Current Thoughts || Life Update

Happy FriYAY friends!

I wanted to give you a little update on what's up with me in school, blogging, and life. So this was my last full week of freshmen year classes (internally screams because it's so crazy to think about). My first final is next Thursday (it's Philosophy...aka I need prayers on that day). I have two final projects in my media classes, I had to create a website and then create a single page site. Fun times!
I am going to start packing up my dorm room next week so I can be moved out on Tuesday May 10th. I fly home Tuesday evening...#emotionalflighthome
Also, my birthday is on Monday! Woot woot, my first birthday away from home...the big 1-9 :)

I'll write a post about the story behind this picture soon. :)

I'm working on my summer plans which includes lots of blogging. So in the meantime here are some things on my to-do lists, and a couple cute pics.

Things I Will Do:
-email professors
-write letter to future girls living in my current dorm
-phone interviews
-last minute summer internship paperwork
-compile a team of college writers for a new project
-coffee dates with friends

Things I Have To Do:
-study for three finals
-finish my media projects
-return my textbooks
-return library books
-finish research paper

Things I Should Do:
-thank all those from freshmen year
-end of year pics
-stop, relax, and reflect
-be grateful
-have fun
-PRAY

One last picture till next post...

Till after finals friends,

Embracing Moments of Challenge and Growth || Symposium 2016

This past weekend I was privileged to be able to attend the fifth annual Symposium on Advancing the New Evangelization. This time of thought provoking presentations and stimulating conversations made me stop and think about the many opportunities we as college students have at our fingertips, but many times don't take full advantage of them.

During our collegiate years we have numerous opportunities to step out of our comfort zone and expand our horizon. I clearly saw this at this years symposium that was held at my school. We had three keynote addresses as well as dozens of presentations on "Mercy and the Revolution: The Church’s Mission after the Sexual Revolution." In between these sessions we had the opportunity to dialogue with many of the scholars and really dive into some of these topics that are so relevant to our society. 

These are valuable opportunities to meet and interact with world renown thinkers that challenge you and provoke you to go beyond the norm and really form opinions and ideas on a subject. The world and the Church are bigger than our little world and it is at gathering like this that inspires you along your quest for truth, especially as young college students.

The only way we are going to be successful and effective is if we are challenged. Challenged in the way we think as well as the way we present our thoughts. Don't be afraid to be challenged. All these established scholars that I met are where they are today because they accepted challenges and learned from them.

These are wonderful occasions to gain advice and new ideas from those you look up to or those that hold your dream occupation. This was the case for me during these two days of the symposium. I have previously heard of  Dr. Pia de Solenni, Associate Dean of the Augustine Institute but was never aware of what she did and her mission. After our short encounter she now holds the position as a role model in my life because she is someone that I can aspire to. She is not a role model in the sense that I need to become a Dr. Pia copy but rather I can learn from what she's done and look at where she has been.

I am always extremely grateful for these opportunities to learn from great minds like Dr. Pia, Molly Judd, Ryan Anderson, and Timothy O'Malley. Opening yourself up to once in a lifetime moments like these could determine your future. Imagine the connections you could make or the ideas that would take place just through exposing yourself to great minds and truth. If you want to make any amount of difference in this world you first have to be different. That may be in just attending a symposium at your school that hosts 47 presenters from 20 different institutions. Or maybe it's joining a club that will challenge you and force you to step outside your box. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. If you want success and opportunities you have to go outside yourself and search those opportunities out.

The ability to seek out opportunities and grow from the experience plays a large part in the work of evangelization. Realize that there are many options that could be right, even if you may never have thought of it. This reminds me of what Dr. Pia mentioned:

"Don't assume the world is your enemy. Build relationships. 

You will get further than you think." 

-Pia de Solenni

Coffee & Truth || #WhyIMarch

Tomorrow I will be traveling from Kansas to Washington D.C with over 250 Benedictine College students + priests and faculty to participate in the March for Life. I am so excited to experience this event at our Nation's capital. I went to the Walk for Life West Coast last January so it will be exciting and probably overwhelming at times to see 50,000 more people that are at the DC one.

