Catfish: A documentary

Image Credit: Google Images

I’ve never really been one to enjoy watching documentaries. Although,  when I think about it, the only ones that I have really tried to watch were ones that aired on the history channel, typically with a monotone voice, black and white photos and a boring story. Only recently did I experience a thrilling, upbeat, exciting, and mysterious documentary. Enter the world of Nev Schulman and his Facebook world, which transformed his life. Meet Megan Faccio, the Facebook version of her, at least. This documentary will keep you entertained until the end, anxious to see who the real Megan Faccio. Go on a journey with Nev and his friends and experience the craziest story you’ve heard in a while. Leaving you, very cautious and spectacle of unknown people on Facebook. You will not be disappointed.

Two Suitcases, 25 Dollars, and A Dream

In the year 2006 he packed up his suitcases. His dad handed him $25, and said to go pursue your dreams. He got on a plane in New Delhi, India, traveled across the world and landed in an entirely new culture.

“So I landed in Tampa with 2 suitcases, 25 dollars in my pocket and a dream.” said Godwin Mathew, 25.

Like everyone else, after high school graduation Mathew was looking for different options on where to further his education. He knew he didn’t have the patience for engineering or medicine but he did have a passion for broadcast that he couldn’t ignore.

“I looked to the west from the east, because that’s where all broadcast came from” said Mathew. After applying to schools in Canada, Europe, and the United States, he met a family that encouraged him to come to the US and suggested that he participate in a missions program called Masters Commission (MC).

“I didn’t know what Masters Commission was, but they explained that it would be a great thing for me to get adjusted to the states so I went ahead and applied and interviewed over the phone” said Mathew. Once accepted into MC, he knew where he was going. He wasn’t sure what would come after this season, but he knew he would be in the United States for at least 9 months.

During his time at MC, Mathew had the opportunity to travel the east coast, giving him a taste of the different cultures and people in America.

“I was under the impression that I would see one America” Mathew explained that he was surprised to see a different America than he had ever envisioned, as he traveled to northern New York and over to Midwest Ohio. “I didn’t expect to see different variations of America,” he said.

While Masters Commission was a great learning experience for Mathew, he still had a passion to pursue a career in the industry of broadcast, so he continued to look for Universities, now in the US.

“I began looking at other schools including Clearwater Christian, when my friend invited me to visit Southeastern University,” explained Godwin. He fell in love with the campus and after making certain that they could offer a broadcast degree, began the process of applying.

“I knew that they had what I wanted, but I didn’t have the money. Remember, I came with 2 suitcases and 25 dollars,” Mathew recalls. He was able to get a descent amount of scholarship money his first year and help from a family friend who gave him some financial assistance to get him started.

“In May of 2007 I officially began my degree in broadcast without knowing how I would pay for the next 4 years.”

Mathew began to learn all that he could about broadcast by spending hours in Southeastern Universities Bolin Studio. “It helped me to understand what I needed to know so that I could talk to people about broadcast.” As he learned, he began to have more of a passion for broadcast.

After successfully completing his first internship at a local radio station, he knew that his heart was with television. His junior year of college his degree required him to have an internship so he began applying all across the nation. “Some of my friends told me to start small, start in Florida. To which I said, no, I have the requirements to be a part of a bigger thing, in the national circuit, and I’m going to try.”

Mathew spent six months creating a resume and cover letter that would appeal to a national audience. He said, “I read all kinds of books that had to do with media, and reached out to local media trying to understand how things work and what things I could highlight.”

So finally after six months Mathew had something close to what he wanted and he began applying. “I applied to CNN, ABC, CBS and FOX,” explained Mathew.

3 weeks passed and finally he got a call while he was in class. He missed the call, but while listening to the message, his heart began beating fast as the lady on the recording explained that she was the internship coordinator for the CBS nightly news.

“It was a priceless feeling that someone in Manhattan had taken the time to look at my resume and call me,” Mathew said.

He had a successful interview with CBS and a week passed without Mathew telling anyone anything about it. Then it happened.

“I got a big piece of mail with the CBS logo on it and I knew it meant something good.” Mathew described the moment that he opened the envelope to a piece of paper that said congratulations Godwin Mathew you have been included in our internship program.

Mathew spent three months with CBS in New York City during the summer of 2010 and came back to Southeastern University for his senior year with many stories and experiences. In May of 2011 he successfully graduated with a degree in broadcast and then began applying for jobs, once again, nationwide.

