You know, I am beginning to believe in fate. I will explain.
Now, I've always believed that things work out. If they haven't worked out then the story isn't over yet. I believe that still but now I also believe that events, opportunities lead me to 'the good' through greater self understanding. What I'm unsure of though is whether this fate exists only in the extent that I perceive of it - that through fate I organize the world around me - that it exists or whether fate exists outside of my perception. So, the question is, if I didn't think about it would events still lead me to greater self understanding and would help me? Or rather does it only exist because I internalize and reflect upon the world and my reflections are so significant that I cannot imagine it if I had not come upon them so therefore the events that facilitated them must have been meant to occur?
I have been thinking a lot about fate recently because it has just been amazing - beautiful - how the events and opportunities have lined up.
Here is only one example:
Today it was too windy for me to eat outside as I usually like to so I grabbed my lunch from my car and returned to the capitol cafeteria. There were several empty table but none of them were the small four-person ones so I sat at a very long one for ten people. I sat and started to eat, people watching and perusing the next chapter of Exploring the Heritage of American Higher Education. I am a social creature though so when I saw a man that I work with through the Utah System of Higher Education sitting down by himself nearby I said hello and started to pack up to join him. Cordially, he came over, said hello, asked me how I was doing, and asked for an update. He commented that he was being joined by a few other men for 'business,' suggesting that I couldn't join him, but he was very friendly. He left and I returned content to reading and watching.
Three girls came and joined me. They were from a school group and asked if they could join me. I talked to them for a few minutes, finding out that they were in seventh grade and learning about their career aspirations (an lawyer, a vet that will be a firefighter to pay for vet school, and a photographer and pilot for the air force). A few of their friends joined them slowly and they joined in the conversation. We talked about their lunches (one boy had homemade doughnut holes another girl had slim jims, they swapped) and about their impression of the capitol (lots of marble and interesting).
Soon I was surrounded by a dozen seventh graders. The girl that will be a photographer and pilot asked me how I felt being surrounded by "a bunch of seventh graders." I loved it. I wouldn't have traded their personalities, attitudes, and conversation for any other company in the cafeteria.
It completely changed my day. After I left the table, giving up my seat to another boy, I thought of how much I enjoyed talking with them. I thought of how lucky I was that they joined me. It came at the perfect timing as I've been thinking a lot about teaching and confirmed for me again that that is exactly what I want to do. And teach I believe I will even though one boy cautioned me against teaching because of what the kids are like that I would work with, kids like them. I told him and all of my young friends that they are worth it.
And for you, what do you think of fate?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Week in Review
February 19th - February 26th
Road trip down to Dixie with Mom to film for my documentary
Listened to Mike Lee in the Senate (evil genius!)
Met with Mario Capeechi
Government Relations Board Meeting
Informally interviewed by Dr. Dan Jones to TA for him this summer and in the fall
Caught Rep. John Dougall's sneaky move with regard to the bill "Higher Education Governance"
Entertained by "Western Day" in the Senate. (Included Western Dress, two musical numbers, and St. George's mayor reciting a poem about the pioneers!)
Enjoyed "Emma" by Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Listened to Orrin Hatch in the Senate
Submitted research paper proposal examining higher education policy making as a result of different perspectives about the purpose of higher education
Ate delicious Indian food (Butternut Squash!) with new friends
Went to the movie theatre and watched The Vow with roomate Lindsay
Edited documentary
Researched higher education purpose and policy making.
Next: Tennis.
Looking ahead: Two weeks of the legislative session left.
Have a grand day.
Road trip down to Dixie with Mom to film for my documentary
Listened to Mike Lee in the Senate (evil genius!)
Met with Mario Capeechi
Government Relations Board Meeting
Informally interviewed by Dr. Dan Jones to TA for him this summer and in the fall
Caught Rep. John Dougall's sneaky move with regard to the bill "Higher Education Governance"
Entertained by "Western Day" in the Senate. (Included Western Dress, two musical numbers, and St. George's mayor reciting a poem about the pioneers!)
Enjoyed "Emma" by Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Listened to Orrin Hatch in the Senate
Submitted research paper proposal examining higher education policy making as a result of different perspectives about the purpose of higher education
Ate delicious Indian food (Butternut Squash!) with new friends
Went to the movie theatre and watched The Vow with roomate Lindsay
Edited documentary
Researched higher education purpose and policy making.
Next: Tennis.
Looking ahead: Two weeks of the legislative session left.
Have a grand day.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
3 simple steps to a happier life
I've never been one to wait for my life. I don't like waiting to get work done, waiting for opportunities, or waiting for my life to improve. I must have an active role in my life and I accept fully the responsibility that I have for my own happiness. So, in that line of thought, here are some of the things that I have done this week (or today) to make my life a little less stressful and a little bit better.
1. Write a thank you card every night. It is the last thing that I do before I go to bed and it is a wonderful way to end the day - full of gratitude. I have lots of people in my life to thank so it will take me a while.
