Build an Audience of At Least 1,000 People

(No, the title does not refer to Facebook or Twitter. Instead, I want to build an audience of at least 1,000 people for a greater cause other than notifying everyone on how Purdue sucks at everything. That fact is already world-renowned.)

When I was in grade school, I remember when Rupert Boneham visited St. Jude as a guest speaker. Many had recognized him as a contestant on the reality television show, Survivor; however, he reinvented his image to me that day when he told his story in front of 500 elementary school students. Long before his appearance on Survivor, Rupert began directing a charity to help troubled teens and adults see the light at the end of the tunnel when enduring hardships.

After his performance at St. Jude, I remember reviewing everything that he had discussed, motivating me to take his advice into consideration. It's very rare to find a public speaker that can hold the attention of children, under the age of 13, for over an hour. Now that I think back on it, it is extremely admirable that such a famous man would take the time out of his day to speak to students that he had never met. He wasn't doing it for the money, or the reputation, or the publicity, he was doing it to influence others. To make a difference. To witness his work impact another individual's life without anything in return.

One day, I hope that I can influence others the way that Rupert has done. I want to find a passion in something that provokes me to pursue that dream without any satisfaction other than a listening audience. Whether or not it has an effect on the audience as a whole, I don't care. As long as ONE person really hears what I'm saying, I'll be happy.

Love you ALL! Hope your week is going wonderfully!
GO IU!! KICK ASS AND TAKE NAMES, HOOSIERS!

Ignore Money, and do What I Love

For the past couple of months, preoccupations with money has extracted most of my energy and my time, as I am sure it has with many of you. I know that recently I have been discussing lighter topics, those of which do not place a burden on our everyday lifestyle. However, today I thought I'd vent on how much I HATE MONEY. And how sick it makes me to allow something so materialistic to control peoples' happiness.

During the latter years of my high school career, and especially throughout my freshman year of college, my peers have been making decisions towards their studies and career paths they wish to take. Me, however-- I am still stuck in square one, with absolutely no idea of what I want to do for the rest of my life. For the most part, I am encouraged to take a route that promises a "successful" future, where I am well-off, with a comfortable financial cushion to support me. Who wouldn't want that? More often than not, I convince myself it is smarter to choose a career path that promises wealth. The thing is, though, who in the hell has the power to define success for me? What if my success is living in a tent in South America, teaching children the English language, or about religion and placing their faith in God? I mean... success is just a word, right? It is not a feeling or an emotion. It is a shallow word. A word we invented. A word that can be interpreted differently depending upon the person.

In one of my business classes this semester, my professor sold the notion that too many students invest their money in a major that will not provide a return on their investment. Sure, that's true financially. It is a safe bet that a degree in a business field or medical field will provide a stable return. But that does not necessarily mean that those individuals are happier and live a better life than those who do not choose such career paths. Instead of being surrounded by people obsessed with financial success, I want someone to encourage me to do what I love, and let the money follow. Money dominates much of our lives already, I don't want to give it permission to control my happiness, too.

Sorry for preachin' errybody. Just somethin' I wanted to get off my chest. Enjoy your week!!!