New Years Resoutions

With the New Year getting into 2012, it is time for setting some real resolutions and reshaping my focus. I'm not much  of a New Years Resolution person, BUT this is even MORE motivation to add to meeting my goals for getting to Ghana! Here we go. . .

My New Years Resolution for 2012 is to prepare myself financially and academically to achieve my Ghana Trip. 

Goal #1: Win some scholarships, grants &bursaries! Apply to at least a minimum of 10 Scholarships by the end of Winter Semester, eventually 20. Look up Students Union Grants and Financial Aid programs over the Winter Semester and put into action over the summer.

Goal #2: Work hard, save money, spend less ALL YEAR! Start by getting a better job and making a budget.

Goal #3: Begin Minor in African Studies. Take Spring and/or Summer courses to get ahead in African studies. 

Execution: Share plan with people who are important to me to hold myself accountable.

My invite for the future!

Who: A very happy Canadian student, ME!
What: Development Studies - Group Field Study Abroad
Where: Ghana, Africa
When: Spring 2013
Why: Good Question! I'll get back to you :)
How: Time to start saving some money and applying for scholarships!

Trying to find a little inspiration.

I am feeling a little restless in my tedious "first world" life, this usually happens every once and a while.  Everywhere I turn I am reminded of the material, superficial and consumerist society that I live in, the exact things I am beginning to turn away from, for indeed I am a hypocrite and have always been a contributor to this system. I feel restless in this situation because I start seeing all of these signs as my worldview changes, it makes me uneasy but I still continue living my life the same way. This relates to what will continue to be my life struggle.

I feel as though I continually fail to make the changes that happen inside of me to show on the outside. I can never seem to act on my values and beliefs enough in real life situations, in which I should be going out of my way to make them happen. The biggest example of this is my caring for people or situations less privileged than I and volunteering, but I never seem to make the time to do anything about it.

I struggle between always dreaming and turning it into a reality.

This seems a common theme among people, but still it resonates deeply with me and so I have decided I must find ways to inspire myself and document it in order to really make these dreams of mine come true. To try and increase the impact of my cause for my purpose in school. Hence, a new blog. Here is my first little bit of inspiration, that is possibly my biggest inspiration of all... I'm sure Audrey will be regular feature.

"For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."
— Audrey Hepburn