Would You Have A Gay Baby?

The movie "Twilight of the Golds" brought up a serious topic that I never thought of. "Would you have an abortion if you knew you child would turn out to be gay?" My immediate answer is "absolutely not," but that is just my opinion. I love all babies and I could not see myself killing a baby just because the would be attracted to the same sex.

The ability to know the sexual preferences of babies before they are born was a huge achievement in the movie, but it sparked up serious questions. I have to admit that I was rather skeptical if the test would be accurate, but at the same time I was amazed at the discovery. Suzanne Stein, who was the pregnant mom with that found out her baby would be gay, shocked me at the end when she ultimately decided to keep the baby. My astonishment of her decision came from the uncertainty she possessed throughout the entire movie. By her being close to her brother, David, i figured she would not have contemplate the birth of her first child. It was clear that she admired her brother and thought very highly of him. Knowing that, I could not see why she thought having a gay child would be a bad idea.

When you step back and think about the discrimination and hardship gays have to face, I see how she might not want her child to experience the obstacles her brother faced. Another factor was her parents, they were not very accepting of her brother's preference, and I feel that made her also consider abortion. By choosing to have an abortion, she was in essence taking her baby's life away and depriving him/her the choice to be attracted to either sex. I believe all parents want to remove the things that would cause discrimination against their children, but they would rather have their child alive than dead.

I believe our world would be alot better if everyone could try accepting others for who they are inside and not who they are attracted to or what they look like. I have family members and friends that are gay and does not make a difference to me. They are just as loving if not more than those who are not gay. There is a stigma that places negativity on being gay and is so far gone that a mother would consider killing her unborn child just so she would not have to deal with the hardships gays face in our society. I think that is horrible, but at one point in time being an African American was viewed as the equivalent as not a real person. Hopefully in the near future being gay will be accepted just as African Americans were looked at as actual human beings.

Are They Really Family???

The bond of a family is unlike any other. For most people, their family is the backbone for all of their decisions. The well being of their loved ones is considered before making any serious choices. I know that whenever I am having any tpe of problem my family will be there to support me. We are there for each other someone is graduating, getting married, having their fourth child, or going through financial difficulties. The bond seems to get stronger the closer you get to the parents. For example, the bond between two brothers tends to be stronger than an uncle and nephew. I am not sure if it has something to do with them having at least one biological parent in common or the fact that they probably spend alot of time together.

When I compare the stories of the Ramayana and "As You Like It," I notice that the relationship between brothers is put to the test. The story of Ramayana portrays how I feel brothers should treat each other. The exile of Rama at his stepmother's request reminds me alot of the story of Swallow. In both instances the mother figure expressed the most desire to have the children gone. "'There is no alternative,' said her mother. 'Our field is already mortgaged. We must offer her to them.'" (1006) In this instance, the mother was no thinking about the well being of her dcaughter. She was considering the health of the rest of her family, but the feelings of Swallow was not considered. The father on the other hand did show a little concern for the Swallow's future. "'But what will happen to her?' he complained in feeble misery'" (1006). The father eventually gave in to the wishes of his wife and sold his daughter.

Rama being exiled was a surprise to his younger brother, who would become King. Once Bhararta learned what his mother had done, he retreated to the forest to ritfully give up his position as King. Rama's loyality to their father permitted him to deny the offer of his younger brother. The fact that Bhararta was willing to give up his throne to his older brother shows the love that exist between the two. I am sure that the two grew up together and developed a bond that could not be broken by the evil antics of a woman. Rama and Bhararta illustrates a strong and traditional family bond.

On the other hand the story "As You Like It" shows the feud between two brothers. In this case, the younger brother, Duke Frederick, banishes his older brother, Duke Senior, into the Forest of Arden. This is not an example of a family; having the audacity to banish your older brother shows lack of respect and loyality that is engraved in families. While in the forest Duke Senior says, "Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile,

Hath not old custom made this life more sweet

Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods

More free from peril than the envious court?" (1079)

He doesn't think very highly of his family the "envious court," which shows how the effect of being betrayed by one can family member can change your whole perception of the entire family. In essence, the family also exiled Duke Senior because they did not stand up for him against the wrath of Duke Frederick.

You can not chose the family you are born into, but you can determine the strength of the bond you have with each of your family members.

Non-Greek Step Show

The Non-Greek Step Show that was hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Texas was the first time I had attended a step show. I really enjoyed myself and appreciated the hard work each organization put into their presentation. Step shows were originally started by black sororities and fraternities, but they have started to spread around the world and show up in universities around the nation.

At the particular step show I attended, it was non-Greek meaning that the participators were not in a sorority of fraternity but from organizations around UT and other neighboring colleges. I attended the step show with three of my friends, who had previously attended a step show earlier in the year. Since I had never attended a step show before, I was anxious to see what would happen. Once the first act came on, my undivided attention was on the stage and the ten young men dressed in black and white. After I witnessed my first step show presentation, I was amused. The way their hands and feet move in unison and how they are able to move around one another with out loosing their rythum was extremely fascinating. There were at least seven different organizations that stepped that night to the theme of their choice. The criteria for the step show was to come up with a theme and provide a step routine to music and have props to illustrate their theme.

Themes included Christmas, Super Mario, and a graveyard scene.

My favorite theme was Super Mario, which was the winner, and it was performed by the female group Immosia. Despite the fact that I was a big fan of Super Mario when I was younger, the organization was really entertaining. You could tell that they put alot of work into their performance. When it came time for the oral part of their performance, it involved comedy and made the whole audience laugh. I could not keep my eye off them. I really enjoyed watching the step show and see the results of weeks of hard work. Another thing that intrigued me about the step show was that they attempted to have a diverse audience. There weren't just college students in the audience, but children and Alumni were also spectators.

My favorite part of the night was at the end when the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity revealed their new members. I was shocked to see that one of my friends was one of those guys dressed in white and gold behind the masks. After the show, I went and congratulated Kevin and told him "I felt like a proud mother." It was really exciting to see him perform and show off what he had practiced so hard for.

Overall, I had an amazing time at the step show. It was nice to see different organizations come together and do excellent performances. I can't wait until the next step show!!!!!

Ramayana and Nature

The power of nature can be wrathful or relaxing. The devastation mother earth inflicts upon us can change the physical boundaries of a country or wipe out people by the thousands. As Hurricane Katrina passed over New Orleans and nearby cities, the aftermath left 90% of its residents displaced from their homes and over 1,000 people lossed their life. Whatever the actual reason for 80% of the city being flooded, mother nature was responsible for the catastrophe that occurred in New Orleans.

In comparison, the tsunami that hit Thailand illustrates the devasting effect nature can have. As the second largest earthquake ever recorded, the lost of over 200,000 lives sparked a world wide relief effoert to aid those suffering from the devastation. The wrath of natural forces like hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, tornadoes, and tsunamis cannot be escaped, and their appearance cannot be avoided.

On the other hand, nature can be as soothing and protective as a mother hence the name "mother nature." I find myself being nothing but relaxed when I am surrounded by nature. At times I feel trapped when I'm in the confines of four walls. In the story of Swallow, she found herself "happier than she had ever been" when she was in the mountains (1017). "At home her mood used to be wistful content, [in the mountains] it overflowed" (1017). Nature has the power to put someone's happiness into overdrive and bring it to its highest level. Whenever I get a chance to visit the beach, my spirits are high and I am really happy. Once I arrive to beach and feel the sand between my toes, my happiness is undescribable and reaches it full potential.

Even when someone is exiled into the forest like in "As You Like It," nature allows you to "[find] tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones and good in every thing" (1079). In the story of the Ramayana and "As You Like It" the characters made the best of their exile situation by giving in to the nurturing powers of mother nature.

The Value of a Woman

Growing up in the 21st Century, I have not been subjected to gender discrimination from the opposite sex. The occasional comments from my male friends does not even come close to what women had to face decades centuries ago. I'm not sure if it's stupidity or a biological trait men possess, but they have an authoritative demeanor about them when it comes to women. As a young woman, it is nice to know that the opposite sex believe that it is their duty to take care of the women. But that duty comes with some boundaries; it does not give men the excuse to physically and mentally abuse women.

