tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560257097056516672024-03-13T06:48:31.283-07:00Jessica Eller's BlogJessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-5873914317750557622017-04-25T08:42:00.000-07:002017-04-25T08:46:49.323-07:00Selling Ourselves ShortThis is quite an uncomfortable thing to write about. That being said, I'm not going to hold back for fear of sounding narcissistic or like a spoiled princess. I know too many women experiencing the same thing and they deserve an honest account and discussion of this subject.<br />
<br />
So here it is, dating down. Man, do I see so many women date down. In some cases I am talking about looks but mostly I am talking about effort, ambition, creativity, generosity, leadership, affection, and success. I am blessed to know so many powerful, intelligent, and passionate women. For some reason, I can probably name at least one partner of each of them who was so unworthy of their time.<br />
<br />
Why do we push unmotivated men? Why do we settle for a half ass relationship or "talking" (hooking up and hanging out without the label, shared meals, quality time, etc.) Why? Why did I feel the need to keep giving a guy the time of day after he disrespected me on more than one occasion? Why did I continue texting him first every time when he had no clue what a blessing having me in his life? Or that the chance to date me is pretty rare and sought after to be honest. I deserve someone so passionate, so loving, and so forthright about how he feels about me that he is shouting about it from the rooftops. I don't bust my ass to be a good person, woman, friend, daughter, employee, etc to be with a guy who is complacent with just getting by and putting in minimal effort to all of his endeavors and responsibilities. Why am I attracted to jaded know-it-alls when I seek other virtues in myelf and those with whom I surround myself? I deserve a man that rivals me in compassion and generosity. I know I know I know this and still I talk to guys who are money-focused, selfish, and cold.<br />
<br />
Recently a close friend from high school reached out to me. We saw each other at a gathering a couple days prior. He was my first high school boyfriend and puppy love in the 9th grade. He told me about his feelings for me and how he really wanted to try seeing each other again. He said he had tunnel vision on work, family, and his side projects but that because we got along so well and made each other laugh constantly that it would be easy for us. He was so sweet and romantic and it was the first time I had been pursued and appreciated like that in awhile. Hanging out with him recently has been nice, until I texted to confirm his intentions. "I am not really looking for a relationship right now but I enjoy hanging out with you." What a slap in the face. Even when a nice guy demonstrates interest, he still falls short of the expectations I had developed from his initial proposal.<br />
<br />
It frustrated me because I am looking for the love of my life. I've gone through the crush phase, the having fun phase, and the loving my independence and freedom phase. I want to find my ultimate best friend and until I find the person who is on pace with me in ambition, compassion, intellect, and spontaneity then I will continue loving myself as I deserve, and you should too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3C9lEuzmn1A/WP9vUpfBvHI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ScPu1DLf0y0LO11HkIeRSa4GHblFRmdLwCLcB/s1600/runred.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3C9lEuzmn1A/WP9vUpfBvHI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ScPu1DLf0y0LO11HkIeRSa4GHblFRmdLwCLcB/s400/runred.png" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-14300400955871761532017-04-03T16:51:00.001-07:002017-04-04T07:28:12.387-07:00To my loved ones who voted for TrumpDear Loved Ones,<br />
<br />
I know you aren't evil and I know that most of you are not racist. I know some of the women in my life who voted for Trump support women's rights and want me to have every opportunity my male counterparts do. I know most of you didn't know that he would do all the things he's doing, but we tried to warn you.<br />
<br />
I am so frustrated with you. You were complacent in electing a monster because he falsely aligned himself with the republican party and conservative ideals. He does not value the things you do or believe in the things you do. The only loyalty he has is to money and the only value he holds is a commitment to making plenty of it.<br />
<br />
We told you so many times all of the bad he has already done. We told you about his housing discrimination lawsuit, his fake university, his bankruptcies, his crude comments, even videos of him bragging about sexual assault. You chose to look away. You said "you aren't a political person" or "Hillary is a criminal" and turned off your brain afterwards. You didn't regularly peruse Trump's social media accounts. I truly believe that any intelligent and compassionate person could not have voted for Trump with a clean conscience if he consistently read his tweets. Impossible. Trump is a hateful toddler on Twitter. He publicly insults anyone who disagrees with him, complains about the media portraying him as an asshole, and spews bullshit at all hours of the day.<br />
