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Puerto Rico

My mom is from Puerto Rico, a 100 x 35 mile island east of the Dominican Republic and West of the Virgin Islands. My mom lived in the US territory until she was 18 years old, but the island is still a big part of our life. Much of my family on my mom’s side still lives in Puerto Rico; we visit every so often, although not as much as I’d like.

We usually stay in the city of Aguada, located on the west side of the island. This part of the island is beautiful! If you have not been to Puerto Rico, I highly recommend going to this side of the island instead of the capitol, San Juan. I’ve only explored San Juan for a few days, but nothing compares to the pure nature that’s available on the countryside. My mom’s family is on the west side as well, so I definitely I have more of a tie there!

Many people do not know much about Puerto Rico, so I will leave you with facts about the territory:

• Plaza Las Americas mall in San Juan is the most profitable mall per square foot in the world
• The port of San Juan is the 4^th busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere
• San Juan is the oldest city in US territory (older than St. Augustine, FL) and was founded in 1508 by Juan Ponce de Leon
• Piña colada was “born” in PR in 1954
• Puerto Rico has won the Miss Universe pageant a record of 5 times
• PR has the only rainforest in the US—El Yunque
• 86% of the rum drunk in the US is from PR
• Coffee grown and brewed in PR is the official coffee of the Vatican
• PR ranks 6^th in the world when it comes to college graduates
• Puerto Ricans are the only people in the world who regularly applaud when a plane lands and when it reaches the gate (I have definitely experienced this many times, it’s great!)
• Telemundo, the 2^nd largest Spanish language TV station in the US, was founded in PR
• The first Emmy went to a Puerto Rican—Jose Ferrer
• The world’s highest concentration of bioluminescent waters are in PR
• The state of Florida was discovered by Puerto Rico’s 1^st governor, Don Juan Ponce de Leon
• There are more Puerto Ricans living in the rest of the US than in the island of PR itself
• The Camuy River in PR is among the top 3 longest underground rivers in the world

If you haven’t noticed after reading all these facts, Puerto Rico is a beast. It’s such a small island with great achievements, interesting facts, and history. I am proud of my Puerto Rican heritage because it’s so unique and awesome.

Here's a video of my parents getting some coconuts from my tía Laly's tree!

Dogs>Cats

As many of my friends know, I am terrified of cats. There are many reasons for this, but being allergic to cats does not help for sure. Cats are creepy, they purr, they rub up against you, and, in my opinion, are always plotting against humans. These are my legitimate feelings about cats. Dogs, on the other hand, are the most loveable creatures ever! I mean, who wouldn’t want a Lassie as a pet?! They are man’s best friend and just love on you when you need it the most. Dogs are wonderful pets and are just close to my heart for many reasons.

Let me begin with my many examples of why cats are just not as great as dogs. In my first experience with a cat, the cat clawed at my cousin’s arm, causing her to bleed. Not a good impression señor gato! My second real encounter was with a cat named Simba. Simba’s name was perfect for him; he had the biggest fur coat and was a big fatty as well. Simba was my relative’s cat and I met him a few years ago when I had to stay with the family. There was a certain moment I remember trying to enter my room and Simba stood right in front of the doorway. I waited for him to move and after 5 minutes he didn’t even budge! I got tired of waiting and out of fear that he would try to rub against me while walking through the doorway I attempted to jump over him. As I was in the air Simba jumped at me and grabbed my leg! Needless to say I was terrified and can’t look at cats the same way since that experience. I’m pretty sure Simba had some sort of plot to take me down, but I guess I’ll never know.

My latest experience with cats would be last year. I decided to stay with my friend for Thanksgiving break and visit her also during the Christmas break…and she had two cats! I was freaking out about this for the longest time—I didn’t want a cat to attack me in my sleep! So we decided that I would sleep upstairs and I make a barricade so that the cats would not be able to reach me. My barricade was weak and the cats jumped on my head…twice! All these experiences have taught me that cats should not be trusted—they are too sneaky and creepy to be dealt with.

