Past Spring Break Pics

Fun times in L.A.




The Big Bro and I Rockin it in Vegas


Definitely One of the Coolest Places I Have Ever Eaten At, The Mix Vegas

Big Thoughts

"Think Big THoughs...but relish small pleasures,"

Running Dialogue

Just some running dialogue that has been going through my mind lately:

"A great leader is who they are not by pure luck but because they are able in situations to recognize wasn't isn't working and make the needed changes to be successful and reach the desired outcomes,"

"If you just jump and don't think about, you will land on the other side and it will be less scary,"

"Why do things between us have to be so bittersweet?,"

"We all need to take the time to truly discover who we are without the pressures and expectations of others. It is so easy and natural to fall into the character of who the people in our lives want us to be. This won't make you happy, figure things out and pursue those dreams from there,"

"We just really need to find that thing we love and work will come easy. We will be able to do all that is necessary to accomplish those goals and more. Nothing will be able to stop us,"

"A true entrepreneur has a slight air of craziness to them. I mean you have to be with the odds of failure no where near in your favor, and a work clock that never stops,"

Vision

If we don't have vision to lead us to greatness? What do we have?

"Vision is cheap. Unless you have the operations to fulfill that vision, you got nothing,"
-Former Microsoft PM

When does a vision become too grand that it reaches the realm of pure naiveness?

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"When you are young, there are still those unexplored boundaries feeding the adventure, the possibilities are limitless. When you get older like me, you loose that same unadulterated drive to bring change, and it is much easier to give up. Continue pursuing those limits, and enjoy the brightness of your youth,"
-Founder of a nonprofit in Cameroon

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"We have three weeks left in this country, why can't you just do it? Just make the call"

"I don't know," (The damn invisible limitations we place on ourselves)
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"Why do I continue to pursue the things I can't have?"
-Indie Lyrics

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"Everday I reserve the right to wake up smarter the next day,"
-The best entrepreneurship mentor ever

Perspective

Today was, I just can't even explain what it was. The day normal as usual, well, waking up extremely tired with yet again 4 hours of sleep. Stressed, the day before the deadline for the entrepreunership competition. Work, School, Dentist, Soccer (an awesome goal), a Business school donor dinner, and finding out a fellow classmate committed suicide. I think why it lays heavy the most, is looking at this kid:
honors student
VP of the entrepreunership company
he owns his company
his team for the Entrepreneurship Competition is in the finals with my team
I feel sick, tragic, why? I found his blog through facebook, and the John I only knew because of our occasional crossing of paths in the entrepreneurship program, a friendly smile of 'hello.' His profile (activities/endeavors) scare me. . . when it sits so close to home.

Ode to it ALL

Retroactive Post from May 10th:

alright, here it is:

Famous words first of all:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"

It is the best of times because the opportunities are boundless, the innovations in technology, the free flow of resources and ideas. We can dream BIG.

The worst of times, genocide still exits (Sudan -- the Arab and African conflict), the AIDS/HIV pandemic continues and SPREADS, poverty, starving.

The best of times: fabulous, multi billion dollar lavish hotels, growing capital markets, increased trade and the financial and efficient benefits of outsourcing

The worst of times: The corruption and greed that has spread through our corporations and once pure democratic government, the unequal rights of gays, the twenty year old Americans who continue to sacrifices their lives in Iraq, so we can all drive our SUVs

This is blunt post, I know, but we all should reflect on occasion what occurs beyond our own realities. Though we may not be able to work to change these things daily, weekly, or monthly, we must not forget. Be aware of our privileges, and know even the small things, the thoughts, there will be a time when the changes will be realized.

Wise words: You may feel as though you have reached that plateau, but don't let a hiccup stop the MOVEMENT, the PURSUIT, the EMPOWERMENT

PASSION can not be measured by the size of the person, but the actions and dreams exuded by that individual.

V.C. Wisdom

Today I had the valuable opportunity to exchange words with a bright and succesful Venture Capitalist. Through our meeting key wisdom gained was:

What V.C.s look for?

1. About the Market
2. About the Technology
3. About the Business Model
4. About the Finance
5. About the PEOPLE