<br />
You didn't understand why so many people across our country mourned on Nov. 9th. We mourned and mourned and you went about your day, thinking how it was time for a Republican to be elected again. You even said that "it's time that the country comes together to support our new President" and to this ignorant statement we answered with "Not My President." You still didn't get it. We could feel that what was to come was going to try and suffocate us and those around us, while you were in your normal Wednesday routine.<br />
<br />
Now we have seen Trump revert progress with global reproductive rights, the Muslim Ban, watched as he appointed under-qualified individuals to heads of his cabinet, even people who detested the office which they now oversee. We saw him gut out the EPA, watched him propose a budget that in no way prioritizes the well being of America's citizens, thereby making nothing "great again." He does what he wants and when criticized, he tells government employees to agree with him or leave their post. He has consistently lied and broken campaign promises. He rushed to oust the Affordable Care Act but could not bring quality reform to the floor of Congress even with an astounding political majority.<br />
<br />
Since his election, we also saw the roar of the left and many human rights and advocacy organizations. We organized and carried out the largest mass demonstration in world history, the Women's March. An estimated 2.9 million people from around the globe and an estimated 500,000 in D.C. alone protested against the hatred and ignorance on which Trump's campaign stood.<br />
<br />
The greatest thing I have seen come out of Trump's election? As I scrolled through Instagram, I came upon one of my favorite goofy humor accounts. It was a headline of Trump's most recent ridiculous statement: political news on a comedy social media account. I have seen political discussions in places they never were before, welcoming signs valuing diversity in neighbor's yards, and many more instances where politics is out of place. With reality TV slipping into the public policy sphere with Trump, so has the political dripped into pop culture more heavily since Trump was elected.<br />
<br />
A more engaged citizenry is exactly what we need. The percentage of eligible citizens in this country who do not vote is incredibly high for an industrialized democracy. Clearly, politics needed to grab the attention of more Americans. If it had before the election, I don't believe the outcome would have been the same. I also deeply believe that if you had been paying attention to Trump, his policy stances, and his scandals, you would not have been so eager to support a man without a spine. Nevertheless, I love you. I hope to see you soon, and even better if it's at the next rally.<br />
<br />
-Jessica<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZBQLbbbuWM/WOLi5h5HDqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/vz06O0jcshQ2WKnG0WeluJILLdseDvg_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZBQLbbbuWM/WOLi5h5HDqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/vz06O0jcshQ2WKnG0WeluJILLdseDvg_QCLcB/s400/IMG_5252.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-9236027244810038172013-04-28T22:49:00.001-07:002013-04-28T22:50:08.584-07:00Envious Moon and the Inspired Boy <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cant take credit for the best part about this post. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 13.59375px;">I was lucky to have been romantic with someone who was always so passionate and inspired. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;">He doesn't know that I am posting this but I thought it deserved to be displayed. He just sent this casually through a text one night after we hung out. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"...Haven't you noticed every night we spend together is magical? Outside for a moment the wind stops blowing, the stars cease their twinkling and the moon tilts slightly, trying to get a glimpse of what's going on in the place where I'm with you. The moon looks at me with envy then turns back, he can't stand seeing you with me and especially he knows he's way too far to have you. The stars and wind notice the upset moon. The stars twinkle to cheer up the moon but he says your eyes twinkle with a stronger, more dazzling flame. The wind starts to whistle again and tries to cheer him up with happy tunes but he says the tune of your voice and words have a more enticing and vibrant melody. It all happens very quickly but I usually notice it, then I smirk at the moon, kiss you and let him be in his misery."