not the easiest thing to accept

Note: I am Catholic, so please do not be offended by anything. If you have any questions or comments about my religion please feel free to comment or ask.

3 Weeks ago, something unbelievable happened. It was raining and all the cars were leaving the church in a single file line. Everyone felt satisfied and content with taking time from a Friday afternoon to talk with God at his house ( the church). On the road that everyone has to take to leave the church, there is construction going on. It was 10 pm and the stop sign was barely visible. That road is known to be dangerous because cars always speed on it and 3 accidents had already occurred; nothing major.

An F-150 truck was slowly passing by, when all of a sudden; a Mercedes hits the truck from the side. Glass shattered everywhere and the truck spins and flips to its side twice. The car behind the truck is frozen in place with dread and fear of whom the family was. All that is left is a 9 year old little girl lying on her back in the middle of the street, an 11 year old and the could stuck in the truck. The dad tries to reach for one, then the other daughter, but pain shoots all the way from his hip to his ankle. The mother cries in hysteria.

Later on that night, the hospital room is packed with family. Non of which are blood-related, but any person from our church is family. The doctor tells everyone with tears in her eyes that there is nothing she can do to save the 9 year old, Fanny. Fanny was the only one not wearing her seat belt. She flew out of her seat, through the windshield, and the truck landed on top of her little fragile body. Externally, only a small head injury was visible. Although the wound was not big, it was very deep and her insides were completely destroyed.

The big family continued to pray in that little packed room. The voices echoed through the hall as they called God to do his will. A scripture from the bible was recited and they called out to fanny 3 times. There was a mysterious beep on the monitor she was hooked up to. For the closing to the prayer, they called her name out again. The monitor gave one last beep. Although her family was very sad, they were happy to know their daughter was in a better place.

It was amazing to witness the power of prayer and to see family come united in times of need.
If only everyone was this nice.

no place like home

so these are my roommates... BRI..ME...Aly...Joy.
My roommates are very special to me. The only problem is that they are super messy and really loud. I like to have fun AFTER im done with my school work. This semester all they wanted to do was party everynight and skip their first two classes to sleep in. I think skipping class everyday is stupid because we PAY FOR COLLEGE, this is not public school! I am a neat freak, therefore; I am constantly cleaning. The bad thing is they never help with the cleaning. Whenever I had tests early in the morning, they would not respect that and come home making a tremendous cacaphony. I can not stand it anymore. The kitchen and the living room is always a mess. It is disgusting, I thought only boys' dorms could smell so badly, obviously some girls are pigs too! Im not mad at them, I am just a little fed up. My parents do not mind if i live a little longer with them. I am very independent,but there is no place like home!

justice

Today i got pulled over. I was going 75 in a 55 zone. The car in front of me was going about 85 in the 55 zone. The police car was right behind me but he did not turn on his lights just yet. I started to decrease my speed slowly. As soon as he pulled up next to me and noticed I was hispanic he pulled me over. I was a little nervous, but I was like let God's will be done. The officer just said let me see your license. I already had it out, so I just handed it to him. I have never seen a cop stare at a license for SO LONG. Then, he handed it back and said, " you went too fast a multiple of times, slow down it's a 55 zone. I was in shock. He had just assumed I did not have a license. The cop had been following for a really long time, but he did not pull me over until he got a good view of me. Another thing is that the car in front of me was clearly going so much faster. The cop could have easily passed me and cought up to the car in front. I was in shock. I was really mad and upset. I know there are so many hispanics driving withought a license, but at that moment i WISHED he would have given me a ticket. The real reason he pulled me over was because he thought i did not have a lisence. I was so offended! One day i will be someone with power in this country. A black male made it to presidency, I am determined to be the first hispanic female to be something great as well! In this country, the possibilities are endless with hardwork!

