I have always been a cynic when it comes to romance. My pessimism comes from a few different places, but my mother’s feminist ideology has possibly been a large contributor. Before I started preschool, she read to me everyday. The day she read “Snow White”, she paused mid-sentence on page two. “Snow White waited and waited, longing for Prince Charming to come and…save her.” She reluctantly continued on, but when she reached the last page, when Snow White gets on the white horse and gallops off into the sunset with her Prince, Mom decided a small rewrite was in order. “Although Prince Charming wanted Snow White to come away with him, she decided that she did not need a man to make her life complete. So instead, she went off to college, got her M.B.A., and lived independently and happily ever after…the end!” Needless to say, I was quite upset when I returned from my first day of preschool, having learned that Snow White did indeed marry Prince Charming.
When I reached my teenage years, I was still encouraged to be independent. “Don’t call him…you don’t need a boy in your life!” she would say. So a month ago, when I heard Taylor Swift’s latest song entitled “Love Story”, I laughed and rolled my eyes. The song is about the perfect love story—summer air, dancing at a ball, sneaking into a garden, falling in love, waiting, and then the prince returns with a ring in hand. A month ago, I could identify with certain parts of the love story. Meeting the perfect guy. Dancing in the summer. And waiting—not in a pathetic, wait by the phone way, but still waiting. That is the part I can identify with the most. In my past experience, the prince doesn’t come after all of your waiting. He sends a letter or a text message (or makes a phone call if he’s really classy) to say, “Sorry, but…”
This summer, while my best friend Courtney and I were lying on the beach, I remember half-jokingly saying, “True love doesn’t exist.”
But now, my cynicism is slowly fading. At the beginning of September, I decided to go on a date with someone I barely knew. I knew that he was an Obama-loving writer who was a freshman a UNC and had decent taste in music. While getting ready, I had already convinced myself that there wouldn’t be a second date. He is a freshman in college. This will never come close to working. However, by the end of the night, I was quite taken with David Hamrick. He had been a perfect gentleman; opening doors, paying for the meal, and looking me in the eye when I spoke. But there was something different about him—different from all the others. Over the next few weeks, he not only became my boyfriend, but my best friend. So far, I’ve learned that a true “love story” isn’t perfect. There are disagreements, off-nights, and bad hair days. My true love story was magnified last Friday night. David missed his first Halloween at UNC to drive three hours and be with me after I had an emergency appendectomy. While lying in a hospital bed, with no make-up and an I.V. in my arm, David held my hand, smiled, and said, “You are beautiful.” I’m convinced that he played a significant role in my recovery because being with him makes me stronger.
I have finally concluded that my mom, Taylor Swift, and I were all wrong. Love stories are rare, but they do exist. They are not always perfect and flawless, but they are real. And thankfully, they don’t require sacrificing any of a woman’s independent spirit. I have always been a cynic when it comes to romance. But now, I have a love story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlbB7qt6v_0
Friday, November 7, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Break the silence
Domestic and dating violence are two issues that I hold dear to my heart. My mom counseled battered women for years, which sparked my interest in this problem at an early age. Our state and federal legislatures have neglected women's rights issues such as these, which is why it's so important to raise awareness. Here is an article I wrote for the November Issue of Charger Pride:
One in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship. One in five teens in a serious relationship reports having been hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner. This means that four in five teens who are in abusive relationships never tell anyone.
October was National Domestic/Dating Violence Month. Dating violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other through one of more forms of abuse including sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. Why does dating violence occur? Young males often believe that they have the right to “control” their female partners. They also may believe that “masculinity” is physical aggressiveness. In violent relationships, young females may think that they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships. They may also believe that their boyfriend’s jealousy and possessiveness is “romantic”.
Dating violence is one of the most serious and detrimental social issues facing our schools and communities. “The biggest key for young people is to understand the difference between a healthy, loving, respectful relationship and a negative, controlling, jealousy-fueled unhealthy relationship,” said Susan Sullivan, Counseling Program Coordinator of the Cleveland County Abuse Prevention Council. There are many early warning signs that females can look for that may lead to an abusive relationship. Some of the warning signs are: extreme jealousy, unpredictable mood swings, alcohol and drug use, isolates you from your family and friends, and being cruel to animals or children.
Do you think a friend is in a violent relationship? Common clues that indicate a violent relationship are: physical signs of injury, failing grades, changes in personality or mood, emotional outburst, and isolation.
There are many resources that cater to teenagers in violent dating relationships. Locally, the Abuse Prevention Council of Cleveland County provides victims of domestic and dating violence with the help and service they need. Last year, APC served 139 victims of dating/domestic violence between the ages of thirteen and twenty-five. These young people were either seeking shelter or were seen at the APC Counseling Office for assistance in fleeing a violent or demeaning relationship. APC can also provide legal assistance to keep their partner from harming or stalking them. Many teenagers seek counseling at APC to help re-build their self-esteem and confidence after being verbally put down of controlled within a relationship.
If you are, or know someone who is involved in an abusive relationship, remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. You cannot change your partners or their behavior, and studies have shown that with time, the violence will get worse. Take care of yourself by getting help. APC has a 24-hour confidential crisis line. The number is (704)-481-0043. Also, www.loveisrespect.org is a new 24-hour resource that utilizes telephone and web-based interactive technology to reach teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse.
