Summer Reflections

Whelp, it's been awhile readers. I've been thinking about a lot of things that I could blog about, but I never have time to actually sit down and let my thoughts flow. Of course I always have time to snapchat anytime I have a free moment, but we'll leave that out. Since I have so many ideas for blog posts, I figured I would blurb a little about all of them and then get input from my readers -- and don't forget, you can submit new ideas too! 

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Twitter: @ayyyamadaahhh

I think the first thing I've been thinking about a lot lately is my summer thus far.... I mean, it is summer. It would be weird if I was thinking about winter or something. 

I was a little skeptical about staying on campus this summer for an internship because I thought that I would miss everyone back at home, but realized that it is the best decision I've made in a long time (hopefully that's not indicative of the quality of my decision-making......). I have realized that in order to grow as a person, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone (in my case, my attachment to being home) and you'll probably notice that your comfort zone really had no business being your comfort zone. I feel more carefree, less stressed, happier, have made new friends, rekindled old friendships and landed a new job. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I think that for whatever reason I'm here, everything is panning out quite nicely so far -- I'm excited for new beginnings!

Another thing I've been thinking about is my future. I'm terrified things won't work out the way I would like, but at the same time, things are already falling into place that are ensuring the overall achievement of my goals. I guess it's just a matter of choosing from which light you choose to see things. 

Speaking of future, I've noticed a lot of my friends are worried about finding significant others. Don't get me wrong, I've entertained the idea of being with someone as well, but I would also rather live a little before I decide to find someone. Being with someone doesn't necessarily mean you're tied down, but it kind of does. I like to meet new people (boys, girls, men, or women.... ALL OF THE PEOPLE) and I think that being with someone almost makes you more reserved. At least for me personally, I wouldn't be running around to different events and talking to a ton of people because then I wouldn't be giving any attention to whoever I'm with. So  there's a certain level of independence that I'm not ready to give up yet and I am not really sure why others would either. Things happen when you least expect them too; you can't just make having a significant other "happen." It's completely out of your control. I think everyone should just chill and let life take its own course in the love department. 

I think friendships has been a huge focus for me right now. I've talked to a lot of people who all agree that they don't really talk to anyone from high school anymore. So this got me thinking -- whatever friendships we have now in college are inevitably going to be more meaningful since we eat, live and hang out together 24/7. We should make these years count. I think a lot of people sometimes start to distance themselves once they are aware of a probability of not seeing someone anymore, but I think that if your friendships are strong enough, you'll be in touch long after graduation. Basically, I want to make more of a conscious effort to recognize my closest friends and keep those friendships going strong. 

On an irrelevant note, I think I have been more observant of people around me. Not just my mailman, or my friends, or the annoying guy who walks his dog in the shadows near my dorm, but the people all around us. I have been noticing for a long time that we can be self-absorbed with our own problems (myself included), that we forget about the problems others are causing or experiencing. Corrupt doctors, corrupt teachers/professors, residents in subsidized housing, kids and adults who can't afford to actually live because they have to support themselves or their families first, everything. So much goes on around us and we don't even notice or have the desire to do anything about it. I know a lot of people feel like it's not their responsibility to make an ethical decision on behalf of another person, perhaps a stranger (because it's not them....?) and that is the justification of no action. But why? I intern for a children's advocacy center and attended a training for mandated reporters in child abuse. Basically, the law in PA says that if you suspect a child is being abused and you have contact with that child in the nature of your profession (bus driver, school counselor, teacher, etc), you are required to report it. However, you can be the average citizen in the same situation and not be obligated to report it. So why is it that we need laws telling people in certain positions to make the right decision??? Should that not be inherent? It disgusts me. ANYONE who sees a child, or anyone being abused should report it. Just because you don't have a legal obligation to do so doesn't mean you shouldn't be a decent human being. I hate that. I hate how the law is set up like that. I also hate how religion makes the same implications. A better life awaits you if you do good deeds. I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't want someone to help me out with anything or save my life because they felt "obligated." I would want them to do it because they had a desire to do it out of the goodness of their heart. 

Anyway, those are my thoughts. It's funny how I said blurb and wrote a novel. Never trust me if I say I have something quick to tell you.... 

Here's to a great summer everyone!

A