Saint Elizabeth

Today, November 17th, Catholics celebrate the feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Saint Elizabeth's father was King Andrew of Hungary. At only at the age of four, Saint Elizabeth was brought to Germany to become a future bride. In the meantime, this agreement reinforced political alliances between the two families and countries. Saint Elizabeth was married by the age of fourteen. Shortly after, she was widowed by the age of twenty. She shared her wealth with the helpless and the poor. She became the symbol of charity in Germany by building many hospitals out of the goodness of her heart. Saint Elizabeth passed away at only twenty-four years of age. Even after the death of Saint Elizabeth, miracles were still reported occurring at her grave or in the hospitals she built. Most of the miracles were mainly of healing. Saint Elizabeth had a positive impact on people and surely deserved becoming a saint.

cancer is not something to play with

According to TODAYshow.com, A lady in Texas faked having cancer. There was even an all day benefit rally to help raise funds for Trista Joy. Ten thousand dollars were raised. She fooled everyone by saying she could not afford the treatment and had no health innsurance. According to the County Sheriff's Office, it was learned later that it was alla fake. Joy still spent 6,700 on breast implants. She was just a flat-chested woman who wanted breast augmentations.
Im sure all cancer survivors feel very offended. And those batteling cancer must feel nausiated. Im appalled by such inhumane behavior. This lady had absolutley no morals. She was not even in need. She was just a selfish woman who had no heart!

TWLIHAD

Friday is TO WRITE LOVE IN HER ARMS DAY. It is a non-profit movement dedicated to provide hope, support, and care for people dealing with depression, addiction, suicide, or self0 injury. It also serves to inspire and inform treatment.
I fully support this. Once, I had a friend who seemed pretty normal to me. He was always super happy and his smile was contagious like no other. I was always in a better mood when he was around. My friend had a good family who also went to my church. One day, my friend's mom approached me and asked if he had mentioned anything of importance. I was puzzled by this question and it left me pondering. I did not understand. When I arrived to my house, my mother explained everything to me.
My friend had attepmted to commit suicide. His mother caught him in time to snatch the knive away from his veins. I was in disbelif and stricken with horror. I could not believe i failed to read the signs. I failed completely because I did not suspect anything was wrong. If something worse would have happened to him, I would have blamed myself. Im so glad he had changed. Right now, he is doing fine and Im so proud of him. All people need is a helping hand willing to walk next to them step by step.

VMA DRAMA

At this year's Video Music Awards, teen pop sensation, Taylor Swift won the award for best female video. Kanye West did not contain himself and stormed up to the stage to snatch the microphone out of Taylor Swift's hand. Kanye stated that Beyonce should have won. Taylor Swift was clearly upset. For the rest of the program, even the mentioning of Kanye West was "booed." It was well deserved. How could an adult make a teen and her mother cry backstage?
The silver lining of the night was when Pink almost beat him up. Pink was furious. She had to be escorted out by West's body gaurds. Then Kanye was asked to leave Radio City Music Hall.
Without a doubt, what he did was wrong. This young, rising star must have felt wonderful when she won. All of those good feeling were washed away when Kanye decided to crash her delight. Later on the program when Beyonce won Video of the Year, she gave her acceptance speech up and let Swift go at it. This kind gesture proved that Beyonce is a classy lady. Although Kanye issued an apology, i doubt it was sincere.

a must read for American Women

If you are a woman, it is necessary for you to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. It helped me learn to appreciate the everyday things i take for granted. Some are my jobs, my education, and my protective rights.
This novel was written by Khaled Hosseini, who is also the author of The Kite Runner. A Thousand Splendid Suns, is an inspiration to mothers and daughters everywhere. Much of Afghanistan's dreadful history is described vividly. All the characters immediately come to life as soon as you open the book up.
There are many scenes where women are severely abused.The details are so intriguing that they make you cringe and water fills your eyes while reading.
It clearly points out many differences in what societies accept and don't accept. For example, in the story, women were not permitted to wear revealing clothes. Some were only allowed to show her eyes. In the US, more men accept to let their wives or daughters choose what to wear. Although some are strict, they are not crazy and would not shop a wrist off if it is shown.
In the novel, Women are discouraged to become educated and work. In the US, more women each day are self-motivated to become educated and work.
I am so grateful to live in a country where I have rights. I have to right to an education. I also have women's rights that prohibits men from hitting us legally.