One in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship. One in five teens in a serious relationship reports having been hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner. This means that four in five teens who are in abusive relationships never tell anyone.
October was National Domestic/Dating Violence Month. Dating violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other through one of more forms of abuse including sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. Why does dating violence occur? Young males often believe that they have the right to “control” their female partners. They also may believe that “masculinity” is physical aggressiveness. In violent relationships, young females may think that they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships. They may also believe that their boyfriend’s jealousy and possessiveness is “romantic”.
Dating violence is one of the most serious and detrimental social issues facing our schools and communities. “The biggest key for young people is to understand the difference between a healthy, loving, respectful relationship and a negative, controlling, jealousy-fueled unhealthy relationship,” said Susan Sullivan, Counseling Program Coordinator of the Cleveland County Abuse Prevention Council. There are many early warning signs that females can look for that may lead to an abusive relationship. Some of the warning signs are: extreme jealousy, unpredictable mood swings, alcohol and drug use, isolates you from your family and friends, and being cruel to animals or children.
Do you think a friend is in a violent relationship? Common clues that indicate a violent relationship are: physical signs of injury, failing grades, changes in personality or mood, emotional outburst, and isolation.
There are many resources that cater to teenagers in violent dating relationships. Locally, the Abuse Prevention Council of Cleveland County provides victims of domestic and dating violence with the help and service they need. Last year, APC served 139 victims of dating/domestic violence between the ages of thirteen and twenty-five. These young people were either seeking shelter or were seen at the APC Counseling Office for assistance in fleeing a violent or demeaning relationship. APC can also provide legal assistance to keep their partner from harming or stalking them. Many teenagers seek counseling at APC to help re-build their self-esteem and confidence after being verbally put down of controlled within a relationship.
If you are, or know someone who is involved in an abusive relationship, remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. You cannot change your partners or their behavior, and studies have shown that with time, the violence will get worse. Take care of yourself by getting help. APC has a 24-hour confidential crisis line. The number is (704)-481-0043. Also, www.loveisrespect.org is a new 24-hour resource that utilizes telephone and web-based interactive technology to reach teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Coming out into society..
Let me preface this post by saying how terribly sorry I am for going almost two months without updating my blog. It's a miracle the amazing people at the Shelby Star haven't fired me already -- so for that, thank you :). The second I finished up my junior year of high school, I packed my bathing suit and AP Style Guide and headed to Mrytle Beach for Journalism Camp (Yayyy I'm officially a senior!). There, I successfully created a Style Guide with my Associate Editor for my own newspaper staff and somehow managed to come up with the theme for our 2009 Yearbook -- go figure. As soon as I returned, I loaded up my cruiser and headed to Black Mountain for the 2008 YMCA Conference on National Affairs. You all have already heard about the amazingness of CONA (if not, see previous post), so I won't bore you with the details. But I will say that John Mayer was wrong. Our generation most certainly does not plan on standing back and "waiting on the world to change". We're changing it as we speak and in the words of the great Barack Obama yes we can. I came home from CONA to find my computer infected with a ridiculous number of viruses so I have been without internet access for the past month and a half. So there you have it...my pathetic excuse for not blogging this summer.
During the last week, I've done quite the amount of TV watching. In this period of time, I've discovered that an abnormal number of shows and movies poke fun at the Southern tradition of a Debutante Ball. Gossip Girl, What a Girl Wants, She's the Man, Gilmore Girls and a few other movies and shows all put their own spin on Deb Balls; making hysterically funny references to "looking like a snow queen" and that "high heels were invented by males in order to make a woman's butt look smaller".
I am opposed to being a Debutante. My distaste for the tradition has nothing to do with the white dress or shoes (what girl doesn't want to wear a gorgeous dress and romantically waltz with the love of her life?), but more of the symbolism of a patriarchal society. Why do men not have coming out balls and parties? Wikipedia defines a debutante as a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her "debut" or "coming out". Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. Should men not have the same opportunity to be presented to society? I would think so.
Futhermore, why spend the money it costs to be a Deb plus the money I would spend on dresses for parties, the two parties each Deb is required to throw, and the one big, poofy, white dress when I could donate it to aid victims of female circumcisions in Africa?
So to all of you senior Debs out there: please don't take this as criticism. Maybe you like the tradition and the thought of being presented to society -- I totally respect your decision. It's just not the thing for me. Besides, well behaved women rarely make history :).
Love always,
Ms. Alexandra Hollifield (who has been "out" for years)
During the last week, I've done quite the amount of TV watching. In this period of time, I've discovered that an abnormal number of shows and movies poke fun at the Southern tradition of a Debutante Ball. Gossip Girl, What a Girl Wants, She's the Man, Gilmore Girls and a few other movies and shows all put their own spin on Deb Balls; making hysterically funny references to "looking like a snow queen" and that "high heels were invented by males in order to make a woman's butt look smaller".
