Amanda
but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. --Clay P. Bedford

So I've started my first week of school and it already has me into some pretty deep thinking, which I am very excited about!

I love anything that challenges me. My brain likes to be tossed all over the place and I just can never get enough of learning.

Anyways, I feel like each of my classes has brought me something new and exciting this week and I would just like to share them.

A few days ago, I was reading in my art history book about the first works of art that they've found. To me, it wasn't the most asthetically pleasing artwork, or most interesting. I think the interesting thing about it though, is that these people were the first "artists." They started making works of art and had to develop their own materials and everything. It just makes me realize even more how much creativity was instilled in us as human beings. What made those people draw those pictures or form those sculptures? Was there some overwhelming need inside of them to create something outside of themselves? What was their purpose? It also makes me realize what a silly artist I am. I have insane amounts of art supplies at my disposal at any given time, yet I cannot seem to produce anything (as of recently). Do I need to go back to my roots and get rid of all preconceived ideas and just create what's in my heart and mind? Hmm...yes I believe I do... :)

In my Sociology class, we were asked to do an experiment that goes against social norms in some way and then to write about it. As I'm researching different experiments I can do, I'm realizing more and more how hard it would be for me to go beyond social norms. The thought of doing anything embarassing or weird in public makes me uncomfortable. So now I am faced with the question: why? It's always been aggravating to me how much I let other people's opinions rule my actions. I want so desperately to get away from that. So I want this experiment to be a start to that. (By the way, if anyone has ideas of experiments I could do, let me know!)

Today, I was reading in my Abnormal Psychology book and, WOW, it's just blowing me away. The more I read about it, the more I realize how much I am in love with humans and the way they work. I was reading today about different research methods and came across this question:

"When does the benefit to many outweigh the suffering of a few?"

While this question was posed as a response to the different research methods psychologists try on humans and animals, it makes me think of a lot more than just that. For instance, this past year I have developed a huge passion for social justice. When I think about this question, I think about how it applies to child labor (MANY people are benefitting from this...if you don't think you are...check your clothing...made in India? yep...huge chance you are as well, my friend), human trafficking, and many of the other areas I've studied. When do we draw the line? I dont know...just some thoughts.

Last class is my Spanish class, and while nothing has been particularly enlightening about it, I am just enjoying speaking and practicing the language. I miss Costa Rica dearly and speaking Spanish just helps me feel a little bit closer to it.

and remember:

You learn something every day if you pay attention. --Ray LeBlond

:)
Amanda
Amanda
I was mistaken as a fifteen-year old.
And I had to wear a bright yellow wrist band around the mall to let all the other security guards know that I was over 15.

Did I mention that I just turned 22?

Wow...that's embarassing.
Amanda

my fresh start.


Coming back to my small town, Indiana home after living in Costa Rica for ten months requires a fresh start.


The person I was ten months prior can only be captured in photographs.

I feel totally changed.


But coming back home has a tendency to set things back. You come back to things that haven't changed, which makes it difficult when you have. Your room is the same, your car is the same, it's like the things in your house haven't moved a single inch. They were just waiting for you to return.


And so, you're tempted to fall back into your same routines. Do the same things, eat the same things, see the same things. Monotony.


But this time, I'm starting fresh.

My life has changed.

I refuse to go back. I'm only going forward.


And so, I'm starting with the small stuff.


I am moving into my brother's old room.

I painted it bright yellow to make me smile every day.

I put in new contacts yesterday (fresh contacts are one of the greatest feelings).

I just turned 22.

I'm looking for a job.

I'm starting school.

I'm throwing things out.


And now I'm starting a new blog.

And it feels grand.

I'm excited to start writing about all the "fresh-ness" in my life.

All the awe and wonder.

The happiness.

The sadness.

Documenting the meaningless episodes of my life, the funny thoughts that slip into my head at random, the life-changing moments, the eye opening lessons learned, the ridiculousness.

Everything.


So here I am.

About to try this again.

F-R-E-S-H S-T-A-R-T.

Bring it on.