A Face of Hope

DUMBO

After a long, stressful first semester, I finally had a real weekend off, and by real, I mean no homework, no worrying about finals, just three and a half days to anything I wanted. So, I chose to volunteer for the animal shelter-an activity I love, but often can't find the time to do. I got to take a dog named "Dumbo" to an adoption event and show him off to hopefully aid in finding him a forever home. I have been volunteering for Orphans of the Storm for three years now and each time is it just as rewarding. The second they are on a leash, they can hardly contain themselves; they just know this is their shot. We take them to a store or some type of public place where they can be shown off and people can individually see some of the dogs that otherwise may not be noticed. Not only that, but it is a chance for hours of attention and love that they can't recieve all that often living at the shelter. It is an incredible opportunity not only for them, but for me and it has really added to my passion for animals, a passion I hope to one day persue in some shape or form. These dogs are truly amazing and they are the perfect display of what hope and trust look like. Even after being neglected, harrassed or simply thrown away they will give their unconditional love to anyone who is willing to return it, they will give you all their trust, despite being let down by humans time and time again, and they wait patiently for the day they find a forever home. As far as I'm concerned, we have a lot to learn from them.

Theatrefest 2012!

Last weekend, I got the opportunity to attend the Illinois High School Theatrefest. I was extremely excited and of course I thought it would be fun, but it was more than just fun, it was a really incredible experience. I got to spend fourty-eight hours exploring my passion-musical theater, being with friends and making friends with perfect strangers. There is something amazing about "theatre people". First of all, they are just about the friendliest people on Earth. We made friends everywhere whether just meeting each other around the campus or while washing hands in the bathroom. There was no judgement. Everyone was able to be who they are-be a little weird, but without the weird looks that typically follow. Instead, people offered hugs to complete strangers, danced in public as if there was honestly no one watching, and talked with new friends like the best of old friends. It's like a different world. A world where people can be honest and express themselves in any way they would like. If I had my choice that is the world I would live in, but unfortunately, on Saturday we all had to return to reality. To the real world where if you accidentally say "hi" to someone you don't know you are guaranteed a weird look, not an entusiastic response. Where you can't just ask anyone you meet to tie your shoe (honestly, that happened). It's too bad more people don't get to experience this.