"America" by Imagine Dragons

The guitar starts to play a quiet melody that can be compared to skipping stones on a stagnant river.  Then a soft beat climbs in the melody similar to a heartbeat making the pace a little faster. After a few notes a man’s voice starts to sing in a low key, soft and relaxing, “Is this just an illusion”? His name is Dan Reynolds, the lead vocalist in this song. Reynolds is a famous singer, composer and forms part of the band Imagine Dragons. The song I chose as a national anthem is called “America”, different to what I normally listen to but relatable to how I view this country.

It has a flowing beat, similar to hearing the ocean recede slowly. In the background one can hear a keyboard filling a void that only a piano can fill. “Believe in you”, our country has suffered through strong downfalls throughout history but always managing to find a way to rise again and again; “Rise to the top of the world, America”. By this point the beat starts to get stronger and faster adding a perfect rhythmical sense to the lyrics. The band proceeds to speak and give a voice to important citizens that sometimes are overlooked within the community. “From farmers in the fields…for all the ones that gave until they died”, for all the people that contribute to the growth and stabilization of this country.

I think this is an ideal song because it is simple and portrays the main aspects of how I view the United States. It’s a place that one can call home, a place to find a dream, “and I feel you close”. Sometimes we find ourselves falling but with time we come back rising to the top, “America, don’t you cry, lift me up”. The last instrument that takes place in this song gracefully makes an appearance in the chorus. The xylophone enters in the harmony as if a person would melodically fall down the stairs.  Lastly, the song ends repeating the chorus and mixing the drums, guitar, xylophone and Reynolds voice.

(The objective of this assignment was to pick a new National Anthem and describe the song through words so one can listen to the music without hearing the song).

Four Thousand Miles

The distance is killing me because if I had you close I wouldn't let you go ever again. Being away from you is feeding on my heart. I miss you even if you think otherwise, all the things about you. You are my everything but I keep this to myself so you don't suffer in silence. I know the distance is anxiously growing on you too. I want you to know that close or far you are still in my heart and I can't let you go. Don't forget to remind me of all the times you loved me because this void is infinite. I'm beginning to forget what it was like to be in your arms, I look for your warmth among others but it's never you. I close my eyes hoping to see your reflection but it’s never you. Maybe one day I'll come back into your heart and be as we always were. 

Four thousand fucking miles away and I still can't seem to get over your smile, your laugh, the way you look at things and make them seem better. I really can't stop thinking about you. Don't ever forget what we had because it was that type of love you live and have once in a lifetime. Don’t ever settle for less.

Why do you want to be a Journalist?

Roller Coasters seem to be scarier than they appear. Fast, majestic, perfectly planned and hopefully flawless. The uncertainty of not knowing what to expect unless you dare to get on it. The initial sway is slow because of the strength needed to move the amount of people the ride carries. Through constant effort a small incline begins to tilt (us). Successfully moving higher, nevertheless going steady. What are we experiencing? Excitement and fear to reach a breathtaking climax. It drops, loses control and the fear turns into a war between adrenaline and screaming, trying to make our voice loud enough for someone to hear. After this point the direction this ride is headed is completely unknown; twisting, turning, reaching so high, and dropping so quickly that ending face first on the ground seems like a plausible option. It’s ending, slowly going back to where it began. How many tickets do I have left? I have to go on again! 

Journalism is scarier than it appears. Precise, tedious, mesmerizing and diverse. Slowly swayed by the people and the arrow of communication it implies. Through constant effort mass media and the overwhelming connection it creates throughout the world, it spreads news among an astonishing amount of different countries. Success! Steady incline in charts, views and publications, going higher and higher. What am I experiencing? Excitement, fear, am i doing everything as I'm supposed to? Where is the climax? Am I going towards the right direction? These questions make me nervous. I'm losing my mind, I'm screaming but no one can hear me. That's what journalism is about, finding your voice, being loud enough to be heard and knowing that the direction you are going may be completely wrong. It's about taking chances and being bold, there is absolutely nothing to lose (except your job). It's about enjoying the words you construct and assemble together. Is the ride over? I have to go on again!

Fortune Cookie Realization

"It matters not what road we take but rather what we become on the journey". The wise words of a fortune cookie from my Chinese delivery today.  I have always worried about what will happen in a near future, where I will go and how everything I do might affect how people think of me. I wish I could have realized sooner that nothing could matter less. We are so busy living in the past or in the future that we forget all that is in front of us. Like going for a walk, looking around yourself and actually enjoying even the simplest moment.

I have realized that life is so short, at least for me each day that goes by is passing faster and faster. The only answer is... Don't ever stop loving, caring, smiling, and doing things that truly make you happy and who you are. Go outside, breath fresh air and just smile and be grateful for everything you have. Don't ever stop doing something that others think is strange. If that would have been my case, I'd be going crazy, more than I already am. Notice everything around, "there is never nothing going on". Be there for people who need a help in hand, open your heart, don't be afraid to love, open your eyes, look at the beauty in front of your eyes. Enjoy every step you take because that is what defines the journey you will take throughout the upcoming years. 

Purpose vs. Passion

Everyone wants to find their purpose in life. What are we here for? Are we headed in the right direction? We constantly look for answers when we don't necessarily ask questions on our everyday actions. Think deeply, what would you do all the time and never get tired of? Our purpose is what we came here to do and our passion is what drives us to become better on a daily basis. I created this page as an escape within a reality. Somewhere I can turn to when I feel lost. I recently began my freshman year in college and it's definitely an experience I can't take for granted even if I'm drowning in work!

I began reflecting on myself these past weeks. I want to learn more about who I am and who I want to become. Curiosity is what moves ideas into projects. Being curious is creating an opening for new experiences and opportunities. In my opinion, the world needs a little crazier, a little more love and little more thinking outside the box. Let's make our contribution towards leaving our footprint, don't you dare pretend being someone you're not. Show who you dream of becoming and when you find it don't turn back. 

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." - Pablo Picasso