A Whole New World

This is what this assignment made me think of...cheesy i know haha! I guess I am kind of like Jasmine and UT is like Aladdin?

RDB5

I grew up in the small town of Beaumont, Texas. It is the sort of place where everyone knows everyone else and where the high school football game was the most important thing happening on a Friday night. I attended a catholic high school, which was predominantly white and focused on fusing its Catholic values into our educations and everyday lives. Home of Spindletop and the world’s largest fire hydrant, people say Beaumont is the perfect place to raise a family.
Spindletop, the Lucas Gusher, was discovered in 1901, and prompted the oil boom in America.The world's largest fire hydrant stands in front of the Fire Musuem of Southeast Texas. The fire hydrant weighs 4,500 lbs. and could blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute.
Every Sunday I went to church and every day after school I participated in activities ranging from cheerleading to dance to volunteering at the local Shorkey Center. While I enjoyed this “ideal” adolescence, I have always felt that my life has kind of been mapped out for me and that my decisions regarding it were really not my own. So, as one can imagine, my acceptance to the University of Texas at Austin, presented me with a new hope in breaking free of my sheltered and tightly structured life and continuing “(my) pursuit of knowledge” in what I consider one of the greatest and most diverse institutions in the country (Flann 306).

As John Henry Newman stated “ (a university) teaches all knowledge by teaching all branches of knowledge, and in no other way”(312). I feel that UT is successful in fulfilling these requirements. Already my experiences here in Austin, have presented me with new beginnings and opened my mind up to new horizons. There are so many different things to become involved in and so many different types of people to get to know. The prospects at learning are endless and forming and conveying opinions is encouraged. Never before have I been challenged to express my true feelings or to share bits and pieces of myself with those who I am not close to, to immerse myself in the traditions and customs of other cultures, to throw myself full force into my school work, both mind and soul. In Beaumont, I would never get to enjoy the excitement behind a protest or the uncomfortable delight of seeing a hobo riding his bike down the street in a g-string. Although I am not fortunate enough to participate in all aspects of the university, I feel that they all still work inside of me. I believe that we, as students here, will ultimately “be the gainers (of knowledge) by living among those and under those who represent the circle”, the accumulation of an immense array of wisdom and life experiences (Newman 309). As we “learn to respect, to consult, to aid each other”, we will do things beyond what anyone can imagine (Newman 309).

So, the question stands, “Why are YOU here?”. I believe I am here to develop “A habit of mind …which lasts through life, of which the attributes are, freedom, equitableness, calmness, moderation, and wisdom” (Newman 309). I am here to receive an “education which gives (me) a clear conscious view of (my) own opinions and judgments, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them” (Newman 313). I am here to learn, to love, to grow amongst others and in my own skin, to discover my own limits while respecting those around me, to realize my passions, and to fulfill my dreams and goals. I am here to make an impact and to challenge everyone and everything. I am here to find friends and hopefully myself, but most of all, I am here to live my life, fully, confidently, and fruitfully as myself and as nobody else. The time is now for me to venture into the unknown, and I embrace this opportunity with open arms, a hopeful heart, and mind ready to absorb anything the world throws at me.
Me with the World ar my fingertips!

RDB4

As I am sitting here in my bed, trying to write this RDB, I am struggling with writing anything let alone writing a coherent body of thought. This struggle could be due to the fact that I just ate my bodyweight in candy or that I am addicted to Facebook or that today I seem to be the person to call randomly. Although I would like to believe that all of these things are mere coincidences, I now realize that this is not true in the least. As Alan Watts states, “just as no thing or organism exists on its own, it does not act on its own” (187). Since my surrounding circumstances have influenced me, I have recognized that we are one in the same and that everything around me seems to be connected through some intricate web of unity.

We have been taught for years that “the world is made up or composed of separate bits or things” (Watts 181). Although this may be true from a scientific perspective, all of these separates do not function without the others. What would a football team be without its quarterback or the human body be without the heart?
((The human heart is connected to the entire circulatory system of the body. Without the heart pumping blood to the rest of the organs, we would die.))

Such things are merely microcosms of the bigger picture, of the world as a whole but accurately demonstrate the importance of being an integrated body. As Daniel Goleman states, everything and everyone is “closely intertwined with a dynamic relationship among them” (30). Even though we may not see it, this relationship is there and will be there long after we are gone.

