(My ECC Experience, Student Life, Student Organizations) Permanent linkHello world,
So the semester is coming to an end, and I could not be happier!!!! I feel like this semester has been the one that has challenged me the most, academically speaking. I am sure that the material would have been simpler to understand had I not been the President of OLAS or had a job, but I don't like sacrificing anything, meaning that, I wanted to make my cake and eat it too. (I am sure that this habit is going to blowup in my face one day, but I am the type of person that believes in making mistakes and learning from them).
Now that I am the former President I can finally focus on my homework and on the deadlines from the schools that I may potentially transfer to. I am not saying that I will not help out OLAS when I can, (I thank all of the experiences that OLAS has put me through it has made me into the person I am today) but I will put my needs first because I believe it's about time. This also brings me to some big news, I GOT ACCEPTED TO UCLA!!! Yes, Karla Ivette Lopez Baltazar got accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles. Isn't that insane? Not to put myself down, but when I was applying I thought I was aiming too high, but fortunately I proved myself wrong. I also got accepted to Roosevelt University the campus in Chicago. I am still not sure which school to choose because it will be the biggest decision of my life, but this is what life is all about taking risks to better yourself. I am sure that whatever the choice I make I will have the support of my friends and family.
Wish me luck and I'll write you later!!
-Karla Lopez
(My ECC Experience, Student Life) Permanent linkHi,
So a lot of things have happened since I last wrote here. Hmm...... where to begin... (the beginning) so I am All-USA Academic Team recipient, thank to Dr. Sam! The award ceremony was held in Springfield, so I received the opportunity to take a trip and enjoy the 77 degree weather, which I did not mind whatsoever! I also got to walk around the capitol, which I appreciated very much because I love history, especially my state's. So lets talk about the ceremony. The food at the ceremony was delicious plus I got to sit next to Dr. Sam, which let me tell you is a wonderful experience. Dr. Sam is a person that not only care about his students, but also appreciates the hard work that each one does. This is why ECC is such a great institute, because students know that the faculty members and staff all are proud of the achievements of the students.
All right, I got a little sidetracked, lets continue with the ceremony. So we were eating our delicious meals and after recognizing many students the speaker finally got to the section where I would be recognized. I started to feel nervous and anxious, for no reason because I only needed to get my medal and take a picture, but still I get nervous at these event. So when it was time to say my name, he skipped over it, I was like "what's going on?" Dr. Sam was quick to react and let the organizers of the event that they had not called out my name. The speaker eventually did call my name, but unlike the other students that had previously received their medals, he did not say all of my achievements. At first, I have to admit, I was a little upset about that, but then I realized that it doesn't matter. I know everything that I've done during my time in ECC and I shouldn't be upset that many strangers didn't get to hear them. I know everything I have accomplished and I know that my school and friends know how far I have come and that's all that should matter to make me feel happy, which it does. So that's what I learned during my time at Springfield, to be humble yet have pride within yourself, the kind of pride that drives the fire inside of you that allows you to be whatever you want to become!
I am excited about the future!
Sincerely your writer,
Karla Lopez
(My ECC Experience, Student Organizations) Permanent linkHello world!
I am officially the former President of OLAS dun dun dun! It's okay it's a bitter sweet moment. I will miss leading the meeting each Thursday, but I know that OLAS will be guided in great hands! I will also miss planning all of the events for the month and talking to all of the committee chairs to make sure that they are on top of their duties. What I am going to start to enjoy is the free time I have to spend with my family and focus even more on my school work. I have a 10 page paper due in a few weeks, yes I am definitely beginning to get into that panicky mode! Wow, can you believe that I've been in OLAS and at ECC for 3 years know. Yes, I know it's a two year college, but I did change my major in the beginning and was undecided for a semester. Thankfully, I was able to find the career path I wanted to pursue, psychology. The point to all of this, is that I have learned so much from this place, I am going to miss it so much. Especially all of the people that have helped me along the way. Thanks!
Talk to you later!
