Monday, October 24, 2011
Cancer sucks.
Although this weekend was parents weekend and it was great to see my parents and my sister, my week has not been off to a great start. Sunday, October 23rd, marked the 6th year anniversary of my cousin passing away from brain cancer when he was just 5 years old. Because of this I now for the past two summers have worked at a day camp for children with cancer and their siblings. The camp is amazing and I absolutely love it. I can't imagine my life with out it, I have made so many friends and memories there that I will never forget. Unfortunately, with working at a camp like that there is always that knowledge that there can be bad news any second. While I was on Facebook, and that little red (1) tag popped up over my inbox's I was not expecting the message to be from the director of my camp, Michele. When I saw the heading of the letter ('A Sad Note from Michele') I knew it was bad news. She only uses that heading when a camper has passed away. I was scared to open the inbox and see who it was but I knew I had to. I didn't read any of the message just looked for the name. When I saw the name my heart stopped and I immediately started crying. The camper who passed away was my campers sister. Even though I only met her once, Taylor, was an amazing girl and I know her sister, Jordan, (my camper) loved her so much. Jordan would always talk about Taylor, and how much better she was getting and how she was going to be back at camp next summer. (She was too weak to attend camp this past summer). All of our campers used to sign our staff shirts and Jordan always signed hers, Taylor, Sierra (her other sister), and Jordan love you. I am wearing that shirt now. I can only imagine how Jordan reacted to finding out about Taylor and it breaks my heart to think of it. She idolized Taylor. I know how hard it must be especially for all of the girls being so young, but just like my cousin and my sister and I were young when my other cousin passed away I know they will get through this and keep their memories with them forever. <3
Open letter to Mike Fantini
Dear Mike Fantini,
I am currently a freshman at Syracuse University and I think the “Do Something” organization would be a great thing to bring to the campus. Yes, there are many other clubs and ways to help out around here but I think that this organization gives students freedom and lets them choose what they want to help out with. They can also decide to help in an already existing cause as well. I want more people here to be aware of the “Do Something” organization and to get involved but in order to do that I need to get involved with the “Do Something” organization myself. I was hoping that maybe you can help me get involved with the organization and give me some ideas on how I can bring awareness to the organization at SU.
Ever since I was in fourth grade, when I won the Norma Gold Award, an award given to students that make or have made a difference in someone’s life, I knew that making a difference was something that was always going to be important to me. In 2005, my cousin passed away from brain cancer at the age of 5. Since then childhood cancer awareness has been a huge part of my life. I do a lot of fundraising for the cause, giving most of my money to “Smiles for Scott Inc,” the organization founded in memory of my cousin. The organization benefits families who might need financial support when having to pay for surgeries or certain medicines. My freshman year of high school my friend Rachel and I made and sold friendship bracelets and gave all profits to “Smiles for Scott Inc,” we made $122 in just three months. Another thing I am very involved in is a place called Sunrise Day Camp. A camp strictly for kids with cancer and their siblings. I volunteered there in the summer of 2010 and worked there in the summer of 2011 and can’t wait to work there again in the summer of 2012.
As you can see making a difference is something that has always been important to me even if it’s in the smallest way possible, because it’s still a difference. I have done many things to make a small difference and even some that have made a big difference, but I want to make an even bigger difference. When I heard about the “Do Something” organization I immediately wanted to get involved. Watching the “Do Something Awards” made me realize that there are ways to make that big difference that I am looking to make.
Thank you in advanced for taking the time to read this. I really hope to hear back from you soon, this is a great organization that I really hope to get involved with in any way possible.
Sincerely,
Tori Kroll
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Letter Topic
I have been having a pretty hard time coming up with a topic or someone to write to but I think I'm finally getting somewhere.
Something that has always been important to me has been making a difference even if in the smallest way possible, because it's still a difference. There are many people I can write to in this category but one in particular could be someone who works for the organization, "do something." "Do Something" is an organization that helps kids who make a difference in their community. The organization gives away grants and scholarships to these kids. The kids come up with these ideas on their own and help so many different people in need and not just people but animals as well. The organization also has an awards show called "The Do Something Awards" when celebrities win awards for doing charitable things and helping out; but they also pick 5 kid finalists and choose a winner for the "best cause" and give I think 10 million dollars to that cause.
