GUA Africa- Emmanuel Jal

One of my favorite TED talks that I have watched on the TED website is that of Emmanuel Jal. He was an ex-child soldier in Africa, and now is an educated rap artist, speaking out about life's experience inspiring people around the world, to take action in helping communities and families to help them overcome the effects of war and poverty. Watch Below:

I miss my horse!

I've ridden and competed horses my entire life, spending a majority of my days at a barn. I would drive 6 days a week to my barn to train. Ever-since I've been in college, I've toned down riding so I could focus on school, but because riding has been such a huge part of my life for so long, it sometimes feels as if I'm missing a part of my being. Recently I decided to sell my horse, and lately I have no time to go to the barn...So yes, I miss my horse!

TEDxSMU

I had the amazing opportunity, to attend, TEDxSMU the first TED event held at SMU. Before applying to attend TED, I had never heard about it. After getting an e-mail briefly describing TED, it seemed particularly interesting to me. I started watching videos of the 'TED talks' posted online at www.ted.com and i was instantly hooked. If you don't know much about the TED events I highly recommend watching a few of the talks.

A look back.

It's funny to look back at my time in high school, and realize how the most insignificant things were sometimes made into something far greater than would ever matter. For instance, I was recently informed by one of my lovely three brothers , that I was quite the twit, and rather mean. Why? My guess is because throughout my high school years, which just so happened to coincide with my parent's divorce, I was always gone at riding competitions. It's weird to think about how much I have changed as person in just the past 7 years.

TOMS Shoes

Toms shoes for a cause. I think this is a brilliant idea and we need more people in the world taking action like this as there are millions of children and families in this world who need help. Shoes is only the beginning, I believe if more organizations did this and  brought about world awarenes more people would be active in giving and helping. I own two pairs of Toms myself and knowing that two children got a pair of shoes because of me, puts a smile on face whenever I wear them and only spurs me to think more about how I can make a difference also, because our world needs help. 

Act Out

I recently started taking acting lessons, and let me tell you there is no better way to get out your emotions than in acting. It is actually quite exhilarating at times. I did an improv into a cold read with another girl in my class from a scene in My Best Friend's Wedding, where there was a lot of yelling and arguing going on. Ha and wow it felt so good after we had finished the scene because any pent up anger I had before had vanished with my reactions n the scene. 

A Nod to the Future

Dear Future Self,

Just a Reminder:

Chase your dreams, not the competition. -Anonymous

Life is what we make out of it, make it a good one. 

If you haven't gone to all the places you want to go, take a trip.

Keep on trucking,

~Yourself