History has established the roles of both sexes as "bread-winner husband" and "home-maker wife." But in some places, the discrimination doesn't stop there; it starts from the birth of a female child. In places like China and Japan, female babies are killed because of their gender. Manuel Gamio's novel Life Story of the Mexican Immigrant describes that in the Mexican culture "neighbors congratulated...parents for having another strong boy, one that would, as he grew older, certainly improve the family’s economic situation." It was as if females weren’t capable enough to help their family succeed in the future and that they were not expected to succeed at all. The value of a son being more important than the value of a daughter is also expressed in the story of Swallow. Chapter One: The Sale describes how Swallow was sold off by her family because of lack of food any money. Whenever the family was on the line of starvation, they gave in to a cruel practice that existed in their society. 'To save our sons we must sacrifice our daugther,' said Swallow's mother (1006). It is ironic that a mother would say such a thing regarding her daughter, but that's the mentality of some people due to the society they live in. The story of Swallow has a deeper meaning than a young woman being sold off by her parents; it shows the strength of a young woman who would the best of her unpredictable situation.

The typical view of a woman staying at home and taking care of her family is exactly what she does but it does not define her. Since the times have changed and the traditional family has changed, women have been able to take on additional roles such as head of the household and successful career woman. But ever decision she makes is for the best of her family. At age eighteen Swallow possessed this trait. The second verse of the song she sang when she realized she was going to be sold went as follows: That others may eat,

'Tis I must pay;

That others may prosper,

'Tis I must go. (1006)

She was willing to accept that giving up her life was the best for her family. She really did not have a choice about being sold, but it was her decision of how to deal with the situation. This a great example of what women do all of the time for their families, make sacrifices. Their sacrifices are mistaken as "a woman's role," but the truth of the matter is if she doesn't do it then it won't get done.

A woman's role as cleaning the house and taking care of the family does not determine her value. The value of a woman is a priceless because her actions are natural and in the best interest of her family.

Gardens of Peace

Even though our visit to the Taniguchi Gardens was a couple of months ago, I still remember everything. I was a little anxious on the car ride there because I did not know what to expect. So many images flashed through my mind as I looked out the car window, but my imagination did not even come close to the beauty of the Taniguchi Oriental Gardens.

The first place we visisted was the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which was found by following the dinosaur feet along the fence. At the beginning of the path there was a huge sign that read "Hartman Prehistoric Garden." Then the path led us to the right, which was made of sand and rocks that I could feel everytime I took a step. I was surrounded by flowers and green plants as walked along the perfectly aligned path. We stopped at a little turn in the path that allowed us to look over to water and see a dinosaur statue in the middle. The dinosaur was not overbearing but the correct size to portray its presence during Prehistoric times. Before leaving this particular garden, we ran into the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. I loved the cascading water hit the stream of water below it; it was so peaceful and different from the bodies of water I am use to seeing. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden made a lasting impression on me and made eager to see what "working feverishly for 18 long months without a salary" could produce (767).

Walking all around the gardens and looking at the beuatiful architecture I couldn't help but to feel the peacefulness that filled the air. It seemed as if all of the flowers and structures blended in with each other and all of the bodies of water flowed with each other. Another feature of the gardens that stuck with me was the bamboo pipe we came across as we crossed the bridge. I washed my hands in the "pure, clean water splashing from [the] bamboo pipe" hoping to have "a deeper appreciation of the garden-the symbol of peace" (769).

Isamu Taniguchi's intention of creating the gardens was to provide a peaceful alternative to the turmoil that was going on during the late 1900s. As an Asian American, Mr. Taniguchi faced racial stigmas as well as other minorities during the years after WWII. Being an Oriental, he was personally touched by the devastation caused by the atomic bombs that struck Hiroshima and Nagasaki and saw how individuals lost their entire families. The Taniguchi Oriental Gardens was not only a gift to the city of Austin but a way for him to honor his Oriental heritage.

Gardens and parks come in all different sizes and no two are the same. They all provide an open space that doesn't force things upon you but contain objects that brings people together. In gardens and parks, there are benches and other accommodations that are in place to unite individuals. By Taniguchi creating a garden, he is showing that he wants people to come together and deal with turmoil of the times together in a peaceful manner

What does Nature mean to me

When I hear the word nature, I immediately think of all the greens and blues. Greens meaning the grass that blows in the wind and the tree tops that shadows the ground and sheds its leaves. Blues meaning the day sky that hovers above us and the waters that come in the forms of oceans, streams, rivers, and lakes. Even though most bodies of water do not have a blue color to them, I will always associate them with the color blue as learned in preschool.

As I began to grow older, nature became more than the place to run around in with my friends, but it "has served as excellent therapy" for me (745). I now seek out the elements of nature, especially its bodies of water and the shadows of the trees, to nurture me in my time of need. Since I have moved to Austin, I have realized just how much I was dependent on the presence of my mother. She was like my comfort zone, my shield from all harm. Just to have her sleeping on the living room couch was enough for me to feel protected from all wrongdoings that could be inflicted on me. Well fortunately she could not move to college with me, which left me searching for a new comfort zone. Someone or something I can run to if needed. The nature that surrounds the University of Texas has become my "mother." The phrase mother nature is used alot to emphasize the rapture nature can have all over the world. I never really understood where "mother nature" came from, but I feel that nature does share similar qualities with mothers.

I have been really happy since I moved to Austin, but there has been one occasion where I had to turn to the surrounding nature to comfort me. I did not stray to Waller Creek that night; water tends to be my favorite place to release tension and clear my head. Instead, cold night I settled for walking around campus and observing nature. I eventually ended up near the big fountain next to the Winship Theatre building. I sat on a nearby bench and just listened to the sound of the water going through its constant cycle of overflowing. All around me "in the midst rises a mass of mighty buildings" I was surrounded by buildings but more importantly trees (317). While the constant flow of water in the fountain went along with all of the thoughts going through my head, I felt the security of the trees that were bearing over my head. Even though, I was sitting at a bench during the late hours when I should have been in my dorm room, I felt safe with the trees "hugging" me like my mother does when she knows something is wrong and was calm by the flow of water in the fountain.

"Not the fruit of experience, but experience itself, is the end." (635) I believe this to be true; what I take from nature every time I interact with it will stay with forever. Even though I can never go back to that particular second I felt rejuvenated or the sense of purity, those feelings can never be taken away from me. I think that is why I seek refuge in nature; it is an emotion that can not be described which overwhelms me when I am in a garden or sitting at the beach glaring at the waves.

Being at the University of Texas, I am able to find comfort all over campus. There are so many naturally beautiful places to visit and there are some places that were designed to evoke a beautiful presence, but it doesn't matter how it was created I still feel the same sensation in both. Waller Creek and other relaxing places on campus like the Tower Gardens are "a good and pleasant site where there is a wholesome and temperate constitution of the air; composed with waters, springs or wells, woods and pleasant fields; which being obtained, those commodities are enough to invite students to stay and abide there" (316).

Am I homesick??

I can still remember the Thursday afternoon when I walked tiredly to mail box and was anxious to see an addressed letter to me from the University of Texas. The anxiety of what was on the inside of the letter was getting to me because i dropped all of the mail trying to lock the mail box back. Even though the mail box center was relatively close to my apartment, it just seemed like I couldn't get there fast enough. As I shut my front door, I immediately opened the letter to find that I was admitted into Plan II. Words could not describe how I felt at that moment; all I could do was jump up and down with excitement and call my mother with the good news. I also remember getting my acceptance letter, but it was not nearly as exciting as getting the letter from Plan II. Maybe because I already knew I would be accepted by the Top Ten Percent rule. The final months of senior year and the summer just did not go fast enough for me. I was so ready to start a new chapter in my life in a different environment and school. I was so excited about the prospect of being an independent college student away from home.

