SPANISHLESSONS V
acation, all I ever wanted. Vacation, just had to get away… The song by The Go-Go’s played in my head as I laid out my yellow towel over the sand, prepared to sleep under the summer sun. The intense turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea glistened, inviting people to dive in. I looked up at the colorful beach and thought how unbelievably fortunate I was to be spending the summer in Spain’s Costa Brava. I have written that “everything affects everything.” Well, what I did last summer greatly influenced the way I spent this summer. During my internship in New York, I was able to form a great relationship with the CEO and his family. They offered me a position again this summer, but I had to decline due to my summer classes. To my surprise, they asked me to spend time with them in their home in Spain. Being an international studies major, I saw this as an opportunity to engross myself in the Catalan culture, and at the end of my academic lessons, I hopped on a plane for the Spanish coast. Lesson #26: What you do today can affect what you do tomorrow. Forming relationships is fundamental in every aspect of life. Good relations can take you a long way — maybe even to Spain.
Palafrugell, Spain
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After 15 hours of traveling, I was happy to have finally reached my vacation location: Calella. The small beach town is a favorite summer destination for many Europeans, and it vibrated with diversity. I picked up my phone to call my parents. It was my first solo trans-Atlantic trip, and I knew they were naturally worried. I was informed that phone service was rare and Internet service uncommon. Studying communications as well, I am accustomed to being in constant and instant contact with everyone and everything: friends, family, breaking news and headline stories. I felt isolated from the rest of the world, almost as if I were stranded at sea. I realized now that it was going to be a true vacation. With absolutely no distractions from the outside world, I had no choice but to reflect on myself. I lathered myself in SPF 70 sunblock, lay down on the beach and listened to the waves. I drifted into memories of the past year and thought about the person I was becoming. I realized that I spent a lot of time worrying about unnec-
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I drifted into memories of the past year, and thought about the person I was becoming. Anakaren Gomez
Calella, Spain
essary issues. It seemed like such a waste of time. I resolved to focus on only the present and the positive. After two wonderful weeks filled with tapas, havaneras and sun, it was time for me to leave. I was reluctant to leave such a beautiful place, and especially my hosts, who had become family to me, but I was also ecstatic to go home and prepare for new school year. “Miss Gomez, the plane to New York is delayed, and you won’t be in Laredo tonight. We suggest you stay in New York,” the young ticket agent informed me. My heart stopped. When you’ve been unreachable for weeks and all you want is to go home, this is the absolute last thing you want to hear. I was on the brink of tears as I saw my plans of going home fly away. I took a deep breath and replied, “Can you please find a later flight to Dallas or Houston? I Calella, Spain would prefer to stay the
night in Texas.” Finally boarding the plane to New York, I sat next to a tall, kind-looking woman named Sophie. A young man sitting across from us complained arrogantly about the delay, and Sophie informed him that he should be happy he was going home today. “People shouldn’t make this trip more unpleasant; we all want to go home too,” Sophie said to me. “Exactly. I may not make it home tonight, and I’m really sad, but there’s nothing I can do but be positive and enjoy the flight,” I replied, thinking about the epiphany I had at the beach to just concentrate on the good. She nodded in agreement, and we talked until the plane took off. After clearing Customs, I fervently prayed that I would make it home. Sophie asked for the number of my Houston flight and then made a phone call. “Hello, can you please hold flight CO127 for Miss Gomez? She is on her way.” My jaw dropped to the floor. She then smiled at me and told me not to worry. She was the regional vice president of customer service for Continental. She became my fairy godmother — she made all my wishes come true and helped me go home. It was a dream come true, and I am so grateful. In all honesty, this entire summer was a fairytale. Lesson #27: You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you deal with it. Be positive and the battle is already half won. For more in-depth details, read my blog: ak-collegediaries.blogspot.com.
