Admitting You Have a Problem

Admitting You Have a Problem

When I was younger, my parents would always say that I was a “TV-aholic.” I have very fond memories of the programs I watched as a kid—Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Step by Step. You can’t really fault the shows I liked; they’re wholesome enough. In fact, I watch mostly these same shows today-only in syndication. Indeed, my parents’ problem with my media consumption was not the quality of the programs (they’re all basically positive and family-friendly), but in the quantity.
My parents were right about my rabid consumption of media; it is a hindrance. I’m convinced that television fasts, like fasts from food, would give me a quieter lifestyle with more time for prayer. So far I’ve only succeeded, however, in temporarily substituting one media source for another. For example, I’ve found that books are much more portable (and therefore accessible) than TVs (I’m currently in love with Ted Dekker). So, I’ve always been a prolific reader (and because my mother is a librarian, this pastime hasn’t been met by the same criticism as being a prolific TV-watcher). In recent years, I’ve also acquired a laptop, so I spend a great deal of time online looking up various things. I especially like to look at podcasts of some of my favorite bands. Like every other college student in America, I have an MP3 player and I love listening to loud Christian rock, so sometimes even my peaceful walks around campus are set to the driving tempo of screaming noise. Even when I’m trying stay away from the media, my fingers sometimes type the URL for Facebook without my conscious knowledge. So, my “quiet” time eventually becomes filled with noise anyway. Not bad noise in and of itself, but noise that drowns out the Voice I’m really looking for.
So, over time, I have only become more addicted to the media. My media habits have diversified to include TV, movies, magazines, books, music, and the internet—often all at the same time. Yes, I’m guilty of televisaphonerneting, quizjacking, and wi-fiving. I’m not sure what I would do without the media. Maybe my parents were right to say I was a “TV-aholic”. Maybe I should take the first step and admit I have a problem. “Hi, I’m Cairna and I’m addicted to the media.” (“Hi Cairna.”)

Blog 1: Decisions, Decisions...

I am a bit obsessive when it comes to planning ahead. As the oldest of 7 very active kids, one quickly learns to plan far in advance. So, when I make decisions, I always research fully and plan extensively. Who I am is a girl who likes to be well-informed. And, though the reasons I am here may be less than glowing, I am happy to say that it has all worked out.
Decisions (at least my decisions) normally feel rather anti-climatic. In deciding, a world of extravagant possibilities is narrowed down to meager reality. I had visited many colleges up and down the eastern seaboard. My teachers were all expecting great things. I chose UMBC. After years of planning and scheming, the actual decision to go to UMBC took only a day or two. After considering the packages offered me by the various schools, my bank account made my decision for me (did I mention I’m the oldest of 7 kids?). I signed the necessary forms and was instantly an incoming freshman at a school that was not on the original short list.
As I go about picking classes, I write numerous rough drafts. I pore over the schedule of classes, and obsess over the course catalog. I meet with way too many advisors. I inquire of friends and use RateMyProfessor. In the end, though, I choose something. That something is the result of weeks of hemming and hawing, but in the end the choosing takes but a few minutes. I decide and then move on. I remember choosing AMST 222 in much the same fashion. I considered my options, bearing in mind the requirements for the Certificate. I consulted my advisor, Dr. Loviglio. I remembered how much I’d enjoyed AMST 100H with Professor King before. And then I just signed up, the 30 seconds it took to register a mockery of my hours of careful thought.
We’re told in high school that the college we choose should be a perfect fit for us; we shouldn’t mess this decision up or we may end up regretting it for the rest of our lives. We’re also told that if we don’t choose the right major, we’ll forever be miserable, wishing we had chosen a different path. Some even say to choose the right classes or a part of our undergraduate career will be wasted—a part we can never get back. I am a testament, however, to the fact that all things work together for good. Though UMBC was kind of a last resort decision, I’m a senior and have loved my time here. Though my classes have sometimes been chosen out of convenience, I don’t regret a single one. Now, as I face graduation, and the big scary world, I’m planning and researching more than ever. And, after much deliberation, my decision to apply to law school may soon be made with mere clicks of a mouse. From my experience, I'm sure whatever I choose will work out.