A New Perspective

American Studies taught me to look inside our culture and grasp not only ideas but the deeper meanings and implications behind reasoning. I learned a single voice can change a generation with words of remorse and concern. How style and semiotics can alter a public space, creating questions of resident's value and that place really does matter. I learned the power of urban legends and that what’s “cool” really isn’t cool. I found my voice through my beliefs and learned how to project my memories. 

And in 100 words or less, I can tell you a story. 

Word count: 97 

Destiny Kills

Tears streaming down may face as I stand on the top of the podium. North American National Champion…it was because I ate a certain breakfast and tied my shoes a certain way, no all the stars were in a line. I did not win the competition, my luck did. I developed a problem of relying on an unknown force to guide me to success.  Years later at every competition I did everything I did that day expecting the same result. My lucky socks and my mom’s wake up call would guarantee my chances of winning. Practice declined as my rituals increased. My dancing and dedication got worse and worse until my performances were purely based on luck and the forces of prayer. I was tapped. So determined that destiny would guide me anywhere. I finally hit a wall; it took me years of failure to realize that my talent was more impressive than any number of rituals. I stared working harder than ever, training everyday. Pools of sweat surrounding me, my feet blistered and calloused feet aching whenever I walked. 

            The competition was near. I felt more ready than ever, but I was still uneasy about not doing my rituals. The final test of my days without luck, that hard work pays off.  After dancing to the best of my ability, I was left on stage in front of the podium, me and another girl left standing alone, both wanting the other one’s number to be called. My heart was beating out of my chest and my palms grew sweaty.  A flash back to the beginning, my talent did get me here, now would it pay off again? The announcer began to speak and the tears feel down my face. Who would be left standing?

Word count: 300

Fearing Fitness

The lobby of the RAC is a judgment zone rather than a place for fitness. The athletes lined up outside study hall are glaring at every person walking by as if they are infecting their “territory,” not welcoming them into the athletic center but staring them down with disgust and a false sense of superiority.  Boys with cut off t-shirts walk in with their chest blown up, strutting their muscles. Girls walk in with varied levels of confidence usually depending on their size. The outfits appear to reflect the person’s self-assurance. People are judged the moment they walk into the RAC. This is a place of freedom and fitness, where people try to better themselves, something hard to do when you are afraid of the eyes inspecting you from all around. An enforcement of the space as judgment free zone needs to be applied, making the space welcoming to everyone. (150 words) 

A Big Lesson from a Little Brother

A Big Lesson from a Little Brother

Mary Katherine Kulp

Word Count: 293

As a young child I didn’t know why my little brother looked different or why people always glanced at him in a strange way.  He is my best friend and was just as normal to me as anyone else. I learned that my brother, Austin, was different, but in a special way. Austin has Down syndrome, but this doesn’t define who he is. His cheerful personality and inspiring smile can light anyone’s spirits. He has taught me to see the world in a new way. Not through the struggles and impurities, but the notions of love and happiness that we fail to recognize. Everyone is consumed in their busy schedules and lives that the little moments and memories are never seen or made.  My brother has shown me how to take a step back from society, and view life in a different perspective.  Austin always has a smile on his face and he can make any moment joyful. What I have learned from him is to take life day by day and enjoy every moment.  Life throws us obstacles, but the hurdles we have to jump over have a purpose in life. I believe people are in our lives for a reason and their existence leaves an impact. Austin had showed me what it means to be happy and to love life, and without him I would be less objective and little moments would be insignificance.  Austin has provided me with new way to live my life in a happier and more joyful way. Life is full of obstacles and difficulties, but it’s also filled with laughter and hopefulness. I never thought my younger brother would be the one to show me how important life is and what it means to be happy.

People and things enter our lives leaving impacts that influence our behaviors and attitudes towards life, weather it’s about being happy or other life lessons.