The best pet to have is a dog. I have NEVER had such a horrible experience with a dog as I had with cats. My favorite experience with dogs was when my friend’s dog Nestle had a litter—they were precious puppies! They were curious, playful, and developing their own personalities. It was sad to see them leave to live with new families.

The dogs that have been in my life are mostly labs of my friends. The bottom line is that dogs want love and they love back. They connect to humans on so many levels—they can even detect certain health problems! Cats connect with…well, other cats I guess. They never will with me, that’s for sure!

"We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment." George Eliot

Resident Assistant

I like helping people; I think mostly everyone does. In the future I want to have some profession that involves helping people, but right now I’m a resident assistant, where I help people all the time! I think being an RA is giving me so much insight to different things in life: how to work with people, plan a program, get to know individuals on a personal level, how to handle unexpected situations, etc. For that reason, I am thankful for my job!

What does it take to be an RA? So many things! Interviewers look at how responsible you are, how you lead, how you interact with others, and, most importantly, why you want to be an RA. After multiple interviews, both group and individual, games, and “what would you do in this scenario?” questions, housing and residence life sends you “the email,” where you find out if you got an RA position, alternate position, or no position at all. Last year, I got the good email: we hope you accept a resident assistant position in Milton Daniel for the 2010-2011 school year. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!

Being an RA in Milton Daniel is so different from being an RA any other building—mostly because we are interlinked with the honors program. Honors professors come in and out of the building, and that’s completely normal. We are actually all celebrating Halloween together! It’s really great to work with and get to know the faculty so well!

Like any profession, there are pros and cons. Here’s the positive!

• I got to move into a brand-new, beautiful building at TCU and, since I’m an RA, room & board is my compensation.
• I get to work with 24 lovely & beautiful freshmen : )
• My hall director and staff are here to support me, whether I’m stressed with school or need help with anything
• I get to decorate a bulletin board and my whole hall (I love anything that involves being artsy!)
• I get to know the housing and residence life & honors staff, and they are awesome!

Cons

• I have to live alone
• Stuff happens! During RA training we learned how to deal with so many things: residents who have been drinking, are depressed, have eating disorders, having conflicts with their roommates, and much more. Turns out, this happens in real life…and sometimes at the most inopportune moments.
• Sometimes friends don’t understand why being an RA is so time-consuming, which is frustrating.
• Technically, I’m always on duty whenever I’m in the building. It’s my responsibility to handle a situation I may see.

I love my job despite the cons (I would have peaced out ASAP if I didn’t!) and I know that it’s preparing me for my professional life. I feel so blessed that I was chosen to be an RA because I know (or hope!) that I will be positively influencing my residents and I’m here to mentor them. Whenever it gets tough, I tell myself that I was chosen for a reason. Helping people can wear down on you, but at the end of the day it’s what I love to do and it’s so rewarding!

“I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no more hurt, but only more love.” Mother Teresa

Study Abroad

In high school, I traveled with a group of students to Costa Rica for 2 weeks—and the experience was amazing! I stayed with a family in Heredia, where the family consisted of a mom, dad, and older daughter. I took classes at the local school, but the fun parts were the random trips made with everyone from the group. We hiked a volcano, visited the beach, went ziplining through the rainforest, visited the coffee factory, and so much more! Although those activities were great, interacting with the Costa Rican community was probably the most impactful. Here’s a clip of someone juggling fire on the streets of Heredia, Costa Rica:

My host mom was so smart and well-traveled, which was something I would have never expected. Everyone on the block was related to my host family, and these relatives hosted some students as well. Because of that, we took trips to other people’s houses and got to meet the whole family! I loved how everyone knew everyone and just living the Costa Rican lifestyle for 2 weeks was great.

I came to college with the intent to study abroad for a semester in Spain because of that trip. I knew exactly when I wanted to go—second semester of my junior year. I remember telling everyone that that was my plan, but thinking at the same time that Spain was so far away. Well, junior year is snuck up on me, and study abroad then became a not-so-sure adventure.

