THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: THE OPPRESSOR FIGHTS FOR THE OPPRESSED.

              Uprooted from heritage lands, in Africa, and moved into a whole new world, in chains and shackles, slavery was one of many heinous occurrences in American history. The journey across the Atlantic was one based upon the survival of the fittest which was proved by the overboard-throwing of weak and sick slaves. Blessed before boarding ironically named slave ships such as Baltimore Clippers, Kabenda Panthers, The Wanderer, etc., you would think future NBA or NFL franchises were being born. In fact, other than the inhumane treatment of Native Americans, slavery was the most heinous crime committed in America. From the very first slave-ship, Desire, which arrived in the 17^th century, in Jamestown, Virginia, the southern states have always been known for their championed role in slavery. In the south, agriculture was the main sources of livelihood; cotton and tobacco became the main cash crops. With this profitability in cotton and tobacco plantations, many people flocked into the venture which in-turn required numerous manpower. The southern states have always championed slavery because it became an economic boost for many southern farmers. They finally had an opportunity to purchase manpower to carry-out all laborious tasks for as long as it was needed. Meanwhile, the Northern states thrived in the industrial sector. Due to the Industrial sector of work, success in the North was mainly dependent upon work ethics and innovation. This divide between the two societies formed a major economic and social attitude in America. It also had a spillover into the politics of the land. The American Civil was caused by the economic and social differences between the North and the South, States versus Federal rights, and the election of Abraham Lincoln.

                The American Civil War was a war between states in the American Union. It occurred from 1861 to 1865 and it contributed to an estimated casualty of 618, 000. One of the key issues in the sectional conflict leading to the American Civil War was the economic and social differences between Northern and Southern states. The Southern states used slavery as the main tool to grow their economy and there were no moral obstacles against the concept of slave workers. They claimed that the cheap labor helped to create more avenues for innovation and a source of living. Unlike the Southerners, the Northerners were based upon the industrial revolution. Their economic prosperity depended upon the growth of factories and industries, therefore it demanded an equal amount of work from each and every person. This industrial lifestyle evolved the society as people of different races, cultures and classes had to work together. Every region in the Union had their own definition of success and economic progress, but for the Northern states slavery stood as an inhibitor to growth and urbanization. They believed that slavery degraded labor and contributed to economic backwards which could still be seen in many southern states today. Although slavery was a pivotal factor in the Civil War, but the decision by the North to stage war against slavery was not necessarily motivated by the need to overcome racism. Rather, it was as a result of the need for a national, economic growth and slavery was a hindrance to such innovation. This sort of divided beliefs created numerous friction which contributed to sectional conflict leading to the American Civil War.

                Secondly, another key issue in the sectional conflict leading to the American Civil War were the States versus federal rights. Following the Revolutionary War and freedom from Great Britain, America became a divided entity; there were people who believed in a unified central power, while others believed in separate powers. Such divided notion diluted the initial platform of unity which motivated the fight for freedom. The first organized form of government in the United States was created under the conclaves of the Articles of Confederation. Back then, there were only thirteen states which went ahead to form an unattached confederation which lacked a strong federal government. People in the Southern states loved the idea of autonomy and they basked in their authority, while people in the North saw the need for a unified umbrella to cover every state in order to prevent social unrests or any form of invasion. To solve this problem, some of the Founding father, excluding Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry who were avid supporters of states being separate from federalism. When the U.S. constitution was signed into law, the Southern states felt as though the Northerners took away their rights without their consent so therefore many notable Southerners such as Robert Lee, commanded their states towards secession and they fought fervently for the nullification of the Constitution and the idea of a centralized government.

                Thirdly, the election of Abraham Lincoln into the White House was another key issue in the sectional conflict leading to the American Civil War. An outspoken supporter for the abolishment of slavery, President Lincoln stood as a hindrance to the Southern States because they feared that he would outlaw slavery. He was viewed as a threat to the South. For the Southerners, the abolishment of slavery in America would bring economic failure for Southern states who relied on slave labor as their main financial footing. With the constitution in place, the federal government had total authority as to how to direct the country. Southerners did not agree with Lincoln’s ideas so therefore they broke out and started their own nation which was called, “Confederate States of America.” These states were made up of Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri. Their premise was based upon the notion that President Lincoln was in support of the interest of Northern Merchants whom they believed had aims at bringing an end to slave-labor and establishing a collective economic expansion at the expense of their slave-invested tobacco and cotton plantations.