I always dreamed of the day when I would move away from home. It's not that I had a bad childhood and was ready to get away from everything, but I just always knew my adulthood would be spent outside of Crosby, TX. As I settled into my new home, 110 Kinsolving, I enjoyed the freedom of being able to go out without having to explain who I was with and where we were going. Not only was I appreciating my new found freedom, but I was loving the physical environment of Austin. It is so beautiful to me and feels like the perfect place for a young lady at the age of 19 to start the pursuit her dreams. When I did get a chance to return home, "[I felt] a bit out of place, left out, and almost anxious to return to the dorm" (Andrew). It really does like Austin is my new home whether I want to be or not.

After the first week of being in college, the reality of not being at home with my family and friends began to hit me. My nostalgia for them began to progressively get worse before it got better. I realized that I was homesick for those that are closest to me. I did not miss Crosby at all but my loved ones that I had left behind. The reality that I would probably never be in the same town as my loved ones for the rest of life. I believe I will always go back and visit but not live there. So I had to come up with a plan that would help me deal with my minor case of homesickness. One thing that I have tried my best to do is to regularly keep in touch with my family and friends. For example, I call my best friend Holly, who is in the picture with me to the left, at least once a week and vice versa. She is definately someone I miss alot. "Music evokes past emotions better than anything for me, which makes sense, considering the well-known psychological phenomenon known as state-dependent memory" is something that happens all of the time when it comes to Holly (November_2004). We spent alot of time together, which includes tons of songs sang on our way to the mall or out to eat. At first it was not easy for my mother because she cried for the first month just about everytime I talked to her but now we are back to our normal mother-daughter arguments.

I am still extremely happy to live in Austin, but sometimes I do get a little homesick for the people I no longer see everyday. In the end, I would rather have nostalgia for my loved ones because moving away was the best option for me.

The President's Office

Walking up the stairs to the fourth floor brought a lot of anticipation inside of me. I could not believe I was privileged enough to visit the office of the most important administrator at the University of Texas; the office in which most students, especially freshmen, never get the opportunity to explore. I couldn't help but to think about how it was decorated. I imagined it would resemble the famous Oval Office like the one pictured to the right in the way of it being traditional with old, antique objects and furniture.

Before I could see if I had imagined correctly about the President's Office, we were escorted into the Stark Library, which is the President's conference room. I was amazed to see the large conference table and was surprised that there were exactly eighteen seats to sit all of us that were present. I immediately felt like someone of importance and such an exciting feeling. One of the things I noticed was the ability for all of us to remain our normal selves even though we were in an environment where we should have been on our best behavior. Although we possessed our normal ability to joke around with each, I felt that eased the tension of being in such a serious environment and made it more comfortable for everyone.

The existence of the Stark Library was new to me; I had no idea of its existence before the excursion. It was interesting to learn that the library once contained 12,000 volumes of 19th Century literature. The shelves were still stocked with books, but it is to my understanding that some have been moved to the Harry Ransom Center. Libraries always evoke a feeling of being connected with others of the past inside me; so being in the library made me think of all the individuals that sat in the same room and glanced at those same books. I wonder if they had the same feeling of awe and curiosity as I had.

It was exciting to be in the very room where the President conducts meetings about various aspects of the University and makes decisions about the well being of all the students. I imagine he would be sitting at the head of the table where Professor Bump or Will is sitting in the picture to the left, which would allow him to glance at everyone. The leather seats just added the final touches; it just seems like a decision could be made easily while sitting in comfortable seats. Towards the end of the session in the conference room, I glance up and saw a beautiful chandelier hanging towards the center of the table. I cannot recall its exact appearance, but I know it had green and gold colors elaborating its eloquence. It brought a eloquent and sophisticated design to the room. The visit to Stark Library or conference room was a great introduction to the tour of the Presidential Suite. It provided a sense of tradition with its historical novels and furniture.

In the transition from the conference room into the President's office, I got a chance to see the beautiful architecture on the fourth floor from to the windows all the way up to the ceiling. The images on the stained glass windows were amazing and reminded me of the beautiful stained glass windows in Cathedrals. I was not expecting for the interior to be so exquisite or detailed. The female figures on the windows were clearly distinct and elaborate. The physical features and the different colors helped to portray the word they symbolized whether it was History, Tragedy, or Lyric. Their image was especially clear whenever the light from outside shined through them. I would not expect such design work in the vicinity of the President's office. I am not exactly sure why such decorations were inserted in the offices, but it reminds of what a University stands for and where it comes from. When I think about a University and its President, I immediately focus on the more business side or policy making side of it. I do not think about other colleges and their influences, which are also portrayed in the architecture and design of the various rooms. The representation of Oxford, Cambridge, and Virginia are not apart of my first thoughts for the design of the fourth floor of the Main Building. I am not exactly sure what influence each University has on UT, but I think it was unique to include such influential colleges in the design of our University.

The actual appearance of the President's office was different from what I imagined. It was a lot more personal than I thought it would be. His pictures and displays showed me that he just like an average successful gentleman with love for his family and fields of interest; he apparently like sports portrayed by his picture with Vince Young and the picture of him with ski boards, and he has interest in the field of law with his displays of gavels. I liked the fact that he had an old wooden desk instead of brand new fancy one; it just shows that he is an ordinary man with appreciation of objects with sentimental value. My favorite part of his office was the glass doors that led to the garden.

The garden itself was exceptionally beautiful, and it provided an excellent view of campus and downtown. As shown in the picture to the right, it was a great place for pictures. The garden provoked a sense of peace and calmness from the chaos of the University. Hopefully the President uses it as an escape form the pressures of holding such a position; it just seems like the perfect place to clear your mind and relax from troubles of everyday life. I did not know the President had his own garden outside of his office; it is not visible when looking from down below.

There is another garden outside of the conference room. This one has more decorations than the other one like two benches and a statue. I enjoyed walking around this garden as well; it also struck me as a good place to go and relax or study. Both gardens have the pleasure of being set right in front of the tower. Ending the excursion with the gardens was a good finale to the Presidential Suite. I can only imagine the good feeling the President has as he enters his suite everyday; it was so amazing that it made me want to become President someday.

LBJ Library and Museum

The excursion to LBJ Library and Museum was extremely enlightening and inspiring. The task of finding character traits was not hard to accomplish because there were many stories of different individuals who shaped the history of the United States during the period of Lyndon Baines Johnson's Presidency. I feel that it would only right to start with LBJ himself; on several occasions LBJ showed positive and influential characteristics during the events he faced before and after being President. He was the youngest Senator to ever serve as a Democrat Majority Leader in the Senate. I want to enter the chaotic law arena someday and to see someone assume a role that is usually given to more experienced politicians gives me courage to become a person that is willing to take on roles that is not expected of me. To be a young person in charge shows that leadership and responsibility was seen in you by other colleagues, and it is an extreme privilege to be chosen. Another trait of the President LBJ I would like to possess is how he "represents all the people and must face up to all the problems." This also coincides with my future desire to pursue law; I will most likely want to be in a representative position of some sort and would want to take on all challenges posed to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, or other physical aspects. Pictured to the left is a portrait of LBJ, which portrays a younger LBJ probably before the stresses of being President was endured. According to Lady Bird Johnson, "There have been several portraits of my husband, but this is the first one I have liked." I would also like to possess the faith in opportunities the University of Texas has to offer like Lady Bird Johnson; she believed that "all the doors of the world were suddenly swung open to me." She had a positive outlook and image of UT; it seems as if she sought out to make sure good things came here way while she was UT. I want to have the courage to go and get what I deserve. I want to encourage more doors being open to me and embrace the opportunities I will receive at UT.

Another admiral figure was Dr. Martin Luther King. His ability to strive during times of turmoil is definitely a character trait I would like to possess. The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for individuals that were discriminated against, and MLK showed "...his courage and perseverance in the face of death threats and firebombings of his home [and] inspired tens of thousands of people..." To know you have made a difference in someone's life is a gift that can never be taken away. Even though I don't intend to influence a large mass of individuals, I do intend to help and inspire as many individuals as I can. Pictured to the right is Dr. Martin Luther King speaking in front of thousands of people about his dreams of black people in American society. I was also inspired by all individuals who endured the Civil Rights Movement and was able to make a better life for themselves. I can only imagine the struggles endured by the minorities during this time. I want to possess their willingness to keep going even when times are hard. Leaders are constantly faced with challenges and are not expected to give up when a clear solution is not in plain sight. Leaders are just not responsible for themselves but for others as well so giving up isn't the best option.

