are you kidding me. Only America and some provinces of Canada come to mind with the age set at 21; most countries have a brain when it comes to alcohol. If the drinking age is 18, and kids grow up having a drink during dinner they begin to learn how alcohol affects them and don't feel that rebellious need to get wasted.

In high school and the underage years of college, everybody wants to drink simply because they 'aren't allowed' by law. That rebellious tendency is there when you're told you can't do something, and I strongly believe this is why many teens go seriously overboard with their alcohol use when they do find parties, or other ways to get alcohol. I for one, can say that while visiting Europe over the summer I didn't want a beer nearly as bad as when in America, and that was because Germany's drinking age is 16.

If we're considered 'adults' at 18, we should actually be treated as such.

Quiet People

The Quiet Kids in Class

I love talking to and sitting next to students who are super quiet in class. I've always felt like they're hugely misunderstood and nobody tries to get to know them; that was me in high school, so maybe that's why I enjoy it. Literally 99% of the time they have a lot to say and they're really down to earth in their views; it's hard to hate the people who put value into everything they say. Next time you see that quiet kid in class whose sitting alone, go sit by him, you'll be surprised just how interesting they are to talk with. 

2nd Paper - Negative Perspective

Negative Viewpoint

It's odd to write about something you don't believe in, and something so negative. While writing you get kinda depressed and overtime you start to believe in what your saying; mine's not super evil. Every now and then you hear of actors getting depressed playing evil characters, etc; maybe there's a similarity there.

Community College Kids Mentality

Community College Students

I love how driven people seem to be here at Front Range. Many of them, work to pay their own way through school, while giving every ounce of effort they have into their schoolwork and towards being successful. That mentality is so different than many of the kids I met at ASU last semester; they aren't spoiled. Nothing is worse than the rich Cali-kid mentality I saw at there, where they relied on daddy's $4 million a year salary to pay for their car, apartment and to bail them out of any trouble they may get into. 

Yes, my Dad pays for my college and I'm very grateful for that; it's a privilege that many kids don't have and it shouldn't be wasted. My dad has done very well for himself, and that's because he worked his ass off to be a success in life. However, that's "his" money and in no way should I go out of my way to boast about how wealthy I am when I've done nothing. My parents could theoretically stop supporting me if they wanted to, and then that whole "wealthy kid" stigma would go away; many kids don't realize that. I admire those who push themselves through an eight hour shift only to come home with a four page English paper due the next day and don't complain. Next time I hear someone mention a stupid stereotype about community college students, I will gladly debate the issue with them.

Visual Apperences

Prenuptial Agreements

One thing that amazes me in divorces is how often prenuptial agreements are disregarded. When he or she's income is much higher than their spouse, they should sign a prenuptial agreement before the marriage, that way in case of divorce, they don't lose half their money. If the two make around the same then that's a different story, but couples shouldn't ignore these before marriage if one spouse makes twice the others. It's complete garbage that divorces can cost so much, along with the money someone can lose through it to their ex.

Proofreading

Proofreading

 Far too often I turn in assignments the minute I'm done with them instead of proofreading it. Without a doubt this has hurt my grade, and it's been a horrible habit to fall into; always read over your writing. This will make the difference in a paper being an A or a B, and could save you in many other ways.

With job applications and emailing bosses, it's important to maintain a certain level of professionalism. If there was four misspelled words in your application, that firm isn't going to think highly of your chances of being hired are little to none. Once in the working scene, you need to keep that professionalism because it's a business; slang has no use in the corporate world or anywhere on the job for that matter.

Always read over your work.

Looks

Looks

Society is based off one's visual appearance. Most of the time, we never make an effort to understand someone for who they are on the inside, rather, form opinions based on how they dress or look in the face. People form their crushes based on appearance often disregarding who they are internally. I'm no different, we all form judgements by how others appear; it's always been this way. I sound bitter and that's not who I am, it just seems like such a shallow way to view an individual.

Career Dreams

Career Dreams

So many students these days change their majors because they're worried about how much they make or the demand for it. Understandable, we all want to have security and the comfort of knowing we can later support ourselves and the lifestyle that comes with it. However, I've seen so many adults hate what they're doing, only to stay in that career so they can pay their bills. No thanks, that's not the route I want to take, your career shouldn't feel like 'work.' 