                All in all, the American Civil War was poised by many philosophies which rose as a result of difference in beliefs and morals. The Northerners wanted a collective and successful America, while the Southerners wanted a separated and laborious America which was anchored upon Slavery. Can you imagine what America would have been, if slavery was still the order of the day and everybody worked in farms or swamps? This is certainly not aimed at bashing the agricultural sector of this great nation, rather it goes to show that it was the rise of the Industrial sector that paved way for innovation and rapid economic growth in the United States of America.          

Sources:

Allen, Jewett. “Slavery in the South: A state-by-state history.”

Cash, Wilbur. “The Mind of the South.” Alfred A. Knopf Publishing House. NY:  1941.

The American Civil War Center. http://www.tredegar.org/caused-civil-war.aspx

JOB FOR THE LADY, PLEASE.

The Industrial Revolution was an era in which the world witnessed changes in Transportation, Agriculture, Textile, and Metal manufacturing. This era is deemed to be a revolution because it brought an end to the old ways of doing things. The Industrial Revolution began from the 18th to 19th century. Although the Industrial Revolution is tagged as a "revolution,” it occurred gradually. Before the Industrial Revolution, life revolved around farming and the average person made their living by cultivating crops. Garnering a year's living was based upon the farming seasons; life was difficult for the average person. Although individuals manufactured goods such as farming tools, textile, etc., but it was carried out on a personal and small scale.

Innovations in Agricultural practices brought about an increase of food supply and raw materials, innovations in the industrial and technology sector brought about an increase in production, adequacy and profits. All of these advances also provided job vacancies for citizens. There was a lot of job availability, so therefore there were economic opportunities for everyone including women, children, even slaves.

Children were also workers during the Industrial Revolution.

But the factory owners enjoyed the most from the economic opportunities. With the turn of the Industrial Revolution, labor was difficult in America; people worked very long hours with no vacation time and the pay did not compensate their laborious jobs. At times, factory owners would cheat their hardworking laborers by hiring them on yearly contracts and paying them at the end of the year. In fact, sometimes strict regulations were imposed upon laborers with hefty fines for those who broke them. The cheap and readily availability of younger women in the very beginning of industrialism caused the industrial era to experience rapid boom which also expanded the U.S. economy. So in general, there were economic opportunities but they were at the expense of the blood and sweat of laborers.

Women hard at work in textile and garment industries.

During the American Revolution, women were an integral factor of change. They occupied male-centric positions in order for their husbands and sons to be able to fight for freedom from the British Empire. Their handiwork was greatly noticed and appreciated; therefore when the Industrial Revolution arrived women would no longer stay at home all day long to attend to domestic matters as much as they did prior to the industrial boom. Women worked in the factories in the 1830s; in fact there were some job positions that were exclusively given to women alone due to the belief, by factory owners, that women had smaller fingers so therefore they could easily maneuver through the tasks. But after work, women were still expected to return home to carry-out the household domestic needs such as cleaning, cooking, and caring for the children. Some of the industrial positions held by women were textile weaving, textile spinning, etc. During the day, women generally enjoyed being away from the walls of their kitchen and the dullness of farm life. Being able to earn their own money and a living was very liberating, regardless of the inhumane working conditions of the factories.

Apart from financial liberation, factory-working women also experienced social liberation. The crowded, all-female environs of garment and textile factories established a feeling of community amongst women; they were able to form an alliance which helped to combat change and create a voice for themselves in a "man's world," at the time. One of the avenues they used to create a voice for themselves was through publications which described their working conditions and challenges, their triumphs and accomplishments and sometimes relaxing poems and essays. One of the notable publications, the Lowell Offering, was from the large textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts.

A historic image showing women
contribution in society.

The Industrial Revolution was certainly a step forward for the acceptance of women in the workforce. Unlike the colonial era, women were now being allowed to make a living for themselves and their children; they could choose to either save or spend their hard-earned money. This sort of opportunity was pivotal for financial balance in households across America. Although the working conditions were extremely unconducive, women were starting to become recognized contributors to the society. There was more respect for women because no factory owner wanted to offend the architects of production in their factories. For the factory-women, working with fellow women who shared each other's pain and struggle created a bond, a community, an alliance which would become a catalyst for further improvements of opportunities for women in the society. The Industrial Revolution provided economic opportunities for women in the 1830s; they were not the best opportunities but they helped to create a gender neutral America which we all call home.  

