Writing the final, especially question number two, has made me realize it is impossible to make anyone happy. No matter what I do, what I write about, how I speak, someone is always going to have a differing opinion to me.
This blog is my personal space to say what I want to say, how I want to say it, regardless of how people think I should be writing or what I should be writing.
I am happy with where I am in life. Taking my HCOM proseminar made me realize CSUMB is not the school for me. I want to write, I want to be a journalist, and I don't think by taking classes like Restorative Justice or American Drama, I'll be able to get the education I want.
So, next fall, I'll be packing my bags and heading to Sacramento State University, about 20 miles from my house, to enter their English and journalism programs. I am hoping their dedicated departments, versus just a small section in HCOM like CSUMB (side note: I will be so happy to get away from all the acronyms), will give me a greater understanding and preparedness for the world, instead of a small understanding of many things, like CSUMB hopes to give their students.
This summer, I'm going to try and get some freelance journalism work going...hopefully I will be able to build a substantial portfolio by the end of summer and continue in the field.
I wish everyone luck with their new endeavors!
5.12.2009
5.09.2009
bad me
I haven't been keeping this up, but with work being so busy, it's been insane. Forgive my ineptitude.
I have a few things to say.
I hate how the media is obsessed with the Obama administration and their daily lives. Yes, he's the first Democratic president we've had in eight years, but that doesn't make him and his family Roswell aliens.
Michelle Obama is a beautiful, classy and well-organized woman with a distinct sense of style. Does this mean she will be the best First Lady this country has ever seen? No. The fashion community is fawning over her dresses and those of her daughters, when they should be focusing on the attempts she is making at improving the country with her newly-gained power as the SO of the President. President Obama's actions in the Oval Office and Congress should be the forefront of the media, but no, instead we get commentary on the kinds of mustard he likes on his hamburger.
Really. Enough. The Obamas are normal people. Focus on policy, not which designer or which food is their flavor du jour.
I have a few things to say.
I hate how the media is obsessed with the Obama administration and their daily lives. Yes, he's the first Democratic president we've had in eight years, but that doesn't make him and his family Roswell aliens.
Michelle Obama is a beautiful, classy and well-organized woman with a distinct sense of style. Does this mean she will be the best First Lady this country has ever seen? No. The fashion community is fawning over her dresses and those of her daughters, when they should be focusing on the attempts she is making at improving the country with her newly-gained power as the SO of the President. President Obama's actions in the Oval Office and Congress should be the forefront of the media, but no, instead we get commentary on the kinds of mustard he likes on his hamburger.
Really. Enough. The Obamas are normal people. Focus on policy, not which designer or which food is their flavor du jour.
5.03.2009
swine flu
I think swine flu is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. We thought bird flu was bad? Now we have pig flu to supplement the infectious disease menagerie.
What's next on the CDC list?
I got it. Giraffe flu. Can you imagine? People growing patches of spotted fur, tongues turning blue, necks suddenly elongating into the troposphere...
I digress.
I get that this flu could potentially do a lot of damage, and it's unseasonable for North America, whose flu season runs from October to February, but does the media always have to use their doomsday prophecies to scare the entire nation into taking Tamiflu and using painting masks to try and avoid it? Taking Tamiflu will make it worse the next time around, and unless you keep your hands clean every single minute of the day, there is a risk you're going to get infected.
What's even more dangerous, though, is the gap between the reporting of disease occurrences to the CDC, confirmation of swine flu, then reporting of statistics to the country. We may think the number is small now, but the number you hear a week from now is the number it actually was today.
Follow all hygiene procedures. Cover your face when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands thoroughly and often, use hand sanitizer, avoid sharing stuff on which another person has left their saliva (unless it's your significant other. If my boyfriend gets swine flu, there's no doubt I will).
Be healthy!
What's next on the CDC list?
I got it. Giraffe flu. Can you imagine? People growing patches of spotted fur, tongues turning blue, necks suddenly elongating into the troposphere...
I digress.
I get that this flu could potentially do a lot of damage, and it's unseasonable for North America, whose flu season runs from October to February, but does the media always have to use their doomsday prophecies to scare the entire nation into taking Tamiflu and using painting masks to try and avoid it? Taking Tamiflu will make it worse the next time around, and unless you keep your hands clean every single minute of the day, there is a risk you're going to get infected.
What's even more dangerous, though, is the gap between the reporting of disease occurrences to the CDC, confirmation of swine flu, then reporting of statistics to the country. We may think the number is small now, but the number you hear a week from now is the number it actually was today.
Follow all hygiene procedures. Cover your face when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands thoroughly and often, use hand sanitizer, avoid sharing stuff on which another person has left their saliva (unless it's your significant other. If my boyfriend gets swine flu, there's no doubt I will).
Be healthy!
4.28.2009
the fight for marriage equality
I consider myself to be one of the odder people on campus in terms of political beliefs. I was raised in a highly conservative household when it came to policy and fiscal matters, but social ones were treated with relative indifference. Gay marriage and abortion were no big deal, and I've never understood why so many people become so vehemently opposed to either.