I am opposed to being a Debutante. My distaste for the tradition has nothing to do with the white dress or shoes (what girl doesn't want to wear a gorgeous dress and romantically waltz with the love of her life?), but more of the symbolism of a patriarchal society. Why do men not have coming out balls and parties? Wikipedia defines a debutante as a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her "debut" or "coming out". Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. Should men not have the same opportunity to be presented to society? I would think so.
Futhermore, why spend the money it costs to be a Deb plus the money I would spend on dresses for parties, the two parties each Deb is required to throw, and the one big, poofy, white dress when I could donate it to aid victims of female circumcisions in Africa?
So to all of you senior Debs out there: please don't take this as criticism. Maybe you like the tradition and the thought of being presented to society -- I totally respect your decision. It's just not the thing for me. Besides, well behaved women rarely make history :).
Love always,
Ms. Alexandra Hollifield (who has been "out" for years)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Phenomenal Woman, that's me
I was twelve when my mom first read me the poem “Phenomenal Woman”. When she finished reading, I remember her telling me that I was bound for greatness—that I would change the world.
I didn’t believe her.
At that young and fragile age, the only things on my mind were boys, acne, and the latest episode of “Lizzie McGuire”. Changing the world was probably the farthest thing from my mind. However, over the past year, I have discovered the Phenomenal Woman I am; and the Phenomenal Woman that I am destined to be.
On June 30th of 2007, I sheepishly walked up the steps of Lee Hall to begin my week at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs. Each year, 400 students are selected from across the country to participate in the conference in Black Mountain, NC, and amazingly enough, I was one of those 400. Prior to my arrival, I had heard about “catching” the Blue Ridge Spirit at CONA. I wasn’t sure what it was or how you got it, so I was eager to find out. Within my first hour at CONA, I was engulfed in the Blue Ridge Spirit—with it filling my soul, touching my heart, and embedding in my mind forever. You see, the Blue Ridge Spirit isn’t something I can put into words. The second I walked up those white steps of Lee Hall (the building that CONA is centered around), I was at home. I spent the entire week meeting new people, debating proposals on national and international concern, and having the time of my life. It was our time to be heard; my time to be heard. I never missed an opportunity to raise my placard and speak about a proposal and for the first time in my life, my beliefs and ideals were challenged and questioned by my peers. On the last night of CONA, all 400 delegates stood around a bonfire, held hands, and celebrated a week of diversity, learning, and our ultimate goal of changing the world together. CONA wasn’t just about getting out of Shelby for a week—it was about learning what an impact my generation can have and finding myself within the rising fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From that week on, I was hooked on politics and developing public policy. In August, I applied for a Political Correspondent position at CosmoGirl! magazine—my first big Phenomenal act since CONA. I wrote an essay, filled out an application, said a quick prayer, and pressed send. Little did I know what would come of that simple task…
I also started the 2007 Crest High School Varsity Volleyball season in August. Right after tryouts, I decided that I would no longer be a mediocre volleyball player. I decided that I wanted to be the 2007 CHS Libero. Libero is a special position—the player is a defensive specialist, who wears a different color jersey, digs the other teams’ hits, and can go in and out of the game freely. I pushed myself at practice and on my own—running and lifting weights at home. At the first tournament of the season, before getting off of the bus, my coach called me over and said, “Alex, take both of your jerseys with you.” Another girl played libero throughout the first half of the tournament—and she did a pretty decent job. I had lost all hope. After lunch, my coach told me to change into the different colored jersey. I put it on, and didn’t take it off until the season ended in November. After the season, I was named All-Conference and CHS Defensive Player of the Year. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
It was around that time when I got a call from CosmoGirl! saying that I was being considered for the Political Correspondent position. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, I found out that I didn’t land the Political Correspondent job, but the mag wanted to bring me on as a Political Stringer—to report locally on the election, conduct surveys, and be the eyes and ears of the Political Correspondent. Who wouldn’t grab the opportunity? I went on to meet Barack Obama and John Edwards during the SC Primaries and there is a possibility that I’ll be published in the magazine in September. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
I interviewed for a scholarship to go to Presidential Classroom in Washington, D.C. last fall. I got past the first round of applications; however, I didn’t get the scholarship. I was absolutely devastated. I’ve never been good a losing—especially when it comes to something I’m passionate about. I went through my interview over and over again in my head, trying to think of what I could have said differently. But after a while, I realized that I did my best and had nothing to be ashamed of. My parents have always felt strongly about going after my dreams, so they paid for my trip to D.C. in February. I could go on and on about the incredible week I had meeting new people, talking to nationally accredited reporters, and learning more about journalism, but I do believe you would be tired of reading. But the two most important things that happened are that I was voted the Editor-in-Chief of my caucus for our simulation project and I got an internship offer on Capitol Hill for the summer of 2009—not too shabby right? If I had gotten the scholarship, then I wouldn’t have gone the week I did and gotten those opportunities. And if I had just given up, I wouldn’t have gone at all. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
