Post-Week Passion- A Lasting Impression on College Students

As I came back to Waco full of energy and grace, it felt like I entered back into my usual school routine- like an ant jumping back into the food line. Wake up, turn on my Keurig and patiently wait as the machine heats up the water for my perfect morning tea. Same old, same old.

But my heart isn’t the same. My mind isn’t the same and my aspirations are not the same.

Louie Giglio helped start the Passion Conference and also Passion City Church, located in Atlanta. Acting as the host, guest speaker and also spectator, Louie reached out to each individual person at the conference. As he spoke, prayed and preached, it truly felt as if Louie was standing next to you, placing his hand on your shoulder, acting like a true brother of Christ. One phrase that Louie said spoke out to me, and has held me since then.

“I can’t control the relationships in life, because I cant control how people treat me. But I can control my relationship with Christ.”

Louie Giglio preaches to the college students at the Passion Conference in Houston, Tx on February 14, 2014.
Photo Credit: screen shot of video from all access pass (purchased by myself) by Passion Conference

Since my senior year of college began, it feels like I have been the bus driver for the so called “struggle bus” in regards to bad relationships. It seems as if everywhere I have turned, someone has mistreated me, right when I thought I was taking two steps forward. But Louie’s talk reached out to me and grabbed my heart right out of my chest. No, I cannot control the way people, roommates or friends will treat me. I can however, control the way I treat others, the way I treat myself and most importantly, the way I treat my relationship with Christ. Through Christ all my worries, fears and failures go away. Through him, I can achieve anything and everything I desire for His Kingdom and glory.

Photo Credit: screen shot of video from all access pass (purchased by myself) by Passion Conference

Photo Credit: screen shot of video from all access pass (purchased by myself) by Passion Conference

Photo Credit: screen shot of video from all access pass (purchased by myself) by Passion Conference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what Passion Conferences do- they change college-aged students and influence them to look at their lives in different ways. They take our normal, tough lives and transform them into Christ-centered and Christ-driven. As college students, we still don’t know all the answers to the world. But by the grace and knowledge of pastors including Francis Chan, Beth Moore and Louie Giglio, we are inspired to continue our lives, but change them for the better.

Passion also has something I admire. Not all of these pastors grew up in a Christ-centered family, or was a Christian all their life. Beth Moore, for example was a victim of sexual abuse before she found the Lord. She also openly admits her and her husband do not have the “perfect marriage” that each ‘celebrity’ or public figure attempts to portray. (To read her story, please click here.) Its simple actions and stories like this that drives us students and young adults to push forward. It’s a simple reminder no one is perfect, but God is perfect and God made us. As we continue to seek His kingdom and His Name, we are perfect.

What an amazing reminder. Passion isn’t calling all perfect college-aged students to attend. They are calling ALL followers, college-aged or not, to attend, listen and act.

Act for Christ. Join the Movement.

Photo Credit: screen shot of video from all access pass (purchased by myself) by Passion Conference

 

All Access Pass- the Passion all access pass is an opportunity for any spectator to purchase all lectures, songs and photos from the conference. Members receive a confirmation number, account and cd by purchasing the package. To further inquire, please visit allaccess.268generation.com

Photo credit: Mallory Olivier

Passion: the live stream and influence

Two guys stand during the first session of worship at Passion (photo by Mallory Olivier)

Sitting here, in my sister’s apartment on an air mattress, feeling the sense of an airtight plastic bag beneath me, I could care less about the uncomfortable night sleep I am about to encounter. Day two, the final day of Passion just ended and I am floored. Floored beyond words. It’s like my heart is literally dragging behind me as I walk. I am moved, moved in Christ’s Word and flesh that has been revealed to us this weekend.

The Conference

From the various worship sessions, to sermons and the extra special session, Passion City Church has influenced 17,000+ college age students in less than 47 hours. We are the generation to live, breathe and change the world.

As a new Passion attendee, and for some of you who have never been, Passion is a conference with various sessions, beginning with worship and ending with a sermon. Worship leaders included Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United and Matt Redeman. Sermons were from Louie Giglio, Beth Moore and Francis Chan. Each leader and pastor had a unique way of bringing the Word.