2. Zumba. I went to Zumba tonight with a good friend that I have met through work. I enjoyed it so much that I decided that I deserved to go back so I bought a 10 class pass. Wonderful stress relief.
3. Off of facebook. While there are many benefits to facebook (family, good friends, photo sharing, student groups) I felt that overall facebook was a negative contribution in my life. I felt that I check it too often and saw too easily what everyone else in the world was up to. There is no need for that. I am already enjoying being off of it and it is funny when people comment that they noticed.
Well, life can be difficult and it is difficult. Paradise is a place in your mind though, and it is your job to obtain it the best you can.
(Now, I challenge you to find three simple ways that you can make your life better. Post them in the comments!)
1. Write a thank you card every night. It is the last thing that I do before I go to bed and it is a wonderful way to end the day - full of gratitude. I have lots of people in my life to thank so it will take me a while.
2. Zumba. I went to Zumba tonight with a good friend that I have met through work. I enjoyed it so much that I decided that I deserved to go back so I bought a 10 class pass. Wonderful stress relief.
3. Off of facebook. While there are many benefits to facebook (family, good friends, photo sharing, student groups) I felt that overall facebook was a negative contribution in my life. I felt that I check it too often and saw too easily what everyone else in the world was up to. There is no need for that. I am already enjoying being off of it and it is funny when people comment that they noticed.
Well, life can be difficult and it is difficult. Paradise is a place in your mind though, and it is your job to obtain it the best you can.
(Now, I challenge you to find three simple ways that you can make your life better. Post them in the comments!)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Mid-week Legislative Update: Taiwan and Sarah Palin
Hello all.
I just couldn't save these two notes for the end of the week.
1. Yesterday and today I've been wearing my glasses, sometimes on top of my head and sometimes using them to better see the projected presentations. The first time Dave saw me wearing them he asked me if they were new, if I always wore glasses or if I usually wore contacts, and then commented that it was a "Sarah Palin look." Oh geez. I guess I can't wear them anymore.
2. Check out if you get a chance SJR2. I had to read the bill once I saw the title: "Joint Resolution on Taiwan." That's right, Taiwan. What could Utah have to say about Taiwan? Here is the general description from the bill: "This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Obama Administration to take a specific action to support Taiwan's meanginful participation in the United Nations and to support sales of F-16 C/D series fighter jets to Taiwan." Thank you, Utah.
Onward.
I just couldn't save these two notes for the end of the week.
1. Yesterday and today I've been wearing my glasses, sometimes on top of my head and sometimes using them to better see the projected presentations. The first time Dave saw me wearing them he asked me if they were new, if I always wore glasses or if I usually wore contacts, and then commented that it was a "Sarah Palin look." Oh geez. I guess I can't wear them anymore.
2. Check out if you get a chance SJR2. I had to read the bill once I saw the title: "Joint Resolution on Taiwan." That's right, Taiwan. What could Utah have to say about Taiwan? Here is the general description from the bill: "This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Obama Administration to take a specific action to support Taiwan's meanginful participation in the United Nations and to support sales of F-16 C/D series fighter jets to Taiwan." Thank you, Utah.
Onward.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Second Weekly Legislative Report
More things that I have noted about the legislature (and myself):
1. I started to organize some of my thoughts this week as though they were a bill. I think I've been reading a lot of bills, what do you think?
2. Everyone I work with is very intelligent and they are excellent at quickly thinking of how to react to a situation. However, it does not seem that they consider very often whether what they are working on will be good or will have an impact. The implications of decisions and actions are rarely considered beyond the political ramifications and the fiscal notes.
3. I have greatly improved in my ability to parallel park.
4. Many at the capitol do not trust college students. Including the academic lobbyists that I work with, sadly. They don't want to be held "responsible" for the actions of students that seek to make higher education a priority with the legislature.
5. There is a new intern at the commissioner's office and we are now sharing a cubicle. He was at the last Utah System of Higher Education team meeting and we made introductions. I introduced myself as "Ali Sadler, we share a cubicle" since before the meeting he had actually already introduced himself and we had figured out that we would be working together. Dave immediately asked Greg (the new intern) if he was married. Greg somehow responded that he was not and Dave commented that we should date to the amusement of all of the male legislative liaisons that we work and meet with. Excuse me? Who says I'm interested? Although it was teasing, like Dave then apologized for as being inappropriate, I was not amused. Yeesh.
6. Not everyone thinks that education only has economic merit, thankfully. University of Utah President Pershing commented in a presentation to the Higher Education Appropriation Subcommittee, "I don't want you to get the impression that we only concerned with the economic impacts. Our priority is educating."
7. I should likely sleep and eat more.
8. Legislative interns aren't extremely warm to lobbyist interns (like me). But lobbyist interns sure get along well and I met this week the intern for the Canyons School District. She does nearly exactly the same thing that I do - what with attending committee meetings and tracking legislation - and she was very nice.
Well, on to a weekend to relax (and work on my documentary)!
