#20 N A R R A T I V E

Auditions

My journey all started in junior high when I first auditioned for band as a percussionist. All the 6th graders were buzzing with excitement as each student was called down individually for auditions. Sitting at small desk in my little red dress I waited for my turn. Waiting for my name to be called was nerve-racking, but I trusted myself to do well.  Dark curls bounced on my shoulders as I quickly stood up at the sound of my name. My short legs hastened to quickly walk down the hallway, stopping to glance at my reflection for a moment and compose myself to look confident. Walking into the audition room, large shiny instruments caught my eye as they sat lined up along the back. There my band instructor was awaiting my arrival. His face lit up when I walked into the audition room, his furry mustache turning upward with his smile. “Good morning, you must be Sarah….Mikesell?” he looked closely at his clipboard to make sure he got my name right. I nodded my head up and down, my curls bouncing in front of my face.

“That’s right,” I giggled, people usually had trouble knowing how to pronounce my name.

“Well, miss Sarah, what instruments are you interested in trying?” A smile spread across my face and immediately I turn my head towards the large shiny drums taking up a good portion of the room. There were multiple reasons that lead me to want to choose percussion. Band instructors required that percussionist have at least 4 years of piano behind them, which I had. Piano and percussion are similar when finding the rhythm and knowing when to play the keys. As a dancer, finding, keeping, and feeling the beat of music came natural to me. Also, both of my older brothers were percussionist and listening to them play put me in awe, their music filling throughout my whole body.  My dream was to one day march in High School as a snare drummer like my brothers.  Nothing was as exciting to me as watching them march down in parades.  I already knew percussion was what I wanted most, I would consider nothing else.

“I want to play the drums please!” The instructor looked over my small frame with hesitation. Having a small young girl want to play the large percussion instruments was not what he expected.

“Are you sure? They’re pretty big and heavy. Wouldn’t you rather try the flute first? It seems about more your size.” He started to pull out a small case. I started shaking my head slowly. I don’t want to play anything but the drums, why would he say that? Confused but determined I stood a little straighter.

“No, I really want to try out the drums. It’s what I really want to play.” The instructor sighed, but handed me a pair of drumsticks.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.” Yes, very much so. I held the drumstick firmly in my hands. “I’m going to sing a beat and I want you to march to a beat and drum at the same time.” I wasn’t going to let him have the satisfaction of telling me I didn’t have what it takes. Up and down I followed the beat, doing my best to concentrate on the sound he was making. Giving me one last look up and down the instructor scribbled something down. “Well young lady, looks like we have a new drummer. Good job.” My lips curved into a smile, and walking back to class I felt my whole face glowing with delight. 

Since then I have been faced on multiple occasion with people doubting my ability, judging me from first appearance and size. I struggled trying to understand why people thought I wouldn’t do well or succeed. From that point on I worked hard to prove them wrong, that I was capable of doing hard things. Yet, even when I was first auditioning, I never would have guessed I would one day play first snare drum and be leader of the entire high school marching band.

#19 Evaluative Conclusion

It is the end of my first semester of my freshman year at BYU. Nothing has gone to plan to say the least. I've struggled more than I ever have and realized so much about myself I needed to confront. I know my trials and struggles were necessary for me to grown and improve. Whenever I felt I had reached my lowest point I found myself going to my Heavenly Father. Much of this semester was a humbling experience as I experienced a new level of agency while attending college was also followed with a new level of consequences. I hope to take what I learned from all my classes, especially this one, and use it to my advantage to do better as I continue my studies at BYU. Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn, struggle and grow.

#18 Research Topic

While thinking of what topic to research, I decided to focus on the ancestry on my mother's side. My mother is from Honduras while my father is from Wyoming. Coming from a multicultural home I chose a topic that I felt I could sympathize with: What is causing the large scale of immigration from latin american countries and what effect is it having on the United States? Here is the outline I used for my research paper.

Outline

Introduction: Write the personal story of my mother immigrating to the United States. Why did she move? What was she leaving behind? What they are leaving behind- family, friends, nice neighbors, home, whole church. Homesickness- cried for a whole year to do missing her country, family, friends, home. Explain it from my perspective. After a year of being in the United States she found friends in church

Background: Write about the history of Honduras. The problems the country has been facing over the years. How have drug cartels, smugglers, human trafficking, and gang violence been a problem? The effects? (most dangerous city in the world) How has it lead to more immigration? The Process. Difficulties people have in immigrating to the United States. The process it takes to get here. The desire for the American Dream. Looking for work and a better life. Adapting- hardships, discrimination, ghettos

Effects of Immigration on the US: How do people feel about immigration. Different opinions from different viewpoints. Take from past essay- current events sociology paper. Benefits vs. problems/positives vs. negatives. 

