With the inauguration of President-Elect Trump just a few days away, I thought it fitting that I post this now. Regardless of your feelings of Donald Trump, I think many of us can agree on the fact that climate change remains an issue that undoubtedly needs attention. Thus, I don’t understand how Donald Trump can so blatantly deny such an epidemic, calling it a “Chinese hoax.” Just to prove that it remains an issue worth addressing, today the leading headline of The New York Times was “Earth Sets a Temperature Record for the Third Straight Year.” Is this coincidence? Perhaps not. And consequently, I decided to write him a letter concerning this issue. :) Of course, he will likely never read this and it will perhaps come across as a seemingly long winded tangent of venting about the fact that he’s not currently doing anything to help climate change and that makes me angry and frustrated and and and…. But you know what? That’s a fact I am okay with. Because when I pause and picture myself twenty-plus years down the road when the world’s climate will likely be negatively impacting westerners more drastically than it is now, and I may wonder why I didn’t do anything, at least I can tell myself that I wrote a letter to my president-elect actively voicing my concern regarding such an issue. Because in my eyes, climate change is one of the most pressing matters that we currently face. And as one of the most powerful nations in the world, I believe that it is imperative that the United States continue to increase our efforts in addressing climate change. So, please, read on Mr. Trump (along with anyone who has the time and cares to read why I believe climate change is an issue worth addressing). A Note to President Elect Donald Trump and many Republicans on the Hill … Climate Change is real. It’s real. And most scarily, it is happening ever so rapidly and assuredly. … Mr. Trump ~ Why do you deny the existence of global warming? Why do you doubt this catastrophic event that is taking place? Why are you not taking an active role to do at least something to try and prevent it? Additionally, why do you not believe the nearly 99% of scientists who support and claim that we need to actively do something now to slow and stop CO2 emissions from clogging our atmosphere? They have been saying this for years; have you seen the studies done? Take your phone out right now and google “climate change data” and you will see the many graphs and charts that explicitly show the trend that is exponentially happening. What do you doubt about it? Why are you not doing anything to help our environments? More specifically, why are you against this truth, and instead are intentionally doing nothing to help the future condition of our beautiful world? Mr. Trump, senators, I care about this planet. And I know you do too. So for once (and perhaps even more than once) can you put aside thoughts of yourself, your money, and about pleasing certain individuals and organizations, and focus instead solely on the future condition of earth. I urge you to again look at the current trends and where they’re continuing to head. Perhaps you can watch An Inconvenient Truth if you have not already (yes, it is on Netflix). This planet is a beautiful place. And we only get one. I want to take my future children, my future grandchildren, to places such as Glacier National Park – one of my favorite places on Earth – a place that I have had the opportunity to spend the last two summers exploring. However, right now, with the way climate is headed, perhaps Glacier and many other natural majestic masterpieces of Earth will be changed and altered forever… and not for the better. Right now there is thriving wild life, rushing rivers, flowing waterfalls, lush green forests, life covering thousands of square miles across the globe… yet, will this forever be the case? On a related note, tying this ecological crisis to my faith, I do believe there is a God who is in control and has a plan for when the end times will be. However, He put humans in charge of caring for this planet and all that this world has living in it (Genesis 2:15). I appreciate what Pope Francis has to say about humans’ role in the world. “When we talk about the environment, about creation, my thoughts turn to the first pages of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, which states that God placed man and woman on earth to cultivate and care for it. And the question comes to my mind: What does cultivate and caring for the earth mean? Are we truly cultivating and caring for creation? Or are we exploiting and neglecting it?” President Elect Trump – I am concerned, not only for the reasons why many people are about you, but because you have outright denied that climate change is an issue and have appointed Scott Pruitt – a leading advocate against the EPA’s activist agenda- as the transition leader of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). America needs to be a leader in this movement of changing attitudes and must take an increasingly active role in educating and implementing acts and resources in regard to climate change. We need to take an active role – by pouring our money and resources into such an issue. Yes, I realize that this is not yours nor many other’s #1 concern; however, why can’t it be of equal concern? I realize that there are many, many other issues making headlines and therefore are at the forefront of our attention currently, but that does not mean that the issue of climate change is to be dismissed. I strongly believe that it is of equal importance and feel that you should too.