Michael Jackson not GOD

First of all, I would like to remind not to be so sensitive and not to take anything i talk about in a personal manner.
Last night my roommates and I watched the, This is It, Michael Jackson movie. I was very surprised. When it began my roommate turned to me and said, " I think I'm going to cry."
I could not contain a little giggle that slipped from my mouth. I know Michael Jackson was named the king of pop and it was well deserved. For many years, this artist has raised the bar high enough to be unreachable for all the upcoming pop artists. He was known worldwide and had many awards and accomplishments. On the otherside, we know little about his controversial life. He was accused of molesting children. He was considered crazy for changing the color of his skin. He is praised for wearing tight clothing. I just do not understand society.

Society rejects straight men that wear tight clothing. That is all Michael Jackson wore. Crazy looking jackets and tight pants. Society also rejects men that have a thin, girl voice. Michael Jackson sings amazingly, but in interviews he sounds like a girl. It's as if he purposely hides his man, raspy voice for a more feminine-like voice. In addition, Most African-Americans adore Michael Jackson despite the fact that he changed the color of his skin. No one holds that against him. If he were my race to begin with, I would be at least a little hurt. Then, it is one thing to have a favorite singer. One can be a fan and attend an artist's concert, buy their tee shirts, albums, and even imitate their dance moves. But there comes a time when enough is enough. Michael Jackson is not a God. People worship, praise, and even cried for him at his funeral. Unless you knew him personally or were at least somehow connected to him, there is no reason for you to cry. Yes, he was a great lost and will be missed very much by myself and all his fans, but he is not worth stranger's tears.
Michael Jackson was human like all of us. He had his faults and mistakes. For all we know, he could of actually been a child molester. Would you all those Michael worshippers, Could you still have adored and looked at him the same way?Im not accusing him of anything, I am just trying to get feedback and understand why people worshiped Michael as if he were a god.
Michael Jackson, where ever you are in the afterlife, purgatory, or heaven, I do not mean any disrespect, rest in peace.

All Saints Day

One of the biggest misinterpretations of the Catholic religion is that Catholics are mistakenly accused of worshipping saints. Yesterday, November 1st was All Saints Day. It is a holy day of obligation which means one must attend mass. All Saints Day just honors all the known and unknown saints. Many Saints have specific dates to be honored but there are some that have been forgotten or never really specifically honored. Saints have immaculate souls whom we ask for their prayers and intercession. Catholics are Not idol/ saint worshippers.

Sancticity means holiness. Saints recognize they are sinners but live their lives through the image of God. They do not just speak of what a true messanger of God should do. They actually show it through their actions. Saints' lives are devoted to helping others and giving more than receiving. I have read many books describing the lives of certain saints. Each one has and incredible background. Saints are interesting and a true inspiration to be a better person. My favorite is Saint Raphael. He is the patron of many things but the one thing that stands out to me is he is the saint of young people.

Abortion Mandate

The Roe Vs Wade guarantees the right to privacy not the right to elect abortion. Public money should not be used to fund induced abortion. Women should not be allowed to choose who lives or who dies. It is not fair. A fetus is a baby at its early stage. One of the first organs is a heart. What more evidence should be presented to convince people that abortion kills babies? Abortion is not going to solve anything. It will cause more sexual deseases to spread. It will also encourage teens to have sex at a younger age. And it will abolish the mere thought of abstinence. Instead of allowing the quickest yet most dreadful option of abortion, people should be educated on other options. Some are birth control and sexual responsibilities.

