Our final speaker for Honors Forum Part II was Dr. Morris, a former UNA Economics teacher (35 years!) who currently serves as a City Council member for the city of Florence. He introduced his current occupation by admitting he worked very many hours with minimal pay. When I hear the words "City Council," it immediately symbolizes the idea of empowerment for me; this is because I witnessed the successful city council election of an 18-year old who had just recently graduated from my high school shortly after my father's term as mayor.
Feats like this remind me that even though I am a young adult, with the right goals, I can make a difference in my community (which has only been affirmed by the speakers from this Forum!) Dr. Morris even reaffirmed that this is possible in a smaller community when he shared that although he grew up in large cities and moved every year from kindergarten to his senior year of high school, he chose Florence, Alabama as his permanent residence in 1974.
One of the most impressive things about Dr. Morris was the discussion of the Raymond Isbell Scholarship he helped create, in which ten faculty members who are retiring agree to teach an additional year with no salary. In turn, their salary serves as funding for this scholarship program, ultimately benefitting students just like us.
He also shared how his duties paralleled with the enrichment of the community and urged us to "contribute to its better quality of life." Just voting in elections (although that is admirable and should be encouraged) doesn't make or maintain Florence as a "fine place to live, work, or play." City council members don't simply vote on issues though; they are left with the ultimate responsibility to decide on major decisions like whether or not Florence should get a Wal-Mart supercenter (and probably upset the "mom-and-pop" store owners) or whether or not the city should pay an external company to ship out garbage.
It was obvious how much Dr. Morris took pride in both his job and UNA as he spoke with such enthuasiasm about the city council position and referred to UNA as "his school" and its attendees as "his students." He even shared with us his personal budget plan he used for both of his sons, entitled, "How to Be a Millionaire Without Winning the Lottery."
Overall, Dr. Morris has probably been my favorite speaker from our forums...I guess he was a great one to end on! Not only was Dr. Morris incredibly down-to-earth, but he was also very honest and open in sharing with us that it would be harder to help someone else if we weren't mentally or fiscally stronger. I've taken this to heart over the past two weeks since my recent surgery that has left me physically handicapped. I've taken a brief pause in my community service to heal, because just as Dr Morris said, "You have to love yourself first." Allowing others to help me and accepting my new, temporarily different self is a transition I'm definitely working on. However, I've learned through BOTH my volunteer and major surgery experience this semester just how lucky I truly am.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
where is YOUR joy?
Dr. Tom Osborn did the impossible..he sparked conversation and an awful lot of creative thought. He began Monday night's forum with a little confession that he didn't believe he was a "model of anything," but rather "pushed" and "pulled by inner pressures," ultimately being "forced" to commit acts outside his own needs. Without sugarcoating any of our obligations in the Honors Program, that ultimately puts all of us on the same level. Dr. Osborn admitted next that he sometimes had to "talk [himself] doing what he has to do."
If I'm being honest, I didn't understand what that statement meant until later this week. Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Michael DeOrio performed a foot and ankle reconstruction on my left leg, and since then, I've begun to realize all the little motions I make each day and how every movement is at least a little voluntary. Going out of my way for others is even more difficult, and I think this is the analogy that Dr. Osborn wanted to share with us- one of reaching BEYOND our comforts to please another person without expecting any reward. He even made us understand this natural resistance to helping others, sharing that it was human reluctance to extend beyond our comfort zone.
Even if Dr. Osborn was a Professor Emeritus of History, that really wasn't important in sharing what he WANTED to share with us. More than anything, Dr. Osborn shared the ministry of Kairos to us, a program he had been active in for over 16 years. In Greek, kairos means, "special time," and in many ways I think that I can relate "kairos" back to this week of restoration and healing that I have experienced. In each session of Kairos, Dr. Osborn spends a period of Thursday-Sunday in a local prison "pouring love" on the prisoners (to the best of my knowledge, in the form of Jesus and cookies..) Through this process, the inmates transition from the "worst" the prison has to offer into "praying for themselves, their families, and each other in a circle holding hands."
