"When Will He Propose?" Article

I believe that the article made some valid points. Times are changing and girls should now feel that they have the opportunity to propose to their boyfriends in reverse to the boyfriends proposing the the girls. I feel that the author of this article seems to be pushy when suggesting the new modern take on marriage proposals. Females are still allowed to wonder "when will he propose?" and I don't think he understands that. I think women feel this way because of their tendencies to be hopeless romantics, like myself. Also, he mentioned that the couple should discuss marriage before becoming engaged. I agree with this statement because it is good to plan ahead so there are not as many bumps down the road of the marriage; however, I love the element of surprise in proposals. I must admit, I love the sappy romantic movies where in the end, the man gets down on one knee, surprises the woman and proposes. In regards to the reader's question, I believe that men have some expectations in the process of becoming engaged. I think that men feel a sense of "manly-hood" when they "win the girl" when they propose. Also, I think that most men feel the need to fulfill traditions or they think that this is what they're "supposed" to do. In my family, I have not heard a story of a woman proposing to the man. In terms of discussing marriage and preparing for marriage, my sister, Tarah, and her husband, Mike, dated for 5 years before they got married. They waited because they wanted to be financially stable and prepared to start a life together. They had lived in an apartment for almost 2 years and felt that they were ready to begin their new journey together. Mike still was able to surprise Tarah when he proposed to her! She was not expecting the proposal until about a couple of months or a year down the road! 

Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility'

In this article, several themes were familiar to me such as the Catholic church's position on teaching about sexuality. Also, I recognized in the article that the church teaches that human sexuality is a wonderful gift and must be treasured and respected. However, I did not know that the Catholic church believes that homosexual orientation is not morally wrong. I was not aware that the Catholic church was accepting of homosexual persons in the church community. They claim that they are accepting of all people, but I always thought they weren't truly because the Catholic church is against gay marriage. This article seemed to cover the important themes pertaining to this topic and I did not see or notice anything needed to be added. 

My Mission Statement

I will strive to conquer what is deemed "the impossible," because I am determined to create the possible. I will take responsibility for my actions, even when there are consequences. I will not assume things about other people or judge them, because you never know what a person could be going through. I will be a good listener and someone who my friends confide in. I will stay true to myself and who I am. I will give my best effort in things great and small. I will not take my blessing for granted.

Three Factors Contributing to Who I am

In my life, the three main factors that contribute to who I am are my family, my friends and my sport. My parents, siblings and I are very close. Also, we have an Alaskan Malamute, Lilly, who is always apart of the craziness in our house, or usually causing it. My sister, Tarah is 30, my brother Sean is 25 and my sister Kelly is 13. My siblings and I have a huge age gap, but in a way, it brings us closer. Yes, we argue just as all siblings do, but in the end, we all truly love each other in the end. I know I can go to Tarah and Sean for advice on anything, and I try to be that "advice" for Kelly. We are all so different, which I like because it is never boring. Even though Tarah and Sean have moved out, we are constantly communicating. I love the daily pictures I receive from Tarah of my 7-month old niece, Claire, and her little tiny puppy, Chloe. I love my crazy family and wouldn't trade them for the world. 

Along with my family, my friends have helped shape who I am. Coming into high school, I was very nervous that I wouldn't find the right friends and that I would lose the many friends I made at my grade school and parish, St. Rose. As a senior at the Mount, I believe that I am figuring out who my true friends are and who I am most likely to stay friendly with throughout the rest of my life. Along with the new friends I've made, I still remain closest with my friends I made in grade school, Rachel and Lisa (who goes to Mount). I am very grateful to have such great friends. 

Lastly, the third factor that has shaped me into who I am is my sport, track. Somedays, track seems like my best friend and other days, it seems like my worst enemy. I love having good days in track, but in order to get there, you must stay dedicated and train hard. I have been doing track since I was 6 years old and it has definitely become a huge part of my life since. When I was younger, track was "just for fun," then it continued to grow on me. In grade school, I was on one track team, until I joined two. Now in high school, I am on three teams. You can say I'm obsessed, but I'll tell you that it has become my life. I have met many friends through track and many people I consider my family.