The Blog-a-day Challenge

Official Start Time: 9:25 p.m.
Date: 12/31/08
Official End Time: 10:00 p.m.

It's the end of the month and I guess the end of the of the year in a couple of hours. 2008 was interesting...Barack Obama was elected president, a lot of crazy shit happened, and I guess I'm indifferent to what lays ahead.

Earlier this year, I had made a promise to myself that around this time I would have accomplish a lot of great things. Although I didn't achieve everything on my lists, I can say that I did a good job considering the skills and resources I have. I'll always be a perfectionist but I wish that sometimes life wasn't always as limiting and that if I wanted to do something, there wouldn't be a 101 things to stop me. But I degress.

In terms of the site, we have a pretty good population of members growing. I've received praise from a lot of the people who check out the site and it makes me happy that even though we aren't as big as I'd like us to be, we're still delivering the same high quality service to the members we do have.

So for 2009, my goal is to still work hard on the site and get as many members as we can. To provide the same high quality service and be open to any new ideas or suggestions. And to really just make an impact in someone's life. 2008 is over, here comes 2009!

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 4:50 p.m.
Date: 12/30/08
Official End Time: 5:00 p.m.



I drew that picture a long time ago when I was in 7th grade. Back then I really had nothing better to do other than draw, read, and study . . . oh how simple life once was. The picture was really cool seeing as it took me about a little over an hour and I even have it laminated. (To preserve it of course)

I do have some other drawings I did from my younger years and I'll share them eventually but enjoy this one for now.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start TIme: 9:20 p.m.
Date: 12/29/08
Official End Time: 9:30 p.m.





Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:30 p.m.
Date:12/28/08
Official End Time: 3:30 p.m.

Check out below the progress the Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassador Website has undergone. I admit we were in over our head but it was totally worth it to have such a responsibility bestowed upon us. Building the site has been fun and I hope to really see it go on to


*I started working on the site at 111 Members on August 9, 2008. Since then we've gained 366 Members.*
So the site has gone under some tremendous rises as you've seen in the month of October and it's had its dry period like this month. Either way we continue to grow and learn form the work we've done thus far. We've had a lot of help from people like Lane and Aobo who came on the team as completely strangers and helped add hundreds of their friends and teachers out of the kindness of their souls.

I wouldn't be where I am today if wasn't for the people I have met in 2008. I'm a lucky guy and I hope to repay all the people who have given me so much. With hard work you can accomplish your goals and the battle is never really over. We didn't meet our goal of 1000 members by the end of December but we're always in control and we can always redefine success. Therefore we'll push this goal onto the future and aim for bigger and better things in the years to come. Wish me luck and I hope we can really take the world by storm with what we're doing as we continue to grow and learn for years to come.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: 12/27/08
Official End Time: 10:30 p.m.


The 2009 American Exchange Program will act as a pilot cultural exchange program between the United States of America (US) and China in which Chinese students will participate on a two-week cultural exchange program across the northeast of America. Participants are given a rare opportunity to see a part of the US that similar to China is undergoing social change through its youth and education system. China today is at a turning point as they embrace life in a global society as globalization and modernization have crept their way well into Chinese culture and have given its youth the window of opportunity of traveling abroad and earning the money they have hungered for, for so many years. America on the other hand is falling back from a life of capitalistic ideals and thinking to a more respectful, earnest way of thinking that encourages today’s youth to give back to their community and explore new ideas in respect to life in a global society.



Upon arriving in New York after a days worth of flying we'll locate a nearby hotel so that students can get adjusted: shower, unpack, and mingle with the other travelers. While in New York we will visit the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, and take a tour of Manhattan as we visit some of the major landmarks: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Time Square, etc; and experience the Big Apple. The night before we leave New York we will experience the night life that is Connie Island as we take part of the carnival rides and excitements of the park.



On the morning of our fourth day, we'll hit the road towards Ocean City in New Jersey. Ocean City is known for its large board walks and beautiful beaches. At the beach, students will be enjoy a day of fun in the sun with a BBQ style lunch as we visit the commerce in the area and later make our move out to Philadelphia later that afternoon. Upon arriving in Philadelphia we will find a hotel for the night and give students a chance to freshen up before dinner.



Our fifth day will start with a tour of Philadelphia as we visit the Rocky Steps, the Liberty Bell, and take a tour through Independence Hall in the city of Brotherly Love. Dinner this evening will be at the Hard Rock Café; located in the historic Reading terminal train station, this popular downtown nightspot is just blocks away from the birthplace of America: Independence Hall. We'll have a chance to take in the sights, shop at the largest urban enclosed mall, and feast where rock 'n' roll was born - at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The Light tour will be held after dinner and will capture the 200 years of American history and the creation of this wonderful country. The tour takes place at night and is guided by a scene of lights, music, and story telling that captures the imagination of all those young and old. The tour ends our journey in Philadelphia awaiting the wonders of Washington, D.C. tomorrow.



On the morning of our sixth day, we'll the hit the road towards Washington, DC: the nations capital. On our four days stay in Washington, D.C. we'll see the amazing landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and even the White House. We'll eat at the famous Café Mozu, a restaurant well known for its asian style dishes and bright and airy rooms that reflects Washington, DC’s international flair with an element of sophistication, that offers unparalleled views of the Washington Channel, Tidal Basin and menus that are simple and clean, yet bold and flavorful.

We'll see the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History along with the NASA Museum. There will be a day dedicated to shopping along with a day of fun and excitement as we visit Six Flags America in Baltimore, Maryland. Our stay in Washington will be unforgettable as we see the historical side of America as well as the fun side through the food, activities, and attractions that are sure to leave a great impression on all participants.



On the morning of our tenth day, we will take a plane from Washington, D. C. to Boston, Massachusetts. Upon arriving in Boston we will find a hotel and make our move out towards our activity of the day at the Museum of Science. The museum is similar to the Science and Technology Museum in Shanghai and covers several different fields of science through their hundreds of exhibitions. Additionally we'll take part of the Duck Tour, Freedom Trail, the Aboretuem (a park similar to Central Park in NYC) along the Charles River, Copley Square and Quincy Market. Quincy Market is what you would imagine to be your typical market place in Shanghai with hundreds of stores, food, and attractions.

On the morning of our twelfth day, we hit the road towards New York as we close the chapters on the first of many cultural exchange programs to come.