My Favorites

My favorite was how Chris Tomlin made us all feel as if we were in a pasture: a pasture with a warm golden sunlight, high grass and The Lord in front of us. Tomlin made us feel as if we were the only ones, speaking and singing our hearts out to The Lord, and He was responding.

Beth Moore, which happened to have been my favorite sermons, left not only the women of the Toyota Center speechless, but the men as well. Lecturing over the topic of time, and how we are running toward time, not away from it, Moore used today’s technology to allow each attendee the opportunity to use smartphones as a way of accessing our Lord, rather than distracting us from Him.

Beth Moore, preaching at Passion Conference (photo by Mallory Olivier)

Setting the Scene

As you walk the halls of the arena, it’s like you are reunited with 17,000 of your closest friends. Everyone is welcoming everyone, donating their time and money to charities worldwide and purchasing resources such as sermon books, audiotapes and even 2015 conference registrations.

As you enter in an entrance to find your seat, a “Door Holder” greets you. A Door Holder is someone who has volunteered their time and service to serve us college aged students through a two-day conference. A Door Holder’s excitement, dedication and love is a true example of a servant of God.. hec, it shows so much, its almost glowing out of them.

As the day progresses, the Door Holders, worship leaders and pastors dedicated their energy and time to influence each person sitting in each arena seat. As we are all packed into the Toyota Center, almost like sardines, we are changed physically and emotionally to conquer the evil in this world. We are ready to be witnesses of Christ’s Word and spread His Glory.

Passion City Church intimately set up each worship service to appeal to the songs and messages (photo by Mallory Olivier)

The influence on me

My time at Passion was well worth every minute. Unfortunately, my boyfriend, who attended with me, felt sick at the end and we needed to return home. Thankfully, I was able to finish the conference with a live stream featured online, produced and given to the public by the Passion Conference. More than 30 countries had tuned in to watch Passion, joining in on our weekend of witnessing The Lord’s plan. This feeling that not only 17,000 people are experiencing this conference, but many other witnesses of Christ, worldwide are watching, makes this conference even more real and serious.

As an attendee, and as someone who has never gone before, I will constantly seek the dates for the following conference. I am overwhelmed at the joy, overcome by the Holy Spirit and in awe of the words The Lord planted in our guest speakers. I cannot express my gratitude for an amazing conference and opportunity to attend. I cannot wait to see how I carry these lessons on into my future!

Pre-Passion… Emotions Before a Weekend of Praise

Passion Conference Atlanta, Georgia

As I have deeply waited for the day to say, “I am going to the Passion Conference,” I never really gave thought to how I would feel before Passion, during Passion and after Passion. Now, it seems almost necessary to log my feelings, seeing how my heart changes in just a few short days.

Where It All Began

Passion City Church began in Atlanta, Georgia. It has recently made a few years appearances in Houston, my hometown. Since I have known about Passion, I have eagerly sat on the edge of my desk chair, waiting for the day the dates were finally posted online. It wasn’t until this past September that I fell out of my chair- literally, sliding forward and all due to the old tile beneath my 2-year-old desk chair with no grip whatsoever to keep me grounded. I was finally going to submit my ticket and click “add to cart.”

The Lord had spoken and finally gave me the time to attend Passion. “This is the time Lord, the time you have perfectly planned for me to go to Passion,” I thought.

I. Can’t. Wait.

Passion is just 6 days away, not that I am counting. I cannot wait. All I have heard is

“Passion will change your life,”

“Passion is a giant arena where everyone can come together to worship and praise, with great music from Crowder, Tomlin and speakers like Louie Giglio and Beth Moore,”

“The Passion CD can’t even describe the feeling in that arena.”

“Leading the Way at Passion 2014,”  the special guests, leading the conference:

My feelings right now are antsy. Antsy to get on the road Friday afternoon, with my perfectly dipped, gluten-free chocolate strawberries I will delightfully indulge in on my three hour drive home. Valentine’s Day, Chocolate and Jesus… this is going to be the best year yet. Even though I am all about the food in downtown Houston, I will put my desire for bread, ice cream and onion rings (AKA all the things I can’t have) aside, and let my heart indulge in what really matters- the Lord.

