Diversity

Here's a cliche: Variety is the spice of life. But it's so true! Diversity gives the world its flavor. I can't even imagine how boring it would be if everyone was just like everyone else. The world would have no culture, no history, no religions....heck, it wouldn't have much good food, either. Sure, diversity could potentially be blamed for many wars and problems in our world. But I counteract with the idea that INTOLERANCE is the real issue here. If people didn't judge others negatively based on ethnicity or background or beliefs, earth would be a fantastic place. However, we are human, and therefore we tend to be superficial.
I remember something that a speaker said last week, it really stuck with me: God created US in HIS image. God didn't create a specific race in his likeness, he created ALL HUMANITY to resemble him. All peoples are a beautiful reflection of God's face. Now really, how can anyone hate their fellow human being based on differences when they know that God made them?
Diversity is a blessing!

World Vision

In essence, this week didn't really show me anything I didn't already know. However, it definitely challenged me and called me to action. I have never been on a missions trip before, and I am genuinely considering going to Mexico next semester. Mr. Browning was an excellent (if excitable) speaker than could get anyone enthusiastic about anything. Overall, it was a week to get off your butt and do something. I liked it.

Genocide

I don't think they could've gotten a better speaker for this topic. Personally, I have been to the Museum of Tolerance twice and have met many Holocaust survivors. Most of them didn't seem....real. They appeared to be resigned to live a life that was ruined by their experiences. That is perfectly understandable, of course. But here was a woman who wasn't pretending to be okay, and she was CERTAINLY not resigned. It was so strange to see a survivor who was so feisty, had such a strong will to live the way she wanted. Her outlook was quite refreshing and I won't soon forget it.
Additionally, the genocide talk really forced me to look at myself and the people around me. I've heard the worst derogatory comments come out of my friends' mouths and I have never felt moved to tell them to stop being idiots. However, I realized that doing nothing is just as bad as laughing along....it's almost like approving of what they're saying, or agreeing with it. Even slurs directed at me have been tolerated because it was just "friendly banter." That's ridiculous.
In the end, the lecture made me more sensitive to the language and the stereotypes we use on other people. That's where it all starts, you know?

Men's and Women's Issues

While this was a rather uncomfortable topic, I believe that Beginnings handled it better than any other class or seminar I had attended. I learned some things (especially about sexual assault) that inspired me to be more careful about the decisions I make and the people I hang out with. For the most part, it was relieving to hear that people dealt with some of the same issues I have come up against in my life. Essentially, everyone could feel that they could relate to this topic in some way because we're all human and we all struggle with certain aspects of ourselves. Many people opened up to me as a result of this week, and I became more open myself. Humanity never ceases to amaze me. ^_^

Addictions

This week has been very informative and interesting regarding addictions. There are some aspects of addiction that I never really considered. I've always been a bit sheltered when it came to drugs and alcohol, but the presentations definitely opened my eyes. To me, a place like APU is like a little world in and of itself; it can't be penetrated by outside influences. Obviously, this is not the case. Additionally, it reminded me that we all have our little addictions, so no one should be so high and mighty that they condemn others for having them. The discussions we had this week really prepared me for what I might encounter at school and just life in general.

I've also come to realize that I probably have an addiction to the internet. I love Youtube. O_o

How to use the strengths and how NOT to use them

Well, at APU the connectedness strength comes into play a lot. Bad things happen, people get hurt. But as Christians, we need to be able to see that maybe the bad times of our lives are part of a bigger picture that leads to more good than harm. College students tend to forget that when everything starts changing for the worse: your roommate gets mad at you, you fail a test, a family member dies, etc. I can be the person that reminds them that everything happens for a reason and that life will get better soon. Don't scoff, that's important! :P
However, if I don't manage this strength, I'll probably start to draw connections where there are none. Ex: "Suzy got a bad test grade? It's probably because she hangs out with that stupid Bob guy." This is basically the only weakness I can think of. I'm sort of grasping at straw here, guys.

Input will be useful at APU because I will easily remember information that I find interesting. I love to read, so studying really isn't a problem for me.
If I don't manage this strength, I'll end up getting distracted easily by unimportant (but interesting!!) things. Without discerning what I need to remember and what's just cool rubbish, I won't have enough room in my brain for the significant stuff.

As a developer, I'll be able to help a lot of people grow in their own strengths here at APU. I don't really see how this could be a weakness...
Random Friend: "Geez, stop helping me become a BETTER PERSON, Chelsea!!"
Me: "I'm so sorry! My developer strength has spiraled out of control!"
Yeeeeah. Maybe focusing on other people too much would cause me to neglect my own personal growth?