As I prepare for this pilgrimage to D.C. I have have been asking myself, why? Why march in freezing temperatures for a cause that seems like we are loosing. Am I going to just explore the city of D.C.? Here's what my reflections have cultivated:

I march because I am one of seven siblings and I stand in thanksgiving for those seven "Fiats" my mother gave.

My little brother Francesco a couple years ago at a Rally for Life

I march because I stand in solidarity with all those innocent children that didn't have a chance to take their first breath outside the womb.

I march for all those affected by the tragedy of abortion. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, future generations.

I march because my generation doesn't just sit back and watch our world's population slowly dwindle down.

I march for those who work in the abortion industry, either those directly or indirectly involved in the organization.

I march because I live in a country where we can stand for rights and truth.

I march because 1/3 of my fellow college freshman across the country are missing because of abortion.

I march for those teaching false accusations and burying the extremeness of this evil.

I march for those mothers that feel like they have no option or are put in a life or death situation if they don't terminate the pregnancy.

I march for those men who weren't real men and protected the hearts and bodies of the vulnerable woman.

I march to tell the future generations that I didn't just glide through life and let the biggest genocide ever known, become an accepted intrinsic evil that we don't even think twice of.

I have created a playlist (of course ;) about l i f e if you want to listen to it as you travel to the March or just when you want to praise God for life.

Our Lady of Guadalupe :: Pray for us! 

Colorlust || Pantone's Color of 2 0 1 6

 
Each year Pantone releases a "color of the year" that inspires all the fashion & beauty trends for the year. This year they selected rose quartz (pale pink) and serenity (light blue) as the dual colors of the year for 2016. This is the first time, that the blending of two shades were chosen.

To me these colors remind me of cotton candy. But seriously, they are the perfect calming hues for anytime of the year! I am so excited to incorporate these colors into my wardrobe more this year. I got inspired and put together a Rose Quartz and Serenity collage.

What do you think of the two color's of the year? 

Favorite Podcasts

 Recently I was talking with some blogger friends about our favorite podcasts, and so I thought it would be fun to share some of my go to ones with you! Podcasts are great to listen to when getting ready in the morning and even when working out. 

|| Crime/Mystery ||

SERIAL

Description: Serial is a new podcast from the creators of This American Life, hosted by Sarah Koenig. Serial unfolds one story – a true story – over the course of a whole season. The show follows the plot and characters wherever they lead, through many surprising twists and turns. Sarah won’t know what happens at the end of the story until she gets there, not long before you get there with her. Each week she’ll bring you the latest chapter, so it’s important to listen in, starting with Episode 1. New episodes are released on Thursday mornings. Serial, like This American Life, is a production of WBEZ Chicago.

My Thoughts: This is one of the most famous and probably one of the most mentioned podcast, but I loved it so much I thought I'd just include it. This is extremely interesting and never gets boring! This is an episode by episode podcast which means you need to start at episode 1 and listen to them in order.

My Rating:★★★★★

UNDISCLOSED: The State Vs. Adnan Syed

Description: In the wake of Serial, much new evidence and information has been discovered and uncovered thanks to the investigations of attorneys Susan Simpson, Colin Miller, and the Adnan Syed Legal Trust. “Undisclosed” will examine and explore the case in greater detail, from an investigatory perspective instead of a narrative one.

My Thoughts: This is a great sequel to Serial if you can't get enough of Adnan Syed and want a more investigatory view. But like Serial, this to is an episode by episode podcast.

My Rating: ★★★★☆

UNSOLVED: A murdered teen, a 40- year mystery
Description: 14-year-old John Zera was a freshman at Franklin High School when he was killed in 1976. In a seven-part podcast, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Gina Barton traces the case through decades of dead ends and false starts to find the present and a new hope for finding a killer.
My Thoughts: I just started this, so I don't have concrete thougts about it yet but I'm enjoying it so far. 
My Rating:★★★☆☆

|| Life ||

THE SCHOOL OF GREATNESS with Lewis Howes
Description: Lewis Howes is an author, Lifestyle Entrepreneur, former pro athlete and world record holder in football. The goal of the School of Greatness is to share inspiring stories from the most brilliant business minds, world class athletes and influential celebrities on the planet; to help you find out what makes great people great.

