Gender and Relationships (The Right One!)

I love watching wedding shows on TLC like "Say Yes to the Dress" or "Four Weddings" and have been planning my perfect wedding since I was ten years old. This doesn't mean that I hold my wedding day as the most important part of marriage. There's so much more to it than that; however, I think that the wedding day and the proposal are two sacred traditions that would be a shame to lose. I agree with the author that the couple should discuss the idea of marriage before getting engaged, but I think he is slightly harsh with his criticism of women looking for "signs" that their significant other is going to propose. The couple could have already discussed the possibility of marriage and thus the girl looks for these "clues" of when and where he will propose. Andy makes a proposal seem like a business deal between two corporate executives. They're in love! Let them have their fun and surprises! Let the women plan every single detail of their perfect day because it's their one day to be a princess. As for the reader's comment, I think she was right in saying that he focuses entirely on the effect of women's expectations and not on men's. I think that both men and women enjoy planning this day together because it's the first challenge they overcome as a married couple. They make decisions, are forced to compromise, and will probably get in more than one argument. An engagement and wedding is the first test of a marriage and the first glorious moment of the rest of a couple's lives, not just one day that women obsess over.

Wonderful Gift and Awesome Responsibilty

One of the many messages taught by the Church that is familiar to me is the idea that the physical act of sex in marriage is meant for procreation. The Church states that a couple may by no means use any form of birth control, rather, they must abide by the body's natural rhythms. The Church also states that a single person should refrain from the physical act of sex until they are fully committed through marriage. Some of the teachings of the Church that I did not know is that they are open to homosexual people and wish to have them actively participate in the Christian community. Also, that the Church prohibits sexual activity of homosexuals and finds it a sin was a new concept to me. I believe that the article did a great job of covering most of the areas of human sexuality; however, they failed to dictate the Church's stand on masturbating, which is also a large part of sexuality.

Mission Statement

To welcome and accept others and wholly, without judgement and without the desire of something in return. To give myself entirely in every aspect of my life. To stand up for what is right and what I believe in, knowing that I do not do it alone. To honor and respect all members of my intimate family and those around me with my time, talent, and treasure. To trust in God and his plans for me without question or doubt. To strive for my own personal perfection, knowing that I may not reach it and that the journey is what made the difference. To keep my eyes wide open as I travel through life. To remain hopeful through times of uncertainty and woe, setting my eyes on a future day. To take each moment and know it is a gift and not a right. To give all the glory of who I am back to God.

Who am I?

I am one of the middle children of four children all born a year apart. Kate is a freshman at Pitt, Kevin is a junior and Matt is sophomore, both at Prep. Because we are all so close in age, it seems like we're going through the same things at the same time. Half the time we are even taking the same classes in school. This makes it very hard not to compare myself to my siblings. However, no one pushes me more than my brothers and sister. Because of them, I strive to achieve my best in everything I do. I desperately want to have as much success as my sister did before me and also lead a great example for my brothers after me. I would not be the person I am today if I did not have them as my motivators and my best friends. We may not always get along and have our fair share of disputes, but I would not trade any of them for the world.

Walking into the gym the August before freshmen year was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my life. Volleyball tryouts had begun. As a freshmen, I was terrified of the intimidating upperclassmen and prayed that the ball didn't come to me so that I couldn't mess up. However, as I grew more comfortable with the girls, I slowly came out of my shell and became a member of the team. Through volleyball, I have made some of my best friends and have realized a lot about myself. Rather than just pining for my own time on the court, I've learned to cherish my time on the bench as well, rooting on my fellow Mounties. Volleyball has made a lasting impression on my experience of high school and on my life as well.


I rowed for Mount Crew my freshmen year and never have I disliked a sport more. Not only did we work our bodies until we literally got sick, the coaches also taxed our minds as well. When I thought I had secured my seat in the Freshmen 8, our coach pulled me out right before the first race to see if I could handle the last-minute switch. Crew was all-consuming and was the majority of my life freshmen year, but I do not regret it for one instant. I learned so much about myself and my potential. I learned to push myself harder than I ever dreamt I could. I was a part of something that not everyone could be a part of and met some really fantastic people. I was no longer a weak, insecure freshman just trying to get through high school. I learned to stand up for myself and take whatever anyone threw at me, good or bad. Crew might not be the sport that I was destined to play, but it played a major role in making me who I am today.