What Do You Remember?

So as I was successfully avoiding studying for finals, I stumbled upon (literally) these two quizzes, and thought they were very poignant. It's entitled the "Charles Schultz Philosophy."



1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world .
The few that come to mind our Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and that other guy...
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
I believe Tim Tebow won one year...all I know is that the Trojans haven't won one for awhile, so it doesn't really matter.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
The current Miss America is named something like Fakimh, and the only reason I know this is because she is the first woman of Middle Eastern descent to win, which of course, really pissed off all of the Fox and Friends, and probably my grandparents. Also, there was/is some controversy surrounding whether or not she participated in a pole dancing competition or something. Well, if you haven't yet figured out that the Miss America Contest is full of slutty, made-up, fake, "All-American" girls, then you must not be from around here.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
Pretty sure someone by the name of Obama recently won a Nobel Peace Prize, but I believe the jury is still out on just exactly what he won it for.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
Not a strength of mine. I would like to say Johnny Depp for all of them, but sadly that's not true. I do know that Meryl Streep has been nominated like a scagillion times, without yet winning one.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
Hell yah! This is my category! Ready? 1996-Yankees, 1997-Nobody cares, 1998-Yankees, 1999-Yankees, 2000-Yankees, 2001-Diamondbacks, 2002-Angels, 2003- Marlins, 2004-Team to remain unnamed, 2005-White Sox, 2006-Cardinals, 2007-Team to remain unnamed, 2008-Phillies, 2009-Yankees. Sit on that!

But that's not the point. Here's the next list of questions that puts the whole quiz into perspective:


1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school...
The top three teachers that have influenced me and have helped me become the person that I am both academically and as a whole have to be my 7th grade teacher, Mr. Duxbury, who taught history. He was such a cool guy and totally put up with all of our crap. He also taught me a lot about personal strength, perseverance, and optimism. His wife had some sort of cancer, I never knew what kind or how bad, but I think it was pretty bad (not that cancer is ever good, but you know what I mean). He never let it bother him, at least in front of us, and would joke around with us. I remember him leaving funny responses to my somewhat sarcastic or attempts at humorous remarks on my homeworks and tests. I look up to him a lot, and always thought he had so much strength to put the worries and stress that his wife's cancer must have brought to teach the crazy kids that we were. He made history fun and I still have a great passion for it today.

My high school biology teacher and volleyball coach, Mr. Wilmoth also means a lot to me. He was almost like my dad away from home, and being that I spent more time at school and volleyball than home, it's not hard to imagine. He taught me a lot about balance, he was very involved in the school, had a family, and was involved in his church. He just seemed to have everything worked out, and I really admire that about him. He also taught me a lot about how to be a Christian in the Science World. I realized that it doesn't have to be one or the other; rather, both can coexist, which was what one of his shirts that he would wear to volleyball practice would say.

Another high school teacher I had who had a big impact on me was my chemistry teacher, Mr. Brown. He was also like a father figure to me. He was always looking out for me and warning me about "the boys" but at the same time he would say what a shame it was that I wasn't a year younger because I would be a good match for his son. He was always thinking about what was in my best interest, and had me take this chemistry test (which I got the top score in, holla!). He was so proud of me, and would brag about me as if I was his on daughter, which I thought was sweet. Mr. Brown is such a sweet guy, and always wants to know how you are doing. He was always concerned that I was too skinny, but he doesn't have to worry about that now, since I have now developed some jiggly parts around the middle.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
Well, number one would have to be Nathalie. She was always there for me, and she was the first friend I felt like I could really open up to. I always feel so comfortable around her, it's just like second nature having her around. She means the world to me, and can't wait for summer, so I will only be a few miles from her instead of hundreds.

I'm going to group these next few people together because that's how I roll. Chelsey, Jo, and Jezli have helped me overcome some of my darker demons without even realizing it. Before I met them, I wasn't in the best of places mentally or emotionally. Living with them has truly changed my life, for the better. They are just the group of girls I needed. They are all so funny, honest, smart, beautiful and easy to get along with. I can't imagine my life without them, nor do I want to. They say college is the place where you meet the friends you will have for the rest of your life, and I think they're right. Like it or not ladies, you're stuck with me for the rest of your lives (insert evil laugh here).
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
Well, definitely all of the people mentioned above have each taught me something valuable. A "life lesson" as Mr. Wilmoth would call them.

I would also include my parents, who taught me the importance of family and how to love unconditionally.

Everyone who holds the door for me or says "bless you" when I sneeze have taught me that world isn't full of jerks and inconsiderate people, no matter how convinced I am of this.

My general chemistry professor who told the class that if we went through UCSD without learning how to surf, we were idiots.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
Recently, Jezli, Jo, Chelsey and Nathalie made me feel special when they did a surprise shin-dig at the beach for my birthday. It made me feel special.

My mom makes me feel special because when I check my email everyday, there's always a little message from her saying that she misses me, loves me, and hopes I have a great day. It always makes me smile.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Hmm, well, it seems like I keep going back to the same people: Jo, Chelsey, Nathalie and Jezli, being with them guarantees that I will have a fun, crazy time. My family, especially my brother who makes us pee our pants from laughing so hard at the crazy things he says. My puppies, they always want to be with the family. I also enjoy spending time with the Yankees, even though no one on the team knows who I am (except Andy Pettitte, who I'm convinced still remembers me and my "nice visor"). I spend many a day watching them play, or the little gameday stick figure on mlb.com when I can't watch them on TV.

To quote the website where I found this: "The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care."

I think this sums it up very nicely. Make sure to tell those you care about just how much they mean to you.