last blog!

These past 8 weeks in VHS class has been a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn new and interesting things on hot button topics and issues, but also I got to reflect on myself and what I believe in. I got to evaluate my everyday relationships and discover information about relationships that will be useful when I head off to college next year. This “hook up” culture will be prevalent when I attend PSU, and learning information about this in class will be useful when I go to school there next year. Also, from all the love stories that were presented to us I got to see and hear what it truly was like to be in love. Everyone’s love story was different but they were open with each other and accepted one another for who they truly were. Hopefully, someday I will get to find that with someone. Another lesson I learned in VHS class is that I got to clearly understand the Church’s position on issues regarding sex and sexuality and why they believe in that position, but it does not mean I have the same views. But, it was important that I learned their position so I always can keep it in mind throughout my life when faced with situations. Overall, this class was my favorite this quarter and I had so much fun discussing these topics with everyone in class and hearing their positions on everything. Thanks Ken Ken!

Some Say Love...

I believe in soul mates and that there is truly someone special out there for us. However, there is a lot of work still put into these relationships and to truly embrace the love you share with one another, there are many qualities that need to exist. These qualities include trust, communication, patience, and honesty. These qualities are essential to keep the relationship strong and ongoing. Some love songs can truly capture the ideal qualities and love in a relationship. These five songs display many emotions and feelings that I hope to experience and feel with the one I love. “Love” Michael Buble: L is for the way you look at me O is for the only one I see V is very very extraordinary E is even more than anyone that you adore And love is all that I can give to you. “Love Like This” Natasha Bettingfeld: You're the only one that knows me, Love it when you hold me, Never find a love like this “If I Ain’t Got You” Alicia Keys Some people want it all, But I don't want nothing at all, If it ain't you, baby, If I ain't got you, baby. “Be Without You” Mary J Blige: Too strong for too long (and I can’t be without you baby), And I’ll be waiting up until you get home (cuz I can’t sleep without you baby), Anybody who’s ever loved, ya know just what I feel, Too hard to fake it, nothing can replace it, Call the radio if you just can’t be without your baby. “Forever Road” Darius Rucker: Don’t worry baby, I ain’t no maybe, Rain or Shine, This Love of mine is for you, Let my arms remind you, I’ll always be beside you, Holdin’ on until this ride is through, So away we go, down that forever road. Even if you are with your “soul mate”, there will still be problems and fighting that can occur. But having such strong fundamental qualities in the relationship, the couple should be able to push through the tough times and continue on with their wonderful relationship. These songs display how strong their love for another is and that they could never be torn apart or give up on each other, and I hope to find that someday.

The Changing Face of Marriage

My experience of the ‘domestic church’ has not been typical. My parents split up when I was entering middle school and this was an extremely hard time for me. However, before this time in my life my parents instilled the ideas of love and trust into our minds. They did a great job of growing up my sisters and I in a secure and stable environment, and taught us good values and morals. The changing structure of marriage has some good and bad qualities. One bad quality could be that it is more prevalent for couples to divorce, such as my parents. This is a tough experience for children and families to go through. However one new good changing quality is that people have become more accepting of homosexual couples living together in everyday communities. I do not this this a bad at all and they should feel welcome to live however they wish to. I do believe in the statement that if you have a college degree then you are prone to make smarter choices dealing with marriage, and tend to have a lower divorce rate. I hope to grow a family in a stable environment and wish to establish a ‘domestic church’ in my home one day. I feel as though I am more aware of the harmful effects of divorce and hope I can learn from my parents, and truly find the one person that is right for me.

Marriage and Vatican II

While reading this article about how the Vatican II depicts marriage I agreed and disagreed with some of the points. One of the points I came across is how marriage is vocation. I know that my catholic aunt has been single all her life and has never made the committment of marriage with anyone. She has dated people, but has never found the right person and she is now almost 50 years old. I believe that the Church needs to be more open to people who are single or newly divorced, such people like my aunt. She has been a devoted Catholic all her life and I don't think she has to marry in order to fulfill God's calling. I do agree when Pope Benedict XVI released the September title "The Church in the Middle East" stating that marriage is a "patient project of a lifetime". I believe that is takes a lot of patience and work in marriage to keep it strong and ongoing. Also, I agree with when they state that far too many people do not understand that marriage is a blessing and gift from God. Today it has become almost common for married people to divorce. I believe marriage is a life long committment, which I hope to make someday. Another aspect that I came across that I do not seem to agree with is that when they state the love of a husband and wife ought to "grow and ripen". I believe as time continues in a marriage the love you have for each other needs work and won't naturally just grow. Many married couples are even getting divorces after 5 or 10 years of marriage. After being with someone for that long, I don't understand how they could get a divorce, but this case has been coming up often. I know many of my friends parents who have been getting divorces after they have been together for as long as 20 years! In these cases I think their love for each other maybe dwindled away and did not grow.

