New Year: CLP 2011

I'm so excited that the new year is here.  To me a new year means progress, hope, and a new beginning.  A year can make a huge difference in any given person's life and I feel like this is my year to break out.  I've been patiently waiting and ardently working towards achieving some important goals I've set out to accomplish.  A year ago I had long hair and wasn't even a full time student at UC Riverside.  I was also interning for the County of Riverside Department of Mental Health.  Today I have short hair, I am a full time student at UCR and I am interning for the Child Leader Project.  Time goes by fast, but I look on towards the future with a type of hope and optimism that is unwavering, and unflappable.  Experience has taught me to smile at the face of uncertainty and say 'Bring it on'.  As a member of CLP in 2011, I envision progress, success, and innovation.  I envision myself growing as a human being and growing as a part of CLP.  This requires a sense of innovation and creativity which is present in all members and volunteers of CLP.  There are many challenges and barriers we have to overcome, but if we face them as a group then we may be able to create practical solutions to difficult problems.  In doing so, we will have accomplished the fundamental mission CLP aspires to fulfill.  A single year may not be enough to fulfill our mission since this is a life long journey; however a year can make all the difference in the world.  Here's to all CLP members, volunteers, and contributing organizations...YES WE CAN!

Have a wonderful and prosperous 2011!   

Making Space

Making Space was a great experience for me because I had never been a part of planning a fundraiser.  The experience was doubly rewarding because we exceeded our goal.  I believe the fundraiser was successful for a few reasons.  One reason was that we had a good vibe and atmosphere.  When people came in, we did everything we could to make people feel welcome and comfortable.  Visual aids and music set the mood and the tone for the rest of the event.  Another aspect that made our fundraiser successful was the presence and participation of the youth.  The presence of the youth at the fundraiser was important because it gave a face to our cause.  These are all important factors that contributed to a good fundraiser and a great evening, but I believe the thing that put us over the top was our personal testimonies.  We are CLP and as a part of CLP we have to tell the people our stories.  Our stories tell a lot about ourselves and the reasons why we are a part of CLP.  Perhaps in sharing our stories we can strike a nerve with our audience.  In doing so, we might be able to establish a connection that might lead to donations that will help CLP grow and become stronger.  These are all things I believe make a good fundraiser; furthermore these are all things that we should apply to future fundraisers.

Why India?

Perhaps the best way to approach this question is by first explaining the experiences I've gone through growing up as a young boy in Tijuana.  I feel that it is important to take this approach because these experiences have played a major part in shaping my life and has granted me with a view that is uniquely my own.  Growing up in T.J. can be rough, but thankfully I had a loving family that took care of me and made sure I was always safe.  Though my parents protected me physically, it was hard to see kids my own age and even younger out at the border asking for money just so they can eat.  I kept crossing the border with frequency as I was growing up and things were becoming more apparent.  I noticed that some of the children were being used to collect money by grown ups.  Sometimes it was their parents, but sometimes it was someone else.  When I began to cross the border driving by myself, it was hard to drive by those children while they're clinging to your window.  I gave one child money, but then two more would come and then three and four.  "Lo siento, pero no tengo suficiente para todos".  Sorry but I don't have enough for all of you.  Sad, the children would walk away from the car.  I kept moving along the border feeling bad and wondering why things had to be this way.  What type of potential lies within these children?  They've been able to survive with practically nothing.  Regardless of all their hardships, the children find moments to be kids and be playful with each other.  Perhaps for a glimmering moment even happy.  How strong are these children, what if they had a place where they can realize their potential.  What can these children accomplish? 
                Throughout my college experience I met plenty of people from all over the world.  I've come across people from Bulgaria, South Korea, China, India, etc.  I've been able to establish connections with all of these people because I've been able to find some common ground with them.  I was able to relate my experiences with many of theirs in their native country of origin.  It was neat to find out we had a lot of things in common.  It allowed for good relationships.  So the question is why India?  My answer is why not?  Why not Mexico?  Why not Brazil?  Why not Taiwan?  Why not Romania?  The list is practically endless, but what can I do?  I'm only one man.  I may try my best, but maybe that's not enough.  The world has many troubles, and I will try to contribute with my all to ease these troubles.  Things can be better, but it requires a world wide effort.  India is becoming an important player in the world diplomatic stage.  Establishing good personal relationships with them is crucial to beginning a world wide movement that can create a positive impact through unity, respect, and understanding.  Advising and leading the youth to approach relationships in this way is an interesting approach that may turn out to be an important stepping stone.  That is why I'm excited to be in CLP.  This program allows me to pursue this daunting yet mind blowing endeavor.  I'm so thankful and ready to do this.  Common people, let's get excited!  
 

Getting started.

This is the first time I've ever published a blog so I'm a little weary, but at the same time I'm excited to express my views and opinions in a forum that can be viewed by many people.  I am a person that is committed to being open and honest and so I will approach this blog in the same manner.  Today I can say that I'm in a good place in my life because many things are falling into place.  Not too long ago I was faced with many obstacles and setbacks that had me in a dark place in my life.  When I graduated high school I thought I had it all.  I had a girlfriend, many friends, I was admitted to UCR, I had a new car, and I was out on my own for the first time.  The world was my oyster and I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do; however it all came to an abrupt end.  My girlfriend left me, I gradually lost touch with my friends, I got kicked out of UCR, my car got totalled, and I had to swallow my pride and move back with my folks.  Needless to say I was really deppressed during this time.  Everything I had worked for was gone.  It was during this time when I began to think of all the decisions, events, and situations that led to this outcome and I came to the conclusion that it was all my fault and nobody else was to blame.  This realization provided me with a new outlook on life and I was willing to make changes.  My family supported me all along this process and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them.  I love them to death and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.  I'm committed to success at any level in any stage and there's nothing that scares me.  I know what it's like to fail, but that's not going to deter me from giving it my all.  I feel like being involved in CLP is a calling, and I will treat it as such.  The events and decisions that have led up to this point have caused me to believe that this is the moment!  This is the time! I'm so glad to be part of a group that is excited and determined as I am to make a difference.  I'm really looking forward to working with all of you.  Let's go out there and make it happen!