People in the world today generally seek personal glory over the success of the masses. Although we are supposed to be united as “one nation under God”, the human race has taken on the mindset of every man for himself. For example, Doctors have started to believe that they do not need nurses while in all actuality it is the nurses who know most about a patient’s care regimen. Doctors and nurses are dependent on each other and must interact amicably in order to successfully perform their jobs. ((Nurse and Doctor working together to cure a patient))

As cooperation is needed the previous examples, so it is needed in about every other aspect of life. This “failure (of individuals) to see that…people, nations, animals, insects, and plants do not exist in or by themselves” is what hinders the world from revolving without conflict and obstructs us from living as a integrated people (Watts182).

Gerard Manley Hopkins states that “each mortal thing does one thing in the same” (906). Every person has hopes, dreams, ambitions, and fears. “This knowledge, feeling, and choice are essentially eternal and unchangeable and numerically one in all men” (Watts 192). Not only are we all connected through these essential qualities of a human being, but we are also connected to each other and the world around us through life itself. We must fuse together our lives with the lives of those surrounding us in order to live the fullest life possible. In the famous words of E.M. Forester, we must “only connect!” and we will “live in fragments no longer.”

((E.T. and Elliot "connecting"))

i loved this show when i was little!!!!!!!

RDB3

I grew up as a very optimistic child. I knew that everyone in the world got exactly what they wanted and was sure that no person had any problems beyond deciding what toppings they should put on top of their favorite ice cream flavor or what color bow they should wear the next day. I embraced Cobb’s idea of “the spontaneously creative imagination of childhood”, while convincing others for years that there really was a Santa Clause and that every toy in my room truly did come alive during the night (123). I was positive that fairytales did exist and that dreams really did come true if you wished upon a star. Living the very sheltered life I did, it was not until I was older that I began experiencing things that made me realize that not everyone was as fortunate as I was and that life could throw some very unexpected twists at people at very unusual times. Much like Christy, I cannot really point to a certain moment in time and see my innocence being lost; however; there are some very vivid incidents in my life that brought me out of my shell and let me see the world for what it really was.

When I was eight, my family and I had a wonderful family dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. When we were finished, I dashed ahead of everyone into the parking lot to claim shotgun before my sisters. I ran up to my mom’s car and screamed. There was shattered glass everywhere. Some one had broken into my mother’s car and stolen her purse. It was strange that at the young age of eight, I had so much fear instilled in me that I had suddenly lost my faith in all of mankind. It was like my bubble of happiness and trust in all those around me had popped. I did not understand how someone could be so dishonest and cruel. I guess my ignorance to the ever-evolving world around me never allowed me to grasp the idea that crime actually existed. Although I had cheered on my favorite Disney cartoon characters such as Aladdin and Simba in defeating their foes, I had never realized that the same sorts of things were taking place in the world around me. This experience without a doubt awakened me from my slumber and showed me that there were other people out there living with different circumstances and values than my own and that Beaumont was not always a safe place.

Likewise, at the end of my sixth grade year, I decided I was going to tryout for cheerleader. As I was a top student and I always got everything that my heart desired, I was not worried about not making it; however, when the list was posted, my name was not on it. Although this may seem stupid, to a young girl like myself, it seemed like my world had crumbled beneath my feet. I was devastated. After crying for days, I made a choice from there on out that I would make the squad next year. “It was my goal” (Cobb 131). So, I enrolled myself in tumbling classes, and I worked harder than I have ever worked before my entire seventh grade year. Although it was probably one of the toughest times of my life, I was successful in the end and learned more than I ever thought possible. I went on to be a cheerleader for six years and served for Head Cheerleader three out of the six years. I walked away with the knowledge that I had to work for what I desired and that things would not just be handed to me in this life (which was rather disappointing). I also discovered a new determination, work ethic, confidence in myself and in others, and to never give up no matter the circumstance.

More Recently, several tragedies made me realize that life short and not to be taken for granted. My eighth grade year, a close family friend was shot and killed by an angry client. My ninth grade year, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My tenth grade year, a younger friend committed suicide. My eleventh grade year, a horrible bus accident occurred killing two and injuring six members of local girls soccer team. During all of these incidents, I became very frustrated because I did not understand why these horrible things were happening to such good people. Growing up as a Christian, I had always believed that if one was good and went to Church then they would receive the ultimate blessing of living a full life. These occurrences went completely against everything that I had ever been taught. I did not want to deal with the pain and just wanted to be a child again, to emerge my “whole bodily self in the forms, colors, and motions, the sights and sounds of the external world” (Cobb 130). I never imagined such things happening to people I knew. Although they were horrible things, these events eventually made me appreciate my life and the lives of those around me even more.

