Endless Rain Into A Paper Cup

Words are so fucking important. I mean it. But that goes without saying. Why? Because you knew the extremity of the thought via the vulgarity of it. See how that works? Most of you don’t even know what my voice actually sounds like, yet it is written all over this blog. I find these things to be fascinating. Maybe that’s why I’ve always had a knack for the written word. I grew up learning to read with such great literary classics as One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and There’s a Wocket in my Pocket by the genius Dr. Seuss. I was also lucky enough to be a part of the Reading Rainbow generation. LeVar Burton is still to this day one of my biggest influences. Especially as a small child observing the world around him. I learned to articulate through writing. I don’t really even read all that much anymore. I should really do more of that. I have plenty of books. I just need to open one and dive in. I just don’t seem to have the patience required. Or I just haven’t read the right books yet.

Still, I am able to recognize the validity and importance of words and how we use them. We can use them to hurt and divide but we should use them to heal and unite. There are words of hate and words of love. Words for words, and words for non-words. So far this post has 248 words. And now I’ll give it some more. I think that poets and lyricists orchestrate some of the most powerful words. From Bob Dylan, to The Beatles, and even some of today’s great artists, thousands of words have transcended generations and many cultures around the world to change thousands of lives. It’s magical. That’s why art is just as important as words. Self expression is natural and we should praise it and encourage it in everyone. I love words and words love me. Most of the time. Other times they just don’t show up. I’ll be sitting there and just blah. It’s one of the most frustrating feelings. But with that feeling I’m still able to articulate it. So the words really haven’t failed me. It’s all about how you chose to use your words, as well as what and how you say them. Context is lost all to often these days with social media and text messaging. Though you may be able to “hear” my voice by reading my writing, you may not always get the tone or demeanor.

All in all, I find words to be fascinating and it’s really nice being able to have a place like this blog to publish some words that enter my head and escape through my fingertips and onto the keyboard. Sometimes I just can’t shut up so this is a good outlet for me. My roommates sure appreciate it. So if any of you out there feel like you have something to say then just fucking say it. That’s the beauty of words!

Money, money, money, money….

…money!

Fuck All Financial Stress (in the) Ass

Or more appropriately, financial aid! I’m still waiting to hear back from the school about my financial aid status. I actually have to go to one of the campuses to speak with a financial advisor as part of my next steps. I’m not sure exactly what that means. Am I not going to get enough financial aid for my tuition costs? Am I not getting any aid? How does this even work anyway? So many questions. I guess that’s why I have to speak to someone face-to-face. All the better anyway. Another requirement for me to complete is on-campus orientation. I will be doing all of my classes online, and I’ve already completed online orientation. But all students have to complete both parts of orientation, online and on-campus, regardless of where they will actually be attending class. I’m really excited to get started on my degree and really get back into the swing of going to school. When I was younger I used to skip school all the time. I didn’t feel like I was learning anything, that I was wasting my time. While I now see the errors of my ways, it is still also kind of true. I wasn’t challenged enough and I didn’t care.

Two Evils

Now I actually want to go to school. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I know it is going to require a lot of hard work and dedication. It may even try my patience more often than not. But because it’s something I’m doing for myself, I think that will help me keep my momentum and moving forward with my education. I sorta like the idea of failing out of middle school for attendance, never attending high school, getting a GED, then a college degree. Not an ideal path but an interesting one, nonetheless. I’m still not positive on what my eventual major at UCF will be, but getting my associate degree out of the way will give me more time to stew on that. This blog will also help by being my outlet. I have always been told I am well written, so I might as well put that to use.

Say it with me, “Oooh, aaah…”

Even with the financial aid for tuition, I’m still going to need books and a computer. Like I said I still need to go to a campus to figure out all the finances. The computer I want to get is a MacBook Pro. I get a very good discount through work and can get a 15″MacBook Pro with maxed out specs, along with an external back up drive for around $2300. I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign a few months ago and am still accepting donations. Mostly looking to fund the cost for the Mac more than anything right now. I should be okay on tuition and books as long as I get a full Pell grant. But that’s to be determined once I speak with the financial advisor in person. Any Valencia alumni here on WordPress? How did the financial aid experience go for you? Any tips on expediting the process?