Well, Zach and I have been singing and playing violin together pretty much since he was born. We were invited to sing this at the Music Awards Banquet at our school. I still have my senior recital left (we will be singing this there too), but I realized while we were singing that this is probably one of the very last times we will ever be singing together :( I'm going to miss him next year!!!!
Here's "Hallelujah"... ARRANGED BY ZACHY!!!! :)
Xoxo,
L
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2U7tHig9cI
Friday, June 3, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Commencement Speech
Hi! I hope everyone is having a good weekend.
I had the opportunity to audition for a commencement speech last week. I have always envisioned myself speaking at graduation, and I was very excited about it. I spent weeks preparing for the audition. I wrote many different drafts of the speech and spent hours in front of the mirror practicing. I thought I had a really good chance. I kept telling myself that I wouldn't get picked because I didn't want to be disappointed when I wasn't chosen. But, deep down inside, I wholeheartedly thought it was me.
In the end, I was not chosen. I'll admit, I was very disappointed. They picked two of my best friends. I am sure they will do a wonderful job! I can't wait to hear what they have to say in a few weeks.
Anyway, I figured that even if I could not give my speech, I could still share with people what I wrote.
Here's what I had to say:
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Some call it physics. Some call it Karma. I call it life. But, in life, we defy the laws of physics. We know that when you bounce a ball, the ball hits the ground with the same amount of force as the ground hits the ball. However, in life, our actions often have greater impact than expected. One person changes someone else’s life, who in turn helps someone else, who then brightens someone else’s day. Our actions may never be directly reciprocated or even acknowledged. Still, our actions create reactions throughout the world. They create a ripple effect.
The places in which we live, the people with whom we grown up, and the experiences we have all help shape the actions we make. Lauren Eberwein shared with us that because of her mother’s words, her reaction is to pursue music. Greta Stacy told us that because of her time in Oaxaca, Mexico, her reaction was to stop wearing a watch and live life without a time schedule. When the Varsity boys’ soccer team made it to state, our reaction was to have a stadium whiteout. But, the actions of Lauren’s mom or Greta’s host family or the soccer boys’ victory don’t end there. Lauren is going to go on to touch thousands of people with her music, some of whom will be inspired to pursue it as well. Greta will go on to help more developing communities thrive. Because of the dedication of the of the varsity soccer team, many of us will go on to tell our kids and grandkids about the time that the high little school of 250 got bus loads of fans to caravan to state in all white.
Some of us have spent thirteen years here. For some it’s been eight, others six, four, three or one. For me, it’s been seven and three quarters. But, regardless of how long it’s been, anyone can tell that this school is a community and the actions of one person impact the entire unit. Just a few months ago, I had a meeting with a group of lower schoolers who thought that they were on the yearbook staff. For weeks they had been interviewing their friends and doing surveys of their classmates because that is what they witnessed the yearbook staff doing on a daily basis. They want to be like us. We are their role models. They mimic our actions. But, what else were they watching? They were watching when we said “hi” to them in the hallway. They were watching when we treated each other with respect. They were watching as we became leaders at this school, and some of them were inspired to do the same as well. In that sense, our actions impact the entire community, even the students at the other end of the building.
While the younger students were watching us, who were we watching? The media? Our parents? Our peers? Many of us were watching the MPA faculty. Our teachers played a large role in the actions we’ve taken and choices we made. They inspired us to work our hardest and challenged us. The things they taught us, and the experiences that they gave us will stay with us for life. I will be forever changed because Mr. Habermann gave us the opportunity to sing with Cantus choir. I will always know what it means to be free because Ms. Conway brought the constitution to life. I now know what it means to be a hero because in 5th grade and Mr. Dallmann helped us travel to Ancient Greece through our imaginations and live the Odyssey. I now know what it means to be a design-savvy leader with an eye for photography because Ms. Wentzel taught me the ropes yearbook. We’ve learned to think independently, communicate effectively and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility and the joy of learning. Faculty, your actions have created a reaction that defies the laws of physics. The class of 2011 will go to five different countries and 60 different schools and share what we learned in our time here. Your actions are more far reaching than just this school. Your actions will be received all over the world.
