Directions

Specifically life directions. Isn't it great how you never know where life will take you? You can plan all you want but when it comes down to it, unexpected opportunities and challenges always interfere with those plans. At least, this has been the case with me.
I am embarking on a new and exciting time in my life and I would like to share it with those who care to read about it. So, I will attempt to catch the reader up in my life so that he/she may understand why I'm heading in the direction I am heading.
This Summer has been a unique one. The first part was filled with traveling: Phoenix, Arches, Portland, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, NYC and then home to San Antonio for the rest of the Summer. 2 weeks after returning home, I found my dream job, requested an interview, and was hired. I've spent the Summer in San Antonio working full-time for a non-profit called Good Samaritan Community Services. I've had the opportunity to work with at-risk Hispanic youth and have found purpose and joy in my work.
Just last week I returned from attending graduation ceremonies in Provo. Unfortunately, I have to return to complete a 6 week class. This annoys me greatly. I am very content with where I am at and where I am heading and Provo was not in the plans. But, C'est la vie.
After Provo I intend on throwing myself full force into the non-profit world by moving to the D.C. area. I want to work with Latino immigrants and refugees and assist them in achieving educational goals and economic self-sufficiency.
That's my life in a nutshell. As the Summer draws to a close I have been reflecting on the things that I have learned recently. I'd like to share some of these things with you:

1. People are very important. Living for others brings satisfaction, happiness, and joy. Also, strengthening relationships with people (socially speaking, not romantically) provides abundant opportunities to learn and grow. It also puts you in the right place at the right time to be an instrument in God's hands and provides opportunities for Him to bless the lives of others, through you.
2. I thrive off of diversity. Once, in New York, I looked around the metro car and realized I was the only Caucasian aboard. I was in complete bliss. I love being around people of different race, culture, and language. It makes life colorful and interesting and beautiful.
3. While one may learn a substantial amount from books, and I love reading, experience is the greatest teacher of them all. Experience allows one to stretch one's abilities, knowledge, dedication, patience, and willpower to completely new and higher levels. Experience helps to specify and define goals, interests, and talents.
4. I'm an idealist. I suppose I always have been. I remember writing a paper in an 8th grade English class, I talked about wanting to make a positive difference in the world. At that time I thought the only way to do that was to go on some sort of humanitarian trip to Africa or become a teacher. I've thought about how funny it is that I ended up choosing a major, accepting an internship opportunity, and seeking employment that have all placed me in a position to realize that goal. One day earlier this Summer, I was discouraged by job hunting and scoffed at myself. Who in their right mind wants to work in NON-PROFIT and make a living off of it? What was I thinking? It seemed hopeless to be able to do what I wanted and get paid for it. Since then, I've discovered tons of resources and organizations. And I smashed the self-doubt and narrow vision. Hello World and Opportunity.
5. Optimism and confidence go a long ways. I am reminded of a quote from general conference; "Your future is only as bright as your faith". That made a very large impact on me. Also, when I read "Left to Tell", a book written by a Rwandan Holocaust survivor, I learned about how important it is to envision that future. With faith, confidence, hard-work and vision you are the master of your fate.

That's all for now. Until next time!