Someone in the horn studio made a comment the other day at the couches that our society is quickly becoming poisoned by technology. People are always on computers, facebook, twitter... texting their friends their every thought.
Sometimes I think I should just disconnect everything. Turn off my phone, delete my facebook, stop checking email, unplug the phones. I could spend my time reading or connecting face-to-face with friends. I would have so much more time to think and reflect on things without information and communication coming at me at lightning speed. Kristin told me that her boyfriend got rid of his computer and spends so much more time reading now that he doesn't have that distraction.
Everyone moves so fast and it's so easy to get caught up in this digital world. Texting is beginning to replace real conversation, and relationships can get impersonal so fast. I don't want to even start with the evils of facebook, the way it creates a false sense of connection on such a public interface.
But every time I think about taking a break from technology, I think of some critical reason why I need it; emails make communication easier, texting allows friends to connect at a moment's notice. With all of the dangers technology poses for society, its elimination would be catastrophic.
I guess the challenge is finding out how to use its power for good and not let it take over your whole life... Easier said than done.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
On Last Days of Class
Today is my final day of classes at Baylor. I can't believe it has been a year already; in only 13 days I will be heading back home to Dallas never to return to Waco again!
To various people, I have expressed that my sentiments leaving Baylor are completely ecstatic... "Can't wait to be done with this place!" But realistically, my feelings are much more complex.
While I know that leaving is the right choice, I will sincerely miss some of the students, particularly the musicians that have inspired me and those who have reached out to me throughout the year. While I hate to admit it sometimes, Baylor truly is a beautiful place deep down, full of people who are truly good at heart. Yes, some students are irritating, and others lack ambition. Yet, I can't help but think that there is a spirit of community here unlike any other. For better or for worse, that is one thing that I will undoubtedly not have next year at Arizona State.
And as much as students have touched me, the professors here have had an even greater impact. Beyond the inspiring professors I have had for my music classes, I was blessed to be enrolled in two amazing and rewarding history courses, both with passionate teachers. I have grown so much through my experiences during this first year of college, despite my hardships. I can only hope that the next three years in a new environment will be just as rewarding!
Lastly, and most inevitably, I am excited for summer. The bright summer sun and its welcoming embrace remind me every day that June days of reading and relaxation are ahead! I just have to focus on maintaining momentum for this last week of finals so I don't repeat my mistakes of last year.
Time to prepare for the day. Summer vacation beckons!
To various people, I have expressed that my sentiments leaving Baylor are completely ecstatic... "Can't wait to be done with this place!" But realistically, my feelings are much more complex.
While I know that leaving is the right choice, I will sincerely miss some of the students, particularly the musicians that have inspired me and those who have reached out to me throughout the year. While I hate to admit it sometimes, Baylor truly is a beautiful place deep down, full of people who are truly good at heart. Yes, some students are irritating, and others lack ambition. Yet, I can't help but think that there is a spirit of community here unlike any other. For better or for worse, that is one thing that I will undoubtedly not have next year at Arizona State.
And as much as students have touched me, the professors here have had an even greater impact. Beyond the inspiring professors I have had for my music classes, I was blessed to be enrolled in two amazing and rewarding history courses, both with passionate teachers. I have grown so much through my experiences during this first year of college, despite my hardships. I can only hope that the next three years in a new environment will be just as rewarding!
Lastly, and most inevitably, I am excited for summer. The bright summer sun and its welcoming embrace remind me every day that June days of reading and relaxation are ahead! I just have to focus on maintaining momentum for this last week of finals so I don't repeat my mistakes of last year.
Time to prepare for the day. Summer vacation beckons!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
First post
Hi. I am starting a blog. It is not my first blog; I have had a xanga for the past 7 years or so, but there were many issues with that site. For one, I didn't know how to change the background. But more importantly, I am embarrassed to have written 90% of the words in that blog.
If I wanted my current reflections to be in any way public, I felt that I had to begin anew, and blogger seemed like a good choice.
Why am I starting a blog? To post reflections, opinions, major life happenings, etc. Do I want anyone to read it? Maybe. But it is mostly for me. I think you can discover a lot about yourself and about life by rambling about different ideas, and it is always interesting to look back and read how you felt and saw the world at certain points in your life.
Are blogs self-indulgent? Maybe. But I will try to make this one insightful instead of using it as an extended facebook status update. Posts to look forward to: social commentary, literary reviews, and life reflections.
Enjoy.
If I wanted my current reflections to be in any way public, I felt that I had to begin anew, and blogger seemed like a good choice.
Why am I starting a blog? To post reflections, opinions, major life happenings, etc. Do I want anyone to read it? Maybe. But it is mostly for me. I think you can discover a lot about yourself and about life by rambling about different ideas, and it is always interesting to look back and read how you felt and saw the world at certain points in your life.
Are blogs self-indulgent? Maybe. But I will try to make this one insightful instead of using it as an extended facebook status update. Posts to look forward to: social commentary, literary reviews, and life reflections.
Enjoy.
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