Hark, All Ye Nations!

A few weeks ago, there was a group made on Facebook for women that had received their mission calls, waiting on a mission call, or planning on putting in their papers soon. It started as a little group, but has now reached about 2,000 members. Everyone that has their call has posted on the group wall where they’re going and when they are leaving so they can connect with other sisters that are going to the same mission. It’s been such a fun group to be a part of, and I can bet you that I’ve given up at least an hour of sleep every night this past week because I’ve been so excited about this group, these ladies, and the enthusiasm I am seeing from so many around the country/world, I’ve checked it regularly enough to have seen basically all of the mission calls of the 2,000 sisters that are currently in the group.

Well, Anna had an idea about a week ago, to get all the sisters that could come, to the Salt Lake Temple so we could take a picture and send it off the First Presidency with a note explaining how grateful we are for a prophet’s call, and how wonderful our time has been preparing for a full time mission. We wanted to show them the impact it’s made in our lives so far, and continues to make. So, an event was planned for Saturday, December 8, 2012, to meet in front of the Salt Lake Temple – every sister that was a part of the group that was able to come – so we could meet and mingle, and express how excited we were to be a part of this historic change.

This spread like wildfire. Soon, ladies in Rexburg, Logan, Provo, and La’ie Hawaii were putting together events, inviting all the sisters whose lives have been changed by the call to serve to get together and show their support for the prophet, service as a missionary, and their enthusiasm for serving the Lord.

So, Anna and I picked up some wonderful ladies that we’d met through the Facebook page (Marissa – Zambia, and McKayla – Brazil) and headed off to Salt Lake. We speculated on the amount of turnout there would be, but thought it was going to be wonderful nonetheless.

When we arrived, there were probably a good 20 women there, but soon they began to come in hoards. Eventually, we had over 200 gathered around the Salt Lake Temple, beaming with joy and excitement for the call to serve. This has been a dream for many of the sisters I met today, and it’s finally becoming a reality. The energy and spirit emanating from the 200 of us was so POWERFUL, it was tangible. We grouped around the reflection pond and began to sing “Called to Serve.” I thought I got chills when the Elders sang “Called to Serve” in the priesthood meeting of general conference, but this was… incredible. More than 200 sisters, with their mission calls, singing an anthem to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all the veracity they could muster, because they believe with their entire soul that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and living church, is beyond any description the English language could offer. It was something you had to feel, something that you can’t put words to.

I’ve had reassurances of my decision many times throughout these past few months, but right then and there, there was absolutely no doubt that what I was doing, what every girl standing outside in the freezing snow was doing, was the most valuable path our lives could take.

We said our goodbyes, but knew that it wouldn’t be goodbye for long because many of us enter the MTC around the same time, and went our separate ways. Some were interviewed by the local television stations, and watching them bear testimony tonight reiterated and restored the powerful spirit that was present during the afternoon.

In my personal preparations, I have often thought about the words of hymn number 264 “Hark All Ye Nations!”:

Chosen by God to serve him below, to every land and people we’ll go,

Standing for truth with fervent accord, teaching His holy word.

Oh, how glorious from the throne above shines the gospel light of truth and love!

Bright as the sun, this heavenly ray lights every land today.

I hope we reflect on that moment regularly, remembering that the spirit whispered to each of our hearts that we are literally among the ranks of God’s Army. We stand together as sisters in Zion and if we lean on the strength of those around us, and especially our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, there is nothing that will be impossible. The work is moving forward, we are a part of it, the long night is over and the gospel WILL light every land and nation on the earth. Oh, how glorious.

Proportion and Consumer Rights

The last few times we've met as a class, I've reflected more and more on consumer rights and ethics. 

The more I think about it, the more I realize that it is a civil duty for journalists to be ethical, and to provide truth and correctness to the audience to which he or she writes. 

It's the right of the consumer to know what's going on, and if the consumer finds they are deceived, the trust they have in the news diminishes. 

Unfortunately, human nature is to "get ahead" and sometimes people think that means lying, cheating, fabricating and just plain deceit. When that happens, unfortunately, the trust that was built is difficult to regain and the consumers feel that their right to the truth has been overlooked. 

As an aspiring journalist, I hope to be one that governs with ethics and a purpose to bring understanding and recognition to an audience, and gain trust within that audience. 