After CONA the previous summer, I decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of the North Carolina Youth and Government (the state version of CONA). The Youth and Government Conference lasts four days and is held in Raleigh each February. You'd think that after the conference I would look back and only remember a blur of campaign stickers and hand shakes. But it was so much more. First, and foremost, I got to spend time with my unconventional family -- all of the amazing people I spent a week sitting in green rocking chairs and sharing the Blue Ridge Spirit with last summer. I didn't realize how much I had missed them until YAG. And then there was the fantastic experience of running for Lt. Governor. On Thursday, I made it my goal to meet everyone I possibly could at the conference and I'm happy to say that I succeeded. I'm horrible with names, but I definitely remember the face of every person I met and for the record, you guys are all incredible. Friday night was my favorite. The week before YAG, I spent hours writing my speech, striving for perfection. And then I blinked -- and I was eating my dinner at the Governor's Banquet. I was so nervous I didn't even eat my chocolate cake (for those of you who know me well, you know how serious that is haha) and thankfully Mariah gives great pep talks. I blinked again, and the current Youth Governor was standing in front of 1,000 people saying, "...Alexandra Hollifield." From the second I stood up to walk to the podium, all of my nerves vanished and every fear I had of imperfection melted away. Standing in front of all of those people, knowing that they were hanging on to my every word, I felt absolutely invincible. Well, the amazing and quite deserving Zach Gignac won the election and he will do a fabulous job next year :). Even though I lost the election, I made a speech in front of 1,000 people, made new friends, had a great SNL dance, debated, got my bill passed and made unforgettable memories -- not a bad way to spend a weekend, yes? I got home and had dozens of facebook comments and friend requests saying, “I voted for you! You did an amazing job this weekend!” Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
So here I am; wrapping up another school year. I haven’t said all of this to brag on myself. I’ve said it to show anyone who reads this that you can be Phenomenal. All of the incredible events of the past year have happened because I’ve been blessed with confidence from the Big Man Upstairs and no one can take that away now. For me, it all started with a journey up a mountain. I’m looking forward to that same journey all over again in less than a month. I’m anxious to see what my future holds; anxious to make a difference—anxious to be Phenomenal. Maybe I’ll be a journalist, or a lawyer, or a lobbyist…
Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
I didn’t believe her.
At that young and fragile age, the only things on my mind were boys, acne, and the latest episode of “Lizzie McGuire”. Changing the world was probably the farthest thing from my mind. However, over the past year, I have discovered the Phenomenal Woman I am; and the Phenomenal Woman that I am destined to be.
On June 30th of 2007, I sheepishly walked up the steps of Lee Hall to begin my week at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs. Each year, 400 students are selected from across the country to participate in the conference in Black Mountain, NC, and amazingly enough, I was one of those 400. Prior to my arrival, I had heard about “catching” the Blue Ridge Spirit at CONA. I wasn’t sure what it was or how you got it, so I was eager to find out. Within my first hour at CONA, I was engulfed in the Blue Ridge Spirit—with it filling my soul, touching my heart, and embedding in my mind forever. You see, the Blue Ridge Spirit isn’t something I can put into words. The second I walked up those white steps of Lee Hall (the building that CONA is centered around), I was at home. I spent the entire week meeting new people, debating proposals on national and international concern, and having the time of my life. It was our time to be heard; my time to be heard. I never missed an opportunity to raise my placard and speak about a proposal and for the first time in my life, my beliefs and ideals were challenged and questioned by my peers. On the last night of CONA, all 400 delegates stood around a bonfire, held hands, and celebrated a week of diversity, learning, and our ultimate goal of changing the world together. CONA wasn’t just about getting out of Shelby for a week—it was about learning what an impact my generation can have and finding myself within the rising fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From that week on, I was hooked on politics and developing public policy. In August, I applied for a Political Correspondent position at CosmoGirl! magazine—my first big Phenomenal act since CONA. I wrote an essay, filled out an application, said a quick prayer, and pressed send. Little did I know what would come of that simple task…
I also started the 2007 Crest High School Varsity Volleyball season in August. Right after tryouts, I decided that I would no longer be a mediocre volleyball player. I decided that I wanted to be the 2007 CHS Libero. Libero is a special position—the player is a defensive specialist, who wears a different color jersey, digs the other teams’ hits, and can go in and out of the game freely. I pushed myself at practice and on my own—running and lifting weights at home. At the first tournament of the season, before getting off of the bus, my coach called me over and said, “Alex, take both of your jerseys with you.” Another girl played libero throughout the first half of the tournament—and she did a pretty decent job. I had lost all hope. After lunch, my coach told me to change into the different colored jersey. I put it on, and didn’t take it off until the season ended in November. After the season, I was named All-Conference and CHS Defensive Player of the Year. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
It was around that time when I got a call from CosmoGirl! saying that I was being considered for the Political Correspondent position. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, I found out that I didn’t land the Political Correspondent job, but the mag wanted to bring me on as a Political Stringer—to report locally on the election, conduct surveys, and be the eyes and ears of the Political Correspondent. Who wouldn’t grab the opportunity? I went on to meet Barack Obama and John Edwards during the SC Primaries and there is a possibility that I’ll be published in the magazine in September. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
I interviewed for a scholarship to go to Presidential Classroom in Washington, D.C. last fall. I got past the first round of applications; however, I didn’t get the scholarship. I was absolutely devastated. I’ve never been good a losing—especially when it comes to something I’m passionate about. I went through my interview over and over again in my head, trying to think of what I could have said differently. But after a while, I realized that I did my best and had nothing to be ashamed of. My parents have always felt strongly about going after my dreams, so they paid for my trip to D.C. in February. I could go on and on about the incredible week I had meeting new people, talking to nationally accredited reporters, and learning more about journalism, but I do believe you would be tired of reading. But the two most important things that happened are that I was voted the Editor-in-Chief of my caucus for our simulation project and I got an internship offer on Capitol Hill for the summer of 2009—not too shabby right? If I had gotten the scholarship, then I wouldn’t have gone the week I did and gotten those opportunities. And if I had just given up, I wouldn’t have gone at all. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
