The Future is NOW?!?!?

Top of the morning,

Today brings me to contemplate my future. What is in it? This past weekend MACURH 2008 brought 500+ residents, guests, and special guests to the quaint town of Rolla, MO. Now, this is something that has been in the works for nearly two years and it is both the first conference I've helped run and arguably the last I'll attend as an undergrad. The emotions of this past weekend left me drained, excited, sad, and contemplative.

I was given a lot of recognition, some deserved. And I was able to meet with some of my collegue-acquaintences. This, with me on the cusp of grad school and continued involvement in college student personnel, helped put things in perspective. What's in my future? Will I interact with those I've met in my years?

This morning I was sent an e-mail from a university in Missouri because they're interested in interviewing with me at OPE. But, I don't fit what they're looking for. Will I find my fit?

Apologies for the flow, or lack there of.

Pakh out

Tuesday (Foggy, Foggy Dew)

Top of the morning to ya,

"How's your day?" "What's going on?" "Did you do well on your test?" "Can I get my key?"

These are a section of questions I've been asked so far as the residents mosey past the desk on the way to class. It's almost surreal. After 5 years of the same school I'm looking at these residents and projecting who they'll be in the years to come. A lawyer? An accepting homosexual? A barkeep at the local pub? It's quite interesting.

BLARGH!!!

Good morning, hope the day greets most well. I'm sitting at my desk with "New Guy" playing on the tele. There's not much profound news I can share at the moment.

Pakh out

Grad. School

Oh the joys of college searching. Tests, deadlines, geography...oh MY.

Currently I'm applying to Bowling Green State University. More to come

Pakh out

Time to Breathe

Ahoy, it feels good to be done. As mentioned before I've been pretty stressed out with things to do. Here's a run-down of things I've done:

TJHA -
Three E-Board meetings and Committee List-serv updates

DLP -
Two 2-hour meetings, RUSH, and extension of bids (4 in total)

RHA -
4 completed programs (ABC's of Res. Life, Pimp Your Room, TJHA Presents: "The Looney Goonie Swim-In Movie"

MACURH -
Staff and Director meeting. Contacting Perfect 10 Improv

NRHH -
Organization meeting

Academics -
Request to take credits, addition of a course, attended every class thus far, note-taking

Work -
6 hours at the front desk

It's been fun...but now things are wrapping up. RUSH is over, I've only one more Fall Fest program left to do, have some homework to take care of and most definitely need some time with Donnell.

Oh...and might have a funeral to attend come this Thursday. Two cousins passed Friday; the Father killed the mother and then killed himself. Their daughter found her parents and called the police.

Pakh out

In the Midst

Good day to you. These past few weeks I've been busy trying to catch up with the "wipper-snappers". While I may be all of 22 years of age I feel somewhat an outsider. My room mate is the Public Relations Officer for RHA and is a sophomore. He and I've had many a conversation about age, mentality, and personality.

School's up and running. Today is the third day of many more to come. So far things university-wise are on track and I've A's in all of my classes. Score for me. I've class at 11:00 and a pretty big Fall Fest program coming up tonight. Also, this is the second week of DLP Rush. Fun times.

Pakh out

Pre-Training Day 1

Greetings. Training for Res. Life begins today. The sun is shining and my room is full. Wonder what the day'll bring. Stay tuned for more.

Twelve hours left before the beginning of the end.

Evening, I am writing with an air of anxiety upon me. 10 am tomorrow morning will see me heading back to Rolla, Missouri for my last year of undergraduate schooling. Twill be 5 years in total. Earlier today my Uncle told me it didn't seem so long ago that I left. This got me thinking.

Really? But then, I've not been too visible for my family before or after college.

This scares me. When next May rolls around it's my hope to be prepping for the East. When that happens, visits will be even fewer and farther between.

Suppose time shall tell...