Mormon Media Studies Symposium

As I trudged through the slush over to the Conference Center on campus for the Mormon Media Studies Symposium for class, I hoped that my soaking feet, jeans, hands, and well... Everything were worth what I was about to hear. 

Mormons in the media has always been an interesting topic to me because, obviously, I'm a Mormon. 

The first session I attended talked about Mormons gaining publicity with the media, and coming into the spotlight. Originally, the media directed at the LDS church had been pretty negative, portraying our religion as a cult, devil worshipers, etc... Although a lot of that criticism and negativity has continued throughout the years, with the recent Presidential election and Mitt Romney becoming a very prominent Mormon, a lot of that media attention has turned towards curiosity and searching questions. It was interesting to see the difference in opinions between those that vigorously oppose anything that has to do with the church, and those that are truly curious.

The second session I attended dealt with The Book of Mormon Musical. (The good thing about writing in a blog, is that I can express my opinion. And sometimes, it doesn't match up with everything I learn.) This session, I found out that I never want to be a journalist that goes against the teachings of the church. I remember one girl explicitly saying how, if the musical had a rating it would be rated "R", and then goes on to say how wonderful it was and how, as Mormons, we need to be "open minded". 

As much as I agree with the last statement, I couldn't validate her opinion. I couldn't complement her opinion with my own, because I've always been taught that the prophet's word is not something to be taken lightly. 

Other than that, I found that the Church had paid for an advertisement in the playbill and thought that was a wonderful marketing strategy, because, obviously the Book of Mormon Musical is not church-endorsed, so most of the audience wouldn't be members. So re-directing them to the church website with all their questions was probably a really smart move. 

All in all, the Mormon Media Studies Symposium was intriguing and enlightening. I really enjoyed it. 

Journalism and Religion

Religion and media have always had an interesting relationship. It could have started with the whole “church being separate from state” thing, but ever since I can remember, bringing up God in public news was, and still is, a definite taboo.  Journalists deal with facts, and facts don’t involve faith. Facts are hard evidence. Something you can’t dispute. Many journalists shy away from stories that have the slightest religious influence because there is bias, prejudice, and shaky facts. Others refuse stories about religion because they do not want to exploit a church they belong to.

There is a way to keep your personal religion central, and uphold the standards while still reporting on other religions, or even your own. If you were to explain a concept or doctrine of your religion, you would speak so people would understand. The same thing goes for journalism. When reporting on religion, remember that the particular religion includes many thousands, or millions of members who believe in faith. They believe in works. They know the truth, whereas journalism is always seeking to find the truth. Because religion is so central in hundreds of millions of people’s lives, it shouldn’t be something to run away from. People relate to religion. They relate to God, and other people who believe the same as they do. There is no reason to be afraid of reporting a story especially when it includes someone’s beliefs.

One of Those Days

I cracked open my eyes this morning at 7:30, and felt my nerves exploding inside my skull. Breathing through my nose was minimal, moving was like waking from hibernation, thinking was..... 
So, naturally, I went back to sleep.

The joys of winter. 

Five minutes later (which was really 10:00), I stumbled down the hall to the bathroom. Towel in hand, I stared at the shower contemplating whether or not I should make myself presentable for the day. Thinking about a test I hadn't studied for, I decided against it. I was just going to lock myself in my room until I floundered through the rest of the material, anyway, pausing only for sustenance and relief, and I had better get started.

On my way back to my room, I heard Anna, my roommate's, door creak open. Her botany class is at 8:00 am, and a look of shame was plastered all over her face. She had woken up, and resolved to stay in bed for the morning. 

"You too?"

I guess it was just one of those days.

After a few hours of slaving away, my stomach couldn't take it any longer, and reminded me quite loudly that it needed to be nourished. 

I considered the destitute state of my shelf in the fridge, and hoped I would have better luck with the pantry. 

Goldmine: Mac N Cheese I had forgotten about!

"What the heck", I thought, and continued to relive a meal I frequently had as a child. That, and Mac N Cheese takes about 10 minutes total to prepare, so being the lazy deadbeat I was this morning, faster was better. 

I called to Anna to see if she'd like to dine with me. 
Seasoning the Mac N Cheese with salt and pepper, the two most common spices in a household cupboard, we were ready to dig into our gourmet meal.