I totally support gay marriage, or whatever it is. I understand marriage is traditionally defined as occurring between a man and a woman, but when that definition was formed, a woman could be killed for being raped or disobeying her husband. If we are to keep these laws, then the one in three women facing rape or sexual abuse in their lifetime would be gone. Now imagine if that was your wife or girlfriend, mother or sister, niece or daughter.
That's a lot of women whose lives would be adversely affected by maintaining this traditional rule. Why are we so hellbent on keeping an archaic structure which is maladapted to our current society? A union is a union regardless of the sex or gender of the people involved. Every spouse should have equal rights to their significant other's estate, protection and benefits. If tables were turned and gay marriage was suddenly the dominating influence in a society, would you as a heterosexual person feel outraged? Disgusted? Rebellious?
A little empathy goes a long way.
I totally support gay marriage, or whatever it is. I understand marriage is traditionally defined as occurring between a man and a woman, but when that definition was formed, a woman could be killed for being raped or disobeying her husband. If we are to keep these laws, then the one in three women facing rape or sexual abuse in their lifetime would be gone. Now imagine if that was your wife or girlfriend, mother or sister, niece or daughter.
That's a lot of women whose lives would be adversely affected by maintaining this traditional rule. Why are we so hellbent on keeping an archaic structure which is maladapted to our current society? A union is a union regardless of the sex or gender of the people involved. Every spouse should have equal rights to their significant other's estate, protection and benefits. If tables were turned and gay marriage was suddenly the dominating influence in a society, would you as a heterosexual person feel outraged? Disgusted? Rebellious?
A little empathy goes a long way.
4.05.2009
work sucks
I really don't like my job.
I know a lot of people say that, but I think my situation is a little unique.
For one, I have three female bosses, and everyone in my office is female. I'm a girl, too, so the amount of estrogen floating around is astonishing.
In order of appearance, we have: Flutterby, the big boss, who controls the entire office and such.
Kookles, one of two minor bosses, who is rather insane
and, finally, Beezy. Her name speaks for itself.
Part of my job is to write 1-2 articles a week for this organization, which appear in a local newspaper. Everyone has their own opinions, which is fine, but I have to have a 45-minute meeting with Kookles before she is satisfied, a 10-minute meeting with Beezy before she is satisfied, and then another meeting with Flutterby where she dismisses all the changes made by the other two. This is also the case for e-newsletters or anything else that involves communications. And it can't be something simple like changing a word, it has to be "I don't like how this looks now, change it."
I have to say, Kookles is really kooky because of a semi-recent surgery and the amount of drugs she's taking.
But these women are never satisfied! Something is always wrong, something always needs changing.
I suppose that's how the world works, though.
I know a lot of people say that, but I think my situation is a little unique.
For one, I have three female bosses, and everyone in my office is female. I'm a girl, too, so the amount of estrogen floating around is astonishing.
In order of appearance, we have: Flutterby, the big boss, who controls the entire office and such.
Kookles, one of two minor bosses, who is rather insane
and, finally, Beezy. Her name speaks for itself.
Part of my job is to write 1-2 articles a week for this organization, which appear in a local newspaper. Everyone has their own opinions, which is fine, but I have to have a 45-minute meeting with Kookles before she is satisfied, a 10-minute meeting with Beezy before she is satisfied, and then another meeting with Flutterby where she dismisses all the changes made by the other two. This is also the case for e-newsletters or anything else that involves communications. And it can't be something simple like changing a word, it has to be "I don't like how this looks now, change it."
I have to say, Kookles is really kooky because of a semi-recent surgery and the amount of drugs she's taking.
But these women are never satisfied! Something is always wrong, something always needs changing.
I suppose that's how the world works, though.
eyes wide open
All this weekend and on Monday, there will be an event called Eyes Wide Open, sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee and a few other organizations. In the main quad, there will be over 400 pairs of army boots, each representing a soldier from California who died. Some boots are from far away (Oceanside) while others are close to home (Salinas). Along with soldier boots, take a look for civilian baby and women's shoes, who represent just a few of the Iraqi casualties in the war.
Personally, I think this is a great way to give people a concept of the shear number of deaths. We wear our shoes every day, just like the brave men and women protecting our country. As I was talking with some of the organizers of the exhibit, they told me they used to travel the country and would receive boots from family members of those who have fallen, but due to the shear number of total casualties and the amount of care required to preserve the personal effects, they were all given back.
American soldiers who have died: 4264
(source http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/)
Personally, I think this is a great way to give people a concept of the shear number of deaths. We wear our shoes every day, just like the brave men and women protecting our country. As I was talking with some of the organizers of the exhibit, they told me they used to travel the country and would receive boots from family members of those who have fallen, but due to the shear number of total casualties and the amount of care required to preserve the personal effects, they were all given back.