There have been complaints of hidden abortion mandates in the health care legislation. However, Obama's main focus is to ensure people's care at an affordable price. On the otherhand, many people are too worked up about the abortion mandate to even look at the other benefits covered. Tonight, there will be a Stop the Abortion Mandate webcast. Log on to http://click-here-to-listen.com/1234 at 9PM to get informed on this issue.

october coming to an end

There are only two fun-filled weekends left in October. This Sunday I will be attending a wedding. I do not know the family so Im not sure how the party will be. I hope there is plenty of dancing and enough to eat. I was born an expert at both. Then next Friday my family is hosting a costume party. THIS IS NOT A HALLOWEEN PARTY. Halloween is over-rated and makes kids more likely to become obese. If I were a phych major, I would definately do a correlation study between obese kids and candy. There is no need to dress up in gruesome costumes. Think about this... each holiday celebrates somethin. So Halloween celebrates dead people? WHY? Those people are dead. You should have celebrated LIFE not death. Anyways, that is the reason we are having a costume party not a halloween party.

wonderful day

Today, I felt like I got so much accomplished. I love these kind of days. I went to classes and actually took great notes. The cycling class eased the stress a little. Ana invited me over for lunch. Her cooking skills are extraordinary. The chicken breast was lightly seasoned but the taste was juicy and tender. The rice was cooked to prefection. To top the meal off, Ana baked brownies and served them hot out of the oven. Then, I went to a psychology experiment to obtain credit hours. Fortunatley, someone messed the whole thing up, and all the participants, including myself, were let out early. I came home to finish a dreaded math project. Nothing beats the feeling of conquering the fear of math. I cleaned for the rest of the afternoon. When everything is clean, everything feels so much better. Now for the grand finali of my wonderful day I am going to thank God for all my wonderful blessings.

What October has for fun

So much to do, so little time. Despite the crazy schedules, one is definitely in need of fun!! The month of October is definitely a good month to start going out. You can go to Six Flags. It is no longer flooded. Six Flags is perfect for people that like thrills and can handle the super fast rides. Another thing worth trying out is Ghosts of Atlanta. It is a walking tour of Atlanta. It consists of lonely spirits and doomed souls all packed into 90 minutes of walking. For those that are extremely daring, you can go to haunted houses. Atlanta has a few, but I have heard that Netherland is a good one! So put away your good heels and put some tennis shoes on to be able to tame the thrills of scary, haunted houses.

long day

College can be so stressful. Sometimes it may not have to be all academic hardships. Sometimes it's also clubs, work, friends, and other responsibilities. For example, most of my school work is done, but I still had a few meetings to attend today. Above all, I still wanted to work out at the gym. Whenever I go to the gym I always get carried away and spend almost 2 hours at the Rec Center. I have fun and I know it's helpful. Then I had to type up my resume, correct an essay, and read a chapter. I waited for a little bit for the shuttle to take me home to the commons. When I arrived home, i realized the dishes were piled up. It was disgusting! I put my belongings down and I began to wash the dishes. As I was dumping trash into the bin, I accidentally threw my phone in there as well. I reached for it, but it was too late. My phone was wet with Gatorade all over it. I was disgusted and upset at the same time. To make matters worse, My phone would not turn back on. I don't believe in bad days, some are just better than others. I am glad i did not loose my patience today. I believe this hard day was just an endurance test that truly tested how far i could extend my patience!

perfect roommates

Perfect roommates are impossible to find. The reason is because everyone has flaws. No one is perfect and strengths and weaknesses vary. Normally, anyone would be thrilled to have roommates with either the same religion or the same ethnicity, just something you could easily relate with one another. In my living space, we are all belong to a minority group. We are all outgoing and fun to be around. Unfortunately, they like to party to much. One always brings different guests over and never seems to take in to consideration as to what her room mates has to say about it. Another always goes out. She wears extra make up to conceal the dark circles under her eyes. Sadly, the makeup just puts emphasises her dark areas and attracts more attention to her face. Although she parties very much, she still goes to school, even with only 3 hours of sleep. Finally, my last roommate is the one i can relate to the most. She is very passionate for her religion and very kind-hearted. I can tell her anything, and she listens and gives good advice. This roommate can be too big of a party animal. She misses class often due to staying up all night. In addition, she usually brings her 15 year old sister with her. This is not right. At her age, which is young enough, partying is expected, but a 15 year old goes beyond the limit. She is not setting a very good example. Despite the evidence staring right back at us in the face, people still wonder why our world is full of corruption. When my roommates go out, I worry. I worry because they are not very responsible. They say they are, but their actions tell otherwise. I am not an angel and I also go out, but I know my limit..