Future Change: How we have to adapt for the future Do we need to change our viewpoints of immigration and be more accepting? Do we need to help fix the problem from the source? Should we be more strict with our immigration policies?

#17 Stake Conference

Sunday Morning Session:

This session of stake conference was one of the best I've ever attended. I was struggling through many trials and needed to here the talks given. The focus was on personal spiritual growth. Through the atonement we can heal what is broken, lives, hearts, and dreams. We first must come to our Heavenly Father through prayer. When we pray we should be sharing our full range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It is a real conversation between yourself and God, not one-sided. As He helps us grow and change we can only experience personal growth through experiences and trials. 

The speaker posed an interesting question. 

What is the difference between weakness and bad choices? 

• Bad choices are easy to change
• We are blessed with another source of change: Weakness
• Weakness doesn't yield to new information- we know it's wrong but still don't stop- it brings us grief
• We all have weaknesses
• They have a purpose
• That purpose is the atonement

The Lord has said He gives unto men weakness that they may be humble. Weaknesses are a gift with a purpose. If we humble ourselves before God and have faith in Him with complete reliance, our relationship with Him will grow and strengthen. 

So how do we deal with weakness?

1. Recognize that it will take time to change.
2. Do the opposite of what we are inclined to do
3. Weakness is about ability not motivation
4. Follow every prompting

We cannot overcome weakness by simply trying harder. We need our Savior. He will help us reorder our lives. We become distracted because we put those distractions in arms length. Instead we should put positive people in our lives and push negative people out. We must change the environment we are in if it is causing us to submit to weakness.

#16 David or David?

Donatello’s vs. Michelangelo’s David:

After reading about and viewing both artists depiction of David I have decided I prefer Michelangelo’s the most. His sculpture is preferable as it portrays David more as I would envision him. He is strong and youthful with the stone and sling in hand. In comparison, Donatello’s sculpture is more gruesome as it includes the head of Goliath, and is less impressive as far as the boy’s body goes. It is strange to me to see him in the nude, yet still be wearing a hat and boots.

In terms of how each reflects the Biblical story, Donatello’s David includes both the stone in the sling along with the head of goliath at his feet. This gives a short summary of the story through the art piece of before and after David defeats Goliath. During the time period this was created, the David was made in a style of power and force. It was also common at the time to portray heroes in the nude. Yet like the book says, “Donatello’s figures may be harsh, to the point of being disturbing, projecting greater drama and emotionalism than ever before seen in Italian sculpture.”

 On the other hand, Michelangelo’s David simply has the sling in one hand and the stone in the other. This portrays a scene of before the action, before David goes to fight, creating a more dramatic and suspenseful feel to the art. This David stands in the famous pose, ready for action yet still looking at ease. He is portrayed at this time as youthful through his large head and hands.

Both sculptures created pieces that would be viewed as strong and inspiring, telling of a young man who despite all odds was able to defeat the giant Goliath. These pieces are both great portrayals of their time periods and can teach us a lot. The religious influence is apparent as David’s strength and success came from the help and his trust in God.

#15 What is Art?

I would consider anything that is an outward expression of some kind to be art. Art, music, dance, writings, and more are ways people and cultures express themselves personally and as a whole. It could be displaying their feelings or ideas in ways that sometimes words cant. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the same can be said towards art. My personal criteria for art would be if it creates feelings of emotion, is passionate, and makes you think outside of your usual mindset.

This is an artistic photo of a dancer, but it is also so much more than that. What you see here is a photo that carries so much meaning and emotion. Dancing is an art all of its own. It is a way to express to the world through physical body what words can not describe. There is beauty not only in the dancer’s moves, but in the human body itself, and how one can use themselves as a form of art and communication. When I see this photo I think freedom. All emotions can be displayed through dance, but they all focus on the same idea of letting those feelings be free. So much passion and creativity is evident when watching a performance. What is so unique about the art in dance is that the canvas moves and is constantly changing. Just as a painting can depict a scene or picture, dancing can tell a story. Probably one of the greatest things about the art of dance is that everyone can do it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or not. If you are feeling stressed, angry, sad, or are filled with happiness you can let it all out and show the world through your dancing. When you put your feelings into the dance, the audience or viewers can sense that. Choreographers can display their art in different ways. Some dance is graceful and soft, while others can be very intense and forceful. Some dances are better performed solo and others with a partner or many dancers. You have to think outside of your mindset to try and understand the emotion of the piece and what story is trying to be shared. Once you understand and truly feel what is being portrayed your emotions will be mirrored causing some to fear, cry, laugh, or smile.