Anakaren Gomez
| Contributor
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FIT FRESHMEN MAKES
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SMART SOPHOMORES eeling the first-day nerves, butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I entered the Academic building. It was hard to believe that this would be my second First Day at Texas A&M. I am now definitely a year older, but am I really a year wiser? I would like to think so. I have absolutely no idea what inevitable challenges I will face, but I do know that I am capable of overcoming them. Last year, I failed to talk about a very important aspect of incoming college students: the fear of the “freshman fifteen”. Palafrugell, Spain
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Anakaren Gomez and Casey Zuniga
Everyone dreads the freshman fifteen. Girls are often more terrified by it than boys are; nonetheless, boys do care about their physique as well. Unfortunately, some of us gained it, and some of us did not. Since I am not tall at all, any gain of weight is immediately noticeable. If I gained the “freshman fifteen”, or even worse, the “sophomore sixteen”, I would probably look like an Umpa Lumpa from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Definitely, not good. However, it is not about being thin, it is about being healthy. Regardless of your major, Texas A&M
requires you to take a health and fitness class, meaning a day of lecture and a day of physical activity. Aerobic running, skiing, tennis, and many others are offered. During the class, the professor taught us that when grocery shopping, one should never be hungry and should try to stay along the perimeter of the store and avoid the inner aisles. Fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish, meat, and dairy are all along the perimeter and provide you with the most nutritional value your body needs. Grains and cereal are also part of a
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However, it is not about being thin, it is about being healthy.
Anakaren Gomez and Nicole Montemayor
Anakaren Gomez healthy diet; however, one should be aware of their carb intake. Furthermore, shopping with your roommate can be a great idea. Whenever Nicole, my roommate, finds me heading toward the pastry and dessert aisles, she drags me away even though I promise I was “just looking”. She keeps me away from food temptation, and together we make good choices about what we want to consume and what kind of foods we want to have in our apartment. You can’t eat what you don’t have, so we tend to stay away from chips and soda, any other foods containing empty calories. Lesson #28: Think before you eat. Are you really hungry, or are you just bored? Most of the time, I eat when I’m bored; so don’t let this happen to you. Furthermore, the brain confuses thirst for hunger, so drink up before you open the
fridge or head towards the food court. Besides watching your food intake, exercise is a great way to stay fit. Every college and university has a form of a student recreation center where one can go to work out, exercise, and take fitness classes. The Rec (as it is commonly known as) is a great place to avoid gaining any weight. Treadmills, ellipticals, weight-training machines, basketball and volleyball courts, rock-climbing walls, and dance studios can all be found at the rec. Dance cardio classes are where you will most likely find me while I am at the rec. What better way than to burn off the calories than by dancing the hour away? Find something you love to do at the rec. Whether you’re a runner, dancer, body builder, or new at exercising, there is something for you: just look. Additionally, exercise doesn’t only help your body, but your brain as well. According to Science Daily, exercise increases the ability to learn and retain information because it oxygenates your brain. Looking good and being smart? It’s a win-win situation! Lesson #29: Take advantage of the rec! As far as I know, school recreation centers do not require additional charges because they are already included in the tuition. Why not get fit and check out your school’s rec center? College life is all about being open to new experiences and taking the opportunities that may not be available to you after you graduate. This year as I looked for more ways to get involved at school, I decided to add a sport to my list of extra-curricular activities and became a member of the Aggie Polo Club. Joining an intramural sport club is also a great way to stay active and to try something new. By making active and healthy choices will help not only prevent you from gaining weight, but will also help you feel better about yourself. For more information, check out my new blog at http://ak-collegediaries.blogspot.com.
Anakaren Gomez
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Principal Sylvia Rendon and Counselor Pauline Trevino with second grade class
THANKFULTHOUGHTS “S o what is the difference between early decision and early action? “What’s a good topic to
write about? “Do you think I could get in? “What if they reject me?!!” my sister Jessica questioned me anxiously as I spoke to her over the phone. I set aside my stack of textbooks and took the time to answer all her questions patiently. I knew only too well how nervewracking the process can be. Writing essays and perfecting them, elaborating on the personal questions to try to transmit your personality to the admissions committee, and studying an infinite list of vocabulary words just to boost your SAT and ACT scores … all to receive a letter (or
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email) that says, “Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to … ” Yes, it’s a long and arduous process, but after it is all done, you feel as light as feather and there is nothing to do except wait, relax and enjoy yourself. Lesson # 30: Turn in your applications as soon as possible. If you gather all your material and requirements early on in the school year, you will not miss the deadlines, and teachers will have a chance to review your college essays before submitting them. Besides, the sooner you turn them in, the sooner you’ll have an answer. Then, the stress is eliminated and you are free to enjoy your senior year of high school.
Daniel Gomez
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When did you start thinking about college? Was it during your first college football game with your parents when you were a kid? Or was it not until you were a senior and looking at colleges for the first time? For me, it was high school. Being a sophomore in high school was glorious. I already knew all the ins and outs of the high school world, unlike the freshmen; the juniors were worried about their SAT scores; and the seniors were dealing with the anxiety of waiting for the envelops that would seal their college fates. I did not have a care in the world; I was having a great time enjoying life. I specifically remember being at a track meet and talking to one of the handsome senior track stars.
their smiling faces and seeing their enthusiasm was such a wonderful experience; they were the type of audience you dream to have. They were interactive, energetic and very polite.