1. I started to organize some of my thoughts this week as though they were a bill. I think I've been reading a lot of bills, what do you think?
2. Everyone I work with is very intelligent and they are excellent at quickly thinking of how to react to a situation. However, it does not seem that they consider very often whether what they are working on will be good or will have an impact. The implications of decisions and actions are rarely considered beyond the political ramifications and the fiscal notes.
3. I have greatly improved in my ability to parallel park.
4. Many at the capitol do not trust college students. Including the academic lobbyists that I work with, sadly. They don't want to be held "responsible" for the actions of students that seek to make higher education a priority with the legislature.
5. There is a new intern at the commissioner's office and we are now sharing a cubicle. He was at the last Utah System of Higher Education team meeting and we made introductions. I introduced myself as "Ali Sadler, we share a cubicle" since before the meeting he had actually already introduced himself and we had figured out that we would be working together. Dave immediately asked Greg (the new intern) if he was married. Greg somehow responded that he was not and Dave commented that we should date to the amusement of all of the male legislative liaisons that we work and meet with. Excuse me? Who says I'm interested? Although it was teasing, like Dave then apologized for as being inappropriate, I was not amused. Yeesh.
6. Not everyone thinks that education only has economic merit, thankfully. University of Utah President Pershing commented in a presentation to the Higher Education Appropriation Subcommittee, "I don't want you to get the impression that we only concerned with the economic impacts. Our priority is educating."
7. I should likely sleep and eat more.
8. Legislative interns aren't extremely warm to lobbyist interns (like me). But lobbyist interns sure get along well and I met this week the intern for the Canyons School District. She does nearly exactly the same thing that I do - what with attending committee meetings and tracking legislation - and she was very nice.
Well, on to a weekend to relax (and work on my documentary)!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ali on the Hill: A Report
Hello!
Here are some things that I have noticed (in no particular order) in my first week working at the capitol:
1. The Capitol is gorgeous inside and out. And the skies have been very clear this week.
2. Some bills move very quickly without much discussion while others move very slowly with lots of discussion (cough cough, Eagle Forum or Senator Christiansen)
3. There are a lot of men. Old, white men. Today in the Government Infrastructure meeting this morning I counted the people in the room (legislators, public, interns, everyone) and found that there were about 100 (104?) people in the room. 7 of them, including myself, were women.
4. Everyone has an ipad and or iphone. Few people simply listen and observe committee meetings without typing emails or scrolling through twitter. It is kind of funny that through high school, teenagers aren't allowed to have any cell phone even out while their representatives and leaders in their community sit through a 45 day session constantly with an iphone, ipad, or computer in their hand.
5. Speaking of twitter: I joined it! Feel free to follow, but don't expect anything too exciting other than me passing along important news (I'm not really sure what I would tweet about otherwise).
6. My heels are my best friend. Every day we scurry up and dozen of flights of stairs and twice this week I managed to have a little sprint in them to get to two meetings. I even kicked a dropped apple out from below another car. That's right.
7. Its exhausting. I should sleep more.
8. Interns are very nice (most of them). We figured out this week the other interns that attend all of the education meetings and we are starting to get to know each other.
9. ASUU Government Relations Board Meetings are a lot funnier when about half of the board members are exhausted after days interning at the legislative session. We laugh a lot.
10. On Wednesday morning in the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the speaker explained the development of the Steel Mill Industry for about a half an hour to explain the future of higher education. My advice? Only use metaphors if they clarify the situation (a lecture on the Steel Mill Industry didn't exactly help). And keep them short.
11. You never know what a committee discussion will turn into. A simple education bill with the phrasing "using the common core standards that Utah and other states follow" (or something like that) may result in a discussion over how Utah can't take funding from the federal government since then "they" will put "research questions" into our children's exams and will destroy Utah's family values. I'd like to know what those "research questions" are.
12. And you know what is very good stress relief, driving and rolling down the windows to yell about what a wonderful life you have: "We are making an impact! I live the good life!" I did this twice this week with another intern. How often to people yell such positive comments?
I'm not sure whether the session will be very long or whether it will be very short. Either way: one week down. Six to go.
Here are some things that I have noticed (in no particular order) in my first week working at the capitol:
1. The Capitol is gorgeous inside and out. And the skies have been very clear this week.
2. Some bills move very quickly without much discussion while others move very slowly with lots of discussion (cough cough, Eagle Forum or Senator Christiansen)
3. There are a lot of men. Old, white men. Today in the Government Infrastructure meeting this morning I counted the people in the room (legislators, public, interns, everyone) and found that there were about 100 (104?) people in the room. 7 of them, including myself, were women.
4. Everyone has an ipad and or iphone. Few people simply listen and observe committee meetings without typing emails or scrolling through twitter. It is kind of funny that through high school, teenagers aren't allowed to have any cell phone even out while their representatives and leaders in their community sit through a 45 day session constantly with an iphone, ipad, or computer in their hand.
5. Speaking of twitter: I joined it! Feel free to follow, but don't expect anything too exciting other than me passing along important news (I'm not really sure what I would tweet about otherwise).
