Judgment Calls

When I signed up for AMST100, I figured I would be taking an easy 100 level class during my senior year and that I would need to think about the material or put much effort in. I never realized how much I could get out of this simple class if I were to just take another approach. This is the most valuable lesson that I have learned in this class. No matter the topic of each class, every student has the freedom to take away individualized messages and is encouraged to continue to have an open mind outside of class.

Word count: 100

The Right Way to Fight

It was a usual Thursday morning. I woke up, walked sleepily to the kitchen and made myself a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats. I carried my bowl to the dining room table and made simple conversation with my sister as we ate breakfast together. The phone rang echoing throughout the house. As my dad ended the call, he looked at me hesitantly. He shook his head; my heart sunk. Immediately my knees grew weak beneath me; immediately tears streamed down my face. The cancer had taken her.

Rewind two weeks. Standing in the hospital during one of our last visits to see Aunt Jane, we had just received bad news. The doctors knew she wouldn’t make it much longer and it took everything in me to hold it together for my family. My mother looked at me in that moment and through tears choked the words, “You’re smart enough to beat this!” At the time I didn’t quite know what that meant. As I began my freshman year in college less than a year later, the only thing I could think to do was begin the long path to medical school.

I hesitantly held my cell phone in my hand, anxiously staring at the send button waiting to make the call I had been dreading. For the last three years of my life, my mom had been my biggest fan, proud that her daughter would eventually be a doctor. She answered the phone, excited to hear from me, though I swore I was about to let her down. I finally revealed my dreams of being a research scientist to her, convincing her that I didn’t need med school. She gave me her reluctant approval and I confidently reminded her, “I can still beat this, mom, I promise”.

Always follow you're dreams, never any one else's.

Word Count: 297

A Space Between Places

Diverse herds of students saunter down a wide path between two rows of academic buildings. The pace of each student differs and his/her destination is unknown, but Academic Row is a place of constant transit. In the midst of all this movement, some students pause to socialize, some momentarily forgetting about the woes of classes and others discussing the potential outcomes of the tests they just trudged through in a nearby lecture hall. As students pass peers they are familiar with, a friendly hello or wave is exchanged as these groups of students traverse the central hub of the campus’ academic realm. Though not a place conducive to lengthy interaction, Academic Row is a pleasant, scenic space where friends can trade short stories, swap encouraging smiles and take deep breaths of fresh air between classes.

Word Count: 135

Trusting Chance

I believe in second chances, not three or four, just two. When you’re young, you grow up believing that your mom and your dad are the two greatest people you’ll ever know or need; people you should always be able to trust. I believed this too until I was eight years old. That year, my parents divorced and things were never the same. Not only had my family fallen apart, but on top of this my parents couldn’t even stand to be in the same room together. It was hard moving between homes, hearing trash-talk all the time and constantly transitioning between this trash talking. I never knew what to believe or who to believe in and for a while, I didn’t really believe in anything. Moving to UMBC my freshman year was the most eye-opening experience for me. For the first time I was separated from this world of hatred that had been holding me back. I was no longer confused about whom to believe anymore and seeing everything from a new perspective allowed me to realize that my own dad had been lying to me for so long. After multiple attempts to fix our confusing, broken relationship, I was finally forced to move on, but it made me stronger. I was taught that you should always give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove you otherwise. I used to hand out chances over and over again and for so long, I trusted too much. I now realize that I am number one and that sometimes people make mistakes and are worth second chances but maintaining self respect keeps me from handing out that third and fourth chance and I believe that I am better off because of that.

Word Count: 292

Decades of Teaching Teamwork

There is a place where I am personally challenged and in this same place, hundreds of girls were challenged before me.  Woodstown High School’s tennis courts teach teamwork, friendship, leadership, work ethic, and sportsmanship. Here it is easy to see how enthusiastic the surrounding community is to be involved as you hear their chants and cheers on the sideline. Family, friends and neighbors in the area are so supportive, creating a sense of inclusiveness and unity in such a small town. This place is where I find peace, happiness, and a sense of daily accomplishment. 

Word count: 95

"Blue Jean Baby"

You can go on entire shopping extravaganzas and search for the perfect pair of jeans and never find them. I had that problem once until I strolled into Old Navy and tried on their Sweetheart jeans one day back in high school. Ever since that fateful day, I have only bought Old Navy Sweetheart jeans. Every wash looks different yet each pair fits perfectly like a glove. There is no better pair of jeans: these are comfortable AND affordable! Shopping online can be a shot-in-the-dark, but I order them with confidence knowing these jeans will fit just right every time! 

Word Count: 100

Out with the Old... In with the New

      I remember the first time I took a ride in my Buick Regal, Gertrude. A hand-me-down from my aunt, my first car wasn’t exactly new. Additionally, I can’t even number the amount of times I was called a grandmother for driving my Buick, but I completely embraced it! Once I began at UMBC the more people I knew, the more people consequently knew not just who I was but Gertrude too! After four years of faithful service and many memories, sudden sad circumstances forced me to search for a new companion, leaving my brown beauty behind for Shondra the Honda.

(word count: 100)