Now, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is known for it's long shelf life, which is perfect for food storage, and starving college students that raid mom and dad's pantry when they visit home. However, our first bite into it seemed... wrong. Something was on the brink of being rancid and we weren't sure why. 
I retrieved the macaroni box from the top of the garbage and looked at the expiration date:
March 21, 2007. 
For all of you that don't want to do simple math at the moment, March 21, 2007 was over FIVE years ago. Folks, that means that when the mac and cheese was manufactured, the box was stamped with an expiration date which I'm guessing would be about a year from the time it was made. 
5+1=6. SIX years. This box has been sitting on a shelf for approximately six years. 

Amidst fits of laughter from both Anna and myself, Anna suggested we pray to bless the food that it wouldn't kill us. (I'm telling you. Lazy deadbeats. This sortof reminds me of the LDS movie, The RM. People are gathered for a barbeque, and one elderly gentleman is removing hamburger patties from the grill that are obviously raw. His wife notices that he plans to feed them to the guests and scolds him for not cooking them thoroughly. He then says, "That's why we bless it before we eat it!" ...Well said, grandpa.)

We said "amen" and both stared at the mac and cheese who's physical appearance hadn't in fact changed at all, but because of learning it's true identity, now seemed greener; more rank. Both of us gingerly picked up a forkful, made eye contact, and dropped the fork back into the bowl. 
There was absolutely no way we could indulge.
No way. 

That's how the 6 year old mac and cheese found a final resting place through the garbage disposal. 

There are lessons to be learned from days like this:

1. Lazy days = lazy cooking. Sometimes, lazy is okay, but make sure your mac and cheese isn't overdue. 

2. Blessing the food doesn't rid it of rotten.

Some thoughts to leave with you as you prepare your next meal:

Two Words

Two words:
Effective immediately.

Approximately 7 years ago, I received my Patriarchial Blessing.

You can imagine what was going through my mind as a 14-year old when the idea of a mission was planted. If you can't, it was something along the lines of, "Oh hey, cool. A mission. At 21. That's a long time away!" 
Okay, that's probably not what went through my mind. What I probably thought about missions at the time was, "21 is old."
Either way, since then I'd thought regularly about serving a mission.
No lie. Regularly. 
Living in northern Utah, I've probably been to Temple Square a good... fifty or so times. The sister missionaries at temple square make it a point to ask if you are going to serve a mission. Even at the ripe old age of 14. Kudos to them, recruiting young ;) They then proceed to tell you how AH-MAZING it is and will talk to you about it until the end of time.
Even if I didn't visit temple square at least 4 times a year, there were plenty of young men in my church that were leaving for a mission. Naturally, I was interested. When a 19 year old boy you think is attractive decides he is leaving for two years to share a message about Christ to obscure parts of the world, you think a little deeper about "why". There weren't as many girls I knew going on missions, but I knew it was perfectly possible.
I also knew that my amazing mother had served a mission (Portland, Oregon). She has shared experiences about her mission with me since I was little, and reminds me every day of how important serving the Lord is. (Mosiah 2:17)
So, from the time I was 14, I was pretty sure that I would serve a mission.

Approximately 20 days ago, I (along with 4,000 other young men and women) started mission papers. 

On Friday, I called my bishop here in Provo so I could start meeting with him about a mission. He didn't answer, so I resolved to call him on Monday to make an appointment to see him later in the week. 
Following President Monson's historic announcement that Saturday, I called my bishop to start papers ASAP. 
Why wait? The announcement was effective immediately.
After talking with my YSA bishop in Provo, I decided it would be better to go through my home ward. I could imagine that the bishops in YSA wards getting slammed with young women especially wanting to start their papers.
I did (and still do, although it's decreased some) have a fear about those jumping in and starting their papers just because the age was changed. I worry that we haven't been completely educated about a mission, and how hard it really is. I've talked with a lot of return missionaries in my ward and they all bring up the same point:
The stories you hear about someone's mission are always good. In homecoming talks, you hear the same 5 stories and automatically think a mission is rainbows and ponies. But if you think about it, in two years, two years, you have 5 outstanding experiences? What happened the other 725 days? Most likely rejection. Doors slamming in your face. Dropped appointments. Investigators that fall through. 
BUT, 
I stumbled across this blog post. It resonated with me. I knew why I wanted to serve, and it gave me a little more comfort about why others have chosen to dive into this. 
This is a wonderful thing, don't get me wrong. I just know that a lot of my dear friends have served with companions that don't really want to be out there and have gone just because they felt pressured. 
That said, I know of quite a few missionaries that went out just because it was expected and have become fantastic missionaries and servants of the Lord. 

