PostDifferent

I was looking through my old blog posts and found an entry that I felt needed some clarification. Actually, at the time, I probably meant what I said. Nevertheless, as time passes things, ideas and people change.

The first sentence of the blog post I’m referring to starts with, “[Life is a game.] That’s right a game, one we can’t control.” Since that time I have changed my view - at least to an extent.

A person is ultimately in control of solely himself. He or she (hereafter he) does not control any other animate being - at least directly. I cannot not force anyone to my will without presenting a certain set of consequences that might affect the other person. Even then, he is in control of making a decision to bend to my bidding.

You are in control; so take control.

Dear President Obama,

I’ll admit that from the start that I have not been a support of you and your campaigns ideas of change. However, please don’t dismiss what I have to say based on my opening statement.

First, let me introduce myself. I am William Mruzek and currently attending Shawe Memorial High School in Madison, Indiana as a Senior. As you can imagine I have been brewing about the future of my education, specifically the financial aspects. But this letter is not solely about my future, it is about the future of our great country.

Over my high school years I have become more involved with politics and culture. Although my main passions lay in the areas of math and computer science, I have an uncanny but keen interest on being involved in our nations system of government. I could attribute this to my great teachers and mentors that I have met and conversed with in school and extra-curricular activities such as the Boy Scouts of America.

I now sit here pondering on where your administration will lead this country. I have watched your numerous speeches and saw all three debates between yourself and Senator McCain. I am intrigued by your ideas and ways of thinking.

On a political standpoint I am split on social and economic issues. I have been called a social liberal, and yet I am a fiscal conservative. One might see the dilemma I face when voting for our governments’ representatives. Nevertheless, I have both hopes and concerns for what is in store the next four years.

I hope that with your eloquence and bold ideas you can effectively lead this country; that your new found interest in introducing technology to increase communication with constituents continues to progress; that our country will thrive economically under your administration; that you fulfill your promises of gay human rights legislation; and that you can ultimately unify our melting pot.

However, although I am not an economist and do not have experts on hand, I am concerned that the economic stimulus packages will do more harm than good; that our country will slip into a 1930s-like depression; that I will not be able to secure financial assistance for my education; that health care costs will increase; that close-mindedness and bigotry will continue to split this country; that people will let our motley difference obstruct progress; that people will become lazy and feed off of welfare programs; and finally that you may never read this letter.

President Obama, I understand that you are a busy man. You have a staff that reads letters day-in and day-out. I don’t expect a response back. I just want my voice to be heard.

Sincerely Concerned Citizen,

William Mruzek

It has been a while since I have talked about my college search. I originally was planning to apply to fourteen colleges. Once my parents and I realized the financial burden of application and score fees, I went ahead and cut my college choices in half.

I applied to Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of Evansville, Butler University, Hanover College, Carnegie Mellon, and MIT.  I have received correspondence from four of the seven. I have been accepted to Evansville, Butler, Hanover and Rose-Hulman. I was particularly excited about getting accepted at Rose-Hulman because it is the top undergraduate engineering school in the country.

Of course, by applying to the top tier schools MIT and Carnegie Mellon, I have to wait for their decisions before I make my own. As it stands right now, I am going to Rose-Hulman. If I get into MIT and I have the monetary support, I am going. It is definitely my dream school. We’ll see how that all plays out.

I haven’t been on a college visit for sometime. I want to visit the top tier schools if I get accepted. I’ll probably visit Rose-Hulman again for a more in-depth view of their institution. When I initially visited there, I was awed by the technology and the atmosphere. I stepped on campus and immediately felt that it was a place I could spend my undergraduate education.

Less than five months until I have to decide; Less than eight months until I leave. Wish me luck.

Once, a young lady sat in a crypt
Alone and waiting

Once, a young man sat in his room
Alone and wondering

They fell asleep

The young man found the young girl
She, sitting, asked for what he came

He, answering, asked for her hand
The lady answers faithfully, yes
For he was her savior

And they had known each other

They awoke

Are dreams only dreams?
What is hidden in the tunnels?
What is found?

Yearnings, Fears, Joys.