About a week ago, in her speech at the National Institute of Health, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for an "AIDS-free generation." You can view her speech here. The UN estimates that HIV spreads globally at a rate of 7,000 people daily. Yikes. Secretary Clinton urged the world to utilize current technological and medical advances like antiretroviral treatments to diminish the spread of this epidemic. In developing countries where government corruption runs rampant and funding for these programs and technologies are often embezzled and never reach the people who really need it, the future seems bleak.
However, a story that I recently came across reaffirmed my hope in life and all the possibilities for the future. This past June (yes I know I'm a little behind), the first case of what could lead to a great development against the spread of HIV/AIDS was exhibited. A man received a bone marrow transplant in Berlin back in 2007. He now shows no signs of a replicating virus and isn't even taking medications for the virus. Doctors believe this man will probably never have any problems with HIV. There is no way this solution could be applied to all of the world's population infected with HIV, but at least it's a start. This case has encouraged HIV/AIDS advocacy, along with more research for a cure. And while we may not be close to a cure yet, this discovery wasn't possible decades ago, and shows signs for incredible development.
In an age where our lives seem to be occupied with stress and insecurities, it's often easy for us to lose hope. Hope is one of the few things no one can ever take away from you, which is why I encourage you all in these uncertain times to keep your chin up and keep searching for that silver lining, because I promise you, it's there. Happy Monday :)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
It's Okay
What was supposed to originate as a productive study night has turned into a reflection on my life. I guess Forensic Psychology can wait, right?
Lately, I've been forced to think about my future and what I want to do with myself after graduation. You're probably saying, "but Jacob, you're only a junior in college, you have plenty of time." But for those of you who know me well, I am a perfectionist, and as much as it screws me over time and time again, it's the truth.
I recently finished my State Department internship application. I think an internship with State is what I want the most in life right now. It's something that's kept me on track this semester and something that could advance my future career immensely. With that said, I've also been much more cautious about my actions. I've tried to make my actions as in line with a good State Department intern as much as possible....but I also like to have a good time with my friends, and sometimes that doesn't mix well.
This weekend was a bit too much fun, if that's possible. It left me feeling conflicted and entirely confused, which has lead me to this current state of thought. But after some self-reflection and talking to an amazing friend (who will hopefully guest blog here soon), I've come to a realization: it's okay.
I had one un-modest night. Okay. It doesn't change all the awesome stuff I've been doing. I'm going to China to intern next semester, and okay, I had one night of less than acceptable acts. Alright. It's okay. I can't stress over it. It happened. And now I'll learn from it. I have to focus on the good in my life right now or I'm going to miss it. By the time I stop stressing about my one indecent night, I'll be home from China and wonder what the hell I've been doing fretting about it for the past six months.
I'm sure the president had a Pint Summit or whatever the hell he called it where they drank pints of beer and discussed politics. And I'm pretty sure that Nancy Pelosi has slept with her husband, considering she's popped out some kids. And I'm pretty sure that people do exactly the same stuff that I've done. And it's not anything to be ashamed of or get upset over because guess what? I wasn't on the job. I can be a stellar intern and have exactly the position I want and it won't matter what I do off the clock. That doesn't affect who I am as an employee.
Unwinding made me feel like I was slacking, even though it's what I absolutely needed to balance the recent stress in my life.
My advice (okay, really my friend Sarah's advice) to everyone reading this, along with myself: Make a list. Write down everything you want to do in life, with academics, everything. And then put it in an envelope and hide it away. And just live life.At the end of next semester, look at it. And just cross things off. It's time to just breathe and relax and do what you want. You're doing an amazing job. Just have faith in that.
"It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself."
-Thomas Paine
Lately, I've been forced to think about my future and what I want to do with myself after graduation. You're probably saying, "but Jacob, you're only a junior in college, you have plenty of time." But for those of you who know me well, I am a perfectionist, and as much as it screws me over time and time again, it's the truth.
I recently finished my State Department internship application. I think an internship with State is what I want the most in life right now. It's something that's kept me on track this semester and something that could advance my future career immensely. With that said, I've also been much more cautious about my actions. I've tried to make my actions as in line with a good State Department intern as much as possible....but I also like to have a good time with my friends, and sometimes that doesn't mix well.
This weekend was a bit too much fun, if that's possible. It left me feeling conflicted and entirely confused, which has lead me to this current state of thought. But after some self-reflection and talking to an amazing friend (who will hopefully guest blog here soon), I've come to a realization: it's okay.
I had one un-modest night. Okay. It doesn't change all the awesome stuff I've been doing. I'm going to China to intern next semester, and okay, I had one night of less than acceptable acts. Alright. It's okay. I can't stress over it. It happened. And now I'll learn from it. I have to focus on the good in my life right now or I'm going to miss it. By the time I stop stressing about my one indecent night, I'll be home from China and wonder what the hell I've been doing fretting about it for the past six months.
I'm sure the president had a Pint Summit or whatever the hell he called it where they drank pints of beer and discussed politics. And I'm pretty sure that Nancy Pelosi has slept with her husband, considering she's popped out some kids. And I'm pretty sure that people do exactly the same stuff that I've done. And it's not anything to be ashamed of or get upset over because guess what? I wasn't on the job. I can be a stellar intern and have exactly the position I want and it won't matter what I do off the clock. That doesn't affect who I am as an employee.
Unwinding made me feel like I was slacking, even though it's what I absolutely needed to balance the recent stress in my life.
My advice (okay, really my friend Sarah's advice) to everyone reading this, along with myself: Make a list. Write down everything you want to do in life, with academics, everything. And then put it in an envelope and hide it away. And just live life.At the end of next semester, look at it. And just cross things off. It's time to just breathe and relax and do what you want. You're doing an amazing job. Just have faith in that.
"It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself."
-Thomas Paine
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