Even though the LBJ Library and Museum was filled with wonderful achievements and individuals, the not so pleasant individuals were also represented. I did not find leadership traits in Ku Klux Klan, which was "an organization hostile towards blacks, Jews, Catholics, and foreigners." Sometimes a leader cannot pick and chose who they are going to represent; so being an open minded individual is a must. The KKK were not inspiring leaders; they degraded and inflicted violence against individuals that were different from them. Those are traits I want to stay away from as much as I can. The KKK were not the only ones captured in old views of the United States, but others around the country portrayed hatred against ethnicities that were different than their own. When Private Felix Z. Longoria was killed in WWII, the funeral home director said "we never made a practice of letting Mexicans use the chapel and we don't want to start now." Imagine someone telling you this after your loved one has been killed; I would feel devastated and extremely upset. I want to be a leader that embraces different races and ethnicities and everything they have to offer. Individuals from different walks of life can teach you things you didn't even know existed. Leaders can be more intelligent in their field of work if they have a diverse way of thinking.

A Time For Relaxation

Amongst the chaos of everyday life, we forget to take time out for ourselves and enjoy the environment around us. For me, trying to find a physical place to release the constant flow of thoughts going through my head never crosses my mind. I always turn to the television or internet to provide an alternative to my stressful days. But what I and other people fail to realize is that there are landscapes that serve "as an ideal world of rural simplicity and tranquility" (723).

When I think of a garden, images such as beautiful flowers blossoming like the ones pictured above or fruits growing in rows come to mind. Even though I don't turn to the relaxation of gardening, I watched my great-grandfather plant vegetables and fruits when I was younger. At the time, I did not realize how this exercise helped him mentally and physically. It isn't just the fact of being in a garden that brings relaxation and tranquility but the art of creating your own garden can bring you to mental state where you are able to block out the troubles of everyday life.

I remember when we visited the Taniguchi Gardens and how I felt a sense of change after leaving. It was my first true one on one experience with nature. Not only does the scenery spark a positive feeling, but the serenes of everything including the streams, bamboo, flowers, and creatures forces you to capture the calmness and peacefulness. The architecture of the structures like the one pictured to the left allowed me to get a feel of the culture Isamu Taniguchi was trying to portray. I remember sitting in this particular structure. Even though I was surrounded by other individuals, my mind was still able to slip into a mode of peacefulness and relaxation as I looked at the nature that surrounded me.
Verlyn Klinkenborg describes landscape in terms of, "the feeling is aesthetic, but it's also far more visceral than that: it's the sensation of being exalted and being put back in your place at the same time" (721). I agree that landscape evokes a feeling of beauty or aesthetic and that one brings you to a different place in the present time. Meditation and relaxation are techniques that allow you to escape into a different world that is open to all possibilities. It can be as pleasant and unpleasant as you like; you make the decision of how your process of relaxation is going to play out.

The advantage of having gardens and other landscapes is that individuals have the opportunity to mediate in a peaceful, tranquil place that will heighten their relaxation period. "The experience of being in such landscapes is always powerful, but so is the experience of transition-crossing back and forth from one world to another" (722). Furthermore, places like the Taniguchi Gardens and the Tower Memorial Garden can be one's transition from the real world into their world of relaxation.

Even though the Tower Memorial Garden was created in honor of a tragedy, it still allows individuals to capture the essence of calmness but also allow individuals to meditate on the lives of others. Most of the time during meditation, individuals focus on themselves and the thoughts that are running through their heads. The Tower Memorial Garden still allows individuals to relax and ponder their thoughts, but it presents a specific event to meditate on. The words "Violence," "Chaos," and "Loss" that is portrayed on the north side of the Tower Garden's pond brings about the first stage of meditation for its visitors; one is able to block out the chaos that is happening all around and focus on the tragedy that is represented in the garden. Then, the words "Reflection," "Solace," and "Hope" on the south side of the pond brings individuals into the healing process stage of the garden.

"The circular nature of the memorial encourages the visitor to move from one zone to another, from one kind of emotion to another, from one level of emotion to another, to be transformed and remember" (725). This statement symbolizes the journey made while relaxing or meditating. My meditation period starts most likely with a feeling of a heavy burden or anger. As my meditation continues, my burden lifts and my emotions begin to soften and ease up. by the end, I feel completely different from how I started. Each minute that passes while I am meditating, marks a different emotion; one that is more positive than the previous one. The circular garden pictured to the left is an illustration how relaxation can turn your emotions 360 degrees. The small size of the garden shows how quickly my emotions change while in a state of relaxation.

E. M. Forster brings up a point when he states, "For we of the road do not admit in conversation that there is another side at all" (730). This statement makes me realize that relaxation and meditation are not common topics in conversation. I believe that everyone meditates to a certain extent when they daydream, but the details of such meditations are not discussed. It raises the questions "Do I not meditate in public landscapes because it is not a common exercise?" or "Are people really meditating when you see them in places such as gardens and other similar landscapes?"

The practice of using landscapes as a mode of meditation and relaxation has not been option for me up until now. I have learned that landscapes can bring me into another level of meditation that cannot be reached in the normal realms of sitting in bed or riding in a car. Actually sitting down in Mother Nature and fully capturing the scenery and different objects that contribute to the tranquility of that place will I truly be able to say I have experienced the full power of relaxation.

Sea Monsters 3D

Walking into the IMAX with my 3D goggles, I felt extremely exicited and greatly anticipated the first IMAX show I have seen in about ten years. I sat in awe watching Sea Monsters in 3D. I had completely forgotten the amazing effects of an IMAX show. Even though I went to go see the show alone, I felt not an ounce of loneliness once the show began. The visual effects made me feel as if I was swimming in the vast sea with the sea creatures and driving along the dirt road with the Paleontologists in search of fossils of such sea monsters. While the story presented the timeline of the sea creatures about eighty-two million years ago, there was a personal story of a Dollycorintops, (excuse the spellings of the sea monsters, but I think they were made up because I tried to find the correct spellings and had no success) whose journey was followed throughout the entire show. The story started out with a mother Dollycorintops giving birth to a boy and girl Dollycorintops; the journey on the female child was being payed close attention to throughout the show. The Dollycorintops lived in shallow waters at the beginning of their existence; when the season change, they moved to deeper waters of a few hundred feet deep to follow their food source, the Encotus. "Dollys," as they were referred to in the show, were believed to be marine reptiles bigger than a dolphine; they were fast swimmers and air breathers, meaning they went to the surface to breath. Along with the "Dollys," the other marine reptiles lived in a warmer climate than our present day climate and the sea level was higher during their existence. Marine reptiles were suspected to gather in protected confines to give birth to their offspring.

Other marine reptiles included the Platycarpus, which was a fierce sea monster that preyed on small fish. The Titlesaurus was one of the largest creatures of any age and it had huge eyes that resembled grapefruits. Also, there was the Ziphactamus sea creature that was seventeen feet long, which is more than twice the size of a "Dolly." Of course the sea is not complete without sharks; the Catoxirima was like our present day Great White Shark and it fed on the largest of reptiles in the sea. Finally, the biggest sea monster was the Tilosaurus; they were able to eat creatures as big as a shark. Along with the enormous size of the Tilosaurus came their fierceness; older Tilosauruses were known to kill the younger ones as a mark of their superiority. The attack would leave the dead Tilosaurus floating in the sea until a group of sharks would appear and feast off the dead creature.

Watching the natural interaction between the sea creatures was fascinating. I felt as if I was apart of their habitat; I could feel the stare of a creature when it would look into the camera, and it seemed as if I could feel the motions of the sea as the creatures swam past. When the show focused on the actions of the Palentologists, I could feel the trees as the hit the camera. It was such a surreal feeling, but I enjoyed it.