Ellen Spiro said, “The most interesting part of a photograph is that which is not seen.” As I look back on these few snapshots of my life, I appreciate that there was a purpose and a lesson to be learned from all of them. While these occasions did make a huge impact of my innocence and my life, I like to believe that it was for the best. Nowadays, when things I am not expecting take place, I often at first desire to return to the days of childhood when things were simpler, but then I recognize that “what a child wanted to do most was to make a world in which to find a place to discover a self” (Cobb 125). I can still live in the moment and “experience the world in (a) highly evocative way” (Cobb 123). The time is now: to learn, to discover, to grow. I must go out into the world with open arms and embrace its mystery while I am still here to appreciate it.

RDB 2 "Role Models"

Every person is essentially a mosaic, a unique piece of artwork created from his or her own personal situations and experiences. Growing up in a family of seven children has enabled me to appreciate this individuality and has left me with a yearning to discover it in everyone. Although I have not always agreed with the paths that my siblings have taken, I now respect them for the people they have become and believe that I owe a little piece of myself to each of their successes, failures, and personalities that they have passed along to me. It is because I do not feel that I would be who I am today without the influence of each and every one of them in my life that I consider Franny, Hubert, Mary, Ginny, Adriana, and Gabriella each a distinct and important influence and example of who I want to become.

Franny and Hubert are the two rebellious members of the family. While their early days consisted of endless parties and a constant need to break the rules, they have been successful in redeeming themselves over the years. Since the days when Hubert found it necessary to throw Franny out of a window, they have both graduated from college, settled down, and started a family. I admire Franny for her adventurous character. Maybe embracing the spirit of Austin a little too much during her college days, she never failed to be involved with all of the exciting and controversial things occurring on campus. Amidst all of the chaos, she managed to become a strong, courageous, determined, and genuine person. She is hard worker with undying love for her family and friends. Hubert defied all expectations when he graduated from college and went on to receive a law degree from TCU. His unique sense of humor and sincere concern or those around him have made him both successful in the business and social aspects of his life. He is passionate about his family and is a great husband and father. Both Hubert and Franny have inspired me to seek companions in places I normally would not. Just as Julius Whittier discovered, they have encouraged me to “treat persons as individuals because they are all different” (6)

Of the older siblings, I am closest to Mary and Ginny. They both are the most enthusiastic and charismatic people I know. Mary lets her love for children shine through her as she works as a child psychologist. Her upbeat attitude and unwavering spirit allow those around her to become immediately at ease. Much like Chad Oliver’s example of Dr. Mac, Mary “throws herself into (life), heart, mind, and soul” (7). Ginny is already and engineer and now is an aspiring nurse. She has an honest desire to help others and constantly seeks those out that need her assistance. Her smile brightens up any room and she is the most trustworthy person I know. “I have (openly) shared my hopes and dreams and sworn eternal friendship” with her (Oliver 12). She puts her heart in the Lord and lives her everyday life in trust and conviction. Mary and Ginny are now happily married and have children who I am sure thy will set as fine examples for as they have done for me.



Although Adriana and Gabriella are both younger than me, they never cease to amaze me. Both very active in extracurricular
activities, they still find time to flourish and grow among family and friends. There has always been a sense of competitiveness instilled in the three of us since we are so close in age. Our father’s motto has always been much like that Dr. Mac, “ whatever you do, give it your best, or don’t do it at all” (Oliver 8). Thus, whatever I do, Adriana and Gabriella come behind me at full speed and do it better. Adriana is at the top of her class, Head Cheerleader, a member of the Mock Trial Team, and an exceptional soccer player. Gabriella is an award winning writer, Head Cheerleader, a member of the basketball, volleyball, and softball teams, and a regular social butterfly. They possess the utmost perseverance and leadership while always maintaining great moral character and empathy for others. Both are devout in their Faith and do not falter at certain temptations that I have embraced in the past. But, most importantly of all, Adriana and Gabriella believe in me when I do not even believe in myself.