For my letter I was thinking of writing a letter to the editor saying that I really love the idea of this organization and talking about how more kids should be involved with this program and talk about bringing awareness to this organization. I can also maybe think of a cause and talk about what I would and could do to help.
As of now that's all I can think of but I think I'm finally starting to get somewhere!
Something that has always been important to me has been making a difference even if in the smallest way possible, because it's still a difference. There are many people I can write to in this category but one in particular could be someone who works for the organization, "do something." "Do Something" is an organization that helps kids who make a difference in their community. The organization gives away grants and scholarships to these kids. The kids come up with these ideas on their own and help so many different people in need and not just people but animals as well. The organization also has an awards show called "The Do Something Awards" when celebrities win awards for doing charitable things and helping out; but they also pick 5 kid finalists and choose a winner for the "best cause" and give I think 10 million dollars to that cause.
For my letter I was thinking of writing a letter to the editor saying that I really love the idea of this organization and talking about how more kids should be involved with this program and talk about bringing awareness to this organization. I can also maybe think of a cause and talk about what I would and could do to help.
As of now that's all I can think of but I think I'm finally starting to get somewhere!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Quote
Every Sunday night my family would go out for Chinese food with our family friends for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite parts of Sunday night dinners was at the end of the meal when we would all get our fortune cookies. We would always play games with our sayings and try to interpret their meanings. One night, instead of getting a fortune I got a quote. I was so upset because I couldn't play the games with everyone else; but then I read the quote again and realized that it was probably one of the most motivational things I've ever heard. The quote was "The majority of the word "can't" is "can."" The quote is so simple and vague that I refer to it a lot. Whenever I'm frustrated with something and I'm about to be like "ugh I can't do this" I stop and think of that quote, take a minute or two, and then finish what I was doing. I still have the paper from the cookie with the quote on it. It's in the back of my phone as a reminder to me that I can do anything if I just try and don't immediately think I can't. This quote taught me to not have doubt in myself and that if I put in enough effort I can do anything.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Occupy Wall Street
Being that my dad works on Wall Street, this topic is something I can relate to on more of a personal level. I asked my dad for his reaction to what was happening and he responded with this -
"Many people throughout the world and the country are frustrated. There are many people who are unemployed or underemployed. Wall Street has been vilified by many politicians (mainly Democrats) blaming the actions of the banks and investment banks as completely responsible for the global economic woes the world faces today. While Wall Street clearly deserves its share of blame, poor political policies (encouraging everyone to own a home), central bank policies and irrational decisions on the part of many individuals (buying homes and other large ticket items when it was clear their income could not possibly support those purchases) are equally responsible. The problem with society today, is everyone wants a scapegoat or someone else to blame. No one wants to admit to their own mistakes or focus on developing solutions. It is easier that way. For the protesters - "Wall Street" is an easy, convenient target. However, What will their protesting achieve? Will it result in additional regulations that are already costing the banks billions and billions of dollars in additional costs and hampering their efforts to increase lending? Notice how Bank of America as a result of these increased costs plans to lay off tens of thousands of workers. Ask those people who are now newly without jobs if protests such as these are helpful.
What the country needs right now is not protests crying about yesterday. Today, we need political leadership to work together to help figure a way out of this mess. Better the protestors sit in front of the White House or Congress and protest the political establishment for failing to overcome paritsan views and start crafting solutions for a meaningful way forward."
It's hard for someone who sees these effects take place and knows that these actions can effect them directly. I remember when this recession first started, my dad was working at a company called Bear Sterns. When that business completely went under everyone was left unemployed. My dad was lucky enough, (extremely lucky) to have found a job else where. Now working at JP Morgan, my dad was able to respond to this "occupy Wall Street" from his own experience. I agree with my dad when he said that people are looking for a way out, or someone else to blame.
Especially now, money is mostly a sore subject for most people, leaving people in a lot of tough situations and no one wants to be blamed for being in that situation. As my dad said though, the protest has already caused tens of thousands of people to lose their jobs so it is obvious that this protest is not being responded to in the way people had hoped it would be. It is a tough situation all around and I just think that within time we will find our way out of it.