6. My heels are my best friend. Every day we scurry up and dozen of flights of stairs and twice this week I managed to have a little sprint in them to get to two meetings. I even kicked a dropped apple out from below another car. That's right.
7. Its exhausting. I should sleep more.
8. Interns are very nice (most of them). We figured out this week the other interns that attend all of the education meetings and we are starting to get to know each other.
9. ASUU Government Relations Board Meetings are a lot funnier when about half of the board members are exhausted after days interning at the legislative session. We laugh a lot.
10. On Wednesday morning in the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the speaker explained the development of the Steel Mill Industry for about a half an hour to explain the future of higher education. My advice? Only use metaphors if they clarify the situation (a lecture on the Steel Mill Industry didn't exactly help). And keep them short.
11. You never know what a committee discussion will turn into. A simple education bill with the phrasing "using the common core standards that Utah and other states follow" (or something like that) may result in a discussion over how Utah can't take funding from the federal government since then "they" will put "research questions" into our children's exams and will destroy Utah's family values. I'd like to know what those "research questions" are.
12. And you know what is very good stress relief, driving and rolling down the windows to yell about what a wonderful life you have: "We are making an impact! I live the good life!" I did this twice this week with another intern. How often to people yell such positive comments?
I'm not sure whether the session will be very long or whether it will be very short. Either way: one week down. Six to go.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
I'm back.
Sorry that I haven't been better about blogging, but enough about that.
I am going to make this quick but I want to give you all an idea of what I did this week:
Early Assurance Program luncheon
Board of Regents meeting at the Commissioner's Office
Representative Matheson interviewed for documentary
Danced with Prof. Abby Fiat (Flocked!)
Government Relations Board Meeting - planned launching the 66% Campaign
Met with Linda Dunn (President of Bennion Center) will work on recruitment for Bennion Center
Met with Courtney of the Hinckley Institute about Truman Scholarship (strong potential candidate)
Attended U for Higher Ed meeting
Became ASUU Government Relations liason for the U for Higher Ed (the only student there!)
Swam
Legislative Preview Session at the Capitol
Ran and Biked
Team Leader at the YWCA for the MLK Day Bennion Center Saturday Service Project
Ran again
Swam again.
Not yet in a rhythm - the rhythm should start with the legislative session - but it was a wonderful week: still relaxing and yet busy.
I am going to make this quick but I want to give you all an idea of what I did this week:
Early Assurance Program luncheon
Board of Regents meeting at the Commissioner's Office
Representative Matheson interviewed for documentary
Danced with Prof. Abby Fiat (Flocked!)
Government Relations Board Meeting - planned launching the 66% Campaign
Met with Linda Dunn (President of Bennion Center) will work on recruitment for Bennion Center
Met with Courtney of the Hinckley Institute about Truman Scholarship (strong potential candidate)
Attended U for Higher Ed meeting
Became ASUU Government Relations liason for the U for Higher Ed (the only student there!)
Swam
Legislative Preview Session at the Capitol
Ran and Biked
Team Leader at the YWCA for the MLK Day Bennion Center Saturday Service Project
Ran again
Swam again.
Not yet in a rhythm - the rhythm should start with the legislative session - but it was a wonderful week: still relaxing and yet busy.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Eleven, eleven, eleven!
Happy 11/11/11!
I'm sorry that I haven't posted a blog recently - It has been craziness!
But today, I want to remind you all to make eleven wishes. The first eleven that come to mind.
These are mine:
I wish. . .
1. For a decrease in partisanship.
2. To get the internship with Board of Regents.
3. That I am able to improve education in America.
4. That I have a good date tonight - to be followed by others : )
5. That Wes is successful with his job at Shopko and with finding a job that he enjoys.
6. That Ashley (my roommate, she had emergency surgery this week!) heals well.
7. That I write strong essays (for history, government, and intellectual traditions).
8. That Daphne may have a good life.
9. For stem cell research.
10. That Natalie and Sean are happy.
11. For the safety of our soldiers and that our veterans receive more respect and appreciation.
Happy Veterans Day.
love, ali
I'm sorry that I haven't posted a blog recently - It has been craziness!
But today, I want to remind you all to make eleven wishes. The first eleven that come to mind.
These are mine:
I wish. . .
1. For a decrease in partisanship.
2. To get the internship with Board of Regents.
3. That I am able to improve education in America.
4. That I have a good date tonight - to be followed by others : )
5. That Wes is successful with his job at Shopko and with finding a job that he enjoys.
6. That Ashley (my roommate, she had emergency surgery this week!) heals well.
7. That I write strong essays (for history, government, and intellectual traditions).
8. That Daphne may have a good life.
9. For stem cell research.
10. That Natalie and Sean are happy.
11. For the safety of our soldiers and that our veterans receive more respect and appreciation.
Happy Veterans Day.
love, ali
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Education First, My Life Second
In these past few days I have tasted the joy of working whole-heartedly for something that I believe in - having the Utah legislature stop cutting the funding of higher education. Although it has resulted in me staying up later and getting up earlier all the while filling in the middle of my day as well with tabling and handing out petition cards, I am deeply satisfied to see the posters that I've worked to hang up around campus and to see the giant thermometer-banner that I made hanging in the Union.