Ever since I was eight years old, I have been obsessed with sports. While I was younger stats were super important to me, once taking a journal and writing down players' receptions, touchdowns, yards, etc. Some family members have given me grief over wanting to major in journalism and hopefully, one day become an analyst at ESPN; but that doesn't phase me.  If I quit on myself and chased another major because of pay, a part of me would feel dead inside. If I fail while chasing a dream, it'll mean much more to me than deviating from it to chase another path that makes more money.

2nd Paper

2nd Paper

I'm very much intrigued with this new assignment. Convincing someone with a theory that I often would disregard will be a challenge, as well a neat way to test my abilities as a writer. I'm looking forward to it, backwards concept but that's what makes it interesting. 

Life is Short

Life is Short

You could stereotype me as someone who thinks they're invincible. Every now and then, I'll do dumb things like running stop signs or driving a bit too fast. Maybe I think the law doesn't apply to me, perhaps I feel 'cool' when I do this. However, as I've grown up, I'm beginning to realize that I'm not different than anyone else, nor less prone to injuries. An invincible mentality isn't going to stop that dip in the road from flipping my truck, nor would it save my life if I hit it going 10 MPH over the speed limit.

A year ago, a close family friend got in an accident while driving that almost cost him his life. He ran a red and got sideswiped by a car going 40 MPH due to the fact that they had a green light. When this happened, it hit me hard, what if that was me? There's no way I want to learn a life lesson through dying or risking being paralyzed for life. That whole saying, 'live everyday as your last' has great relevance to what I'm saying, time to break this mindset of mine.

I could die tomorrow due to a thousand different reasons. Now when I get in the car, or contemplate doing something potentially harmful, I will proceed with great caution or avoid it. I'm not saying "Don't drive because you may go too fast and hurt yourself, or worse, someone else." However, be careful with your life, we don't have nine lives nor should we adopt that mentality. Everyday counts, be safe - live it to the fullest.

Underdogs

Underdogs

It's impossible not to love the underdog. When an individual gets out of a rough home life and makes something of himself he's a true 'hero.' My Dad for example, grew up in a house with three brothers and sisters; couldn't afford braces and now he's the CFO of Elevations Credit Union. A better example would be Richard Sherman, the corner back for the Seattle Seahawks. 

His father worked all day as a garbage man in Los Angeles, while his mom took care of his siblings and the house in a rough Compton neighborhood. Richard could easily be on the streets selling drugs but instead, he saw a way out, going on to make a 4.2 GPA at Stanford then later making millions as a top notch NFL caliber corner. We label him 'arrogant' and 'selfish' without knowing his story, instead we form opinions based off a thirty second interview he had right after an NFC championship game.

I'm not trying to brag about my father, or say you too could be the next 'Richard Sherman.' Rather, I look to both as an inspiration, these two went through so many more hardships than I, what's my excuse? If they made a success of their life through much harder circumstances, why can't I? Hard to hate the underdog.

Living Alone

Living Alone

I hope one day to live on my own out away from people. Long after I've worked, to save enough money to buy property and live far from a city by myself. Miles away from traffic, away from civilization, my own place. An area where I can hear nature and be alone in my thoughts. I love people, don't get me wrong, but I'm super comfortable with myself and being on my own. This will always be on my bucket list

Snow Days

Snow Days

I'm starting to realize getting a 'Snow Day' in Colorado is just about impossible. The 4 years I've lived here it's taken -5 degrees and a foot of snow just to miss one day. I've begun to always expect school, and not be too hopeful. This is Colorado, I guess...

Today's Speakers

Today's Presentations'

Both speakers did an incredible job today. I wasn't able to catch up to either of them and compliment them on a job well done, so why not devote a blog post to both. They clearly had done a lot of research, as well a fantastic job incorporating their audience. It felt like a group discussion rather than someone presenting a project, so to that, hell of a job today!

Horrible Feeling

Horrible Feeling

Have you ever felt clueless in a class, just to see everyone around you working swiftly on the material you're completely lost in? I hate this. Math always gives me this issue, It's hard to avoid feeling stupid when it occurs, I just don't get it. Someone asked me the other day what 'hopeless' feels like, and feeling different in a class completely defines that word. I'm sure there's other people who have gotten this feeling, it's terrible.

Normal Day

Nothing New

 Ever have one of those days where you just repeat your routine? Yeah, that was my Wednesday. All I've done is go to class, do homework, and sleep; not an entertaining day of much importance. In the grand scheme of things, it's better than staying at home all day sleeping, but still, I don't have much to say. 