AN APOLOGY WE SHALL FOREVER PAY.

After the $11.25 million purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1804, from the French government, by President Jefferson, America's size doubled and securing every inch of the landmass was essential to the government. In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected as the 7th President of the United States. He was elected as president during the era when the need for expansion was at the forefront of government's agenda. After gaining independence from Great Britain, the presence of the Native Americans around the United States was still a sore thumb to White Americans at the time. They knew that they had to do something about the presence of the Native Americans. But they didn't know whether to integrate with them and introduce them to the ways of the "modern man" or excommunicate them out of the territory and risk another expensive war on their hands; after all Alexander Hamilton was no longer privy to step in to save the economy as he did in 1791.

This Native American woman's great-grand father's
land is among present day Alabama.

Andrew Jackson was known as the "people's president," due to his election philosophies which was committed to working for the interest of the people. According to the library of Congress, the Tennessee president was a major supporter of the campaign to remove Native Americans from the path of White Settlement. President Jackson introduced the Indian Removal Act which was signed into law in 1830 by Congress. This act was passed in order to free up the Indian lands along the east river of Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and parts of Georgia, for settlement by Americans and their slaves. The act also authorized President Jackson to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi to Native American in exchange for lands along the above mentioned states. Obviously, such deal was deemed unfair by Native American tribes. The removal act did not benefit the Native Americans at all because it was an unjust action backed by an All-White Congress, aimed at randomly displacing a once organized society.

A few tribes peacefully accepted the Removal act, but many resisted it and a major tribe who resisted were the Cherokees. With such resistance came a forceful removal during the unbearable winter in 1838 and 1839, known as the "Trail of Tears." During this forceful removal, almost 4,000 Cherokees lost their lives. These people, just as anyone would, wanted to fight for their heritage and protect the lands of their ancestors. I wonder why the United States government did not purchase these Native American lands as they did the Louisiana Territory from the French. For President Andrew Jackson, the removal of Native Americans was just an action to enable that states to advance rapidly in wealth and power. Obviously, the humanity of these people was not a factor for President Jackson to consider; after all, he was a Southern slave-owner whose democratic opinions had no sort of social reformation.

   Women, Children and Men being matched
out of their land, in the treacherous winter, as they wept.  

Unbeknownst to most people, the Removal Act of 1830 was more of a treaty than a command. If the act was rightfully upheld, today, there would have been descendants of Native Americans still living in Alabama and coastal areas of Mississippi. And they would have still retained legal ownership of over twenty-million acres of their land which was taken, by President Jackson, through the Removal Act, after the Battle of Horse Shoe Bend (present day Alabama, close to the Georgia Border). Even though the Removal Act was not favorable for Native Americans, the U.S. government should have kept their promises of land-swap with the Native Americans. Unfortunately, President Jackson saw the battle between Native American tribes, due to resistance of the Removal Act, as an opportunity to disregard the promises of the Removal Act and steal the traditional lands of the Native Americans.

Although the topic of the removal of Native Americans from their heritage lands is a very sentimental and debatable topic in American history, but the untainted truth has to be taught both to present day and future generations to come because disregarding the existence of this part of United States history would be equivalent to disregarding the existence of the Holocaust. Andrew Jackson's removal policy was not beneficial to the Native Americans because their lands were lost so were their people and their culture was shattered. The Removal Act of May 28th, 1830 was clearly an excuse to high-jack one of the most prized possessions of the Native Americans without providing any incentive for them. Yes, Andrew Jackson might have gained more land for this Great Nation of the United States of America, but it was done at the expense of the Great Native American tribes. So, next time you use the $20 USD bill, you shall know the truth and hopefully it shall set you free.  

A remembrance to kept in mind.

STUDY ABROAD JOURNAL - FALL 2012.

