What's next? Excuse high school athletes from class?

Yes, college athletes (primarily football and basketball) help to bring in revenue to their respective institutions. Yes, these individuals are highly skilled and possess talent that a small percentage of the population has the ability to possess. However, paying said athletes to represent their university in the form of their sport, on top of their largely reduced (sometimes nonexistent) tuition fees, is absolutely ludicrous. The argument to do so is detrimental to the world of sports and our society in so many ways.

When the objective of going to college is analyzed, the main goal is to receive an experience. A non-athlete college student receives the experience by going to class, meeting new friends, living independently, exploring new geographic areas, becoming involved in extracurricular activities, and essentially an unlimited amount of activities. Now, a student-athlete is able to do all the things a non-athlete college student can do, plus so much more. They are able to train in a sport they (hopefully) love, travel across the country (sometimes the globe), perform their sport in front of millions of fans, etc. Additionally, they are afforded the opportunity to receive additional academic tutoring, utilize special accommodations like textbook rental, and other benefits the general student population is not entitled to. And to top it all off, many student-athletes pay less, sometimes nothing, for their college education. Why is a student-athlete who is training to be a professional in their sport any different than a student who is training to become a cardiologist?

I understand that not all student-athletes are soliciting to be paid in addition to the benefits listed above. However, for those that are as well as those fans that argue they should be paid, I ask, "why?" Are they not already paid in the form of tuition, benefits, and experience? In one light, they are gaining a greater experience than their full-paying student counterparts. Paying student-athletes only further perpetuates our society's motivation to work for, and only for, monetary gain. It also diminishes the value of sport across the globe. By engaging in this disgusting act, we are losing sight of what it means to participate in sport. And by participate, I am not excluding fans, supporters, and other stakeholders. Sport brings people together, at least it should. As for the athletes, they should see the value in representing their university, town, or team. They should find pride in this opportunity and recognize the power their performance has on so many "students" out there, not find pride in searching for a price tag.

Time Management

Seeing that my last personal blog post was in September of 2010 almost makes me want to stop trying to maintain this page. Nonetheless, I haven't given up. You see a lot of people's posts that start like this: "I've found a new energy to start writing in my blog again" or "This attempt will turn the activity of blogging into a habit." While these aren't bad, I think I'm writing this blog to motivate myself to be intentional about my time and the things I do with it.

Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling a strong sense of burden and anxiety over my seemingly endless list of things I have to do and things I want to do. With graduation looming over my head and it's close yet far distance teasing me, I'm making it a point to use my time more wisely. And with Homegrown positively more and more of my time, I'm finding it more difficult to focus on things that I "enjoy" doing. But I'm coming to the realization that I can and do enjoy everything I do. Although, I should be creating space for the growing list of books I want to read and for the people in my life, regardless of the sector I know them from.

So, I'm making it a point to produce a more exhaustive account (my blog) of the things I'm doing with my life, with the goal being that it will allow me to reflect on how effective I've been in the times between my posts. Effective meaning, have I been spreading my energy wisely and widely, across the many great things life has to offer.

EDHD 5009 Cultural Autobiography Project: Photo Essay

Tutoring students in Guguletu, South Africa opened my eyes to perseverance.

Athletics plays a significant role in who I am. As a captain of the Gopher Lacrosse Team, I became familiar with leadership concepts and putting them into practice, effectively.

Being introduced to nature and the outdoors at an early age facilitated my appreciation for the outdoors.

Traveling outside of North America made it apparent to me the disparities that people live with and against, everyday.

Throughout my experiences and encounters, I respect the ability to "take a step back" and see the whole situation for what it is.

Without my friends, I find myself nowhere, literally with nothing. I couldn't wholly tell you why we are the best of friends today, other than the fact that we truly enjoy each other. They give me energy and add value to my existence.

Friends again, make it easy to function through the difficult times. Here, a group us celebrate a great evening and weekend to come this Fourth of July.

Through my current employment, I am blessed with the opportunity to work and develop relationships with amazing young people and share with them my passion. I can't really call it employment, but this opportunity I have has provided me with endless, unique friendships that will last a long time.

I like to think of the people in my life, my experiences, and my circumstances as directions to who I am today. I feel that my parents and the aforementioned "directions" have ultimately taught me to appreciate the little things, the important things. These "things" have made shaped who I am, shaped my culture. I am proud of my culture, the things I have done, and things I will do.

My Knee

Something dawned on me today. Actually, it has been a progression since the last time I went through ACL surgery recovery. I am 12 days outside of my ACL revision. In the Spring of 2008, I went through my primary reconstruction. It has been an absolute battle and hearing the unfortunate news about my second tear was no easy feat.

