Reinventing the Wheel

So this is my first post since I graduated from college.

Yes, it's true! I am now the proud owner of a bachelor of arts degree in print journalism! Oh, and I have a minor in English. What a pairing! Right?

In any event, with this change in my life comes a change to this blog. It's former self reflected too much of last summer and not enough of my progressive life.

I've titled it "A Conservative Perspective (on politics and life in general)." Perhaps it's cliche. Maybe something better will hit me soon. Let's hope so! But I've named it thus for very specific reasons:

I'm a conservative, first and foremost. No, that doesn't mean that I put my political standings and opinions above all else in my life (i.e. my friends, family, and fun, of course). What it implies is that my conservative values color my entire life, shaping my decisions and actions. If I held values differing from those I currently retain, I'd be a completely different person, and that's what I want to capture through this blog--that conservative or otherwise, I'm a person with a life aside from politics. And that's where the second half of my blog's title emerges from: there's so much more to life than politics (mainly my friends, family, and writing, of course. I love to write).

So maybe I'm not reinventing the wheel. I'm just refocusing my blog. But I thought a title like that would draw readers, so I went with it.

Hopefully, I'll do a better job of recording my life via this blog now that I'm out of school. If you're coming along for the ride, welcome. But my life is crazy and random sometimes, so do so at your own risk. For those of you who are already my friends (most, if not all, of my readers), hopefully this will keep us in contact--after all, that's why I read all of your blogs!

Well, I'm at a loss for words now. What do I say? Ready. Set. Go! Not so much.

Just sit back and enjoy my typing. And if you don't, that's okay. Because I like it, and that matters too. Right?

Come on. Humor me!

Senior Thoughts

So it's my last semester of college. And I'm supposed to write a column about my feelings on the issue. The problem is...

I don't know what to write.

It's hard to sum up all your feelings about certain topics in a few paragraphs. Yet I think, at the same time, devoting a book to what I'm feeling right now may be a little ambitious. So maybe I'll proceed in the most logical fashion I can based on my current state of mind.


Excitement

You had to know this was coming. Because, honestly, how could I not be excited? I'm GRADUATING! Did you hear me? GRA - DU - AT - ING! Okay, so maybe that was a little over the top. But think about it: my hard work for the past four years is about to culminate in one single ceremony in a few months -- that's exciting!

And if that weren't enough, I'm going to officially join the ranks of these mysterious "adults." The people we've (we can probably be best summed up as me and my siblings and close friends) lived with and relied on for so long. Every day has brought us progressively closer to this transcendence. It's only a matter of time before I throw off the title of full-time student, and evolve into an "adults."

Lastly under excitement, after studying journalism and writing (and the liberal arts) for four years, I'm finally going to be able to devote all of that studying and learning to a full-time job. And guess what -- I'll be paid to do so! It doesn't get much better than that, I'd say.


Anxiety

I almost titled this section as "fear." But I realized that deaming this emotion as such would be innaccurate. Or imprecise, rather.

So, yes, anxiety. I'm not suffering from depression, and I do live a fulfilling life. But at the same time, I'm about to move into a new stage of life. And while I can't wait to become self-dependent, it's a little nerve-wracking. I've always had someone to rely on -- my parents, my teachers, my parents, my grandparents ... my parents. And while my parents won't be going away or forgetting about me, I plan on moving out of state. I can't yell down the stairs to my mom if I need something washed and don't have time to do it myself. My dad won't be right there, ready to spend some time with me over coffee, sharing his wisdom with me so I can have an easier time living. And, honestly, while my mind can grasp that concept, just writing about it right now is emotionally taxing -- it really hurts.

And then there's the question of whether or not I'll actually land a job when I graduate. The economy isn't looking like it wants to do me any favors, and while I'm excited that the president has big plans, I'm not sure non-capitalistic ideals will necessarily help me. Also: will I be able to pay rent? Buy food? Afford clothes when necessary? Have insurance?

Lots of questions and uncertainty.


Perspective

Aside from everything else -- the goods and the bads -- I think perspective is key. Because if you don't have perspective, you open up the potential of letting any of the previously mentioned variables take over your mind.

So here's my perspective:

Excitement -- Sure I'm excited to graduate -- and that's not going to change -- but I could never forgive myself if I let the experiences that are still left for me this last semester to slip by because I was too busy looking forward to graduating.

Anxiety -- Sure it'll be hard, but would life be fulfilling if it wasn't? I can truly say that I'm the type of person that thrives on challenge. I want it to be hard for me -- because that's what keeps life interesting. Also, my parents will always be there for me -- and I'll always be there for them. And wouldn't it be the bigger tragedy if I never left home and became dependent on myself (because that's what parents do: raise their kids so they can become adults).

And ultimately, with my faith and trust in God, there's no way I can go wrong. As long as I'm in his will, I don't have to worry about "screwing up." Or making bad decisions.


And maybe, just maybe, this is an outlook that should encompass our entire lives -- not just college.

Because afterall, I hope this won't be the last time I'm excited for change. I know it won't be the last time I'm anxious about something. And perspective (and God) may just be quintessential to leading a balanced life.

Graduation, here I come!

Thoughts ... Or Lack Thereof.

I need to write a column, and I don't know what to say.

Rather, I know just what I want to say -- I just don't know how. I find it to be frustrating (this writer's block, that is).

I mean, I'm sure sleep is a good helper, because a tired brain just hurts my head. But then there's the overactive brain -- this happens when Andrew has had far too much coffee for his own good. The results are often tragic.

So now I've turned to blogging to give my brain a break. Only, now I don't know what to type. And I'm rambling.

So what are some good cures for writer's block? I'd love to hear from you!

Until then, I'll just keep typing away...