My Prior Knowledge to Passion

I haven’t heard anything about the Passion Conference other than it is a giant arena full of sermons, worship and Christ’s presence. It wasn’t until recently, when I decided to find some fellow Passion bloggers out there that I began my assumptions, and even questions:

–       You are placed into an eight-person “community group” that you can pray, worship and talk with for the weekend (Allison Althoff, Today’s Christian Women)… AWESOME!

–       We are bringing supplies to help a mission trip overseas (Passion Conferences).

–       We are talking about human sex trafficking? (Austin Fischer, Patheos) I didn’t get a clear message, but I am eager to see if we will talk about this!

–       There are booths on the floor to donate to various charities (Steve Almasy, CNN Belief Blog)… one of my favorite things about serving!

After all this, I am confused, excited and more importantly eager to walk into the doors of the Toyota Center and finally arrive to Passion. I cannot wait to tear my bible into pieces (not literally though!) with my hopes, fears, failures and lessons I experience next weekend.

One Word to Sum Up My Feelings

I cannot wait to be in the house of the Lord for two solid days, praising and talking with him through the power of fellowship and worship. One word to sum this up? Excited. Let the praying begin!

Literature review on athlete image repair

As we originally began this paper, I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy research as much as I have. Learning about previous image repair attempts (and successes) in the celebrity-athletic world has been extremely enjoyable.

Below is a brief (sorry, brief is long to me) synopsis of three image repairs articles I used for our paper’s research: Barry Bonds, Terrell Owens and Benoit’s Theory of Image Repair.

Enjoy!

English: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens at the 2008 preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Terrell Owens

• Terrell Owens began his downgrade when he “refused to renegotiate his contract… he became sullen with the press, belligerent with the coaching staff, and publicly critical of his team and quarterback.” (Brazeal, 145)
• They began repairing his image with a press conference
  • It was a failure
  •  He hurt his case even more by “sidestepping the blame for conflict.” (Brazeal, 145)
  • The agent then began to launch attacks against the accusers, “appearing aggressive and arrogant.” (145)
  • Athlete image is vulnerable to scandal and controversy… but now that the athletes are so in the public eye, the personal apologies have now formed into public statements, usually before the media and apologizing to more than necessary, including fans, organization, teammates and the direct person affected.
  • Owens not only verbally attacked his accusers, but he used interviews for his attacks. His strategies eventually got him dismissed from the team.
  • This dismissal forced Owens to publicly make amends with another press conference on November 8, 2005.
  • Owens’ prepared statement was on two main strategies, bolstering and mortification.
    • Bolstering
      • He tried to remind his fans and team of his “brilliance on the field: ‘Football is my passion …. I’ve always given it my all and will continue to do so’” (Brazeal, 147).
      • Owens used an “admirable quality to justify his behavior,” trying to argue that his excellent athleticism can sometimes lead to friction with others.
• Mortification
  • After taking criticism from his first apology attempt, Owens directly apologized.
  • He did not admit his faults in this apology- he actually “glossed” over it.
  • He used extremely vague language to avoid blame.
  • After the entire second conference, Owens’ statements could have saved him. Yet, his agent, Rosenhaus, dug Owens a deeper hole by attacking the Eagles, and trying too hard to protect his client.

 

Accounts, Excuses and Apologies: A Theory of Image Restoration Strategies by William Benoit.

• Benoit’s introduction shows he has two important ways to view image restoration:
  • His theory includes ideas from the study of rhetorical criticism
    • Critics take a speech-oriented view and examine the discourse and related images specifically to human communication patterns.
    • The “Self Defense Speeches,” first created by Ware and Linkugal’s, highlighting “apologia” and the apologetic postures/stances
•  His theory also includes a focus on case studies.
  • His case studies are focused on public records, describing both the restoration discourse and the audience’s reactions.
• Together, Benoit’s combination of rhetorical criticism and case studies, focuses more on the content and processes of image management, rather than a more psychological approach.
• Benoit identifies 3 theories of image restoration from a rhetorical crisitcism perspective
  • Rosenfield’s theory of apologetic discourse
    • A four state process in image restoration speeches
      • Brief controversy
      • Attack on the opponent
      • Concentration of data in middle of speech
      • Recycling of arguments
• Ware and Linkugel’s theory of “apologia”
  • A four image restoration strategy
    • Denial
    • Bolstering
    • Differentiation
    • Transcendence
• Burke’s theory of dramaticism
  • A two image restoration strategy designed specifically to expunge guilt
  •  Benoit also proposes a model, defining 5 general image restoration strategies:
    • Denial
    • Evading responsibility
    • Reducing the offensiveness of the act
    • Taking corrective action
    • Mortification
    • His image repair strategies may be more useful as a framework for integrating notions about the image management process from rhetorical criticism rather than from psychology.