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">We weren't meant for each other but it makes me believe in love. </span></span>Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-36218551887668042482013-04-20T14:09:00.001-07:002013-04-20T15:20:23.970-07:00Back with updates and random things to say <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>So sorry I have not posted. Usually when I am in the mood to write on here I remember all the homework I have and then go get on Facebook. Since exams are around the corner and I have so much studying to do and two papers due in two days, this is the opportune time to return to the blogosphere or whatever they call it. </b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>There's lots of topics I want to speak on but for now I'll just give a general update on life. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>This second semester at the University of Michigan has been the best four months of my life. I didn't think I could love life in Ann Arbor more after my first semester but I was wrong. I have found the right balance of work and fun and I have made some amazing friends. I thank God for the opportunity to attend this school and come into contact with all the people I have met and learned from. I am the happiest I have ever been and am so grateful to those who have ever encouraged me in any way because there were times during the fall term when I thought I could never keep up with these UM smarty pants. Not many people from Flint have the chance to come here and I am trying my best to represent my city because even if I haven't called or texted enough, I love all my friends and family there. Although I have become extremely attached to Ann Arbor but I am so proud to be from the 810. I don't think there is an acquaintance of mine here who does not know my hometown ;)</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Spring is upon us and this means I am going to have more time to express my thoughts and opinions, so those of you who read and care, here are some upcoming topics </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Anonymity on a big state school campus</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>UM advantages and disadvantages</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Career aspirations and future plans </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Music </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Gender issues, male privilege, women's body image and self-perception</b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>If there's any other topics you would like me to write about please don't hesitate to email me at jeller@umich.edu or comment below </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Thanks so much for reading, </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Jessica </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-18687451795733762672012-10-27T14:11:00.001-07:002012-10-27T14:13:26.436-07:00Idolization of Celebrities<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"> This is a satirical paper I wrote for AP English last year. I found it on my old USB drive so I decided to share it. Enjoy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="color: #20124d;"> “Celebrities are people too.” What a ridiculous thought. It
is common knowledge that celebrities are gods of entertainment, caged animals
on display for the world to enjoy and ridicule. They choose to be famous and
they know that being an actor or singer means paparazzi and gossip magazines
focusing on them. That is why they go
into those careers. However, despite the monumental amount of attention stars are
receiving from loyal fans and critics, they still feel as though they are not
getting enough time in the spotlight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"> Buying every single one of their movies or albums is not
enough. Posting videos of them performing every ten minutes on <i>Facebook</i> is not enough. “Following”
their every word on <i>Twitter</i> is not
enough. Talking about them as if we know them personally and passing judgment
on them is not enough. Browsing through embarrassing pictures of them on the
internet is not enough. Stalking their romantic partners and making up rumors
about their relationships is not providing the amount of attention they need.
Famous people deserve to have all the attention they desire, so we need to show
our appreciation by giving them what they ask of us. As ordinary people, we
need to utilize our right to the knowledge of celebrities’ personal lives even
more than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"> Some people already are very close to worshipping their
favorite celebrity. We need to follow their visionary example. The first step
is to choose a top famous person. After that, add them on <i>Facebook,</i> follow them on <i>Twitter</i>,
and learn everything there is to know about them. Check <i>Youtube</i> and Google hourly to make sure you stay up to date on every
aspect of his or her life. It is crucial to know who his or her significant
other is, favorite food, favorite color, and even where they went to high
school. Do not stop there! Any other scrap of information you can find furthers
your demonstration of devotion. Make sure to emulate the chosen celebrity in
every way possible. Eat what he eats, dress how he dresses, talk like he talks.