Like I said, my thoughts on the struggles of my rehabilitation process have changed during the time that I got the news about my second tear and until I recently went under the knife. Two things made me come to a new realization. The first is that I've came to the understanding that I am fortunate to be in the situation I am in. Yes, I have to go down a tough, agonizing road to recovery, for the second time. However, I will be back to 100% in the near future. I will be back to full activity. This is because I have health insurance and the resources necessary to aid my complete recovery. There are people who are in a state of permanent disability, through no fault of their own.

The second thing that made me look at my situation differently is a few words in a book I am currently reading: Uncommon by Tony Dungy. He poses the question, "What do you want your tomorrow to look like?" Dungy is implying that we are, in essence, in complete control of the things we want to accomplish. In light of the fact that I am fortunate enough to be able bodied and healthy, I cannot take my opportunities for granted. I cannot take my ability to be active for granted. I am taking pride in how I handle my recovery. I will not sulk or negatively ponder about my temporary immobility.

I am going to work hard to get back to the things that bring me the most happiness: staying healthy and being active. However, a more important task on my plate is how I bring that same opportunity who can't do it on their own. That is what I am meant to do. I am searching for this opportunity and it is only a matter of time until I find it.

Top Notch Smoothie Recipe

I am so proud of my creativity in the kitchen, I thought I would share one of my fruit smoothie/protein shake recipes. I call it:

Raspberry Plus Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 5 to 7 ice cubes
• About 1 cup of skim milk
• One scoop of whey protein powder (vanilla flavor)
• One spoonful of fat free vanilla yogurt
  
• Handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 handful of blueberries
• 1/2 handful of blackberries

Step 1: put all ingredients in blender.
Step 2: pulse press the "ice crush" button until ice is broken up.
Step 3: use "blend" button to liquefy concoction
Step 4: add milk as needed to make more liquid
Step 5: enjoy!

Little, Big Things

Last night, I met a group of my close friends at Psycho Suzies in Northeast Minneapolis for dinner. We got together to give Kristin a good "send-off" before she leaves for veterinary school in Missouri. I believe this was the third time I've been to the trendy, talked about establishment. The previous two times, I left feeling satisfied, thinking that the food, service, and environment all lived up to the standards that I had read about. However, yesterday left me with a different impression; maybe it was because I was on crutches and in a knee immobilizing brace... Anyways, overall wasn't too impressed with the complete production.


On the plus side, the girls ordered margaritas which proved to be strong, hence the amplified volume and the frequent cross-table shrieks. So, at least they were getting their monies worth. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich that also proved to satisfy my hunger. The accompanying tater tots were absolutely fantastic, golden, fried and crispy. However, not the only place in town I can get the same quality grub, if not better. Actually, I know I can get better.

The service was sub par and at the prices Suzi boasts, one should expect a higher standard. The waitress was less than friendly and failed to smile, even once. Maybe she was having a bad day. Then again, each waitress looked that way: semi-depressed and irritated. Maybe we didn't fit the bill, i.e. we all don't have visible tattoos and don't wear a bandanna in our back, jean pocket with our enormous keychain attached to the hip belt loop.

What rubbed me the wrong way were the little things. Like I mentioned, the waitress lacked enthusiasm and seemed to dislike us. I am a proponent for the idea that little things go a long way. So when I went to the bathroom and opened the door to a man, peeing, awkwardly staring me in the eyes, I thought to myself: point(s) lost. New rule for myself: if you can't clearly tell if a bathroom is for one person or multiple, the establishment has some work to do. Not to mention the complete absence of paper towels. Yes, I do wash my hands regularly and no, I do not enjoy drying them with toilet paper.

Nonetheless, I did not let the deficiencies ruin my experience. I had a great time with my crew and enjoyed my food. I am not a picky eater or a hard-to-please customer. You have to give "props" to the management of Psycho Suzies. They are thriving on great reviews by people possibly oblivious to the intricacies of a complete restaurant and masked by the overflowing trendiness of the "motor lounge." I'm not going to say, "never go here," or "I had a horrible experience." So go check it out for yourself. To be honest, I'll probably, no definitely, go back. I just thought some honest perceptions are needed.

Remembering the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. So, I thought I would do it justice by posting some pictures from one of South Africa's most beautiful spectacles of nature.

There is a rip tide just feet from where the water meets the beach that can sweep you out into the ocean, without a chance of return.


This has to be the most serene beach on the planet.