Spontaneity: A chance to learn something

In the last two weekends, I have driven 2,556 miles, spent 44 hours in the car, slept for a total of 20 hours, traveled through eight states and finished no homework.

What a good looking crew!
PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.

I spent the other hours covering the St. Bonaventure University men's and women's basketball teams throughout their phenomenal and historical NCAA journeys.

If you know me at all, you know I would never say yes to an unexpected trip to Nashville, Tenn. three days beforehand. And I would never say yes to a trip to Raleigh, N.C. that next weekend.

Altruism: Make a difference after death

Will you make a difference after death?

Photo courtesy of
zazzle.com

                More than 14,000 Americans did by becoming organ donors last year.

As of March 2012, more than 110,000 patients currently wait for organ transplants.

Last year, less than 30,000 patients on the waiting list received organs.

Risk: Try some green eggs and ham

          Roses are red,

          Violets are blue,

          I can’t rhyme,

          How about you?

          Even though my rhyming skills may not be superb, I know of a man who’s made a life out of it.

Photo courtesy of boxfont.com

          Dr. Seuss.
          The quirky names, the rhythmic beat of the sentences, the colorful drawings and the twisting tales appeal to children, teaching them how to read while enjoying it at the same time.

Pride: What is a Bonnie?

Photo courtesy of
Madison Thieman

          Coming in as a freshman to St. Bonaventure, I received a t-shirt with “What is a Bonnie?” written across the back. For weeks before starting my first year at college, I wore that shirt to let others know where I was going to school.

          I wasn't wearing it because I was proud of SBU or because I wanted people to be jealous of where I was going. I just wanted people to know where the next part of my journey would be taking me.

          I can't even begin to count how many people asked me throughout those few weeks what a Bonnie was.

          Every time someone asked, I never had an answer.

          Well, today, after the men's basketball team completed their phenemonal basketball season, I do.

Forgiveness: The personal journey of letting go

Photo courtesy of donmilleris.com

                Picture a mother forgiving a 17-year-old high school student for killing her son.

                Picture an Amish community forgiving a milk truck driver for killing five of the community’s young girls.

                Picture a former pope forgiving the man who shot him and almost ended his life.