Tuition for the "landed" portion of the Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassadors 2009 American Exchange Program covers all the scheduled groups activities, meal plans, and hotel stays from arrival in New York City (assuming all Chinese members travel as a group from a single gateway city in China: Shanghai) until departure from New York City. International airfare is not included here. International airfare rates often have seasonal differences and the program will seek group airfare discounts once the size of the group is fixed and determined. Past group trips have had international airfares ranging from approximately $900 per person (off-season) to $1,600 (peak-season). July is considered "peak-season", so international airfares can be estimated at approximately $1600 + $200 for flights from the student's hometown to Shanghai and from Shanghai back to the student's hometown.

*American students participating in the 2009 American Exchange Program will only have to pay $2,500.*


Transportation -

Air Transfers - Washington, D.C. to Boston, MA

Local Coach Bus - Coach bus transfer will be provided for group travel in New York, Ocean City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Boston. Coach bus transfers will include transportation to and from the airport, to all tours and sightseeing locations, to all schools and universities, and to all group activity locations. (Local transportation is very inexpensive, and travelers will be allowed to travel at will on their own account during free time.


New York hotel - three night, double occupancy, Super 8 (tentative)

Philadelphia hotel - two night, double occupancy, Super 8 (tentative)

Washington, D.C. hotel - four night, double occupancy, Super 8 (tentative)

Boston hotel - two night, double occupancy, Super 8 (tentative)

Tuition does not cover fees such as transportation to or from the USA gateway airport, or fees such as visa and passport fees. Each traveler is responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and, if needed, medical exams and precautionary medicines and shots. Medical insurance in China will be covered by the Tuition. Medical insurance is offered through the Foreign Affairs Office of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Travelers may elect on their own to obtain additional travel and medical insurance coverage.

Food

Generally, 3 meals will be provided daily as part of the program Tuition. On most days, breakfasts and lunches will be “lite” meals (for example, noodles, soups, breads, fruits, local vegetables and cooked meats) in restaurant settings. Dinners will frequently be more formal and larger productions, often presided over by a local resturant.

Site, museum, and park entrance fees -

Tuition covers the cost of group sightseeing, museum, and park entrance fees. This includes entrance to the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquariam, Ellis Island and any other sites or museums we plan to visit.

We have left room for schedule adjustments so that the group can make decisions about “off the path” side trips or activities. The experienced guides who will accompany the group are well versed in local, unusual events and points of interest. Personal “down time” has been scheduled so that travelers have freedom and flexibility to explore those things that are of most interest to them. It is important to remember that the objective of New School Student Ambassadors and this 2009 American Exchange Progam is to give travelers an educational and cultural experience that will stimulate new understanding and reflection on our relationship with this generation of Chinese and American students who are now bursting onto the world’s stage through development and progress. We all know there are great and grave questions about what this means. An experience such as this is designed to give each and every participant a basis for beginning to seek the answers.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:00 p.m.
Date: 12/26/08
Official End Time: 10:00 p.m.

I got back my Gmail the night before after filling an extensive form that made me proof that it was my account. I'm happy and glad that I can get back on the horse. Right now however I'm more focused with deciding where I should be seeing myself in the next year. I need direction and I don't want to just keep doing the same old same old with no real results. It's time that I find the proper steps that need to be taken to making me meet my goal rather than just throwing darts hoping to that things will work out.


My goal is to establish a 2 week cultural exchange program to the United States of America for Chinese students interested in traveling abroad and seeing a different lifestyle. Things that I will need to make this idea possible would be money, an itinerary, the connections (food, hotel, and transportation), and content.


It's my way of leaving my mark and really proving that what I am doing has purpose and has taught me something. It might seem rash but results are what matters and the impact my actions have are what will really show how much I have gained from this experience. China isn't the only dart on my map but rather the first of many on this journey to accomplish something great and wonderful.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/25/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Christmas this year was different but pleasant. This year I feel like Christmas wasn't about the present. It wasn't about the commercials, and it wasn't about the results. Christmas this year was about the learning experience. I've come to realize that what we should appreciate the things we have and always aim to be better, but never the best.

In retrospect we are always aiming for the top; aiming to be better than the person next to us. So how can one define being the best if we we're all shooting for it. A bar is set and I guess we are all trying to reach it. How we reach that bar might be the bigger issue. It's all about the journey and really what you learn on the way up to the top. If on the road to the top you seem to pull down those around you, you really didn't learn much. Capitalism in essence inspires us all to live for ourselves but as humans we embrace socialism and the idea that we should care about the well being of our fellow man and be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the well being of others. But does that make sense?

Why should I sacrifice myself for someone else's well being? What do I gain from this act? What's to say that my efforts will really make a difference? It really comes down to the individual and what they believe is right. We are naturally greedy because it is our human nature. However we are able to reason which allows us to make such decisions and provide a sincere act of altruism. Altruism is really the essence of the Christmas season.

We give gifts, wish well on others, and spread the cheer not because we expect something in return but because we feel it is the right thing to do. We do it as an act of altruism and only wish to see the happiness that such an act can bring to a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. This Christmas I was able to grasp that idea and have learned to accept what I am able to do and what I have potential of doing. That at the end of the day it isn't about reaching the top of the ladder but carving your name on the steps to the top. The impact will be seen through the feedback friends, families, and partners are able to give even if it's just be a few words.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/24/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.



Another one of my favorite Christmas specials. This one however has a deeper message. It discusses the true meaning of Christmas and whether the holiday has been commercialized? Has our greed made this holiday just another reason to spend money or does the good will and bliss that makes this holiday so special still exist?

In the spiritual view, Christmas is celebrated by those who believe in Jesus in which they celebrate his birth. Overtime however Christmas has become commercialized to the point where our schools, our newspapers, and our students all share the holiday cheer even if they aren't Christian, Catholic, etc. The holiday in my opinion encompasses more than our religious views. Christmas is really about coming together with family and friends and showing them how much you care. We share a meal, a story, and we meet middle ground. We forget about all the bad things in our lives and remember that as long as we live we have reason to be happy. The gifts only add to the holiday and only express how much we care for the person.

No presents or hundreds of presents, it's all about how much we care and how we show it.
Linus couldn't have said it better himself. Christmas is about good will toward men. It's about showing your fellow man how much you care and how Christmas encompasses a day not to well expressed throughout the year. Commercialism serves as only the snow over the hood of this holiday because at the end of the day we show our true feelings and grow to appreciate the things we have and the things we are yet to gain.


Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:25 p.m.
Date: 12/23/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.