During the summer of 2011 Mathew lived with one of his college buddies while looking for jobs. He was one week away from beginning a job search in New York City when one of his contacts mentioned an opening at the Weather Channel.

“I immediately applied and within 24 hours I got a phone call,” Mathew said. He drove from Florida to Atlanta Georgia for an interview and when he finished they told him that he could join their team as soon as he finished his background check.

“At the end of August I moved to Atlanta Georgia and now I am officially working for the weather channel that is owned by NBC” Mathew said. His role right now is part of broadcast operations and is a job of many responsibilities.

Shoot for the stars, is what Mathew says he has learned through all of his experiences. “Do not compromise and work hard.”

Mathew’s dad gave him the typical ‘work hard’ speech when he was young, but he says it came alive when he landed in the US with 2 suitcases and 25 dollars. “It came alive when I got to New York City. It came alive when I graduated from college. And it finally came alive when I got my job in Atlanta.”

Mathew inspires young people who are anxious about their future to be where you are, but be the best where you are. “Sooner or later, your destiny will come and knock on your door. It’s God’s favor,” Mathew says.

Mathew was just a young man with 2 suitcases and 25 dollars in his pocket, but he had something much more than that. Something that would take him far in life. Something called a dream.

Sex Trafficking– It’s happening here it’s happening now

Human trafficking generates about $32 billion annually, making it the second most profitable crime in the world. While Americans sit in their comfortable houses watching the news and hearing about all of the horrible things happening in other countries, it is easy to believe that nothing bad could happen in the United States. Many are unaware of the amount of people affected by sex trafficking right here and right now. Women all over our country are being taken, bought, and sold, with the same perverted intent, sex. But, it is not only women. In fact, over 100,000 US children are forcefully placed in prostitution or pornography each year. As sick men wait in line, menus are passed around giving them the opportunity to choose which woman they would like to indulge in.

            Candace Shoemaker, is a senior at Southeastern University and has a passion for raising awareness about human trafficking. “One statistic states that 200,000-300,000 American children run the risk at being sexually exploited every year, and it breaks my heart that so many Americans do not realize that this occurs here,” said Shoemaker when asked about the most startling statistics on human trafficking.

            Shoemaker encourages Christians to begin finding organizations that are already making a difference in the world of sex trafficking and get involved. “There are so many non-profits that exist,” she says, “such as Love146, Stop Child Trafficking Now, Redeem the Shadows, Scarlet Hope, S.O.A.P and more. They are looking for people who are passionate about the issue to help them fight human trafficking.”

            Love146 states their vision as “the abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation. Nothing less.” When asked their mission, the Vice President of Communications, Sarah Hine replied, “Abolition and Restoration! We combat child sex slavery & exploitation with the unexpected and restore survivors with excellence.”

            The neat thing about Love146 is that they work towards the abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation through prevention and aftercare solutions while contributing to the abolition movement.

            Another organization that Shoemaker is passionate about is S.O.A.P. “It stands for Saving Our Adolescents from Prostitution and was started by a woman named Theresa Flores.” Shoemaker explained that Flores was a human trafficking victim when she was 15 years old in the United States. S.O.A.P. not only brings awareness to the crime of human trafficking, but it also addresses prevention and rehabilitation of victims as well. “It is truly making a difference in this fight” comments Shoemaker.

            Many are not aware of the amount of human trafficking that goes on right here in the Tampa and Orlando area. Most are surprised to hear that Orlando, Tampa and Miami are the main transit points for human trafficking in the country. Staci Wolford, senior at Southeastern University finds herself speechless as she is told how close this hits to home. “I had no clue,” she said, “that is so devastating to me.”

            Catherine Hill, also a senior at Southeastern University was aware of the problem here in Florida, but still finds it shocking. “I still can’t believe it’s so big in America,” she says, “it’s disgusting and so wrong. I just think of perversion.”

            Many find these statistics startling and disgusting, but wonder what they can do to help. Shoemaker has hosted several events on Southeasterns campus that addressed the issue of sex trafficking. “A little over a year ago, Southeastern was very supportive of the events that I put on that addressed this issue, and were very welcoming towards the club that I started called No More Chains,” said Shoemaker. This year she hopes that Southeastern will be open and supportive of the events planned for the spring. Shoemaker has high hopes for raising awareness on this issue. “I would like to see more students and even faculty become more aware of this issue, and continue to fight for justice as the years go on.”

