Professional Quality

Part 1: Journal

This week, we are going to revisit gratitude.  I'd like you, though, to specifically focus on the workplace.  If you've never worked, think of a project that you've helped out on.  Consider school, if you must.  I'd like you to have a free write about the things that you are grateful for, regarding your jobs and your work.  Even if you hate your job, try to find the little things that get you through.  

Write 3 paragraphs (with images) about the gratitude you find in your workplace, at your job, or at school.  

I am happy that I get to work at a place that I love. I get to work with shoes and people two things I like. I get to be a part of a store that is more like a family rather than a corporation.  What makes this store unique compared to other area "urban wear" outposts is its selection of more niche models from New Balance, Puma, Adidas, and Nike SB.  I like how we are able to wear whatever we want to work, and we aren't restricted during our breaks. 

If sneakers and high fashion is your thing, this is definitely a place to check off your bucket list when you're in town. Everything from Nike SB to Visvim; from Stussy to Cole Haan. Concepts has just about all the necessities any fashion freak could want. And being one makes it an even cooler job. Concepts has became one of the most respected sneaker stores worldwide. And I am happy to be apart of it and contribute to the success. 

I love being able to help create sneaker designs and seeing it sell out. Also we are expanding to city's like New York, Miami and Dubai.  And being apart of it is cool. I work with people that like the same stuff, it doesn't feel like work at times. 

The Wider Path

Part 1: Journal  

This week, we're going to continue to predict the future.  This time, though, you're going to write about it and start to process the idea.  

Write 3 short stories, as defined below.  Be sure to give lots of details, so as to paint a clear picture of what may happen to you in the near (or further) future.  

Story 1: Describe your ideal future.  This is the one that you strive to get to.  It's plan A.  The dream job.  Where you want to live.  How many children (if any) you want to have.  Your big break.  Your ideal financial situation.  Be creative and describe the scene. Imagine yourself in this place - all your hard work paid off.  You did exactly what you set out to do. 

My ideal future is still possible, I want to be able to have a story to my success. I want to be able to in the next couple of years to make it big with music production.  When I make it I can take off. They only reason I see this as an ideal future is because its possible. I want to be able to have my sound be popular and set a trend the way every producer does. Be able to take care of my family and friends. To be able to settle down with my girlfriend and create a family. I would love to be able to be financially successful like Dr. Dre. I want to be able to create a popular wave like Drake's producer, noah "40" shebib has done. And like Future's producer, Metro Boomin. In the long run I would love to turn out like Dr.Dre besides the rapping part. I would love to be able to use my success to help me also do other things and make a profit the same way Dr. Dre has done with Beats Headphones. At that point I would be happy because I would be doing what I love and I would be able to take care of the people I love.

Story 2: Decribe (and predict) an unexpected twist in the story of your life.  Something totally unexpected that happens in the furure, and shifts your course.  This event could be a triumph or a trajedy.  (All is gold, right?).  Be creative.  Maybe you survive a plane crash.  Maybe you stumble upon an attic filled with priceless antique treasures.  Maybe you meet someone that totally spins you around.  Think of an event - and describe it, leading into...

I can see myself meeting someone famous at my job. I work at a sneaker store called Concepts. Its a famous shoe store located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I've meet many famous musicians from Future to Pusha T. Last week I met Ty Dolla Sign. I don't really ask them to listen to my music but I always ask for advice. But my ideal story would be, that a Musician like Kanye or Drake comes once and I give them a flash drive with my music. They hopefully listen to it, and contact me. And next thing I know I quiet my job and I am doing what I love for the rest of my life.   

Story 3: Your alternate universe future.  In this short story, describe a life that you could not plan for, but that is just as successful, awesome, and rewarding as the Plan A life.  But this story is totally wild.  Maybe you end up as a wealthy coconut farmer in Madagascar.  Maybe you end up being Jay-Z's personal chef.  Have fun with this one.  

I can see me in another life being a famous photographer or video maker. I don't really take many pictures or videos. But I respect good images when I see it. I would go to school for it maybe, but out of all my classmates my work stands out the most. People like it so much that they spend crazy amount of money for my pieces. Maybe a modern  day Leonardo da Vinci with a camera.

Now, the point is to have fun and be open with the future.  Many people lament their lives if they don't get what they want.  But life can throw you a major suprise... it's unpredictable.  That's what makes it fun (and nerve wracking for most people).  

Lose the control for a second, and just accept change.

Part 2: Poem

For this week's poem, I'd like you to explore the idea of grace in your life.  Write about the concept - that the universe is conspiring in your favor.  It may present you with things you'd least expected.  It may set you on an unseen path.  But in order for grace to work, you have to be open to it.  You have to look for it.  It requires awareness, mindfulness, and optimism. 

Write a 20+ line poem about the things that are coming your way - the things that the universe is hooking you up with. 

I am noticing happiness

If you think happy

You will be happy

Good things will happen

If you think good things will happen

I've been the happiest 

I've been in awhile

Thinking happy makes me happy

Everything is going my way

The higher up is answering

I use to think about the negative

I use to think negative

Negativity made me sad

I use to think about things that made me sad

I use to stay in the dark

Up all night 

Sleep all day

If you think happy 

Happiness will come 

Everything is blessed

Smile more

Images of the Future

Part 1: Journal 

For your journal, write a simple paragraph about these images, why you chose them and how they will relate to you future.  How will they fit in.

That’s right, you just have to write one paragraph this week.

 It’s all about visuals.

All these pictures above basically sum up who I am. It's things that inspire me or relate to me. And some of the pictures are goals I want to reach in my future. I think it is pretty basic many people wish to be rich or famous. But I think what I really want is just constant  happiness. Maybe that can be from wealth or fame but thats not always the case. 

