I've been having a lot of things on my mind lately, but I've never had the motivation or energy to write.  It's been hard finding the right words to say.  No where is more evident than me trying to communicate or trying to answer a question in class as I try my dang hardest to articulate a concise response.  I always fail to get my point across.

It's no surprise that verbal communication isn't exactly my forte.  I've struggled with it all my life.  Whenever I finish answering a question, I always reflect back and say "Dam, wish I could've/should've said this."  However, I don't have the option of doing that once it's all been said and done.  Still tryin' to improve.  Still tryin'...

I've just lost my train of thought, so I'll just call it a night.


Thinh Nguyen

I don't think taking the next month off would do me any good.  Over the summer, I've been quite listless and found it hard to find the motiviation to do anything productive.  I wouldn't blame anyone if he or she says my life is boring.  Lately, I've been regaining inspiration from just simply going to school.  I guess I like being in a routine because it helps me prioritize what I'm doing.

However, I can see how taking a month and recharging oneself could be valuable.  Going to the beach and hearing the ocean tides smashing against each other and on the monstrous, barnacle-slothered boulders is very relaxing.  Or even taking a small vacation for a change of scenery can be fun.  Although I do take a lot of time from my schedule to recharge already, I really do appreciate  alone time, than opposed to big expenditures.  I do cherish the times when people can just be idle and have nothing to do and implore on consumerism.  I think it's important when one does absolutely nothing and can still feel a sense of personal satisfaction--as odd as that may sound.


Thinh Nguyen

I'm a pretty mellow guy.  I don't have anyone specifically that I can think of as having similar characteristics.  However, I seem to gravitate and get along better with older people.  In college, there are so many undergraduates that talk about partying, and that's fine.  I tend to shy away from that limelight.  All I ask for is good conversations.  And for the most part, many of the older students I've known seem to have similar interests as I do.  It's become exceedingly rare to befriend someone that is down-to-earth, but I'll keep my chin up as time goes on.


Thinh Nguyen

It's nothing new when I say that I have trouble trusting myself.  Lately in school, I've been feeling a bit down.  I don't know if it's because I'm a sophmore and taking classes that are recommended at the junior and senior level, or it's that I feel intimated in a room full of so many bright students.  Quite frankly, I admit I'm not the most brightest student around.  But that doesn't mean I won't give it my all.  Though, it just sucks feeling under the weather for so long.

I've always admired anyone who could think of an answer and articulate his or her response so clearly.  It's one of those things I'm striving to improve at because verbal communication isn't my strength.  I don't know if people just learn how to speak better in front of audience after several years at college, or if it's just an innate character from person to person.

One last thing I'd like to mention is that I've been noticing how bad my social skills are.  As a kid, I guess my best way at getting to know people was through my art.  I would help my peers draw their favorite Pokemon, and I always had a problem saying no.  I suppose the best way for me to get and know somebody was in my ability to garner their attention through my drawings.  In a way, my art did the talking for me.  Now, I've been questioning myself on two things: does my art define me, or do I define my art?  I mean, if my ability to draw is taken away from me, would I still be able to interract with others?  More importantly, would I still be the same person people would want to get to know?

Guess I'll have to ride this one until I find out.


Thinh Nguyen