After CONA the previous summer, I decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of the North Carolina Youth and Government (the state version of CONA). The Youth and Government Conference lasts four days and is held in Raleigh each February. You'd think that after the conference I would look back and only remember a blur of campaign stickers and hand shakes. But it was so much more. First, and foremost, I got to spend time with my unconventional family -- all of the amazing people I spent a week sitting in green rocking chairs and sharing the Blue Ridge Spirit with last summer. I didn't realize how much I had missed them until YAG. And then there was the fantastic experience of running for Lt. Governor. On Thursday, I made it my goal to meet everyone I possibly could at the conference and I'm happy to say that I succeeded. I'm horrible with names, but I definitely remember the face of every person I met and for the record, you guys are all incredible. Friday night was my favorite. The week before YAG, I spent hours writing my speech, striving for perfection. And then I blinked -- and I was eating my dinner at the Governor's Banquet. I was so nervous I didn't even eat my chocolate cake (for those of you who know me well, you know how serious that is haha) and thankfully Mariah gives great pep talks. I blinked again, and the current Youth Governor was standing in front of 1,000 people saying, "...Alexandra Hollifield." From the second I stood up to walk to the podium, all of my nerves vanished and every fear I had of imperfection melted away. Standing in front of all of those people, knowing that they were hanging on to my every word, I felt absolutely invincible. Well, the amazing and quite deserving Zach Gignac won the election and he will do a fabulous job next year :). Even though I lost the election, I made a speech in front of 1,000 people, made new friends, had a great SNL dance, debated, got my bill passed and made unforgettable memories -- not a bad way to spend a weekend, yes? I got home and had dozens of facebook comments and friend requests saying, “I voted for you! You did an amazing job this weekend!” Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
So here I am; wrapping up another school year. I haven’t said all of this to brag on myself. I’ve said it to show anyone who reads this that you can be Phenomenal. All of the incredible events of the past year have happened because I’ve been blessed with confidence from the Big Man Upstairs and no one can take that away now. For me, it all started with a journey up a mountain. I’m looking forward to that same journey all over again in less than a month. I’m anxious to see what my future holds; anxious to make a difference—anxious to be Phenomenal. Maybe I’ll be a journalist, or a lawyer, or a lobbyist…
Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
"...liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all..."
So the September Issue of CosmoGirl! magazine is having a reader face-off: Democrat v. Republican. As a Political Stringer, an opportunity has been opened for me to have a byline in the magazine by writing an opinion piece (if it's selected; wish me luck!). I'm an Obama girl, so it's no secret where my politics lie -- here is my article on why a Democrat would be better suited to lead the country than a Republican:
In his Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy said that “the world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”
Those powerful words still hold a great deal of truth forty-seven years later. The United States has suffered socially, politically and economically under the Bush Administration. More and more families are living below the poverty line. Our country is sitting back, watching genocide take place in Darfur. And gas prices are through the roof. “Change” has been the most commonly used word in the 2008 Presidential Election because America is starving for something new and different. The solution to this hunger for “change”—a party change within the executive branch.
History has shown that the Democratic Party is more socially recognizant than the Republican Party—dating back to the 1930s when the Democratic Party began advocating for social reform programs, labor unions and regulations on businesses under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. Throughout these reform movements, it has been shown that social improvements lead to economic prosperity, and with our country in its current fragile economic state, social change is necessary to begin the road to recovery.
In 2000 and 2004, the Republican Party ran on the platform of getting back to the moral principles our country was founded upon. The Republican candidates often referred to abortion and gay marriages in their debates on ethics and morals; however, the modern Democratic Party has always advocated for the moral principles stated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all. Now, more than ever, is the time for young voters across the nation to realize that moral issues expand outside the realm of the extreme and personal matters of abortion and gay marriage, into poverty-stricken communities, a stagnant education system and a flawed heathcare system.
For us as young women, it is imperative to put a progressive Democrat in the White House who will take a stand on matters that directly affect us; so we can afford a proper education, have the right to choose what goes on with our bodies, and have true equality in the workplace. Did you know that women would have to work seven days a week and an extra four months a year to match men's earnings in 2007? Or that with a majority conservative court system, there is a possibility of overturning the court case Roe v. Wade and therefore not allowing women their right to privacy?
In George Washington’s farewell address, he cautioned the United States citizens to stray away from political parties and factions, saying that it would only lead to a divided nation. However, two very distinct political parties have evolved over the years, bringing with them a unique system of beliefs, ideals and controversy. Our country would not be the great nation it is today without the coexistence and political dialogue of the Democratic and Republican Parties. Unfortunately, under the current Republican leadership, our country is suffering and in dire need of new domestic and foreign policy. Now, we must decide if we want the world we leave for our daughters to be better than the one we inhabit today. As active, driven young women, we now hold the power in our hands to create true change through electing a Democrat to not only lead our nation, but to instill us with hope for the future.