#14 Hastening the Work

As I've been considering going on a mission I've wondered how we can hasten the work of the Lord. What does it mean to hasten? To haste means to accelerate, step up, or urge. The Prophet has told us that we must accelerate in our missionary work, step up and take lead to find and bring others to the gospel, and to urge others to do the same...through example. We must haste.

When it comes to introducing others to the gospel, it can be a very daunting task. What we say or do can make the difference in whether or not we succeed in bringing someone to the gospel and bringing them to the path that will lead them to Eternal happiness. Our goal is then, to teach non members by working with the missionaries in our ward, and also working to have your own personal missionary experiences.

So what can we do to be better missionaries?

Brother R. Val Johnson tells of one ward in British Columbia, Canada that learned from the successes of one particular member missionary, Sister Ma. This sister has been inviting people to the lords house for 10 years and more than 20 of those who she has brought to the gospel have accepted it. 2 sisters who had recently moved to this same ward, tried to adopt the same approach as Sister Ma. These sisters had talked to hundreds, perhaps thousands of acquaintances and strangers about the gospel. Whenever they meet someone, they always begin with, “Do you go to church in the area? We go to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Have you heard of it?”

One experience these sisters had started when one sister told the other to go say hi to a man because he looked like a former member of their branch that they knew. The sister went and walked right up to the man, only to realize that she had never seen this man in her life, and that the other sister was only teasing her. It was too late for her to turn back now and after an awkward moment, the sister looked at the man and said “You look like a friend I once knew. He was member of my church. Have you ever heard of the Mormon Church? As it turns out the man used to be a member and they began having a discussion about faith to which the sister then invited him to church. The man responded, “you know, I just got out of the hospital, and here you are, this angel, inviting be back to church.” If this sister hadn't opened her mouth, she would never had know this man had been in the hospital and needed to reconnect with the church.

This experience makes me think of the second verse in the hymn “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” which reads 

2. Perhaps today there are loving words

Which Jesus would have me speak;

There may be now in the paths of sin

Some wand'rer whom I should seek.

O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,

Tho dark and rugged the way,

My voice shall echo the message sweet:

I'll say what you want me to say.

Elder Neil L. Anderson said, “We are all in this together. With fellow ward members and missionaries, we plan and pray and help one another. Please keep the full-time missionaries in your thoughts and prayers. Trust them with your family and friends. The Lord trusts them and has called them to teach and bless those who seek Him.”

#13 Found Peom

While studying the Holocaust I wrote a found poem based of the horrible events that occurred to the children put under Doctor Mengele's care. A found poem is a poem with lines and phrases taken from multiple sources and put together in a unique order to create something new. Through this poem I hope to convey at least a piece of the immense pain, fear, and anguish experienced during these times.

 

Mengele’s Children

Ripped from our homes, our lives, our families

We were shivering children in the dark

Till he came like an angel, bring candies and promises of life

This demon in disguise

The only one left to call Father now

This angel of death, a surviving symbol of Hitler’s power

Guiding the innocent souls to die in the hands of the devil

The curtain soon fell

Turned into blackness twisted lies so rude

They put us in freezing baths

Smeared chemicals on our skin

Injected with disease we were left to die

This pain is torture 

Not ever meant to be felt

I had to sit back and watch others suffer and not survive

Those who never had a chance

How were we once scared of the monsters in our closet?

