Protest Culture

The film we watched in class on Thursday inspired me to think about how I view public participation, and what it means to be American. The first amendment offers special protections and freedoms unique to our nation. We can speak our minds and feel free to assemble. However as I watched the tape I grew frustrated. Outside the realm of sheer numbers and perhaps limited creativity I see no correlation between protesting and political change (at least today). The Civil Rights movement was a success because people marched, gave inspirational speeches and lobbied through the proper channels to spark legislative progress. However today, there seems to be more anger, chaos and disunity in the protest process. When protestors harrass legislators they are hindering the political process and unfairly personally attacking our public servants. As a conservative there are leftist politicians which drive me crazy, however I would NEVER personally harass them or protest in front of a national political convention. In fact, I'm sick and tired of watching videos of hippies protesting Republicans. SICK AND TIRED! I have an open mind, however I feel if our school wants to stop being hypocritical and begin truly living the vision statement more people would show the conservative perspective in the classroom. In one of my classes we spent six class sessions watching videos which demonized Ronald Reagan, capitalism, the military, and Christian families. (In a US History class!) I'm too frustrated to write. Cindy Sheehan is coming to CSUMB and she is a fantastic example of having the right to free speech. Her anti war activism inspires passionate feelings about the controversial issue of the War on Terror. She is granted the right to speak her mind because she lives in America. Just because I don't agree with her doesn't mean I don't celebrate her freedom of speech. There is so much to think about...

California Love

I'm a California girl.

My family has lived here for seven generations. California is undoubtedly beautiful. There is no place in the world like it. You can find something exciting to do at any hour of the day or night. People here are friendly, outgoing and fun. We have nature, zoos, shopping, theme parks, amazing athletic teams, famous universities, a fabulous music scene and Hollywood glamor. California is home to amazing and talented people, not to mention a mecca of technology in the Silicon Valley. Opportunities abound here in the world's fifth largest economy.

So...why do I want to leave so badly?

I am an old soul at heart. I can't wait to buy a house, start a family and spark a successful career... and I don't want to do it in California. Fast paced urban life is not for me. I cringe when I see that "Sweet Sixteen" show on MTV. I'm a country music fan. I care about family values and living in a small town. My family thinks I'm crazy. Why isolate yourself? Aren't you scared to be so far away from home? The truth is as I get older I can't wait to settle down and get out of this crazy state. Maybe that makes me crazy too!

Stretch

Do you ever have the feeling you have stretched yourself too thin? I am experiencing that feeling at this very moment. On the bright side pretty much all of my projects and activities are positive so I look forward to working on them however it is daunting to see a planner filled with little free time. This is when I begin to second guess my schedule. Also, my 21st birthday is next Tuesday and I'm confident some shenanigans will occur to throw everything slightly off track!

This weekend I am traveling to Sacramento to attend an awesome political convention with speakers, political leaders from around California and student voices. It is going to be crazy and I don't expect to sleep much between work and play. Once I get back I have three Associated Student meetings a week, nannying two days a week and a myriad of random meetings connecting to a benefit I'm organizing for the Monterey Rape Crisis Center in April to an internship I'll be applying to in March. How to stay motivated? Oprah. Seriously. Check her out.

Do you ever make promises you thought for sure you could keep at the time and then time itself slips away from you? My best friend lives in Long Beach and I promised her to visit this month but between traveling and service learning on Sundays I seriously don't have time. I want to be irresponsible but something is holding me back. Friends have pretty much concluded its OCD!

Who knows! At this point, if anyone out there can motivate some bad behavior I'm open to listening!

Welcome Friends!

Hello everyone! I am a big time believer in laughing and smiling no matter what happens in life. I love my family and am a quite the fan of dinosaurs, reading, and going to the beach with our puppy. This semester may have had a rocky start for me but now I'm only looking up. There is so much to look forward to including working a job I adore, volunteering at a new place in the community and starting fresh classes with new faces. Sometimes being busy and outgoing can be difficult but I am working diligently to try my best at every project which comes my way. Thankfully, each morning is a new day.

The right to free speech is by far my favorite Amendment of the United States Constitution. This class is certainly going be exciting and controversial. I am conservative which is rare and unique for any student at CSU Monterey Bay. Often being a leader or advocate for my beliefs has made me a target for many. Luckily, I have a right to stand up and speak out because of my freedom of speech. My political ideology is only one distinct aspect of any individual and I don't consider myself defined by these opinions because there is so much more to explore and learn. With every different experience comes the opportunity for growth.