In case I haven't explained Education First to you before this is what it is all about: Education First is a non-partisan group that largely works with business leaders of Utah (predominately republican) to tell the Utah legislature that Utah's economy cannot be maintained and the businesses cannot employ Utahans if the legislature does not put education first. Education First is also working with all of the higher education institutions in Utah to mobilize the students to prove that the students care if funding gets cut and tuition gets raised. It is even a competition between the universities and colleges of Utah to get the most petitions signed and whichever school wins will be awarded a table at the Governor's Gala (wouldn't it be amazing to be there?).
So, this is what I've been working on - heart and soul - for about a week now. It has reminded me that I love this sort of life: the sort of life where I am working relentlessly on something that I am passionate about. This in turn makes me believe that I would enjoy a job, as consuming as it might be, working for the government on education reform.
P.S. Next time I am in the Union, I'll take a photo of my giant thermometer. :)
In case I haven't explained Education First to you before this is what it is all about: Education First is a non-partisan group that largely works with business leaders of Utah (predominately republican) to tell the Utah legislature that Utah's economy cannot be maintained and the businesses cannot employ Utahans if the legislature does not put education first. Education First is also working with all of the higher education institutions in Utah to mobilize the students to prove that the students care if funding gets cut and tuition gets raised. It is even a competition between the universities and colleges of Utah to get the most petitions signed and whichever school wins will be awarded a table at the Governor's Gala (wouldn't it be amazing to be there?).
So, this is what I've been working on - heart and soul - for about a week now. It has reminded me that I love this sort of life: the sort of life where I am working relentlessly on something that I am passionate about. This in turn makes me believe that I would enjoy a job, as consuming as it might be, working for the government on education reform.
P.S. Next time I am in the Union, I'll take a photo of my giant thermometer. :)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Chamomile tea after a long week
I keep realizing different things that I did this week, and remembering them all I realize that it is not surprise that I am exhausted! It is time for some chamomile tea (check), sleep (getting there), and a refreshing hike (coming soon). In the meantime, here is what I did:
Went to my Thinktank meeting
Explored UMFA with a friend and spent an hour and a half on one exhibit (that's right, one!)
Practiced Tennis in the field house
Wrote my midterm essay for Intellectual Traditions on the same topic that I have been working on for an essay for my Western Civilization class
Received the highest grade (98.5) on the midterm for my US Government class
Went to a forum about redistricting
Discussed history essay with history professor
Went to a poetry reading
Went to a Government Relations meeting and will potentially be co-chair for the Special Projects Committee
Had free pie at the Village Inn with suitemates at 10:00 pm
Asked by Dr. Jones to TA for him
Played and won a very fun tennis match for the intramurals
Had a 'lunch date' to learn more about running for ASUU Assembly
Went to a lecture about the European crisis with the Euro
Worked on distributing Education First pamphlets for the Special Projects Committee of the GR board
Yeesh. No wonder I am tired.
Time to return to my tea.
Went to my Thinktank meeting
Explored UMFA with a friend and spent an hour and a half on one exhibit (that's right, one!)
Practiced Tennis in the field house
Wrote my midterm essay for Intellectual Traditions on the same topic that I have been working on for an essay for my Western Civilization class
Received the highest grade (98.5) on the midterm for my US Government class
Went to a forum about redistricting
Discussed history essay with history professor
Went to a poetry reading
Went to a Government Relations meeting and will potentially be co-chair for the Special Projects Committee
Had free pie at the Village Inn with suitemates at 10:00 pm
Asked by Dr. Jones to TA for him
Played and won a very fun tennis match for the intramurals
Had a 'lunch date' to learn more about running for ASUU Assembly
Went to a lecture about the European crisis with the Euro
Worked on distributing Education First pamphlets for the Special Projects Committee of the GR board
Yeesh. No wonder I am tired.
Time to return to my tea.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Only 50 Minutes?
Hello all!
I wanted to quickly report to you that my first midterm was a success. I correctly guessed two out of the three essay topics (religion, women) and I think I did a good job writing the essay and writing 5 short responses on different subjects. The only challenge was doing all of this in 50 minutes - a huge difference from being used to exams that last at least 90 minutes, if not much more. It is a whole different sort of challenge. But I got it all in and I feel very good about it! We'll see!
Next: US Govt on Friday!
I wanted to quickly report to you that my first midterm was a success. I correctly guessed two out of the three essay topics (religion, women) and I think I did a good job writing the essay and writing 5 short responses on different subjects. The only challenge was doing all of this in 50 minutes - a huge difference from being used to exams that last at least 90 minutes, if not much more. It is a whole different sort of challenge. But I got it all in and I feel very good about it! We'll see!