What's your favorite holiday special?

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/22/08
Official End TIme: 11:30 p.m.

A thought came into my head into today after sitting through my AP English class and trying really hard not to get up and walk out. AP English isn't really my favorite class and the instructor is probably the main reason. She's been complaining about how we aren't doing the best in her class and that our choice of how we get her work done has really disappointed her. I really could care less!

She thinks that her class is our only prerogative and that we should work according to her schedule. I respect the idea that her class should be given the same amount of time as every other class but saying when we should have her work done by and on the hour is just crossing the line. In my opinion if you get the work done on time and the quality is all the same it shouldn't matter if you do it at 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 a.m. We all have our own issues and things to deal with and it wouldn't be fair if we marched up to her for every time she fell behind on the syllabus or "misplaced" one of our assignments.

The whole conversation really came about over a book and how in her class reading seems like it is one of our last priorities. Reading has lost its art over the years but it seems less and less intriguing when the person giving the reading is someone you would want to punch in the face. My issues with this teacher are deeply rooted from freshmen year and ail not only my soul but the souls of hundreds of students only trying to pass and move onto the next grade. Her teaching style is nothing of extraordinary and is crippled by her attitude that subjugates her students and makes them feel like doing the work or not doing the work will only give them a zero anyway; so why bother?

I do fine in that class and aim only to pass with a B or higher. We've had our fair share of arguments and when I know the material and actually give a crap I can preform at the top of the class. But forcing students to read and then believing that the reason they didn't read was because they didn't want to is just paposterous. We all have to pay our dues and it is understandable that complaining doesn't make the situation any better. It does however spread awareness and show the people that something needs to change; that we can't keep living like this.

Reading (since it suppose to be the topic for this piece) has lost its art over the years. Kids today don't read as much as kids of previous generations and their test scores can explain that. The conditions however are different and these reasons justify the drop in reading and rise in social change. The internet for one thing moved students from the 2-d uni-linear text found in books to the 3-d multipurpose text that links the world and creates this information highway. The information literally comes from the books and 1st person sources that we seem to have stopped reading. But the reading itself continues through web-pages, blogs, and simple instructions for the everyday actions. We have not loss this foundation but transferred it to a source where we can produce it for the masses with a click of the mouse.

The real issue is the content being uploaded and how it is being used. It doesn't help us to archive an entire encyclopedia online when the great percentage of users are just clicking on the ads for the free XBOX 360. Not enough is being done to encourage reading as kids get older as funding has crippled us from experimenting with new ideas to just getting done what needs to be done. Our ethics are something are something we should question before sticking the finger at technology and blaming it for the lack of reading for information that plagues our students today. We have the ability to influence change and inspire good morals such as reading and hard work. The more emphasis you put on these values, the easier it is for you to maintain the habit and excel in fields where the instructors still run off the uni-linear doctrine of their time.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 12/21/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

The learning process has come to a milestone. I've reached 100 blog posts and there are still so many left to do.

The experiment: to do a blog everyday as part of an evolving process in which I would capture things that contributed to my day and how these things affected me and possibly changed me.

The results have been satisfactory as I have grown to appreciate some of my good qualities and learned to acknowledge my faults and what I can do to correct them. More importantly I've learned to accept the things I cannot change and what it means to put my best foot forward.

Life is a learning experience, a journey, and each and everyday we are evolving, learning, and growing towards a better tomorrow. We come to this world armed with only the clothes on our back and the opportunities we are blessed with. With time sophistication takes its toll and life becomes easier for the common man but harder for the everyday man to live a different life. The simple life we are so eager to escape has moved its way into our everyday lives. Governments believe that it is its responsibility to provide security and allow room for prosperity: a battle that picks away at the human soul. As people we want to evolve from our current conditions; we want to see change. But in the process we become blind to the simple pleasure we have always had.

In my case I have dreamed of one day being free of all the inhibitions and doubts that I feel hold me back from being the best I can be. I have done some great things but I wish to do only better. I want to one day see myself where others have stood in glory. That one day people will come to me for help and I will have the answers they seek. Through my blogs I have realized that these "inhibitions" and "doubts" are really all in my head. Not just my head but the head of every human, every student, and every parent who doubts their abilities and is afraid to take the first step towards their dreams.

But what do we accomplish by attacking our dreams head on? Does accomplishing our dreams bring us satisfaction? Does it give us the answers we have always been seeking? In my opinion it is all about benign neglect. We cannot pin-point the exact day we reach success and more importantly we cannot control our destiny or our fate. We must live for what life throws at us and learn to dodge the brick walls that come our way. Those we are unable to avoid teach us something that helps us evolve, not cripple us.

My goals and my soul are hard to puncture and what I am able to accomplish is what I should accept. I should live in the now and always look towards the future. I know can make a difference and it is only a matter of time, work, and opportunity.

100 down, 265 left to go!

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:20 p.m.
Date: 12/20/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Something that I feel we as humans are perplexed with is finding the middle ground in life. Whether its doing well in school, finding true love or aiming for a better life we are constantly searching for a solution that makes these problems just disappear. Life isn't easy but I don't think that it should be that way.

Life shouldn't be about worrying about all the bad things that ail us. Life should be more about finding your comfort zone and evolving from it. There are no solutions to these problems. If there were we wouldn't be in theses situations. However there's aspiration. Aspiration to live a better life and provide stability for future generations.



Overall it all comes down to paying your dues. Life is always gonna be tough and sometime it means just puling it through and hoping that things get better. It's hard to believe but sometime life doesn't give us a choice. Sometime we need to make the sacrifice and really hope that the things we are going through will not be in vein and grant someone somewhere a better life and a better tomorrow.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:45 p.m.
Date: 12/19/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

The internet can be a great place but it has a nasty history of bringing more harm than good. Recently I have been afflicted with the greatness of the internet and experienced what I believe to be phishing. If you don't know what phishing is refer to the video below and get informed!



So I had gotten an email sent to my Hotmail account that required me to submit some personal information in reference to a screening they were running. The ad was very convincing seeing as the information I gave them knocked me out of both my MSN and Gmail email. They preached about how if I didn't submit my information, my account would be terminated and that it was a regular process; nothing I should be worried about.