The reality that I would be away from everything I know and feel safe with finally set in and I started not wanting to go to Spain. Sure, I had been in a study abroad program before, but that had only been for 2 weeks; Spain would be 4 months. The excitement for the adventure was gone, and I felt sure that I would never go through with the experience.

I’m currently enrolled in a study abroad seminar, (I figured I would go through with all the study abroad preparations just in case I changed my mind!) where we are constantly discussing different cultures and the experience of adapting in an unknown world. We’ve had a handful of speakers come to the class, telling us the importance of being globally aware. Although these speakers have been great, the most influential people I’ve come in contact with are the students who have already been abroad.

People who have been abroad are so passionate about study abroad and miss being in the country a lot; I have yet to hear a horror story about the whole experience! Because of their stories and positive experiences I have finally made up my mind to go to Spain! Don’t get me wrong, the whole being nervous about everything is still there, but I know that I would regret not going to Spain. To me, it’s so important to be culturally aware and experience such a different lifestyle; I’m even achieving a certificate in international studies because this is so important to me!

So, if you have ever been to Spain, or just have some good advice for going abroad, please let me know!

Shakira

Shakira is my favorite artist, period (although Jack Johnson is pretty high up there!). Although I have a mild obsession with all her songs, I’m also amazed at how awesome of a person she is. In case you are wondering who Shakira even is, I’ll give you some background info!

Shakira is from Colombia and is of Lebanese, Spanish, and Italian descent. Her name means “thankful” in Arabic (so cool!) She’s an only child but has 8 half siblings from her father’s side. She was first introduced to the doumbek, the drum often used for belly dancing, at age 4, which greatly influenced her popular and well-known dance style. She was rejected from her school choir because her vibrato was too strong and, according to the class, she sounded like a goat!

Her parents declared bankruptcy when she was 8, and her family sold many of their belongings in order to get some money. She was really upset about this until her father took her to a local park to see orphans who lived there. Upon seeing those kids, see declared that she would find a way to help the kids when she became famous.

Shakira has released 6 albums to date: Pies Desclazos, ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones?, Laundry Service (first English album), Fijación Oral Vol. 1, Oral Fixation Vol. 2, and She-Wolf and is about to release Loca.

In 1995 Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos foundation, a Colombian charity with special schools for poor children all around Colombia. She, as well as other groups and organizations, fund the foundation. She is also known for performing at various benefit concerts. She’s an international UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Goodwill ambassador. She’s received numerous awards from “Humanitarian of the Year” to Top 50 Most Charitable Celebrities by OK! Magazine. She recently opend a $6 million school in Barranquilla, Colombia (her hometown) and was asked to speak at the University of Oxford to talk about her work with children and education.

After knowing all of that, I can’t imagine anyone NOT liking Shakira! I guess I’m slightly biased since I’ve always been a fan of her music. I went to her concert recently and just through her performances anyone can see how dedicated she is to her fans. She performed over 2 hours straight and there was not one moment where I was not entertained. Here are a few songs that I highly recommend:

-Ciega, Sordomuda

-Si Te Vas

-Underneath Your Clothes

-Estoy Aquí

-Whenever, Wherever

-La Tortura

****Once I started this list I realized how I wanted to put all her songs on here. Basically, just listen to all 6 albums—you won’t be disappointed!

Through both her performances and philanthropies Shakira shows her dreams to help people and change the world positively. There need to be more people like her in this world!

“Walking gets too boring when you learn how to fly.” Gypsy-Shakira

Majors

I declared a major in both biology and Spanish the summer before starting my freshman year in college with the hopes and aspirations of becoming a dermatologist and somewhat bilingual. The profession of dermatology had always fascinated me, so I based my biology major on what I wanted to be in the future. I didn’t really have a strong science background in high school but I knew I wanted to be a dermatologist.

Freshman year came, classes started, and I got my first dose of the pre-med lifestyle by taking the honors biology and general chemistry courses...and they weren’t so bad! I got high As on my first chemistry test and biology practical (after studying tons of course!). As the semester went on, the courses definitely got harder and I found myself studying more than ever. And the more I studied, the more I realized how much I disliked learning about the material presented to me. Learning about plants in biology was especially painful—I mean, why would I ever need to know the function of xylems and phloems??

