Being Wrong

It's not a good feeling to realize you were wrong, and it's really not a good feeling when you realize you hurt people you care about. It may not have been intentional, but it still happened. We as humans must apologize and take responsibility for our mistakes, give those we hurt and ourselves time to forgive and accept your apology, and change yourself to make sure it never happens again. "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Boston Marathon Bombing

May all of us who are safe tonight fall asleep with gratitude, for there are many of our fellow Americans who are morning. The only way to prevent tragedies like these from occurring are to be the change and spread love, kindness, and peace throughout the world. Pray for Boston and those affected at the Boston Marathon.

Rest In Peace, Kim

As we sit here in silent classrooms and weep from your loss,
We remember that you left peacefully and are now with the man on the cross.
So fragile and petite,
Intelligent and sweet,
Energetic and kind,
Always keeping others in mind.
You will be missed by so many.
University of Pennsylvania was your goal, a surgeon you said,
You were always so grounded and bright in the head.
Our hearts are sad and feel the pieces that lack,
We never thought we'd be going to see you wearing nothing but black.
Your life will be celebrated and we will keep you in our thoughts, prayers, spirits,
May you rest in peace and angels lead you to the place they know dearest.

Have fun in heaven sweet angel, thank you for blessing us with the gift of knowing you.
Rest in peace, Kim <3

In School We Need

In school we need to learn more of what it means to be of good character. You can consistently educate me on reading, writing, math, but if I am not kind, respectful, or safe, how can I put this knowledge to use and it be beneficent? We students should not be under the impression that without a strong IQ and a 4.0 GPA that we will not succeed in life, especially because success is defined differently from person to person. We need to be told that it's great to have a notable IQ, but that in the world outside of our education, we will need a strong EQ as well. Relationships and human connection are the beauty in life.

Be Passionate

I spent all of my sophomore year searching for my passion. Every day I woke up and went to school, waiting for it to literally hit me in the face.

School has always put us students under the impression that we will be "successful" and happy later in life if we find our passion in a subject area and then pursue a career in that path. Sophomore year I became stressed out because I had no idea what my passion was. I see kids who are exceptionally intelligent in all academic areas and have the potential to be professionals in any subject they choose. I see lawyers, cops, nurses, and chemists every day. I see everyone as having a place in the world someday..but where does that leave me? Where will my place be? Day after day I sat in class, jaded, prosaic, uninterested, waiting...waiting....waiting to realize what my passion is.

I did not realize my passion until I was a Counselor In Training, or a C.I.T at the LifeSkills Conference in 2012. LifeSkills is a leadership conference that I attended in 2008, 2009, and 2011 as an attendee. I became a part of the Staff in 2012. The LifeSkills Conference Staff is a team of dedicated, inspiring, and energetic individuals who aim for that week, and the days beyond that, to create a better world through teaching the values of respect for self and others, responsibility for everything we think, feel, say, and do, engaging in healthy relationships, and physical and emotional safety. I did not realize until the drive home from the conference that Friday evening that I was made to do this work, at the conference and beyond. This is something I am engaged in, feel inspired, have a desire for more knowledge of, and am  passionate about...and (luckily) it didn't have to literally hit me in the face for me to realize it.

If there's one thing I learned on my quest for a passion in life, it is this: do not search for it. Do not stress over it or beat yourself up. The time will come for everyone where you know in your heart that you have found your purpose. When you do eventually discover your passion, it will be the most remarkable feeling ever.