While the other marine reptiles was explained, the show still focused on the journey of the daughter "Dolly" born at the beginning of the show. It illustrated how her mother was killed at the hands of another sea creature and how her brother was killed by a surprise attack of a shark. Her journey concludes with her returning back to shallow water after a season in the deep sea. The female "Dolly's" journey illustrated the typical life of a Dollycorintops; they start off in shallow water when they are young, journey to the deep sea after their food source, and then return to the same shallow sea when they were older, most likely around the time when they can give birth to their own offspring. This cycle continues for the Dollycorintops until they are killed or they reach old age, which means their journey ends in the shallow water when the Encotus leave.

Sea Monsters 3D was an awesome experience with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed looking through the oversize 3D goggles into the world of sea monsters that existed millions of years before the world as we know evolved into what it is now.

Christine in Her Second Life

[1]

Christine in Her Second Life

The idea of virtual world frightened me when I first gained knowledge of Second Life. I was not scared of it but could not imagine what one could gain from pretending to live in a world that does not really exist. As time passed by and I actually went through the process of creating an avatar, I learned that Second Life is like a refuge from the world we live in and is a place where one can control every aspect of their life. By transforming my role model, Christine Collins, into an avatar in Second Life, I was able to portray her leadership qualities in a controlled environment and improve my writing skills by discussing different aspects of leadership.

I choose my mother to be my role model, which was extremely helpful in imitating her in Second Life because I could easily create someone I saw everyday. She is a Supervisor at MHMRA, which is a company that deals with the care of the mentally handicapped; her attire in the workplace is very casual, which made it relatively easy to find clothes for “Daisy Bosatsu” in Second Life. My mother has always been my role model mostly because she raised me as a single parent. Her influence was impossible to not be implanted into me whether she wanted it to or not. When I was brainstorming for the first writing, I wanted to portray my mother as a hard working and determined individual who centered her life on helping others like the group of individuals in the picture above; they are working and helping each other accomplish their goal. In the first project, I displayed her qualities with words and in a subjective point-of-view. I attempted to get the reader to see my role model through my eyes and personal observations; to see her “as a real example of where determination can get you in life.” [2] Project two will allow the reader to actually form their own opinion of my role model; the actual text in the conversations I had with my peers, which was in the context of how my mother would talk, and the visual interactions will allow the reader to have their own personal experiences with my role model as I had in the first project. In writing both projects the most important goal was to portray the leadership traits of “responsibility, determination, and helpfulness” [3] my mother possesses that inspired me to want to become someone who makes a difference in the world.

Second Life at first was extremely frustrating; when there is a combination of things that includes technology, complications tend to surface. Trying to maneuver on the island and creating my avatar was a little difficult because I was not use to it. As I began to have more experience, I enjoyed transforming my mother into “Daisy.” It was fun and made me tap into my creative side when I went through the process of making the avatar resemble my mother.

Experimenting with different clothing and hairstyles left endless possibilities to find the right appearance for my role model; I felt a sense of accomplishment when “Daisy” was finished because I was responsible for the way she appeared. I made every single decision of how she would look. Being able to practice creativity helps with the process of writing because they both require you to think and use your imagination. Before writing a paper one has to brainstorm or think about the content and direction of their essay. Second Life provided me with practice to develop my creative skills. Since Second Life was a new experience for me, I had to read and follow directions constantly. Sometimes I was forced to reread instructions in order to perform certain functions such as sitting on the couch and flying around the island. Reading has always been an important component when trying to complete an assignment; not all prompts and instructions are the same so one has to read each one to make sure they will be doing the right thing. In comparison, my mother practiced the same skill of reading and rereading directions; she is responsible for making sure her clients receive the proper medical attention they need and to be knowledgeable about the different medications that was administered during her care, which required her to read medical journals that would ensure the clients are taken care of.

As mentioned before, when I first started Second Life I left felt curious as to how a virtual world could have any influence on my writing skills. It excelled in teaching me discovery learning; there are directions to maneuvering around and how to create your avatar but there are no directions that tells you what to do once you are on the island. It is open to your imagination to figure out what you want to do. Being able to make up your own rules is harder than following specific instructions given to you. Furthermore when the time came to chat with the different groups, which provided some guidance as to what to do, I became a little more frustrated. Trying to jump into a conversation that was going faster than you could type took some time to get adjusted to. Once I got into the flow of conversation it became an interesting technique of communication. We are accustomed to talking to one person at a time and being able to take turns talking, but that is not always the case in chatting in Second Life. There is no way to really know if the other members in the [4] group are done with their thoughts. As seen in the picture above, everyone in the group are typing at the same time. In the chat groups, I was talking to more than one individual at the same time. On several occasions, one member of my group was having one conversation with me and a different one with the other member; it was a little difficult to talk to more than one person at the same time because we all have different points we wanted to address in the chat session. As time passed, my stress level decreased or began to reach the point of optimum performance illustrated in the picture below because the conversations became more unified. Eventually we were able to feed off of each others comments and the conversation was able to flow easily. By being thrown in a situation without a lot of direction, I was able to learn how to figure things out on my own and make the situation more comfortable for myself. Conversation in Second Life was more formal than text messaging and facebook [5] communication. For me since it was in a classroom setting, I was aware of the observance our chats would encounter, which made me stray from the slang used in text messaging and on facebook. Even though I did not always use complete sentences in the conversations, I did not use “idk” for I don’t know or “lol” when I thought something was humorous like I do in text messaging and facebook. I was inclined to use vocabulary and clear thoughts when communicating with the other members. This caused me to inadvertently learn how to judge a situation and determine what skills are best suited for that environment. Second Life was a learning experience that resembled someone being thrown in a pool and told to swim to shore with no prior experience in swimming; it pressured you to think fast and come up with the best solution that would allow you to get the full experience of this virtual world.

Once our conversations got under way, we began to discuss the topic of leadership. My perception of leadership was not altered but I received a clearer understanding of a leader. The aspect of leadership that was discussed that stuck with me was a leader having enough determination to learn from their mistakes and to do whatever it takes to fix their mistake to accomplish the overall goal. It was touched on several times in the conversation. Being able to discover different options to situations will create a more versatile leader that can adapt to the different opinions of others. “Leaders who are adaptable can juggle multiple demands without losing their focus or energy, and are comfortable with the inevitable ambiguities of organizational life.” [6] Also, having certain passions can develop a leader to reach their potential of being a great leader. One’s passion helps to drive them to a different level of achievement; leaders with a passion will put forth extra determination and drive. The conversations were a good way for everyone to show their leadership qualities. Usually, the first one to talk has already expressed the leadership trait of taking charge of the situation, but those who introduce a new outlook on the subject are exhibiting the leadership quality of guiding others to different areas of the topic. Next in the discussion about leadership and diversity, I learned that diversity can help one to become a more open-minded individual, which will result in a better leader. Having an open mind will lead to decisions that are more willing to adapt to the present situation and not so much on traditional decisions. I also learned that leaders can come from diverse backgrounds and ages. My role model is an African-American woman that is forty-four years old and another classmate’s role model is their younger
Caucasian brother. This is illustrated to the left; leaders of all different races [7] and ethnicities can join together and make a difference in the lives of others. Another aspect of leadership and diversity that was touched on is the fact that a leader does not have to be publicly recognized as a leader; there should not be the desire to have praise for the influence they have made on others’ life. They should in a sense not have the awareness of the impact they have made; being praised for good deeds usually makes leaders constantly strive for that attention and make them move away from their main goal.

The chats in Second Life allowed one to discuss different aspects of leadership while being in a leadership position, which gave the full effect of the role.

The experience with Second Life in a classroom setting was better organized then trying to get on there at a random time and no one being on there. Since there was only one session of Second Life conversations, I don’t feel that I got a chance to really transform Christine Collins into “Daisy Bosatsu.” There was not enough time to sufficiently exemplify her leadership qualities in that short period of time. There were some points in the chat where I was able to portray my role model as a leader, which was in the discussion of her job and clients. This experience taught me that “Daisy” could blend in with extraordinary individuals as Denton Coolie and Mahatma Ghandi, and even though she is not known all over the world, she is just as much of a role model and leader as they are.