Barry Bonds at the plate. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image Reparation Strategies in Sports: Media Analysis of Kobe Bryant and Barry Bonds

• Barry Bonds was caught in one of the most prominent scandals involving steroid abuse.
• Bonds and his trainer had an good relationship with BALCO Labs, the laboratory that provided Bonds his steroids.
• As many other athletes admitted to steroid use, Bonds “testified that he did not know that the substances he was using were steroids,” (Kennedy, 100)
• Bonds was not a favorite of the MLB fan base, media or his teammates. After being accused of steroid use, his statistics went down and so did his image.
• In 2000, Bonds became more friendly with fans and the media, due to his advisor saying his rudeness would most likely hurt his long run future in the MLB.
• However, “Bonds did not seem to think it was important for him to be popular,” (Kennedy, 101).
• When the BALCO scandal went public, Bonds used denial both through the media and in government interrogations.
• “Bond’s story was over the top,” (Kennedy, 101)- he denied all the accusations, for something that could not be fought. Bonds’ size was inexplainable- he used steroids.
• As BALCO was exposed, this led to an increase in government investigation and a continuance of Bonds denying the accusations.
• “Bonds’ struggle continues, as he was indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice changes,” (Kennedy, 102).
• The scandal continues today and until Bonds agrees to admit and apologize, he may never see himself out of this hole.

Citations

1.Brazeal, L. M. (2008). The image repair of terrell owens. Public Relations Review, 145-150.

2. Kennedy, J. (2010). Image reparation strategies in sports: Media analysis of Kobe Bryant and Barry Bonds. The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications, 100-102.

3. Elsbach, Kimberly D. (1997). Accounts, Excuses, and Apologies: A Theory of Image Restoration  Strategies by William L. Benoit. 3 Reviews: Social Processes and Negotiated Disorders, 584-586.

Related articles

• Justin Bieber Introduction & Literary Review (buprogramming.wordpress.com)
• Lit Review: Other Relevant Cases to Johnny Manziel (buprogramming.wordpress.com)
• BALCO Fast Facts (cnn.com)
• Terrell Owens says he’s eager to return to action (sacbee.com)

Johnny, stop, you’re making me laugh.

So, as I began this assignment, aka, looking up Johnny Football‘s social media, articles, videos, etc, I couldn’t help but giggle. Can we all take a minute (or two) and watch this video? I mean come on, the commentator says it perfect “Johnny Manziel, in all serious-ness needs to show better judgement than this…” This is our 25 page paper in two minutes and nine seconds. Johnny, my friend, you are one hec of a football player, but man-oh-man do you need some image repair.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:9888636

As I first came across Johnny’s Twitter, aka JManziel2, I tilted my head to find his profile picture image is of Drake. I mean, no judgement here, but I was thinking it would have been of Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning or at LEAST Kyle Field. But, hey, to each his own.

After reviewing some of his tweets, which I was shocked to find he doesn’t tweet every other second of the day like some other college athletes. So, bravo Johnny, bravo. But, when he does tweet, it varies from religion, a Hannah Montana tribute to “Nobody’s Perfect” or some confusing statement about columns and championships.

Johnny has A LOT of potential, and I don’t mean just on the football field. This guy needs a wake up call, a cold bucket of water poured on him or something. Of course, everyone has the opportunity to reconcile, change and focus on the good. But, it depends on the willingness of the person. I hate to judge, but it seems like Johnny’s actions aren’t phasing him. This is very unfortunate, for a man with such high talent and potential. But, maybe Tyler, Katie and I can make a difference. This 25 page paper might be slipped his way, or it might not, but, either way, we can all do something to help: and that is to pray. Until then, Johnny Football, PLEASE stay away from the models, broken phones and money attached to a picture.