It is impossible to take it too far. Most importantly, buy everything that has
anything to do with him or her. Money is the loudest form of support and our
poor celebrities are craving our praise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">After mastering the idolization of a celebrity, take on this challenge:
worship as many celebrities as can be handled. Some can be bundled together for
convenience. For example, one could easily stalk all three of the older
Kardashian sisters simultaneously because they frequently appear on the same
television shows, in the same magazines, and at the same events. All
celebrities ought to have the amount of affection they yearn for so do not only
focus on one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"> Additionally, we can give celebrities attention indirectly
through supporting the companies that focus on celebrities and their personal
lives. Always tune in your television to catch the latest episode of <i>Entertainment Tonight</i> and <i>E! News</i>. They are amazing at spreading
news of celebrities’ families, failures, mistakes, and anything that one would
never want televised about themselves. There are also many websites that are
faithful in revealing private information about stars. By visiting these
websites constantly, one is giving famous people the notice they hunger after. If
an article about how Miley Cyrus has cellulite receives numerous views, then
more paparazzi will be following her wherever she goes. These paparazzi will
wait hours to photograph her and yell rude comments to trigger negative
reactions out of her. Consequently, Miley Cyrus would be much happier because
she would feel loved and important. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #20124d;"> Stars do not value privacy like normal people. It is a
concept that is far too complex for our common heads to understand. We need to
honor our prestigious celebrities by satisfying their desire to be animals in
cages full-time. We have a duty to stalk them all the time, not just when it is
convenient for us. Follow the above suggestions and America’s celebrities will feel
extremely fulfilled in their purpose to serve as entertainment and the topic of
gossip. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-58736723722516811212012-10-10T11:30:00.001-07:002012-10-10T21:43:29.038-07:00The Big Scary D-word. <span style="color: #20124d;"> I have been procrastinating on writing this post. I know I need to tell this story, but sometimes it still feels too raw and uncomfortable to talk about. I am afraid people will judge me for this experience. However, I recently found out that October 11th is National Depression Screening Day. Here in Ann Arbor, this means that there are a few locations around the city where you can receive a free, anonymous consultation with a health care professional to check for depression. I took that as a sign that it was time to write. This cause is important to me because I recently had a bout with depression and before that, I never thought it would impact me. This post is to clear up some misconceptions about depression by telling my story.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> First off, I got voted "most happy" in my school's senior mock elections. I was super involved, friendly, and outgoing. I had a great home life and I was supported by my loving family. This does not fit the description of someone who is vulnerable to becoming depressed. I thought it was for people with rough lives and bad situations. I was completely wrong. My last week of summer before my senior year I was ecstatic to begin school. I had waited three long years to be a senior. I could not wait for fun classes, homecoming, time with friends, etc. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> A few weeks into the year I became overwhelmed about college and my future. I had no clue what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I was paranoid about not being smart enough for a few of my classes. I fell into a bad depression. It was a sick cycle. I would feel extremely sad and then I would feel guilty about being sad. I thought, "I have an amazing life, I have no substantial problems, who am I to feel this way? Others in horrible situations are still content. I must be ungrateful." The guilt I made myself feel made me become more depressed. I only told a few people about it. When they would ask, "What happened? Why are you depressed?" I did not really have a good answer. I did not understand why this was happening. All my other senior friends dealt with hard classes and college decisions seemingly well. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> What is it like to feel depressed? The worst feeling I have ever had. I questioned my intelligence, I felt ugly, overweight, unwanted, socially awkward, I couldn't keep up conversations. I lost my shine and my bright personality. I felt like a source of stress for my parents because they were so worried about me. I dreaded Thursdays because that was when I had to lead the meetings for my anti-bullying club, EFA. I was scared to drive because I often zoned out and found myself miles away from where I stopped paying attention. I could not trust my own mind. "Did I perceive that wrong, did I over-think this, am I imagining that?" Every day tasks seemed daunting. I wanted so badly to just snap out of it. Everyday I woke up hoping it was gone. I prayed every night asking God to help me shake it off. I wanted to know the solution. The weekends were the worst. I stayed in the house a lot and I could feel the weight of my parents concern and their watchful eyes on me. They suggested going to the doctor for help, but I was afraid that medication would make me stray farther from my identity. Plus, the depression came so fast, could I even label it depression yet? </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> This lasted for about three months. I did not just magically wake up one day and it was gone. I became myself again, pieces at a time. It took lots of encouraging words from loved ones, acknowledging my success in school, finding a direction with my future, and I finally stopped marginalizing my problems. I was lucky. For some people, things like that are not enough to pull you out of it. I was very scared that the transition from high school to college would bring it back. I am SO grateful that is not the case. I am extremely happy here. Every now and then, something will remind me of those months and I will cringe. I wanted to share this story of mine because I know that I am not alone in experiencing this. There are probably others who kept their depression hidden by trying to act happy at school or work like I did. If you think you might be depressed, I encourage you to tell someone you love/trust. I could never have gotten through that experience without all the support I had. </span>Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-30915565060894874832012-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:002012-10-02T10:57:43.293-07:00Hey professor, that skirt is too short for me to take you seriously *<span style="color: #20124d;">This post is a work in progress because my understanding of gender equality evolves and grows everyday. I would love for you to contact me with questions and comments. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Gender inequality in our society is something that I have paid a lot of attention to in the last couple years. This semester I am taking a Women's Studies/ Sociology course titled "Gender and the Law." I also have a first year seminar about social identity, justice, and community. One of the main social identities we analyze and discuss is sex. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> There really isn't any disputing the fact that sexism is alive and well. Men are praised or overlooked for their promiscuity while women are disrespected and gossiped about for theirs. What can be done about the double standards that exist for women in American (and many other) societies?</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> The other day we studied an employment discrimination case that involved a woman not being promoted because she was not "feminine" enough. She would have been promoted to partner in an accounting firm. My professor said that "One of the criticism's her employer brought up was that she cursed and that 'professional women do not curse.' Fuck that." My professor's language made the whole class crack up but it caught my attention in a different way. I did not like that she cursed. I asked myself why. Cursing is such a double standard when it comes to sex. A man is just a man when he curses but a woman becomes trashy and foul-mouthed. Do I perpetuate this inequality by not swearing? </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> What about the fact that I dress modestly? It is recognized that a girl who covers up her body is usually more respected by men than those who keep their bodies on display. Is this not a double standard? Why can't I walk around in a tank top and short-shorts and be judged for what I say and do? Why do I have to hide my body to gain respect from men and women alike? Why is there a connection with clothing choices and honor only when judging a woman? Shouldn't we be judging women on their character and not what they do or don't wear? </span><span style="color: #20124d;">The girls that choose to cover up aren't even judged for their words and actions. They are just judged positively based on their choice to dress modestly.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">Is gaining gender equality a game that needs to be played by men's standards, i.e. not cursing, covering up, etc. or is it rebelling: dressing how we want, and cursing if we please, until it is the norm? </span>Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-91427792276849929422012-09-26T20:18:00.000-07:002012-09-26T20:19:18.878-07:00Life in A2<span style="color: #20124d;">Hello general first month of college post. This is a list of things that pop into my head as I reflect on my first four weeks as a Wolverine living in the dorms of Ann Arbor. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;">1. I never appreciated having my own bathroom until coming here. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">2. I didn't know how many rich people there are until I came here. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">3. There is a never-ending supply of delicious food in Ann Arbor. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">4. How you design your schedule is SO important</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">5. Having your roommate become your friend is an awesome rarity. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">6. There are 3 questions you ask and answer during Welcome Week: Name, origin,and major. You meet a million different people your first week here. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">7. The schools enormous size is a good thing 99.9% of the time. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">8. I really like blending in sometimes. I didn't know that until now. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">9. Focusing on only a few clubs is the best way to go. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">10. I never knew how many stereotypes and prejudices I carried. It's a process to clean yourselves of them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">11. Not that many kids here are on scholarships. That blows my mind. (see last post)</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">12. I am really lucky to live 40 minutes away. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">13. Dining hall food here is the bomb compared to CA lunches. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">14. Planners and weekly whiteboards are my best friend. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">15. Things the University says are "mandatory" are usually not.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">16. You see the coolest, weirdest, most hilarious things everyday. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">17. Michigan is known as an arrogant school but we are very kind to each other. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">18. The preachers who visit the Diag are not so accepting. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">19. Democrats rule the land.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">20. It takes about two minutes of knowing someone for a deep and intimate conversation to happen here. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-91483784890908621642012-08-24T17:25:00.003-07:002012-10-10T21:47:21.303-07:00Lyrics with a Higher Purpose<span style="color: #351c75;">Favorite lines from Christian songs. </span><span style="color: #351c75;">I love God and I love music. When they come together in the right way it is captivating. If you like these lyrics go listen to the songs. They're a million times better. Deeply emotional and logical simultaneously.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">"You are more than the choices that you've made, </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">You are more than the sum of your past mistakes </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">You are more than the problems you create</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">You've been remade....</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">This is not about what you've done </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">But whats been done for you. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">This is not about where you've been </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">But where your brokenness brings you to</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">This is not about what you feel</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">But what He felt to forgive you</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">And what He felt to make you loved" -Tenth Avenue North, You are More</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">"Why do we think that our hate's gonna change their hearts</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;">We're rippin' arms over wars that don't need to be fought</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Cause pride wont let us lay our weapons on the ground''-Tenth Avenue North, Losing</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">"In the middle of my little mess, I forgot how big I'm blessed..</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">So break me of impatience</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Conquer my frustrations</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">I've got a new appreciation</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">It's not the end of the world"-Francesca Battistelli, This is the Stuff</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75;">"Why are you trying to earn Grace?" -Tenth Avenue North, By Your Side</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">"You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams<br />You whisper words that free my soul<br />You're the reason I have hope<br />You're everything I need and more"-Dara Maclean, Free</span><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">"Why in the world did I think I could only get to know You when my life was good?"