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Day 1 (Sept. 5th):

I arrived to Victoria, B.C., safely! I would love to express my gratitude to God for carrying me across the air, and oceans. When I arrived to the ferry terminal in Victoria, I was questioned by immigration officials of Canada because they wanted to verify and ascertain the authentication of my travel documents. Also, they wanted to verify that I have enough finances to support myself, while away from America. Due to the numerous amount of people in the immigration office, it took me over five hours to go through with the entire process. But, by God's grace, I was able to finish-up at the immigration office and head over to my residence, for the next few months of my life.The entire day was tiring, so therefore I decided to spend the rest of the evening resting and recuperating from the long journey.

2 (Sept. 6th):

After a long immigration process, yesterday, I had to sleep-in to regain myself - my circadian clock was totally off! Just like any college student, I decided to take half of the morning, off, to myself. I woke up at about 11:30am and decided to head over to the University of Victoria campus to get a complete tour of the school campus, in order to get myself familiarized with the locations of my classes, labs, and other sites on campus. During the tour, i got the shock of my life when i went into what i thought was the Men's Restroom (they call it "washroom" here), but it was a 'gender neutral' restroom! I was EXTREMELY SHOCKED when i saw a female come out of the bathroom stall right next to mine - i thought to myself, "oh, boy! What was i thinking, going into the ladies restroom?" I didn't feel like that anymore when i saw two guys walk in as well. At this point, i didn't know what to think anymore; i just washed my hands, ran out of there and vowed to tell everybody back in America about what just happened. Gender neutral? Oh, c'mon! Well, the tour ended at about 4pm with me having lunch with someone very dear to me and catching up on old times :). At the end of the campus tour, i rode the bus back home, using my. Student identification card - which made it fast and easy to ride the bus. This bus ride was about 5-minutes bus, to my apartment. I got home, rested for a bit and then I went to Walmart for a little grocery shopping. Afterwards, i went back home and called it a night (after all, most things close after 9pm, on this island).

Day 3 (Sept. 7th):

I should tell you, one of the main means of transportation, for students in Victoria, BC, are bicycles. Bicycle riding is a BIG DEAL here! There are separate lanes on the main road for bicycle riders (i know there are bicycle lanes in America, but not on every major highway) and it's against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk (this made me miss America, a bit). Another very illegal thing to do and will land you fines over over $200, by the police, is riding a bicycle without a helmet. I never knew that i'd ever be obligated to ride a bicycle with a helmet on; i guess all these laws are set-in place to keep everyone safe and secure from harms-way. Well, i rode my bicycle to school today, with my helmet on, ofcourse. It felt weird and very uncomfortable, but i know i will get used to it very soon. I live less than 15 minutes bicycle-ride from campus, so therefore the ride this morning was relaxing - thanks to the sea breeze from the Ocean.

My first class of senior year was Physics. Coming from a relatively small university, i was shocked to walk into a class of almost 50 students (a "full" classroom at my university is about 20 - 22 students). My professor seems really laid-back and cool, but his handwriting is very difficult to understand - i will have to go see him during office hours, for more explanations. The class went by very quickly (50 minutes felt like 30 minutes). Afterwards, i headed over to my 3-hour long physics lab, but to my amazement, it was canceled and postponed to next week Friday. That cancellation of lab made my day and weekend because to be honest, i was dreading a 3-hour long lab on the first week of school.

Finally, i biked back home, took a chill afternoon shower and kicked back for the rest of the afternoon/early evening. Later in the evening, i was invited to the beach, to hang-out with friends. One of the perks of living on this island is that you could look North, East, South or West and nature salutes you like a general of an army! Chilling at the beach this evening helped me to unwind and get in-tune with my new surrounding and new friends. If the weather continues to be nice, i would love to go to the beach/lake some more. Some time this weekend, i intend on going mountain climbing with a very special friend of mine, i know that it's going to be a blast of a lifetime. I am very much looking forward to standing on one of the highest peaks of Victoria and marveling at the wonder and beauty of God's creation, nature. Look-out for photos of my mountain climbing and many more others.

All in all, my first week of classes, outside America, went very well. Thanks to my AMAZING support team who made it possible and has continued to do so, for me to experience this life's adventure. I am loving my experience, so far. Stay tuned for many more accounts of how the next four months of my life pans-out, on this island. Never forget, God is great and the wonders of his creation surround us, everywhere. Cheers, World :)

I had an Amazing time to unwind, with friends. It was Fun!

Friday evening hang-out, with a break-taking surrounding.