Related articles

• Column: Why wouldn’t Johnny Football play? (bigstory.ap.org)
• Johnny Halftime: Manziel to sit 1st half of opener (bigstory.ap.org)
• Digging Into Johnny Manziel’s Personal Life (buprogramming.wordpress.com)
• Why Does America Hate Johnny Football? (thefmproject.com)

Image Repair- Johnny Manziel

Teaming up with Katie and Tyler, I knew this project would change my perspective of a “novel” to a fun-filled paper full of ideas. After choosing Johnny to be our “celebrity athlete” for this paper, I couldn’t wait to begin. I immediately began searching online, looking on Twitter and analyzing his moves as he played Texas A&M football.

It all began with Johnny Football last Halloween, a year ago today, when a picture was posted of Scooby-Doo getting a little touchy with a woman half naked. From then on, Johnny dug his hole deeper and deeper and I knew he was in for a LONG ride.

 

After winning the Heisman, I could have only expected his act to get worse. After games and games, football camps and practice, Johnny now loves to motion his hands into money signs, during many of his football games.

After all this, I can confidently say Katie, Tyler and I will produce an amazing image repair for Johnny Manziel… whether he uses it or not… ha!

Related articles

• Tackling the Image Repair of Johnny Football (buprprogramming2013.wordpress.com)
• Image Repair Paper on Johnny Manziel (buprogramming.wordpress.com)
• Johnny Manziel Is Going to Let a Website Decide What He Wears for Halloween This Year (complex.com)
• Looking at Early Candidates for Best Johnny Manziel Halloween Costume (bleacherreport.com)
• Johnny Manziel Says He Wants to Party with Charlie Sheen (bleacherreport.com)

ALO- Becoming a Light of Leadership

By Mallory Olivier

As our days in Media Programming fly by (literally, it feels like Tuesday was the first day of class), I can only think about the amazing opportunity Rebecca, Latifah and I have been given.

African American Leadership Organization is an organization with such potential and passion, its almost intimidating sometimes when starting from scratch. This organization is going from the ground up, at full speed. Even just yesterday, use three girls were put onto an email feed of about 30 key African American leaders in the Central Texas community. WOW. Scary? YES. Especially when we realized people like Walter Abercrombie and Ken Hampton were responding to an email I had originally only sent Ramona about the beginning phases of their logo.

As we have continued this journey to building ALO from the ground up, our group has so many goals, we wish this project didn’t end in a few short weeks. By the time October 17 rolls around, we plan to have accomplished these goals:

• Establish all social media platforms for ALO, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We hope to educate their social media representative on other platforms including Hoot Suite, Pinterest, Instagram and Klout so when they are ready to add more connections, they can immediately begin working on it.
• Establish a solid foundation for ALO, including a clear mission statement, an effective  brand and logo and also a series of flyers and brochures to help them continue the solidification of their foundation as a new organization, working for non-profit status.
• Establish the knowledge of ALO in the Central Texas community, encouraging those interested to seek out information and become involved.
• Establish a detailed public relations campaign, filled with a mock budget, design elements, PSA’s, flyers/brochures, feature stories and also background information of the organization. We hope through this campaign, ALO can continue to uphold the logo and efforts we have established once our time with this organization is done.

I see so much potential in ALO. I will even be sad if Ramona doesn’t ask for our help post-October 17. I cannot wait to hear about this organization in the local news and see how much growth and stability it forms in a community with such passion and drive.

Related articles

• Using Social Media for PR (prsocialpedia.wordpress.com)
• African-American Leadership Conference celebrates, inspires (omaha.com)
• African American Young Professionals Leadership Awards – Nominations Are Now Open (yperspective.wordpress.com)
• Honoring Emerging Leaders Who Serve (yperspective.wordpress.com)

5 Fresh Air Plants to Keep in Your Home

This blog post I had actually written for a company I blog for, LandPatterns, located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I had chosen a different blog to post for their week, so I decided to share my insight on my own blog. Enjoy!

Sometimes, the everglade scented candle, or the heavenly room spray you have purchased from your supermarket just wont hit the spot when it comes to walking into a fresh-smelling, purified living room.

