Next week, I'm going to be testing for my junior black belt. A rank I have worked for almost five years to obtain. And although It is not a full black belt, this belt has a lot of significance to me and the others in my dojo. It's because of earning this rank that I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my instructors. Each one of them has taken such a powerful role in my life and without them I would not be that same person I am today.
A thank you to Renchi Dikie who never let me give up. Who always pushes me to my very best and considered anything less unacceptable. Thank you for teaching me how to overcome challenges, even when it seems impossible.
A thank you to Kyoshi Will Clark, who not only taught my introductory class, but planted the seed for a scrawny eleven year old to become passionate about something. Thank you for all the weapons classes and thank you for constantly pushing me to do my best. Thank you for teaching me how to be strong.
A thank you to Renchi Ryan Barone, who made me feel at home when we switched dojo's. Thank you for listening to me and giving my words a place of meaning. Thank you for teaching me how to be kind and how to forgive. Thank you for making me feel valid.
A thank you to Renchi Sonja Kuljanin. Thank you for teaching me girls belong in karate too. Thank you for all the pep talks and gentle pick-ons. Thank you for always checking to make sure I'm okay. Thank you for explaining things to me over, and over, and over and over again and not giving up until I finally got it.
A thank you to Renchi Alexis Tearney-Kuhl who always pushed me to do my best even as young as twelve years old. Thank you for making me believe in myself and all my capabilities. Thank you for teaching me how to work with the little kids in karate.
A thank you to Renchi David Homer. Your Saturday morning black belt club classes made me feel powerful and it was a pleasure to be in them. Thank you for teaching me how to be positive no matter what the outcome.
A thank you to Kyoshi Theodore Blandon whose wisdom and kindness will be forever planted with me as the rest of the dojo. Thank you for teaching me how to apply discipline and focus to make things happen for myself.
Thank you to Shihan Judi Tearney. Thank you for all the love, support, kindness and corrections over the years. Thank you for never giving up on me and never allowing me to quit (not that I'd ever try). Thank you for teaching me so many lessons about kindness, teaching, and technique.
And finally I'd like to thank Hanshi Greg Tearney. Who has created a dojo where children, teens and even adults can come, practice, and master whatever they wish to do. Thank you for always keeping me humble and in check. Thank you for all the Saturday morning private lessons. Thank you for making me feel validated. Thank you for all the effort you put in to make sure all of your student are successful. Thank you giving me a role model as who I look up everyday.
And I do not thank all of you as if my martial arts journey is over, but I thank you is if it has just begun because in reality, it has. I know that if you were not personally driving me to my best you would be driving others. It is because of all my instructors that all the days and hours I spend at karate make it all worth it.
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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