Jogging down the trail of Mout. Doug. It was such an Awesome work-out.
Photo Credit: Jasmine Nagra.

My favorite person and mountain climbing partner and I, hanging from the Peak of Mout. Doug, Victoria, B.C.

My favorite person and Mountain climbing partner and I, on the Peak of Mout. Doug, Victoria, B.C.

Our View from the top of Mout. Doug, Victoria, B.C.

It's the Climb!

Marking my territory, as the Chief of this Land - on Mout. Doug, Victoria, B.C.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS, COSTLESS.

I seldom discuss this type of topic on this blog, but as times change so do people. Being able to attain financial security is not just an issue for adults to worry about any longer; nowadays, eleven year-old kids have began thinking about money for college and how to go about raising such needed funds. It's an exceptionally great way of raising a child, to teach them the importance of being financially secured, both for the present and the future.
According to federal estimates, about 8 million jobs have been lost in this recession, across America. Due to this heartbreaking period, many individuals have started their own home-based business as a perfect alternative. Many have had to transition from suit-and-tie jobs and less family time to shorts-and-t-shirt job, in the comfort of their homes; i'm sure many families are happier because it means more time with family members. Compared to expensive start-up costs of traditional businesses, home-based businesses can be started from just a corner of the house, where old or unused home appliances are being sold on Ebay.com or Amazon.com, for profit - that's just an example business idea, people.
With increased levels of competition among new entrepreneurs, being able to showcase your business to targeted consumer has never been more crucial. Most times, people spend all their time and money developing ''the perfect" business, only to fall short when it comes to building a brand and creating awareness. Creating awareness for a venture is THE MOST important aspect of venture/business enterprise. No awareness = No consumer and No consumers = No Sells and No sells = No money. I've made a short video that explains the steps of how to create awareness and promote your business, without spending more than necessary. Please comment for the link to the video.
In order to promote your business, costless, you MUST follow these simple steps:
1. Have a brand - a brand could be a logo, a phrase, a photo, etc, that consumers can see or hear  and trace it back to your venture. Also, a brand sets your venture apart from the crowd. A brand could range from a simple pencil sketch to a professionally made logo. Look for a friend who is artistic and is willing to do you a favor, in exchange for lunch.
2. Always socialize - if you're not the talking type, you might want to start right now because a significant level of success of your business will depend on people you meet and introduce to your venture. Thank God for the robust social media, there's no excuse for not socializing and letting the world know what your business venture is all about and how they can help you with it. Principles of Entrepreneurship 101: small businesses must utilize social networks like Facebook, WordPress, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media avenues in order to generate customer awareness and/or loyalty.
3. Promote yourself- be sure to take things into your own hands, don't wait for friends to help you! Go on Microsoft word, make free fliers, spread the word about your business and what you have to offer to customers. In addition, find ways to connect with the appropriate reporters at your local newspaper (in school or in your city) - Also consider talking to family and friends as well, but don't be annoying about it or else.....
4. Establish an online presence - this is THE MOST VITAL step to follow when promoting your business. The world today has become a globalized haven, whereby business ventures such as, KONY 2012, could spread across the planet in less than an hour. Establishing an online presence means creating a place, online, where potential customers could visit, to learn more about your business ventures. Online presence could be a website (for free website setup, visit www.weebly.com), a blog, like www.choicemovement.blogspot.com, or a Facebook account that is solely dedicated to your business, etc. For more information on how to start-up an online presence at little or no cost please email: eobasiolu22@gmail.com.
All in all, being financially secure is essential to everyone! People, you can start businesses such as: reselling products online, buying and selling stocks, website creation, business-venture referrals, commission sales, etc. Use the internet to unlock the secrets of starting small businesses and be sure to comment on this blog for lists of federal grants for small business owners who are: minorities, college students, teenager, single mothers, and senior citizens (this service will cost you, but will be priceless in the future).
I want to give a shout-out to: www.wafflesafterclass.com for their amazing example of young minds coming together to create a potential explosive in urban culture. Feel free to check them out, say hello, patronize them and be sure to Tell them that Ebenezer Obasiolu referred you. Keep striving for great, friends.


We're in this together, World :)

THOSE MOMENTS THAT COUNT.

