Lady Cavs Rummage Sale!

My Sister The Super Hero!

My sister Amber has always been my hero, but it was not until lately that I learned she is also a super hero!  Amber is an AP Calculus teacher at Amador High in Pleasanton, California and in addition to molding young mathematical minds she runs the leadership program at the high school.  She oversees students who are responsible for literally ever activity that runs at the school which includes homecoming, prom, rallies, and every aspect involved in planning these events.  When I was in high school I always knew that my teachers were important, but it wasn’t until now that I realized that a teacher’s job does not stop when the bell rings.

 I am amazed by the commitment my sister has for her job and students.   She is determined to not only teach children math, but strives to have them understand the information.  She continually holds extra class hours so that her students fully understand the lessons and tutors students after school.  In addition to all of her math commitments she spends countless extra hours making sure ever school event runs without a hitch.  I do not know how she is able to do it all with so much ease and grace.  After watching the amount she does for her students I can guarantee she is not only my hero, but is the hero of hundreds of others.

 

Check out the Lip Dub, Amber and her students created which includes EVERYONE in the student body!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtcCHXylcmo

 

Voting Rights

Last week I was sitting in a coffee shop when I overheard two young women discussing voting.  They were both not registered to vote and had decided that their votes did not matter anyways.  It was clear they didn’t know our history and the close ties voting rights in the United States have to our freedom.  When I turned 18 I registered to vote, but in the past my voting habits have been inconsistent.  It was not until recently I understood the importance of civic engagement.   

Voting rights have progressed a great deal since the creation of the Constitution in 1787.  Initially, only ‘free whites’ had the ability to vote and it was not until 1870 and the passing of 15th Amendment that voting standards began to shift.  The 15th Amendment does not allow denial of the right to vote based “on account of race, color or previous conditions of servitude” which began to expand the diversity of the voting population.  The 15th Amendment broke down huge barriers when it came to voting rights however, discrimination based on sex still remained.  It was not until 50 years later in 1920 the 19th Amendment was created which stated that “citizens could not be denied the right to vote on the account of sex.”  Later, in 1965 the Voting Rights Act was constructed and signed by President Lyndon Johnston.  The Voting Rights Act was created to enforce the 15th Amendment and to take down state wide barriers which were infringing on the right to vote.

Our history tells us that voting rights has been a constant fight, which many having given their lives for.  Several Americans today do not register to vote or do not take voting seriously.  It seems Americans have forgotten the importance and the significance of the battles historically that I have allowed us this right.  I have learned that voting is more than a right, it is our responsibility.  So, the next time I hear Americans discussing how little value voting has I will take the opportunity to share our history and the importance of participating in democracy. 

The Rugby Family

This past year I was welcomed with open arms to the rugby family.  Rugby is a tight knit community with an incredible sense of loyalty, camaraderie and connections.  I have never been a part of a sport where you physical bruise your opponent and after attend social gatherings together.   I was amazed by each athletes willingness and excitement to share their sport with newcomers.  This week the Lady Cavaliers welcomed in a few new members to their National Championship squad.  I was impressed that the veteran high school girls did not shy away from the rugby culture and were immediately volunteering to assist the new athletes.  I am looking forward to continuing to improve my rugby knowledge and watching these young women grow as leaders and players throughout the year.

Life on Parole

Recently I just finished an Administration of Justice course where we discussed the release of criminals into society or what is commonly known as parole.  New York was the first state to develop parole and has set a precedent that many states continue to follow today.  Parole releases offenders back into society after a parole board determines they have rehabilitated from the convicted crime or their determinate sentence is complete.  For the most part prisoners are released prior to serving the entire prison sentence.

As you are reading this you may wonder why I am discussing parole.  I have never been in jail or committed a crime, but when we touched on the concept of parole I could strongly relate.  Often times parolees struggle reentering into society upon release from prison.  Simple task can become incredibly overwhelming and a solid support system is often lacking.  Many times offenders will fall back into committing crimes simply so that they can return to the comfortable structure prison provides.

Although I clearly did not have my freedoms taken away and I made the choice to live in a controlled environment I can identify with the issues faced with a complete change in lifestyle.  Sticking to a regimented schedule and living a disciplined lifestyle at Olympic Training Center has made it difficult for me to transition back into a ‘normal’ functioning society.  I feel very fortunate that I have a supportive and understanding family.  I also have weekly check ins with my current make shift ‘parole officer’ that has helped me to find some direction.  I am hopeful that this transition will help for me to be empathetic with whatever career path I choose.

New Beginnings

Tomorrow marks the day that many students will begin a new school year.  With each new year comes different challenges but also new adventures.  I was always anxious at the beginning of each school year and especially nervous when it came to the years that I was changing schools and entering a different echelon.  When I went to college there were a lot of changes in my life.  I moved to a new town and was required to build new friendships and learn a new style of living.  As excited as I was to move away from my parents and to be independent I was overwhelmed by the many differences in my life.  As I enter a new phase in my life I am reminded of those times.

Throughout my academic years I had many amazing teachers that helped me to stay on the correct path and mentor me along the way.  Now that I am living with my sister, who is a teacher , I see firsthand how much effort she puts in.  She spends countless hours being sure that each student understands what she is teaching and goes above and beyond what is required of her.  Her students are very lucky to have her as a mentor as they develop in their lives. 

So best of luck to all the teachers and students who are starting a new school year!

All Blues take home Bronze at Nationals!

Almost exactly a year ago I was participating in Bobsled National Push Championships.  This was the first step towards the 2014 Olympic Team and it was imperative for me to do well in order to have an opportunity to showcase myself throughout the season.  Every athlete participating understood the importance of this event.  I was proud of my result last year although I knew I still had a long road ahead of me.  I would have never thought a year later I would find myself competing in Rugby National Championships

After my name was not announced on the 2014 Olympic roster I put one foot in front of the other and eventually made my way to Budapest, Hungary.  Two fencers I had trained with throughout the summer had a training camp in Hungary and allowed me to stay with them.  I followed them to training and explored every aspect the country had to offer.  They were patient and understanding and allowed me to bounce ideas off them.  We talked about what I would do next with my life and the different sports I would like to try as I transitioned out of athlete life.  Ironically that same day we were at the gym training and I was approached by a girl who asked me if I played rugby.  The very next day she brought me to practice and for those two weeks I became a Budapest Exile.  I was given small insight into what the sport had to offer and I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie and culture of the sport.  I knew this was something I wanted to explore and learn when I made my way home. 

After practice with the Budapest Exiles Feb. 2014

Rugby is a much more difficult and complex sport than I had ever anticipated.  I enjoy challenging myself and learning how to have fun again.  Although I have only been playing for a few months I am slowly starting to understand the game and have already met some amazing people.  I am thankful to my teammates for patiently teaching me the ins and out of the sport and I am proud to have helped the Berkeley All Blues come home with a 3^rd place result at Rugby Sevens National Championships!