Approximately 14 days ago, I submitted my mission papers.

Yes, yes. It took me one week to start and submit my papers. 
Everything lined up perfectly, and it definitely helps that I don't have to have my wisdom teeth out. In fact, I don't have any wisdom teeth. 
Does that mean that I am less wise than all the 16 year olds that are having their surgeries?
Or... am I more evolved? What's the point of wisdom teeth anyway?


Approximately 34 hours ago, I received a phone call that I've only dreamed of. My mission call had arrived and was at the post office waiting to be delivered to my Mountain Green home. 

Torture. Pure torture. 
Mom called at 7 am to let me know that it had arrived. 
I had to give a presentation in a class at 4.
I also had to be in two other classes to receive my participation points (normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but they are worth a 3rd of my grade...)
After zoning out and having a terrible time paying attention for 9 hours, I finally made my way north. 
More torture. 
About a month ago, our family planned to go to the Warren Miller movie. Obviously we didn't know what big announcement was going to come that day...
30 minutes into the movie seemed like hours, but we stayed for an hour and a half. 
It was killing me. 
We left at intermission because, obviously, I couldn't wait any longer. (My family took pity on me. After being in the fetal position for more than a half hour straight, they figured it would be better for my health if we left)

Approximately 20 hours ago, I opened my mission call

I've been asked several times if there was a place I'd like to go on my mission. Every time, I said "I have no idea. I just want to go!"

I'd always hoped I'd go foreign, but there is such a need for missionaries within the states, that I knew that wherever I go is where I'll be needed (reading Elder Rasband's talk definitely opened my eyes to the calling process, and how inspired it truly is. I'm a believer!)
Sitting in the Miller movie, I said a quick prayer. "Heavenly Father, please let me know that wherever I go will be right for me." 
Right after, I had the strongest feeling that I would be going foreign. Specifically Germany. 
To avoid disappointment, I pushed the feeling away. I really did not want to get my hopes up. (I went on a study abroad to Austria (which you can read about and see pictures here... It's only... Half written. Forgive?) and traveled up into Germany where I fell in love with everything about it! It's only been a year since I left for Austria, and I have been just itching to go back!)
There was no fanfare when the letter was opened.
There weren't even words. 
Literally.
I could not speak.
All I could do was cry and try not to look like a blubbering fool... (Which, might I add, I failed miserably at)
I was finally able to choke out the first line of the letter. 

Two words:
Berlin, Germany 

I still can't believe it. 

His Girl Friday

When we decided to watch His Girl Friday in class last week, I have to admit I was really excited. I had heard about the movie - witty humor, attractive men, and a fun plot. So unwittingly, I had set my expectations high.

The movie starts out with Hildegard, "Hildy", announcing to Walter Burns, her ex-husband and editor for The Morning Post, that she will no longer write for the paper, and that she is getting married to an insurance man, Bruce Baldwin. Well, Walter didn't fancy the idea of Hildy leaving (or getting married to another man) so he does everything in his power to sabotage her wedding, and comes up with an idea of getting her to write one last story before she leaves to Albany, New York to settle down as a housewife. Walter knew that Hildy couldn't resist the call of a "front page story", and entices her to cover the upcoming execution of a convicted murderer, Earl Williams. Walter even goes so far as to set up Hildy's fiance, Bruce, to be arrested on several occasions. It turns out wonderfully for Walter because Earl (the convict) escapes from prison and comes to Hildy for help. Naturally, she couldn't dismiss how perfect the situation is, and gets so wrapped up in the story that she all-together forgets Bruce and their plans to go to Albany that night so they could marry in the morning. Bruce leaves because he realizes that trying to get Hildy to go with him is pointless, and Walter re-proposes marriage to Hildy.

This movie is irritating on so many levels.

Let's talk about Walter Burns first.

He didn't just "lose" his moral compass. He threw it on the concrete where the glass shattered, then stomped on it until all the little gears went flying. What kind of man divorces his wife, then decides that he has all claim on her and her future decisions? What kind of man sets up an innocent to be thrown in jail time and time again? What kind of man would rather spend time with a typewriter and convicts than spend time with his wife on a honeymoon?! Scumbag.