More dangerous are the common men

Ready to spill innocent blood without question

#12 Butterfly Effect

During Relief Society we were given a lesson by one of the girls, Delany, on my floor. Her words were exactly what I needed to hear as she was going through a similar experience as to what I was going through. She taught how during our hardest trial Satan is trying his hardest to make us feel alone. Her and I both have been struggling with feeling like there is no one who understands us and we are left on our own to deal with these hardships. It is during these times the Lord can carry us. In a viewpoint called the "Butterfly Effect" she explained how we may not know who we are, what are purpose is, or how to get through our trials. We may feel small and insignificant, but we have a large impact on others and the world. When we come to Christ we will find we are not alone in anything we do. Through Him and our Heavenly Father we will discover our potential and they will guide us to happiness. When we are most alone the Lord sends us help. We can receive a priesthood blessing for guidance and strength. If we take the time to look we will find how God is speaking to us and guiding us in our lives. Delany gave an example of how when she was at her lowest point, feeling sick, alone, stressed and missing home. She cried alone because she felt like she couldn't continue. Then she heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. To her surprise she found pumpkin pull apart bread left for her with a sweet note from an anonymous sister in the ward. Not only was pumpkin her favorite, but this simple gift raised her spirits because it reminded her of her mother and family. Her experience touched me, to my core. It had been my roommate who had given her this gift because she was inspired to leave it at her door. I was there when she made the bread and was there when she decided on a whim that Delany was the girl she should give it to. My roommate and I were crying in the front row of class, overwhelmed by the impact such an innocent prompting had on this young woman. I am thankful for the spirit and work to listen to its promptings to either help others or feel the Lord's love to help myself continue on and endure through my trials. "When life gets to hard to stand, kneel."

#11 Museum of Art

McKay Bowman and I visited the art museum, and together we studies two particular pieces.

Art is a very important part of how people express their culture, lives, and emotions. Thanks to museums we have the opportunity to look at and appreciate all sorts of art. That is what we were able to do this last Wednesday at the BYU Museum of Art. According to McKay, art has never really been something that has been interesting, so going to this museum wasn’t the first thing he wanted to do. However, he was surprised at just how different art can be, yet similar in the complex emotions of each individual artist. Our idea of art was challenged as we viewed two pieces in specific that we liked, the Small House and the Hexenhaus und Pilz.

The piece entitled Small House by Roy Lichtenstein was a house made out of a ceramic-type material lifted slightly off the wall. It was built in such a way that from afar it looked like a regular house, but upon approaching the piece it was soon discovered that in reality the house was inverted. This optical illusion was unique and impressive. The bright colors gave off a fun feeling. The house could be viewed different at different angles. 

Hexenhaus und Pilz, meaning witch house and mushroom, is a peculiar piece of art. Sitting upon a pedestal is a simple black and white house and a bright red, circular mushroom. These two objects contrast each other, creating visual interest. The house is made of straight lines and edges, while the mushroom is curved and round. While being quite plain, the house could be an expression of depression, an unhappy family life, or boredom. Everything is perfect and in line, no color, only perfect symmetry. The mushroom represents an escape from the house. It could also be one’s imaginings and dreams, since the circular form of the mushroom means there is no specific beginning or end, nor any restriction or rigid lines to hold one back. The color itself brings life to the artwork.

These two pieces demonstrate a strong idea of the beauty of art. It is created from emotion to evoke emotions from those who view it. The small house depicted the idea of how art can be viewed from different angles and mean different things to each individual. As we experience art we are allowed inside the deepest parts of the artist’s mind, leading us to ponder what it causes us to feel in our own hearts. That is the true beauty of all art.

#10 Mortality vs. Human Nature

Learning about the events that took place in Nazi Germany concerning Mormon’s truly sparked my interest. I focused on the question of how people’s morals differ as a community versus as an individual, what this says about people under difficult circumstances, and whether or not we can believe we would have acted any different under similar circumstances. It must first be brought to our understanding what lead to Mormon’s actions taken during WW2. There were elements that caused Mormons to be in support of the Nazi’s whether they were ignorant of their doings or not. Many members of the church were in favor of “clean up” policies of the Nazis as well as being initially drawn to Hitler’s public image. He was a non-smoker, non-drinker, and there were rumors of his experience with the church. Viewing Hitler from members’ perspectives we see the attraction toward such a leader, one who appeared to connect well and have similar views and morals as expressed in the LDS church.

We must now question one’s morality as an individual and how it changes when among their community. As a member of the LDS church, it is taught to uphold high standards of morality. One should always be willing to help others in need when they can, standing up for what is right in the eyes of God and the law. So then why did so many LDS members choose to look away during such tragic times? As a community, people can state their moral standards and publicly live them. When it comes to personal morality, the evidence shows personal safety can cause someone to reconsider who and what they stand for. It is very likely that members during this time felt as though their actions would have little impact and did not want to cause any danger upon themselves and their families.