One of the most powerful things Dr. Osborn shared was that the most effective Kairos counselors had been prisoners, the best counselors had been victims, and the best healers had been wounded. Having gone through a similar experience, the mentor is now relatable and better-fit to serve a wider range of clients. Often, I feel like that's the best way (or easiest way) to choose a job. Pick something that has greatly impacted your life. It's incredibly likely you know a great deal about it, and if you've taken the time to learn about it, you may have developed a passion. Passion is definitely what transforms a 9-5 work day into something tolerable, and what will turn my mystery of an occupation into a plan of clarity. B a b y s t e p s. . . . .
So, if you catch me on campus, I'm the one wrapped in a cast (probably riding a makeshift scooter!) Here's to adapting to change and proudly counting the days until Christmas Break. This semester's been one for the books, and I'm pretty sure I've learned more about myself in these few months than I have the past nineteen years.
Psalms 18:1-3
If I'm being honest, I didn't understand what that statement meant until later this week. Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Michael DeOrio performed a foot and ankle reconstruction on my left leg, and since then, I've begun to realize all the little motions I make each day and how every movement is at least a little voluntary. Going out of my way for others is even more difficult, and I think this is the analogy that Dr. Osborn wanted to share with us- one of reaching BEYOND our comforts to please another person without expecting any reward. He even made us understand this natural resistance to helping others, sharing that it was human reluctance to extend beyond our comfort zone.
Even if Dr. Osborn was a Professor Emeritus of History, that really wasn't important in sharing what he WANTED to share with us. More than anything, Dr. Osborn shared the ministry of Kairos to us, a program he had been active in for over 16 years. In Greek, kairos means, "special time," and in many ways I think that I can relate "kairos" back to this week of restoration and healing that I have experienced. In each session of Kairos, Dr. Osborn spends a period of Thursday-Sunday in a local prison "pouring love" on the prisoners (to the best of my knowledge, in the form of Jesus and cookies..) Through this process, the inmates transition from the "worst" the prison has to offer into "praying for themselves, their families, and each other in a circle holding hands."
One of the most powerful things Dr. Osborn shared was that the most effective Kairos counselors had been prisoners, the best counselors had been victims, and the best healers had been wounded. Having gone through a similar experience, the mentor is now relatable and better-fit to serve a wider range of clients. Often, I feel like that's the best way (or easiest way) to choose a job. Pick something that has greatly impacted your life. It's incredibly likely you know a great deal about it, and if you've taken the time to learn about it, you may have developed a passion. Passion is definitely what transforms a 9-5 work day into something tolerable, and what will turn my mystery of an occupation into a plan of clarity. B a b y s t e p s. . . . .
So, if you catch me on campus, I'm the one wrapped in a cast (probably riding a makeshift scooter!) Here's to adapting to change and proudly counting the days until Christmas Break. This semester's been one for the books, and I'm pretty sure I've learned more about myself in these few months than I have the past nineteen years.
Psalms 18:1-3
Thursday, November 15, 2012
be prepared for change.
"We hold on to what has worked."
This quote from Monday night's speaker stuck to me like a fresh piece of bubble gum on the bottom of a shoe. John Rusevlyan (former president of the local Rotary Club) knew his stuff...people do definitely hold on to things that have worked in the past, but just being honest...I hold onto a few things that haven't worked.
I have class at 9:30 am, and even though I've walked in a few minutes late on more than one occasion, I continuously hit snooze when I'm nestled under my covers.
I overplan details before I start a big project, and I sometimes end up overwhelmed before I can even begin it properly. Still, I continue to volunteer.
People are skeptical when we take on big tasks or decide on complicated dreams...but why? THEY are scared, so they want you to be. They can't understand why you'd want to do something they fear. They don't have time. They're afraid to fail (hi, my name is Carrie Bailey, and I'm afraid to fail. Everyone, welcome Carrie.)
