Justin’s Guide to Fabulous College Life

First of all let me just assure you that I have not been neglecting you but in fact trying to catch up with everything in my crazy life.  Now that I have a few seconds to talk let me catch you up.

I was cast in another play!!!  Yay I know! Nothing to major but I am still very honored to have been cast. 

I interviewed for a theatre scholarship as well but I won’t know about that for a few more weeks. 

As I was typing this I received  notification that I made it through the first round of interviews for a Community Advisor position on campus.  Next step is a shadow process.

I went to the Sunbelt Conference and was on the JUMBOTRON, if that is what it is called/spelled… Sadly we lost the game I attended.  Maybe I am a bud luck charm, but there’s not a true way to prove that is there???

And lastly I would to apologize on the delay of this article.  I thought that I hit the publish button but I guess I hit the save!  Sorry Guys!!

Well I am starting on my next posting so look for another blog soon to follow!!

Later Guys and Gals and remember:

Stay Fabulous!!!

I am a liberal but that is not why today is so amazing. Don’t get me wrong though, I was all too happy to be rid of President Bush.  No this day is probably the most powerful reason why I love the country I live in.  Today a new president was sworn in.  The government went from Republican to Democratic in just a few words, with no bombs and no raiding in the streets. 

I sat in the Donaghey Student Center with everyone from black to white to brown, student to teacher to worker, and we watched history being created.  I was so excited that I wrote down every detail so I could tell my children and grandchildren.  Then something made me sad.  I looked outside the window and there were people not watching.  Some were smoking cigs, some were reading, and some were just sitting in the sun.  I was really irritated.  Whether you like President Obama or not this is huge for our nation, and I am not just talking about Obama becoming the first African-American President.  I mean he is our new president!  That alone is good enough!  This nation spoke and we elected a new President.  That’s HUGE!!!  I mean there are countries that are so tired of the way their government is treating them and there is nothing they can do about it.  All we have to do is once every four or six years, depending on the office, stand in a line and mark a sheet of paper.  That is so simple, nothing more nothing less.  I can’t believe how some people would take that for granted!  Oh well, as my good friend, well not really but I think we could get along all right if ever we met, Ron White says, “YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!!”

For the people that missed the speech of our lifetime here are a few of my favorite parts:

• “Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.”
• “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.”
• “We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
• “Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. “
• “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. “
• “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. “

But the ending takes the cake:

• “So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: ‘Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it).’  America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.  Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.”

For those of you who would like to read the entire speech follow this link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_obama_text

For those of you who would like to watch the speech follow this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27721638/

I hope the next four years for this country are far better than the last eight!  (Come on guys you didn’t think I would let you leave me without one last stab at Bush??? HAHA!!! Never!!!)

Later Guys and Gals and Remember: Stay Fabulous!!!.

Ps: Almost forgot… To Senator John Cornyn from the “great” state of Texas: 

Why in the world are you being such a punk???  We all know Hillary is clean as a whistle and

exactly what this country needs from a Secretary of State!!! 

Get over yourself, you “UN-FABULOUS JERK!!!”

Long Time, No Blogging!  How is everybody?

Well my life has been a whirlwind of emotions and events since you last heard from me.  As far as school goes finals were tough but manageable.  That was until a lovely person (complete sarcasm if you couldn’t tell) decided to run a red light and leave me carless.  They were nice enough however to leave me with a huge knot and matching headache.  Not all was lost though!  My friends once again came to my rescue.  They took complete care of me.  They transported me to the hospital, argued with me about if I should sleep on their couch so they could stay up and watch me, took me to the grocery store, and so much more.  They are the absolute greatest people ever!!!

Speaking of my friends and how amazing they are…you will never guess what they did for me last Monday.  For my birthday, they bought me hotel and tickets to see Celine Dion aka “The Goddess!!!”  It was by far the most amazing day of my life.  I have never experienced such an emotional rollercoaster.  Her power, emotion, and talent were mind-blowing.  I am not ashamed to say I even started to tear up when she sang a duet with Andera Bocelli.  I am OBVIOUSLY the number one fan!!!

Well guys I have lots of reading to do.  I am taking some really cool classes this year but more on that latter!

Later guys and gals, and remember:

Stay Fabulous!!!

I came to UALR from Arkadelphia, a town of about 10,000 people.  Needless to say I ran into someone I knew at least a hundred times a day.  Coming to college was almost a culture shock in the respect that I knew less than a handfull of people.  I didn’t even know my potential roomates!  Instead of letting this scare me I used this as a blank slate.  I was no longer known as “Russ and Bobbie’s boy” or “Chris or Sean’s lil’ brother.”  I was now “Justin Walker” or “T#.”   I could make my own name and new relationships based on just me!!!

That is what I did, and let me tell you I have met and in some cases re-met some of the most amazing people in my life!  My friends have gotten me through some pretty rough times, and on the other hand we have had some of the most fun I think one could ever have.  I found my BFF from kindergarten, ate at Denny’s/Waffle House/ IHOP at 3 o’clock in the morning countless times (thats me taking a quick nap at Denny’s above), played around with a photo shoot (to the left), tailgated,  lived on an island, climbed a mountain, and I room with my best friend!  Those are just some of the countless adventures for me and my buddies.  For me college has been the best experience of my life.  Even my sad days now are more fabulous than most of my good days back at home…

Later guys and gals and stay fabulous.

So you know the ole saying about opinions right?  Well it is very true, but mine is pretty/smells good!!! 

In my opinion an educated decision is the right decision when it comes to politics.  College is a starting point in your life because you can begin to create your voice.  You are no longer stifled by your parents, age or in my case small home-town.  You are free to be you and let you government know who you want and what issues you want addressed.  The biggest way to do all that is to vote!