To answer the question of whether or not there is a difference between individual and community morality is a definite yes. Yet whether or not there should be a difference is quite controversial. In a perfect society we would like to think people can commit to remaining moral and sustaining the ideals of the community and society they live in. We would see the entire population possessing a similar desire to live in harmony and uphold high standards. But the world is far from perfect, so can we judge a person for considering their own personal benefits over that of others or the community?

Today, members still struggle to maintain church ideals in balance with their own personal views on the ongoing events taking place throughout the world. Standing up in these times is surely to be faced with much criticism and hate. The church is attacked for choosing to uphold its views on subjects such as gay marriage and religious freedom. Members have their own views on what they believe is right, which can sometimes differ from the church’s standpoint on things. We can then see that when it comes down to it, people are human and will choose to do what makes sense to them in a time of crisis. Church ideals and standards can create a path for people to follow, but unless these standards are accepted whole heartedly members may go off in their own direction.

#9 Hobbies - Love What You Do

          The stage was set, the lights all up, and the music started. All eyes were on me as I took the stage, ready to perform. The stage brings me comfort as soon as I walked on. The stage who has been to all my performances, seen all my flaws, and is still so unjudging. On cue I began my dance, matching each step to the beat of the music. Black silk flowed over my body which served as a canvas for my art. My heart, racing along with the music; my body, obeying my every command and perfectly completing each step of the routine like a well oiled machine. My hours of practice were finally paying off. The smooth wood floor allowed me to glide across the stage beautifully. As the music came to an end I made my dissent and took my last step. I heard the crowd applaud yet I am blinded by the lights and only see darkness. I felt alone, only the stage and myself. None the less I knew my parents were somewhere out there among the crowd feeling proud of their little girl. Ever since I was small dance has been my hobby, because dance allows me to express myself.

          Music has always been a large part of my life. I took piano lessons since 3rd grade and absolutely loved the way music made me feel inside. Since we were young my siblings and I’d dance around and sing, having a good time. My mother took video tapes of our made up dance performances in the living room. I loved the way we made her smile as she watched us prance around the house. I associate dancing with the feeling of joy and freedom, being able to move in whatever feels good. When I was happy, angry, sad, confused, I let my emotions all out through my dancing. Dancing made me feel strong and worth being noticed. Taking dance lessons was the obvious next step I had to take if I ever wanted to pursue what I loved. Growing up everyone had their sports, art, music that they were into. I had dance to keep me going and be stable when life got hectic. I’ve never felt happier than when dancing, which is why my hobby is so important to me.

          Having dance as a hobby is not only fun, but is also healthy. Dancing is a form of exercise disguised as beautiful art. Without dance I wouldn't get much of any other type of exercise. I take pride in taking care of my body and being healthy. With the help of my mothers cooking I try to stick to foods that are good for my body. Diet is important when maintaining a healthy body, but I also participate in Zumba classes. My class lasts an hour a day and teaches me new dance moves while also giving me a full body workout. One thing that keeps me going is that I have great endurance. No matter how hard I get pushed in dance, I will keep going. At times I’d be working on dance and wanting to collapse, but I’d stick through to the very end. Through dance I have been able to inspire my family and friends to get active. I also proved that exercise can be fun and enjoyable. Why suffer through the hard exercise when you can have a blast. I’m glad to know that dancing will always be there for me to strengthen me physically, and emotionally.

          Dance completes my life with giving me the opportunity to express my self, and keep fit. Ive never felt more alive than through dance and dancing definitely makes me happier in life. Its a joy to make new friends through dance class and make lasting relationships with girls that share the same passion. People finding something they love in life is one of the greatest and most important task of all. Having a hobby can bring out the best in someone and make their lives that much better. These different hobbies make each of us unique and can define who we are. Having a hobby is not only fun, but having one can help you discover what you love in life and can lead to finding one’s future career. Everyone needs an activity that they excel at, or even something they love to do despite the level of ability. I love dance and hope to continue to find joy through such a unique form of art.

#8 Nephi's Guidance

While reading in the Book of Mormon I came across a couple scriptures that truly inspired me. 

          In 1 Nephi 1:20 it reads, "And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

          Nephi tells us that the Lord is merciful and kind. He is good to those who are righteous and look to Him. We can plainly see His blessings everyday in every little thing/aspect our our lives. "Tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of there faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." The Lord is going to make us strong and powerful according to our faith, and we can become leaders of His work in these last days. We will have the ability to be worthy of deliverance as well as bringing other to deliverance.