I don't think any higher of Hildegard either. 

Her moral compass wasn't as brutally destroyed as Walters, but it's apparent as time went on, she trashed it all together. This became clear when she interviewed Earl, the convict. She asked slanted, one sided questions that would elicit a response that was "newsworthy", and then later completely avoided and forgot her fiance (whom she professed love for. Obviously you don't love him, so don't pretend).

Walter and Hildegard are perfect for each other. 

The movie did exactly what I feel it intended to. Elicit an emotional connection with the viewer. However, the emotional connection I made with it was one of contempt - not necessarily a good thing. 
As far as the rating, I think it is a great movie. It's funny, but completely irritating; captivating, but absolutely frustrating. Any movie that can do both - in my book - is worth watching.

It's a Good Thing this is Entertainment...

The journalism course I'm taking requires us to write a blog post every week about what we discussed in class. (This is why there is a bunch of journalism thoughts, if you were curious (; )

This week, the topic was journalism and verification. 
There are 5 intellectual principles of journalism:
1. Do not add
2. Never deceive the audience
3. Be transparent as possible
4. Rely on your original reporting
5. Exercise humility

Unfortunately, the only example I could think about was Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Let's see how Miss Skeeter did with these principles.

Grinds my gears.

Right from the start, she assumes position of the most important person in the room by announcing they should all know who she is and how "her" readers are anxious to get her latest scoop (humility fail).
She certainly has a vivacious personality, but it seems abrasive when none of the champions volunteer to talk to her (I assume she has a preceding reputation). Instead of this deterring her, she makes a beeline for the only target she had the intention of interviewing anyway, Harry, because a "boy of 12" competing in a tournament for champions is front-page news! Supposing she could take creative rights for anything he did or didn't say, she asks slanted questions obviously searching for a reaction that is news-worthy, not even allowing Harry to explain (or even say more than 3 words at a time...).

Did she follow any of the intellectual principles?
I suppose you could say she relied on her original reporting when she actually published the article. Other than that, if this was a test, she gets a big fat F.

Perspective - A Life Lesson

 

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

 - Marcus Aurelius

In lieu of the upcoming election, it would do everyone good to remember that perspective matters. I'm not just talking about Republicans vs. Democrats vs. Constitutionalists vs. whoever else may be running despite the slim chance of a victory. Votes will be cast for all parties, and despite what you wholeheartedly believe about the direction this election will take our country - remember that someone else wholeheartedly believes in exactly the opposite. 

What gives us the right to belittle someone else? The way your opinion leans is the culmination of all your life experiences so far, and in effect, determines who you are. Just because someone doesn't have the same opinion as you doesn't mean they are wrong, it just means they have a different life history than you, which is natural and perfectly fine. 

This goes for the news as well. As much as national news should be unbiased and impartial, it's beneficial to remember that newspapers, talk radio and television are run by people - and the unobstructed truth is that people are not perfect. People are biased. People are opinionated. If you don't like it, deal. There's not much you can do about other people, but you CAN do something about how YOU react. 

I want to advocate for world peace... (I'm only slightly kidding) 
But wouldn't it be better if people learned how to tolerate an opinion different than their own?
I'm not saying you shouldn't ever disagree - hold strong! But don't discredit someone's opinion.
People aren't going to remember what you said to them. They're going to remember the way you made them feel.

Crandall Printing Museum

How have I lived in Provo for three years, and not had the slightest knowledge of the Crandall Historical Printing Museum?

Right on Center Street, this hands-on printing museum is the most complete printing museum in the world. From a replica of the first Gutenberg press, to a Linotype (the first machine operated press) visitors can watch and participate as individual letters are set into the only operational authentic Gutenberg press in the world, ink is blotted on the backwards typeface, and paper is inserted and stamped to create the first page of Genesis. 

Watching the painstaking process, I began to more deeply appreciate men like Johannes Gutenberg, Benjamin Franklin, and others that pioneered the way for modern printing technology. 
Because of men like this, it takes me a grand total of 45 minutes to write a 200 word blog post about a neat experience I had. 500 years ago, no one would have dreamed that virtually everyone in the world would have the opportunity to learn to read, write and express their opinions openly over a series of boxes powered by electricity and connected to each other so people in Africa, Ukraine, Mexico, etc... can see it. 