Class of 2011, the same principle applies to us. Our actions will have reactions that ripple in a way we never expected. They already have. We are united as one. When something happens to one person it trickles out to impact the entire grade. We learned this when Carolyn Lasch became determined to design and organize our senior shirts. When Dylan, Erik and David tried to furnish the commons with a couch from Goodwill. When Matt G handed out amazing mix CD’s that quickly became part of the top played list on many of our itunes. When we decorated the windows of the quiet study room seasonally. And, when we held each other up on the high ropes course way back in the fall.
While we are a community, we are also strong individuals who spread our knowledge that we have learned at MPA to the rest of the world. Mounds Park Academy has shaped and molded us into the individuals we are today, and that impacts the decisions we make. Each action doesn’t just have a single reaction—it has many, and it impacts more people than we could ever imagine. Let’s take responsibility of the actions we take because we never know whom they will affect. Let’s share our knowledge and our enthusiasm with the rest of the world. Let’s lend a helping hand to those in need. Let’s offer words of encouragement to our friends, peers and strangers. Let’s change the world. Class of 2011, let’s defy physics.
I had the opportunity to audition for a commencement speech last week. I have always envisioned myself speaking at graduation, and I was very excited about it. I spent weeks preparing for the audition. I wrote many different drafts of the speech and spent hours in front of the mirror practicing. I thought I had a really good chance. I kept telling myself that I wouldn't get picked because I didn't want to be disappointed when I wasn't chosen. But, deep down inside, I wholeheartedly thought it was me.
In the end, I was not chosen. I'll admit, I was very disappointed. They picked two of my best friends. I am sure they will do a wonderful job! I can't wait to hear what they have to say in a few weeks.
Anyway, I figured that even if I could not give my speech, I could still share with people what I wrote.
Here's what I had to say:
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Some call it physics. Some call it Karma. I call it life. But, in life, we defy the laws of physics. We know that when you bounce a ball, the ball hits the ground with the same amount of force as the ground hits the ball. However, in life, our actions often have greater impact than expected. One person changes someone else’s life, who in turn helps someone else, who then brightens someone else’s day. Our actions may never be directly reciprocated or even acknowledged. Still, our actions create reactions throughout the world. They create a ripple effect.
The places in which we live, the people with whom we grown up, and the experiences we have all help shape the actions we make. Lauren Eberwein shared with us that because of her mother’s words, her reaction is to pursue music. Greta Stacy told us that because of her time in Oaxaca, Mexico, her reaction was to stop wearing a watch and live life without a time schedule. When the Varsity boys’ soccer team made it to state, our reaction was to have a stadium whiteout. But, the actions of Lauren’s mom or Greta’s host family or the soccer boys’ victory don’t end there. Lauren is going to go on to touch thousands of people with her music, some of whom will be inspired to pursue it as well. Greta will go on to help more developing communities thrive. Because of the dedication of the of the varsity soccer team, many of us will go on to tell our kids and grandkids about the time that the high little school of 250 got bus loads of fans to caravan to state in all white.
Some of us have spent thirteen years here. For some it’s been eight, others six, four, three or one. For me, it’s been seven and three quarters. But, regardless of how long it’s been, anyone can tell that this school is a community and the actions of one person impact the entire unit. Just a few months ago, I had a meeting with a group of lower schoolers who thought that they were on the yearbook staff. For weeks they had been interviewing their friends and doing surveys of their classmates because that is what they witnessed the yearbook staff doing on a daily basis. They want to be like us. We are their role models. They mimic our actions. But, what else were they watching? They were watching when we said “hi” to them in the hallway. They were watching when we treated each other with respect. They were watching as we became leaders at this school, and some of them were inspired to do the same as well. In that sense, our actions impact the entire community, even the students at the other end of the building.
While the younger students were watching us, who were we watching? The media? Our parents? Our peers? Many of us were watching the MPA faculty. Our teachers played a large role in the actions we’ve taken and choices we made. They inspired us to work our hardest and challenged us. The things they taught us, and the experiences that they gave us will stay with us for life. I will be forever changed because Mr. Habermann gave us the opportunity to sing with Cantus choir. I will always know what it means to be free because Ms. Conway brought the constitution to life. I now know what it means to be a hero because in 5th grade and Mr. Dallmann helped us travel to Ancient Greece through our imaginations and live the Odyssey. I now know what it means to be a design-savvy leader with an eye for photography because Ms. Wentzel taught me the ropes yearbook. We’ve learned to think independently, communicate effectively and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility and the joy of learning. Faculty, your actions have created a reaction that defies the laws of physics. The class of 2011 will go to five different countries and 60 different schools and share what we learned in our time here. Your actions are more far reaching than just this school. Your actions will be received all over the world.