But, as Mr. Rusevlyan said, things have a way of working themselves out...you just have to "have a little faith..." which is much easier said than done. When things are easy, it's really pretty simple to take a minute and be thankful for what we've been given..but if the going gets tough, it's hard to really be grateful for anything. We get lost...tangled...distracted by what weighs us down and we can't see a way out.
So we're drowning? It's a well-known fact that I've been a little distraught about a major, but hey...John says that we won't get a job in our major anyways. "That's how scary the world is." We should just a take a job because, who knows, it may be our calling...and I hope that it happens that way. I hope I go into work one day completely unaware that my life is falling into place, and I find myself. A girl can dream.
"If we're not growing, we're dying." Sure, it's easier to quit, but what do we learn from quitting? What do we lose my continuing to push on? A lot of time, a little frustration, a few all-nighters, and temporarily a little faith in ourselves.
John Rusevelyan was one of my favorite speakers, because well, I love Rotary Club. I love Interact Club. I love leadership. I love people with kids. I love happy people. He was all of those and more.
He asked us if we knew where we were going....and the truth is, I don't, but I know one thing for certain. I want to be happy along the way. :)
This quote from Monday night's speaker stuck to me like a fresh piece of bubble gum on the bottom of a shoe. John Rusevlyan (former president of the local Rotary Club) knew his stuff...people do definitely hold on to things that have worked in the past, but just being honest...I hold onto a few things that haven't worked.
I have class at 9:30 am, and even though I've walked in a few minutes late on more than one occasion, I continuously hit snooze when I'm nestled under my covers.
I overplan details before I start a big project, and I sometimes end up overwhelmed before I can even begin it properly. Still, I continue to volunteer.
People are skeptical when we take on big tasks or decide on complicated dreams...but why? THEY are scared, so they want you to be. They can't understand why you'd want to do something they fear. They don't have time. They're afraid to fail (hi, my name is Carrie Bailey, and I'm afraid to fail. Everyone, welcome Carrie.)
But, as Mr. Rusevlyan said, things have a way of working themselves out...you just have to "have a little faith..." which is much easier said than done. When things are easy, it's really pretty simple to take a minute and be thankful for what we've been given..but if the going gets tough, it's hard to really be grateful for anything. We get lost...tangled...distracted by what weighs us down and we can't see a way out.
So we're drowning? It's a well-known fact that I've been a little distraught about a major, but hey...John says that we won't get a job in our major anyways. "That's how scary the world is." We should just a take a job because, who knows, it may be our calling...and I hope that it happens that way. I hope I go into work one day completely unaware that my life is falling into place, and I find myself. A girl can dream.
"If we're not growing, we're dying." Sure, it's easier to quit, but what do we learn from quitting? What do we lose my continuing to push on? A lot of time, a little frustration, a few all-nighters, and temporarily a little faith in ourselves.
John Rusevelyan was one of my favorite speakers, because well, I love Rotary Club. I love Interact Club. I love leadership. I love people with kids. I love happy people. He was all of those and more.
He asked us if we knew where we were going....and the truth is, I don't, but I know one thing for certain. I want to be happy along the way. :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
i think i can, i think i can..
So Forum PERFECTLY matched my week and semester to date...things didn't go as planned. We had a speaker, but it definitely wasn't Elizabeth Moore from the Red Cross, but rather our very own Dr. Vince Brewton. Even if we didn't hear from Ms. Moore herself, I think we learned a more truthful, whole-hearted knowledge about the Red Cross Monday night than we would've heard from her one-hour spill.
The Red Cross participates in all facets of service for their community (and for all communities, in countries with Muslim overtones, the Red Crescent, and in predominantly Jewish communities, the Red Diamond.. Talk about marketing!) They include disaster relief, soup kitchens, water and food supplies to needy families, blood donations, lifeguarding, CPR training, and function as the official liason between the military and their families-- which I didn't even know...that definitely makes the Red Cross more relatable to me.