Karla Lopez
(My ECC Experience, Student Life, Student Organizations) Permanent linkHello reader,
SORRY for not writing in such a long time! A lot of things have happened since I last blogged. We (OLAS) had our Founders Week in March. During that OLAS sponsored our first Wise Latin Brunch, where the keynote speaker was Cook County States Attorney, Anita Alvarez. I had to host, talk about pressure! It was one of my proudest moments as President and as a young Latina student because I received the opportunity to meet a woman that has accomplished so much in her life and has the drive to accomplish so much more. That's the type of woman I want to become one day, a woman that has all of her business under control and is prepared for anything dare I say it.... (yes) A WISE LATINA!
The organization also hosted the 20th Annual Banquet, which went by great. The decorations the members prepared looked great and everyone was on time. When I gave my farewell speech it really started to hit me that this year was the last year as an OLAS member and as an ECC student. I was thinking of all of the people I met and of all of the experience I had and how much I had grown up since i first step into this building. Then yes I cried! I know, embarrassing! It was OK though, many people were supportive and commended me on my speech. I know that I have to grow up and begin to make tough decisions, for that reason I will have the time of my life these next few weeks!!
Talk to you later!
Karla Lopez
(My ECC Experience, Student Life) Permanent linkHello World,
How are you?.. That's great. HAHA! So what can I say about my life. I'm not sure I don't feel like talking much so I guess I'll just blog about whatever comes to mind...... Well, have you ever talked to people that you become drawn to? Like someone that you can't help but want to be around because of the way they think. The people that intellectually stimulate your mind because of the fact that they make you see things in different points of views. I have a few of those in my life and I really enjoy their company. What I'm worried about is the fact that I'm going to transfer pretty soon (hopefully) and I am wondering if I'll still keep in touch with these people. I know I'll see them occasionally, but will it really be the same, or will the lack of not seeing them constantly make it a weird situation once we finally hangout. Will these people become like the childhood friends that we all have and don't talk to? You know then one's we see and only exchange awkward hellos and goodbyes. I hope not! I will try my best not to let this happen because I see these people as my family. These people can also help you in the future with personal dilemmas, or perhaps to reach your career goals. I believe that life is meant for
us to constantly bring in people into your life so that you are able to
grow as a person and open your mind to new ways of looking at different
situations
Peace,
Karla L.
(My ECC Experience, Student Organizations) Permanent linkHola Mundo,
Guess what?? In 30 minutes I'm going to turn 21 years old!! AAAH! Just kidding! I'm actually excited, and no it's not because of the fact that I will be able to drink, but because it will mark the beginning of my adult life- officially! When all my friends found out about this, they quickly began to make plans for me. -I'm the type of person that doesn't like planning things for myself on my birthday, call me a brat, but that's the way I think. HAHA! While all of the questioning was somewhat overwhelming, it was endearing because it showed me how much my friends were willing to do for me to make sure that I have a good time. This also made me realize and look at the people from my organization have many people from my organization do a lot of things for me when I ask, which I do appreciate very much!- So if you are reading this and know who you are, comment :) I know that we as an organization have to work together to get things done, but there are always those people that go above and beyond to make sure things go as smooth as possible. A good example would be our Valentine's Day Auction, one of the most successful events we've had this semester. Those are the type of people that will succeed because they don't quit under pressure, they find other ways to solve an issue. I admire these type of people and I am happy to have them in OLAS as well as in my life!- We rock!
Thanks guys, los quiero mucho!!
(My ECC Experience, Student Life, Student Organizations) Permanent linkHello world!
So school! What can I say? It can get a little stressful especially since there a lot of things going on in my life. Being President of the Organization of Latin American Students, school, work, and my own personal life does take toll on me! I have to make sure that a lot of things get done even when I am not there. Sometimes I am able to trust people to get them done, but sometimes I am not so sure if I can. It does get annoying having to constantly remind others about their job because I feel like they should already know what to do, but maybe that is the problem, maybe I shouldn't assume "because when you assume, you make an ass out of u and me"--HAHA! Yes very lame, but true. I guess it's time to regroup with certain people and explain some things to them. I can't complain much about all the roles I have taken on. I enjoy them and there is no doubt in my mind that they have helped me become a stronger person and I know that they will continue to make me stronger. It's this feeling in myself that I feel, I am thinking it's confidence- it's something that I never really had until recently. I know it's a bit overdue, but man does it feel great to believe in myself and know that I have the skills to take me wherever I want to go. I know that this blog is a little bit over the place, but I like writing all that I am feeling, so I hope you enjoy my thoughts.- (whoever you are )
Gracias