Month: January 2019

Beginning in late August of last year, I developed a serious interest in weightlifting and the effect serious exercise has on the body. I love the science behind my fitness as much as the physical results that accompany it. Over the past five months, I have researched dozens of different fitness-related topics that benefit my workouts, my personal health, and my mind. One of these topics, which I discovered in the last week is Rhabdomyolysis.

Here is what I’ve learned about it…

Rhabdomyolysis is a musculoskeletal issue caused by the excessive production of myoglobin, due to an abnormal amount of skeletal muscle breakdown. This issue can stem from several factors, such as intense trauma, genetic disorders, recreational drugs, and intense exercise. Any number of factors, stemming from these broad categories can cause Rhabdomyolysis, however, many of the common symptoms of this syndrome correlate to those of other similar issues. Some of the common symptoms are muscle weakness, fatigue, dark urine, agitation, and bruising. For example, fatigue, dark urine, and weakness are also common symptoms of dehydration so it can be difficult to distinguish between rhabdomyolysis and other similar issues, like dehydration.

At first, these symptoms can seem relatively harmless, however, in the long run, a patient with Rhabdomyolysis can suffer kidney damage, due to the over processing of myoglobin. The safest way to prevent any kidney damage is, if any of these symptoms are experienced, to stop any exercise or exhausting labor, and go to a doctor. If a doctor suspects rhabdomyolysis, he or she will feel for tenderness in the patient’s muscles and possibly run a urine test to confirm. If excess amounts of potassium, creatine kinase, creatinine, or myoglobin are found in the urine sample, then the patient most likely is suffering from rhabdomyolysis.

Treatment for Rhabdomyolysis includes fluid recovery, medication (such as a bicarbonate), and dialysis (if severe). Patients are often told to rest, recover, and hydrate as well at home. If a mild case occurs, rest and recovery should result in nearly a full recovery of the kidneys, with little lingering pain or weakness. However, if severe, long term kidney damage can occur and prove fatal, requiring kidney removal or replacement.

As an athlete, this syndrome is something I should take seriously. I workout anywhere from four to seven times per week, which means there is a possibility that I could break down too much muscle, leading to Rhabdomyolysis. I am very careful how I treat my body, what I put myself through, and how I recover. However, this syndrome should come as a wakeup call. I need to be even more careful in my exercise, intake of protein and creatine (an excess of those can also cause kidney damage), and recovery.

 

The past few months I have been offered a few rare opportunities. Two of the biggest opportunities were invitations to interview and compete for a spot in the top honors program at two of my top colleges, Westmont College and Gordon College. I am still waiting to hear from the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola, which I was accepted to last year, and Texas A&M Honors.

Because my high school Freshman GPA was lower, due to a lack of maturity and drive, my invitations to honors day at these three schools came as a welcome surprise. I can only imagine that my much more respectable Junior and Senior year GPA and Gap year SAT possibly made the difference.

Attending the honors weekends at these well-respected liberal arts colleges, I have found myself in the company of top students from high schools across the country.

Here’s a glimpse into my honors weekends…

At Gordon college, my honors opportunity was unique, because I was invited to interview last year (Early Winter 2017), when1 I qualified for their second-tier honors program. However, this year I qualified for the top honors program, due to my hundred-point increase in my SAT score. I arrived on campus in early December feeling very confident, comfortable, and calm. I had been to campus four times prior, for an assortment of reasons, so I was comfortable with the campus. I had already interviewed once before, so I was confident in my ability to portray myself well. The weekend went smoothly, and I felt confident throughout the process. After the honors day activities, I had the chance to attend a Men’s basketball game and hangout with some of the recruits for the class of 2019. Overall, the experience was, personally, a success and I feel confident as I await their response.

My time at Westmont’s Augustinian weekend was a very different experience. This weekend had a very different vibe. Westmont invited half the number of candidates as Gordon did to their honors weekend, which gave the experience a very competitive feel. Coming into the weekend, I had little idea as to what to expect. I hadn’t previously been invited senior year to their honors weekend. However, despite the competitive nature, with every hour, I felt more comfortable, more confident, and had more fun. The other candidates were relatable and engaging, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. We took part in informative and deep discussions on topics from problems the church faces to artificial intelligence. By the conclusion of the weekend, I felt very confident in my performance and am excited to hear their response in late February.

These two very different honors weekends were formative experiences and could prove to be invaluable opportunities, whether I attend the honors programs or not. Both programs are prestigious and uniquely beneficial, but no matter which college I choose, I will be forever changed by the faculty, staff, and friends who impact me during my four years there. I am very grateful for these opportunities from Westmont and Gordon College.

This final was given to me live at Starbucks by my father/gap year dean without notes or the internet.

Summarize The Hero With A Thousand Faces in 3-5 sentences:

In Joseph Campbell’s Hero With A Thousand Faces, he explores the concept  of the Hero’s Journey in mythology. In cultures from China, to Norway, to Native American, the hero’s journey is the backbone of their mythology. In Buddhism, in Christianity, or in almost any other religion, there is a hero, who follows an adventure path, that Campbell calls “The Hero’s Journey.” Campbell uses the foundation of the hero’s journey to compare religions and ultimately come to the conclusion that cultures have created their religions out of an innate desire found in humans for a place in and a reason for the Cosmos.

