Letter of Introduction...May I Introduce Myself... :)

Dear ___________,

Alas! Senior year has arrived just in time to see my freshman, sophomore, and penultimate years of my secondary education make both their stately entrances, and, their rather joyous exits. I am both appreciative and thrilled to be able to have obtained this opportunity of studying my final year at _____________ for the primary purpose of acquiring more knowledge on the subject of writing. During the course of the present semester, my profound hope is that whatever aptitude that I may possess in the topic may be better refined. I will most certainly labor to give my best performance in the subject in a manner that will not allow it to be perfunctory in the least.

Accompanied with my dedication to writing, are other appurtenances, of which, I believe, are aiding me in becoming a better writer and, also, I daresay, a more informed tenant of the present world. Of these, three of the focuses that have me most captivated are anthropology, the diversity of music, and reading. Collectively, they are allowing me to see the world, and history itself, from new and unique perspectives.

Studying anthropology through means of literature and media, I, have, theoretically, been able to journey outside of my state’s border, and away to far-off places, where, I can co-exist with Russians, Britons, Australians, and Finns—as well as among the indigenous tribes of Africa. Even though I, in reality, have not been able to travel to these people’s homelands as of yet, I have, nonetheless, been privileged to become acquainted with friends who have come to Sioux Falls from across the nations.

Sudan, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines—these are only a few of the many places from which my delightfully unique friends have traveled from. They—especially my Russian-speaking acquaintances—have instilled in me a desire to learn their native tongues, of which I am currently learning Russian, as well as continuing to broaden my understanding of the Spanish language. In particular, the Russian culture has me deeply fascinated. I look forward to obtaining more information as to their way of life (and in the process consume more bowls of borscht as well)!

Flyleaf’s Memento Mori, Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway, Coldplay’s Viva La Vida—these albums are currently resting on top of my dark-chocolate-colored dresser next to the media player in my bedroom, each disc eagerly aspiring for me to grant them the opportunity of articulating to me, however direct or indirect it may seem, their ideals and thoughts on life’s topics through their mellifluous melodies and words.

While listening to music, whether by myself or in the company of others, I endeavor to utilize proper discretion in what I am allowing myself to take in, not wanting to offer occasion for unsuitable thoughts to formulate in my already naturally sinful mind, as well as in the minds of everyone else. No, I’d rather determine to give my attention to the art that I know to be lovely and constructive, instead of to its antithesis, which is, in nature being contrary to the former, both perverted and destructive. That being stated, my overall credo on the subject of media is this: the influences to which I permit my rather delicate and impressionable mind to encounter must only contribute to the strengthening and preservation of my ethics, never detracting from them, but instead, building up the bettering of my own well-being, family, friends, church, community, nation, and world.

I take satisfaction in being just one of the many patrons who support the artists who have resolved to make a positive impact in their communities and around the world—the artists who have determined to not only play music and to support the respectable organizations, but also most importantly, to set an example with who they are and how they live, including the way that they treat other people, both on and off-stage.

Knowing that I am helping to promote compassionate, reputable causes with both my time and funds, and that, I am, in some method, helping to better the lives of beautiful strangers, gives me reason to consider many of the eclectic lyrics and sounds of music blasting through my stereo’s speakers…harmonies that promote hope…words that are worth my time.

Words. I know not how to express in a small amount of terms just how much they have truly aided in changing my life. Reading, I have found, is a great treasure indeed. Through literature’s impressively powerful influence, one can both receive words of wisdom, as well as return the favor by bestowing to others what he has learned throughout his many experiences in life besides.

For me personally, there are certain books that have already served as monuments in my young life thus far, books that have and are still continuing to mold me into the young woman who I am now and am continuing to become.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is the poignant story of teenager Anne Frank, a Jewish girl living in Holland with her family, who was threatened by blitzkrieg and later brutally murdered in a concentration camp in the Holocaust during World War II, after having been hidden away in a “secret annex” above her father’s office for two years. This is a much-loved book in my personal library. Even through the unimaginably hard times during World War II, Anne’s honesty and wittiness has made me appreciate who she was immensely, and has made me look at myself and ask, How would I respond if I were placed in the same position that she was?.

