On maturity

For as long as I can remember, I never really had a problem speaking with adults- the only issue I can recall facing was that I didn't like it when they talked down to me. I hated the condescending tones and the childish questions- I'm a person just like you; please treat me like one. To be fair, it didn't really happen that often, but when it did, it really bugged me- maybe because I matured a little earlier, and was able to perceive how someone saw me as we spoke.

I don't really face this problem anymore, which is definitely a good thing, but as I get older, I'm starting to understand why adults do this. Now let me qualify what I just said by saying that I don't agree with it at all. Many kids are a lot more mature than we think. Obviously this isn't always the case, but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Recently, I had a really nice conversation with a family friend who I've known for basically her whole life. It was the first time we had a real, real conversation and it was so refreshing to hear what she had to say. She had such mature views about life that were far beyond her sixteen years, and it was awesome to get a sense of how she saw the world. I was also fortunate enough to share some insights based on my past experiences, because I could relate to the things she was talking about.

Like I've mentioned in past blog posts, there's nothing better than good conversation. The best part is that you never know where you're gonna find it.

On relapse

Sometimes we have to pass our destination a few times before we actually get there. Just because you can see the end doesn't necessarily mean you're ready for it. I know this really sucks, but it'll be that much better when you finally cross that finish line.

On simplicity

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."- Confucius

As complex as our lives can get, we learn that sometimes the simple things are the best things. It's so nice to take certain things, appreciate them for what they are, and not feel the need to expect anything else. Beautiful laughs and contagious smiles can really go a long way, and in the end, what more could we ask for?

On leadership

"To be able to lead others, a man must be willing to go forward alone."- Harry S Truman

“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”- Unknown

In life, there are leaders and followers, and most of the time, it's fairly easy to distinguish who's who. However, like many things, it's not quite that black and white. I think leadership is both a natural skill and a technical skill- many are born leaders, but don't quite know how to lead. In addition to the quotes above, I also believe in the saying, "You have to learn how to follow before you can lead."

A successful leader, manager, or boss isn't just someone who simply barks out orders to people who will listen. Instead, he's someone who not only understands the people he's leading, but also knows how to communicate with them (versus at them), and he's also got to be a good listener. A great leader needs to be confident in himself without being too cocky, and must instill this confidence in those he leads. He has to be able to inspire and motivate with clarity regarding his intentions, without discouraging those who follow.

Being a leader is not a right, but instead a privilege, and those given the opportunity to lead need to rise up to the challenge and act with honor, integrity, and perseverance. Most importantly, he needs to care and show that he gives a damn.

On doing your best

"Whatever you are, be a good one."- Abraham Lincoln

On national championships

Congratulations to the UCLA Women's Golf Team for winning UCLA's 107th NCAA title!

At 107, UCLA has the most NCAA National Championships in the nation, including U$C. It's a great day to be a Bruin!!!

Championships include:
Men's Basketball (11)
Men's Tennis (16)
Men's Volleyball (19)
Women's Softball (11)

On the inverted fountain

UCLA has a tradition where you touch the water in the inverted fountain in South Campus for the first time at orientation, and that's when you officially become a Bruin. However, you can only touch it one more time, and that is after you officially graduate. Legend says that if you touch the water when you're not supposed to, it will add another quarter onto your college career- the same goes for stepping on the sixth step of Janss Steps.

Devan and I both got to touch the water in the fountain after we graduated, and even though to some, it may seem rather insignificant, it was truly awesome. So to all those who are about to graduate this Spring, I'd like to congratulate you on your success, wish you luck in the future, and urge you to touch the water in the inverted fountain.

The Inverted Fountain, UCLA