First semester of freshman year was coming to an end and I was feeling more and more unhappy about my biology major as the days went by. I’ve always had some interest in art, so I talked to a few of my friends who were graphic design and interior design majors. I even met with professors within the departments to learn more about the programs. After finding out that both of the majors were 4-year programs and that I had already missed out on the first semester, I decided not to switch.

Christmas break came at a perfect time; it let me relax, de-stress, and think about my goals. I remembered how badly I wanted to become a dermatologist and this instilled a new passion in me for school—even if I didn’t like my classes. I finished up freshman year (it was rough!) and signed up for my sophomore year biology classes.

Sophomore year began and, once again, I dreaded my science classes and envied how much my roommates loved their own majors. I began shadowing my dermatologist at home to get a better perspective of the profession and, I’ve got to say, this was probably the best decision ever. I found that I could never do what she did on a daily basis, and this realization finally convinced me to do something about my biology major. I nervously told my parents about my decision to find a new major; they were surprisingly supportive! I then went to career services, where I took a bunch of tests. My top major choices based on the test were marketing and strategic communications (advertising and public relations). I decided to go with strategic communications since I could fit it into my degree plan.

I am currently pursuing a degree in strategic communications and Spanish with a certificate in international studies and don’t plan to change. I’m still in the early stages of my new major but so far, so good! I like going to class and have learned so much already. I’m even excited about taking the upper-level classes and extra electives (something I completely dreaded for biology)! I’ve learned that when making important decisions I should always go with what my heart is telling me; I’ve learned not to doubt what I feel is right and I think this has helped me become a better “me.” I finally acted on what my heart was telling me to do, even though it took two years, and couldn’t be happier!

“Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.” The Alchemist

College

As a junior at Texas Christian University, it’s hard to imagine that I even considered going to any other college. I ADORE TCU and everything about the school: the color purple, school spirit, the beautiful campus, chocolate fountains on Sundays, etc. But looking back 3 years ago, when I was in high school, TCU wasn’t even on my radar.

In high school, I didn’t even start looking for colleges until the end of summer before senior year. I only had one requirement: whatever college I ended up at had to be in Texas, and preferably a private school. With that being said, my choices narrowed down to Rice, Baylor, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Abilene Christian University, and Trinity University.

My first college visit was to SMU, a school located in Dallas and about 40 minutes from my house. My dad is an alumnus there, so applying to the school was a must. As soon as I stepped on the campus, I knew the school was completely NOT for me; the brick buildings felt super uninviting, the students didn’t smile, and it just didn’t feel right. At that moment I knew I would not be at SMU, despite what my dad thought!

I did an overnight visit to Texas A&M and, honestly, the school freaked me out! I mean, when is it ever okay to great people on a regular basis by saying howdy? NEVER (at least to me haha)! A&M was quite the experience to say the least; it was my first visit to a university with a huge campus and I do have something positive to say about it—everyone has TONS of school spirit!

I visited Baylor University in Waco at the start of my senior year in high school and fell in love. The campus was gorgeous and I got the feeling that everyone talks about—I felt like this would be my new home. I loved the small quirks about the school—root beer float Tuesdays, having an actual bear on campus, and so much more. After a tour of the school, I was certain that I would be a Baylor Bear.

Unfortunately, my choices for college were not inexpensive. Scholarships ended up being the major player in my college decision. While in the process of visiting different schools, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, University of New Mexico, and Birmingham Southern College sent me letters, offering me full rides, plus stipend, to their universities! The only problem was that these schools weren’t in Texas. I ended up visiting those universities as well as TCU during the fall of my senior year, but none of the schools made a strong impression.

I ended up applying to 8 schools: SMU, Baylor, TCU, Trinity, UT, BSC, University of Nebraska, and New Mexico…and was accepted to all of them! Although I was given great scholarships to the out-of-state schools, I knew I wanted to be in Texas. With that requirement set in my mind, plus comparison of scholarships and tuition, TCU ended up being the best option.