Two things.

1. This makes me think about everything I use during the day, and how much I take most of it for granted. How many people from history do we have to thank for their curiosity and dedication to solving a problem?

2. How many places in Provo have I never been in because I don't know it exists? I suppose it's time to find out!

Wanderlust

One month.
It's been one month since I've been on a vacation, and maybe it's the stress of school, or finances, or whatever, but I have a serious case of "itchy feet" (it might have to do with the fact that I surf the travel board on Pinterest on a regular basis... But we don't have to talk about my work obsessions (; ). 

Itchy feet. I'm almost positive I inherited them from my mom. Ever since I can remember, our family has been on a yearly, if not semi-annual vacation/s. 
There is nothing like sitting on a beach at sunset with your toes in the water and a blanket wrapped around your arms, or riding an old cruiser through downtown Boston's Italian street smelling the desserts and pasta from the roadside cafes. 

I would rather be somewhere I've never been before.

Recently, I've had a slight obsession with Alaska. Take a look:

 



 

And my favorites:


Seriously, if you've never had Flaming Baked Alaska, get some. Now. Or make some. Here's the recipe. You're welcome :)


Do you understand my need to go there??

Freedom?

It's interesting to note that everyone relies on the news for information. Whether you watch it on the television, read the newspaper, scan the homepage on your web browser, overhear a conversation, or read an opinion blog, you are being influenced by what the media tells you is important. Being able to choose where you get your information is a luxury that we seem to take for granted sometimes. Media for us means freedom.

There are many countries in the world that don’t have the right of freedom of speech. Things they say are monitored, internet sites are forbidden, and the media consumed is carefully planned and distributed. Media for these people can remind them that they don’t have a voice.

The role of Journalism in the United States depends heavily on the citizens. It’s a journalist’s job to find out what interests people, and also how to relay it truthfully. Citizens should trust the media to be truthful with the information presented. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk in which he expressed some concerns for society’s future, some of which are:

• Overemphasis on rights and underemphasis on responsibility
• Diminished readership of newspapers and books
• What is or is not being taught in schools that will shape the values of our future leaders
• Destruction of trust in public figures

Most of the blame for these four things, I feel, lies with the media. To expound on one point, the destruction of trust in public figures is evident in today’s news. Journalists demean and “dig up dirt” on those that have been elected to high positions. They portray some of these people as criminals – not someone you would like to associate with. While some of the things brought to light have been thought-provoking, the office in which the individual stands should be respected – and not disgraced. A journalist’s responsibility is to make sure the truth is known, so citizens can decide for themselves where to take a stand. When society is pumped with false information and lies, it’s hard for anyone to agree, and disagreements can cause division which is a slippery slope to failure.

The primary purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing.

Football and Elder Holland?

BYU versus UofU

Every year, it's the same thing: each team gets pumped up, ready to play in the "Holy War". 

Every year, it seems like the fans get more and more restless and out of hand.

Is this really about a long-standing so-called "friendly" rivalry between two great schools? 

Because most of the time, it doesn't seem that way.

Most of the time, it seems like fans of the winning team are ready and willing to shove another victory into the faces of the losing team's fans, and visa versa. It also seems like the losing team's fans instantly tense up waiting for a chance to defend and make excuses for "their" team. 

It seems like everyone's worst comes out during sports.

I'm secretly (not so, anymore) glad that the rival games are coming to an end. 

That said, I am WAY more impressed with the reaction from my Facebook friends this year! The big lead Utah had, only to have BYU come back in the 4th quarter to make it a close game is definitely one to be remembered. I admit that I was WAY more into the game than I thought I would be. I could hear the yells and the roars coming from down the street, which made me more excited.

I wonder if this change of attitude came from how great the game was, that the rivalry is coming to an end, or perhaps last Sunday's CES devotional from Elder Holland?

I wonder if Elder Holland planned his talk in preparation for the BYU-Utah football game...? He definitely put us all in our place.

Food for thought.

.:Simplicity:.

Freshman year I took a psychology class. I had studied psychology before and absolutely loved it. It was fascinating the way people reacted to situations, and how sometimes thought processes could be manipulated in a way that someone could control. I always thought those kinds of people had super powers, or that they belonged in Inception, so psychology was obviously something I wanted to learn more about. I was excited to start a brand new semester at BYU, and excited for my psychology class. Until about 3 weeks into the semester.