Gardening is defined by “the activity of tending and cultivating a garden” or “a piece of ground, used for growing flowers, fruit or vegetables.” Gardening does not always imply that your garden must be outside. Ever hear of a Zen garden, Bonsai garden or even an herb garden? All of these gardens are produced inside an office or living space, with the right amount of natural light.

Having a plant, or two, or four, inside your house can create a nice relaxed look (and you don’t even have to buy silk plants!) without causing small bugs, an increase of carbon dioxide or a bad smell. These five plants below can not only add to your gardening inside, but also will assist in purifying your air, and will allow a nice fresh smell.

(all plants are listed in alphabetical order)

1. Grape Ivy

This ivy comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. This vine is an easy vine to get started growing, and can cling to anything given: a trellis, a stake or even a hanging pot. The shiny and deep green color can give your room a nice texture affect, adding a lush and tidy-looking room if planted in a hanging pot or basket. Keep this ivy near a window with medium light, and this beauty can reach up to 6 feeet.

Photo from http://www.blackrhinoservices.com

2. Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Pine is a great plant for the fall and even during the winter holidays. It’s most preferred growth location is receiving a good amount of light and humidity. If in lower light, the plant may turn brown and the branches may fall off. This plant reaches about 10 feet inside, but can reach around 200 feet if moved outside. The Norfolk is a great comfortable plant all year-round, and is also a great holiday gift as well!

 

Photo from http://www.gardeningoncloud9.com

3. Parlor Palm

This palm is commonly associated with bamboo palms, and other Carribbean-like palms. This has been a very popular plant for indoor gardening since the Victorian age and is drier than most palms. This palm can sustain in lower lighted rooms, and needs a bit of humidity, due to the spider mites that invade when the air is dry. If this palm is given a great window view and good watering, this plant can reach up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The Parlor Palm is a great plant to add character and width in your room.

Photo from http://www.bhg.com

4. Ponytail Palm

The Ponytail Palm looks exactly how you would imagine: a tall plant, with long luscious green leaves, hanging over the stem, like a woman’s ponytail. This swollen trunk holds the moisture for this palm, and is very succulent, rather than a true palm. This is a plant that can sustain without being watered for long periods of time. The best environment for this plant is to be in a pot not much larger than the trunk base, to control its size. With proper environment, like bright light and a good water, this plant can reach up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Photo from http://www.blackrhinoservices.com

5. Snake Plant

This plant can also be known as the negligence plant. This succulent plant can sustain in any living room and also doesn’t need a lot of TLC. The snake-like look and texture allows the plant to grow in any type of light, but would prefer brighter conditions. This plant looks very similar to plastic plants, so if you have had trouble with plants in the past, the Snake Plant might be your fit, considering its low-maintenance. Ensure to not overwater your plant, for root rot is very common when overwatered. The Snake Plant can reach up to 4 feet tall, and wide and can create a nice and tall feeling in your room.

Photo from http://www.bhg.com

Good luck gardening, indoors!

Related articles

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ALO- African American Leadership Organization

Uniting African American Leaders in the Central Texas area

As Rebecca, Latifah and I began to brainstorm in our class a few weeks ago on what non-profit we were going to represent, I couldn’t help but think “oh my gosh, what are we going to do, and how are we going to do it?” As our teacher presented the African-American Leadership Organization to us, explaining they are basically working from the ground up, my mind immediately began designing a logo, flyers and even a website. The three of us girls looked at each other and knew this was the group we were being led to represent.

Unfortunately, my attendance at our initial meeting could not be fulfilled. I was extremely upset about this- and I mean extremely. Anxiety attacks are my worst enemy and I met face to face with this monster the day I realized I could not make the meeting. After Rebecca and Latifah met with Ramona and a few other ALO representatives, I was able to listen to the entire meeting recorded on Rebecca’s phone. After listening to this meeting and hearing Ramona’s encouraging and headstrong voice, I could tell this group has it’s vision and is running with it, not letting anyone, or anything get in their way.

Non-profit has always been an area of business I have been uneasy about. Can I do that? How can I talk to people about donating money? What can I give and show to future donors? How can I benefit this organization? What are the benefits for me? These questions always consume my mind as I think about non-profit. ALO is turning this judgement around for me. I have so much hope in this organization and cannot wait to hit the ground running, even more than what we have began now.