Summarize Don’t Waste Your Life in 3-5 sentences:

Dr. John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life, was originally a speech he gave to a group of college students in the late 90’s on how to have a fulfilling life in God. The book’s main idea is that if you are not finding your utmost joy and fulfillment in God’s power, love, and supremacy, then you are wasting your life. Dr. Piper uses personal stories, articles, examples, and, of course, the bible to portray different ways one might be wasting their life without realizing it or admitting it. This book is not about wasting your life by making bad life decisions, or getting the wrong job; it is only about the biblical definition of wasting your life.

Summarize Her Hand In Marriage in 3-5 sentences:

Douglas Wilson writes Her Hand In Marriage as a guide to biblical dating, what he calls courtship, in the modern world. He describes how most Americans date to have fun or for selfish reasons, but that the bible calls us to person a woman for lifelong marriage. The concept of modern dating involves more activities and hanging out, often ending in break up after break up, instead of meaningful discussion intent on getting to know one another ending in marriage or, if it’s not the right person, a mutual friendship that understands that the relationship was only to get to know one another. Wilson believes that courtship will solve the harsh environment that surrounds modern dating and provide a place of learning and understanding and happy Godly marriages.

Summarize The Elements of Journalism in 3-5 sentences:

In The Elements of Journalism, Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel unpack the ten elements of modern journalism that have made writers, journalists, magazines, etc, famous. These Ten elements are: A Journalists Obligation is always to the truth, First loyalty is to the citizens/reader, The Essence of Journalism is the Discipline of Verification, Independence from faction, Monitor power and offer a voice to the Voiceless, A Forum for public criticism and compromise, Significant Interesting Relevant, Comprehensive and Proportional, Exercise Personal Conscience, Citizens Responsibility. Each of the first nine are guidelines to anyone writing information for the public. They ensure that journalism is true to its intent by the founding fathers but in the modern world. The tenth element is something applicable to all citizens, which is that it is our responsibility to be aware and vigilant when it comes to what is happening around us. New broadcasters receive thousand of tips and information per day and news would not be as accurate or extensive as it is without the care of citizens.

Summarize Talk Like Ted in 3-5 sentences:

Carmine Gallo, world renown speaker, speech editor, and consultant, writes Talk Like Ted as a summary of what he does for a living, which is advising public speakers from CEO’s to politicians. He looks to the world famous speaking platform, Ted Talk, to inform the reader of the best ways to write, prepare for, and perform a speech in any capacity or context. He centers his argument around three principals: Emotional, Novel, and Memorable. In order to give the best speech according to Gallo, you need personal stories, something new, and something memorable. He says personal stories are the best way to connect to your audience, teaching something new or something old in a new way is the best way to keep your audience engaged, and leaving them with something very memorable is the best way to impact your audience in the long-term.

Answer the following questions about The Hero With A Thousand Faces in a few sentences.

1. What is the dominant idea or motif?

The dominant idea in the book is the hero’s journey. He explores this concept in many contexts and cultures. He frequently explores tangents on different cultures, but always returns to the hero’s journey. Every chapter is a step or piece of the hero’s journey.

2. What type of work is this book (i.e. History, Fiction, Scientific, Finance, Religion)

This book is a work of comparative religion. Campbell compares dozens of religions in the context of the hero’s journey. He uses there religions similarities to come to his conclusion that cultures have created their religions out of an innate desire found in humans for a place in and a reason for the Cosmos.

3. What is the monomyth?

The monomyth, stemming from mono (one or alone) and mythos (story), is the common thread or resounding similarities among all mythology and religion. This one story is the culmination of mythology into one myth that is the foundation of all mythology. It is made up of four parts: Myth & Dream, Tragedy & Comedy, Hero & the god, and the World Navel. These four parts for the basis of all mythology: the Monomyth.

4. What are the steps of the Hero’s Journey?

The steps of the Hero’s Journey are divided into three parts: the Departure, the Initiation, and the Return. Departure is made up of Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Supernatural Aid, Crossing the First Threshold, and Belly of the Whale. Initiation contains Road of Trials, Meeting With the goddess, Woman as the Temptress, Atonement with the Father, Apotheosis, and Ultimate Boon. Finally, Return is made up of Refusal of Return, Magic Flight, Rescue from Without, Crossing of the Return Threshold, Master of Two Worlds, and Freedom to Live.

5. Name three works of fiction that follow the hero’s journey.

Lord of the rings, Shannara Chronicles, and Star Wars.

6. How did this book change, reinforce, or expand your view of comparative religion?

Before reading this book, I always though it fascinating how different religions compared and contrasted. However, I never had the knowledge to explore it. Now, knowing all about the hero’s journey and comparative religion, I can accurately and astutely discuss or ponder this fascinating are of study.

7. What Flaws do you find in Joseph Campbell’s approach to religion?

Joseph Campbell is very knowledgeable in the field of religion, however he approaches it from the position of a non-believer. He acknowledges the place religion holds in filling our desire to know and understand the cosmos, but to him it hold no real supernatural truth. He doesn’t believe that God’s supernatural power and love fills this void, not simply the idea of a place in the universe. For Christians, the value is primarily found in Christ’s sacrifice, not in His whole adventure or hero’s journey; in fact, most Christians probably never think about Jesus’ personal hero’s journey, because he is not just the hero, he is the God.