"Don't lose your head..." words from Dr. Brewton that definitely apply to the last four weeks of this semester. I can't lose focus. I can't quit. No matter how much I want to or how appealing that sounds, I have to stick it out. I have to be happy with A's and B's, and I have to keep them my grades that high (even if I am just a little disgusted by my new standards.)
Dr. Brewton went around the room and asked us about our service. Luckily, Forum is one of the (few) classes I can say proudly that I feel confident about my work. Maybe a few of my professors parallel their efforts to those of non-profit organizations- they address a need (teaching us), just not very well.
To end on a true and positive note, Lilly has clearly saved me in many ways this semester. I am seriously crushed that I won't be able to work with her after Thanksgiving (with the addition of my new best friend, a cast on my left foot!) However, I consider her to be my "SUCCESS BY FIVE"--expect to see that title again in the future!
The Red Cross participates in all facets of service for their community (and for all communities, in countries with Muslim overtones, the Red Crescent, and in predominantly Jewish communities, the Red Diamond.. Talk about marketing!) They include disaster relief, soup kitchens, water and food supplies to needy families, blood donations, lifeguarding, CPR training, and function as the official liason between the military and their families-- which I didn't even know...that definitely makes the Red Cross more relatable to me.
"Don't lose your head..." words from Dr. Brewton that definitely apply to the last four weeks of this semester. I can't lose focus. I can't quit. No matter how much I want to or how appealing that sounds, I have to stick it out. I have to be happy with A's and B's, and I have to keep them my grades that high (even if I am just a little disgusted by my new standards.)
Dr. Brewton went around the room and asked us about our service. Luckily, Forum is one of the (few) classes I can say proudly that I feel confident about my work. Maybe a few of my professors parallel their efforts to those of non-profit organizations- they address a need (teaching us), just not very well.
To end on a true and positive note, Lilly has clearly saved me in many ways this semester. I am seriously crushed that I won't be able to work with her after Thanksgiving (with the addition of my new best friend, a cast on my left foot!) However, I consider her to be my "SUCCESS BY FIVE"--expect to see that title again in the future!
Friday, November 2, 2012
the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
This week, I won't give you anything sappy, untrue, or biased in the slightest. Today, on this momentous and absolutely glorious Friday, I will give y'all something priceless and much underutilized...the truth.
The truth is, I prayed for a C in a class this week. For that reason, I haven't spent as much time with Lilly as I wanted to (Over 12 hours this semester isn't nearly enough, but it has to be before my cast comes!) I'm excited to have an 85 in a realllly challenging class that just happens to be my favorite. I've found a new appreciation (and a little obsession) with sleeping. I've studied more the past week than I have since finals week trying (and succeeding) in making an A in Calculus. The people of Lafayette and the Honors Program have become like family. I'm learning how to say no when I don't have time to make all my obligations. I'm saying yes to ice cream sandwiches and new experiences, like volunteering in a soup kitchen with my roommate today.
I can't even begin to express how rewarding it was to spend just an hour in the presence of the attendees of the soup kitchen, and in those few minutes, the distinct presence of God. We arrived and were soon donned with our own aprons (I was super excited!) We then got to serve beverages to those who were eating lunch, and the conversations that these strangers had with me were some of the deepest I had shared in a long time. I got to share a little of my background, a bit of my faith, and a lot of my future with an older man who wanted only to share a few life lessons and stories that were incredibly uplifting. Elise and I were told that we looked like all-American girls, she looked like Taylor Swift, our smiles were signs of God's love, and that we were blessings...and those are merely the ones I can think of off the top of my head. If you're free any Friday or Saturday from 12-1 PLEASE take the time to go to First Presbyterian Church. You'll leave feeling a lot better than when you came.