Second Life taught me that it is not always necessary to be spoon fed instructions in order to accomplish things and that I can enter a virtual world and still feel human. I’ve always had a preconceived notion that virtual worlds were the sort of hobby I would not engage in because I thought it consisted of individuals that were infatuated with an unrealistic life that would never exist. I was wrong, and I appreciate how Second Life introduced me into a different world that is as realistic or unrealistic as one makes it and ultimately shaped my reading and writing skills in a closed environment with my peers.

1. prblog.typepad.com/.../secondlife_1.jpg

2. Jessica Collins, "P1: My Role Model," (6).

3. Jessica Collins, "P1: My Role Model," (7)

4. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~bump/E603A07/pics/SL%20groups%20in%20action/4B.jpg

5. flog.typepad.com/.../yerkesdodsonlawgraph.png

6. Daniel Goleman, "Primal Leadership: Realizing The Power of Emotional Intelligence," Harvard: 2002 (69).

7. www.nefrla.com/vision_mission.jpg

Word Count: 1,825

Appendix

Conversation 1: GROUP 3

[8:56] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[8:56] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[8:58] No room to sit here, try another spot.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:05] LincolnLog Rokocoko: hey nice of you to join me
[9:07] You: Good Morning Friend
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: gutten tag
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i dont know if that's th correct spelling
[9:07] You: How have you been doing?
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: but you get the idea
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: pretty good and yourself?
[9:08] You: Ya more or less
[9:08] You: I'm doing great, I went on a 14 mile hike before this.
[9:08] You: So, we're supposed to be here to talk about what a leader is.
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: for real or are you in character?
[9:08] You: You decide
[9:08] You: haha
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: ok make things interesting
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lets see
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: I was just analyzing my dreams
[9:09] You: What are the top three qualities you believe a leader should possess?
[9:10] Denton Dawg: Good morning
[9:10] You: Then well talk aobut your dreams
[9:10] You: Good morning Denton
[9:10] LincolnLog Rokocoko: a good listener, conviction, and commitment
[9:10] You: Nice
[9:10] Denton Dawg: Morning Freud...and...?
[9:10] Denton Dawg: May I ask for your name?
[9:11] You: Mine I believe are someone willing to speak out, possesing the abbility to see the whole picture, and to listen to both sides of a story then make judgment on all information, whether popular or not.
[9:11] You: My name is Vida, But my friends call me Grayson.
[9:11] You: Denton what do you think a leader is?
[9:11] LincolnLog Rokocoko: alright Grayson
[9:11] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think those are great qualities
[9:11] Denton Dawg: A leader knows how to teach by example
[9:11] You: Thanks, I really like yours too
[9:12] Denton Dawg: One who is persevering
[9:12] Denton Dawg: and confident
[9:12] Denton Dawg: and simply gets the job done as a collective
[9:12] You: I feel like all of these qualities sort of intertwine
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: definitely
[9:12] You: Like if you have the ability for speak for what you want, you must be confident
[9:12] You: And so forth
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think that there are some more vague underlying qualities that all of thes thigns share
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: we should try to figure out what they are
[9:12] You: And if your committed to an idea, you will speak out for it
[9:12] Denton Dawg: I definitely agree
[9:13] You: I would like that
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: so confidence
[9:13] Denton Dawg: Passion drives leaders, I believe
[9:13] You: We all have passions that propel us forward
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: passion
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] You: Exactly Lincoln log
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol you can call me Siggy
[9:13] You: What are some of your guys passions?
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: haha
[9:13] Daisy Bosatsu: hey sorry i was in the wrong group
[9:13] Denton Dawg: Medicine.
[9:14] Denton Dawg: and music
[9:14] You: Alright Siggy, any nicknames for you denton?
[9:14] Denton Dawg: Just Denton.
[9:14] You: Hey daisy!
[9:14] Daisy Bosatsu: hey
[9:14] You: Alright that works
[9:14] Daisy Bosatsu: hi denton
[9:14] You: We have been talking about what qualities leaders should possess
[9:14] LincolnLog Rokocoko: my passions?
[9:14] You: Any things in particular?
[9:14] You: Let's wait for Daisy to answer first, then well all talk about passions
[9:14] LincolnLog Rokocoko: art, architecture, music, mocies
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think i just really like creating things or things that were created
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: but particularly things that a lot of thought were put into
[9:15] Daisy Bosatsu: i think a leader should first of all be a very strong person in several aspects
[9:15] You: Such as?
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: oh sorry
[9:15] You: Hold on Sig
[9:15] You: haha
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:15] Daisy Bosatsu: motivation, determination, etc
[9:15] You: Nice
[9:16] You: Ya we all decided passion
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Common threads
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: i really think straight right now!!!
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Daist, may I ask for your name?
[9:16] You: So Siggy, anything created- does that include nature?
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: jessica
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Embodied by?
[9:16] LincolnLog Rokocoko: absolutely
[9:16] You: I mean ultimately it was created by some thing
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: hey what are guys talking about
[9:16] You: Fantastic, nature, or exploring an discovery are my passions
[9:17] Denton Dawg: We are talking about passions
[9:17] You: What passions motivate us
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: ok, cool
[9:17] You: What about you denton?
[9:17] Denton Dawg: Medicine and music.
[9:17] Denton Dawg: And of course, my wife, Louise
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: my biggest passion is working hard and helping others
[9:17] You: Those are all fantastic.
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: that was sweet denton
[9:18] You: So in what ways of you guys pursued your passions while exhibiting leadership?
[9:18] You: have*
[9:18] You: Or exhibited leadership while pursuing passions rather
[9:18] Daisy Bosatsu: being promoted to supervisor at my job
[9:18] LincolnLog Rokocoko: what about you Grayson? what are your passions?
[9:18] You: Very nice, working hard definetely got you there
[9:19] You: Exploring, discovering, growing
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: growing in what way?
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: learning from mistakes?
[9:19] Daisy Bosatsu: vida what have you explored
[9:19] You: I feel happiest when I am in nature, so hiking fishing and camping are some of my favorite activities
[9:19] You: Yes precisely,
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: actual growing as in nature
[9:19] You: I have lived a long life, and learned most through experience gained from mistakes
[9:20] Daisy Bosatsu: mistakes is one of the best ways to learn from
[9:20] You: Nepal, Mongolia, Turkey, India, Russia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Italy, France, England, many more
[9:20] You: But my house, in Colorado, offers the most tranquility
[9:20] Daisy Bosatsu: wow, those are amazing places
[9:20] LincolnLog Rokocoko: why is that do you think?
[9:20] You: What learning from mistakes?
[9:21] LincolnLog Rokocoko: no, that CO is the most tranquil?
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: i have never got to travel much, but i would love to
[9:21] You: It is hard to make a mistake, and recognize how you erred and how it affected you enough to make an effort to not repeat it
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: thats true vida
[9:21] Denton Dawg: Shall we unify this convesation?
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: yes please
[9:21] You: It offers mountains and streams, memories of childhood, and a sense of place and identity
[9:22] You: I have gone through many rebirths there, much self discovery
[9:22] You: and Much change and growth
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: thats great
[9:22] You: Because it is so important, I am on the President of the Board in Boulder
[9:22] Denton Dawg: would you say that CO embodied the birth of your leadership traits?
[9:22] Daisy Bosatsu: denton what do you feel is the best trait a leader shoul posess
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i bet it offers a lot of opportunity for reflection and introspection
[9:22] You: It certainly motivated them
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: Colorado that is
[9:22] Denton Dawg: Me?
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: yes
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Aside from passion, confidence
[9:23] You: Very much so, as an extrovert naturally I always need a place to gain some inner perspective