... I care about this planet. I love this world; I know there is an unquantifiable amount of pain and agonistic events that occur in nearly every crevice and corner of every country, city, and home across all of earth… but, there’s beauty too. An absolutely incredible depth of beauty that is intermittently scattered across the most random but perfect of places throughout this world. This beauty and goodness is what I choose to focus on and is why I want to save – yes, save – our beautiful earth. We do not have a choice; there is no option or question regarding if we will do something, or if it is actually happening. The only question that remains pertinent is when will each of us finally take a more active role? We can’t point fingers; each of us is responsible for what is happening. And each of us must be on board in believing that it is an issue that requires action from every one of us. That is all for now. Thank you for reading. And good luck with the inauguration tomorrow. :) - Reyna
0 Comments
Am I the only one who gets fed up with our consumer driven culture?
I sure hope I’m not alone in this thinking. Actually, I know I’m not alone. I’ve talked to many people who share the same annoyances that I often feel day to day. And yet, more regularly I just choose to ignore these aggravations because I’m too busy to process and it’s just plain ol’ easier to deal with all of the backward and selfish manifestations and messages if I simply choose to not think about them. However, when I pause to reflect and truly think… that’s when I begin to feel frustrated and fiercely annoyed at my own culture which I have come to both love and hate. Last night, I briefly saw a portion of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show because my roommate was watching it on our TV in our apartment as she did homework. And let me tell ya, it was intriguing… and mesmerizing… and strangely beautiful… and yet incredibly disturbing and disgusting all at once. It was the most ironic thing in the world to be feeling such polar emotions simultaneously. I realized that it was the different sides of me appreciating and critiquing the various aspects and components of the show. I was appalled by the apparent and blatant objectification of these women as they strut down the runway, stared at as if they were something to eat by the musicians who were sharing the stage with them. Additionally, I could not get over the fact that each of these stunningly gorgeous models made Lady Gaga appear big. Lady Gaga is by means a large woman. In fact, she’s 5’ 1’’, 110 pounds to be exact (according to Wikipedia). An incredibly petite individual compared to the majority of the world’s humans. And yet, somehow she appeared large. It is no wonder that people – specifically girls – have eating disorders in our society. I know it’s an argument and critique that most people have heard at this point in time, but if we’re being sent messages that 5’ 11” and 115 pounds is the pinnacle of beauty, than golly g… of course girls are going to resort to means such as starving themselves in order to try to attain this level of gorgeousness. Yes, I realize that many of these models say that they do eat; however, it must not be much because to be that small… well. Science people. Aside from genes (which obviously plays a significant role in their physique) being 5’11” and 115 pounds is not exactly what the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends for a BMI (www.nhlbi.nih.gov). Unsurprisingly, these models’ height to weight ratio is significantly under the recommendations. However, on the flip side, despite the arguably skimpy outfits each of them wore, I was awed by these outfits because they were evidently masterpieces of art that had indeed had hundreds – if not thousands – of hours invested into creating every single one of them. I was mesmerized by the nearly unattainable beauty that was on display – the art forms, but also the people modeling the works of art. They were undoubtedly physically beautiful… and yet, a part of me felt sorry for them. A good portion of their lives – arguably the entirety of their lives - revolve around our consumer and materialistic culture, with them being the face of it. What high pressures to maintain! The expectation to always look fabulous and good…. uffda. No thank you. But they have to, because it’s their job. And it’s what they’re obviously good at and find pride in. So for that reason alone I do not envy them. Despite the praise and mysteriousness of their glamour and so-called “perfect” lives, I could never live with that kind of pressure. So this consumer driven culture… what drives it? Our blatant and obvious need for more… obviously. It’s incredibly difficult not to “buy” into it, both in actuality and mentally. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements and stuff stuff stuff and more stuff…. Our lives are overwhelmed by our STUFF. Does it not become overwhelming at times? I know for myself it sure does. Don’t get me wrong – I like my stuff. Well, at least some of it. But to be honest, most of it I forget I have half of the time. Consequently, a goal for myself in this coming year is to simplify my life. An initial step I’m taking to do this is to declutter my room and closet at home over Christmas break. I realized that I have nearly an entire closet full of clothes at home that I don’t need nor care about, so, why do I even have them? By the time I graduate from college (and ideally, perhaps even after Christmas!) I hope to have given away half of my wardrobe because honestly, it has come to clutter my life. I’ve come to realize is that despite the initial happiness that comes from gaining a new “thing”, unless I use it regularly, it will more likely just end up taking up space and further cluttering – yes, cluttering – my life. And the thing with clutter, is that it not only takes up space, but also time. And I want to be investing my time into worthwhile projects, ideas, and people … not into stuff. Life is too short as it is; thus, shouldn’t we all be investing our lives into things (*not actual things… you know what I mean) that really matter? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all simplified our lives? A few inspirations I found: http://livesimply.me/ http://www.arestlesstransplant.com/ http://theartofsimple.net/ https://zenhabits.net/declutter/ Take a look :) And perhaps you can join me and simplify your life by going through your closet over Christmas break. It’s not something big, but hey, baby steps. At least it’s something. And baby steps lead to big steps. Fall , my favorite season of the year, is upon us and with fall comes another festivity which I look forward to year after year regardless of where I am: HOMECOMING. I have many fond memories of this event, regardless of where it’s been. As a little girl, my family would go to the Concordia Homecoming Parade in Moorhead, Minnesota so my mom could reconnect with college friends and so the rest of us could repeatedly sprint onto 8th street in order to steal as much candy as our little hands could grab. The rest of the day would entail us kids binge eating all of our treasured candy while the grown-ups cheered on the Cobber Football team in the stands of Jake Christiansen Stadium. Shifting forward a few years down the road, in middle and high school I looked forward to the classic dress up days (‘MERICA, Thrift Shop, Dynamic Duo, Wild West, & School Spirit were some of my favorites), as well as “attempting” to play Powderpuff, cheering on the boys in Buff Puff, and roaring with energy and laughter in the annual pep rally. The Saturday afternoon of homecoming weekend would be spent sitting with blankets in the crispy leaves cheering on our friends as they played in the homecoming football game on Oak Grove’s picturesque field by the river. In addition to the game, that Saturday night would entail the ever so popular school dance which everyone would dress up and take pictures for, as well as going out for a “fancy” dinner beforehand (which of course our parents drove us to until the last few years of high school). Yet, some of my favorite memories of homecoming were the performances. There was an annual talent show as well as a homecoming concert which Alumni would come and join the choir on stage at the end for a singing of “Beautiful Savior”. Oh, the joys of being a Grover. Now, this fall of 2016, I’m a Cobber – already an “old” upperclassmen junior - and I still become incredibly excited about homecoming. However, I’ve realized the reason why I continually look forward to this event year after year - regardless of what school I’m at - is because of the community that I have the chance to be a part of. It’s the people, relationships, and time spent in intentional conversations that I look forward to. Homecoming is a time when people are intentional about investing in people, both old and new relationships. Undoubtedly there are many wonderful events, but that’s not the primary reason why people return home. People come back to connect with their past friends and acquaintances, to relive cherished memories and to make new ones with those whom they care about.