PS -- Thank you Ms. Wagner, Ms. Altman, my wonderful mother and ESPECIALLY my conservative, Regan-loving AP US teacher Mr. Brown for helping me out :)
Also, if you comment and I don't reply right away, please don't take it personally. I have AP exams this week and next, so I'll be eating, sleeping and breathing United States History and English Language and Composition for the time being :(.
Other randomness:
~Happy Belated Cinco de Mayo!
~Si se puede -- Obama '08! I am quite proud of be a southern gal from NC at the moment...
~Prom is now in less than a month (as if anyone cares...)!
~I'm also going to visit Wake Forest, ASU, Clemson, Davidson and UNCA over the next month -- any thoughts on those schools? My next blog may be a pro/con list...
~I'm loving this warm weather; hello sunshine :)
Peace<3Love&Happiness,
AH
In his Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy said that “the world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”
Those powerful words still hold a great deal of truth forty-seven years later. The United States has suffered socially, politically and economically under the Bush Administration. More and more families are living below the poverty line. Our country is sitting back, watching genocide take place in Darfur. And gas prices are through the roof. “Change” has been the most commonly used word in the 2008 Presidential Election because America is starving for something new and different. The solution to this hunger for “change”—a party change within the executive branch.
History has shown that the Democratic Party is more socially recognizant than the Republican Party—dating back to the 1930s when the Democratic Party began advocating for social reform programs, labor unions and regulations on businesses under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. Throughout these reform movements, it has been shown that social improvements lead to economic prosperity, and with our country in its current fragile economic state, social change is necessary to begin the road to recovery.
In 2000 and 2004, the Republican Party ran on the platform of getting back to the moral principles our country was founded upon. The Republican candidates often referred to abortion and gay marriages in their debates on ethics and morals; however, the modern Democratic Party has always advocated for the moral principles stated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all. Now, more than ever, is the time for young voters across the nation to realize that moral issues expand outside the realm of the extreme and personal matters of abortion and gay marriage, into poverty-stricken communities, a stagnant education system and a flawed heathcare system.
For us as young women, it is imperative to put a progressive Democrat in the White House who will take a stand on matters that directly affect us; so we can afford a proper education, have the right to choose what goes on with our bodies, and have true equality in the workplace. Did you know that women would have to work seven days a week and an extra four months a year to match men's earnings in 2007? Or that with a majority conservative court system, there is a possibility of overturning the court case Roe v. Wade and therefore not allowing women their right to privacy?
In George Washington’s farewell address, he cautioned the United States citizens to stray away from political parties and factions, saying that it would only lead to a divided nation. However, two very distinct political parties have evolved over the years, bringing with them a unique system of beliefs, ideals and controversy. Our country would not be the great nation it is today without the coexistence and political dialogue of the Democratic and Republican Parties. Unfortunately, under the current Republican leadership, our country is suffering and in dire need of new domestic and foreign policy. Now, we must decide if we want the world we leave for our daughters to be better than the one we inhabit today. As active, driven young women, we now hold the power in our hands to create true change through electing a Democrat to not only lead our nation, but to instill us with hope for the future.
PS -- Thank you Ms. Wagner, Ms. Altman, my wonderful mother and ESPECIALLY my conservative, Regan-loving AP US teacher Mr. Brown for helping me out :)
Also, if you comment and I don't reply right away, please don't take it personally. I have AP exams this week and next, so I'll be eating, sleeping and breathing United States History and English Language and Composition for the time being :(.
Other randomness:
~Happy Belated Cinco de Mayo!
~Si se puede -- Obama '08! I am quite proud of be a southern gal from NC at the moment...
~Prom is now in less than a month (as if anyone cares...)!
~I'm also going to visit Wake Forest, ASU, Clemson, Davidson and UNCA over the next month -- any thoughts on those schools? My next blog may be a pro/con list...
~I'm loving this warm weather; hello sunshine :)
Peace<3Love&Happiness,
AH
Monday, March 31, 2008
Lying in a field of daisies...
Spring Break was amazing.
I don't think I've ever needed a break from school -- or reality in general -- as much as I did this year. My AP US History class is by far the most rigorous course I've taken during my high school career although I must say, the people in it and the teacher are simply incredible :). My AP English class isn't too bad because, thankfully, I'm a decent writer. Then there's Honors Trig. I love Mrs. Howard. And I love the entertainment in my corner of the room -- Lee Glenn just being himself and Josh Hodges leaning over and asking the most random questions I've ever heard in my entire life (ex: So Alex, if you could take over any country, what country would it be and how would you do it? -- for the record, I replied with the first thing that popped into my mind: "Denmark and marsh mellow guns.") However, math has never been my thing. I prefer abstract ideas; not concrete ones. I also prefer questions that can be answered with real sentences aka a 1,000 word essay. I have a great deal of respect for people who are good at math. My final class is Newspaper, which is the love of my life, but it was nice to have a break from deadlines and picas.
