The Art of Success

Success: Something that we all long for.  Something that we all desire and are determined to capture. Something that is important in all of our lives.  No one likes to lose.  Being successful is a form of art.  Not everyone can do it.

Success comes in many forms.  It is also different in everyone's eyes, as it should be.  Personally, success for me would be having enough money to be able to provide for my future family's every need and most wants.  There are many ways that this could be obtained, but it all derives around obtaining a college degree.  To this point I have been quite successful.  Every goal that I have set, I have met.  College is next on the list and like many others in the world, I am working ever so diligently to be able to cross it off the list.

Success in some people's eyes are rather unobtainable.  You must be careful with this because if you are unable to complete those goals, you may feel like a "failure" in the end.  It is important to pick challenging, yet realistic goals.  But also you must remember that if it doesn't work the first time, you must try it again.  Never give up on yourself.  Michael Jordan said a perfect quote that applies to this.  He said, "You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take."  This reinforces my belief that if you believe in yourself, you can do really great things.  Beliefs are a form of art.

There are several things that must be included in this art form; family, hard work, discipline, beliefs and skills.  This can be broken down into an easy explanation! You must be educated so that you have the skills.  Once you have the skills, you can apply them by working hard in your chosen career field.  While doing this you have to believe in yourself and believe in what you were trained to do. If you work hard and are disciplined, you will be able to provide a living for your family. By applying all five of these aspects, you will be successful in not only your career but in your life. It truly is an art form!

The Opportunity of Teaching Art

Before the semester began, I was instructed that I needed to take an Art class so I could complete my “Gen-ed” course load.  After looking through the choices, I chose an Art Education class.  I didn’t really know what this course entailed until the first day of class.  Naturally, it ended up being a class for the future art teachers of America.  As I sat there and looked around I truly didn’t fit in.  Everyone had a very artsy appearance to them.  I was the stereotypical jock in the back sitting there at 6’2 and 240 pounds.  Not your typical art student.

As the semester passed us by, we were instructed that our final project would be spending a day teaching art to 6^th graders from the local middle school.  This would happen at the McCann School of Art, an artistic retreat tucked into the mountainous terrain of nearby Petersburg, PA.  Local middle and high school students regularly take educational field trips to McCann, so they can learn more about their passion of art in this unique atmosphere.

On Wednesday December 5^th, 2012, I had the privilege to conduct my final project at the school.  This day would forever mold me into a more, well-rounded person.   A better person.

After I had the pleasure of meeting these children, I instantly took to them, as they did me.  The kids were excited to learn from me, since my difference in appearance caught their attention.  Initially they told me that I “looked just like” their favorite NFL Player Clay Matthews (Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers).  I assured them that I wasn’t him, haha.  After clearing that up, they were eager to discover what they would be learning for the day.  After revealing what I was teaching them, they were ecstatic.  After showing them a video about Aboriginal dot paintings and delivering them a block of instruction, we instantly got to work.  The kids were focused on their projects and excited to see how theirs would turn out.  Even while they were focused on their work, they were still somehow able to ask me a million questions about football, Penn State, art, etc.  My favorite question of the day was, “So you can play football and also be interested in Art?”  I laughed about this because even 6^th graders are well aware of the stereotypes of society.

I am very experienced dealing with children, since I have such a large family.  So this was a natural experience for me.  I enjoyed it thoroughly because it was art and it gave me an opportunity to hopefully make a difference in a child’s life.  The youth of America, is our future.  If we all take some time to work with them, it will set us up for success.  I hope that they can look back years later and remember the day that the football player taught them art.

Self Evaluation

1.

Coming into this semester, let’s say I was less than thrilled to be taking an English course.  Next to math, English is my least favorite subject.  Now as we near completion of the semester, I am actually happy that I took the course.  After discovering that there is a lot more writing involved with the course then reading, I began to enjoy it more.  Writing is one of my favorite things to do.  I have been through a lot of things in my short life:  Quite possibly more than anyone in college.  All of this is great for that of a writer.  I always have something to talk about which translates into the fact that I always have something to write about.

Creative writing has emerged as a hobby of mine.  The memoir assignment in class actually fueled this.  After numerous deployments in the Army, I have seen a lot.  The assignment in class only covered the introduction of the plot.  So I have been adding more to the memoir and I will turn it into something that paints the picture of what military members go through on a daily basis.  The things that have made me who I am today.  It will also show that no matter what you throw at me.. College is not stressful compared to what I have been through.  So give it your best shot.  You won’t faze me.