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Confidence allows you to do the unexpected
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: yes thats very important
[9:23] Denton Dawg: and follow through
[9:23] You: Tell me more about that denten
[9:23] You: denton*
[9:23] Denton Dawg: and eventually succeed
[9:23] You: What unexpected things have you accomplished thanks to confidence?
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: i can imagine that being a successful doctor, you have to have alot of confidence
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Being a doctor, confidence is one thing I was instilled from the beginning
[9:23] You: Lets each take turns answering this
[9:24] You: Very true.
[9:24] You: ANd you Daisy?
[9:24] LincolnLog Rokocoko: does anyone else have a particular place that they go to for introspection?
[9:24] Daisy Bosatsu: whats the ? again i got lost in all of the typing
[9:24] You: Hey, let's stay on this confidence track for a bit and then roam to introspection?
[9:24] Denton Dawg: I concur
[9:24] You: Just because we have plenty of time
[9:24] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yeah sorry, im jsut having trouble keeping up
[9:24] You: But write that down Siggy
[9:24] You: haha
[9:25] You: Sig what accomplishments have you attained due to confidence?
[9:25] LincolnLog Rokocoko: I have put forth many new and challanging idea in the feild of psychology
[9:25] Daisy Bosatsu: like what
[9:25] You: I am sure that takes confidence, as many people probably doubted you
[9:26] Pose Ball: Denton Dawg, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: like the idea that everything you do is driven in some way by the unconstious
[9:26] Daisy Bosatsu: thats interesting
[9:26] You: So that is where your analyzing dreams comes into play
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: haha
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yes
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and introspection
[9:26] You: Very nice
[9:27] You: it is hard to be introspective, I very often get so caught up in the now, i don't have time to truly evaluate my self
[9:27] Daisy Bosatsu: denton where did u go
[9:27] LincolnLog Rokocoko: it takes a great deal of honesty to the self to be able to admitt the uncontious drives for certian actions
[9:27] You: Hence why colorado is my sanctuary
[9:27] You: It certainly does, that ties into the whole idea of learning from mistakes as well
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yes it does
[9:28] You: Being able to recognize a characteristic in yourself that caused you to act in a certain way, good or bad
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: to be able to admitt where the mistake actually occured
[9:28] You: Precisely
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: even the small ones
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and seeming accidents
[9:28] Denton Dawg: That, too, is part of leadership!
[9:28] Denton Dawg: Would you think so?
[9:28] You: Confidence, one of my best characteristics, has pushed me to do new things as well
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: what things?
[9:29] You: Most definetely, a good leader is a sympathetic leader
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: you run marathons
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: you seem to be very driven
[9:29] You: Well, for instance, I fought for the feminist movement, as well as civil rights movements
[9:29] Daisy Bosatsu: people really respond to sympathetic leaders
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: is there something particular that drives you?
[9:29] Daisy Bosatsu: good for you vida
[9:29] You: Growing up in a small town, I knew I was meant for more
[9:30] You: It was hard though, we had servants who called me "Miss Grayson" and it was practically custom
[9:30] Daisy Bosatsu: i know what you mean about the small town vida
[9:30] You: But After fighting for what I believed in, losing friends and family, then gaining them back by leading them with me, I became a very successful attorney
[9:30] LincolnLog Rokocoko: did you also feel a need to escape daisy?
[9:30] Denton Dawg: What sparked you to lead, Vida?
[9:30] LincolnLog Rokocoko: that you were meant for something greater?
[9:30] Daisy Bosatsu: yes i did
[9:31] You: yeah
[9:31] You: Tell me about your small town, maybe ours are similar
[9:31] You: Although I was born almost 75 years ago
[9:31] Daisy Bosatsu: small towns shelter you, and they dont allow you to fully develop into the person you become
[9:31] You: yes, they can be a huge deterrence, most of the time just because communities can be that more judgmental
[9:31] Daisy Bosatsu: well. its very country. alot of land
[9:32] You: The "social norm" is much harder to break when everyone talks
[9:32] Denton Dawg: I grew up in Houston
[9:32] Daisy Bosatsu: but its beginning to grow, more people are moving there
[9:32] You: I grew up in Beaumont
[9:32] You: What city is it?
[9:32] Denton Dawg: and I have lived a majority of my life there
[9:32] LincolnLog Rokocoko: it is hard to really listen in a small town becuase you get caught up in what you want to ehar and think you should be hearing
[9:33] You: Right.
[9:33] You: It's hard to break free
[9:33] Daisy Bosatsu: thats very true
[9:33] You: College really opened that up for me
[9:33] LincolnLog Rokocoko: there are so many social morres
[9:33] You: I went to Randolph Macon, a decision I later regretted , because they considered a college education practically unnecessary since we were all supposed to end up as Housewives
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: well i didnt really get a chance to go to college until recently, but working in the city helped my mind to expand
[9:34] You: Did any books in particular help you guys learn what or how to be a leader?
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: i dont get a chance to read much
[9:34] Denton Dawg: Why is that?
[9:34] You: Oh, big worker?
[9:34] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i love poetry and philosophy
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: well, im a single mother. so im working most of the time
[9:34] LincolnLog Rokocoko: passions that are somewhat strange for a dotor to have
[9:35] You: I feel like reading is extremely important, because learning not only from your mistakes but also others can be useful.
[9:35] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree
[9:35] Denton Dawg: I do too
[9:35] You: I know the feeling, My husband died when my eldest of three boys was only 8.
[9:35] Daisy Bosatsu: wow, that had to be challenging
[9:35] Denton Dawg: however, in a highy stressful environment of a doctor, we usually learn from each other rather than from books
[9:35] LincolnLog Rokocoko: reading and listening
[9:36] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i suppose reading could be a form of listening
[9:36] Denton Dawg: Journals are the key to our unification, however
[9:36] You: It was... i tried so hard to create a happy home, a good living, and be a supportive mother
[9:36] Cameron Reinard shouts: until otherwise shown, we can
[9:36] You: In the end, they all turned out like fine individuals
[9:36] Daisy Bosatsu: i think books and one on one interactions with people helps you learn
[9:36] You: Yes.
[9:36] You: Listening is key.
[9:36] Denton Dawg: How do each of you instill positive traits in others?
[9:36] Daisy Bosatsu: yes, so did i but i wasnt able to spend alot of quality time with my children
[9:37] You: Listening most of the time
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: listening is definitely key!
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and passion
[9:37] You: I also don't like to project my ideas on others, i just lead through example
[9:37] You: I firmly believe actions speak louder than words
[9:37] Daisy Bosatsu: well, i install positive traits in my children by telling them how much i love them everyday
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think listening is one of the best way to help people
[9:38] Daisy Bosatsu: ...and to go after their aspirations
[9:38] LincolnLog Rokocoko: only then can you truely understand their problems
[9:38] You: If people recognize your passions, they feel compelled to understand them, and if they are good passions, the learners ultimately gain positive traits
[9:38] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree vida
[9:38] Denton Dawg: I try to make an environmen conducive to growth
[9:38] You: Being a good leader is knowing how to listen, to lead, and to love all at the same time
[9:38] Denton Dawg: envorinment*
[9:38] LincolnLog Rokocoko: leading through example is great, but action is necessary too i think
[9:38] You: Me too Denton
[9:39] You: Well by example i mean action- liking making a stand or example
[9:39] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree lincolnlog: by practicing what you preach shows that it can be done
[9:39] You: That is one of teh main reasons I started going to Colorado, it is an environment conducive to growth
[9:39] LincolnLog Rokocoko: actively seeking opporunities to help other poeple, by showing them the light for instance
[9:40] You: Right
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: illuminating the lives of others through what you have learned in yours
[9:40] Denton Dawg: Works well in psychotherapy
[9:40] Daisy Bosatsu: i do that with my clients
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: do you really?
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i do too....
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:40] Daisy Bosatsu: i try to help them make the best out of their situations
[9:40] You: So nice talking to you all.
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: likewise

