First of all I would like to take a moment to say: Thank God for new beginnings. I am convinced that Obama’s inauguration is precisely what America- regardless of political parties- needs right now. His fresh perspective on our country’s dilemma and symbolism of a progressive country has reenergized and awakened our youth- and it is the youth that are hugely affected by the current mess. Although our future holds huge challenges I believe that we can only grow stronger through this. I am hoping that if predictions hold to be true, our generation will learn from our parent’s mistakes and work hard for what we have. The present situation is certainly difficult and will be even more so in the future, but there is so much we can take from it, including stronger values, appreciation for life, principles, etc. Our country has quickly developed a huge sense of self, as is apparent through the story of the millions of people that were cheated by one greedy culprit, and others. Now we will be forced to “come together” and work for the good of the whole, not just one.
Dreadful Words
Her eyes were gray and distant as she stared blankly at the television. The light from the screen illuminated her face and highlighted and hollowed each wrinkle, making them look haggard and spider-like. In an instant she was old and weathered. The murmur of the voices from the television speakers was drowned by the deafening silence that pervaded the room. She wanted to tell me something, but I feigned interest in the commercials dancing upon the screen. She turned her head to face me and her listless gaze met mine. Her eyes were glossy and haunted, the outer rims tinted crimson. It scared me. There was no sparkle, no life; only the hollow stare I now beheld. Despite the warmth of the blazing fire, a wave of icy terror coursed its way up my spine, along my arms; it wrapped itself around and around, suffocating me. It was a sensation I was unfamiliar with; one that came from deep within my being. And in that moment I knew, and one vile word came to mind: cancer. I had known of the possibility for quite sometime, but it never really sunk in. I was in denial that anything awful could happen to somebody I loved, but reality has its way of slapping you in the face. Before that evening I had never experienced the terrible dread of inevitable death. I can describe to neither you nor any living creature the amount and depth of sheer anguish that consumed me. Cancer, such an evil word, was the enemy. But I knew cancer was not a truly malevolent being, and thus I had no target at which I could aim the eruption of emotion that was occurring inside of me. I wanted to scream, but I sat there, slowly sinking into myself, not believing the dreadful words escaping her lips.
Technology Autobiography
As technology rapidly advances it is becoming much more commonplace, sometimes inescapable. Sitting in the classroom or walking down the halls it is not uncommon to see students texting on their cell phones while listening to their iPods. In fact, it seems both of these items have become “essential” to many students’ lives, like wearing clothes in public. I myself have owned neither of these gadgets; it’s not a bad feeling though. When I hear the clicking of students “secretly” texting during an important lecture or see a mother chatting away on her cell phone while her children are attempting to get her attention, I feel actually quite free.
My life is not totally devoid of technology, however. I frequently use my computer for Internet research and communication (Myspace), and I occasionally watch the news on the television. I also use appliances, such as washers and dryers, daily, and all of these so called “everyday” items. And as is apparent, I use the Internet for school related purposes. I am forced to adapt in many ways, but I do my best to maintain a simple way of life. It’s not that I am uncomfortable with new technologies, as many older people are, or “technologically inept”, learning new technologies, although quite tedious, comes fairly easy to me; but I can see that these “cool” new gadgets and gizmos aer really quite distracting and pose a large threat to society’s learning, creativity, and attention to each other.
The use of technology definitely has its place; I am not at all suggesting we do away with it. However, I do believe that we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be distracted from what really matters in our lives, like the people we love and that love us. Anyways, I will step off of my soap box now.
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