My Thoughts: I have a weakness for all things Sports, including athlete autobiographies. So this podcast is right up my ally. This is a great motivational podcast that teaches you to continue to follow your passion.

My Rating:★★★★★

THE HAPPY HOUR with Jamie Ivey

Description: The Happy Hour Podcast is hosted by Jamie Ivey, and each week she brings a guest to the show. During the happy hour they will discuss anything and everything just as if you were around the table with your own girlfriends. Jamie loves to connect with women and encourage them as they journey through life. These conversations will make you laugh and cry all in one. The Happy Hour will be something you look forward to each week. You will be encouraged as you listen to other women talk about the simplest things in life to the grandest. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the conversation!
My Thoughts: This is such a fun podcast to just sit and enjoy. It's just and funny and down to earth show that definitely feels like you are on a coffee date with the ladies.
My Rating: ★★★★☆

THE LIVELY SHOW
Description: The Lively show is a weekly podcast designed to add a little extra intention to your everyday. Episodes will touch on various aspects of our lives including possessions, personal habits, relationships, and career. Entrepreneurship and online business also appear from time to time. There is a special emphasis on the blogging world and each episode is designed to uplift, inform, and inspire.
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful podcasts for fellow bloggers looking for entrepreneurial inspiration for daily life.
My Rating: ★★★★☆

MAGIC LESSONS
Description: Magic Lessons are road maps for the path to creativity, the extra nudge you need when you're feeling stuck. In alternating episodes, Elizabeth Gilbert talks to people who are facing creative challenges and to guest experts, to offer perspective, advice, and inspiration. 
My Thoughts: This is another good podcasts for the new year. It gives a stimulating look at creativity and the creative process.
My Rating: ★★★☆☆

KERRY SHOOK MINISTRIES
Description: Pastor Kerry Shook shares the life changing message of the Bible in a creative, practical, and relevant way. Kerry and his wife, Chris, founded Fellowship of The Woodlands with eight people in 1993. In fourteen years the church has grown to 15,600 in average attendance each Sunday.
My Thoughts: His books are life changing and his podcasts didn't disappoint either! Inspiring messages of hope and truth.

My Rating: ★★★★★

JOEL OSTEEN
Description: Welcome to the weekly audio Podcast from Joel Osteen. Joel and Victoria Osteen are pastors of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, a vibrant and diverse church that Forbes calls the largest and fastest - growing congregation in America.
My Thoughts: I've listened to his sermons for years as well as reading his books. And I  His dynamic messages inspires you to live out your life with more vigor and purpose.

My Rating: ★★★★★

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan
Description: Sermons by Francis Chan, best-selling author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell, Multiply, and You and Me Forever. Francis is the host of the BASIC.series (Who Is God & We Are Church). Currently, he is planting churches in the San Francisco area. For more information visit: crazylove.org.
My Thoughts: Chan has such electric energy and speaks the truth with such passion! Definitely a must!

My Rating: ★★★★★


|| Catholic ||

WORD ON FIRE SHOW
Description: Join Bishop Robert Barron for a weekly podcast on faith and culture.
My Thoughts: Anything by Bishop Barron is AMAZING, so you really can't go wrong with this.
My Rating:  ★★★★★

UMD NEWMAN CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY
Description: Weekly homilies by the sought after youth speaker, Fr. Mike Schmitz.
My Thoughts: Guys, it's FR. MIKE SCHMITZ! Yep, I think I made my case.
My Rating: ★★★★★

CATHOLIC ANSWERS LIVE
Description: Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET. Hosted by Patrick Coffin.
My Thoughts: I have been listening to this for years! I especially love when they have Tim Staples on or Fr. Wade Menezes.

My Rating:★★★★★ 

What are your favorite podcasts to listen to? Have you listened to any of these? What are your thoughts?