Blog 6

This blog comes at a perfect time because my friend just asked me a very similar question several days ago. So I have had time to think. Because the award lasts for approximately 2 months I think that the decision would be pretty plain for me. I would use the money to fund a 2 year musical tour for some cause. Perhaps for non-profits to help them gain exposure or, something of the like. The tour would primarily be in the United States, but depending on its success, it could travel internationally as well. I would hire the best band that I could find ( I don't think that goes against the guild lines) and we would travel and do benefit concerts. I would absolutely love to do this, because I think that not only would I enjoy the musical aspect of it, but I know that people enjoy music as well, so they would come readily.

They money that I would be given would go exclusively toward funding the tour. That means, travel expenses, hotels, band fees, venue pricing. All of those things can get pretty pricey so it would be great to have those areas taken care of. The money that would be raised on the tour would go to several areas. As I mentioned before a portion would go towards non-profit communications and organizations. It would specifically go towards non-profits that help young people pursue their passion in the arts. One organization that comes to mind, is one that I am interning for right now called YUPP (Youth Utilizing Power and Praise). The heart of the group is to provide a space where young people can be empowered and encouraged through the arts.  So all the money raised on the tour would go to organizations as such.

Music is such a huge passion for and I know that it is powerful. There have been days when I have felt absolutely horrible and I listened to one of my favorite uplifting songs and I felt like a new person. So I know that the concert would bring a great deal of help to many people. There has to be a real passion with those that are working to me as well. It can't just be that they are working for exposure or, even just to get paid. It must be that they truly see the vision and decide that they want to be apart. After the two years are finished, it could easily happen that we decide to keep doing it even on a smaller scale. This project would truly touch many peoples lives and would provide a platform for inspirational good music to come to the forefront. Nothing vulgar, or inappropriate, just good feel-good music.

Blog 5

Anytime that I am asked to reflect on questions such as these I am always reminded of how a tropical college student conversation transpires. "Hey how are you?" "I'm good, I'm just really tired." "Oh yea me too. I've been super busy this week." "I know. This week has been pretty killer for me too." "I have so much work to do." "I know me too. Well live gotta go, I have to go to a meeting." "Me too. I'll talk to you later. Try and get so,me rest." Since I've been in college I have heard this conversation at least twice a week. This is what one of my friends calls the "Busy Olympics." Who can be the mist busy? And the end of the week who has the right to be the most exhausted? Who is doing the most?

I think that this is so intricately tied into what Ignatius was talking about when he said, we should be indifferent and have the balance of head and heart. While it is so important to the success of a college student to be invoked and stay active, I know for a fact that this can hinder us from truly finding a balance. For myself I have had to consciously steer clear of conversations like this. We are all busy, that's a fact. But are we living healthy balanced lives? That is the real question.

I know that for myself, this has been a difficult problem to overcome. This is the busiest I have ever been in my college career and I find myself letting things fall through the cracks that shouldn't. Like reading my bible, or praying or meditating. It is extremely hard to dislodge the notion that success in life is everything. Especially, when I'm paying so much to get an education.

I think that there are also things in my life that I have held on to that I would find extremely difficult to let go. Now if true Ignatian indifference in the goal, then I'm in a huge pickle,for example, my friends, my girlfriend, good health, family. None of these things are unimportant or frivolous pursuits. But I do think that there is a level if healthy connection that has to be established and if it's not where there you should feel the loss. I do want to live a life that shows how much I am willing to give up for God no matter what it is. I am not there yet, and I certainly have a long way to go.

Blog 4

This prompt is somewhat difficult, because just as it indicates, it can be uncomfortable to describe what your gifts are because it does seem like you are showing off. I think that there is something to be said though, when you can identify what these are. Not only does it help to be able to identify them, but when you are able to use them to the best of your ability and people enjoy it,  that is what is truly special. For me, music has always been a strong point in my life. I have always been able to sing, since I was a young child. I can remember growing up, singing at the school or in church and always having a blast doing it. No one ever taught me how to sing, I truly think that it just came naturally.

In terms of those things that I have learned, and things that have shaped me from my upbringing, I know there is a much more extensive list. For example, I know for a fact that my parents always instilled in me the need to respect those that have authority over you. This sense of respect has carried me a long way over the course of my education. I think that it is extremely important that everyone realize that not everyone is your friend, and that some people deserve to be treated with a greater amount of respect.

I think that another value that I have gained from experience is the sense of commitment. I have seen my parents do nothing but stay faithful to whatever is is that they do. Whether it was staying at a job for almost three decades or just simply staying faithfully married to each other for 27 years. I have seen them stay faithful, to whatever they put their hands to. This has taught me the value of keeping your word, whatever the circumstance. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver than to over-promise and under-deliver. That way your word and your reputation remain favorable. I think that this value has even helped to shape my future career path.

Finally, I have learned the value of giving and just being nice to people. It is so important to remain pleasant and kind. Far too often you hear people complain about having been hurt byron,e or having been betrayed. So much of this hurt and betrayal could be avoided if people just learned to treat one another with respect. Selfless giving is, I believe, the remedy for so many broken relationships. I truly believe that it's all about living a life of empathy and putting yourself in others shoes, so we can help the  ext person and not always think about what is in it for me.