Different Work Ethics

Different Work Ethics

       I've always found it odd how some people can study for 30 minutes and get an A+ while It takes me 4-5 hours to make that. Friends in high school could do that on AP tests, compared to me, who had to study his butt off in regular classes. Maybe they're just way beyond my intelligence or have a superb memory, in any case, I can't fathom this.

Frosted Window

Frosted Window

Waking up to a car drenched in snow and ice is probably the worst thing ever. Taking 20 minutes for it to completely defrost all while having freezing temperatures inside; I miss having a garage. Not going to lie, that's probably the number one reason I miss living at home; Colorado is the place to have a garage. I'll make the best of it, waking up earlier to allow time to defrost my truck's window; issues I never had living in Dallas.

Debates

Debating

To me, there's a huge difference between arguing with someone and debating. I've found that many people often include the two as the same, and that bothers me. Often, I'll debate with friends over deeper issues or various other things, not trying to alter their viewpoint but in a way, help them see mine. I enjoy hearing there point on the subject as well.

However, I've found some people seem so scared of hurting someone's feelings that they often don't say anything. In hearing their ideas on stuff, it gives me a good perspective, but agreeing with someone just to agree is pointless. Are you really human if you have no opinion on anything? life isn't about staying hidden and not following what you think.

Making the Right Friends

True Friends

As I've gotten older, being true to myself has started to mean something.These days, if some friends wanna do something that I don't, turning it down isn't hard. The best friends are those that don't make you do stuff that requires being uncomfortable, and those are the friends I have kept.

Marriage is a Fiticious Concept

Marriage

You can call me biased, but I don't believe in marriage. My parents divorced when I was 3, Mom's been married 3 times, I've watched relationship after relationship crash in my family.  Everyone is in a rush to start a family right after college: Get married, have kids, buy a house. However, five to ten years down the road they divorce because someone cheats or they "fall out of love." In the process of getting married in your 20's, you aren't financially stable. Add a kid to the mix, they'll surely cut costs right? Today, the divorce rate in America is around 40-50% (American Physcological Assosiation). 

Think about it, about 1 in every two marriages is destined to fail; horrible chances indeed. People settle so easily; society pictures happiness as being married and having kids, then you're all set. Yet, so many guys and girls have a fantasy with marriage, as if that girl will find her "prince-charming" or this guy will have the girl of his dreams. Creating a fake view on what it really is, two people going through life, pushing down barriers and staying together while holding the vows, "till death do us part."

Sorry, but I believe happiness lies in yourself. Is that selfish? no. Helping others and doing the right thing does not require living with a spouse. If I live my life helping others, single, and friends surrounding me there will be satisfaction. Go ahead, have a kid at 23-24, divorce 4-5 years later. You'll have kids with an identical mindset to mine.

Music

Music

Ever find it weird how relevant music becomes when your older? 12-13, I could care less about what I was listening to, as long as it sounded cool. Now, music compliments whatever music your mood is in, becoming much deeper than a 'cool beat.' As well as finding the perfect song, I often wonder what compelled the singer to write it? what was going on in his life that made him get so in depth, that a song came of it? As we get older our minds seem to feel compelled to look at a bigger picture, and that's been a great part of growing up.

Fixing a Tire

Flat Tire

Today, for the first time, I fixed a flat. Of course my Dad helped quite a bit, but learning how to was a solid life lesson. Like in my last blog, not enough useful tips are shared in high school to prepare us for the world. Luckily my Dad wanted to help me, but I know that's not the case for every human being out there.

Relevant High School Curriculum

Real World Information

So much of what we learn in school is wasted. Finding X, doing geometry, and countless other topics. Yes, some engineers will utilize that, but my point is the vast majority of students don't need it. High school should have courses with auto mechanics, financial responsibility, and teach us how to fill out W2 and W4 forums. Students shouldn't go into college not knowing loans, apr rates, and how credit cards work. It's time school utilizes more relevant information, something we will need once adulthood strikes us.

Does Social Media Benefit Society?

Does Social Media Benefit Society?

These gadgets we hold in our hand connect us to the world, but in reality, do they? Degenerates - these individuals hide behind a computer screen and either trash someone they're jealous of, or lash out at someone because they can't handle their own life. Not only that, social media can cause us to be distracted losing focus in school, life, and countless other things. From the beginning, that connected feeling grabs us. Tweeting others, Facebook messaging, interacting without actually speaking to each other in person. Nothing is wrong with it, however, you can overdue it.

With all these new apps, it's important to remember that human interaction wasn't designed to be over phone. You can believe you 'know' someone, but until you go out in the real world and talk to them, you're only halfway there.