This professor, ahem, DOCTOR (I suppose if you went to that much schooling, you deserve a title) was more concerned about showing off his scholarly language than he was about helping his students pass. The required text was a good three years beyond anything anyone in a level 100 class had learned (Except for two or three geniuses. There are ALWAYS two or three geniuses in every class…) and TAs were hired at random. Struggling with difficult language, and unhelpful TAs throughout that semester, I learned a solid lesson: If you want to relate to people, and have them understand you, simplicity is the key.

The whole point of journalism is informing the masses. In order for the masses to understand cholesterol levels in arctic fish versus tropical fish, some simple language has to be used. Granted, no one is really going to need to know that tropical fish have more cholesterol unless there is a sudden epidemic involving heart attacks linked with seafood, but the point still stands! The WHY of the world is how we learn, and learning is only possible when the explanation is easily understood. Society needs more people who are willing to simplify life. Kudos to those brave souls.

Leaked iPhone 5 video?

Haha.

11:00. Too Late for Writing.

In my Journalism class this semester, one of our assignments is to create a weekly blog and discuss things we have learned about in class. Initially, this blog was just going to be text on a screen. Enough to fulfill the requirements for a passing grade because I was planning on starting a blog anyway. BUT, I thought why not incorporate these assignments onto a blog that I want to keep? Throughout the semester, there will be prompts that I need to follow, and they might not necessarily be something I would normally write about but what a way to kick-start my brain into something challenging! I'm looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone and sharing my opinion about something that may be controversial or maybe even a bit personal. 

Which is the reason I made my blog pretty. Even if it's not fun to read, at least it's aesthetically appealing ;)

On another note, one of my best friends, Jeanette, has been rescued from Canada. After an ordeal at an amusement park in Toronto where her passport, wallet and gum were stolen, she is now safely within the boarders of the United States. (I feel like I should say something like, "Officials are chasing a lead in order to track down the bag snatching thief." but it's probably not true, and this paragraph already sounds too news-reporter to me)

Also, I really need to stop posting at 11:00 at night. 

.:Realization:.

I've had an epiphany. It may not seem like such a big deal, but once you find a way to make a dream work, it's a pretty big deal to you.

Backing up a few... well, it starts a few years ago, but I won't go back that far. Education has always been an integral part of my life. After being in school for fifteen years, you think I would know what direction I want my life to go, but every time I think I've figured it out, I dread the years ahead of me. There are two things I know for sure:

1. I am NOT going to have a desk job where I work in a cubicle for forty plus hours a week for the rest of my life.

2. I am going to travel the world. I don't care if I have to sleep in hostels, on dirt floors or in a car - I've done it before and the experiences I've had outweigh any expense I've paid. 

I remember thinking as I stepped onto campus for the first time, "This is where my life begins." I said goodbye to living comfortably in my childhood home, and traded it for a roommate, hours upon hours of reading and homework, five to six hours of sleep every weeknight - sometimes less, and trying to balance good grades with a social life and sanity. Well, semesters passed with most of my friends doing internships, starting their programs and getting married, but I had only flipped majors a few times and hadn't even started a program in the two and a half years I've been here (which, I've come to find out, isn't that uncommon for undergrads). Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed my college experience as much as the next girl, but the decision to be locked in a program that I might not even like for at least two years was terrifying. 

Choosing a major was invading my thoughts, and although I've tested and researched many different ones, I've never felt at ease. 

This is where the whole point of this comes into play. A few weeks ago, I was talking with my mom, and I expressed the concerns I had. She asked if I had ever thought about Journalism, and I brushed it aside because I don't want to report on politics, crime, or any sort of stories that go into the news nowadays. To be honest, being a journalist has crossed my mind a time or two, but I always convinced myself that I wasn't a good enough writer, so I'd never looked into it. Why I thought I could manage a business better than I could write is beyond me, but I looked into it.

The more I read about Journalism, the more I like how it fits with the type of career I want to have. No, I still would rather not write for the news, but I CAN write. And I would be MORE than happy to write for a travel magazine. I've always been good at keeping a journal, so why not apply myself to something I already do - and LIKE to do, for that matter?

Ironic how sometimes you end up wanting to do something you thought you'd NEVER want to do.