No more racy stuff...

And by racy, I mean race. And by no more, I mean no more for a little while. Don't get on me about overdoing the race bit, I'm not obsessed...I'm just passionate.

Most people use their blogs for life updates. Since I am part of the most people category I figure I should too! <----Exclamation mark to show excitement! <----Exclamation mark to show consistency.

I interviewed with Valley Mental Health today for their Adolescent Counselor position. I truly love interviews. Maybe it's my propensity to be a little narcissistic, but I enjoy talking about myself. Too often I find myself in superficial conversations that only involve where you're from, your age, etc. Interviews, when properly done, give you the opportunity to share life goals, elaborate on your personal philosophies, and reflect upon your strengths and weaknesses. I'd hope that these reflective moments would occur more frequently so it certainly helps to have something prompting them.

The reign of my Teaching Assistant-ship is coming to a close. Sad faces all around. To any current or former benefactors of my assistance, thanks, its been a really good run.
(I've been meaning to post an entry about how meaningful TAing has been for me. I'll put that on my never-ending to-do list.) (Depressing thought for the day: Actually it will end one day...when I die.)

My research group proposal was accepted at a Utah university conference. We will be presenting in late February. By taking the initiative in finding and writing the proposal, I was honored with the title of lead student. Pretty hoity-toity sounding, I know. One important lesson my research group has taught me: I should take an interest in others' interests and try to understand what motivates their fascination. Our society seems to promote very rigid specialization which unfortunately often breeds elitism. Of course, once you've studied something for a certain period of time you can't help but think it's the most fascinating, engaging subject matter known to man. How else would you justify the years you've devoted to studying it? Being a member of a research team that is not studying something I initially found interesting was challenging, but rewarding nonetheless. Passion is passion, and it is inspiring all the same. I'm grateful for the passionate individuals that I work with. When you're surrounded by passionate people, you can't help but feel the same way.

My undergraduate career is nearing its end. There are thoughts upon thoughts that could be expressed here but I will wait until the very end to do so.

As of now, my plans still involve returning to my hometown. This snow seems to be giving me all the reason to run towards warmer climates. My thermometer currently reflects a temperature of 3 degrees. Yes, I think its about time to fly south for the winter.