creation aborted

Conception is sacred because human life is created
Right to a life should not be taken away
Everyone has a choice
Abortion is wrong
Termination of a potential life is sad
I can help stop it, one person at a time
Options are available
Never give up hope

sex

I just finished reading "Why Women Have Sex." I am in a bit of shock right now. First of all, I am surprised we could read this for our english class. This was very brave of Mrs. Jin. I can't wait to see what the students instructing the class have to say about this tomorrow. This article was very entertaining. The author seemed very down to earth and explained things in a simple form. I was not very surprised at the information presented. My estimates of the statistics provided were close. I had always wondered that same question, but I never had the courage to bring the topic up. I did not want to put anyone at unease. It is amazing how sex is universal. The stats were only derived from certain location, I woner if they would be completely different if they included the entire world. Women have sex for physical, emotional, and material reasons. Dopamine is sort of the happy drug your body realeases. That is another reason why people have sex, to feel good. Of course, there are those people who do it because of love. Whatever the reason, people of all ages have sex. I wonder what ever happened to promoting abstinence. Instead, more research is done and more questions about sex are being answered.

Psych exam

My first Psychology test was on Monday, September 21. I always suffered from test anxiety. It is something completely normal, but I always manage to freak out even more. To make things worse, i was so cought up with my social life that i completely forgot i had an upcoming exam. The Sunday before the exam, I went to a concert in Conyers. I had so much fun with friends and family. That night, I came home and looked at my calender, to my surprise, I realized i had a test the next day! I quickly began to cram in as much information as possible. I only stayed up until midnight because I knew i had to sleep to recall as much information as possible. The next day. it only took me about 30 minutes to finish my exam. I looked around the room and more than half of the class was still there. I was a little worried i might have rushed a little too much.

This week i found out i got an 88 on my exam. That was not too bad for a cram all in one night type exam. I learned my lesson. Study a few minutes each night so the last one before the exam will not be so intense!

Salsita Night

Salsita Night was held on September 19th in The student center. The fun night was from 7-11. It was continued until after midnight at Papito's restaura. Salsita night was brought together by LASA, Latin American Student Association. Salsita night was basically a kickoff to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We had the honor to have Afri salsa as a special guest. Afri- salsa is a group that promotes rhythm, salsa in particular. They give background information on where dances originated, then they demonstrate the dace. They were very interactive with the crowd and very entertaining. I had a blast socializing and dancing !!

give to the poor or the fake?

Today my friend, Rafel, came to visit from Conyers. We walked to Underground Atlanta to grab a bite to eat. On our way, a man in a wheelchair called out to us. I hesitated but picked up my walking pace. Rafel looked back and stopped. I looked at him, confused. "What are you doing?" I asked. "I have to give him something," he replied. I could not believe my ears. He reached deep in to his pocket and pulled out a five-dollar bill. I knew he had a big heart, but I also knew many people faked being ill or in need.

During lunch, we had a long talk about his kind gesture. I came to a conclusion, that we are no one to judge. Our only mission in life is to love God and each other. Even if someone is faking an illness just to get money, it is not our fault. God will see the generous deeds and take care of the people who have tricked you. There really is no way to make sure a homeless person is lying or not. Even though you might give money to a faker, what if a person really is in need? The warm feeling when you do something nice will stay with you forever. Knowing you helped someone helps you feel empowered and that's how the world starts to change, one person at a time.

crazy EX

My roommate, ?, gave me her consent to give a brief overview of a scare that occurred about two weeks ago. I have decided not to use her name, just a simple ?, because it is a very personal experience. The only reason I am posting this is to inform everyone that we all have choices.