With this homecoming season upon us, I encourage you to continue to invest in the relationships around you. Teachers, friends, older friends, parents of friends…. Make people feel that they matter. Remind them that they are making a difference and are loved and appreciated by many. I realize this becomes tough when there appears to be multiple aspects of life that seem to constantly demand the very best of us - a countless stream of high expectations set upon us both said and unsaid by the people and experiences that we choose to be a part of. I know that I often feel the expectation to be a good student, a good daughter, an accomplished singer, have time to exercise and eat healthy, make time for God, and and ANDDD... and even sleep when I have a spare moment. The list goes on and on and our days quickly become filled with an endless stream of to do’s. But let me tell you this: I have never regretted making time for a friend. People are always worth it. During this homecoming, make time for others. Leave the “to-do’s” and choose to be present - intentional about really listening and being with the people surrounding you. Enjoy yourself, the community you have the chance to be a part of, and the time set aside to be with one another. Happy Homecoming! My perception of pageants has dramatically shifted this past year. Throughout this past year many people have asked me, “Reyna, how did you become involved with pageants?” Well, let me tell ya; it was never in my plan… but I have no doubt that it was always in God’s. I competed in my first pageant within the Miss America system of February 2015 after having been convinced to compete by a friend three days before the competition. Since then my life has been significantly impacted; I have grown and learned from the performance, networking, and service opportunities that the organization has provided. However, prior to competing I thought of pageants as elaborate competitions for only a certain type of girl, specifically for someone who could walk confidently across a stage in a bikini and could answer political questions while never ceasing to smile. I believed pageants were exactly that of their stereotypical reputation. But oh boy, let me tell you how very wrong I was. Allow me to educate you for a moment about the Miss America Organization. Style. Service. Scholarship. & Success. These are the four foundational platforms which the Miss America system prides itself in helping young women across the United States with. Commonly known as the "four points of the crown", each woman who partakes in the system is expected to uphold the values and embrace the lifestyle that these elements embody. However, the element that many people don't realize that is foundation to the Miss America Organization is the component of service. Many realize that there is great scholarship money involved (it is one of the leading providers of scholarship money to women in the United States!) and that the organization promotes beautiful and successful women; yet, many individuals (previously including myself) automatically assume that it is simply a "pageant", and that only pretty girls who can walk across a stage in high heels and smile are qualified to compete. However, this is not the case. The caliber of women who compete in this system never cease to amaze me. They are driven, talented, kind, educated, and passionate young ladies who have dreams of changing the world. Aside from being physically beautiful, their hearts and minds are what make them truly radiant. Every woman who competes is required to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network, as well as develop a personal platform of her own choosing. These personal platforms can be anything from developing an anti-bullying campaign to speaking about body image - anything that she feels passionate about and wants to promote. Each contestant is thus expected to promote her platform in any such way she desires, such as speaking to school classrooms or having a fund raiser supporting her platform. Aside from developing a personal platform, contestants must compete in five areas of competition - the two highest percentage areas being talent (35% of contestant's score) and interview (25%). And let me tell you, these interviews are by no means easy. A contestant may be asked anything from current world news to her personal views on faith and religion. These interviews test girls - forcing contestants to learn how to effectively articulate their opinions on such issues. But the element that remains central to the Miss America Organization is service. Before competing in the Miss America system I had been passionate about service. I have always loved being involved in my community and experiencing the feeling that I’m giving back in some way. However, upon entering college I discovered that it was difficult to find the time to volunteer and participate in community events as I had in high school. Although I knew that Concordia encouraged and provided ample opportunities for students to participate in community events, I found that I already had so many commitments that I wasn’t making service a priority as I once had. However, this changed after becoming involved in the Miss America Organization. Upon winning my first local title I found myself at community events once again, but there was a difference from before. I recognized that I was no longer just volunteering as “Reyna”, but that I had eyes that would follow me whenever I put the sparkly crown on my head. I realized that I had been elevated to the status of being a heightened version of myself - a role model whether I liked it or not - and that I was expected to uphold a tradition of acting a certain way: to be kind, poised, inquisitive, and caring to all those whom I encountered. Not that I wasn’t acting this way before the crown rested on my head, but there was an even higher level that I held myself to after putting it on because I was aware of the many little eyes watching the sparkle. However, regardless of the crown, being a part of the Miss America organization has given me the opportunities to make service a natural part of who I am. This past year I was able to speak to elementary school classrooms about my platform – “Embracing Differences through Kindness.” I helped and danced with hundreds of little girls at a daddy daughter dance. I was part of a talent show at a retirement home. I was able to raise over $600 for the Children’s Miracle Network. I volunteered at an overflow homeless shelter and was able to talk and hear stories from homeless individuals. I was inspired by a seven-year old girl who was my little “sister” during Miss North Dakota week. Would I have been a part of any of this had I not been a part of the Miss America Organization? Possibly. But likely I would have not because I would have been consumed with my own personal matters. Being a part of this organization has touched me – altering and causing me to grow for the better. Just a few of these benefits include…
Now here’s my little “sale’s pitch” for the organization: If you are a woman who is between the ages of 17-24 and are passionate about giving back to others, I encourage you to compete in a local Miss America pageant. There are multiple local pageants open to any girls between the ages of 17-24 across the state of North Dakota (and every state!). For example, I competed in Dickinson this past year and was from Horace which is a town on the complete opposite side of the state. It is an excellent way to serve your community, be inspired, and gain incredible opportunities and experiences that will change your life. Please, if you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out. xxx Reyna It's funny how many sides there are to each and every one of us.