"Many people throughout the world and the country are frustrated. There are many people who are unemployed or underemployed. Wall Street has been vilified by many politicians (mainly Democrats) blaming the actions of the banks and investment banks as completely responsible for the global economic woes the world faces today. While Wall Street clearly deserves its share of blame, poor political policies (encouraging everyone to own a home), central bank policies and irrational decisions on the part of many individuals (buying homes and other large ticket items when it was clear their income could not possibly support those purchases) are equally responsible. The problem with society today, is everyone wants a scapegoat or someone else to blame. No one wants to admit to their own mistakes or focus on developing solutions. It is easier that way. For the protesters - "Wall Street" is an easy, convenient target. However, What will their protesting achieve? Will it result in additional regulations that are already costing the banks billions and billions of dollars in additional costs and hampering their efforts to increase lending? Notice how Bank of America as a result of these increased costs plans to lay off tens of thousands of workers. Ask those people who are now newly without jobs if protests such as these are helpful.
What the country needs right now is not protests crying about yesterday. Today, we need political leadership to work together to help figure a way out of this mess. Better the protestors sit in front of the White House or Congress and protest the political establishment for failing to overcome paritsan views and start crafting solutions for a meaningful way forward."
It's hard for someone who sees these effects take place and knows that these actions can effect them directly. I remember when this recession first started, my dad was working at a company called Bear Sterns. When that business completely went under everyone was left unemployed. My dad was lucky enough, (extremely lucky) to have found a job else where. Now working at JP Morgan, my dad was able to respond to this "occupy Wall Street" from his own experience. I agree with my dad when he said that people are looking for a way out, or someone else to blame.
Especially now, money is mostly a sore subject for most people, leaving people in a lot of tough situations and no one wants to be blamed for being in that situation. As my dad said though, the protest has already caused tens of thousands of people to lose their jobs so it is obvious that this protest is not being responded to in the way people had hoped it would be. It is a tough situation all around and I just think that within time we will find our way out of it.
Monday, October 3, 2011
I read an article called "BILLY ELLIOT to Close on Broadway January 8, 2012." Although the title is pretty self-explanatory the article talks about the journey of the show and the creative team, as well as Elton Johns reactions to the shows closing.
This is something I particularly care about because this show has honestly changed my life. It really taught me to just be myself and to always follow my dreams. I have seen the show four times, auditioned for it twice, know the entire cast, and have been on stage at the Imperial Theatre [where the show takes place].
One of the cast members, Thommie Retter, who plays Mr. Braithwaite in the show has been giving me tap lessons for about two years now. When I saw his Facebook status this afternoon which was, "Got some sad, sad news today! Sad indeed!" I knew something was up. I sent him a message and asked if everything was okay. He said everyone was fine but he had just heard some sad news that he wasn't allowed to share at the moment. I asked if he would tell me the news when he was allowed to share and he told me I would know. Two minutes later I see on Twitter this article from Broadway World. I was heartbroken. I never thought I would see this day come. Although in the article it doesn't say why the show is closing, just that everyone is upset about it, I am sure it had to do with the economy. The show however is still touring around the country and it's on its 7th year in London. It won 10 tony awards as well as 81 awards worldwide. I already bought tickets to see it again on November 22nd and am hoping to get tickets to see it again on closing night. It is just an incredible, incredible show that I highly recommend everyone to see before it closes on January 8, 2011!
This is something I particularly care about because this show has honestly changed my life. It really taught me to just be myself and to always follow my dreams. I have seen the show four times, auditioned for it twice, know the entire cast, and have been on stage at the Imperial Theatre [where the show takes place].
One of the cast members, Thommie Retter, who plays Mr. Braithwaite in the show has been giving me tap lessons for about two years now. When I saw his Facebook status this afternoon which was, "Got some sad, sad news today! Sad indeed!" I knew something was up. I sent him a message and asked if everything was okay. He said everyone was fine but he had just heard some sad news that he wasn't allowed to share at the moment. I asked if he would tell me the news when he was allowed to share and he told me I would know. Two minutes later I see on Twitter this article from Broadway World. I was heartbroken. I never thought I would see this day come. Although in the article it doesn't say why the show is closing, just that everyone is upset about it, I am sure it had to do with the economy. The show however is still touring around the country and it's on its 7th year in London. It won 10 tony awards as well as 81 awards worldwide. I already bought tickets to see it again on November 22nd and am hoping to get tickets to see it again on closing night. It is just an incredible, incredible show that I highly recommend everyone to see before it closes on January 8, 2011!
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