Next: US Govt on Friday!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
University of Utah T-Shirt, Victoria Secret U of U Sweatpants, and Paul Frank Slippers
The Outfit of Champions. Or atleast the outfit that suits a long needed break.
After having a wonderfully busy week which culminated with seeing Babcock Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (absolutely hilarious and fantastic) and going to the Homecoming Dance (definitely the funnest dance that I have ever been to - I have a photo booth strip of photos to prove it too) I took the day off today.
Originally, I was going to go to the game today (U v. University of Washington) and volunteer with Recycle Rice Eccles but I decided yesterday and this morning that I definitely wouldn't have enough energy to do that. I seem to be making a habit of turning the game days into my relaxing days. It works for me.
This morning I showered and had a lovely, relaxed breakfast. I had a toasted bagel and egg (egg sandwich!) and strawberries and oranges with orange juice. Mm.
I then walked down to the library and read or reviewed 20 sources from ancient history for my Western Civilization exam on monday. These sources include everything from a section of the play Lysistrata to Socrates' speech at his trial. All very interesting.
Next, I walked back up and had lunch at the HC (pasta and a vegetable marinara, broccoli, yogurt with granola and raspberries). I followed this with a fantastic nap. So far I have spent the rest of my afternoon doing laundry, outlining essays, and working on government vocabulary.
It is wonderful to have a day to spend in my Paul Frank slippers.
After having a wonderfully busy week which culminated with seeing Babcock Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (absolutely hilarious and fantastic) and going to the Homecoming Dance (definitely the funnest dance that I have ever been to - I have a photo booth strip of photos to prove it too) I took the day off today.
Originally, I was going to go to the game today (U v. University of Washington) and volunteer with Recycle Rice Eccles but I decided yesterday and this morning that I definitely wouldn't have enough energy to do that. I seem to be making a habit of turning the game days into my relaxing days. It works for me.
This morning I showered and had a lovely, relaxed breakfast. I had a toasted bagel and egg (egg sandwich!) and strawberries and oranges with orange juice. Mm.
I then walked down to the library and read or reviewed 20 sources from ancient history for my Western Civilization exam on monday. These sources include everything from a section of the play Lysistrata to Socrates' speech at his trial. All very interesting.
Next, I walked back up and had lunch at the HC (pasta and a vegetable marinara, broccoli, yogurt with granola and raspberries). I followed this with a fantastic nap. So far I have spent the rest of my afternoon doing laundry, outlining essays, and working on government vocabulary.
It is wonderful to have a day to spend in my Paul Frank slippers.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Vote Ali!
The spoils system. Riding in on the coattails of the president. A corrupt election process. Polarization.
It doesn't really sound like something that you would want to be involved with, does it? And yet, I think that I am going to be running for the ASUU Assembly this coming Spring. The Assembly is the student government's equivalent to the House of Representatives and deals largely with appropriations for various student groups. Yesterday I was waiting for the Hinckley Forum (about "The Mormon Question" and the Presidency - fascinating) with my TA for my US Gov class and the Vice President for ASUU's Government Relations Board (which I am on). The VP for Government Relations, Andrew, turned to the TA, Molly, and asked whether she was planning to run for reelection for the Senate. I asked them what they were discussing and after a few explanation (very few, I hardly know what I am getting myself into) I had made it onto Andrew's excel spreadsheet of potential candidates for the "Voice" party.
Later I ran into a girl that I have met several times at the Government Relations Board and at service projects who turns out will be running for ASUU president. After answering a few of my questions about the Assembly she informed me that I needed to find a campaign manager a soon as possible. Someone that I trust and would work hard to help me get elected. I easily recruited for this position my friends Brittany and Marissa.
I really don't know everything about what I am getting into but it seems exciting and a great opportunity to find out first hand what politics is like - for better and for worse.
A few things that I do know is that as an Assembly member I would represent a college (I could pick to run for the college of Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences), we campaign in March and April, Assembly candidates received about $5000 for their campaign (!), a term for an Assembly member is one year, Assembly members get paid about $1200 for their term, the Assembly meets about twice a month and votes on appropriating funds to different colleges and student groups.
Vote Ali!
It doesn't really sound like something that you would want to be involved with, does it? And yet, I think that I am going to be running for the ASUU Assembly this coming Spring. The Assembly is the student government's equivalent to the House of Representatives and deals largely with appropriations for various student groups. Yesterday I was waiting for the Hinckley Forum (about "The Mormon Question" and the Presidency - fascinating) with my TA for my US Gov class and the Vice President for ASUU's Government Relations Board (which I am on). The VP for Government Relations, Andrew, turned to the TA, Molly, and asked whether she was planning to run for reelection for the Senate. I asked them what they were discussing and after a few explanation (very few, I hardly know what I am getting myself into) I had made it onto Andrew's excel spreadsheet of potential candidates for the "Voice" party.