I went to the beach over Spring Break -- and not Ocean Lakes where every other teenager in Cleveland County goes for SB. I went to Oak Island. It's this tiny little island off the NC coast where everything closes at 9:00 (by 'everything' I mean the miniature golf course and Dairy Queen) and the average age of the population is 67. My extended family on my mom's side has spent SB there ever since I was born and I wouldn't have it any other way -- waking up to the sound of the ocean, reading Maureen Dowd all day in the sun, playing cards and board games with my family, dying Easter eggs, getting coffee at the Flying Pig coffeehouse, and not having a care in the world.
Over Spring Break, I wrote every day; poems, random creative writing pieces, op/eds, etc... I wrote a poem about myself one day:
Write me a melody -- a melody with nice, lovely notes.
Notes that remind me of that boy…the one I met last summer.
Or to remind me of rocking chairs-green ones-looking out into the rising fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And a few notes that remind me of creativity; I’ve always preferred ideas to facts and abstracts to concretes.
Notes that remind me of sitting on the beach with sand between my toes.
Notes that remind me of dreams.
I dream in black and white sometimes -- that I'm lying in a field of daisies.
And then other times, I dream in vibrant, luminous colors.
I normally associate black and white with the status quo -- boring and mediocre.
But I enjoy dreams in black and white; they remind me of an old, romantic Judy Garland film. However, life has taught me that not everything is black or white -- sometimes things are grey, magenta, and have polka dots.
Use simple notes in my melody as well.
Simplicity is the hallow ground in which all great ideas are manifested.
These notes will remind me of dandelions.
Some people call them weeds…those people are silly and unappreciative of nature’s delicate beauty.
They will also remind me of kitchen tables.
Ferris wheels.
Star gazing.
Popsicles; the cherry-flavored ones that taste best on a hot summer day.
Write me a melody—a melody with a few notes that are not so lovely—that will bring tears to my eyes.
Most people say it’s not good to cry—especially young boys.
But I don’t mind crying.
It’s when my deepest emotions and every sorrow of my being rains from the soul; and then…peace.
These notes will remind me of a tall, old man who’s smile could out-do a million sunsets; and the day that man went home.
That day, I remember well.
The world stopped.
These notes will also remind me of failure.
I hate failure, but I hear that it’s a part of life.
These notes will probably remind me of math—numbers, logic, pi—which is only useful when made with chocolate.
Write me a melody of life.
My life.
And someday, you may add more notes to my melody--notes of fulfilled dreams.
Traveling the world.
Empowering young women.
Making a difference.
Writing a book or two; probably about politics.
Most people think I'm too young to hold such strong opinions -- I think the world would be a dull place if we all agreed.
I'd also like to speak to large groups of people.
About what? you ask.
Anything -- religion, social issues, Barack Obama.
So for now, write me a melody--a melody with nice, lovely notes...
I don't think I've ever needed a break from school -- or reality in general -- as much as I did this year. My AP US History class is by far the most rigorous course I've taken during my high school career although I must say, the people in it and the teacher are simply incredible :). My AP English class isn't too bad because, thankfully, I'm a decent writer. Then there's Honors Trig. I love Mrs. Howard. And I love the entertainment in my corner of the room -- Lee Glenn just being himself and Josh Hodges leaning over and asking the most random questions I've ever heard in my entire life (ex: So Alex, if you could take over any country, what country would it be and how would you do it? -- for the record, I replied with the first thing that popped into my mind: "Denmark and marsh mellow guns.") However, math has never been my thing. I prefer abstract ideas; not concrete ones. I also prefer questions that can be answered with real sentences aka a 1,000 word essay. I have a great deal of respect for people who are good at math. My final class is Newspaper, which is the love of my life, but it was nice to have a break from deadlines and picas.
I went to the beach over Spring Break -- and not Ocean Lakes where every other teenager in Cleveland County goes for SB. I went to Oak Island. It's this tiny little island off the NC coast where everything closes at 9:00 (by 'everything' I mean the miniature golf course and Dairy Queen) and the average age of the population is 67. My extended family on my mom's side has spent SB there ever since I was born and I wouldn't have it any other way -- waking up to the sound of the ocean, reading Maureen Dowd all day in the sun, playing cards and board games with my family, dying Easter eggs, getting coffee at the Flying Pig coffeehouse, and not having a care in the world.
Over Spring Break, I wrote every day; poems, random creative writing pieces, op/eds, etc... I wrote a poem about myself one day:
Write me a melody -- a melody with nice, lovely notes.
Notes that remind me of that boy…the one I met last summer.
Or to remind me of rocking chairs-green ones-looking out into the rising fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And a few notes that remind me of creativity; I’ve always preferred ideas to facts and abstracts to concretes.
Notes that remind me of sitting on the beach with sand between my toes.
Notes that remind me of dreams.
I dream in black and white sometimes -- that I'm lying in a field of daisies.
And then other times, I dream in vibrant, luminous colors.
I normally associate black and white with the status quo -- boring and mediocre.
But I enjoy dreams in black and white; they remind me of an old, romantic Judy Garland film. However, life has taught me that not everything is black or white -- sometimes things are grey, magenta, and have polka dots.