For future reference, never submit any personal information through email. I've heard it said to me about a billion times yet it seems like I didn't think twice when I got that email. I think what fooled me into submitting my personal information was the threat of termination. Otherwise I don't think I would have been fooled so easily. Additionally, make connections with people, companies, and things you can actually see and touch or at least hear. Technology has allowed us to take the world by storm but can also bring the world too its knees when abused by the wrong people. Don't be one of those hackers who attack the innocent but rather inspire others to act accordingly on the internet and create an open community where children, adults, and stupid 16 year old boys can get along in relative peace.

So I basically need to wait 5 days to get back into my Gmail and archive all the messages I should be expecting. Hopefully in the time being I can get some work done: read some history, learn some Chinese and actually get a better grasp of what I want to do with my life in the next couple of months. Wish me luck.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:45 p.m.
Date: 12/18/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

The human mind is built off a network of thoughts that transcend into one another by common links that they share. These links are used to help us associate and expand our knowledge on a certain subject. We are indifferent to the power of these knowledge structures and how easily we can be influenced by the media and environment that helps us build them. It isn't our fault and as for the most part they're used as a way of distinguishing one thing from another. These knowledge structures provide us with the fundamentals we need to learn but for some reason inhibit our ability to redefine the things we have learned. The ideas become almost second nature and it takes literally generations for people to accept the truth or at least what we perceive to be the truth.

To every story there are two sides. Both sides argue totally opposite things and it really comes down to the individual to make a decision and create his own interpretation. If we look at the situation from a cultural aspect we are conflicted with how does one define a person? Do we define them by their race, their skin tone, their language, or even their physical traits? When we do begin to define the things in our lives we begin to constrict the ideas themselves. The definitions aren't broad enough and do not encompass the living, dynamic creature that makes us human. But without these initial conceptions we are lost in the dark; grasping for a light switch.

Conceptions are a necessary element in the learning process. We need a foundation in order to learn new things. We learn from history and the mistake of our ancestors. Something that still needs correction is the inferiority complex that plagues the human race. We are still living in the times of the civil right movement and the battle against white vs. black, man vs. women, science vs. religion. But the dynamic world we live requires us not to be frustrated with such definitions. We should see the world, the people, and the actions we make as a movement towards a more informed world. We are always growing and the mistakes we make along the way should serve as excuse enough for the misinterpretations we commit. The best solution is to politely correct he person and help redefine their definition of things they once knew so well.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 12/17/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

Independent studies and career choice courses do a great service to the learning community that encompasses the 21st century: they give the students the opportunity to express themselves and pursue fields and careers not typically offered in there everyday class. Technology today has done wonders and is slowly but definitely making its way into the classroom and the curriculum of our everyday schools. We are however conflicted with the economy and the risk that it would mean to break away from the age old routines of reading, writing, and testing our students rigorously; these were the methods that brought the world we know today into existence. But times are changing and students have more options. Life isn't just what you can get in a classroom but what you can find on your own in this journey for identity. Students today strife to stand out so they can insure a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Times are tough and will only get tougher as we move closer towards the future.

The history of this battle however is split into two cases: the stories of those who were born into the age old routine of reading, writing, and rigorous test vs those trying to escape such a confined lifestyle. Those who were born into the age old routine know well what it means to work hard and strife for success. They have been in the shoes of these students before and know more than well that those who work hard are those who succeed; that is why they push us so hard. The circumstances however are different. Education back then was the only thing that stood in the way and doing well was your only option for a better tomorrow. Today students wish to escape this routine of "one road saves all". They believe that the world is a dynamic place and that together we can break down these brick walls that stand in the way of good students. We are a generation of dreamers who wish to one day make a difference and bring new understanding to the table. However our leaders and our representative feel otherwise and it is hard to argue such a case with someone who has heard this story far too many times.

Neither side of the situation can really be argued without the accusation and cynics of those you are trying to convince. We believe that our method is the way to success and abandoning it would mean total chaos. Of course I exaggerate but middle ground must be met soon if we want our future leaders to make the difference and accomplish what we today haven't: a solution for success for students today, tomorrow, and in the future to come.

Middle ground in my opinion would encompass the daily practice of reading, writing, and testing along with courses that inspire independence towards a certain career choice. We cannot abandon the fundamentals that allow us to pursue technology inspired fields. I do however believe that more independent movements in education such as documentary film making need to be more available for the everyday student. They want us to succeed while remaining under a restricted routine that dates beyond the life of our parents. Then why not build such desires into the curriculum. Give our students the option of taking web design, digital media, or film making courses as part of their road to success. Gear these courses into not just an elective but a project that they must invest time and depth into. The results will be all you will need to prove that students today are more dynamic than ever before and are ready to learn the fundamentals and use them towards achieving what we today could not.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time 10:55 p.m.
Date: 12/16/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.


I Need A Better Hobby


Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:10 p.m.
Date: 12/15/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

Today was a more enlightening day and made me realize that not all hope is lost. The world isn't a perfect place and it's up to you to follow the path it takes. Things might not always go the way you intended and something we have to understand is that things happen for a reason and pouting over them really doesn't make the worlds of a difference. The things we learn from that experience is what makes losing/winning worth it.


"We are always learning and will one day teach others the things we have learned through experiences life has given us."

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/14/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

I'm running into something like writer's block but instead for ideas and inspiration on what we can do to get more members on the site. Our goal had been set for 1000 members by the end of December and there is no way that we can come even close to that goal with the time we have and the activity that the site is currently experiencing. I don't know if there is much that can be done in this situation or what that means for the future of the site. More importantly the impact the site is having would affect the amount of time I am able to give it. Which brings me to the essence of today's blog . . .

"The Impact vs The Direction"
I remember when I first started this "project" I could remember the impact our movement was going to make and how every hour that I put in could really make a difference. The number of members we had on the site was something that we were told could make a real difference in this movement. That the more members we have, the more companies and organizations are willing to donate to our cause and help us move new and exciting ideas forward.

Running off that idea I started to add people frantically to the site working towards a goal much larger than the one we have today. The goal was initially set for 2000 members by the end of December. A month later we cut down the number of members needed to 1000. Today we have barely half of that and only half a month to go. I've worked hard and it hurts me not to see us where we should be. There isn't anything that I could have done differently besides having worked even harder for us to see better results.

I've had to embrace change since taking part of this experience but something that I am concerned with is the battle that is being fought.