My friends and I have different political views and that is okay in my book, as long as their decision is an educated one.  I was a Hill-raiser before she stepped aside and then Obama got my vote.  If you are a McSame I mean McCain supporter that is okay too, as long as you have studied the issues and know where he stands!

What I don’t understand though is this crap known as ACT ONE!!!!  It does anger me when someone would support such stupidity!  This issue is not just a strong one for me because I am gay, but because it forgets the ones who don’t have a voice.  Children in foster care are ready for a home and it can be close to impossible to find one for them.  I am a strong supporter for children and think we should remember their interests in this matter.  Just because someone is not “married,” (straight, bi or gay) should not constitute grounds for adoption.  I know some pretty screwed up straight couples that shouldn’t have kids, and I know plenty of gay couples, who this state will not allow to marry, that would be amazing parents.  Then again I know straight couples that would be great parents, and gay couples that wouldn’t.  The point is that marital status should not be the first thing to think of.  Each applicant should be granted adoption on a case by case basis.  That just makes common sense!  Common sense should be the basis for any government decision.  That is why I believe the founding fathers wanted to take religion out of our government, because it adds too much confusion to something that should be simple.  There should be laws allowing gay marriage because no matter what you do to stop it, two men/two women are going to fall in love.  There should be laws about abortion because no matter what you want to do to stop it, there are going to be abortions.  Common sense people, common sense.  It is all that I am preaching. 

Gosh, I feel like one of my professors.  He gets so impassionate about things and sometimes I don’t understand why.  Maybe you think I am just another gay liberal, but I guarantee if it were your rights the government was trying to take away you would be standing on a soap box too!!  Watch this 30 second video and than tell me I am wrong: Video

Later guys and gals and remember stay fabulous!

My first audition ever and I got a part! 

It’s for the Fringe Festival here on campus.  It is a competition for one act plays written by students.  Then the plays are directed by students.  I got the part of Mark in Jeremiah Smith’s “Greek to Me.”  I had read for another play but I was so excited to just get cast in any play!  All of the scripts are really good and I can’t wait for rehearsals to start.  I am officially almost a real actor!!! 

So I am not going to lie I was very nervous.  I had a GREAT friend with me though so we tried to keep each other calm.  Yslan Hicks (a professor here at UALR) came and got me from the green room.  I guess i was showing my nerves because she smiled and said, “Just breathe.”  I went in and introduced myself.  I read from “How are You?,” by Natasha Mason.  I made it through without a slip.  I turned to the directors and smiled.  They flooded me with questions.  I then read from two other scripts and they asked me if I was staying for call-backs.  I almost pissed my pants!!!

Everyone should come and support the festival!  The show-times are posted here: http://ualr.edu/theatre/image-viewer.htm?Fgallery10-2.

Hope to see all of y’all there!!!

Later guys and gals and remember Stay Fabulous!

So this past week was a killer week if I do say so myself.  I not only had a HUGE biology test, but I also had two quizzes, one project due, two plays to read, rehearsal, Biology Lab and History of Theatre midterms to study for, and on top of that…I had to plan and execute an amazing birthday party!  Whew, I need a nap just thinking about all I did!!!  So how did I get through it?

I juggled.  You learn how to do that in college.  The first step to juggling is to plan on when I was going to throw the different obstacles in the air and when i was going to catch them.  I started with Biology, because I knew how much I love science.  I was being just a TINY BIT sarcastic if you couldn’t tell!  I made flash cards to read as I walked through campus, not so much for learning as it was to finally have an excuse for tripping on my own two feet!  Then I focused on my project because it was the most time consuming.  The quizzes were reading quizzes so I took them with stride and read the chapters during the week and reviewing right before class.  Once that was out of the way I could read my plays.  Rehearsal had its own set time so I had to comply with it.  The midterms are actually this week but by studying a little early I am not so stressed about it now.

But just as in juggling if you hold on to a ball for too long you will drop the others…  So whenever I would zombie out due to too much academia, I would plan the most amazing birthday party.  And let me tell you…that party was FABULOUS!  This past week was a fabulous success!

Hey guys and gals! 

So I was asked to tell you a little about me and about the AMAZING University I attend.  First things first, my name is Justin Walker and I am a full-time student at UALR!  I am a theatre major and in the process of debating a minor.  I am also an East Scholar and if you are enrolled in East Lab at your high school you should REALLY look into that scholarship!  Just a little helpful aside for you, but now back to me! 

Most people say I never meet a stranger.  I think that is totally a good thing because I have made so many friends here!  There are the cooks at the DSC (who I love especially Ms. G, Rochelle, and Eric), the ladies of the Communications Department, and our East Lab Coordinators: Papa Pat and Auntie Deb, just to name a few.  Getting a higher education is all about making connections with the right people and getting your foot in the door.  I personally think that is a strong point for UALR.  I mean you are in the center of Arkansas.  We have the Capitol here, the Repertory Theatre, major corporations and so much more!  UALR and its staff work so hard to get you where you want to be.  The University is making major improvements internally and in the neighborhood around us.  UALR is “Movin’ On Up” (sorry to The Jefferson’s for stealing their song) and I am so glad to be a part of it!

So I have said a lot of things that you will probably hear from most other students when they are talking about their college Alma Mater, so what is different about me?  I am an inside look at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Step in my shoes as I take you through my college experiences.  I am going to be honest, hopefully a little entertaining, and most importantly helpful.  Keep up with me and my blog. Feel free to email me (jmwalker1@ualr.edu) with any questions about UALR or just college in general.  If I don’t know the answer I know where you can go to find it!  Come back and see me sometime you hear!