Rachel Scott, another girl, who, like me, also motivated by Anne Frank’s life and love for journaling, is the focus of my favorite biography/autobiography. Written by her parents in her honor, Rachel’s Tears is the story of 17-year-old Columbine victim Rachel Scott, Christian girl who was cruelly murdered by two of her fellow students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on Tuesday, April 20th, 1999, for her faith in God. This book, which includes journal entries of Rachel’s, has challenged me in a myriad of ways.

She was a person who was not afraid to reach out to others and to make sure that they felt loved and included, even if it meant going out of her way to help people. Her “chain reaction of love” still continues to live on, even after her untimely death that occurred a little over a decade ago. Rachel’s life has definitely motivated me to want to become a better person, friend, and citizen.

I have taken the statement that she had written on the front cover of her journal—“I WON’T BE LABELED AS AVERAGE”—as my own. Her wise words have definitely helped me to grow in my faith as well. “What is life when living without the Lifemaker?” she asked. “He [Jesus Christ] gave His life for me. I will give my life to Him,” she decided.

Even though I never had the opportunity of meeting Rachel, her legacy truly does live on. I have met her mother Beth Nimmo and have heard her speak about her daughter’s love for people, and how we also can extend a “chain reaction of love” to others—just like Rachel did. I am most honored to be friends with Rachel’s sister, Bethanee Scott McCandless. Just from corresponding with Bethanee and seeing how she reaches out and encourages people, I can imagine how Rachel did the same.

Through anthropology, the diversity of music, and reading, I have procured an invaluable wealth of knowledge about people, the world, and history. It is my supreme desire, that, through creative writing, I may use the wisdom and knowledge that I have obtained so far in this journey of life, to encourage, to reach out, to benefit, and to aid people who are struggling. To show Hope to the hopeless…to make a difference…one that will last.


Writing to Make a Difference,
Jenna

"Where I Am From" Poem

I've come from many a place
Yet I don't consider them my home
I am but a traveler here—
Why would I need an abode?
Ah, here I was born and raised
Sioux Falls is my dear hometown!
A blessed young woman am I
Living where such freedom abounds!

So my longing is indeed
To see all captive set free
And through the art of writing
Encourage humanity
To break away from apathy
And promulgate liberty
Memento mori!*

And so I've decided
To become a paradox
Responsible vagabond
Company to Wanderlust
I will set off with my trunks
Filled with sweet memories!
Remembering from where I've come
And making room for new scenes!

In my bags, I've packed away
‘Storehouses of memories’—
As my grandma used to say.
How I loved those summer days
Spent with my grandmother playing
Guess Who, Sorry, and Scrambled Eggs!
And the food that she prepared—
Those creamy banana shakes!

Oh, the aroma of her
Tuna gravy was amazing!
And our fun games of Scrabble—
Her ‘new words’ made me smile.
And her laughter so sweet,
Made small ripples on her cheeks
Yes, we were the best of friends,
Age is nothing, I tend to think.

We would share special moments, when
We'd cry and she'd hold my hand
'Love you, Jenna-girl!' she'd say
And I knew it'd be okay...
These times I carry with me,
Knowing I'm so blessed to be
Here on this path traversing
Moving, hardly stopping

Growing up I've exchanged things
Much more than monetary!
Like Disney World for Vladi,*
‘Hide and seek’ for archery,
Reading instead of TV,
Coffee without much cream…
While interests are shifting,
I pray not love and sympathy!

--jenna


*Memento mori: Latin for “remember that you must die.”
*short for Vladivostok, Russia. Locals simply call Vladivostok, ‘Vladi.’

"Veracious Vagabonds"(formerly known as "Veracity Wins") & "Grace Notes..."

Hi Friends!

Since I have determined to try to start typing my thoughts into the computer again, I have decided to have "Grace Notes and Authentic Anthems" be the blog where I will be posting music lyrics, book and movie quotes(media in general), and so forth into. My eldest blog, "Veracious Vagabonds"(formerly known as "Veracity Wins"), will be the one that I shall try to make more into my journal, and share my thoughts with you on different topics: both important and not. Quite simply, as of now, I hope to put more time into "Vagabonds," as it is the central blog. We'll see what happens--I hope to go with whatever seems better in making changes. Also I what I am sharing in "Grace Notes"(e.g., book reviews, music lyrics...)is essentially the same in "Vagabonds." So, yes, I believe that quite covers it.

"Chord"ially Yours,
Jenna