I have delegated myself as the photographer/designer of the group and I couldn’t be more excited. The duties I have assumed are:

• ALO Logo- the designed logo I have created is currently in progress (praise The Lord!). I plan to send Ramona sketches by the end of the week, eager for her feedback on what she wants to represent this group of such potential.
• I also am planning on designing their initial webpage, where they can begin to use for attracting new members, current events and future information.
• I also plan to work with them on designing any flyers, signage, etc they need while we are representing them.

I am so excited to see where the Lord will guide my group as we begin to bring a working non-profit from the ground up. I cannot wait to see the amazing campaign, social media and designs my team will produce and I am even more anxious to see how great this organization will influence the leaders and future leaders of the African American Society.

Related articles

• The African-American Leadership Organization (buprprogramming2013.wordpress.com)
• ALO- African American Leadership Organization (buprprogramming2013.wordpress.com)
• Africa’s Top Business Leaders honoured during UN General Assembly Week (appablog.wordpress.com)
• Local Leaders Awarded By Leadership Tallahassee (wctv.tv)

I am not ashamed

If you’ve ever experienced your teacher’s voice ringing in your head, you will begin to relate with me as I share my experience below.

Sitting at the built in desk of my new room, in my new apartment, I cant help but smell aged wood, Febreeze and dark chocolate, three things that constantly consume this pristine organization of my desk. As I wait for iMovie to finish loading up, I look around a room I have only been in for three weeks. Having Dr. Moody’s voice ringing in my head “Shameless Plug is due September 12,” I can’t help but feel stumped, knowing this room doesn’t yet define me, or will aid in the channeling of my creative juice Gods.

As iMovie opens and I type, “Shameless Plug” into the new event window, I take a deep breath thinking, “well, here we go.”

Looking through old photo albums with my mom a few days prior truly helped my inspiration, from one of the most influential people in my life. My mom knows me better than I know myself, and I find this true everyday. As I lay next to my four pound Yorkie, Bella, who is commonly mistaken for a stuffed animal, she looks into my eyes and reminds me how drastic my life has changed since Labor Day of High School Freshman year, when my family brought her home. I can vividly remember the days that have flipped my world upside down and even when I decided to change my major, into what would further shape my entire world.

Dragging and dropping photos, adding a title and a little “flair”, as I like to call it, I slowly start to see my shameless plug come to form, feeling that amazing satisfaction I so eagerly yearn for after a GREAT donut. But, of course, I remember my doctor’s voice this time, “Mallory, you are gluten intolerant.”

I always like to say, if people walked through my brain, they would feel like they were walking through a vintage estate sale, where you can clearly figure out the woman hoarded everything that held even the smallest memory, and was finally selling it all, entirely overpriced.

That is my mind- I am constantly jumping from thought to thought, subject to subject. This video truly shows what I like to call my “interview road:” all these topics are what’s gotten me here today, and where I will go.

• I started my video off with my family, my boyfriend and my favorite things. Because without your family and your passions, your life is filled with a void- The Lord gives us passions to experience, grow and share. Without those, we are simply taking up empty space for someone else so eagerly waiting to use their passions for His purpose.
• I am a Photographer, I am a World Traveler, I am a Designer, I am a Videographer. All of these captures of life show my inspiration and my skills. I am an avid photographer and plan different trips all the time, just waiting for the “go” from my dad. I design like there’s no tomorrow, impatiently waiting for the next inspiration I will come across.
• My positions and opportunities while at Baylor have shaped and solidified my confidence, my work ethic and also my dreams. They have given me amazing opportunities to highlight my skills, and gain new ones I never thought I could excel at.
• My goals are to be the best person I can be- I am not specific. I want to be a God-fearing woman, wife, mother and friend. I want to excel at whatever job I have been blessed with and inspire someone through my work. I am so eager to begin this journey and I cannot wait to begin applying.

With all this being said and shown, this is my Shameless Plug. I hope you enjoy learning about me and will continue to follow my new blogs, as I begin this wild journey consisting of God, life, gluten-free disasters and my journey as a journalist.

https://vimeo.com/74350254