I want to write my “This I Believe” about the fragility of life. I think specifically I want to talk about appreciation, and how it’s important to take the time to appreciate others because life is so fragile. I have a couple of stories that I could use to show this idea. I could talk about losing my grandfather or when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I was in middle school I stopped going to my grandfather’s house as much with my family, but instead spent time with my friends. I stopped putting an effort in because I never really thought much about his health. Then at the beginning of the summer he fell and hurt his head. That summer his health quickly declined, and in that August he passed away. Although I spent a lot of time during the last three months with him, I regret not spending more time with my grandfather. I’m very jealous of people who still have time left with their grandparents, and I feel strongly that everyone should take the time to appreciate their grandparents (and everyone else around them).

When I was in 6th grade my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I feel that after that I became much more aware of her mortality, and I value my time with her a lot more now than I did when I was younger, because I realize that at some point I will no longer be able to spend time with her. I think that this story also shows how important it is to value loved ones and appreciate the time one has with them.

I want to write my passion blog about baking again. I think that that was really enjoyable for me and for my readers. I also want to bring in my baked goods to class more often, as well as expand my recipes. I think it would be interesting to see how the social aspect of baking is different in my second semester, now that I’m more familiar with the people on my floor and the ones who I would give my baked goods to.

I want to write my civics issues blog about politics, specifically focusing on politically polarizing topics as well as the development of modern political parties. I want to investigate why a lot of voting citizens’ loyalty appears to lie with political parties rather than political issues.