Hector's goals vs Steve's goals
My goal was initially to get as many members as possible so that we (the American students that participated in the 2008 Summer Camp Experience) could get sponsorship for the site so that six Chinese students (Snow, Seven, Tony, Albee, Liyang, and Fancy) we had met on the 2008 Summer Camp experience could come to America for 2 weeks as part of a cultural exchange program we had organized that would be all-expense paid. It was a dream that I wish could come true but seems out of my grasp with the things that have come to stand in my way. I had and have put in so much time towards getting the members and hoping that we would get the support we need that I didn't notice I was fighting against a battle I couldn't win: Steve's goals.

Steve's goal in my opinion was to have us keep the activity on the site growing and help him spread the word about the different cultural exchange programs and the stuff we were doing on the site. Now I know I owe Steve an arm and a leg. If it was for me, his last trip probably would have had a smoother course. I however doubt that the site would be where it is today if it wasn't for me going and getting sick the way I did. It really doesn't matter either way because it's Steve whose holding the trigger and whatever he has planned is what will go through. I owe him but I don't think that my goals should take second or third seat to his.

I still do want to accomplish the goals I have set or at least redefine some of them towards something I feel would satisfy all the hours I have put into the site. Redefining success and the goals we set is something that makes our dreams more realistic and in this case feasible. I know that right now the economy sucks and working towards such an extreme project can be discouraging but the impact vs the direction of these movements is what keeps me here. I'm not a quitter and I'm not ready to abandon something just because I can't figure out a solution for it all. I would appreciate support and the help of others but I stand before you alone in a world where I feel I am blind to the truth that everyone else can see so clearly.

I still think that we can accomplish our goals
It must because I am so hard headed and determine to succeed that I reject to accept the things in front of me. There hasn't been any donations or sponsorship and there probably will never be any. Our ideas is focused on 6 students rather than a community of students who no matter how I phrase makes providing support not the most exciting thing. We're a non-profit organization and investors want to make money, not see the "potential" an idea might have if they invest.

Redefining this goal literally means giving up. In retrospect it would teach me what to do better the next time but more importantly to take charge of my goals. Something I feel that I could have done differently was work more towards my goal and talk to different companies, apply for grants and really move toward things that would've helped us make that dream possible. But what happened happened and I can only blame myself for not having opened my eyes sooner.

I'm sorry Snow, Seven, Tony, Albee, Liyang and Fancy for not having worked hard enough towards a trip I had dreamed about ever since leaving Yinchuan. I hope you can forgive me.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/13/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So I was talking to my brother and it was one of those deep talks where we conclude thing that might make typically make no sense but matter to us and will matter to the rest of the world. The conversations can last forever and are typically ended with us drifting into the night and then waking up to our everyday lives.

Today's conversation which has been one that has really come up more often since Sophomore year and all the cool stuff I have been working on is Web 2.0 and what awaits us in the next couple of years. Web 2.0 is known for the sharing of information amongst users and the feedback people are able to get back with this input. You share a video, a blog, a picture and people can leave you a comment or pass the information along providing endless possibilities to your work and what might be the work of others.

All this sharing is great but what really makes the impact of Web 2.0 felt is the coming together of people from all parts of the world on something great and wonderful. Technology is constantly growing and it doesn't take much for us to come together and do things online that would typically take face to face contact. However, it seems like we're doing more sharing more than collaborating. The collaborating we are doing with the information available is great but I feel that the next direction for the web is creating stuff with this information.

We've seen it take place through online courses and movements that are being made everyday and how it will make it easier for students in distant countries to take part in such experiences. The idea is that we're using new technology to break down the brick walls that stand in the way of the everyday student. More importantly we're becoming more efficient with the things we do and the purpose these things will have. The impact these movements will be making is what will make "Web 3.0" different and more dynamic than "Web 2.0"

Open source media is another thing that will allow us to reach that stage. Free software like this allows anyone to create something they have a passion for and possibly inspire change. The impact their project is able to create is what inspires people to do things like that or even better. The world is always evolving and I hope that I can evolve with it if not play an active role in its evolution into Web 3.0.

"Daft Punk: Harder: Better, Faster, Stronger"
random quote . . . I know

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 12/12/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

I've been thinking about the road that lays ahead and the question that everyone seems to ask me: When will you be going back to China? Will you be going on the next cultural exchange program?

I hope that I can participate in one of the next cultural exchange programs, but I've been thinking about the possibilities and what it would mean to visit China again. I would want to one day visit China again and see all the friends I have made and shared so much with. How I would take part of such a trip is questionable basically because of the money needed to take part in each cultural exchange program. The cultural exchange programs we offer are typically around $2800 and I could barely afford it the last time if it wasn't for the generous donations of people I've never met before. Taking a second trip would be great but not something that can be done out of the blue.

Additionally, the after-trip blues that I think got me worse than anyone else is a sick creature that has transformed me maybe for the better into believing that I should go back and experience all the great things I had experienced the first time. But as they say "Its A Once In A Life Time Opportunity". It's hard to accept but we need to accept it.





Find more photos like this on Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassadors

These opportunities are unique and something we wish we could capture and revisit again and again. I do believe in opportunity but only when you take control of it. It wouldn't really make much sense for me or anyone who has participated in such an experience to go back and do the same old thing. The only way that it would be different is if I had made a difference and went back bringing news and opportunities versus just going as another camper on a trip I can't afford.

I'm determined and I believe that I will make that difference.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:15 p.m.
Date: 12/11/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today in class we were discussing segregation and whether our government promotes the idea. I believe that we do it benignly because we're more comfortable living with people who share similar interests with us. It isn't something we do on purpose but almost second-nature for we are influenced by our culture and the environment we are used to. The people we interact with usually share similar interests and that's why we live near them. It isn't anything about the color of their skin or their religious beliefs; its about the things we share.

The argument got a bit out of hand seeing as my teacher didn't really agree with what I was saying but acknowledged that college and things besides your skin tone are what make you the person you are. Something that was hard to convince her of was that globalization makes it impossible to impose your beliefs on others let alone remain ignorant of another person's race, beliefs, etc. These things in my opinion are something you are born with and shouldn't be things that characterize the person you are or the actions you commit. Racism in the 21st century in my opinion has something to do with experience and emotional trauma that we link with a certain culture rather than the trait that bothers us.

The thing that bothered me the most was that she wouldn't believe that people of different cultures do come together and share their experiences not considering their race, religious beliefs, or financial abilities. I believe that it's really on the person and the initiative they take to make the difference and establish the connection. New ideas can only come into play when we embrace them rather than remain uninformed of the movements being made today. The first step we take is the one that leads us onto a "better life".