Not going to lie, I did feel crushed when my parents said Baylor wasn't an option. My last semester as a senior in high school I felt unhappy about the outcome but knew I couldn’t change anything. TCU orientation came right after high school graduation and completely changed my attitude about college. I fell in love with everything about the school. Frog Camp only strengthened my excitement about TCU and I was able to meet a really great friend in my small group.

I can now say that I am proud to be a horned frog, even though it wasn’t my first choice. I have met the greatest people here and I know that I would not be the person I am now had I not gone to TCU. I can’t imagine being at Baylor right now and this experience definitely showed me that, as cliché as this is, everything happens for a reason!

"Everything happens for a reason. Every action has a reaction. Always remember that what's meant to be will always find a way to come about."

Never Forget

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

September 11, 2001-never forget.

Quotes

I absolutely love quotes. They can be inspiring, reinforce my beliefs, or make me see things in a different light. I can’t even remember when I first started looking for and collecting quotes, but for whatever reason I really find comfort in them; I guess, for me, it’s comforting know someone has put into words how I’m feeling or thinking because at some point in their life they have felt that same way themselves. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, especially friendships. Whenever I think of how different I’ve become or my friend has become since we’ve became friends, I remember why we were friends to begin with.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

This quote is so amazing because it’s a) from World War II during Nazi Germany reign b) written by Anne Frank. What a heart she must have to write that during the hardships in which she was living.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss always reminds we to be myself and that my true friends and family will love me no matter how I am.

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” Emily Dickenson

Stay open minded. Welcome change and the unknown.

"Remember that at any given moments there are a thousand things you can love” David Levithan

Whenever I’m upset about one thing, there are so many other things to be grateful for.

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, & love to complete your life.”

“Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.” Plato

This is probably the quote I think about most when dealing with other people. I never know what other people are dealing with in their lives; it’s not fair to treat someone harshly when that person might be struggling with their own problems.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” CS Lewis

“Sometimes, it’s easier to say that you’re fine instead of having to explain all the reasons why you’re not.”

I actually found this quote on Stumble Upon and thought it was so perfect. I really really really dislike talking my feelings and whatnot (although I’ve gotten better!) and I guess this is part of the reason why. I usually stick to saving happy quotes so this is probably the only slightly depressing one I have.

Please leave any of your favorite quotes, I'd love to read them!

Nicaragua

The past two spring breaks I have been fortunate enough to travel to Tepeyac, Nicaragua, a small town outside of Managua, with the TCU Catholic Community. I don’t actually know why I was interested in the trip aside from the fact that I love to travel. I signed up not knowing who else would be going but excited to go to the country nonetheless.

On March 13^th, 2009 my group of 21 about people (TCU students and faculty) ventured out to Nicaragua and arrived at the local convent in Tepeyac. For only $100 each, the nuns at the convent served us breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provided us with our own rooms for the week—such a deal! We worked on their banana plantation in the mornings, clearing the field and digging holes, as another form of payment to the nuns. Mornings were probably my least favorite part of the day! After working in the field, we would go to the small school to observe classes and play with the kids. I will never forget the day I was observing the 5^th grade class when the teacher asked me to help teach the class…in SPANISH! I reluctantly agreed and ended up teaching math to those students for about 20 minutes (the scariest yet most thrilling 20 minutes ever). We did a few touristy things too that included visiting Ometepe, an island formed by 2 volcanoes, spending the night in Granada, and going to San Juan del Sur, a beach along the Atlantic Ocean. My first trip to Nicaragua was amazing; I fell in love with the food, the students, the Tepeyac community, and the country. I was sad to leave Tepeyac knowing the conditions in which people lived in and not being certain if I would ever see the community again.

Upon returning to Fort Worth, my group decided to raise money for the Tepeyac community through multiple fundraisers and events at TCU. Our goal was to raise enough money to build a fence around the school in order to prevent local gangs from breaking into the classrooms. We ended up raising around $5,000! I signed up for the trip again and flew back to Nicaragua for spring break 2010.