          In 1 Nephi 2:16 reads, "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers."

          Nephi had great desires to know of the mysteries of God. The choice is personal, we must choose God, for by faith we are chosen. Laman and Lemuel murmured against their father because they knew not the dealings of God. They chose their filter, to view life and not believe in God. We must make the conscious effort to choose to have a positive filter that believes in God and His plan for us.

#7 Religious Freedom

          We were honored to here from Elder Ronald A Rasband on Tuesday, September 15th for our weekly BYU devotional. His teachings covered the topic of religious freedom, which was fitting since according to much of today's society the church and religion in general is losing its place, importance, and rights. Elder Rasband spoke of how we all deserve fairness and freedom, people of all different religious, races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, or class. The world itself appears to be trying to stop discrimination, but by doing so they discriminate against religious people for their beliefs. The LDS church believes in standing for freedom of choice and thinking. We must be fair and sensitive to all groups even when they clash. Agency is a huge part of the gospel and people have the right to make their own choices and live their own lifestyle. A war in heaven was fought for agency! Still, members believe in following God's commandments. There are consequences for our actions and we are accountable for all our choices we make. The Lord seeks to help lift us where we need to go if we are willing to come to Him.
          Elder Rasband discussed three things we can to as members of the church and members of society to promote love, fairness, and freedom.

1. Try to view other through a lens of fairness- God loves everyone and we must obey His commandment to "love one another." We do not condone sinful actions, but we reach out to all with love. 
2. Let fairness guide your treatment of others- Christ was fair to all despite their sin, race, or gender. We must respect the principle of agency.
3. Stand up for fairness if you see someone's rights being attacked.

#6 Does Free Will Exist?

          Throughout my Psychology course we have studied genetic inheritance, environmental factors, and the function and response of the brain to stimuli. From a scientific and religious standpoint, the question of whether or not free will exists is examined. It must first be determined what free will is to be defined as. “Free will is the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one's own discretion.” The advances in psychological studies and scriptural verses lead us to the knowledge that free will does indeed exist.
          From a religious viewpoint many scriptural verses provide evidence of God giving man free will. Moses 4:3 reads, “ Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” God have given people agency, the power to make personal choices. While outside forces can affect us or try and point us in certain directions, overall we ourselves make the decision of what to do or who to follow. Without agency, we would not have a purpose in existing. Making choices along the path of life is what molds us into who we are and what we stand for. Doctrine and Covenants 58:27 reads, “ Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.” Not only are we given the chance to make our own decisions, but we are expected of God to use this freedom to do good works and help others. This involves ourselves to give up our selfish manners and do something for another without expecting anything in return.
          The mind is a complex structure that is the largest part of what makes us individuals and human. Our minds are a part of us, and they are our own. We have studied the different functions of the brain. Chapter 4 taught about how each portion inside the mind plays an important role for us to understand and interpret what we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. The processes inside our mind help us perceive the world around us and make judgments. Chapter 6 looked into the subject of consciousness. Our body makes decisions that do not always reach our consciousness. Yet those parts of our body are still apart of us as a whole. While we do have natural instincts as a human, our experiences in life affect each person differently and cause us to think independently. Even if we make decisions before we are conscious of it, it is still us.
          People think we are hardwired to act certain ways or think certain things. Human nature is something that can be predicted and explained, therefore we don’t have free will, but are controlled by our genetic makeup. We are not animals who follow their instincts 100%. We are more complex and do things that are out of the ordinary and not always for our own personal benefit. The idea of not having free will contradicts with the fact that different people have different morals. Without the freedom of choice, can we truly convict people of crimes against others and society? Our entire system and government would have to change in order to accommodate the idea that people are not truly free to choose.If we are controlled solely by biology and our environment, how do so many people with a similar past, privileges, and experiences, make choices that are so unique and different from everyone around them? Yes we can be affect by our situations and surroundings, but we still have control over whether or not we let those things influence us in our decision making. Our fates are not be determined, neither 100% predictable. Free will gives us the chance to be unique and have a life specifically constructed by our personal choices, despite our surrounding environment.