Part 2: Poem

This week, we’re going to draw inspiration from your vision board (that you just designed above) and write a short, free form poem about your vision. 

 Imagine you are looking through a crystal ball.  What do you see for yourself?  What will you be surrounded with?  Who will be there with you?  What have you gained?

Riches or fame
Life is just maintaining a balance
You can never be just happy
And you can never be just sad
But they're ways to cover your feelings
Riches or fame

Passion

Write a three paragraph journal that answers the following questions about your passions:

1.  What are you most passionate about in life?  Describe several interests and activities that you greatly enjoy.  What is it that you wish you could do everyday for the rest of your life?  

2.  How can you tie your passions to a career, a job, or a volunteer experience?  What can you do to connect your passion with your career?

3.  Think about service.  What type of population, group of people, market, or field of interest would you like to serve?  What cause would you be willing to work for?  Explain how your passion and your work could benefit others.  Think of it as providing a service, and explain.

I'm really passionate about music, I like making it and I like listening to it. If it was possible I wish I could get paid for the rest of my life for producing music. If I could be able to do nothing but create beats for the rest of my life I would be extremely happy. Growing up I was always told that being a musician will never give me a steady job in the future. So it kind of is a hobby now rather than a dream I had a couple years ago. 

I could focus on my music one hundred percent. But it would be a huge risk because sometimes what you have planned doesn't always work. And if I go all out with my music there can be a chance were I wouldn't be able to make a living off it. I can become a music teacher or work at a music store. But I would rather get a job that would be able to support me and others. And then maybe I could still create music on the side. 

People that listen to music really. I think I am pretty versatile with my sound. I love hip hop more than any other genre. However I do make other beats like techno or pop. So the type of people that would be interested in my service would be people that enjoy music, but if we look it at deeper it can be the people that like the genre I produce. Like I said on the discussion board I believe music is a outlet to express yourself, you can tell a lot about a person based off what they listen to. So I believe my services would create joy to others. 

Part 2 - Poem

This week, it's all about love.  Write a 20 line love poem dedicated to you and the passion of your choice.  Have fun with it.  Get intimate (stay appropriate).  Write a poem that is a dance between you and your passion.  Who leads?  Who follows?   What type of dance is it (figuratively).  Try to include words that describe movement and connection.

What is the relationship between you and the thing you love?

Music creates joy

But does it create stability?

Music always you to express yourself

But does it allow you to have privacy?

It gives you a chance to be famous

But does it give you time to spend with your family?

It allows you to travel the world

But does it allow you to have time for yourself?

You can have many fans

But are they real friends?

Everyone will know you

But will I stay relevant forever?

You can get things easier

But will I be taken advantaged of? 

You get to do what you love

But will I be allowed to make what I want?

You get to collaborate with other talents 

But are they just using me?

You get to do what you want

But will I make it?

Haiku

Part 2: Poem

This week, I'd like to write about the simple things.  We're going to write about the things we're grateful for, the simple joys we notice around us.  Note those things. Then, you will write 5 haiku's about them. 

Remember, a haiku is a short, contemplative poem with a very particular set of rules. 

There are generally 3 lines.  The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables (very symmetrical).  

Hot long summer days

Family is there through it all  

Cold short winter nights 

No distracts, just us

We are our entertainment 

When the power is out

We travel the world 

We go on adventures 

Every summer; fun 

Cambridge is our home

My family will stay here forever 

Our heart is in Africa 

Here one day in life 

Gone the next day forever

Be thankful, before its late 

Gratitude

Part 1: Journal

This week, we are obviously thinking about gratitude.  I'd like you to write a three paragraph journal entry that answers the following questions:

1.  What do you tend to take for granted?

2.  What are you grateful for (what things, experiences, people, etc)

3.  What are some of the the good things that you you could "take in" and absorb more?  Take in the good and write about the experience

There are many things that are always taken for granted. But one that really stood out to me was my parents. I feel that I put my parents through so much and as parents there will always be there for me. But I don't really show them how much I really appreciate them. I think its normal since everyone is always moving in a fast pace. And you notice you take things for granted when its gone or when things slow down and you have time to look and around and be grateful. 

I am grateful for having a loving family to take care of me and be there to support me through everything. Both my parents are in my life, and I am lucky enough to have siblings to keep me company and to explore life with. I learned so much from them and there guidance made me the person I am today. I've had many up and downs with my family. And to be able to struggle and succeed with a group of people that have unconditional love for you is the best thing in the world. 

I need to take more of the good vibes my aunt throws at me. She is always happy and grateful for life, and she gives the best advice that is always positive. And lately I haven't talked to her so I need to reconnect with her and having her energy around would probably rub off on me. She's not that much older than me, so its easier to connect to her than my parents. So in the future I need to reconnect with her because it would be good to absorb the positive vibes. 

Facing Your Fears

Part 2: Poem

Write a hip hop (poem) about facing your fears.  This is great hip hop battle stuff right here.  Your hip hop should be at least 16 lines in length, and it should have a rhyme scheme.  Consider it a battle, but you're battling your inner fears, obstacles, and anxieties, as opposed to another rapper.  Have fun with it.  Be creative. 

One, Two, Three, Four

I pray this can be over so I can walk out this door 

Five, Six, Seven, Eight

I debate if I should even go; making me late

Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve 

God why do I have to go through this hell 

Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen

My anxiety went from a one to a ten

Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty

I would love to be anywhere but here 

Ahmed... 

My name is called 

Its time...

The wait is over

The nervousness is over 

The anxiety is over