Foreclosure

Photo Credit: Taberandrew

In the past few years many people have watched as the stock market has dropped and companies have gone bankrupt. Families are eating out less often, taking less trips to the ice cream stand, and watching their budget closely. They have found themselves in a position that they never thought would come their way. As many people have watched their bills pile up, they have been forced to either pay up or give up. Since many don’t have the funds to pay up, giving up seems to be their only option, ending in a foreclosure and a feeling of emptiness.   

            It is often wondered why people choose to foreclose rather than be forced into foreclosure. Emile Hawkins, business professor at Southeastern University has found that many who choose to foreclose, do so as a last resort.

            “The loss of jobs and over extended financial commitments tend to be the cause for mortgage companies foreclosing on a property,” said Hawkins, “In short, greed is the culprit of many mortgage woes.”   

To fully understand how foreclosures happen, it is important to know the foreclosure laws. Cyprexx is a national field service company that provides property preservation, maintenance, repair, inspection, tenant occupied services and vacant property registrations and additional services to the largest financial institutions in the world. Brady Liette, graduate of Southeastern University and Training coordinator for Cyprexx explained that every state has its own foreclosure laws. Liette said that 23 of the states are what are called a redemption state. This means that after the Mortgage holder stops paying their mortgage and they are Foreclosed on, they have a certain amount of time to redeem their property.

“This could take up to a year, meaning they don’t pay anything to live where they are for year,” explains Liette. Property owners in these states have a certain amount of time to redeem their property, hence redemption state. Some states give them 20 days to redeem their property; some states give them 2 years. “So the process can take years if the people are difficult. A lot of the time it ends with an eviction,” said Liette.

What people don’t realize is that banks are not in the Real Estate business.

“Banks hate foreclosures, they lose money on foreclosures and they have to hire dozens of companies like Cyprexx to take care of the influx of foreclosures they have come into,” explained Liette. Banks do not want to foreclose on people and they definitely don’t want to pay people to leave their houses so they can re-sell it. Banks want to make money on interest accrued by Mortgages and Loans. “So the whole idea that banks are the bad guys is crazy because they are just doing what they can in accordance with what all of the laws are,” said Liette.    

The Real Estate Owned Industry has seen a huge influx in foreclosures over the past four years. “According to economists, the downturn has impacted the number of homeowners to enter foreclosure,” said Hawkins.

A lot of foreclosures stopped and began having lengthy court cases, costing the banks billions of dollars because the people were allowed to live in their homes without paying. The next step was the “bailouts” of the banks because they didn’t have enough money. The government was forcing each foreclosure to go through such a long process that it was merely impossible for them to get the occupants out of their houses and re-sell the mortgage to someone else. “Not only were the banks not getting paid for the mortgage, they weren’t able to sell the mortgage to someone else because it hadn’t gone through pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, redemption, and then eviction,” explained Liette.  

No one wants to have to get to the point of foreclosure, and it can often be avoided with hard work, sacrifice, and extra budgeting. Hawkins recommends having an emergency fun to cover up to six months of income, if not more. He quotes Dave Ramsey in saying, “an emergency fund makes an emergency less of an inconvenience.”

Liette says that foreclosure can be avoided with one simple step above all else, “Pay your bills.”

Modest is Hottest– or isn’t it?

Image Credit: Archuletafans

This past week Raw TV Southeastern University’s Nationally syndicated TV show did a panel discussion on modesty. Being raised in a Christian home and attending a Christian School for my entire life, discussions on modesty have definitely been a part of conversation on numerous occasions. Modesty is definitely an important thing to be aware of, yet at the same time is important not to obsess on and get carried away with.

The question of whether there is line that you can draw between being modest and immodest is hard to answer. Because everyone is built in different ways, it is not possible to say that a certain piece of clothing is immodest, because it will look different on everyone.

Though I think that modesty is an important thing, I believe that Christians have become legalistic in certain things. I think that modesty is rooted deep within who you are. God says that from the overflow of your heart, the mouth speaks and I think that can be applied in the way that you carry yourself and dress yourself as well. Out of the overflow of  your heart, is the way that you will dress. The way in which you present yourself is a direct reflection of who you are and ultimately, is a reflection of your hearts desires and focus.