Everyone was home. The stereo was so loud, so no one heard the knocking on the door except for me. Eager to see who it was, since it is impossible to visit someone without an escort in the commons, I poked throughout the eye hole. I was in disbelief and ran to my roommates room. Her jaw dropped, and she ran to get our other roommates. ? 's phone kept ringing every minute. My roommates' panicked face sent a shiver down my spine. We kept asking each other," how did he get in? who let him in?" The commons is a very secure living environment, but somehow, a crazy ex- boyfriend managed to get in. We did not hesitate to call the police. The police took a while to arrive. In the meantime, the knocking turned into kicking and it was accompanied by loud cursing.

The police arrived and escorted the crazy ex- boyfriend out of the building. At first he refused to leave and made a scene. Then he was warned he was better off leaving. After he left, the police interrogated us. To our surprise, we learned of ?'s big secret. The crazy guy had been mentally and physically abusing her. We all let ? know that we were there to support her. The ex is no longer allowed on campus for 2 years. I'm proud of ? for finally breaking loose of chains that kept holding her down.

Ladies never think you are alone if someone is hurting you. Today, there are so many organizations willing to help. Best of all, there are friends everywhere waiting to help in any possible way.

Gentlemen, be kind and gentle. A woman is the most beautiful thing created. Be respectful and let us show you our true and vibrant colors.

Where to Find Hotties on Campus

The first week of school, I did not see a single hottie. I never lost hope that as time went on, I would be able to find at least a few. My friends and I are on a mission. We are determined to seek out the creme de la creme. I participated in a mentor program, and to my surprise, my mentor was a total hottie. His toned body left me speechless. His pearly whites glistened and sparkled. As he introduced himself, he also earned major brownie points. All I remember hearing was...," I am president of blah blah blah, I am member of blah club as well a blahblahblah. " That sounded over qualified to be my hottie. You can never go wrong with brains and beauty.
My friend, Nurain, used a different approach. Friends who know hotties, who know hotties can definitely hook you up. For instance, Nurain was casually talking to some friends at the nearby Rec Center. She happened to announce out loud, " I want to meet some hotties." Her friend replied, " Let's go meet my friends, they are right outside." Nurain did just as he said, with no hesitation. In the end, she had a few laughs and had networked with more than one hottie.
Mission Accomplished...

love sucks

What is love?I wish i knew the answer to that. Sometimes I get frustrated because I have not found Mr. Right. Mom always asks why I am in such a rush to find my Prince Charming. It's not that I am in a hurry, It just seems like I'm not even searching in the right places. I go to the club and doubt every guy i dance with is a good guy. Normally, guys at the club are not looking for a girlfriend, they just want to have a good time. I go to church, and they are all my sister's age. I refuse to date a 15 year old when I am now a college student.
Why can't things be more like in the book/movie, Twilight? Everything always seems to fall into place when you least expected it in this extraordinary novel. Everyone always tells me to be patient and the right guy will come to me. What puzzles me is: how will i know I have found him? Life is just so complicated. Love just makes things better and worse at the same time.

