Can You Hear the Bell Ringing?

This past Friday and Saturday, I donated four hours of my time (two hours on Friday, and two hours on Saturday) by ringing a bell for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.

Although simply standing outside for two hours and ringing a bell does not sound like much, the fact is that it was absolutely freezing outside. After two hours, my hands and feet were numb. But I still rang that bell. This small act of perseverance on my part lead to aid for others who desperately need help this time of year. I regarded every penny, nickle, dime, quarter, or dollar that went into that red bucket during my shift as a personal victory. Some people don't have all the comforts that I have, and some even lack a home, food, or warmth to help them through the winter. My simple act of standing in the cold and ringing that bell hopefully helped ease their suffering. This was one small way in which I could sacrifice a little of my time to help others in need.

Not quite as obvious would be the impact I've had on the people that walked past me those days. Whenever I saw someone, I would smile at them and wish them a happy holiday. I hope that I made a difference in someone's life, however small.

I will be volunteering two hours every Saturday until the Red Kettle campaign ends. By that time, I hope to create a noticeable difference in someone's life, simply by donating my time for a worthy cause.

f(x)=MMPC^2

Today, via email from Mr. Arseneau, I found out that I had qualified for part II of Michigan Math Prize Competition (Top 1000 in the State). I was one of the 59 in our school to qualify with a score of 22!

I remember one of my previous posts, in which I explained the whole situation of the "power outage." However, now I'm glad I chose to commit to taking the MMPC and similarly, excited for new opportunities to provide more opportunities for growth in math competitions. Before, I had not taken math competition seriously, merely seeing them as something that I should do and something that took time out of my lunch. Now, I realize the ethical implication of my taking these various math competitions. By taking these math competitions and sacrificing my time, I am must acknowledge that these competitions are not just something to do, but rather, a potential area for growth.

I'm both apprehensive of MMPC part II on Wednesday, simply because my experience last year, in which the questions appeared as absolute gibberish. However, this year, I will do my best, and hope that my best is enough.

And They Lived Happily Ever After. The End.

Cross Country Season is officially over for most of the team, as last Saturday was Cross Country Regionals. It was raining slightly and was frigidly cold, but that didn't stop our cross country girls, as they braved the cold and wind and ran with their hearts.

Tara (who, like me, was injured and therefore could not run) and I took the splits for our team, frantically running around to get everyone's 1M, 2M and finish times. We collaborated wonderfully, where Tara would scan for our runners, and when she spotted one, would quickly tell me who it was and then shout out their time, which I would promptly write down and then cheer them on. Our working together made the whole manager position much easier, and at the same time, we had fun! We would bet what the first runner's 1M and finish time would be and would generally joke around, or even simply talk.

Also! Monica Babcock, a freshman, made it to states by placing 8th in D2! I'm so excited for Monica, and am proud that she will proudly represent our school- DCDS- at States.

Overall, this season has been wonderful- almost like a fairytale (and hence the title), and I am sorry that it has ended so quickly. Throughout this season, I have shown my commitment for the Women's Cross Country Team by showing up to every meet and practice, regardless of how early I had to get up for meets. I've stood by the finish line and cheered the girls on as they sprinted the final stretch and triumphantly crossed the finish- sometimes even passing several girls.

I've realized through countless experiences of having to wake up early, or run through freezing cold or blistering hot weather how easy it is to be negative. One thing that I've learned about myself, is how easily I complain about my shin (even though it is a legitimate excuse), the weather, the length of our run, and anything and everything possible. However, I've learned to accept that life sometimes is negative, and yet you need to think positively. What good is thinking pessimistically, anyways?

I'm disappointed that Cross Country is finished, but, as they say "all good things must come to an end," and Cross Country certainly counts.

DCDXC09 <3