#5 A Chance to Learn Something New

          One of my favorite things about attending college is meeting so many amazing people, all with different talents and abilities. I have found a love for the idea of studying and using multiple disciplines to expand my own understanding and create a broader and more intellectual viewpoint. As we share our knowledge and skills with one another we help each other grow stronger. Each person has something unique and useful to bring to the table.

          Recently I have been working on a dance project, researching a dance pioneer and their contribution to the dance world. Part of our project included a presentation that would show the class a representation of the pioneer we were researching. Our teacher surprised us by allowing us to use any medium we desired whether it be art, drawing, baking, dancing, singing, crafting, writing or any other form we wanted. I enjoy these type of assignments because I choose to challenge myself and learn something new. I decided to try out a medium I have never used before, video. 

          My vision was to have my partner and I choreograph a dance similar to that of our dance pioneer and film it to create a video to present in class. I was blessed to have a roommate who allowed me to borrow her camera to shoot the routine. Another blessing came in the form of my closest friend I had made at BYU. He had mentioned to me before that his hobby was video production and photography. He worked for byutv and was gladly willing to lend his expertise. He taught me how to use a video making program, how to insert music, and how to cut and edit scenes. I am so grateful for this opportunity to expand my horizons and learn a skill that not only will be helpful in the future, but allowed me to bond and have a fun time on this project. Here is just a small clip of the finished product. Please take into account that the style of dance is strange and we are only beginners. Enjoy!

#4 Dance Pioneers

Dance is an amazing expressive form of art. I had the opportunity to learn about dance pioneers and how they helped shape the world of dance, exploring new ideas and pathways. One man in particular left a big impression on me, Alwin Nikolais.

Alwin Nikolais was born on November 25, 1910 in Southington, Connecticut. He began studying music in high school  and worked as a piano accompanist for silent films at the Westport Movie House. It wasn’t until after attending a dance performance in 1933 by Mary Wigman that Nikolais became interested in studying percussion. He was persuaded to study dance by one of Wigman’s former students, Truda Kaschmann. From 1935 to 1937, as a dance student, Nikolais directed the Hartford Parks Marionette Theater. Then starting in 1937 he became a teacher for his own company and school in Hartford where he danced and choreographed. Nikolais continued to be influenced by Hanya Holm, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and others over the summers he spent training at Bennington School of Dance. Nikolais taught in Colorado and in 1949 he met Murray Louis, a dancer whose technique and attention to physicality left an impression. Louis and Nikolais began collaborating and exploring the basic foundations of modern dance.

Their style of modern dance was best described by representative for Alwin Nikolais as, “Using sound collage and changing images projected onto both the stage and the dancers, Nikolais could shift the focus away from any one individual dancer, and concentrate on the overall effect of the production. Nikolais would often present his dancers in constrictive spaces and costumes with complicated sound and sets, designed to confuse the process of dance. By placing obstacles in the dancers’ way, he focused their attention on the physical tasks of overcoming those obstacles. Nikolais viewed the dancer not as an artist of self-expression, but as a talent who could investigate the properties of physical space and movement.” Nikolais’ talents greatly influenced the evolution of contemporary dance and inspired many choreographers. Exploring abstraction through the senses, movement, design, and sound was his life work. His famous quote and philosophy is, “an art of motion, which left on its own merits, becomes the message as well as the medium.” Alwin Nikolais died May 8th, 1993.

#3 Functionalist Viewpoint of Immigration

In my Sociology class we had the opportunity to choose a current event and interpret it from different perspectives. I chose to look at the issue of immigration in the United States from a functionalist viewpoint. I learned so much from stepping back and looking at this issue from all different sides.

In a current event news article the increasing dilemma of immigrants crossing the border into the United States was examined. A recent spike in the number of children and families crossing the border has captured the interest of the media. It has been concerning as most of these children travel alone, there were “more than 4,600 unaccompanied children and more than 5,000 adults with children apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border.” Normally during the summer months the number of immigrants entering the United States drops to its lowest numbers. Hot temperatures create a danger for those making the journey across countries. Yet it is understandable to see why so many people are trying to enter into the United States. Most are coming from countries with high levels of poverty, gangs, and violence. Also, the United States announcement of their plan to accept more refugees is encouraging to those that wish to escape their home countries. As immigrants enter the US with plans to find work and take jobs, citizens’ viewpoints have been creating tension and controversy on whether or not these immigrants should be allowed passage into the United States. The U.S. hopes to spread awareness of the dangers and risk involved with leaving one’s country and are willing to send immigrants back to their home country if the problem becomes too large.