Later I ran into a girl that I have met several times at the Government Relations Board and at service projects who turns out will be running for ASUU president. After answering a few of my questions about the Assembly she informed me that I needed to find a campaign manager a soon as possible. Someone that I trust and would work hard to help me get elected. I easily recruited for this position my friends Brittany and Marissa.
I really don't know everything about what I am getting into but it seems exciting and a great opportunity to find out first hand what politics is like - for better and for worse.
A few things that I do know is that as an Assembly member I would represent a college (I could pick to run for the college of Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences), we campaign in March and April, Assembly candidates received about $5000 for their campaign (!), a term for an Assembly member is one year, Assembly members get paid about $1200 for their term, the Assembly meets about twice a month and votes on appropriating funds to different colleges and student groups.
Vote Ali!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Limitless
Although, I haven't seen the movie Limitless today I felt much as I imagine one would if one could use all of his or her brain.
Or maybe it is just possible if one gets more than six hours of sleep.
Either way, today I felt that everything was tied together. US National Government, Western Civilization to 1300, and Intellectual Traditions, especially. You see, although I am studying the national supremacy clause (Article VI of the Constitution) I am really studying the Code of Hammurabi at the same time as the supremacy clause is one of the four main points of that Babylonian document. Or, while we are examining the development of the judicial system through the Odessey and Agammemnon in Intellectual Traditions, I am really understanding another perspective of how the tyrants Solon and Cleisthenes reformed the judicial system of Athens. And you know, I now understand some more of the flaws of our judicial system and how to improve them from Sim Gill's speech two weeks ago at the Hinckley Institute.
Athens dominated the seas with their navy - so did Great Britain.
The Battle Marathon was the turning point of the Persian Wars - so was Gettysburg for the American Civil War.
Solon understand that a democracy couldn't be created instantly as there were none of the institutions in place - just as Hegel understood with Dialectics that life is a series of anti-thesis and thesis which result in a sythesis.
The recognition of Odysseus' hands by Erycleia because of his hands is similar to the importance of a mother recognizing a child's hands in Beloved
The Deus Ex Machina ending of Iphigenia in Taurus is just like that of Tartuffe
There aren't any boarders or boundaries. Everything that I am learning relates and explains the other things that I am learning or have learned.
I guess I should get more sleep more often. : )
Or maybe it is just possible if one gets more than six hours of sleep.
Either way, today I felt that everything was tied together. US National Government, Western Civilization to 1300, and Intellectual Traditions, especially. You see, although I am studying the national supremacy clause (Article VI of the Constitution) I am really studying the Code of Hammurabi at the same time as the supremacy clause is one of the four main points of that Babylonian document. Or, while we are examining the development of the judicial system through the Odessey and Agammemnon in Intellectual Traditions, I am really understanding another perspective of how the tyrants Solon and Cleisthenes reformed the judicial system of Athens. And you know, I now understand some more of the flaws of our judicial system and how to improve them from Sim Gill's speech two weeks ago at the Hinckley Institute.
Athens dominated the seas with their navy - so did Great Britain.
The Battle Marathon was the turning point of the Persian Wars - so was Gettysburg for the American Civil War.
Solon understand that a democracy couldn't be created instantly as there were none of the institutions in place - just as Hegel understood with Dialectics that life is a series of anti-thesis and thesis which result in a sythesis.
The recognition of Odysseus' hands by Erycleia because of his hands is similar to the importance of a mother recognizing a child's hands in Beloved
The Deus Ex Machina ending of Iphigenia in Taurus is just like that of Tartuffe
There aren't any boarders or boundaries. Everything that I am learning relates and explains the other things that I am learning or have learned.
I guess I should get more sleep more often. : )
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Poltical Thought
Today I registered to vote. Never before have I been with so much excitement while filling out my name, address, and birthday. If only I had had my camera with me so that someone could take a photo of me with the people at the registration table. . .
I can vote!
This day got even better as I went to the Hinckley Institute Forum about "Civility in American Politics". Mayor Ralph Becker, Senator Karen Morgan, and Bob Bennet were there. While what every panel member said was interesting concerning the meaning of civility and the reasons for why we are where we are today, Bennet was by far the most interesting and the best speaker. Among other things, he brought up the incident of when senator (Sumner?) from South Carolina beat another senator from Massachusetts on the Senate floor until his cane broke. That is incivility. Bennet made the closing remark of the forum which ended on a question about one man's anger with his government leaders who he feels has failed him. Senator Morgan suggested to the man that he makes sure that he knows all of the facts and that he can always vote out his representative if he does not feel that he is being represented well. Bennett referred to this with his closing remark,
"Yeah, vote them out but don't take your can and beat them senseless."
That really wouldn't be the civil thing to do.
I can vote!
