UWT urban studies program

grad invitations created by the talented Nichole Spears at: http://www.oliveand star.esty.com

Many of you know how much I love my Urban Studies community. I feel like our program attracts many like-minded individuals who I connect with in ways that are so different than any other relationships and interactions that I share with other people in my life. I feel lucky to have gotten the opportunity to meet and truly create friendships that have made me feel part of an inspiring group of intelligent, funny and retrospective friends that are completely different than any of my other friendships.

Kenntith, Dani, Damon, Me, Glenn, Stuart, TraeAnna & Meghan at DOA:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Oscars-Annex/167280609979863?sk=wall

Dani, Damon and myself

I've gained so much growth in education, social awareness, politics, and becoming embedded in local policies that can change the lives of marginalized communities. Thank you to my favorite Urban friends, you've challenged me, made me think of things from different perspectives, and love the diversity in our program.

Glenn, Stu, Trae & Meghan

All my life I have been exposed to the typical NW upbringing... predominantly white public institutions and being completely either left out for the color of my skin, or assumed that I am a certain way because of my heritage. I have never felt so excited and in many ways comfortable being exposed to friends from many different backgrounds: African American, multi-cultural backgrounds, Mexican, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and many other Asian influences through being a student at UWT.

Meghan, Me, Trae: European Reunion!

It is difficult to explain, but the sense of feeling like people of 'color' in an academic setting is the first time in my life where I have been able to experience it and absolutely LOVE it! Race is not supposed to be an issue, but when you've grown up with only white influences I cannot express the personal growth and acceptance of yourself for being outside that "American Identity Norm"... which in my opinion is complete bullshit. We are all Americans, so stop assuming otherwise.

Me and Gerry in San Francisco over Spring Break... incredible!

This is quickly turning into a rant about race - but my point is, is that Urban Social Hour needs to be a reoccurring event that I am more than happy to organize. I always come home feeling truly energized and challenged with my ideas and theories that we debate during these gatherings.

Tim has been my Urban Studies Bestie for the past two years... we've shared at least one class together every quarter for 2 years plus a life changing trip to Europe... he is basically a great friend!

I always look forward to geeking out on social, urban, environmental and local policies and truly being able to debate these issues with respect and the knowledge to balance out our differences. I absolutely love the UWT Urban Studies Program, and in particular not only my colleagues, but my amazing professors who know me on a first name basis... the advantage of going to a small school.

I love UWT and the Urban Studies Program:

• Dr. Lisa Hoffman is a brilliant woman who has hired me for undergrad research. She has been really tough, but is clear as to what she expects from you. She is a tough cookie, but has been a mentor to me, guiding and is so passionate about reaching disenfranchised communities. Cities & Citizenship changed my world Please read her book, Patriotic Professionalism in Urban China: Fostering Talent

• Dr. Yonn Dierwechter is beyond brilliant. He is one of those academic scholars who is so smart he can't keep a thought long enough to teach it in your curriculum. But learn all you can through his lectures. He also has wonderful quotes that have been recorded, if you're interested! Also have to plug him and Pendras' summer study abroad in Holland and Italy... incredible!

• Dr. Mark Pendras is also a professor with high expectations. That's what I love about him... he expects a lot -but gives you examples and guidance that surpasses any other professor in the department. Community and Economy was challenging but I learned so much, I feel it is imperative for students to take this class to better implement changes in their communities. City and Nature is an amazing class that changes your perspective on how we perceive nature and how cities impact those feelings. Also have to plug him and Dierwechter's summer study abroad in Holland and Italy... incredible! *side note: he is incredible for a capstone advisor... available, informative, and keeps you on tract - and I need a lot of guidance!

• Dr. Anne Wessells is so passionate about urban waterfront, ecology in urban applications and lets be real - an easy 'A'... I recommend her sustainable development policies and urban studies seminar. She has knowledge as a planner and various academic research that of course gives her the credibility to give you the tools to apply these lessons in the 'real world'. *also, she has the most extensive vocabulary which will blow you away!

Enough ranting, but what can I say? I'm going to miss you guys, and expect for some of us we will remain lifelong friends. Hugs, love & light... keep in touch my urban awesome besties!

Homemade Sushi Night

Last night Greg and I went to my brother's house to visit with him and his lovely partner Lisa. Lisa and I have been devising a plan to make our own sushi, and finally got a chance to test our skills! Here are some pics of our sushi creation, I think they turned out pretty incredible!

Mind, Body, Spirit Connection

My journey as a healer continues at the beautiful space at Maya Whole Health Studio, where I get to be a part of an amazing community of practitioners. Maya offers acupuncture, skin care, yoga, pilates, and massage in a beautiful space that encompasses all the philosophies that I believe in... holistic, mindful intentions, and positive energy. Please come and check out this incredible community of healers and find your inner peace!

http://www.mayawholehealth.com/

Introspective Realities

"Set yourself free from the past, bring peace into your life, and move into the present by letting go of your anger and bitterness."

There will always be times in your life where you are faced with people who are rude, passive aggressive, and go out of their way to make you feel uncomfortable. I am not naive to think that when I encounter these interactions that I am not responsible to the negative energy put out towards me. To think otherwise is just irresponsible. Every challenge I have met in life - whether personally or professionally, I try to look at myself to determine what I've done to create this negative energy.

Recently I have come across one of those life lessons through a person who wants to make sure I know that I have done something so offensive that she will actually pretend that I don't exist. At first it really bothered me. I live my life with intention and try to be a good listener and have an open heart to all people who enter my life. What is the lesson that I need to learn through this person's erratic and rude behavior towards me? It's easy to say that it's just them. That it's their problem and I'm perfect... but that's usually not the case, is it?

Although I don't have intentions to try and mend this friendship (since I've already tried) - I do intend to look at myself to discover what lesson it is that I need to learn in order to let go of this negative energy and move forward. No matter what, we will always run into people like this in our lifetime. We can get angry, upset, or even cry - but the bigger lesson here is to figure out how to acknowledge our faults and move on. Let it go... which can be one of the most challenging things to do.

So this week after a month of meditation and emotional struggle, I've decided to continue my life with the best of intentions and let go of any negative energy directed at me. I am the first to admit I am not perfect, and I am the first to apologize for any harm I've caused. But if someone cannot accept that and move forward, that is their issue and not mine.

I can only control my own destiny, and right now that energy is focused on graduating in June, taking adventures with my partner, and surrounding myself with people who are trying to do good things in life.