We can analyze the current illegal immigration situation through the structural functional approach. This approach views society as many parts that are all interconnected, working and contributing together. Therefore, it is people themselves that create problems and dysfunction among society. The social pathology theory describes how human flaws or “bad choices”, such as crimes, are pathologies that threaten the system of society. Social Darwinism used to play a large part in who people considered weaker and harmful to society’s overall well being. This idea of certain people being more worthy than others was abandoned, having no scientific evidence to support such claims. Another theory later arose called the social disorganization theory, believing rapid social change was the cause of breakdowns in society. This took away from the idea that dysfunction was a result of people, and was rather due to disorganization and a chaotic society.

To understand illegal immigration from the viewpoint of a functionalist, we must dismiss the idea that immigrants are taking wanted jobs away from American workers. Most jobs taken by immigrants are considered menial labor and such jobs are undesirable to most Americans. Recently, the United States has been faced with an economic deterioration as the amount of these lowly job positions are going unfilled. From this angle we can consider that American society benefits from immigrant workers who take jobs that are “beneath” the skill level and experience of American workers. This provides society and the marketplace with the employment and activity needed to achieve its desired output. In the book, A Division of Labor in Society, Emile Durkheim compared society and the function of labor to a person’s body and how it functions. Each portion inside the body plays an important role for one’s overall well being. Yet if one part stops working correctly, or stops entirely, the whole body is affected. Problems are created the body cannot continue until the problem is fixed, or the consequences may be dire. This is the same with how society operates. These immigrants help American society function properly, adding workers to the field and creating productivity. A functionalist would find a solution in the act of allowing illegal immigrants to more easily become legal, granting them access to the work force in America. With more lenient allowance of immigrants in the United States, these events would be looked at in a more positive light and less as a problem.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/21/politics/us-children-crossing-border-spike/index.html#

#2 General Conference Fall 2015

This last weekend was General Conference, a time when members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints come together to hear the words of church leaders. We were honored to hear from our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. He gave a wonderful talk on being an example unto the believers. He went into 5 categories in which we must be an example, in word and conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and in purity.  "Let your light so shine before men and glorify our father in heaven." He spoke of how when we are kind to others, sharing the pure love of Christ, being forgiving, trusting in the Lord, and being clean in our bodies and mind, we will qualify to be lights unto the world. We will stand out, be different, and never walk in darkness as we follow God.
I enjoyed President Monson's talk because of the simple truths and principles of the gospel he covered. The first talk in conference given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf challenged us to consider if we as members are making our discipleship too complicated. Living the gospel doesn't need to be complicated. President Monson's talk covers the simple way we should be living our lives, with love toward our fellow men and with our hearts turned to God. "Exaltation is our goal and discipleship is our journey," we just need a willing heart and trust in the Lord as we aspire to reach exaltation and eternal life.

#1 The Adversary’s Attacks Vs. Technological Advances

During a BYU-I fireside in May of 2009, Elder David A. Bednar addressed church members about the growing attacks on the world through technology. He posed a question for all to ponder, “Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?” Elder Bednar brought to our attention how important it is for all to understand the great value each individual has and how determined the adversary is to influence us. The adversary has no body, and therefor cannot gain experiences on earth or progress towards perfection and eternal life. We all have physical bodies which are combined with our spirit so as they become one, known as the soul of man. Our bodies are temples and are the property of Heavenly Father. Elder Bednar reminds us that, “any defiling of the body is rebellion and a denial of our true identity as sons and daughters of God.”

It is through recent technological advances that the adversary works to deceive others and cause them to misuse their bodies. Through the virtual world we can lose important time spent building relationships with the people in our lives. We can also become desensitized to sinful acts, becoming convinced those things are not bad simply because it is not reality. Despite the fictional aspect of their virtual lives and actions, it can lead to a dulled sense of right and wrong. The same goes for any media, watched or read, containing inappropriate content. This truth about the harmful affects of technology can seem incredibly daunting. Yet Elder Bednar encourages us to celebrate the amazing blessing technology in his address at BYU in August of 2014. The work of the Lord is hastening, and He has given revelation to His people to advance technology to achieve the goal that “unto the uttermost parts of the earth--the gospel must be preached unto every creature.” Missionary work is becoming more advanced and technologically oriented. All members can play their part as well by simply using social media to display messages of Christ and His gospel, sharing their testimonies to millions.