My second trip to Nicaragua was about 10x more amazing than the first, if that’s even possible. The most amazing part about returning to the country was seeing the community again—and having them remember my name! Although there are many groups that travel to Tepeyac, not many return and maintain a relationship with the community. The Tepeyac community was thrilled to see us TCU students return because it meant we did not forget about them. The goal of the second trip was much different than that of the first. First of all, we planned to use our $5000 we raised to buy supplies for the fence that would go around the school. Secondly, we brought dentists and nurses from Texas to Nicaragua so we could help out at the local medical center. I served as a translator between the dentists, nurses, and patients. I noticed how much more comfortable I felt with the community my second time around; there was so much more acceptance and trust between our small TCU group and the community of Tepeyac. I know it’s not nice to have favorites, but a 9-year-old boy named Jordín stole my heart and was definitely my favorite student at the school. He followed me around and was my best buddy there! During my second visit to Nicaragua we visited a market, revisited the beach and Granada, and hiked around a volcano. We were able to begin the fence and also set up an irrigation system in the banana plantation. Once again, I left the country sad yet satisfied with the progress and impact our small group had in the town.

Building an international relationship with the community of Tepeyac is an experience so unique and special. I’m not sure if I will be able to visit again for spring break 2011, but I will definitely be thinking about the community, especially Jordín, for a long time. Visiting such a poor country is a definite eye-opener; I am so much more appreciative for the things I have, like clean drinking water, an opportunity to attend college, the ability to travel, etc. One thing is for sure, part of my heart is still in Tepeyac!

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank

Gymnastics

I started gymnastics when I was 7, not knowing the sport would take over my life for the next 10 years. I remember my gym classes were so fun—what 7-year-old wouldn’t love running around and doing flips 3 hours a week? By the time I was 11, I was competing level 5 and loving everything gymnastics-related. The sport was a big time commitment; I was practicing 12 hours a week along with a few hours of dance and tennis. My true passion for gymnastics was realized when I got so busy I had to pick one sport to stick with and could not imagine my life without gymnastics.

Gymnastics has its advantages and disadvantages. I’ll start with the positives. As a gymnast, you learn to listen and follow directions very well. Your coach is the voice of authority and your mentor as well. I think that my relationship with my coach helped me do better in school, allowing me to listen and learn from my teachers. Another positive: gymnastics is a great way to stay in shape—I had a six-pack of abs before I was 10! I was a bundle of muscle and was almost the pull-up champion of my 6^th grade P.E. class (yes, I’m still proud of that). My gymnastics team was my second family and I loved spending the second half of my day with them. Gymnastics taught me how to work hard and push myself past my own limits. Again, I feel that these characteristics have spilled over into my daily life, especially as a college student.

With the pros come many cons as well. Risks are high when it comes to flipping on a 4-inch wide balance beam or tumbling across the floor and trying to land perfectly. I suffered 3 broken fingers, a fractured tibia, a torn tricep muscle, and multiple ankle sprains throughout my 10 years as a gymnast. My hands were calloused and ripped up from bars and I was sore most days from practice. Punishments given by my coach were brutal when I couldn’t do a skill she asked me to do. Practices were at times filled with tears and fear of doing specific skills and flips.

Looking back at my life as a gymnast, I sometimes wonder why I put myself through the sport when I recall the negative side. But even though I hated the sport at times, I cannot imagine my life without all those memories. Gymnastics helped me meet my best friends, give me life skills, and provide me with some of the greatest moments ever. I have still yet to part with the sport—I’m active with TCU Gymnastics club and try to visit my old gym when I’m back home. Gymnastics will always be a big part of me and has shaped who I am…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Three essentials: Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. Believe in what you are doing."

Heart of life

Hello world!

My name is Bianca Castro (no relation to Fidel Castro, just going to throw that out there!) and I’m a junior at a wonderful school called Texas Christian University (TCU). If you take a look at my header, you can see that the title of my blog is “Heart of Life.” I actually got the title from my favorite John Mayer song—I felt it described the theme of my blog perfectly. Over the next couple of weeks I will be writing about things that are near and dear to my heart and have had an impact on my life. I hope you enjoy reading about me!

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Bob Marley