Author Archives: Bradley Stevens

Integrity is something you do not see much anymore. Sure there are “good” people, but even the best of character falter for that is that nature of humanity. Discipline is a key part of maintaining integrity and in our current society, the only type of discipline that seems to be applied is the time-out approach. Self-control is expected of “upstanding citizens”, yet the freedom to do whatever we want to regardless of the detrimental effects of our actions is given and taken advantage of by said citizens. I do not know many who would choose work over leisure either. The consensus seems to be a desire for efficiency in all areas of life: less work for greater profit. This is foolish when applied to interpersonal relations of all kinds other than business relationships. Essentially, I believe that these qualities of integrity, discipline, self-control, and a desire to work are absent from a great portion of society based upon what I have seen thus far from my perspective.

I also find that so many people will compromise what they believe and many will not even bother to hold a concrete belief, but will instead just keep their options open so that they never put their faith in something that will not benefit their own interests. I have asked many people what they believe in and many have told me that they believe in what they can see or they say something like, “yeah I believe there is a God, but I am not religious.” Well, I have also mostly talked to young people so I have little reason to base my analytical conclusions on adults. So it is not fair to say that many people have shaky beliefs since I have not spoken to many adults though the few that I have spoken to have replied similarly to the youth.

I see a great deal of injustice in everyday actions and speech. I hear people readily cursing as if there was something truly despicable and abhorrent to condemn, though there is usually only a meager annoyance or perturbation that has unduly warranted this antagonism. Even in the context of friendships, I hear swear words used as congratulatory remarks and as terms of endearment. Kindness of speech must be quite unpopular. How many times does emphasis of anger require the “f” word in order to get the point across? Vocabulary is also dwindling for that matter, at least in the vernacular because plenty of professional fields exploit advanced jargon. People also often say what they do not mean. Words are powerful and people should be more careful of what words they daily use.

            The word persona comes from the Greek for mask and therefore what makes up a person, who that person is, can be classified as a function of the various visages they display. Who am I? What an odd question since the answer is a collection of “whats” and “things.” From my point of view: I am a spirit inhabiting a body whose mind overuses its cognitive capabilities for ordinary tasks though this does quicken reasoning abilities aiding academic and logical pursuits. I am a follower of Christ Jesus though mistakes incurred on my part sometimes obscure my view of who I believe is life, true life. I am a musician for I play the piano. It lifts my soul to listen to peaceful music and to play such melodies transports me to the presence of God, for I play for him more than myself. I enjoy writing, the ability to craft works of words such as this very piece. I am an artist of pad and pencil with moderate skill. I am a brother and a son. This is what makes up the collective entity of “me.”

             As for concerns regarding my freshman year, I find few things to be deeply concerned with. Nevertheless, one of my concerns, perhaps not directly related to college, is whether or not to find a job while studying and, if so, where I should apply. I have no real college concerns other than wanting to make some more friends, though a few friends are better than no friends. A month ago I had worries about adjusting to the schedule and the classes, but no longer.

             My college experience, from this point in time, looks to be different from my high school days in various ways. One of these ways is in the level of social interaction: there is less in college unless it is sought out. Another manner in which there exists a discrepancy between then and now is in the amount of time given to classes and studying, videlicet, that much of the work is done outside the classroom. From this current vantage point, I believe that my college experience will strengthen my abilities to write, present, argue, socialize, and manage time.

Furthermore, I will mature and become more certain as an individual; or rather I should say: I will simply solidify a particular mask of my choosing.