Thursday, January 15, 2009
New year, new changes for the MBTA
Commuters are turning to the MBTA in record numbers since the
beginning of the nation's oil crisis in 2008. Meanwhile, the MBTA is
trying to avoid severe cuts and fare increases while enacting new
programs to manage the increased ridership. At the same time, an 8
billion dollar debt weighs down the MBTA budget, the largest of all the
nation's transit authorities.
There's something about Morrie...
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." -Morrie Schwartz
Last night, I had the chance to see the made for TV movie, "Tuesdays with Morrie". I will admit, I have not read the book. (It's now on my reading list.) I saw the title on my Netflix and thought it would be a good movie to see. Little did I know what it would have in store.
Maybe it was the fact that it was the first day of my last semester at BC, maybe it was because I had just finished a philosophy course where my professor went on and on about the future we can't see as we graduate, or maybe it was just because I had just gotten home after my first Capstone seminar where we were discussing the very merits addressed in the movie.
In any case, what I'm trying to say is that for only the second time in my movie watching history, I cried. I thought back to the experiences of seeing some of my own family members age, the people I've lost touch with since moving on to BC, or leaving several of my old hometowns. Morrie's understanding of life and living life was something straight from the lessons the Jesuits have taught me for nearly the last eight years. The idea that we need to be open to love, to share it, and more importantly to know how to receive it ourselves.
Of course, it wasn't the first time hearing any of these sentiments, but Morrie's life story and his death story struck a chord. At only 22, I know that I have so much to learn, but learning about Morrie's story made the lessons my educators and family have been trying to impress upon me more palpable. If you haven't read this book, you should. Morrie's poignant wisdom illustrates the importance of recognizing the loving connections we have in life.
It's amazing how sometimes something totally unexpected can happen, and the changes those experiences can bring. And last night, I experienced an emotional release for things I hadn't had a chance to fully feel before. Sometimes wisdom comes in great and profound packages and sometimes it comes in a little red envelope.
Last night, I had the chance to see the made for TV movie, "Tuesdays with Morrie". I will admit, I have not read the book. (It's now on my reading list.) I saw the title on my Netflix and thought it would be a good movie to see. Little did I know what it would have in store.
Maybe it was the fact that it was the first day of my last semester at BC, maybe it was because I had just finished a philosophy course where my professor went on and on about the future we can't see as we graduate, or maybe it was just because I had just gotten home after my first Capstone seminar where we were discussing the very merits addressed in the movie.
In any case, what I'm trying to say is that for only the second time in my movie watching history, I cried. I thought back to the experiences of seeing some of my own family members age, the people I've lost touch with since moving on to BC, or leaving several of my old hometowns. Morrie's understanding of life and living life was something straight from the lessons the Jesuits have taught me for nearly the last eight years. The idea that we need to be open to love, to share it, and more importantly to know how to receive it ourselves.
Of course, it wasn't the first time hearing any of these sentiments, but Morrie's life story and his death story struck a chord. At only 22, I know that I have so much to learn, but learning about Morrie's story made the lessons my educators and family have been trying to impress upon me more palpable. If you haven't read this book, you should. Morrie's poignant wisdom illustrates the importance of recognizing the loving connections we have in life.
It's amazing how sometimes something totally unexpected can happen, and the changes those experiences can bring. And last night, I experienced an emotional release for things I hadn't had a chance to fully feel before. Sometimes wisdom comes in great and profound packages and sometimes it comes in a little red envelope.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Two new promos
Over the break, I've been working on submitting two documentaries to the College TV awards. I have no idea how they'll do, I'm not expecting much since it's a national competition. However, it did require me to cut 45 second promos of each film. So, for those of you who haven't had the chance to see either "In Good Faith"", my hour long documentary on the Boston mosque controversy, or "For Others", a short 17 minute profile of 4Boston volunteers, here are 45 second clips of each.
"In Good Faith: Building a mosque and a community"
Concerns over radical extremism fill newspapers and blogs daily.
