Reflection......

What I learned in AMST 100...

Rachel A Meise

Looking back on the semester, I realized that I have learned a variety of course-related information, read a few readings, and learned some facts about leaders of cultural awareness and creativity. However, the one glaring idea that I gathered from my time in class as well as completing coursework is thinking outside of the box. The cultural events forced me to attend events at the school and the course material itself was thought provoking and presented new concepts and ways of thought. Instead of being a cut-and-dry course, I gained insight as well as knowledge.

Word Count: 95

Michelob, a Sailboat, and Stormy Skies

Rachel A Meise

Word Count: 296

On September 11^th, 2012, I received the call that my grandfather had lost his fight with leukemia. The rest of the day I felt numb. The viewing was a few days later, and as I entered the funeral home, I noticed that my closest relatives were huddled together, my grandfather’s casket sitting open against the wall. When we started sharing our favorite memories of “Captain Dave”, I developed the courage to pay my respects. He was dressed in his favorite outfit, flannel shirt and pressed jeans, a satisfied smile on his face, a look that brought back one of my strongest memories of him.

            “Pull the sails in! No, tighter! That’s it.” He gestured at me, sailing brew in hand, his Marine cap firmly set on his head. We were out on a sailing lesson, and at twelve I respected and feared him, scrambling to follow his instructions. A storm was rolling in, and I hesitantly asked if we should stick to the bay until it passed. “Nonsense!” he laughed, “Haven’t you learned anything? This is perfect weather. The rockier the waves, the better sailing.”

My grandfather seemed to follow this attitude his entire life, joining the Marines at 17 to serve in WWII and giving up an advertising career to follow his calling in the Lutheran seminary. He was practical, but he believed in possibilities, pushing his children to follow their dreams. He took chances, and they paid off, providing him with experience and wisdom that he shared with everyone he met.

He taught me a lot, and encouraged me to believe in my heart. Standing at his casket that day, looking at his grin and stern brow, I knew that I would miss him, but his life lessons would live on with me forever.

My grandfather touched my life, and the lives of others with his beliefs in life’s lessons and the benefits of taking chances.

Federal Hill: Socialization with a View

The view is breathtaking.

 Morning brings the sunset, the dewy grass slippery on runner’s sneakers and the Sketcher’s of gossipy mothers, leaning on their strollers, lattes in hand. 

Benches are sprinkled along the side of the hill, allowing the viewers to admire the cut mirrors adorning the side of the Visionary Art Museum, more convenient for the summer night “Movies on the Hill” that attract hordes of Baltimore residents.

 As the day draws to a close, youths and young adults alike play basketball in the courts nest to the street, a popular gathering space for male friends to relax and unwind from a day of work or school. 

This side of Federal Hill is a perfect gathering space, attracting a variety of people to its park benches, grassy spots to sit and watch the view of the harbor, and basketball courts on the street below.

Word Count: 145 

Following Your Heart Always Pays Off

Following Your Heart Always Pays Off

Rachel A Meise
Word Count: 300

I have found that I am reminded constantly of my past decisions. This may explain why I have been so careful to be so aware of the wants and desires of my family, because I know that ultimately that their opinions have the power of making my life wonderful, or a living hell.

I experienced this in the truest sense approximately a year and a half ago. I had joined the navy after a year of military junior college, unsure of what I wanted in my life. My brother had commissioned in the navy in 2003, and had been a role model to me, so I was convinced that my dream would match his. Sadly, I was wrong, and after two weeks of trudging down the same path, I began to notice it. I missed the army training I had done the year prior. I expected to receive support from my family as I told them my decision to separate voluntarily after the spring, and switch branches. To my surprise, the backbone that I had striven to strengthen failed to support me. I felt like I was living in a nightmare as my family’s pride faded and was replaced by harsh arguments and disapproval. I began doubting myself, but my feeling that I was in the wrong place never faded. 

At the end of the year, I knew that if I backed down, I would never have to courage to take any other leap in life, and that the “safe road” would always limit me. So I paused, jumped, and didn’t look back. It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. I eventually won over the love of my family again, and gained a sense of self-respect that I never dreamed I would have.

BELIEF: Following your heart, no matter what the adversity, always pays off.

Entertainment, Food, and Culture for almost 225 Years

The succulent aromas of fried chicken, lamb, and crab cakes intertwine agreeably with the honey-coated tones of the saxophones played by the soulful jazz musicians. The barrel-bellied older gentlemen sway on the performance stage, enraptured by the poetry of their music, entertaining the workers and businessmen arriving for the lunch hour rush. This scene calls to mind my own childhood visits to Lexington Market, an over 200-year-old establishment filled with vendors selling every variety of food. Despite numerous attempts to close its door, the Market has remained a testament to Baltimore’s history and culture.

Word Count: 94

Works Cited: 

http://www.lexingtonmarket.com/index1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexington_Market

Baltimore-Based Brand Love

Although my taste in clothing has rarely been consistent, I have always been a devoted fan of Under Armor for my crew and workout apparel. From my first heatgear shirt from the factory outlet in Curtis Bay to working extensively with the product as an apparel associate at Dicks Sporting, I have only become fonder of the brand. Visuals of the U and A logo always remind me of the big billboard heading downtown with Ray Lewis’ motivated, fired-up visage.  It represents my spirit and commitment to the game and my hometown, whatever sport I play and wherever I am.

Word Count: 100

Leather Fever

Junior Year on Winter Vacation in Ireland...Jacket #4 of 6

The fall of my freshman year in high school marked the beginning of my teenage craze for leather jackets. It started with a cropped black leather jacket that my mother had hastily grabbed after hours of looking for a winter coat. Convinced I would hate it, I reluctantly tried it on, and something, from the sleekness of the leather to the edgy vibe that I felt it gave off when I walked down the street, that started my love and ownership of five more leather jackets in various colors and styles through the course of high school. 

Word Count: 99