For me, there's the "wilderness camp counselor" side of myself that loves camping out, wearing nothing but gym shorts and t-shirts, hiking mountains, and being outside and in tune with God's beautiful creation. On the flip side, there's the "all-dolled-up" side of myself that loves wearing pretty dresses, doing makeup, getting pedicures, and shopping for anything and everything. There's the adventure seeking "I AM COURAGEOUS AND CAN DO ANYTHING" version of myself ... And then there's the fearful side that at times makes its presence known too. There's the people-oriented side of me... And then there is also my introverted side that seeks opportunities of peace, quiet, and alone time. There's the scholarly school-oriented version of me... But there's also the literally-cannot-sit-still side of me too. To go even further, there's the side of me that is selfish... Seeking alone time and doing things that satisfy ME and what I want... a side that craves independence and freedom from commitment. But then there's the side of me that desires to serve... To be present and giving towards others. The side of me that enjoys volunteering at church potlucks, speaking to elementary school classrooms, and being a listening ear to friends. It's the side of myself that fulfills me - being a servant and loving towards others. For each and every one of us, there isn't just ONE characteristic or quality that dictates who we are and who we're called to be. We each possess multiple gifts and traits that make us unique. It's what makes us individuals. We each have different sides of who we are depending on our environment... And that is ok. We have numerous desires and goals as a result from our various experiences and encounters with people. We are a culmination of our experiences and interactions, so of course there isn't just one side to each of us. These various sides are what makes us well rounded - giving us perspective and empathy towards those who are different from ourselves. I've realized that the more I learn and develop these aspects of who I am, the more I realize just how much I don't know... But how much I want to know. The more I explore and develop these "sides" the more I continue to understand and yet grow in curiosity. Don't stop expanding your "sides". Continue to explore who you are. Keep pushing yourself and expanding your interests, and in turn you will learn more about yourself and the people and places all around you. EMBRACE those around you... Those who are like you, but also who are different. xxx - Reyna Story time.
A few weeks ago I was taking the off ramp into Moorhead, Minnesota from the interstate. I pulled up to the light and there was a homeless man with a sign asking for help. I nudged my mom who was sitting beside me in the passenger seat because this was just the opportunity that I had been waiting for. A few nights previously I had stuffed a ziploc bag with random food from my family’s pantry and hid it under my seat to wait for the opportunity such as this to come around. Far too many times I had driven up to this specific off ramp and tried to avoid eye contact as a homeless person stood right outside my car door asking for help. I was done with experiencing that feeling of guilt in my gut. However, this time around I was ready. I rolled down my window and quickly called out to the man, “Hey! Want some food?” The man quickly smiled and enthusiastically came over. He had the biggest smile on his face as I handed him the bag of snacks. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m on a ‘see-food’ diet so this is just wonderful!” We exchanged a laugh and at that point the light turned green and we quickly buzzed away. Although his “see-food” comment bothered me, it didn’t change the fact that it felt good to do something as small as this, and it brought joy to not only the man, but also to myself and my mom in the car. I don’t tell this story to promote or to give myself a pat on the back, but to share just how easy this was to do. It literally took me one minute to fill that bag with food. Although I realize that in the long run that small bag of food won’t do much, it was at least something. And what if, what if every person with these resources took just one minute and did something as easy as filling a ziploc bag with extra food from their kitchen cupboard and sticking it under their car seat? One idea, one minute, one Ziploc bag, and some food… multiply that by every person with these resources and the motivation to do it and there would be a significantly less amount of hungry people in the world. That’s not only what I think, but what I know. One simple act. Do it. I promise you will not regret it. |
Reyna Asheimcurrently lives in Fargo, North Dakota where she works remotely as a Policy and Communication Manager for the First Lady of North Dakota. Photography and writing are a passion that help her better appreciate the details of the world. Archives
February 2024
Categories |