Judgement

Judgement

We all judge each other, It's the American way. Strangers make rash decisions on you based off looks, economic status, and millions of other things. We all do it; we avoid those who look 'shady' and welcome anyone who seems friendly. Seeing someone for who they are as a person takes time, you don't know where someone's mind is at just by seeing them once. For example, say your boss screamed at you for being two minutes late. Quickly, you arrive at the conclusion that your boss is a 'jerk' and wouldn't understand the fact that you've been up all night, balancing school and work all week. However, the jerk's wife just cheated on him, after 25 years of marriage; he found all this out the night before. Shocked and devastated, his emotional state couldn't handle work the next day. Thus, he took his anger out on an employee for being two minutes late. Empathy for others requires work and that's a problem for our own fast paced lives. Why should I care about what they're going through? I have enough issues in my life. 

By far, that's the easiest route to take, think about your own issues and little of those who surround you. Still, that's a miserable way to look at the world. Life is empty and quiet for those who only care about themselves. The next time you see someone on the street, don't form assumptions on them based off what he/she is wearing. Talk to them, learn about them; things are not always what they seem.

Life of an Introvert

Introvert Lifestyle

Have you ever thought about what kind of social type you belong to? Once you do, you'll find yourself amazed at the common traits of each. I for one, am positive I'm an introvert. Although I like meeting new people and conversing in casual conversation, time alone to gather my thoughts and decisions are a necessity. Group work- I can't stand it, there's nothing I loathe more. It's not that I'm scared to work with others, ideas just don't flow as easily as they do while alone. As well as writing, it's often said that introverts throw themselves through this. That's me in a heartbeat, I could write about something in much greater context then speaking. While I might not be the best writer ever, I have a passion for it, and a belief that I can improve my abilities towards it. Look around next time you're in public, you can figure out pretty easily whose an extrovert and whose an introvert.

Early Presentation

Early Presentation

When I saw my name under the first day of presentations, I was terrified. This meant that I would have to come up with everything twice as quick, and rush myself to feel ready. However, working with my topic and staying organized on how I will present, it's a gift to go on the first day. Not only am I getting it over with, I won't have that aching feeling in my gut waiting for people to finish theirs for three or four days. Again, I think this comes with a mentality, since I feel prepared I'm confident in my abilities. 

Living With My Brother

Living With My Brother 

Since winter break, my brother and I have started living together. The freedom that comes with being away from your parents is at times great, and sometimes, not so great. On the bright side, nobody is around to pester me about my homework or yell at me to do chores but on the other side, I often forget what I need to do. Learning that self-motivation is the only way I'm going to be successful at life, I have started to develop good habits. It's hard to break the cycle of blowing things off, but once you do it gets easier an easier. When you can personally break habits, and change the way you do things, tasks will start to get done subconsciously.

Sleeping Late

Sleeping Late

For the last 6 years I've had trouble with sleeping in all day. I can go to bed at 10pm and still wake up at 11am, so going to sleep earlier has never worked; even when I take a nap, it's often for 3-4 hours, not an hour like most people. I hate doing this because so much of the day is wasted, it's horrible only seeing like 6-7 hours of sunlight because you wake up so late. I need to develop some kind of strategy to wake up earlier, maybe I should setup an alarm and force myself to wake up at 9. It's a horrible habit, that's for sure

Obsession Towards Futbol

Obsession Towards Futbol

I've always been a big soccer fan, but my trip to Europe last summer turned me into a fanatic. Watching World Cup games at bars in Munich with my family and hundreds of Germans was a blast; not like my typical American soccer experience. While we Americans like to watch soccer every four years, there's no support for our own leagues, like the MLS. Here, players hardly make any money, often having to support themselves once the season ends. Stadiums are small and hardly any fans show up unless Clint Dempsey is on the opposing team. However, in countries like Germany, soccer is the number one sport. Players make millions the competition between teams is fierce. Once we left Europe I knew I wanted to start watching FC Bayern, the team whose city I spent 5 days in. I loved Munich and the people in it, why not watch their team to see what all the fuss was about? Well, it's now January and I haven't missed a single game Bayern has played. The games are so fun to watch, seeing rivalries like Dortmund and Bayern, as well as watching top level futbol; it's become an addiction. Maybe one day I'll go back to Munich and see Bayern play a match, It's on my bucket list.