In my opinion there is no reason for racism or stigmatization today. We need to learn that the inferiority complex of our parents and grandparents shouldn't be something that stands in our way today. We need to learn to accept our faults and remember that we don't have to fit under the label of our culture. That we aren't just black, white, yellow, blue or green but rather people who are open to new ideas and always wanting to experiment.

"You can be the black man eating fried chicken and listening to classical music"
Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:00 p.m.
Date: 12/10/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

The words and views that are going to be expressed below reveal views that I fear are playing a bigger role in my life and the life of others as we continue to grow and experience life for what it has to offer. Please understand that the topics being discussed: dating, sex, and doubts are only my sole opinion and something that I feel requires a more open dialogue but not something that should offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable.

We Will All One Day Have To Face This Beast In Someway, Shape, or Form
The culture and society we live in has changed dramatically in the small time that most of us can remember. We live today in an age of information and technology. It doesn't take much for people to come together and share their lives amongst each other. We share more than we know: our days, our sorrows, and even sometimes our beliefs. We find ourselves at home on this internet highway of friends who are willing to listen and let us know that here they don't stand alone.

The connection that is establish can very quickly develop into something we never thought was possible. We soon find ourselves not coming for the conversation but the engagement amongst friends and potential lovers. The conversations grow away from the "how do you do" to the "how old are you". It isn't our fault if it so much fun. When you look at the friends on someone's page you can notice that the ratio of men and women is clearly opposite. Guys have more girl friends on their page like girls have more guy friends on their page. The conversations, if they do exist, are exciting none the less. We crack jokes, ask each other awkward questions, and finally do find the person who gives us the green light. They invite us to leave the crowded party and we begin to learn more of what the person is able to tell us. They tell us about their family, their work, their troubles, and the things in their life that make them happy. It almost becomes a ritual as they sign into their MSN, Skype, or AIM waiting for the lol and emoticons of the person who hears their tale with an attentive ear.

But we must live in the now and understand that what happens online should stay online. It's harder to say that when the person you know so well is only an instant message away. Our mind begins to complicate the situation and that friend becomes more than a friend. All of a sudden we have a new chapter in our life that brings new ideas and emotions to the table that we don't know what to do with. We play the game and enjoy the colorful words exchanged: the I love you, you've changed my life, and how I wish we could be together. However, that isn't enough. We want more. We want to meet this person. Tell them more than we already have and hope that the investment we have made was worth it. Here is where we hit the fork in the road and we must carefully look over the motives behind such a relationships and the potential it has.

For starters, meeting someone you met online is never something you should embrace so hastily. You can be anyone on the internet and their isn't a lot you can do to validate that the person you are talking to is real. It's hard to assume and even harder to accept. There are a lot of weirdos out there but there are those who are you like you; typing and looking for someone who thinks like they do. The most important things is protection. You shouldn't go into anything without knowing what you're getting into. Make sure that you know this person and that others know who this person is. Make sure they're actions, are cleared than their words. If excuses are more common than reasons then you're only going off assumptions that the person has given you. And I know that lovers are blind but being blind doesn't mean you need to be stupid! Be conscious of what this person wants and you want out of this relationship. If you're not on the same page, you're not on the same level. You may be surprised with their intentions and having been so blind you are now held at their mercy. I know life is tough and it seems so much easier to find Mr./Mrs. Right in a social network but the relationship you seek needs a greater foundation than text and pictures they took a week ago. Face to face contact is always the best; how that contact is made will really prove the significance of your relationship.

The things I'm trying to emphasize here is that online dating can be a very attractive process but is something you shouldn't take seriously. I know there are times when you might flirt with these people but one of two things happen: the person takes it seriously or you get involved with something you have no control over. Sexual predators are all over the internet and exposing yourself to them only increases the odds of you get hurt. The doubts you might have are understandable and the rebuttals you can present are well acknowledged, but nothing can save you once you let the person buy you that ticket and take you away on his unknown journey.

Sexual Predator's Catch Phrases
"I'll buy you a ticket to ______ ex. USA""I want to meet you in person . . . alone""Don't worry, you can trust me for sure""Do your parents use this computer?""Do you like older men?""Are you old enough to travel on your own?""Can you tell me were you live?""BTW (By the Way) How old are you?"
If the person you're talking to use the any of the sexual predator's catch phrases listed above, I highly recommend avoiding future contact. Never tell anyone your personal information (ex. where you live) over the internet or telephone. Technology is a great thing but let's remember that when you have no money, didn't tell your parents about what you were doing, and decided to go off the assumptions Mr./Mrs. Right has given you; you are only doomed for failure and will only cause yourself and other more pain than you would have sacrificed with the love of moneybags26 (random screen name . . . I know)

I hope that what I have said inform some of you and made you reconsider something taking place in your life right now.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:45 p.m.
Date: 12/9/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

I'm crunching for a new idea on what as a community we can do to make the Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassadors website cooler than it already is. So far we've built a pretty diverse group of members who add videos, pictures, blogs, etc etc.

But now we need to take it to a hole new level. The best things to do in this situation is to ask direct feedback from you, the users.

Below are a few ideas I'm thinking of things we can do to enjoy the site and make its impact more evident.

1. Scratch

Scratch is open source material that allows you to create games, animations, simulations, and anything visual you might have in mind. I have a ton of experience with Scratch and enjoy using the program to make cool projects and teach other something in a cool and ingenious way.


2. Animoto

Animoto is a cool site that you can use to make animated slideshows with literally the click of a button. Grab a few pictures your favorite song and watch the magic happen.


3. Video Conferences

A picture is worth a thousand words but one that moves might give us a better hint as to what the thousand words are. All you will need to take part of this experience is a web cam and Skype. The conferences would be dynamic and could really show what the site is offering to its students.


4. (Your Idea Here)

This is a community website, and as a community we should all have a word in what gets done on the site and the impact it should have on its members. Give me your idea of what new feature the site should embrace if not any of the ones listed above.

I hope to hear from you soon and the we can really accomplish something great and wonderful through the efforts we are making on this site.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:10 p.m.
Date: 12/8/08
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

It seems like the brick walls in my life just don't know how to take a hint. They have this bad habit of getting in my way when I really don't need them to be there. I know that it's really up to me to make the decision, to adapt to the changes and to learn how to avoid these monsters, but I'm getting to the point where I'd rather trudge it through than admit defeat and allow the brick walls to hold me back. This isn't the first time I've had an unwelcome visit and I swear that its gonna be the last for a long time.

