Live as If You'll Die Tomorrow

My Communication professor told a profound story that struck a chord with me. She described how her father was an aerospace engineer and worked at his job passionately for years, until he got laid off. And never recovered. With the struggles of taking care of his Multiple Sclerosis-stricken wife and four children, he slowly declined from the "happy go lucky" old person archetype to the "grumpy, curmudgeon" old person archetype.

When my professor's mother had already passed away and her father was about 90 years old, she had a shocking revelation when her father stated, as he sat across the table from her, "My life was not exciting. I didn't get to do what I wanted. I didn't feel like I progressed in my career and I didn't want kids." -But I was his favorite child, mentioned our professor-

But the fact that her father did not get to live the life he wanted and died two months later, not happy with the time he spent on this earth, was absolutely sad, depressing, and appalling to hear. This motivated my professor to live her life, because she didn't want to be near death and not having a full life. And I wouldn't want to have such a sad ending either.

Ever since attending college, I have been constantly growing, maturing, and learning (from professors, peers, family, and myself). I have realized that I want to stop adhering to the routine, boring, terrible ways of the traditional high school institution, and take advantage of my privilege in attending a great college, by independently choosing the classes I want to take. The more classes I have been choosing for myself and get excited about, I learn so much from. The experiences and chances I have taken while in college, I have come to know that they have made my college experience that much better. '

I learned that my time is precious and that I should not waste it on classes I have no passion or drive for, that I should not be afraid to dress, act, or speak the way I want to just because I am afraid of being judged by society or even my peers, and that I should continue taking chances or trying new things to just be able to say "I did it". No regrets. After hearing this story, I am even more motivated to follow my professor's advice: "I live as if I will die tomorrow. When I find myself saying no, I can't do this, too many times in a row, I know something has got to change."

Wow do I learn incredible life lessons from upper div Communication. Thank you higher education.
(Note: This was supposed to be a one sentence post. Whoops, I got carried away).

Altering the Time Space Continuum

Just last week, I was roaming my college's website on potential double majors. I've been working towards double majoring in Communication, alongside my declared major of Design, but didn't know exactly where I was going with it or what I wanted to do with it. I only decided to work on a double major while I haven't been able to get into my impacted design classes, and to explore another field that could potentially interest me.

Granted, the classes I have taken since the end of last year were quite interesting and I do find they have enhanced my knowledge and expanded my world views. However, I just did not truly feel satisfied or content. Well truthfully, I was probably just content, but not excited and passionate about what I was studying. I wanted more.

Since the end of last year, and throughout the beginning of this school year, I have been contemplating a variety of combinations of double majors with this minor, and double majors with that minor, and one major with this minor…and the list goes on. These have included courses in Asian American Studies, Textile and Clothing, Film Studies, and the previously-stated Communication major.

Just last week, as I was perusing the Film Studies curriculum online for the umpteenth time, I noticed a unique sounding major that I recognized seeing before when I considered Film Studies. So I decided to just click on it to see what it was all about. It couldn't hurt. And amazing how the most minute, micro decisions can alter a life (or so I'd like to think).

The course descriptions of the classes offered for this major were so enticing and alluring; I wondered where this major was all my life and why it was hiding from me and the rest of the world. It was definitely not as talked about as my currently declared major of Design. From that first night of discovery and realization, I knew I had to get out of my slump and start taking those classes right away. The new skill set I will attain will be incredibly valuable to pair with what I learn from my Design major. And once my registration time comes in just a few weeks, I will be on my way to something possibly amazing (or at least exciting for me).

Here I come Technocultural Studies. Be ready for me (am I even ready for it???)

Her

January 10, 2014

Shenanigans Part I - afternoon

Shenanigans Part II - evening

Top: thrifted || Sweater: vintage || Jeans: Urban Outfitters || Beanie: Wet Seal || Shoes: Dr. Martens

After my only class of the day, I grabbed some brunch with my lil sib. It was great to just chat for almost three hours, since we haven't really had much one-on-one bonding sessions. 

Right after my lil sib and I departed ways, she went off to class while I went to my internship. That day turned out to be pretty exciting for me. Instead of the usual sketching inside our cubicle for a new interior design for the student resource center, I was actually able to go around and take photographs for the website. It was great to be able to exercise another set of my creative skills. While I haven't been able to get into studio design classes yet, I am blessed for this internship (and another one I just got accepted to). They will help me exercise my creativity, apply design skills, and allow me to still do what I love.

Interning alone for the first five minutes, while I wait for my coordinator to give me photography work. 

Below: photo credits to J. F.

After I left campus, I was able to take a breather at my apartment until my plans for the night. Made dinner plans with my big sib. After that was free for all. Or in his words, we just had to "go with the flow". So off we went to downtown, where I witnessed his impressive driving skills (and the terrible ones of others). 

Initial plans were to check out a book store then go from there, but after a brief mention about the new movie Her, we quickly decided upon a movie night instead. And wow, was that the best last minute decision ever. We were both just so in awe of everything that went on in the movie, we talked about it the whole night. A must watch for sure. 

After a quick stop at a cafe, it was finally time to call it a night. Definitely a sweet (pun intended) way to end my first week back at school.

You can tell how much I played around with my new phone fisheye lens.

Sanctuary

January 8, 2014

My Wednesday discussion class was cancelled for the first week, so I took advantage of this free day by giving myself some sunshine. Took time out of my day to jog and walk around, and just breathe. I hope I can give myself periods of serenity every week, but if not, this was fun while it lasted. 

Survivor

January 7, 2014

Sweater: thrifted || Jacket: H&M (sister's) || Jeans: Urban Outfitters || Scarf: gift || Beanie: street vendor

Survived the first day of school.

Welcome Back

January 6, 2014

First day of the quarter. First school day of the year. Let's see how this goes.

Sweater: Cotton On || Jacket: Forever 21 || Scarf: gift || Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Haul: Rue 21, Forever 21, Wet Seal

January 3, 2014

Jacket: Cotton On (sister's) || Pants: PacSun || Shoes: Dr. Martens

Gallivanting Through the City

December 27, 2013

Had a quickly planned up trip into the city with some friends. Whenever I do visit, it's always the same locations. However, this time, I actually absorbed everything in: the architecture, city life, food, fashion,  people, lighting, culture. At the same time, I became increasingly aware of how many people do not have homes. My appreciation and gratefulness for the life I am able to live increased several times that day. 

Below: photo credits to A. B.

Top: gift || Cardigan: Forever 21 (gift) || Jeans: Kohl's || Boots: sister's || Scarf: gift || Coat: Forever 21

Below: photo credits to A. B.

Below: photo credits to A. B.

Below: photo credits to A. B.

Sister's outfit details:

Below: photo credits to A. B.

Below: photo credits to A. B.