"In Good Faith" takes a look at the Boston Muslim community and their
personal struggle to establish themselves in an atmosphere of fear and
speculation.
Through one on one interviews with community
members and leaders, Matt Porter examines the local Islamic population
and the stereotypes they face while building New England's largest
mosque. Also interviewed are leaders of the American Jewish Committee,
Hebrew College, the Boston Archdiocese, and Muslim American Society.
"For Others"
About 20 Boston College students volunteer four hours a week at
the Jackson Mann School Adult Education program. At the program, BC
students are helping prepare adults for their GED or assist in English
as a Second Language (ESL) classes. "For Others" is a documentary
profiling four of those students and their experiences at Jackson Mann.
"In Good Faith: Building a mosque and a community"
Concerns over radical extremism fill newspapers and blogs daily.
"In Good Faith" takes a look at the Boston Muslim community and their
personal struggle to establish themselves in an atmosphere of fear and
speculation.
Through one on one interviews with community
members and leaders, Matt Porter examines the local Islamic population
and the stereotypes they face while building New England's largest
mosque. Also interviewed are leaders of the American Jewish Committee,
Hebrew College, the Boston Archdiocese, and Muslim American Society.
"For Others"
About 20 Boston College students volunteer four hours a week at
the Jackson Mann School Adult Education program. At the program, BC
students are helping prepare adults for their GED or assist in English
as a Second Language (ESL) classes. "For Others" is a documentary
profiling four of those students and their experiences at Jackson Mann.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 has never looked better
2009: A year I first considered seven years ago at Boston College High School when I realized it would be the year I would finish college. Of course, at that time, I was naive enough to think that 2009 would be the end of my academic career, now I am much wiser to know that my academic pursuits won't be over until I'm six feet underground.
Since then, 2009 has continued to be a marker for me. 2009, the year I would finish my undergraduate degrees. The year I would have to make some choices on where to find my first job. The year I may or may not have to leave home. Personally, 2009 represents dozens of choices I'm going to make in the next year. As the year drew closer, I had feelings ranging from nervousness to excitement. At this point, after wishing my family and friends another happy new year, I finally feel ready to move into this uncertain territory.
Meanwhile, our country and the world stands on the verge of a great change. Optimists are hopeful and pessimists are concerned, but still, none will deny the importance of the decisions to be made by world leaders and the people they serve. On the cusp of the first day of the New Year, I'm more inclined to be optimistic. I think that when the time comes for serious change, people will rise up to the challenge.
But don't take my word for it, below are two quotes from an optimist and a cynic. The optimist is William Arthur Ward, an American author known for his inspirational quotes and our playing the pessimist is American satirist Mark Twain. A note, I do agree Twain had a lot of optimistic thoughts about the American dream, but he also addressed them with biting commentary.
“Another fresh new year is here...
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest...
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
-William Arthur Ward
“New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
-Mark Twain
Since then, 2009 has continued to be a marker for me. 2009, the year I would finish my undergraduate degrees. The year I would have to make some choices on where to find my first job. The year I may or may not have to leave home. Personally, 2009 represents dozens of choices I'm going to make in the next year. As the year drew closer, I had feelings ranging from nervousness to excitement. At this point, after wishing my family and friends another happy new year, I finally feel ready to move into this uncertain territory.
Meanwhile, our country and the world stands on the verge of a great change. Optimists are hopeful and pessimists are concerned, but still, none will deny the importance of the decisions to be made by world leaders and the people they serve. On the cusp of the first day of the New Year, I'm more inclined to be optimistic. I think that when the time comes for serious change, people will rise up to the challenge.
But don't take my word for it, below are two quotes from an optimist and a cynic. The optimist is William Arthur Ward, an American author known for his inspirational quotes and our playing the pessimist is American satirist Mark Twain. A note, I do agree Twain had a lot of optimistic thoughts about the American dream, but he also addressed them with biting commentary.
“Another fresh new year is here...
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest...
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
-William Arthur Ward
“New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
-Mark Twain
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