They say, "out of sight, out of mind," but I beg to differ. Perhaps, let me be the first to rephrase such statement, "out of sight, constantly in mind." We tend to take the people, the thing, the environment that we see everyday for granted because we think they will always be there, forever. As I've advanced in age, I've come to the realization that those whom we barely see, due to circumstances beyond our control, are usually the ones who mean more than the world to us. Therefore, it is highly imperative to cherish every second with those who mean more than the world to you because those are the moments that count. Moments that count could very much be that weekend or week-long visits across the world to spend time with that special person who keeps you going when everyone else around you lose faith in you, or an international student studying thousands of miles away from home and every time a friend's parents and siblings come around, you just want to call your family for the fun of it, or a mother who misses her children because they are all grown up and barely are around the house, etc. We can all think of a time in our lives when we had a limited time to make something count because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Unfortunately, we tend to get accustomed to that special person, after spending a little more time with them; all those sad days and nights spent wishing they were there, all those jokes you've always wanted to share with them because only them understand your jokes, those events whereby you dress really fancy and wishing you were dressing up and attending fancy occasions with them, etc, all those moments fade away. I have learned to cherish every single moment with those who mean much more than the world to me because tomorrow is not promised to anyone. In that case, i will love you as though I was dying today, I will laugh with you because all that matters to me is your genuine happiness, I will cry with you because whatever affects you also affects me, I will rejoice and celebrate with you because your success is also mine, I will always be on your side, even when the world is against you, I will cherish those moments that count.

When all has been said and done, I can boldly proclaim that I came, I lived, I learned and I loved without reservations - Life is worth living, so therefore let us all sit back and learn to cherish those moments that count.

Swag, Out!

LONG GOODBYES.

It was a cold January night, January 21st to be precise, after such a well-restful Christmas break from school, it was back to the same routine - classes were to begin again, homework and projects were to start knocking on doors, yup, school was in session again. To be honest, I reluctantly flew back to Springfield; I just didn't feel like doing it all over again. But everything changed when I met the new internationals, whom I learnt were just visiting for a semester. Everything changed because I finally met someone whom I could talk politics, business, and philosophy with, at social gatherings. I met another whom I could talk European pop-culture with, talk about traveling around Europe, while testing my geographical knowledge.

At first, I made sure that I didn't get too comfortable around them because I thought "why invest in friendships that will just end in a semester?" Unbeknown to me, meeting these new friends would save me from boring Friday nights, save me dinner payments, teach me something new about their culture, and most of all, sit with me until 3am and talk about everything we could think about. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING! It seemed as though the more time sped up, the closer everyone got to each other; I have to admit that sometimes I forgot that these new friends of mine were deemed to head back to their respective countries, at the end of Spring semester.

I made it a point not just to get to know the new international students, this semester, but also other students around campus. I believe in expanding one's network because the Michael you know today might be the Senator Michael you'll be thankful you knew. I'm very glad that i did make an effort to get to personally meet and know new people, this semester, because it opened up my eyes to the innate nature of each and everyone i talked with or spent time around. I learned that the "innocent-looking people" are not always or necessarily innocent, i learned that not everything i hear about someone describes that person, i learned that as our faces are different so are our life stories, i learned that some people who are more upfront and outspoken about everything  are not so because they are full of hate, i learned that the derivative of (ln(x)) is equal to (1/x) - still in school mood, why?

The none-anticipated day has arrived, when everybody have to go their separate ways, in this journey of life. Sometimes, God makes different peoples' path intersect in order for them to learn from each other. I definitely learned from every single person I got the privilege to meet and know, this semester. Some lessons weren't always positive ones, but they had to be there to teach me that this world is made up of two people (those who subtract from you and those who add to you). Even though many of those who have added to my life this semester may not read this, even though our paths might never cross again, but I want you all to know that I am thankful to God for your lives. He knew what he was doing when he sent you guys my path. An intellectual man ones said, "true friendship withstands the test of distance and time." There are friendships that will remain forever and I'm proud to say that this semester was filled with them.

As we all continue on this journey called, Life, I want to leave us all with a quote from one of those friends who've added to my life, this semester, Yasmeen AlTamimi, "As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break others' hearts. You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you'll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. You just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts. Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back." Good luck in life: Soong, Hilario, Christine, and Coralie.

It was a long goodbye, World :(