As I sit here and do this homework for class this morning, it really hits me that I've spent the better part of 4 years with the same people.
It really hits me that we're celebrating our 22nd birthdays. I turned 22 in November, she turned 22 in January and he turns 22 on Tuesday. I'm really trying to figure out when we got so old. (Relatively speaking, of course, since 22 isn't "old" at all) When did we stop being kids and become adults? When did we start preparing for the rest of our lives?
The time has flown by and I'm wondering if I'm making the right decisions for the rest of my life. I've got 5 weeks left of classes of undergrad, before I begin taking my Masters Classes and embark on my internship journey this summer/fall.
One way or another, we're all talking about engagements and weddings and having kids and doing all of this sometime in the near future, whether or not any of us are actually in a serious relationship. We're all thinking about what's best for our futures and I, for one, and totally and completely overwhelmed.
It's funny how we used to think being an adult was so cool. As a child, all we saw was freedom. No parents to tell us what to do or when to do it. No teachers to tell us we had this assignment due at this time or to still still and be quiet. We thought freedom. But the closer I get to graduating, I'm reminded that with freedom comes responsibility. Responsibility to get to work on time, to pay bills before their due date, to put gas in the car. Responsibility to figure out what we're having for dinner, that is if we can afford something more than Easy Mac cups. Responsibility to pay the car note and the rent, and the utility bill, and the phone bill... the list goes on.
As I sit here and do this homework I'm reminded that we're growing the hell up and I'm not sure I'm ready for that. With freedom comes responsibility, and I'm trying to blow that off as long as possible. (Maybe even if it means moving back in with Mom & Dad)
Monday, March 10, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Soapbox Moment: African American vs. Black
This is my soapbox moment for the day... probably for the year.
I just want to take a moment to elaborate upon the difference between the terms "African American" and "Black."
Although I am biracial and therefore do not fully identify with either "black" or "white" race, I have a huge problem with the term "African American." I personally believe it is just as racist as any racial slur.
People use the term "African American"to refer to people of color, in an attempt to be politically correct. However, those same people do not use the same naming system to refer to "white" people.
White people, or "caucasian" if you will, came from Europe. All people in America came from somewhere other than this country. LITERALLY, ALL. Of course, some people have ancestors who founded the 13 original colonies, but even those people came from Europe.The vast majority of people's ancestors in North America, as a whole, came from across an ocean or sea. Black people's ancestors also came from across the sea. Their ancestors came from Africa, which is how some idiot coined the term "African American." Therefore, the white people that inhabit this country, should also be referred to by their continent or country of origin. However, they are not. White people aren't European-American or Irish-American or whatever; They're just "white". They have the same amount of generations here in the United States that black people have.
Black people are so quick to advocate for equal rights, equal opportunities, equal this, equal that. But to me, that all starts by advocating to get rid of the term "African-American."
That's all.
Stepping off the box.
Tell me what y'all think.
I just want to take a moment to elaborate upon the difference between the terms "African American" and "Black."
Although I am biracial and therefore do not fully identify with either "black" or "white" race, I have a huge problem with the term "African American." I personally believe it is just as racist as any racial slur.
People use the term "African American"to refer to people of color, in an attempt to be politically correct. However, those same people do not use the same naming system to refer to "white" people.
White people, or "caucasian" if you will, came from Europe. All people in America came from somewhere other than this country. LITERALLY, ALL. Of course, some people have ancestors who founded the 13 original colonies, but even those people came from Europe.The vast majority of people's ancestors in North America, as a whole, came from across an ocean or sea. Black people's ancestors also came from across the sea. Their ancestors came from Africa, which is how some idiot coined the term "African American." Therefore, the white people that inhabit this country, should also be referred to by their continent or country of origin. However, they are not. White people aren't European-American or Irish-American or whatever; They're just "white". They have the same amount of generations here in the United States that black people have.
Black people are so quick to advocate for equal rights, equal opportunities, equal this, equal that. But to me, that all starts by advocating to get rid of the term "African-American."
That's all.