Maybe I should give you some more on the background information. I started my day not feeling to well. (A note for the future if I feel like that in the future should be reverting to insulin shots or changing the pump site completely) I didn't have much time today to either so I went with my gut (stupid mistake) and went to school. What made today so important was the visitors we would be having come to Crosby. VP Wang, Professor Chen, and Du Hong would be visiting the school: having lunch and getting a taste of Crosby and some of the work we're doing.

I knew things would get worse but it wasn't anything that led to the hospital when you look at some of other visits my brick walls have made. I took the fall and went to the nurse where I knew my blood sugar was high and the ketones to match. I took a bolus but obviously the pump was having no affect seeing as I had already given myself a few bolus prior to coming to the nurse. I had some insulin in the school and got to take a shot for 25 units. It took me about an hour but I finally did throw up and made my way out of the school with my head down and a level of disgust to match.

I had worked so hard these last couple of months on the site and the brick walls that I've had to overcome were nothing when it comes to enjoying the fruit of my labor. As I walked up the hill, towards the car I stood and I said to myself that enough was enough. I gave my mom my books and made my move toward Palidino's room and the guest that were visiting today. From that point forward I was fortunate to have the visitors see our Chemistry Class, ISSP and the Head of the Language Department: Lucia Perugini.

It was a great experience and a bit of a shame we had to rush them out so quickly. It was great having them meet our classmates, experience the typical Crosby student, and almost get run over as we pasted from class to class. All's well that ends well. As I got home I took more insulin, changed my pump and stood in the face of the brick and told it that today wasn't the day. (figuratively speaking of course, I'm not crazy, just trying to make a point)

I'll be going to school tomorrow and continue on with my day like I should. I've notice that looking back, missing a day, and trying to prevent change only holds you back from doing the things you really care about. You need to work with the flow of life, not against it. Being clever also helps. The karma will take care of itself and maybe one day we can learn how to be proactive and enjoy the fruit of our labor.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 12/7/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.


I wanted to create a project that could be used on the site so that there was more stuff to do on the on the site other than blog, comment, and share. I started using Scratch a year ago and have learned to make a lot of cool stuff since then. Scratch itself is a dynamic program that you can use to make games, simulation, animations, and in my opinion basically anything. What I like about Scratch is the ability it has to combine different forms of media so easily.

In this version you can use the paint editor in the bottom right hand corner. There are 4 palettes which can be manipulated using the dock at the top of the screen. Mess around with the different features and give me some feedback with what you thought worked well, didn't work so well, and what could make it better. It took a lot of work and I hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10: 45 p.m.
Date: 12/6/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

Today is Jay's birthday and I felt that today's blog should commemorate my good friend Jay and the friendship I have shared with him for more than 5 years.

I remember meeting Jay originally when I was in 7th grade. Immediately we became friends and it didn't take much for us to laugh and share fond memories. Something that I think made my friendship with Jay so powerful was how we learned from each other. Jay was more of the outgoing and daring kind of person in comparison to me who was more modest and scared to step out of my shell. Overtime we rubbed off on each other. I became more open and willing to take a risk while Jay learned more about the respectful mind and what the passion people should have in their decisions.

5 years have gone by and our friendship has only grown stronger. We've been through thick and thin and I can only imagine things getting better from this point forward. Where life take us is unknown. All I know is wherever I go, wherever Jay goes, we will always be brothers. We'll laugh like the good old days, get mad like the good old days, and continue to grow like the good old days. Who knows what to expect in the next 5, 10 years from now.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time:11:00 p.m.
Date: 12/5/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

When you look at the community on the website and compare it to the community on a social network like MySpace, Facebook, YouTube you notice that we are dots in comparison to these giants. A social network like MySpace probably has more than a million users and serves a community that continues to grow every minute that someone signs on. Comparing yourself to a giant like MySpace of Facebook is a bit extreme but is a great way of always pushing your social network forward to the day that it reaches that viral status. I feel that the motives behind these networks is something that contributes to the amount of members on the site and the community the site is able to establish.

So if we compare the service and elements of a social network like MySpace to our social network we can see some clear differences. For starters MySpace is a place for friends. A place were people come together to share, chat, and make new friends along the way. There's no charge for joining MySpace and you're free to do whatever you want as soon as you hit the sign up button. There are some restrictions that apply to the terms of use on the site but for the most part you can navigate with ease. What makes MySpace so interesting is the flash that comes with it. You can visit the homepage and automatically your eye is caught by an ad for the latest movie coming out. Additionally there's information about new members who joined this community, but that only makes a small percentage of the page. Most of the page is consumed by ads, videos, and pictures that convince you to click and eventually join to get more videos, pictures, blog post, etc.

The Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassador website has grown dramatically in the short amount of time that it came to be around. Before going on my trip I think we had a little less than 100 members and barely any activity on the site. After going full throttle on the site we had a few dramatic jumps along with a whole new variety of members and aspects to the community. The community itself is driven behind spreading the opportunities of cultural exchanges to the US and Northwest China. The cause our program has limits it to a group of people interested/willing to provide support. All social networks start with this kind of feedback. It takes an explosion (figuratively speaking) for the site to become viral and serve the masses in a new way.

The only thing we can do to become a viral community is continue to do well what we've always done. We need to continue commenting, uploading, and spreading the word. In time we will reach that stage if we haven't already done so already, as long as we continue to move forward nothing will stand in our way.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:45 p.m.
Date: 12/4/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

The Brick Wall

On our journey through life we take on adventures that we know we're doomed to fail. We ask out the girl who goes out with only the hottest guys, we ask for a loan we can't afford, and we take the risks that can make or break us. In all of these situations the odds are against us. The girl will probably say no, the bank will only eventually make you bankrupt, and you might regret the decisions you have made since that day. Not making the decision however forces us to question what if. What if we had made that choice? Would things be different: for the better or for the worse? It all comes down to instinct and how much we are willing to risk when it comes to making that choice. Sure there are obstacles along the way, but anything forth doing doesn't come easily. It takes hard work and diligence. The fruit of our labor will make it all worth it when we look back at the foundation we have now established for ourselves.

Success is a two way street. On one lane we have the common conceptions of success that comes with the millions of dollars, sports cars, private jets, etc. On the other lane is the more modest and appreciative side to success. The side that looks at what you did well and what you can do to do better. On both sides there are the brick walls. These walls made of flesh that almost seem possessed. Their purpose is to challenge you. Force you to prove that you deserve the things you have worked so hard for.