Time After Time

As i walked home from church today, the water lighlty patted down upon my skin. It was a soothing, rythmic pattern. It was as if God had paused the entire world, and all I could hear was the beating of my heart and the flood of thoughts in my head. I know God is all around. And although I was 30 minutes away from my family, I knew not to call them. They were probabally in a hurry to be on time to church. It was my first Sunday all alone in a busy City. I had gone to church as a stranger to everyperson in there except for God. He knows me, and thats all that mattered. I will try to go home every Sunday, because a family that prays together, stays united!
Normally, I am a very happy person, but on this day I felt lonely and homesick. Being independent is fun for a while, but then reality sinks in, and you are back to square one. I worked hard throughout highschool to get to where I am. Although the classes themselves were not always challenging, I still managed to stress myself. I would always help with activities in clubs, church, meals on wheels, taking my siblings to soccer or cheer practice. The list is ongoing. Sunday was the most hectic day out of the entire week! First my dad would ask me pick a tie that matched his shirt. Then my brother would approach me to ask if I could make him breakfast, since everyone else always seemed to be busy. Then, my sister would ask me to find her desired shirt, that was always at the bottom of the clean laundry pile. Finally, Mom would ask me to do her makeup. In addition, she wanted me to rate her outfit and give her the "thumbs up" or thumbs down." I always found this a bit comical. By the time it was my turn to get ready, I would only have about 30 minutes to rush before we left to church.
I miss feeling needed. I miss my family. I miss hearing my name being called out in 4 different directions at the same time. Although I visit them just about every weekend, I now see them less because I work. Unfortunately, life is a cycle. Whether you are prepared or not, life throws challenges your way. I would advise any high school student to enjoy being 17. There are less responsibilties, less homework, less stress, and more family time!

You're a jerk... I know

"Is this a kickboxing class or martial arts?" I asked with a puzzle expression on my face.

The handsome blond quickly replied," kickboxing is a martial art."

His snappy remark made my face match the color of my bubblegum pink nail polish. I tried not to let the green-eyed monster, anger, demolish the excitement that had built up all day long. Right from the start the blond, also known as the instructor, let me know he was not happy with my clueless question. I had waited so long to take the challenging class that I was not letting anyone get in my way.

The class began with two minutes of "invisible" jump roping, 25 jumping jacks, and 15 squat and planks. These simple tasks were combined to create a tiresome warm up. The class was packed and full of energy. The workout picked up its pace and increased its vigor.

I could feel sweat trickling down my forehead and off my lashes. My muscles began to fatigue, and i was breathing heavily. All the kicks and punches opened up a new world to me. I was motivated with the loud music. With Eminem playing in the background, I felt a rush and thrill to just take all my frustrations and worries out on the punching bags.

All of a sudden, the intructor let out a giggle as he watched me attempt the last, difficult kick. I glared at him in disbelief. After prolonged agony, I could not believe he still expected a perfect kick.

I said to the instructor, " You're a jerk!"

He replied," Will I see you next class?"

I said, "Don't be late, I have a meeting to attend in the afternoon."

With a smirk on my face, I gathered my belongings and left. I had a feeling that this was the start to a love-hate friendship.

Clickity Claks and yucky flats

On the first day of college, I decided to wear my shiny red heels. That was a big mistake. The walk from the commons was torture. The walk was never ending, and I had to rush to make it on time. During class, I actually took my heels off to relax. On top of my blazing, red feet, it felt like everyone stared at me. The "clickity clack" attracted more attention than necessary. Normally, I would obtain stares in a way that reassured my self- confidence. This day, I felt out of place.
I do not wear heels to impress anybody. That is just a big part of me. I am proud to have beauty and brains. It's not that I am cocky, I am just self confident. At least, that is what i thought.....
On day 2, i wore flats. I felt really insecure and uncomfortable. I did not walk with as much confidence, and i looked down more often. I never realized how my heels covered up my self-consciousness. All of my insecurities were hidden behind my heels. At last, everything was out in the open, and I was forced to face reality. After a while, I became aware of how every girl wore some kind of flat shoes. Some wore plain, solid color flip-flops. Some wore cute and little "Tinker Bell" shoes. Others wore elegant sandals, perfect for college.
After my immediate snap back to reality,I went home right away to pick up some more adequate shoes for the long college walks! For the rest of the week, I wore heels with a shorter heel. I had to degrade, but it was worth comfy feet.
I have learned that being beautiful is not only a matter of appearance. It is also the confidence you have in yourself. It is amazing how many people live in a material world, and do not realize it. As soon as i realized it, I conquered my insecurities and learned from my experience.

Living, Loving, and Learning, Mel