This day got even better as I went to the Hinckley Institute Forum about "Civility in American Politics". Mayor Ralph Becker, Senator Karen Morgan, and Bob Bennet were there. While what every panel member said was interesting concerning the meaning of civility and the reasons for why we are where we are today, Bennet was by far the most interesting and the best speaker. Among other things, he brought up the incident of when senator (Sumner?) from South Carolina beat another senator from Massachusetts on the Senate floor until his cane broke. That is incivility. Bennet made the closing remark of the forum which ended on a question about one man's anger with his government leaders who he feels has failed him. Senator Morgan suggested to the man that he makes sure that he knows all of the facts and that he can always vote out his representative if he does not feel that he is being represented well. Bennett referred to this with his closing remark,
"Yeah, vote them out but don't take your can and beat them senseless."
That really wouldn't be the civil thing to do.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Another Thought of the Week: Americans
So, somehow I am a magnet for foreigners. I don't really know how this happens but I have met several people from different countries such as Kuwait (which from my conversation with this young man during lunch today, apparently is some type of utopia as it does not have taxes), Germany, India, and Japan. Among other things, I am fascinated with how others view Americans. This repeatedly came up on last Saturday as I and several friends from high school spent the morning exploring downtown Salt Lake with two German exchange students: Janak and Anka. After much discussion on how Americans say things, I sighed and said to Janak, "Americans are rude. I'm sorry that we are so rude." He replied,
"Americans aren't rude. They're just ignorant."
"Americans aren't rude. They're just ignorant."
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Second Week
Tie dye
Walking
Think tank
Lecture by Jim Matheson
President's Honors Reception
First College Paper (91 out of 100)
Chai Tea Latte From Trader Joes
Closing Silver Bean
Racquetball
Home
Hiking
The Pie Pizzeria
Sorority Stories
Bride and Prejudice
Civic Engagement Conference
Opening Silver Bean
The Odessey
More Hiking
Ute Pride
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The LIneup
Hello all!
I have just finished my first week of college and it was fantastic. During the week a few changes ocurred to my schedule to make it better than ever, but here is the final schedule:
U.S. National Government (taught by Dan Jones)
Western Civilization to 1300
Intellectual Traditions
Documentary Filmaking Thinktank
Honors Scholars Group
Political Forum Series
The Political Forum Series is the latest edition so you may not have all heard about it. The Hinckley Institute hosts 33 political speakers throughout the semester. I have to go to 10 of them and write a 3 page summary and analysis of 7 of them. The class will help with my writing skills and give me more opportunities with internships.
The upcoming forums are:
Aug 30th 10:45 - Matheson
Sept 6th 10:45 - Sam Gill (Salt Lake County District Attorney)
Sept 13th 12:15 - Bennet, Becker, and Senator Morgan
Sept 20th 2:00 - Salt Lake City Council
Let me know if you want to know what the forum is about or if you want to attend!
Odds and Ends: This morning I went running for the second time on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It has beautiful views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. It even winds into the This is the Place Heritage Park so it provides a charming view of the pioneer houses.
Last night my roomate, Lindsay, and another girl on the floor and I went down to Crimson Nights. They are huge university parties. We went and saw everything that there was to do but after playing a few carnival games we quickly decided to come back and instead watch the movie Sydney White. Which is our favorite replacement to participating in Greek Life.
I have just finished my first week of college and it was fantastic. During the week a few changes ocurred to my schedule to make it better than ever, but here is the final schedule:
U.S. National Government (taught by Dan Jones)
Western Civilization to 1300
Intellectual Traditions
Documentary Filmaking Thinktank
Honors Scholars Group
Political Forum Series
The Political Forum Series is the latest edition so you may not have all heard about it. The Hinckley Institute hosts 33 political speakers throughout the semester. I have to go to 10 of them and write a 3 page summary and analysis of 7 of them. The class will help with my writing skills and give me more opportunities with internships.
The upcoming forums are:
Aug 30th 10:45 - Matheson
Sept 6th 10:45 - Sam Gill (Salt Lake County District Attorney)
Sept 13th 12:15 - Bennet, Becker, and Senator Morgan
Sept 20th 2:00 - Salt Lake City Council
Let me know if you want to know what the forum is about or if you want to attend!
Odds and Ends: This morning I went running for the second time on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It has beautiful views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. It even winds into the This is the Place Heritage Park so it provides a charming view of the pioneer houses.
Last night my roomate, Lindsay, and another girl on the floor and I went down to Crimson Nights. They are huge university parties. We went and saw everything that there was to do but after playing a few carnival games we quickly decided to come back and instead watch the movie Sydney White. Which is our favorite replacement to participating in Greek Life.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Cicero, Locke, and Bacon
The Thought of the Week (and you didn't even know that there was a thought of the week!) Ralph Waldo Emerson's speech "The American Scholar". I read this for my scholars group and particularly enjoyed the following quote:
"Meek young men grow up in libraries, believing it their duty to accept the views which Cicero, which Locke, which Bacon, have given; forgetful that Cicero, Locke, and Bacon were only young men in libraries when they wrote these books."
"Meek young men grow up in libraries, believing it their duty to accept the views which Cicero, which Locke, which Bacon, have given; forgetful that Cicero, Locke, and Bacon were only young men in libraries when they wrote these books."
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