Conversation 2: Group 4 (leadership and diversity):
[9:46] Daisy Bosatsu: hey is everyone here
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: It would appear so
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: hello everyone!
[9:46] Daisy Bosatsu: hi
[9:46] You: hello!
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: don't you fellows look wonderful
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: well onto our task
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: show what do we think about the topic
[9:47] Lennon Balbozar: it is quite a question
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree
[9:47] You: So the question is what is the relationship between leadership and diversity
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: diversity and leadership go hand in hand
[9:48] Lennon Balbozar: true
[9:48] You: I believe that in order to lead one must be willing to lead a diverse group of people.
[9:48] Lennon Balbozar: and I suppose provlems in diversity can be overcome by a positive leader
[9:48] Daisy Bosatsu: diversity allows you to be open minded
[9:48] You: One must also be diverse in order to understand everything that occurs in the world.
[9:48] You: Exactl Daisy!
[9:48] You: Exactly*
[9:48] Daisy Bosatsu: very true...
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: which is important for leadership because you can better guide people to make positive choices when you have better understanding
[9:49] Daisy Bosatsu: in order to sucessfully lead a group you cant have any prejudices towards them
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: well it is still possible to lead an undiverse and equally prejudiced group
[9:49] You: Right. Because a leader. hopefulyl one is fighting against those negative aspects such as prejudices
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: the nazis for instance
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: but to be a GOOD leader than yes that is essential
[9:50] You: Well if the leader is a "negative" leader
[9:50] Daisy Bosatsu: they are two major components of being a postive person
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: love?
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: i think that has to be one
[9:50] Daisy Bosatsu: i like love
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: it is hard to have true passion for those following your guidance if there isn't love in your body
[9:51] Daisy Bosatsu: love leads to being passionate and vice versa
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: exactly
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: they go hand in hand, they connect
[9:51] Daisy Bosatsu: ecxactly....they unify
[9:51] You: what about selflessness? or do you think people always do things for a certain motive?
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: Daisy, what were you going to say are the two major components of being positive?
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: I believe some people are genuinely interested in helping others
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: however it is a rarer and rarer thing to find
[9:52] Daisy Bosatsu: helping others and being open minded
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: ah yes
[9:52] You: I think both those go hand in hand too.
[9:53] You: in order to help others one must have an open mind to encounter any types of people and situations
[9:53] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[9:53] Daisy Bosatsu: so in what ways have you both used diversity and leadership at the same time
[9:53] Lennon Balbozar: and the ones that most need our help are the ones that are different
[9:53] Daisy Bosatsu: thats true lennon
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: I have written songs over the years that inspire people to join hands and unite
[9:54] Daisy Bosatsu: i work with the mental retardation and it is essential to have an open mind and adapt to them because they are differnet
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[9:54] Daisy Bosatsu: songs are good...they can capture your attention easily
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: society seems to ignore them and to show them love and compassion is to show them that they are important souls in the world
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: yes, and truly bare the intentions of the soul
[9:55] Daisy Bosatsu: society does ignore them...they just act like they arent apart of our world
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: We all must "come together" to quote myself!
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: i know
[9:55] You: Well, back in the day in India, people were divided into various classes. There were the Brahmans or so called upper class, the kshatrias or warriors, the vaishyas or businessmen, and then at the very bottom were the Sudras or untouchables, which were people that no one would acknowledge. I worked with all these diverse groups of people to free India from Britains's rule.
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: which is wrong
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: wonderful
[9:56] Daisy Bosatsu: thats great mahatma
[9:56] Lennon Balbozar: the ability to help people rise up from the ashes is the ultimate sense of leadership
[9:56] Daisy Bosatsu: its a certain feeling you get when you help others that are not use to being helped
[9:57] Daisy Bosatsu: a true leader is someone who is willing to be different
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: I helped the American people understand that they could end the travesty in Vietnam if they rose their voice and I have spread a lifelong message of world peace, but I must say I am in your shadow Mahtma
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: being different and displaying diversity is important
[9:57] Daisy Bosatsu: me too...
[9:57] You: Oh no! you have also been a great leader yourself Lenon
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: the ability to stand out for positive reasons
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: I appreciate that
[9:58] You: and Daisy!
[9:58] Daisy Bosatsu: even though my help hasnt reached the national level, i still fell im a leader
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: leaders can be found in all levels of society
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: in a sense there are a very diverse group of leaders
[9:58] You: You are a leader. A leader IS a leader no matter what level they reach!
[9:58] Daisy Bosatsu: an important aspect of a leader is knowing that you will not always be praised for what you did
[9:59] Daisy Bosatsu: ..but it will take away the influence you have made on others life
[9:59] Lennon Balbozar: ranging from 6 year olds teaching their brothers the ways of life all the way up to important political figures who influence on a worldwide scale
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: being praised must be the last thing on your mind
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: i believe that we can all be leaders and that we probably have been a leader and didnt realixe it
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: that is where selflessness can come in and corrupt causes
[10:00] You: It i s im[portant that leader does not expect anything in return
[10:00] You: but if he does get praised, he sould humble accpe tit
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: exactly
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: it can be encouraging too
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: yes...they should accept it
[10:01] You: Because if they do not accept it, they seem as if they are obnoxious or have a big ego.
[10:01] Lennon Balbozar: I have been guilty of letting fame get to my head when I was younger and that destroyed one of the best things I ever had, the beatles
[10:01] Daisy Bosatsu: i feel great when one of my clients come up to me and tell how i have made a difference in their life
[10:01] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: screaming fans can get annoying but they remind me that I'm doing something that makes people happy
[10:02] You: Explain to us how you felt when you left the beatles at that time?
[10:02] Daisy Bosatsu: but lennon, learning from your past mistake will help you to become a better leader
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: I was angry and excited that I could now create by myself
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: I thought my own work could be far superior without them holding me back
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: but yes I have become a better man from it, I think
[10:02] You: But now you regret it?
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I understand that people banded together with love and a cause can accomplish far more than one being
[10:03] You: Just as Daisy said, you can learn from your past mistakes. It is not about what happened in the past but what you want to do and change in the future.
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I mostly regret it yes
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I now direct my songwriting efforts to spreading awareness of inequality and lovelessness around the world
[10:03] Daisy Bosatsu: i can imagine you came across a diverse group of people while being in the beatles??
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: oh of course
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: In fact, I love your homeland Mahatma
[10:04] Daisy Bosatsu: its amazing what a little music can do to some people
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: some of the most enlightening times of my life were spent there
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[10:04] You: As mentioned earlier, songs are a great way to spread awareness of certain causes and to make people feel emotiional about certain things.
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: people will listen more carefully when there is a message hidden in music
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: especially when it is a figure that they love and trust
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: i believe "message songs" are the best
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: "with great power comes great responsibility", right?
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: those are the ones you never forget
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: yes
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: right
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: little poppy clap your hands songs are nice
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: but they miss the meaning of music
[10:05] You: every song has a purpose and a meaning behind it.
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: to reveal the soul
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: fair point
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: except those rolling stones bastards!
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: just kdding though
[10:06] Daisy Bosatsu: since you mention soul, a leader has to be in touch with their soul in order to help others
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[10:07] You: Back to the diversity aspect, I think that if there is an impact of negative diversity it must be fixed. Thus, I do not think diversity is always a good thing.
[10:07] Daisy Bosatsu: really why
[10:07] Lennon Balbozar: i dont completely understand
[10:08] Daisy Bosatsu: i think not accepting diversity is the bad thing
[10:08] You: Well when there is too much diversity where people are placed in different classes of society and are treated differently, I do not believe this to be true.
[10:08] You: good*
[10:08] Lennon Balbozar: i think we should see all people as one
[10:08] Lennon Balbozar: completely equal
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: thats the problem, people should learn how to accept those that are different from them
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: we are all gods children
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: all it communism if you will, but I imagine a world where we all live together in complete peace
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: i hope that happens
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: however I can see your point Mahatma
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: you can't force this diversity in a place where it is so ingrained in the people's minds
[10:10] Lennon Balbozar: however perhaps you can slowly make a difference
[10:10] Daisy Bosatsu: so can i, people who are close-minded cannot accept diversity
[10:10] Lennon Balbozar: anyways it seems we are near the closing hour
[10:10] You: exactly. diversty should be there but people shoudl accept it without any prejudices
[10:10] Daisy Bosatsu: lets be good leaders and accept the diverse world we live in!!!
[10:11] You: ye! if we were all the same, then what fun would there be in this world?
[10:11] You: Diversity it is1
[10:11] You: !*
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: An understanding that diversity exists and that we can overcome our problems with it is a major component of being a leader
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: well i bid you farewell, my new friends
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: Peace
[10:11] Daisy Bosatsu: bye
[10:11] You: Farewell!

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