Stepping off the box.
Tell me what y'all think.
Friday, January 24, 2014
New Year, New Classes!
Hey y'all! Short Post, just really quickly wanted to update y'all since it's been a while.
This semester is shaping up to be a fun, exciting, busy semester.
First of all, I just want to give ALL the glory to God. When He shows up, He shows out, y'all! First, I got paired with an amazing girl to go out into the schools with this semester. She is so kind and we get along so well! I'm excited to spend the semester with her. Second, Nathan and I have been having to work so hard to keep our relationship strong because we've both been so busy. He recently got a new full-time job, so he works 8-5. Whereas, with me, I have class 8a - 8p on Mondays and Wednesdays and 8a-12n on Fridays. So we don't have nearly as much time to spend with each other as we used to and it's been difficult but we're working on it! Third, we're pretty sure Nathan is about to get a promotion at this new job. I don't want to say too much and jinx it, but it's truly nothing but God. We've been so frustrated with his/our situation, but I have to remind myself that His timing is perfect. He has Nathan exactly where He wants him. He knows exactly what He's doing and why the situation is like it is. God laughs at the plans we have for ourselves. It's difficult to be in the situation that Nathan is in, but I have total faith in God, that He's gonna work it out and we're gonna be happy. If we're not happy, it's not the end. I just truly have to sit back and praise Him sometimes. He's just putting everything in place for his future, for mine. (And maybe even our future together, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves ;) haha)
Second, I've started taking all my Teacher Education classes to learn how to teach. This past Wednesday I had my first in-classroom experience. I got to observe my mentor teacher and even got to work with the students! It was very interesting experience. I was nervous and anxious and excited all at the same time. I loved it! I'll write more about that later, though!
Lastly, I've moved rooms so I'm out of that volatile situation. I'm so much happier here with these three new girls than I was with the one I considered a friend. These three girls have been so kind and welcoming to me. The ONLY problem I have encountered so far is that one of them likes to turn the a/c up to 79 degrees at night. I wake up in a sweat. But other than that, they have been great! No signs of crazy! :)
More Later,
Lauren <3 :)
This semester is shaping up to be a fun, exciting, busy semester.
First of all, I just want to give ALL the glory to God. When He shows up, He shows out, y'all! First, I got paired with an amazing girl to go out into the schools with this semester. She is so kind and we get along so well! I'm excited to spend the semester with her. Second, Nathan and I have been having to work so hard to keep our relationship strong because we've both been so busy. He recently got a new full-time job, so he works 8-5. Whereas, with me, I have class 8a - 8p on Mondays and Wednesdays and 8a-12n on Fridays. So we don't have nearly as much time to spend with each other as we used to and it's been difficult but we're working on it! Third, we're pretty sure Nathan is about to get a promotion at this new job. I don't want to say too much and jinx it, but it's truly nothing but God. We've been so frustrated with his/our situation, but I have to remind myself that His timing is perfect. He has Nathan exactly where He wants him. He knows exactly what He's doing and why the situation is like it is. God laughs at the plans we have for ourselves. It's difficult to be in the situation that Nathan is in, but I have total faith in God, that He's gonna work it out and we're gonna be happy. If we're not happy, it's not the end. I just truly have to sit back and praise Him sometimes. He's just putting everything in place for his future, for mine. (And maybe even our future together, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves ;) haha)
Second, I've started taking all my Teacher Education classes to learn how to teach. This past Wednesday I had my first in-classroom experience. I got to observe my mentor teacher and even got to work with the students! It was very interesting experience. I was nervous and anxious and excited all at the same time. I loved it! I'll write more about that later, though!
Lastly, I've moved rooms so I'm out of that volatile situation. I'm so much happier here with these three new girls than I was with the one I considered a friend. These three girls have been so kind and welcoming to me. The ONLY problem I have encountered so far is that one of them likes to turn the a/c up to 79 degrees at night. I wake up in a sweat. But other than that, they have been great! No signs of crazy! :)
More Later,
Lauren <3 :)
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