American soldiers who have died: 4264
(source http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/)
3.23.2009
Remembering Jeanette Martinez
Here is the article I wrote for the Otter Realm on Jeanette Martinez. She will be missed.
-----------------------------------------------
She was the tiniest girl with the biggest heart. Her big, bright smile lit up any room she entered, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. A soft voice and petite frame belied her strong conviction to change the world and her devotion to bettering the lives of others.
John Martinez was sound asleep when a knock on the door brought a parent’s greatest nightmare. His eldest daughter, Jeanette, had died only a few hours before. After a long night, she was driving home to her East Campus apartment when tragedy unfolded. A 27-year-old woman had been driving drunk, struck two cars, and hit the CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) junior and Collaborative Health and Human Services major head on, killing her instantly.
The same morning, Ashley Rodgers, a Human Communications major and fifth-year student at CSUMB, woke to an incessant ringing. “The sorority sisters kept calling me and calling me,” said Rodgers. “So I called them back and [a sister] told me what happened, and I got dressed and went over there just to be with them.”
Jeanette was holding down three jobs and 15 units, all while supporting her sorority, Sigma Theta Psi, as an Epsilon class sister, coqueta, and ladybug. “[This semester] she wasn’t active, but she still came to meetings. She wanted us as sisters, she wanted to bring us together,” said Rodgers. “She had a special bond with everyone; I think we all have a little spot with Jeanette.”
One of her favorite activities was fund raising for breast cancer awareness, something her sorority promoted throughout October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jeanette was an active volunteer and attendee of her church from early in life. Her faith was important to her, and she read her Bible daily. She would memorize 13 verses during the week and read them aloud at Sunday morning service at Family Christian Center, which she attended with her family on a weekly basis.
Alongside her busy life at CSUMB, Jeanette remained close to her parents, two sisters, and niece at home in Greenfield, CA. She took care of her mother when she fell ill, driving her to doctor’s appointments and tending to her needs. “She was always there,” said her mother, Carmen Martinez. “She was never too busy for me. She was always there no matter what; she loved us.”
As the oldest, Ms. Martinez was the best friend to sisters Claudia and Jasmin. Even while pursuing her degree at CSUMB, she was always there to help with homework or to take care of her niece, Neveah. “Even though she worked three jobs, she was always there for us,” said Claudia. “Anything we wanted, she would get for us. We could always call her.”
There is little doubt Jeanette remains a bright spot among her friends and family. From happy child, to happy girl, to happy woman, Jeanette will always be remembered for her smile and presence. “She was like an angel to me,” said Mrs. Martinez. “She lifted me up.”
-----------------------------------------------
She was the tiniest girl with the biggest heart. Her big, bright smile lit up any room she entered, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. A soft voice and petite frame belied her strong conviction to change the world and her devotion to bettering the lives of others.
John Martinez was sound asleep when a knock on the door brought a parent’s greatest nightmare. His eldest daughter, Jeanette, had died only a few hours before. After a long night, she was driving home to her East Campus apartment when tragedy unfolded. A 27-year-old woman had been driving drunk, struck two cars, and hit the CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) junior and Collaborative Health and Human Services major head on, killing her instantly.
The same morning, Ashley Rodgers, a Human Communications major and fifth-year student at CSUMB, woke to an incessant ringing. “The sorority sisters kept calling me and calling me,” said Rodgers. “So I called them back and [a sister] told me what happened, and I got dressed and went over there just to be with them.”
Jeanette was holding down three jobs and 15 units, all while supporting her sorority, Sigma Theta Psi, as an Epsilon class sister, coqueta, and ladybug. “[This semester] she wasn’t active, but she still came to meetings. She wanted us as sisters, she wanted to bring us together,” said Rodgers. “She had a special bond with everyone; I think we all have a little spot with Jeanette.”
One of her favorite activities was fund raising for breast cancer awareness, something her sorority promoted throughout October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jeanette was an active volunteer and attendee of her church from early in life. Her faith was important to her, and she read her Bible daily. She would memorize 13 verses during the week and read them aloud at Sunday morning service at Family Christian Center, which she attended with her family on a weekly basis.
Alongside her busy life at CSUMB, Jeanette remained close to her parents, two sisters, and niece at home in Greenfield, CA. She took care of her mother when she fell ill, driving her to doctor’s appointments and tending to her needs. “She was always there,” said her mother, Carmen Martinez. “She was never too busy for me. She was always there no matter what; she loved us.”
As the oldest, Ms. Martinez was the best friend to sisters Claudia and Jasmin. Even while pursuing her degree at CSUMB, she was always there to help with homework or to take care of her niece, Neveah. “Even though she worked three jobs, she was always there for us,” said Claudia. “Anything we wanted, she would get for us. We could always call her.”
There is little doubt Jeanette remains a bright spot among her friends and family. From happy child, to happy girl, to happy woman, Jeanette will always be remembered for her smile and presence. “She was like an angel to me,” said Mrs. Martinez. “She lifted me up.”
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)