As I have often felt overshadowed by my siblings’ accomplishments, I used to long for the time that I would go off to college and be able to establish myself as me. Much like John Schwartz, the acceptance letter to “U.T. offered me a new, anonymous, and exciting start” toward this dream of mine (2). Now, even though I am thrilled to be a new longhorn, I wish I would have cherished my time with my brothers and sisters more and absorbed as much as I could from them. It is not as easy or enjoyable on my own without their guiding hands and words of wisdom; however, each of them has molded me and has impacted my thoughts, my personality, my dreams, and my ambitions. Franny, Hubert, Mary, Ginny, Adriana, and Gabriella are my siblings, my friends, my everything. I can truly say, “They have made a difference in my life” (Oliver 2).

Even though the internet is a useful tool, there are many cons to it. Thousands maybe even millions of people have become addicted to the Internet. Does it really need to go this far?

RDB 1

I believe that the Internet is both the best and worst invention of all time. Although the web has become a portal to endless data and possibilities around the world, it has severed the personal aspect of what it means to be human. Many say the world is now at our fingertips, but I say that the REAL world and the CYBER world are not one, but merely coexist as two separate entities. People may browse the web all day and absorb its information at maximum capacity; however, as Professor Bump cites from Moustkas Personal Growth, “Intellectual accomplishments represent only one small aspect of the human experience” (1). Nothing can ever be entirely learned without an encounter, an experience that redefines and invokes an excitement to question the appeal of a certain concept or idea. I do not believe that the human brain can ever be fully developed without adventure, excitement, new beginnings, love, or loss.
It is obvious as seen in The Chronicles of Higher Education that the Internet has “redefine(d) what it means to be an educated person in the 21st century”, but must one be simply Internet capable or must one be extremely accomplished in the art or html to be considered remotely educated? Generations before us survived and made names for themselves without the infinite information that the Internet now supplies to us. If they were inquisitive about a certain subject, they would have to go to a library, find a book concerning the matter, and read. In order to establish business connections, they would have to meet face to face, discuss matters, and prove their aptitude. Likewise to fall in love or to make friends, they would have to actually pursue a relationship and create a sincere bond. Are these people, the people who forged the path for us, not educated? My father, a man from a generation before computers were readily available, is one of the smartest people I know. A self-made lawyer, he was born with brains, but has become successful through the experiences that have molded him into who he is. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and a cancer survivor. He has traveled, been married, settled down, and now has seven children. Even though he has recently had to learn to use the computer for business purposes, I find it amazing that he was able to flourish so much without our faithful friend the Internet.
I agree with Pink that “the world has changed”, but we do not necessarily have to completely alter the human persona to change with it (1). Although I do believe in the power of Facebook and other such networking systems and probably would be considered a junkie to the core, meeting people via the Internet is not exactly the same as meeting them in person. Even though I am always thrilled when I receive a new friend request, I become even more ecstatic when I see my so-called friend out in the real world. Ideas such as AIM and blogs provide people with instant communication and the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings that they normally would not express or share. Has the Internet turned us into cowards? Think about it. Is it not strange how people willingly share themselves with the entire world the things that they do not want to share with those who are the closest to them? It might just be me, but I think that life without the Internet was simpler. I long for the days when people were actually romanced and when friendships were based on authentic communication and personal connection. I wish that families were still united as they used to be and spent more time together. I am not being ignorant or claiming that the Internet is a horrible invention, but I do believe that “more people are searching for meaning” and it is because they are forgetting about the important values of life (Pink 3).
I feel that people in the past were more in rhythm with both hemispheres of their brain. They studied art, mathematics, literature, logic, sciences, and theatre. Recently, education has become restricted and people have chosen their paths depending on which subjects they are most successful in. I see the Plan II program as a blessing in which we are given the opportunity to fully develop our brains and delve into places that most students will not. No, I do not believe that the world lies in the hands of the right-brained “hippies”, as Wiley would call them, nor do I believe the left-brained geniuses have all of the answers. I believe that our brain is made to function as a whole and that somewhere amidst the battle of the right a left hemispheres lies a medium in which logic and creativity combine to exceed normal boundaries and expectations. It is to the few who are able to connect their thoughts, who are able to understand the power and intricacy of the human mind, and who are able to realize that the world really is at their fingertips through the gift of life that the future belongs to.