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br />"Be strong in the Lord and,<br />Never give up hope,<br />You're going to do great things,<br />I already know,<br />God's got His hand on you so,<br />Don't live life in fear,<br />Forgive and forget,<br />But don't forget why you're here,<br />Take your time and pray" -Sidewalk Prophets, The Words I would Say</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;">"The One the wind and waves obey</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;">Is strong enough to save you" -Tenth Avenue North, Strong Enough to Save</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"> All of these songs and more get played Christian radio. If you live around me then that's 89.7 on FM radio. Just wanted to share. Thanks for reading.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-20261378408088973622012-08-11T12:04:00.000-07:002012-08-11T12:06:32.685-07:00Love Advice from a silly Michigan girl<b>Disclaimer:</b> I am not claiming to be an expert. I know some of my friends date and others don't, either way I hope you find this informative and entertaining.<br />
Last week I had a conversation with a new friend about one of her experiences with a guy. She liked a boy so much and didn't know what to do, and she did just about everything wrong. She stalked the guy and he ended up thinking of her as a crazy,obsessed weirdo. I wanted to cry for her and give her a hug. I wished that I had met her sooner so I could have provided a few pointers. These are just some basic things every teen guy/girl should know.<br />
1. Don't be super complicated about <b>how you start up a conversation.</b> You don't need to make up something up in order to talk to them. Also, do not be that stranger on Facebook who messages someone saying "I know you don't know me, but you're so beautiful." Most likely his/her reaction will be: "Ahhh creeper!" (unless you are really attractive, and in that case if someone responds then you do not want to get involved with him/her anyway.)<br />
2. <b>Texting:</b> Oh my dear Lord, the desperation that I have seen. You would think it is common knowledge to not text someone 20 times in an hour if they are not responding to you. Infatuated girls excuse: "But I just want to talk to him <333" If he is not texting you back, don't keep texting him. It is a simple rule that gets easier to follow the more you put it into practice. This is all about will-power. If he is not texting you back, it could be because he does not like you or that he is simply busy. In either scenario, you go from cute girl to stalker when he sees he has 9 messages from you.<br />
2.b Communication in general with your crush has to be <b>"give and take." </b>In every other aspect of life my advice is: Give, give, give without expecting anything in return. In this case, when you give a ton and receive little or no reciprocation, you can expect a broken heart.<br />
3. <b>Those stupid sayings are true.</b> "You always want what you can't have." "Once a cheater, always a cheater." "If he does it with you, then he'll do it to you." Accept that now and you will be better off. On the note of cheaters, never let it happen twice. No matter how many "I'm sorrys"and "I can do betters", and no matter how much guilt he/she makes you feel, it is not worth it to get back together. It will be a shell of your previous relationship with him/her. It might take him/her a long time to cheat again, but it is bound to happen. By taking him/her back, you silently enabled that behavior.<br />
4.<b> Just because you want to believe it, doesn't mean you should believe it. </b>This relates to a lot of things. People will lie to you and some of their lies will be incredibly beautiful, but denial is bad for the heart. It prolongs the blow but never is an escape from it.<br />
5. That revealing Facebook picture will not get you a dreamy, respectful boyfriend. Guys: the same goes for your abs pictures. Modesty shows self-respect (and a brain.)<br />
6.<b>Cliche love advice is</b> overused for a reason: it's <b>foolproof.</b> "Be yourself." Yes, be yourself with the person you like, even if that makes you different from him/her. Who would want to hang with someone who has the exact same interests anyway? You should be able to learn from each other. People with varying perspectives and opinions coming together can be epic. Don't mimic their interests hoping to flatter them.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, I hope it made you smile at least once. Add on anything you feel is important to include in the comments section.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-30920683281686192782012-08-06T21:43:00.000-07:002012-08-06T21:43:04.708-07:00"That girl who..."