There is nothing wrong with desiring to be loved and wanting to look nice, but I think that it is about what your focus is. Are you constantly obsessing about what you are wearing, and how you can get noticed? What do people think when they are first look at you? What are their eyes drawn to? I think that these are all questions that we can ask ourselves while getting ready for the day.

So is modest hottest? I think that hot is not a very respectful word and is somewhat degrading to women. There is a difference in being ‘hot’ and being ‘beautiful’. I think that modest is beautiful, modesty reflects something deeper, something that will last, something that is not just surfacy. Beauty comes from within and radiates outward. And I think that modesty is beauty.

An idea- A passion- Turned into a Revolution

“Bill Gates put a computer on each of our desks. Steve Jobs put a computer in all of our pockets”

-Brady Liette

1955-2011. Steve Jobs, at 56 years old passed away yesterday, leaving behind a revolution that changed the way in which we communicate, create, and live.

“Remembering that I will be dead soon is the most important tool that I have ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.”

-Steve Jobs (2005)

Steve Jobs understood that fear, external expectations, pride, and embarrassment all fall away in the face of death, so why not live now and explore all that you can?

The news of Steve Jobs death spread like wildfire on computers and iphones across the world, computers and iphones that he built.

Google honored Steve jobs with a small and discrete line under the search bar

Source: Washington Post Article

 Steve Jobs had a passion and ran with his ideas, he has indeed changed our world and the way in which we communicate.

Steve Jobs is remembered for his revolution of the electronics. His desire for efficiency and his drive to make it happen and then to make it happen.

What will you be remembered for?

Productivity Prevails!

Yes, I know, it is that time in the semester. Week 6 and everyone is feeling a little run down. The excitement of being back with all of your friends is slowly fading, you are realizing that college is not just an extended week of summer camp, and reality is starting to hit you. Papers are piling up, assignments are overdue, and time to sleep is… well, limited. We all know the feeling far too well, and I am here to tell you that nothing is going to change.

Unless you do something.

College is exhausting. Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Relationally. So how can you really thrive in such circumstances? My friend, it is possible, it’s called getting organized and being productive.

I know your thinking, I am productive, this blog post must not be for me! I’m not admitting to be an expert, but I have taken 20 credits, worked 3 jobs, had a social life, and done well in school. I’m saying,  IT IS POSSIBLE. You just need a few pointers.

Productivity does prevail, it is just a matter of having the will power to get it done! So I am here to give you 3 pointers on how to get it done!

• Find your free time— And take advantage of it! If you are intentional about how you spend your time, then you will be amazed at how much you can get done! Recognize the breaks that you have in the day, and figure out what you can get done in those moments!
• Find your place— What I mean by that is find a place to study and work that works for you! If you struggle with getting on Facebook while doing homework, then go somewhere that you cannot get internet. If you get distracted easily by your roommates, then go to the library. If there are too many people to talk to at the library, then go to a quiet lobby somewhere. Figure out what works for you and make it work!
• Find your passion— We all know that not every assignment given will be our favorite topic or interest. However, there are a lot of assignments that have more freedom then you think. Put a new creative twist on your paper that revolves around something that you are passionate about. Most likely it will surprise the professor, making him think about something in a way he never has before. Be creative, be inspirational, and tap into your passions.

So there you have it. You can survive this semester, and next, and the next. It just takes a little self-control and time management! And remember:

Where there is a will… There is a way!

 

 

Take a stand

As many Americans have felt, there has been a dramatic shift in the economy in the past 4 years. Even those who seemed financially blessed have been hit with this drop in economy and it is changing people’s life, young and old alike. For those of you who are out there wondering what this change is, I would ask you, where have you been the past 4 years? The economy tanked in 2008 and though the market has improved some, it still has a long way to go. In fact,

#1 Average household debt in the United States has now reached a level of 136% of average household income.

#2 It is estimated that there are about 5 million homeowners in the United States that are at least two months behind on their mortgages, and it is being projected that over a million American families will be booted out of their homes this year alone.

#3 Today, 46% of all Americans carry a credit card balance from month to month.

#4 700,000 Americans have signed up for a credit card that has interest rates that go as high as 59.9%.

#5 Americans now owe more than $889 billion on student loans, which is even more than they owe on credit cards.