Use simple notes in my melody as well.
Simplicity is the hallow ground in which all great ideas are manifested.
These notes will remind me of dandelions.
Some people call them weeds…those people are silly and unappreciative of nature’s delicate beauty.
They will also remind me of kitchen tables.
Ferris wheels.
Star gazing.
Popsicles; the cherry-flavored ones that taste best on a hot summer day.
Write me a melody—a melody with a few notes that are not so lovely—that will bring tears to my eyes.
Most people say it’s not good to cry—especially young boys.
But I don’t mind crying.
It’s when my deepest emotions and every sorrow of my being rains from the soul; and then…peace.
These notes will remind me of a tall, old man who’s smile could out-do a million sunsets; and the day that man went home.
That day, I remember well.
The world stopped.
These notes will also remind me of failure.
I hate failure, but I hear that it’s a part of life.
These notes will probably remind me of math—numbers, logic, pi—which is only useful when made with chocolate.
Write me a melody of life.
My life.
And someday, you may add more notes to my melody--notes of fulfilled dreams.
Traveling the world.
Empowering young women.
Making a difference.
Writing a book or two; probably about politics.
Most people think I'm too young to hold such strong opinions -- I think the world would be a dull place if we all agreed.
I'd also like to speak to large groups of people.
About what? you ask.
Anything -- religion, social issues, Barack Obama.
So for now, write me a melody--a melody with nice, lovely notes...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
When I am old, I shall wear purple...
I am a hopeless romantic. Really -- I am. I swoon at the thought of Rose saying "I'll never let go Jack...", I burst into tears at the end of The Notebook, and I love it when Johnny proclaims that "No one puts Baby in the corner". However...
I hate Valentine's Day.
I am a generally optimistic person; therefore, when I say that I hate something, I actually mean it. I haven't always hated Valentine's Day. Back in Elementary School when we covered shoe boxes with red and pink construction paper and all swapped Valentines as we licked heart-shaped cupcake icing from our fingers I LOVED Valentine's Day. I also looked foward to receiving a bear, balloons, or candy from my Daddy and Grandpa; I still do. However, once you hit 6th grade, there are no more shoe boxes. There are no more cupcakes. There are just couples; couples who bring flowers and candy and bears and cards and annoying singing stuffed animals to school on that horrid commerical holiday to give to one another.
Here I am, in the 11th grade, and things have not changed. Don't get me wrong, I love my life -- I have an amazing family, fabulous friends, and many gifts from the Big Man upstairs. However, I walked into K-Mart the other day and was instantly surrounded by pinks, whites, reds, lace, bears, dogs, chocolate, hearts, cards, and balloons. And they were all laughing at me and my current relationship status. They all laughed, pointed, and said, "She will be a cat lady!" On my way home, I began to think of cat ladies (yes, very strange). It's the sterotype of that 70-year-old woman in the cottage in the middle of the woods whom everyone knows and visits occationally because she has never been married and of course she has an obsession with some sort of domesticated animal (cats, dogs, birds, fish -- is that domesticated? -- etc). Then I thought of a poem I once read called "When I am old, I shall wear purple":
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobrietry of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
~Jenny Jacobs~
That's when I realized that I have my whole life ahead of me -- full of adventure and surprises -- and that maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad after all. So for now, let the bears and balloons get a good laugh. Because if what lies ahead of me is an old cat lady, I shall be incandescently content and I shall wear purple...
I hate Valentine's Day.
I am a generally optimistic person; therefore, when I say that I hate something, I actually mean it. I haven't always hated Valentine's Day. Back in Elementary School when we covered shoe boxes with red and pink construction paper and all swapped Valentines as we licked heart-shaped cupcake icing from our fingers I LOVED Valentine's Day. I also looked foward to receiving a bear, balloons, or candy from my Daddy and Grandpa; I still do. However, once you hit 6th grade, there are no more shoe boxes. There are no more cupcakes. There are just couples; couples who bring flowers and candy and bears and cards and annoying singing stuffed animals to school on that horrid commerical holiday to give to one another.
Here I am, in the 11th grade, and things have not changed. Don't get me wrong, I love my life -- I have an amazing family, fabulous friends, and many gifts from the Big Man upstairs. However, I walked into K-Mart the other day and was instantly surrounded by pinks, whites, reds, lace, bears, dogs, chocolate, hearts, cards, and balloons. And they were all laughing at me and my current relationship status. They all laughed, pointed, and said, "She will be a cat lady!" On my way home, I began to think of cat ladies (yes, very strange). It's the sterotype of that 70-year-old woman in the cottage in the middle of the woods whom everyone knows and visits occationally because she has never been married and of course she has an obsession with some sort of domesticated animal (cats, dogs, birds, fish -- is that domesticated? -- etc). Then I thought of a poem I once read called "When I am old, I shall wear purple":
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobrietry of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
~Jenny Jacobs~
That's when I realized that I have my whole life ahead of me -- full of adventure and surprises -- and that maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad after all. So for now, let the bears and balloons get a good laugh. Because if what lies ahead of me is an old cat lady, I shall be incandescently content and I shall wear purple...
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