Growing up in PA, I was always interested in Penn State.  I always wanted to come here to obtain the prestigious degree.  I have also always wanted to come here and play football.  In my family, sports were always important (as they should be).  Even though getting an education is and should be the most important thing, sports also prepare you for the bigger picture in life.  Teamwork and management skills are sharpened through sports, as well as being a healthier human being.  I have several family members that have graduated from Penn State, so it has become a family tradition.  I plan to pass it on to my future children as well.

I learned a lot about myself over the course of this semester.  I learned that college can be easily obtainable through some hard work and dedication.   While I was in the Army, I had a lot of old friends graduate with a degree and I asked myself, “how did they get a degree, they are damn near an idiot?”  This truly opened my eyes to the world that I need a degree as well.  I am a very competitive person, so I don’t like to lose at anything.  Especially in the game of life.  So I made up my mind that as soon as I am out of the Army, I am going to college.  Before this semester, people told me that I was crazy for “attempting” to take 18 credits.  I like a challenge.  Needless to say I am taking 21 credits in the spring.  I didn’t come to college for the party life, like some kids have.  I am here to get in and get out.  I will enjoy this “break from life” while I can.  But by all means I am ready to get back out there ASAP and be successful.

The Arts: I feel that art is all around us.  I feel that if you are going to take the time to do something in life, you must be successful.  In order to be successful, it takes the “art” of doing it.  For example:  The art of creative writing, the art of playing football, the art of being a professional painter, etc.  Life is art.  I have learned that this is my relationship to art.  It is everywhere!

2. Blog Response Round-up

http://jspellman94.blogspot.com/2012/12/self-evaluation.html#comment-form

http://rfatherly.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-art-of-track-and-field.html#comment-form

http://itsblogtimeeverybody.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-red-and-brown-water.html?showComment=1355528586751#c1760682476548436308

http://quirkyconfessional.blogspot.com/2012/12/greek-sing_4.html?showComment=1355528895248#c3630634154352279598

http://theartofanargument.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-post-1.html#comment-form

http://imporvedartsmarts.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-blast-at-botanical-gardens.html?showComment=1355529249714#c7819357696508850387

http://colorfulspots.blogspot.com/2012/09/about-me.html?showComment=1355529536700#c9164528612835872905

http://aglydesweetconcoctions.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-red-and-brown-water.html?showComment=1355530023855#c881688857272602147

http://jenniferlongdancingart.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-arboretum-at-penn-state.html?showComment=1355530244333#c3218999810189411836

http://jrose412.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-graduate-timeless-college-tale.html#comment-form

http://morgannsays.blogspot.com/2012/12/big-hits-little-shorts.html?showComment=1355531019789#c2273230458375531140

3.  Hi, Ms. S--I completed my SRTEs!

In the Red and Brown Water

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing In the Red and Brown Water by Tarell McCraney.  It was a play that was put on at the Theatre on campus at The Pennsylvania State University.  It was an urban, tragic story about a girl named Oya, that was a tremendous sprinter on her track team.  She was offered a scholarship to run track for the local State University.  Eager to accept she shared the word with her ill mother, Momma Moja.  After further thought and discussion with Momma, Oya decided to turn down the scholarship so that she could take care of her sick mother.  Much to her dismay, Momma Moja passes away shortly after this decision.  One year later, the coach of the State University informs her that there is no longer a need for her, as they had found her replacement to be quite successful.  Distraught, Oya seeks comfort with the "man of her dreams", Shango.  After spending time with each other, Shango leaves for the Army.  As expected, they grew apart.  Oya then attempts to fill the void with a man named Ogun, who had loved her, his entire life.  Despite many attempts, she fails to obtain yet another goal in her life- pregnancy. 

In my opinion, the most important part of the story was the illness and later death of Momma Moja.  She was well liked in the community and was seen as a "mother-figure" to all.  So when she finally passed away, the entire neighborhood was in mourning.  She worked hard to leave her mark on everyone by spreading words of wisdom. Everyone had respected her because of this.  It was also important because this illness appeared to be genetic, as it struck down Oya, and claimed her life in the end.

I was most compelled by Oya, throughout the story.  She was selfless and based her decisions on the better of the family.  She easily could have taken the scholarship and focused on her well-being, but instead attempted to take care of her mother.  She also was compelling when she displayed her relentless acts of determination.  In life, things seem to never work out as planned.  This applied to the story as well.  Despite this, Oya was determined to accomplish her goals.  She never gave up.  To me, this is the story of life.  No matter what happens, you have to keep your head up and keep moving.  Never give up!

I don't have many critiques on the performance.  The only one that seemed to stick out to me was the clothing and apparel worn by the characters.  Most everyone was wearing simple cotton clothing, appearing to be that of a slave worker in the 1800's.  What threw me through a loop was the one character wearing a flat-brimmed baseball hat, with his attire.  The only reason (in my opinion) behind this was the utilization of an artistic approach displaying the struggles in African -American culture throughout time.  In reference to the times of the slave trade -to modern times in urban environments.

It had been a long time since seeing a live performance in a theatre. I was a child when I first saw one, so I don't remember much.  I am a huge movie buff though, so I am a great self-proclaimed critic of story-lines and theatrical performances.  With that being said, I feel that this was a great story and performance.  Additionally, the dance choreography was on point.  It definitely exceeded my expectations for an on-campus play.  I would without a doubt,  recommend this to everyone.

Movie Review

Old School (2003)

What would you do to recapture your youth?

 

If you are looking for a ridiculously comedic film featuring Will Ferrell and his bare-buttocks, then look no further.  The year’s best comedy has arrived.  Old School will give you your fix for the ever-so-addictive, immature comedy genre.

Ferrell plays Frank, a newly married man that’s wed to an overly-controlling wife (Perrey Reeves) that consistently gives a terrible attempt at being an adult. But in reality, he longs for the days of streaking nude, partying uncontrollable and getting into all sorts of shenanigans with his friends Mitch (Luke Wilson) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn). All three are middle-aged men with problems with the ladies.  In order to restore their chances for free reined lust with women; they make their best attempt to go back in time when beer bonging, babe banging and party rocking was the norm:  They create a fictitious college fraternity.

As a fan of Will Ferrell, I expected the film to be on point after seeing his supporting cast.  As usual, I was correct.  Ferrell, Wilson and Vaughn all capture the audience by their realistic and convincing brotherly roles.  They all seemed to mesh well together, almost as if they were the best of friends in reality.  They hit the mark perfectly with this one when it comes to stereotypical college movies (with the exception of men starting a frat that aren’t even enrolled in the college).  Everyone always associates college movies with a slight amount of schooling, a moderate amount of sex and a ton drinking and partying.  All aspects were covered in this one! There was an occasional humor dry spell throughout, but that is natural with comedies.  After all, they had to add a tiny, little bit of “lovey-drama” in there for the women that can relate to the flick as well!

Other than a fire stunt there was certainly a lack of special effects, but who cares?  When you have Snoop Dogg performing live on stage at your frat party — who needs them?  The film quality was superb and really touches on something that men face at least once in their life.  The crisis of wanting to roll back time and “relive the party!” 

Old School was filmed in 2003 and directed by Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Due Date and Project X).  It was inducted into the Spike Guy’s Choice Awards: Guy Movie Hall of Fame in 2012.  

Normally, I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch a movie that has a nude man running down Main Street.  But since it is Will Ferrell’s grotesquely flabby self, it is hilarious.  So for the obnoxious humor and stupidity of Old School, I will make an exception over and over.

 

The Arboretum at Penn State

It was a cool and crisp morning in State College.  As we stood outside overlooking the Arboretum, I couldn't help but to enjoy both the view and the fresh air.  This was my first time here, so it was a very rejuvenating experience.  There aren't many places like this on campus.  So it was nice to enjoy the scenery of something other than another rustic, brick building.

It's always nice to remove yourself from the "hustle and bustle", to a peaceful and serene state of mind.  Surrounding myself in a natural haven, is something that I have always enjoyed.  I enjoy nature, because it's something that has been here much longer than myself.  So it's a nice escape from reality, to be able to reflect on the ever-so-hectic college experience.  This escape is like a weekend visit to the Grandparents.  A relaxing, emotionally warm situation full of answers to more questions then imaginable.  Nothing compares.

I can definitely imagine coming back here in the future.  I plan to bring my mother here so she can enjoy it as well.  Her favorite flower is the sunflower.  There was a beautiful sunflower garden on the west side of the Arboretum.  One that a flower-loving mother could truly appreciate!

The main gardens with assorted flowers, plants and well-manicured shrubs, were definitely pleasing to the eyes. To me it represented an organized and well structured lifestyle.  Something that I can appreciate.  There is obviously a number of dedicated landscaping professionals that oversee the endless maintenance and upkeep.  Everything was meticulously cared for, to every last detail.

Upon entering the lily pond area, I stopped to once again enjoy the view.  The majority of the pond was covered with greenery and lily pads.  It was yet another quiet and serene landmark at the Arboretum.  Since this was the last part of the visit, I grabbed a nearby seat to freeze-frame the experience.  This way I could reflect on the days of my childhood.  This experience directly related to those days because while I was inside these gardens, I didn't have a care in the world.  As a child, it was a simple and stress-free lifestyle. Something that I miss at times now that I am a young man.

I challenge you to take ten minutes, an hour, whatever you can sacrifice, and go to the Arboretum at Penn State.  Remove yourself from your life and take the most peaceful walk imaginable.  Reflect on things and regain that spark that is needed to be successful.  My promise to you, is that you will not regret it.  After all, we all need a humbling experience from time to time.

The Palmer Museum Visitation

This had been my first visit to an art museum.  In the end, I must say I was rather impressed.  While taking a stroll throughout the museum there was one piece of art that really stood out to me.  One that I could relate to in nearly every aspect of my life. Working Horse, Hauling by Kate Javens.  It is an oil painting on canvas that was painted in 1994.  It was by far, on the the newer works of art in the museum. 

As I finished walking up the stairs to the second floor, this work of art stopped me in my tracks like I was just struck by a tractor-trailer on the highway.  It's size was quite over-powering and made me feel attached to it immediately.  It was created in 1994, so I wouldn't say that it has any historical relationship with the time period.  But I would say that it can relate to the time period socially.  The 90's was a decade based on a strong working class.  This working horse is shown through the art that it is working hard and hauling something heavy up a hill.  It is digging deep and struggling, but it is still moving forward towards its goal.

The piece did work my emotions a bit.  I related to it because like many people, I have been through some very tough experiences in life.  Just like the horse, we all have to dig deep and keep fighting for what we believe in to achieve goals and victories throughout our lives.  It also shows me that we should never give up.  That anything can be accomplished through persistence, hard work and dedication.

Kate Javens is an American visual artist and was a graduate of Penn State.  She is from Harlem in New York City.  Her animal paintings have the same moral values of the people that have inspired her in her life.  So not only does she feel that she can relate to her own art personally, but so can the individuals that inspired her.  Her artwork can be found across the Country in Philadelphia, State College, New York City, Iowa, Connecticut and many other cities.

This work is very inspirational to its viewers.  It not only motivates you to work hard and fight through the pain, but also to never give up on your dreams.  That point was instantly persuasive in my mind, as soon as I laid eyes on it at the top of the stairwell.

All in all, it was an extraordinary experience visiting the Palmer Museum.  It was a peaceful and humbling experience.  I would absolutely return to the Palmer in the future, which says a lot figuring I am not your typical museum-goer!

The Situation

Template: For my blog I chose the most studious template of all! After all, our studies are the reason that we are all here, right? I thoroughly sorted through all of the templates. The background that appealed to me most consisted of a well-stocked book shelf. It is colorful enough to grab your attention, but it won't take away from the most glorious blogs of all time. My font is basic and simple. This is again, to not take away from the art that is written on my pages.

Title: My blog title, "The Melting Pot" illustrates what my blog will consist of. Numerous pieces of the most random, yet appealing written reflections. I see myself as a melting pot in many different ways. My heritage is a simple example. Like most Americans I am mixed with a few different backgrounds. I am mostly Italian, German and Sicilian. (Now you know the reasoning for my over sized nose!) Another reason I consider myself as a melting pot is because of all of the experiences I have been through in my young adult life. College Sports, the Army and the overall "stresses of adulthood", have molded me into the man that I am today. Finally, the melting pot terminology also relates to the typical college experience. It is not only a mixture of educational classes, but a variety of life choices and stresses. This will all shape us after a few short years into successful young professionals.

Pages: To this point I have two pages on my blog. I have an "About Me" page that obviously briefly explains my story. It tells you who I am, where I am from, why I have made the blog and how I got here. I also have a "Home" page. This is where you will find all of the latest excitement in my life! The point of my posts are to not only accomplish an assignment, but to keep you pacing in your room just waiting for that next post!

Analysis: To this point, my blog is quite similar to my personality. Not only does it represent the focus of education, but it represents the fact that quality and original things can be constructed around simple and less "flashy" illustrations. This way it serves a strong and concise execution. This is my first blog, so as expected it has taken some work. I have inserted a link list so that you, the reader can attach my work on your pages, if you deem necessary. I will be sure to consistently add more posts, pictures and excitement to this Melting Pot! Be sure to check back soon!