Dating: Whats the point?

I believe that dating is not just “practice for divorce.” By experiencing the dating scene, I believe we can find more about ourselves and can find out what we would like in a husband/wife. But in the article it mentions a lot of casual hook ups, and I believe there is a difference between that and an actual dating relationship. When people are hooking up I believe that it will not last long and they are not truly interested in each other. However, when I think of a dating relationship I think there is a commitment towards each other and both demonstrate that they are interested in one another. The hook up culture relates to the college scene now because when I think of college students, I think of people that are not looking for a serious relationship and want meaningless flings. These hook ups most likely will not lead to anything.

Gender and Dating Relationships

The article by Andy Otto on Busted Halo makes a valid argument on these over the top proposals and what they really mean. He points out how in movies a proposal is often a surprise, however, it is very important that couples discuss marriage before hand. Without talking about marriage before a proposal does not help ensure a healthy marriage, and is not intelligent of couples to do. In movies we witness over the top engagements, which I would not necessarily want. I do wish to have a wonderful and intimate proposal; however, I do not need anything crazy or outrageous. These crazy proposals may be really nice, but I do not think couples should not forget of what is truly important, and why they are proposing and deciding to spend the rest of their life together. While these extreme demonstrations of love for each other are nice, the smaller things are a lot nicer for me and I would appreciate them more. Even when it comes to a proposal a simple and intimate gesture is all I would want. My sister and her boyfriend have been talking about marriage for a long time now and I do not think it will be a surprise when he proposes. They are soon to move in together and will know what its like to be with each other all the time before they make the decision of becoming married, which I believe is very smart of them.

Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility'

This article evidently summarizes the Church's position on the topic of sexuality. Throughout the article, I was not surprised at any of positions and views the Church took regarding sexuality. Their outlook on the distinct groups of married partners, single people, and today's adolescents I agree with. However, I was a little confused and surprised while I was reading the section on the distinct group of homosexuals. One view the article described the Church had is that homosexuals should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. I agree, and I feel as though everyone has become more accepting of this type of relationship. On the other hand, the Church is denying them the right to be married and believe it is morally wrong to have sex with the same gender. I found this to be a little surprising and hypocritical. Overall, I believe this article did a good job to clearly explain the Church views on sexuality and did not miss any themes or messages.

Mission Statement

I vow to live my life honorably and with integrity. I will push myself to reach my highest potential and always give my all when facing a challenge. I plan to live my life with a clear conscience, and always living and abiding by my values and beliefs. I devote my life to helping and supporting my family, friends, and community. I must always strive to be a person that thinks not only for themselves, but also for the betterment of others. I vow to always encourage my teammates on and off the athletic field. I wish to be the best friend, daughter, sister, and perhaps, someday, the best wife, mother, and professional.

Who Am I?

My family, friends, and community service are three specific factors that have affected my identity. Growing up in a family with parents and siblings who are athletes influenced my childhood. I played every sport growing up such as soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, squash, field hockey, lacrosse, ect. However, field hockey was always a big sport in my family, and I was drawn to it at such an early age. I feel as though I was destined to play this sport in college because my mother played at College of William & Mary and my sister played at The University of Pennsylvania. This sport is a very significant part of my life and will continue to be as I play in college at the number 8th ranked field hockey team in the country, Pennsylvania State University, next year. My friends have had a significant impact on my character and influenced my feelings towards people, relationships, and views about life. I have had a special relationship with friends from my neighborhood for about 9 years. Living so close together, has made it easy for us to come and visit each other when we are in need of someone to talk to. We support one another, and push one another to reach our highest potential. I think this sense of loyalty carried over to my new friendships I have made at the Mount, and hope I push and support them as I do with my neighborhood friends.

My community service work at Saint Francis Soup Kitchen and visiting my sister's school has influenced the way I feel about giving back to others who have far less advantages as I do. I sympathize with those who find daily challenges in their life such as hunger, shelter, and lack of security. And, I empathize with those who stories are challenging. Stories such as, those have experienced abuse, neglect, and health issues. I hope to continue to give back and serve throughout the rest of my life.