Hope for America

Today is Memorial Day, 2016.

A day to remember the soldiers who fought and died serving our nation. A day to honor soldiers who still fight and die for what they believe in.

In the world around us today, it can be hard to remember what those soldiers are even fighting for. America has fallen so far from what it was meant to be and people have lost faith in their nation.

People burn flags, raise their fists, and shout out against America while standing within its borders. I've heard people claiming they will move to another country if so and so is elected. At times it seems that Americans all hate their government and could care less about what happens to their nation.

So why do our soldiers fight? Is America still a nation worth dying for?

The soldiers fighting today seem to think so. What makes America worth the sacrifice then?

America is worth the fight because of what it is and what it has always been. I'm tempted to say that America is freedom. It is a country built of the rights of the people and the pursuit of a freedom like no other. Yet, with all the frustration and feelings of lost rights, I think I shall put the idea to the side and save that rant for another day.

Instead, I will say this: America is an opportunity. Throughout history one thing America has always remained is a place people run to for a new start. From the earliest settlers to those running from the oppression of the Nazis to refugees coming to America still today, people have always seen our nation as a place to go and make a life.

For those who have always lived here it is a place where they can become whatever they want to become if they push forward.

It's a nation that started as 13 colonies and became 50 states. It's a nation shaped and molded and grown by the ideas of the people. It's a nation of innovation that at one time helped lead the world in industry and science.

America is an opportunity, not only for individuals, but for a whole country of people. It is a nation that can become whatever it's people choose.

Our soldiers see this country as an opportunity worth dying for.

One way we can honor their sacrifice is by not giving up on what they fought for. America might seem to be spiraling into ruin, but it's not done yet. It can still come back. We can still rebuild it.

So take time today to remember our soldiers. Take time to say thank you for what they've done.

And most of all, don't give up hope for America.

10 Tips from Life Lessons

Just little over a week ago, I finished my freshman year of college. I am here to tell you that college is an experience like no other.

Being at a university means being thrust into a new environment, a new atmosphere. In a place filled with ideas you've never heard and people you've never met, you will inevitably learn something about yourself or about life in general. At least, that's how it was for me.

So I would like to share 10 tips for you based on what I learned this past year.

Tip 1- "Late" and "Early" are subjective terms. Don't be deceived into thinking everyone is agreed on the subject.  I entered college thinking that 10:30 pm was late and made friends with people who considered midnight early.

Tip 2- Always look up directions before you leave for your destination. Technology is unreliable, as I learned after countless car rides on random backroads, once being led to a bank which did not exist.

Tip 3- If you are going to eat a sandwich while driving, do NOT put jelly on the sandwich. I assure you, bad things happen.

Tip 4- Write it down! The greatest lie we tell ourselves is "I'll remember that later", so whether your thought is a phrase or an idea or a recollection that you need more toilet paper, write it down.

Tip 5- Speaking in front of groups works best if you breathe. Deep breaths before standing up are especially helpful.

Tip 6- Stop to smell the roses. Literally, stop and smell them. The roses smell wonderful.

Tip 7- Peer pressure is not always bad; sometimes it can lead to you trying something actually worthwhile, such as swing dancing. The trick is finding the right kind of people; ones who care about you and ones who will prompt you to try good things.

Tip 8- It won't kill you to talk to strangers. The people you come in contact with all have stories and it is worth the time it takes to speak with them. Even if all you do is say hi and lend them a smile, you might brighten their day (and brighten yours). So talk to people!

Tip 9- Know that life is hard. People hurt, times get tough, and there are days when life just crashes down on you. Don't expect everyday to be perfect because you will be disappointed.

Tip 10- But never forget that life is good. In the midst of all the turmoil and heartache, you can always get back up again. This year I have had friends who lost loved ones, who have dealt with sickness and  stress. I've sat silenced in the face of pain that I couldn't comfort, but each of those friends were able to find the strength to smile and continue forward. No matter how hard life gets, life is still good.

These 10 tips are what I learned at school. What have you been learning in your life recently?