It's Over... Now what!

Spop has just ended and now I find myself wondering what is the next chapter in my life. This can be potentially be a post about how Spop has changed my life and what not, but I rather focus on being able to say goodbye to it. Saying goodbye to the program that has helped me find who I am. Saying goodbye to the days of roasting in the sun walking incoming freshman from the one side of the campus to the other. Saying goodbye to the summer nights where we had nothing better to do then kick it and rage. Don't get me wrong I will NEVER forget those times, yet it is still time to say goodbye. Time to move on. Leaving with the notion that I did make some sort of difference to a Spopper, Staffer, or Coordinator. To be able to say I am satisfied with the character I was able to portray at all times. Even though Spop is a place that accepts all, remember it also pushes one to become a better human being.

"Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued."
-Socrates

Ode to Ma

The relationship between parents and children can be easily seen as dictator to subordinate. A relationship where the children listen and LISTEN to the direction of what their parents want them to go. Today for the first time in my relationship with my mom, she asked for advice and decided to LISTEN. I've always questioned my parent's methods of teaching me values and ethics but never had they asked me for my thoughts, my insight, and my perspective. It caught me off guard like it would any son who for 22 years formulated his own thoughts only for them to be muzzled. Why did she want advice now? Where is this coming from?

Then, it hit me. Our parents, at least mine, appear infallible and immune to the pressures of the outside world. However, with that image stripped away, they are just human. Humans who deal with emotions. Humans who feel pain. Humans who must endure in a time of chaos. Humans who FEEL. Their love may never be formulated in words, yet it can be seen in all they do. So it's time for this 22 year old to be thankful. And how will I express this thankfulness, Listen Act and Be. Be sensitive and in tune with how they FEEL.

Girlfriend?

,Am I in love? No. Is this the one? Who knows? Whatever it is it fits the moment now. Too often we think of the later or reminisce about the past. but whats most important is to focus on the now. For the first time in my life I am focused on what is happening NOW. Now I am blessed with wonderdul friendships and a relationship that I wouldn't trade for anything. Did I just say that!!! Is it time to hang up the jersey and retire the cane? Did I just say goodbye to the game I fell in love with? What I am sure is of the happiness I get every time I am with her. (What the fuck am I saying) Thank You! Thank You! I am so appreciative of what you have given me.

Capitalize on the MOMENT, because if you don't take advantage of it, IT will pass and you will forever question if you had made the right decision or not. Be impulsive, go with your initial reaction, and BE fully en wrapped with what is around YOU. Listen to those childish instincts of yours. Be careless and carefree from time to time. Why? It keeps life exciting. It keeps YOU young. Most importantly it keeps you from living from a life full of regrets.


Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Theodore Roosevelt

New beginning to a familiar setting

Spop 1, 2008 is now in the books and it was one to remember. So many changes have been made to the program, which made it easy to compare. To be honest, it's hard not to compare. At first my mind and my emotions were not congruent with how they were last year. Then, after talking to some returners (Phil and Jhust) about how their experiences were positive, it just HIT me. Why get caught up comparing the little things and remember what is the mission at hand. The mission this year, last year, and all the years prior is and was the same, to create a positive and accepting environment for the freshman so they can look forward to coming to UCI. Thats it! It isn't about making the craziest hall cheers or having a dance in Social Science Plaza (although parking lot pimping was legit). It's about BEING there for them. Whether it may be listening to their concerns about college, answering any questions they may have about scheduling, or just getting a sense of where they are coming from, we are there to BE with them. Thank you to everyone who helped me remember that.

To the hall of Sierra, I just want to thank you for teaching me so much and helping me remember that its about the interactions we have with people that makes this program so worthwhile. Continue to carry that SPOP 1 Sierra pride because I know I will. I can't thank you guys enough for an amazing 2 days. Be safe and good luck in all your en devours here at UCI. This isn't a "Goodbye" but its a "See You Later" because Goodbyes sound like we'll never see each other again and I definately do not want that.

Peace and Love

Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Love is more than an emotion or feeling. It is a way of life. Love everyone but most importantly love yourself.

Spop (Student Parent Orientation Program) has taught me that a positive environment will help one love them self. Often you'll hear staffers say they "love SPOP." Why do they love it? Is it because they love helping first years. Perhaps. Is it because they enjoy all the fun times that SPOP provides. Could Be. Or is it because, in my estimation, SPOP has helped them love themselves. The environment of SPOP can be summed in one word, loving. Everyone is giving an opportunity to display who they truly are without fear of judgments. That type of environment produces inner confidence and strength. The confidence reclaimed allows the staffer to fall in love with himself either for the first time or again. By being comfortable in one's own skin there are no limitations for that individual.

Step 1

"Character is higher than intellect... A great soul will be strong to live, as well as to think."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

In order to run and jump, I am learning to breathe all over again.

Breathe in and soak in the moment, the surroundings, the time. Awaken the third eye before emotions cloud visibility. Sudden Emotions appear tantalizing and lure me in different directions, but the eye does not blink, keeping the goal illuminated. These Emotions clamor, fogging the goal from sight. Its message, "Stand and have the moment revolve around you, You, YOU!" The eye has seen too much of this all before and tells me its time to Breathe out. Exhale, not the Emotions but the vision from the eye. Revolve around the moment and React accordingly with a positive purpose. Breathe...


With each breathe the soul is renewed.