<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d;">This is a post I made on facebook months ago:</span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">For those of you who do not know, a Flushing High school student committed suicide. Hearing about [student's name] led me to two thoughts after my initial sadness for him and his family. Today at school when someone asked “did you know anything about him?” Almost everyone said “he played varsity football.” We all wanted to know more but we didn’t. <br /> </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">1.When you think of a suicidal person, you do not think football player. We are conditioned to picture an “emo” kid probably dressed in black. This sad incident shows that EVERYONE is susceptible to feeling alone and being hurt. Everyone has problems, insecurities, and “bad days.” That is why it is so vital that everybody shows respect toward everybody. <br /> </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">2.“He played varsity football” At my school that is about all we knew of him. Obviously there was much more to him than that. I am not saying that CA (my school) is shallow and I am not pretending to know him, but he probably had hopes, dreams, and fears. He probably loved a lot of people and a lot of people loved him, yet all we know about him at a neighboring school is that he was a football player. If you died tomorrow, what would be the one thing people identify you as? What are you known for? Are you happy with that? Does it represent who you are? It is unfair but true that if one of us were to die tomorrow, our whole identity would get shoved into one sentence. I learned from this to act out what I believe. My heart goes out to his family and anyone who knew him. God bless and hopefully we can learn something from this tragedy.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="color: #20124d;">I shared this again on my blog because I am against suicide, I believe in tolerance, and I want my one sentence to be "That girl who was always spreading compassion." Thank you for reading.</span></div>Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756025709705651667.post-47891856754871601682012-08-06T21:15:00.000-07:002012-08-06T21:15:21.654-07:00To be great is to be misunderstood<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that
envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for
better, for worse, as his portion" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> Today I was working at my tutoring job and I had to read a passage from Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance." The bolded quote above is where the excerpt started. I was reading it out loud to my student and every once in a while I asked her if she knew what that word and this word meant. This was partly to strengthen her vocabulary and partly to gauge if she was as affected by his writing as I was. His intelligence blew me away. This is what I thought after reading the opening sentences: Envying others is bad, knew that. Calling it ignorance stresses that only people who have never been told "It is bad to envy others" should do it. I have been taught that and I still am overcome with jealousy at times. That is ignorance. As for the second point, I knew imitation was not the best thing to do. However I would have never thought to compare imitation and suicide. Essentially though, that is a just comparison. Imitation is willingly killing your identity to replace for another. It is disrespecting the identity that God gave you, trying to paint over His picasso. The third sentence is a rock solid word-to-the-wise to love yourself as you are, one of the easiest ideas to grasp and the hardest to put into practice. Needless to say, I was engaged for the rest of the reading.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"> Emerson said that "Whoso be a man must be a non-conformist." He stated that God uses brave men to do great things, not scared and hesitant people. "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards." He said not to be scared of being thought of as odd, as a freak, and to be outcasted. "To be great is to be misunderstood." His reasons were because some of the brightest, wisest people were thought as, well, weirdos. He named Copernicus, Galileo, Jesus and Newton. I was so inspired by that. Being counter-cultural is sometimes the best thing you can do. It assures you of who you are. It is acknowledging that you do not need man's approval to understand yourself. We are so afraid to be disliked, but maybe that is the cost of magnificence.</span>Jessica Ellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01601416062813162125noreply@blogger.com0