My positivity will get me through many an all-nighter. It will also encourage others keep on truckin', even when they really don't feel like doing work or going to that meeting. My cheerfulness will hopefully inspire my classmates and maybe just make the day a little bit brighter. However, this could be a weakness if mismanaged because I could become that person who is so mellow and optimistic that I can't get worked up about anything. I could become so happy that I can't be serious and that's actually a big problem. People don't like when you laugh off their pain. It's not good.

Individualization is a little tricky. While I could use it to make great groups for projects, I could also pay attention to individuals so much that I can't relate to the whole group.

My Strengths

You ready for this? My Strengths test told me I had the following attributes:

Connectedness: I basically believe that everything happens for a reason. Nothing is a coincidence, because humanity is part of something much bigger than itself. I feel that all people, all the life on earth is connected and, therefore, we all have responsibilities towards each other. We shouldn't harm or exploit other living things because it effects us all. I am accepting, caring, and considerate and I am a bridge builder. My faith is strong enough to sustain me and others who need to be lifted up; I give people hope. When I see negative things happening to the world and the people in it, I am disappointed and discourage, and this leads people to believe I'm too naive.

Input: I am extremely curious and I love to gather information. I collect things because they interest me. Although I'm not sure what I'll use them for, I know they'll come in handy someday. Reading is fun because it provides me with new knowledge and concepts. My mind finds many things interesting, and I look into all of them. I like quotes, memorabilia, and facts that I could find useful. Surfing the Net may turn into an hours-long expedition into mountains of information!

Developer: I love watching people grow and whenever I meet a new person, I see the potential in them. I'm drawn toward people because they seem so full of possibilities. I seek to challenge people to reach their goals. When people do make slight progress, I get incredibly excited and continue to encourage them. My own satisfaction comes from showing people their own growth and progress, which is probably why I enjoy teaching children so much.

Positivity: I am the eternal optimist, the one who is always quick to give praise and a big smile. I am ridiculously enthusiastic, and it's contagious. I lighten people's spirits when the world around them seems drab or heavy with pressure. I celebrate even the smallest things! As a result of my positivity, I can't seem to be dragged down: I enjoy work and life in general. Even when there seems to be a ton of obstacles, I never lose my sense of humor. I can get people excited about what they are doing; sometimes I am criticized for my incessant happiness, but hey, it's all good.

Individualization: I look at everyone as their own person, how everyone is unique and brings something different to the table. As a result, I can also see how different types of people could work well together in certain roles. I use the specific talents of people for the benefit of a group. Sometimes relating to people can be a little overwhelming, since I am trying to appeal to their specific characteristics.

That's it! Comments, por favor.

Why, it's me!

Essentially, I am Chelsea. I'm a squirrelly, short little chick with a smile that takes up her entire face and hopefully makes other people feel better. I'm a HUGE nerd who spends her time playing Wii and searching for classic Nintendo memorabilia, and I'm definitely not ashamed of it, since most people find it funny. However, being with friends and loved ones has to be my favorite pastime. I LOVE people, although I can be quite shy if I can't think of anything to say. I have a habit of blurting things out that are either completely random or unusually profound, and never at the right times. It's a good life!
I chose to go to APU because I felt that my journey with God would benefit from such an unusual environment. I've never had classes that were taught from a Christian perspective, and I figured that it would help me understand certain aspects of my own faith. Also, the fact that there's a chapel every other day is appealing because my family doesn't exactly have time to go to church as much as I'd like....here, I am given the opportunity to worship as much as I want in a community setting. Moreover, when I visited the campus, the people were wonderful and easy to talk to. For the most part, everyone is willing to go that extra mile to make friends. I love that!
As of right now, I don't have any specific dreams. All I know is that, when I die, I want people to remember the things I did for the world. Actually, I don't even care if they remember that it was me who did these great things, as long as I make a difference. Living this life is hard and I just want to make it significantly easier for those who have it the worst. I would like to go to different countries, meet everyone I can, shine the light of God, and see how he works in the lives of those around me. Right now, all these dreams seem pretty lofty, but I'm sure it'll work out, God willing.
In terms of religion, I am an non-denominational Christian. I love my church (Life Bible Fellowship) and have attended the youth group and the main services for four years. I sang on the Worship Team for the youth group and basically helped around the church wherever I could. I have friends from various denominations and enjoy learning about them and occasionally attending their services.