Lighting up the Darkness

This past Friday, Alternative Spring Break, as well as Scott and White Cancer Center and Children's Miracle Network hosted Texas A&M University's first annual Stand for Gold Dance Marathon. This event is a 4 hour long dance marathon, where the dancers aren't allowed to sit for the purpose of advocating for children with cancer. Being a part of the ASB exec team, I have been helping plan this event for the last couple months, and I must say that when Friday rolled around I was pretty nervous about it and worried that no one was going to show up.

However, I was wrong. It turned out to be a huge success!! We had over 200 guests, as well as some awesome performers such as the Lil' Aggie Wranglers, Aggie Dance Team, Aggie Wranglers, Chosen, and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders! Also, we could not have asked for a better location--The Zone at Kyle Field (For those of you who don't know, the Zone is part of the 12th Man Foundation and is where all the people who pay lots of money watch the football games in the box suites!).

Also, we had two families from Scott and White Cancer Center come and speak to all of the dancers about their experiences with having a child with cancer and working with the employees of Scott and White. It was so touching to hear how grateful they all were for our hard work and for giving up our time to come out and help raise money for future treatments and equipment.

I would like to thank everyone for your support. Together we raised $11,591.28!!!! Also, I'd like to encourage others to get involved in anyway possible in your community. We have all been blessed beyond measure and we should use our gifts and talents to help others less fortunate. I love the quote, "Be Kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." Do not be quick to judge and also keep a warm smile on your face and an open heart. Together we can make the world a better place!

Oh, how the years fly by!

WOW! I can't believe it is already almost May 2010. I remember when I was graduating from high school, getting ready to go off to college, and thinking that I was going to be there FOREVER!! When I looked 4 years into the future, it seemed like an eternity. How was I going to make it through?

Well, here I am graduating from college in 17 days and I cannot believe my college experience at Texas A&M is over! As I begin to embark on a great new journey, I would like to reflect on the last 4 years of my life, and hope to provide some advice and guidance for those beginning their college career or questioning their path.

First, do not be afraid to be yourself. It is important at this stage of your life to be happy and secure in the person you have developed into. The people that should matter the most to you, are the ones that accept you for the person you are on the inside. Remember to stay true to yourself, your family and friends, and to your faith.

Secondly, do not be afraid to try new things. Be an explorer. How can you know what your interests are or where the passions of your heart lye, if you have not explored the world and the opportunities it has to offer. We all are guilty of hiding in our comfort zones. However, what kind of life can you live if you do not challenge yourself everyday with new things and new people.

Thirdly, do not be afraid to fail. Honestly, it will happen no matter how hard to try to succeed. But the most important thing is to get back up and try again. Things may never go the way you intend for them to, but God has a plan for you. With God all things are possible.

Finally, do not be afraid to follow your dreams. Nothing is ever out of reach. Determine what your priorities and tackle them one at a time. I believe that everyone of you has the potential and the resources to make your dreams a reality! However, you must believe in yourself, involve yourself in new things, and not be afraid to fail (see how they are all related!).

Time really flies! Do you want to be at the end and realize you don't know who you are or what you want? Remember to live everyday to its fullest!

LOVE THE LIFE YOU LIVE! LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE!