I enjoyed visiting with my friends and family in Austin over the past few weeks, and I regret there wasn't time enough for me to see all of them.  It seems like no matter how long I spend in Austin, I always want more time spent here.  As usual, I love the abundance of delicious local restaurants within a few miles of my parent's house; new to this winter was my appreciation of the warmer weather and Austin's array of movie theaters.  I had a fantastic time celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah in December, and I loved being able to supervise the completion of TIM after a lengthy editing process.  I also enjoyed the time off from school that allowed me to catch up on some of my favorite television shows.
       As I sat writing this post, I looked around at the bedroom I used to consider home.  Since I am leaving early tomorrow morning to return to a room I have lived in for the past few months, I have difficulty knowing which room is really my home.  I guess they are both my home in their own way; one to house memories and one to house the present.  (The really weird part is that one day they will both house memories.  Spooky.)
        At times it seems like I just left home to attend TCU, but in all reality I am preparing for my second semester at Mizzou.  As such, I find it hard to believe half a year has passed since I started my education there.  This isn't to say that I haven't enjoyed my time there, which I most certainly have, but rather commentary about how my life is always stuck in lightspeed.
        However, time has been moving slow enough for my family to adjust to having two adult offspring in college.  Perhaps the most significant sign is that my parents and I are getting better at making college road trips, because my car is already packed for tomorrow's drive.  (For reference, I remember throwing everything into my dad's car a few hours before I was supposed to check into my residence hall at TCU.)  We even have enough room to transport some items for my next door neighbor Will, who also attends Mizzou.  This was worth mentioning because I excel at packing unnecessary items, like 10 pairs of shoes or all of my writing materials.  (Okay, my parents are fine at packing a car with all of my college items; I am the one who needs some improvement.)        
        Fortunately, this is only my second year of college, so I have more time to enjoy my stay in the Midwest.  While Mizzou recognizes my academic standing as that of a "Junior," I prefer to use the Canadian term "Second Year" since I will spend four years working on my undergraduate degree.  Hypothetically this differentiation could alleviate confusion that I will graduate next spring.        
        My goal for this semester is furthering the relationships I made last semester and to join more organizations on campus, which will conceivably help with the formation of other friendships.  I also plan to submit TIM to numerous film festivals over the next few months, so I will keep everyone updated on whether it is accepted anywhere. (While I have made numerous short films, I have yet to submit my own work to a film festival.) Yes, I realize this post could seem boring in comparison to other entries of mine, but I felt like starting the year off on an honest note.
         -M

In my opinion, every day is worth celebrating. Since one year contains 365 days, I would like to wish everyone a happy new year filled with wonderful moments that lead into beautiful memories.  Even though the world we occupy is the same as it was yesterday, that doesn't mean that you have to be.

-M

I went to a beautiful park with my equally beautiful friend Tama last Sunday.  While normally the story would end there, Tama documented our experience with her personal video camera.  The YouTube video below is the result.

-M

I wish there were two ways to spell transfer student, because, like the difference between emigrating and immigrating, transferring to a university is a very different experience than transferring from one.

As I stated last November, I transferred out of TCU because I could no longer receive a BS in Broadcast Journalism there.  At the time it felt like I was slapping myself in the face, but I am thankful that several close friends and family members shared their transfer stories with me.  (To anyone in the process of transferring universities: you are simply going through a stage in life, and do not belittle yourself for choosing an alternative path towards graduation.)

It took several months deciding to where I would transfer, but I ultimately chose to attend the University of Missouri.  (Note: While I made this decision months ago, I have yet to officially write about it.)  I was leaning towards transferring to the University of Texas, but I am fortunate that my family pushed me to attend Mizzou, as it is an incredibly exciting school.  In addition, it helped that I would have three wonderful roommates, I could socialize with my brother as much, or as little, as I desired, and, most importantly, the journalism program was considered the best in the nation.

Well, I moved across the country last month.  It took a few weeks to adjust to my new environment, and then a few more weeks to become acclamated with my new coursework.  However, I am finally calling CoMo my home, and cannot wait to begin updating y'all with my daily activities again.  

I am excited to be learning from noted scholars.  I am thrilled to be, once again, attempting to shed any remaining ethnocentric ideologies.  But most importantly, I missed the vivacity that exists on university campuses.  (I am not attempting to be elitist towards community colleges; rather, I am simply commenting upon the exuberant energy and passion among students and professors that are proud of their campus.)

Last fall I said that "I planed on using the spring semester to figure out my next move.  And let me tell you right now, it will be great."  I whole heartedly believe that I made a great decision.  I have been waking up with a smile on my face every morning, because I love it here.  Go Tigers.

-M

I have important news and wish to tell it as few times as possible.  I also would rather someone heard directly from me, and it is next to impossible for that to happen with everyone.  All right enough delay, drum roll please...

After much thought, I will not be returning to TCU in the spring.  

Yes, I will no longer go to the only college I applied to for admission.  There are several reasons, but primarily the degree I was to receive (a BS in Broadcast Journalism) is no longer offered there.  Instead, I could get a BA in Journalism.  Adding to my frustration, TCU waited until I was a student there to tell me this information.  Note to all colleges and universities, please let perspective students aware of major changes that might affect whether or not they will choose your school.  Notice the pun there? Har Har Har. 

Sadly TCU isn't alone though: thanks to media convergence, other universities are offering only a BA in Journalism. Ten Second Explanation: The removal of specialization allows for journalists to have knowledge in writing, broadcast and online.  Experience with all of these skills will come in handy with budget decreases and changes in how people obtain news. 

It would be easy to stay at TCU and simply change my degree, but I am not going to pay over $160,000 for a degree I do not want.   It isn't good business and not very nice to my parents.  I also don't want to see what other surprises might be in store.

I would like to apologize to TCU's chapter of Circle K International.  I was elected President of this club in August, and I regret that I won't be there when it will be officially recognized this January.  I know great things will come of this currently small club and I look forward to hearing about them. 

While I love the campus, my social organizations, and the friends I have made, I think this decision is for the best.
Yes, I will be moving back in with my parents.  Yes, I will no longer attend a prestigious university.   And yes, I am aware of how well the TCU football program is currently doing.  But at the end of this semester, I will have 47.5 college hours.  With that number, I think I can take a little time off to figure things out. 

I enrolled in three classes at Austin Community College today, and I plan on using the spring semester to figure out my next move.  And let me tell you right now, it will be great.  

-M