Do you know where you want to study? “Because these next two years are going to go faster than you think. I wish I had thought about college sooner,” he said. And he was right; my junior and senior years passed by like a flash of lightning, and I find myself as a sophomore again. It’s true: It is never too early to think about where you want to go for college. Walking into the building, I was mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors: maroons, whites, oranges, crimson reds and blues were worn by the students as they represented their favorite university at United Day School’s College Day. As an alumna of this school, I was asked to speak to the students. Even though their college lives are years away, they are already preparing for it. The school has been instilling in its students the importance of acquiring a higher education by having these College Days every month so the children can dream about a bright future after high school. Looking at
Some of the teachers I had when I was a Patriot were still there, as brilliant as ever and still inspiring their students through their
lessons. I realized then that we are given the tools and foundation to succeed at a very young age. During my elementary and middle school education there, I learned to read efficiently and write eloquently. I am thankful for the education I received at United Day because it not only prepared me for high school, but also for right now at Texas A&M. As November rolls in and the pretty leaves turn from vibrant green to shades of orange, red and yellow, nothing makes me happier than knowing Thanksgiving is right around the corner: the warm scent of the turkey in the oven, the specialty side dishes and the mouth-watering desserts (my weakness). Besides thinking of the meal and spending time with all the people I love the most, I must also take the time to consider what I am most thankful for. Truth is, I am thankful for it all: the good and bad, the mistakes and the accomplishments, the tears and the laughter, and all the people who have witnessed it all and never left my side. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes the only thing to do is accept it gracefully and learn from it. Be grateful, and don’t forget to say thank you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Anakaren Gomez
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COLLEGECRUSH
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on’t look and keep walking! Walk faster, come on!” my friend Daniel urged me as we walked to our morning math class in the chilly weather. After power-walking for a couple of yards, he discreetly turned around to make sure the coast was clear and turned to me and said, “Wow, that was close!” I looked at him quizzically and confused and then he explained, “Sorry, I saw a girl that I used to date last year and to say that it ended badly wouldn’t be enough.” Once we took our usual seats in class, I faced him and asked him to elaborate. , Daniel and I have become friends through our three classes together; so I listened intently as he filled me in. “I met her last year and we went on a
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Jonathan Peden and Erin Kimmel
couple of dates. I realized we were better off as friends, but she didn’t seem to agree and it was a mess. I haven’t talked to her since.” I asked him why.
“The thing about dating someone is that you have to know what kind of relationship they have with their parents. This girl was looking for me to fill the void her father had left her, and when I realized that, I had to get out of the situation. She was just very troubled,” he answered. His words resonated in my head all day. Lesson #31: Like John Mayer stated in his song Daughters, “Fathers, be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do. Girls become lovers who turn into mothers, so mothers, be good to your daughters too.” “I’ve been talking to this guy Alex in my tennis class, and he asked me out this Thursday,” Katie informed Daniel and I as we sat next to her in Oceanography.
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“I’ve never dated someone I don’t know before, so this is new to me,” she confessed. She realized that taking an hour of her day to get to know someone couldn’t do any harm. Talking to a guy who works at a French pastry shop definitely has its perks as he frequently surprised Katie with divine desserts like raspberry white chocolate bars and strawberry tarts. A smart international distribution major who loves to bake? Does that really exist? Apparently it does. Coming from a city like Laredo, we basically know everyone or know someone who knows him or her; we always had some prior knowledge on who we were dating.
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All of these couples met in Aggieland.