Class of 2011, the same principle applies to us. Our actions will have reactions that ripple in a way we never expected. They already have. We are united as one. When something happens to one person it trickles out to impact the entire grade. We learned this when Carolyn Lasch became determined to design and organize our senior shirts. When Dylan, Erik and David tried to furnish the commons with a couch from Goodwill. When Matt G handed out amazing mix CD’s that quickly became part of the top played list on many of our itunes. When we decorated the windows of the quiet study room seasonally. And, when we held each other up on the high ropes course way back in the fall.
While we are a community, we are also strong individuals who spread our knowledge that we have learned at MPA to the rest of the world. Mounds Park Academy has shaped and molded us into the individuals we are today, and that impacts the decisions we make. Each action doesn’t just have a single reaction—it has many, and it impacts more people than we could ever imagine. Let’s take responsibility of the actions we take because we never know whom they will affect. Let’s share our knowledge and our enthusiasm with the rest of the world. Let’s lend a helping hand to those in need. Let’s offer words of encouragement to our friends, peers and strangers. Let’s change the world. Class of 2011, let’s defy physics.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Senior Speech
Hello Everyone!
I gave my senior speech back in January, but I never got around to posting it... Here's the link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSgWaKFchYs&lc=-Zq8nCpiD_wOQlXuQQPyFNgUlBnanoH8EsXhBPqZQQw&feature=inbox
I gave my senior speech back in January, but I never got around to posting it... Here's the link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSgWaKFchYs&lc=-Zq8nCpiD_wOQlXuQQPyFNgUlBnanoH8EsXhBPqZQQw&feature=inbox
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
BJG Official entry
The fluffy comforter embraced me as I prepared for sleep to take over my body. As usual, my dad snuggled me closely, wishing me a good night’s rest. Before he got up to leave, my nine-year-old self asked, “Daddy, am I going to die?” I remember thinking that I wasn’t afraid of it. I just wanted to know if it was going to happen. He must have been expecting the question, because he didn’t appear to be caught off guard. I felt the weight of the bed shift as he sat back on the edge. He took a breath and replied, “No. No, you won’t.” The lights flicked off and I heard the footsteps of my dad leaving the room.
Two weeks later I was admitted to Saint Mary’s hospital at the Mayo Clinic, where I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The sickness that I had been battling for over a year now—stomach aches, fevers and weight loss—had a name and it was in the form of a chronic disease without a cure. A hefty dose of steroids helped me bounce back in time to start fourth grade with my peers, but that was just a Band-Aid for a more complicated problem. The many trips to the bathroom, mood swings due to medication and fatigue made me realize that although I now had a diagnosis, my life would never be normal. Part of me felt as though I had no control over my own body.
In March of fourth grade, I found a part of Crohn’s that I could control—activism. After countless hours of fundraising via email, phone calls and door knocking, I was the top fundraiser at the annual bowl-a-thon for my local chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). I had found it. The thing that helped me stand tall and take ownership of my disease was actually becoming more involved with it. From there, it all took off and I have been advocating for individuals with Crohn’s disease ever since.
I started small: walk-a-thons, volunteering for the CCFA gala and general fundraising. But I wanted to do more. I wanted to become more involved and I wanted my story—and the story of thousands like me—to be heard. I wanted to make a difference for all of the people living with Crohn’s disease.
The first time I felt like I was taking personal initiative outside of the CCFA in making the world better for people with Crohn’s was in seventh grade. My family went to Washington, DC, for a weekend to lobby senators to pass bills that give better funding to Crohn’s disease research. I spent days going door to door in the Capitol, telling my story to a captive audience. While the bill didn’t pass, I made a giant step in becoming more open about the challenges I faced in the hopes of a brighter future.
While I enjoyed the work I did for CCFA sponsored events, I wanted to do more. In 2006, I found a place where everyone is educated about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); this is because everyone has it. This place is the CCFA’s Camp Oasis. I have benefited so much from having relationships with other people who are going through the same thing as me and I know the importance of having the opportunity to connect with other individuals who suffer from IBD. Because of this, one year later, as a ninth grader, I created Project CURE so that everyone does have that opportunity. For Project CURE, I make and sell bracelets to raise money for the camp. Through selling bracelets at various fundraisers, art shows and on the internet, I have donated nearly $8,500 to date. That is enough to provide scholarships to over thirty campers.
