A Cali Girl Who Doesn't Tan?

California girls are known for having nice tanned skin. Many of my friends and family members love to go tanning whenever they have a chance to. However, I am one of the few people who dislike tanning.

I have gone tanning before and it seemed enjoyable, but I recently realized it was fun because I was with people I cared about. I always agreed to go with my cousins and my aunt to the river to tan. Getting ready to go was fun, so was the car ride, then it got boring. We would lay there, listen to music and read magazines - if we remembered to bring them. It is relaxing; however, I can recall that I would rather be playing volleyball or go swimming.

As a personal choice, I prefer to have a lighter complexion. I have been judged before for not wanting to get “bronzy” skin, but it just did not appeal to me. Looking back on these memories, I believe I was so influenced to be like the majority that I tanned to fit it. Now, I realized it did not mater what people thought of me. If a friend asks me to join them I will agree only to hangout with them. I will wear normal clothes instead of a bathing suit, and I will put on sunscreen instead of tanning lotion.

A Child's Perspective

Though I had a great time volunteering at Treasure Island, many of my classmates did not. I was one of the very few lucky ones who got to go sailing. From my classmates’ point of view, I can understand how non-engaging it was. However from the children’s perspective, it was a memorable day that can be valued in the future.

Of course sailing was the cherry on top that made the children’s day, but there was an underlying meaning to the day. From their eyes, they saw us as an illusion of their possible future selves. When I was sailing with a group of girls, I discovered some of the hardships they were dealing with. They asked if I was really in college. After I responded, they were amazed as though college seemed impossible to get into. Next, they were shocked about my age because they claimed I seemed too mature. One girl did not express her feelings by her outer appearance; however, her self-doubt showed when she commented on how she needed to “grow up” and not be “silly”. I explained to her that even I was a “goofball” at times and that all it takes is finding a balance between the two. This seemed to reassure her.

Though the day may have not been eventful to us, it had a profound value for the children which was all that mattered.

The Best Of Each Day

Sept. 1~ completed my first audition

Sept. 2~ had the dorm to myself

Sept. 3~ danced around my room

Sept. 4~ beat my friend three times at Call of Duty

Sept. 5~ went to Half Moon Bay

Sept. 6~ finished homework early

Sept. 7~ finally got Theatre textbook

Sept. 8~ watched Disney's Mulan

Sept. 9~ went back home to see family and friends

Sept. 10~ got closure

Sept. 11~ spent time with both my parents

Sept. 12~ old friend messaged me

Sept. 13~ got invited to go camping with old co-workers

Sept. 14~ took a nap

Sept. 15~ rehearsals ended early

Sept. 16~ talked to my dad on the phone

Sept. 17~ went to the city with my roommate

Sept. 18~ finally worked out

Sept. 19~ found out homework had a later due date

Sept. 20~  ate a doughnut

Sept. 21~ classes ended early

Sept. 22~ ordered pizza

Sept. 23~ friend called me to tell her about her job acceptance

Sept. 24~ went to a party with friends

Sept. 25~ helped build the set to NDNU’s The Amateurs

Sept. 26~ got slapped by a piece of turkey

Sept. 27~ mom sent me new face wash

Sept. 28~ bought brownies

Sept. 29~ cleaned my dorm

Sept. 30~ kickback with friends

Friday, the ninth, was my favorite day of September but it was not because I went on some crazy adventure.

Beginning that morning, my mother came to pick me up from school and surprised me with a gift. She had bought me a vacuum for my dorm. On the drive home, my mother and I sang along to songs from the sixties and eighties. It was a great time. After spending two hours with her, I finally went over to my father’s house. He was busy preparing my grandmother’s house to be painted, but just our small interactions made him happy, which in turn made me happy.

During the night, I went over to my one of my best friend's house where she was having a gathering for me. I was able to hangout with all of my old coworkers and friends and catch up on their lives. Though all we did was sit outside in her backyard and talk, it filled me with joy to be with the people I consider my “second family”.

I do not need a huge, adventurous trip to have an amazing day. Just being with my family and friends is all I really need.

It Could Have Worked

Next time I offer my assistance, it should be within my capabilities.

The goal for last weekend was to apply my signature strength, teamwork, to the task of building the set for NDNU’s play, The Amateurs. While I had the enthusiasm to test it,  it was difficult to apply it. I felt ill that day and more people decided to volunteer. Most jobs were taken by the time I arrived at the theatre. I was left with being in charge of organizing props that were brought down by the director. However, it only took me a short amount of time. Trying to be a part of actual construction, I inserted myself into the process. Unfortunately, it did not go as well as I hoped it would. I ended up holding set pieces together and delivering tools. The worst part was that I did not know what the tools were called; I was thoroughly embarrassed. Eventually, I just presented myself as if I were doing something, but I knew I was not.

Reflecting on this, I realized that I could have had a better experimental experience if I was not sick and had knowledge of how to build and the tools to use. However, I do believe that I succeeded in testing my teamwork strength, even if it was not fully completed. Though I was not as useful as I was hoping to be, I was still apart of the crew and I did the share of the work that was given to me.

There Is No "I" In Theatre

After taking the Signature Strengths Test, I have discovered that my greatest strength is teamwork. I fully believe that it perfectly describes me. No matter what I am assigned, I always follow through. Even if it is as difficult as building a set.

Notre Dame de Namur’s Theatre Department will be having a production of The Amateurs, by Tom Griffin. With only a month before opening night, everyone must cooperate for the play to be a success.

I am an assistant stage manager. My role is to perform multiple jobs and accomplish any tasks that I am given, whether it is cleaning up at the end of rehearsals or subbing in for a missing actor. This role also requires me to help build the set. This upcoming weekend, a small group of people are meeting to construct it. Having never built a set before, let alone use an assortment of construction tools, I am nervous and worried that people will think I am not useful. But after evaluating my strength, I recognized that I work well as a team member. So during construction time, I will constantly offer to work on any set pieces. If I do not know how to complete the piece, I will ask another member to give me instructions. Also, if someone else is struggling, I will lend them my services as best as I can.

After this weekend, I hope I can analyze my actions and thoughts in a situation where there is a problem and multiple people. Do I wait for a task to be given to me or do I take the initiative? I would also hope to ask others if they think I am as good as a team member as I believe I am. With this information, I can discover if there are any ways I can improve my strength.

The First Step Is Always the Hardest

I did it!
I did it!
I did it!