ingly as we both walked out of the Academic Building after our French class. “ No, you are just ahead of me and you happen to be going where I am going,” I replied. That was the beginning, and since then Justin walks with me to my class. At first, I thought he was just being friendly. Sure, he radiated with an Adam Levine vibe and charm as he waited for me after French, but I assumed he was simply being nice. Yet, after weeks of our daily walks, he asked me out to play racquetball. Due to a hectic exam week, I cancelled, but I invited him out with my friends that weekend. It was the perfect plan. I would get to hang out with him and not deal with the pres-
Aggie Fun Fact:
Jorgen Wilhelmsen and Jessica Gomez
In college, it’s a completely different world. You are submerged in an environment where you do not know anyone’s history or background unless you get to know them personally. It is very exciting to meet new people and discover their interesting and unique personalities. However, there are always precautions we must take. We’ve seen too many movies and too many shows were the female protagonists meet seemingly perfect guys only to find out later they are troubled. We do not want that happening to us. Dating new people can definitely be scary, but by being cautious and making smart decisions you should be able to tell if that person is worth your time or not. Wrapping my gold scarf around my neck to keep warm from the autumn wind, I heard, “Are you following me?” Justin smiled teas-
Luis Galindo and Margaret Humphrey
sures of being alone, nor having awkward conversations. My friends also had the chance to meet him and offer their opinions. Lesson #32: Introducing a boy to your friends is almost like introducing him to your parents (especially because most of the time you live away from home). You want your friends’ approval and if the boy doesn’t get along with them, you know it’s going to create conflicts in the future. As I have stated before, a great number of Aggies marry their Aggie sweethearts. As someone recently told me, “Dating an Aggie boy can be serious, they like to commit.” I’m not sure how true that is, nor if I want that for Justin and me, but I’ll never know unless I give him a chance.
Anakaren Gomez
| Contributor
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SENIORDIARIES
Miss Independent I ndependence: 1 - the state of being free from outside control, 2 - not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence, 3 - not connected with another or with each other; separate. It seems “independence� is clearly defined; however, as we just celebrated 4th of July the meaning transcends any dictionary definition. Since elementary school, we have been taught the significance of this holiday: Great American patriots wanted to free themselves from British rule and fought passionately to grant freedom and rights to their fellow American citizens. At some
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point in our lives, we too have fought for our freedom. Sometimes it’s a personal inner battle, and sometimes with others. But what does being independent mean to us today? This year, my goal was to be more independent: I did not want to rely on others for anything and do as much as I could on my own; I did not want to be needy. I thought I was strong and capable of being self-sufficient. Most importantly, I felt like it was time for me to grow up and to me that meant being completely independent. I decided the first step would be to find a job and begin with financial indepen-
dency. By letting my family take care of me I was only harming myself, because I took everything for granted and it was not right. Working at the Association of Former Students was a blessing. I was a part of the Annual Giving department and was able to be the liaison between former and current students. The hours completely complemented my class schedule and my co-workers were great to work with. It felt great to have a steady flow of personal income and not ask my parents for monetary support. Though I was enjoying the benefits of being a working girl, it did
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come with responsibilities and sacrifices. Gone was the girl with the pre-packed luggage ready for a weekend trip with her friends, gone was the girl who participated in Latin Night festivities on Thursdays, and hello was the working girl who could not go home for Easter Break because of work scheduling conflicts. However, at the end of the semester, I realized working was probably one of the best decisions I had made in College Station. It gave me a sense of discipline and responsibility. Besides attempting to be financially independent, I was also trying to be personally independent. On one of my available weekends, I ventured on a day trip to Houston to pick up some things I needed. I could have asked one of my friends to accompany me, but I wanted to go by myself. I drove into Houston excited and confident. First stop: Ikea. Walking through the maze of the store and being satisfied with their selection, I finally found the glassware I was looking for. Once at the cash register, I remembered that Ikea had gone bag-less and there were no available reusable bags for purchase. I looked at the glasses and thought, No problem. I can carry them. As I struggled to balance the stacks of glasses and unlock the trunk, I held in my breath. Meticulously and carefully placing the glassware in the trunk, I was sure they would be safe so I wiped the sweat off of my brow and closed the trunk. As I made my way to the driver’s seat and I checked my pockets and purse for the keys, my heart stopped. I left the keys inside the trunk. Panicking never does anyone any good, so I immediately searched for locksmiths on my phone before I could freak out. One locksmith was on his way to a wedding where he was the best man, another one was busy until tomorrow, a third one could not unlock my type of car, and just as I was about to call a fourth my phone notified me that I only had 20% battery life. By the time I called the last locksmith I had to fight to keep the tears from streaming. I was all alone in a big city. Why did I want to be independent and come alone?! I thought to myself as I waited for my car to be unlocked.
When we are young, we want to grow up and be independent: make our own rules and be self-reliant. Some of it is necessary and inevitable; it is part of growing up. However, we can never be truly independent because we will always rely on other people for help and support throughout our lives, and that’s ok because that is what makes us human. We
need each other. Depending on others reminds us to be humble, there are very few things we can do completely on our own. Even though we are free and are granted rights, being independent means that we have the ability to know when to work on our own and when to seek others for help. Anakaren Gomez | Contributor
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