(source: endoftheamericandream.com)

Wow… if you were not aware of the major decline in the economy before, that will show you!

And so though it is good to talk about it and is very important to be aware of what is going on, it is even more important to understand how we as Americans can make a difference in this. I would never blame one person for this major economic catastrophe, because it is just not possible that one person could be responsible for this. However, leadership is key for any country to run successfully, that is why we value our elections so much. President Obama is not to blame for the tanked economy, but he has contributed, and his decisions have effected billions. That is why it is important to understand who you are voting for, and what their stance is on different issues. Don’t neglect this duty as an American. It is an honor and a privilege to have the freedom to vote. Do not take it lightly, and take time to know who it is that you are voting for and why.

Freshman Freak Out– My Advice From My Adversity

 

Photo Credit: Svadilfari

Though my experience in college has been wonderful, I definitely have not survived without adversity. And so here you are… my Advice From My Adversity:

1. Go to all of the events that are held especially for you as a Freshman during welcome weekend. Try not to be intimidated, because everyone is feeling self-conscious and no one knows anyone! Get out and be social!

2. Get plugged in to a local Church! It is good to look around at a few, but try to decide on one within the first 2 months. Don’t go longer than 3 months without finding a church family.

3. Go to chapel! You feel more connected to the community of Southeastern and will be familiar with the leadership. Also, the worship and messages are awesome!

4. Do intramural sports! You will meet people who you wouldn’t have met and get active as well!

5. Don’t skip class unless you absolutely have to! Save your skips for later in the semester, for when you really are tired and want them!

6. Go to club rush and find one that fits you well. Being a part of a smaller community will make you feel more connected and will help you meet more people.

7. Explore Lakeland! Lakeland is actually rather large… and though a lot of us make fun of it, there are some neat places to explore!

8. Don’t be afraid to stay up late, be crazy, have fun, and enjoy college life. You can always sleep later. 4 years will fly by, and then you will have a real job.

9. Go to the beach often. You may never live this close to the beach ever again, so take advantage of it!

10. Spend time with the Lord, Study hard, get to know your professors, and take advantage of every moment you have here.

Believe me, you will blink and it will be over…

So…

Seize The Day.

Speak up. Sing out. Let Your Voice Be Heard.

Speak up. Sing out. Let Your Voice Be Heard

November 2012

Though a lot of people will not even begin thinking about politics until next Labor Day, many diehard Americans and political junkies have begun getting revved up, as yesterday marked the official beginning of the long race of the 2012 campaign. Though politicians never really stop campaigning, the official wars are about to begin and I am here to highlight the Republican 2012 field, in order.

Rick Perry is seemingly the frontrunner, but will it last? He is taking a lot of junk from both sides. So can he handle it? If Perry is going to win the nomination, Fox news believes that he is going to need to use his attackers against each other. Perry has a long run ahead of him, but if he can keep cool under the fire, he may stand tall until the end.

Mitt Romney has his own strategy that he hopes to keep up and ahead of Rick Perry. As the Republican Party has become more conservative since 2007, so has Mitt Romney. His message has remained an assault on President Obama’s economy while publicizing his own business credentials. If Perry becomes under attack by Palin and Bachmann, than Romney will most likely take a quick lead in this race.

Michele Bachmann made her mark August 13 when she delivered a deathblow to Minnesota’s Tim Pawlenty. Bachmann’s hype was short-lived though, because Rick Perry joined the race the next day, changing everything. Some wonder if she is too edgy for mainstream politics, so she needs to be careful in how she handles herself. But that is not her biggest challenge, for now she needs to decide if she would rather see Perry or Romney standing in the end, a hard decision to make for someone who was on the top, for one night at least.

Ron Paul is still in the race for different reasons than most. It is not because he gives the smoothest speeches, or has the best personality. Instead, most of his support is because of his libertarian principles and his stable message. Ron Paul seems to be leading a movement, not running a campaign, something that some are looking for. Though Paul is not at the top, he may be able to pick up several independent and libertarian votes. Paul presently has 8 percent of the republican vote, and if he can keep that strong, he may be able to stay in the race.

As the months continue, I will follow the latest changes within the presidential election. Who’s who? Who stands for what? And what changes come as the competition gets heated.

And so, my fellow Americans… Let the race begin!

 

Source: Fox News