So, backtracking a little to our speaker from Monday night, Bradley Dean. He currently serves as the Creative Director and Digital and Graphic Designer...but he immediately admitted that he "wears many hats." I feel like everyone in the Honors Program share this with him, even if our only two hats are balancing our studies and seeing our family. Luckily, and almost impossibly, I've found a way to juggle my three hats (the Honors Program, Zeta Tau Alpha, and SGA UPC) at Preview Day tomorrow, and I am SO EXCITED! The first thing Mr. Dean said that absolutely stuck with me (after he mentioned he was nervous public speaking...lovelovelove...) was that we should all take extra effort in our college years to prepare ourselves for the world after we graduate. Definitely a good idea.
Mr. Dean also confessed he was still figuring out how he could make change in his community, which is comforting to hear. Frankly, people who seem to have all the answers are awe-inspiring, but a little exhausting. He told us to never forget we were part of something bigger than we could have a say in. That piece of advice can be crazy powerful if you apply it to any situation beyond its face value. I'll leave you with my final favorite piece of advice he shared with us: "There's no movement without the first follower."
So maybe I don't have to TRY to be President of every organization I'm in...or make an A on every assignment...or every class... Maybe (currently a VERY small portion of the time) I can be happy following someone who I think is an amazing leader (Hailey Boeck!) and that's a wrap for the week. Love y'all! :)
The truth is, I prayed for a C in a class this week. For that reason, I haven't spent as much time with Lilly as I wanted to (Over 12 hours this semester isn't nearly enough, but it has to be before my cast comes!) I'm excited to have an 85 in a realllly challenging class that just happens to be my favorite. I've found a new appreciation (and a little obsession) with sleeping. I've studied more the past week than I have since finals week trying (and succeeding) in making an A in Calculus. The people of Lafayette and the Honors Program have become like family. I'm learning how to say no when I don't have time to make all my obligations. I'm saying yes to ice cream sandwiches and new experiences, like volunteering in a soup kitchen with my roommate today.
I can't even begin to express how rewarding it was to spend just an hour in the presence of the attendees of the soup kitchen, and in those few minutes, the distinct presence of God. We arrived and were soon donned with our own aprons (I was super excited!) We then got to serve beverages to those who were eating lunch, and the conversations that these strangers had with me were some of the deepest I had shared in a long time. I got to share a little of my background, a bit of my faith, and a lot of my future with an older man who wanted only to share a few life lessons and stories that were incredibly uplifting. Elise and I were told that we looked like all-American girls, she looked like Taylor Swift, our smiles were signs of God's love, and that we were blessings...and those are merely the ones I can think of off the top of my head. If you're free any Friday or Saturday from 12-1 PLEASE take the time to go to First Presbyterian Church. You'll leave feeling a lot better than when you came.
So, backtracking a little to our speaker from Monday night, Bradley Dean. He currently serves as the Creative Director and Digital and Graphic Designer...but he immediately admitted that he "wears many hats." I feel like everyone in the Honors Program share this with him, even if our only two hats are balancing our studies and seeing our family. Luckily, and almost impossibly, I've found a way to juggle my three hats (the Honors Program, Zeta Tau Alpha, and SGA UPC) at Preview Day tomorrow, and I am SO EXCITED! The first thing Mr. Dean said that absolutely stuck with me (after he mentioned he was nervous public speaking...lovelovelove...) was that we should all take extra effort in our college years to prepare ourselves for the world after we graduate. Definitely a good idea.
Mr. Dean also confessed he was still figuring out how he could make change in his community, which is comforting to hear. Frankly, people who seem to have all the answers are awe-inspiring, but a little exhausting. He told us to never forget we were part of something bigger than we could have a say in. That piece of advice can be crazy powerful if you apply it to any situation beyond its face value. I'll leave you with my final favorite piece of advice he shared with us: "There's no movement without the first follower."
So maybe I don't have to TRY to be President of every organization I'm in...or make an A on every assignment...or every class... Maybe (currently a VERY small portion of the time) I can be happy following someone who I think is an amazing leader (Hailey Boeck!) and that's a wrap for the week. Love y'all! :)
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