In eighth and ninth grade, I used my personal experiences to reach patients individually. I was selected by the CCFA local chapter to be the 2007 Youth Ambassador. I mentored newly diagnosed kids, visited patients in the hospital and gave speeches to hundreds—teaching me to not only be confident in myself and my story but also how to interact with children dealing with the trauma of being newly diagnosed.
However, the first time I felt like I made an immediate impact to an even wider group of people was in ninth grade at the Minnesota Capitol. My breath sped up and my palms were sweaty as I followed a lobbyist though the corridors of the building to the room where I would be testifying. I testified for the Restroom Access Act. It passed. Now, in my home state, people with medical conditions requiring immediate access to restrooms must be granted access to bathrooms that would not normally be considered public.
While advocating for Crohn’s disease, I have also managed to stay on honor roll, participate in two choirs, play in three orchestras, become editor-in-chief of the yearbook, be a peer leader and act as co-president of my school’s environmental club. As I found my voice in the CCFA community, I found my niche in school. I was able to be involved in things I was really passionate about while dealing with the struggles of a chronic disease.
Living with Crohn’s disease has given me a unique set of skills: it is my responsibility to use those skills to make a difference in the world. My family teases that I will adopt all of the orphans in China, make a polar bear rescue center in my backyard and rebuild all the schools in Haiti. Crohn’s disease hasn’t just affected my involvement with the CCFA and school, it has also impacted the way I see the world. Because I cannot always control the way my body acts, I have been more driven to fix the things that I can help. I volunteer at theater camp, take pop cans out of the trash and put them in recycling and I try to brighten other people’s day. I dream of what will come in the future: joining the Peace Corps, composting in the school cafeteria and changing one person’s life.
John F. Kennedy once said, “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” I believe that. I believe that one person can make a difference and one person can change the world—even if it only changes one person’s world. Crohn’s disease has defined who I am and it has helped me discover who I want to be. I want to leave a mark on this world. I believe I can continue to make a difference and it is my responsibility to try.
JFK believed in us. He made us responsible for taking care of our country. Each person has the ability and the responsibility to make a difference. What are you going to do?
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day!
Laurel
If you would like to purchase a bracelet please visit: www.etsy.com/projectcure
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Update!
Hey!
Well, I haven't updated this in a while because people seem to use the facebook page more but I figured I would give the blog one more shot!
Anyway, big news for ProjectCURE... as of last weekend we have raised over $8,500 for Camp Oasis!!!! That is over 30 scholarships :) When I started, my goal was $10,000 before I graduate. I think if we work really hard we can do it!
Also, I just set up a twitter for ProjetCURE. You can follow me at ProjectC_U_R_E (ProjectCURE without the underscores was already taken...)
I hope everyone is gearing up and getting ready to sell some bracelets for the holiday season!
Laurel
Well, I haven't updated this in a while because people seem to use the facebook page more but I figured I would give the blog one more shot!
Anyway, big news for ProjectCURE... as of last weekend we have raised over $8,500 for Camp Oasis!!!! That is over 30 scholarships :) When I started, my goal was $10,000 before I graduate. I think if we work really hard we can do it!
Also, I just set up a twitter for ProjetCURE. You can follow me at ProjectC_U_R_E (ProjectCURE without the underscores was already taken...)
I hope everyone is gearing up and getting ready to sell some bracelets for the holiday season!
Laurel
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Etsy!
Hi Everyone!
It's been a while since I have updated, but I wanted to let you know about some exciting news! For all of you who were looking for a way to buy bracelets, but can't come to the CCFA findraisers, I now have a solution! I set up an account on Etsy and now you can purchase Project CURE bracelets online. Check it out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ProjectCURE
Also, If you are interested in participating in the walk-a-thon or donating money let me know or join my team!
Thanks,
Laurel
It's been a while since I have updated, but I wanted to let you know about some exciting news! For all of you who were looking for a way to buy bracelets, but can't come to the CCFA findraisers, I now have a solution! I set up an account on Etsy and now you can purchase Project CURE bracelets online. Check it out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ProjectCURE
Also, If you are interested in participating in the walk-a-thon or donating money let me know or join my team!
Thanks,
Laurel
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Do Something!
Project CURE is now a "project" on dosomething.org!
Check it out:
http://www.dosomething.org/project/project-cure
Check it out:
http://www.dosomething.org/project/project-cure
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