Pakh out

A More Concentrated Effort

Greetings and salutations,

So, tonight I was reminded of my failing effort to blog. A dear friend flattered me stating that he'd love to read it. This brings a funny thought to mind...what is love? At nearly 23 love is nothing I've much experience with. As a self-proclaimed empath (one who can possess emotional sympathy) I know I've been around those who feel love, but I an ignorant to the feeling.

Love...is like Life. It exists and one can chose what to make of it. Just like life you can live...or Live. Suppose that'd be something similar to love. You can love, or Love?

...
So, this effort seems to be failing once more. I'm talking in riddles and it's too much work at the moment. This started when that friend wished luck to all those he's fond of as those embark on the beginnings of their Res. Life adventure (Fall Training). I mentioned earlier that I'm to be the "old guy" in the room. Now might be a good point to further explanation.

I started my journey way back when in 2004. My freshman year roommate was Phil Ross, a 3rd year at that point. He inspired me to work towards growth and shoot for learning opportunities. He's also the spark that led to my first-ever OTM (September 2004 Student Of the Month). Then I was the QHA President, 6NW RA, RHA PCC, and now I'm to be the VP for TJHA.

Anyone confused? ;)

I shall explain:

Freshman - Overly involved with figuring myself out. Inspired to present Sticky Topics Series of Programs (a diversity series where people sit and talk...sounds simple right? shame it doesn't happen enough). Prospective TJHA (Thomas Jefferson Hall Association) President...but moved to the Quad, involved in RHA (Residence Hall Association) and SUB (Student Union Board)

Summer - Summer Camp Counselor

Sophomore - QHA (Quadrangle Hall Association) President (due to moving second semester freshman year from 753 to Kelly 12) This year I decided to come out during Fall Training

Junior - RA (Resident Assistant) in Thomas Jefferson Hall floor 6 North-West. Discovered true passion for Residential Life and realized the impact I can have. I love helping others learn and grow. Joined the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)

Senior - RHA (Residential Hall Association) PCC (Programming Communications Coordinator) ; equivalent to the NPR (National Programming Representative), NRHH Vice-Pres, and ...more.

And those are just some highlights...

I've gone through two and a half Fall Trainings and three Winter Workshops.

Summation...there'll be a lot asked of me. Am I ready? Will I be ready? Do I want to be ready? All quesitons I'll have to answer as the year goes by.

Until that happens...

Pakh out (with...)

I'm three days back in Festus now (hometown) and this morning I woke up stoked for the coming year. I'm to be the "old guy"

Oy...I'm back in Festus for 5 days. Yesterday was moving day. 1064 is now empty and the last room I'll ever live in for my undergraduate career (564) currently holds the possessions I deem necessary for survival. The room's not as organized or put together as I'd like it to be, but it'll be the same in 5 days time.

Maybe this blog will receive more attention as the semester comes closer to. Until then...

Pakh out

Top of the Morning to Ye

I've never been the greatest writer and too many times do I attempt a start and then lose focus. By the end of my story the reader's 3 miles from the finish line and all effort is for not. However, if I'm to succeed in my feeble attempt at a recanting what yours truly finds both intriguing and accurate then I shall be off.

Today...I woke up with the sun, as has become great tradition since the start of the week when I moved back to TJ Hall. I'm not going on any life-impacting journey like a friend of mine is, but I feel as if I'm about to. This coming year shall be my last attending the University of Missouri-Rolla [currently Missouri University of Science & Technology]. A realization hit me a bit ago; I'm to be the "old" guy in the back of the room. Expectations have changed. Responsibilities have changed. Life has changed.

Suppose that's a universal truth, though. Change happens. It's both natural and exciting. Should I embrace it?

As mentioned earlier, I tend to wander in my writing. Hope the race can still be won. Until next time...

Here's to "Hitting the Ground Running"

So...this is my first post. I've a Xanga account, that I've very rarely used and to be honest, I don't know that this account won't get the same treatment. But here goes.

BLARGH!!!