Life After High School

Life After High School

In high school, I found it easy to slack off on my school work. Getting A's and B's while still waiting until the last minute to start assignments consumed me with a mindset that I can coast through school and life. Well, that's not true for college at all; life gets intense after high school and the real world is no joke. The first semester of this year I went to Arizona State University and preformed horrendously in the classroom; never going to class, forgetting about assignments and taking every day for granted. Over Winter break my Dad informed me that I would be transferring to a local community college to prove to him that I could take school seriously, that, or work 40-50 hours a week. 

Over Winter break my mindset starter to change, remembering how some adults talk about wasting college and live paycheck to paycheck, barely getting by. For once, I knew it was time to take school seriously; life is very difficult for those who don't get degrees. My future could look very miserable if I don't start putting effort into my schoolwork; knowing that while I may not want to spend 3-4 hours a day on homework, that's what it takes to be successful. Success is for those who work their butts off, goals aren't accomplished by those with a "give me" attitude. It's time I chase after my dreams, not just fantasize about them.

To Do Lists

To Do Lists

With ADD accomplishing a single task can be difficult, I often start many projects without finishing them. Lately, I have found that the best way to stay on task and get things done is through organization. Since last year, I have used lists to keep track of tasks and chores that needed to be accomplished while making sure not to cross anything off until it's completely done. Because of this, I'm so much more productive; Instead of thinking I'm done with everything, I can look at my to do list and make sure I'm caught up. 

Positive Mindset

Positive Mindset

Throughout life we all face our own challenges. As human beings, it's not uncommon for us to struggle in school, work, and countless other things. We cannot control certain things, but there is one thing that should be kept firm, and that is how we approach these difficulties. When you look at something with a pessimistic mindset you'll often find that accomplishing tasks becomes almost impossible.  Say homework for example, you have a 5-6 page paper due tomorrow and you waited till tonight to start it. Why? You blew it off, believed it wasn't important and you could "wing it." Doing this not only puts more stress on your shoulders it's likely going to affect your grade. Since you blew it off your grade isn't going to reflect well, not nearly as well as it could have been. If you approached that essay with a positive mindset you could have made a plan to work on it little by little. Doing that, allows you to get a lot of work done overtime without having the need to rush. If you stay positive and approach things in a new way rather than "I'll do it tomorrow" you'd be surprised at what you could accomplish.

Moving to Colorado

Moving to Colorado

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and spent the first 15 years of my life there. They often say that most Texans don't realize there's life outside of Texas, meaning that we're so blinded to our home that we cannot imagine living anywhere else. I would say this is true, I didn't expect to ever leave Dallas until one day in 9th grade my Dad called me telling me he got a new job in a city called "Boulder." At first I was terrified of the move, frightened with the very idea of having to start at a new school and move 800 miles Northwest of Texas. I knew the stereotype Boulder had, and I often let my mind wander and think about the worst possible thing. On my first day of school I walked in with the mindset that everyone was going to be a hippie and hate me for the simple fact that I'm from the South. What happened amazed me, I felt accepted at my school for who I was, and nobody judged me because of my background. Quickly, I found out how beautiful Colorado is and how kind and unique the locals were. Moving here taught me something important, and that is we should always embrace change, rather than run from it.

Squirrel Chase

Squirrel Chase 

About 2-3 times a week I take my dog Roxy to the park and let her run around and exhaust her energy. Typically, she's great off of her leash and comes back to me as soon as I shout "Roxy", but there's one exception. Squirrels - her sworn enemy, Roxy will stop at nothing to chase after these furry little devils. A simple glance at a squirrel will have her sprinting like a cheetah towards it's prey; running over anything and everything along the way. Sadly for me, Roxy found a squirrel today and darted off, leaving me to chase after her for 10-15 minutes until the squirrel climbed up a tree. As she stood there dumbfounded on what to do next, I quickly grabbed the leash and snapped it around her neck. As we slowly walked back to the car, I promised myself one thing... this will be the last time this little convict goes without a leash.

Future Plans

Future Plans

My goal is to spend the next two years at Front Range and make good enough grades to transfer into CU and their Journalism school. To be able to do this, I will need to stay on top of my school work and not procrastinate as much as I used to. I plan on getting homework done as soon as I get home, rather than waiting till the last minute.

Introduction

Introduction

Hello everyone, I'm Alex Calcote. I am 19 years old and originally from Dallas, Texas but moved to Colorado about 4 years ago. I have a passion for writing and my goal is to get a degree in Journalism and become a sports analyst. English has always been one of my favorite subjects and I am looking forward to advancing my writing skills.