On the first couple of tries, you might lose an arm or two to the brick wall. The occasional black eye and cracked rib is customary when hitting a brick wall at 80 mph. However their is a way to avoid the brick wall. The easiest solution is to plan ahead. Start small and set easy goals that you know you can reach. Confidence is power and the more confidence you have in yourself, the more successful you will be in the long run. Once you reach one goal aim for the next. The brick wall can't hit you if you're always getting stronger and faster. Eventually you will be faster than the wall and know when to duck and when to jump.

The most important thing on the road (or roads) to success is diligence. Remain determined and committed to your goals. Take your problem as misunderstood opportunities. The experience you get from hitting the brick wall will only give you the ability to avoid the next one. It might be hard to accept but hard work is what gives you the chance to be successful. The road to success you choose to follow is what will determine what you do with that success and how it will affect you and the people around you.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:00 p.m.
Date: 12/3/08
Official End Time: 11:54 p.m.

So the days are coming along nicely and I've doing a lot of stuff underground and on the surface at the same time. I ran across this social network that's aimed directly at spreading the news about your company to people who are just as interested and determined to bring their companies to new heights.

Visiting the site however on the first fews days was a rather unconfincing experience. The site seemed more like a giant spam engine in which hundreds of leeches come at you and bombard you with information about their cause and how you can benefit from their services. It reminds of what I was doing on Livemocha and made me question what made my actions different from theirs.

For one, I got to meet the person before doing the "ask". I feel that people respond more positively to something when they know who they're getting it from. I noticed on the site that the top members were typically the ones who dominated the recent activity board not with original content but messages to hundreds of users. The messages seemed machine automated: identical and consisting of no personality whatsoever. . . "Add me as a friend, if I'm already your friend don't be such a stranger"

It's hard to decide in that kind of a situation if what were doing is right based on two conditions: time and results.

The amount of time we are held against to pursue these goals may force us to gather as many consumers as possible, not leaving a lot of time to know the person and actually establish a connection. It's a slippery road from here on forth. I feel that sending messages like these discourages people and pushes them towards hitting the spam button rather than taking the time to visit your site and provide the support your looking for.

Results are another condition we have to take into consideration. You have a certain amount of time to accomplish a certain goal. The amount of people your able to expose to this experience limits you from establishing the necessary connection. I however believe that "I am more than a number" and believe that I am more willing to help a friend who at least knows my name than a machine who just spits out programmed information.

We'll the choice is yours and it comes down to the conditions we are confronted with. Take advantage of the time you have and always remember to be earnest. In my personal opinion I believe that getting to the know person, showing that you actually have a soul, and providing the necessary content can insure success in the long wrong and is the most effective way of getting your message across. What we are today may not exist in another five years, but the foundation we establish for ourselves will follow us everywhere we go; label yourself as the earnest, devoted individual rather than the business man who only cares about one thing.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:10 p.m.
Date: 12/2/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

I'm gonna try to keep this short while making sure to bring my point home. The title is self-explanatory and relates to the type of people we are and how that will affect what we are able to achieve.

Independence for one thing is crucial if you want to be successful. "You were born into this world alone, and you will leave it alone" The phrase is harsh but holds a certain amount of truth. If you want to be successful you need to know how to fend for yourself. You need to plan for if worse comes to worse and being dependent on one too many factors can harshly cripple your odds of success. The less you have holding you down, the more of a chance you have to rise above and accomplish the impossible.

Diligence like I've said before is probably just as crucial as independence. Hard work gives off great results. If you stay on task, success can be guaranteed every time. You might face some adversity along the way but with every brick wall you hit, you will only get stronger. After a while, you will learn how to avoid the brick walls. You will become a tycoon in your field of expertise, revered by your colleagues and friends. All it takes is time and patience.

Jumping from 0-100 isn't the idea you should have behind any major project. You need to understand that the fundamentals are what give you the ability to reach 100. That the time you have is precious and should be used to build the fundamental skills that will help you reach the higher plateau. I tell this from experience and can only wish upon my fellow man the best of luck in whatever adventure he decides to take on next. I only wish that the person remembers to start small and remain commited. Take the advantage of the time and opportunities you have. The worst that can happen is reaching the finish line and not have learn anything at all.

As they say, "All in Good Time, my son"

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:20 p.m.
Date: 12/1/08
Official End Time: 11:50 p.m.

It's the first of the month and we're coming down to the stretch. We've had a couple of month and this will be our last month to meet our goal or at least get as close as we possibly can. There's no reason to look back and examine what went wrong. The only thing we can do now is move forward and do our best to meet the goal we once set such a long time ago.

How are we going to do this you might ask? Well I think its time that I should create a to do list to insure a good turnout of members this time around.



Things That Need to Get Done:
1. 1,000+ members on the Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassador Site
2. Double the amount of content on the site
3. Prepare presentations for future participant for future cultural exchanges along with presentation for interested sponsors

Ways to Get This Done:
1. Spread the word on different social networks powered by Ning and ask the friends made on those social networks to join the site as a way of showing support. Additionally, asking the community currently on the website to add a friend or two to the site. If everyone adds at least 1 friend, the number of members would jump tremendously. More importantly we most continue to add our friends, family and neighbors. Every helping hand brings us closer and closer to our goals.

2. Create groups, discussion, and projects on the site for everyone to take part of. More importantly inspire user created work. Encourage the members on the site to upload pictures, blog, help out on a project and give back to the community on the site. As a team member you have an active voice on the site, and its up to you to make the changes you think are key.

3. Doing all this work means nothing if the service we're providing can't be used to its full potential. Therefore, we need to start recruiting participants for future cultural exchange programs. There will be a trip coming up this March and later this year in May. Visit the scholarships tab to get informed on how you can become a future participant and how easy it is to get the money for a future trip.

More importantly however we need to address the issue with funding for the community on this site. We need to find a way to make it easier for students in China to participate in such cultural exchanges without breaking the bank. I therefore propose that we prepare presentation for interested sponsors. We want to show them the service we're providing and how their donation can make it possible for good Chinese students to take part on the cultural exchange of a lifetime. Grants are also a good idea for getting the money we need, but it all comes back to the website.

The bigger the website, the more people are willing to give. The service we are providing and the impact it's having will ultimately reflect the amount of support we can get. Therefore, it is crucial that we all pitch and continue to build the community on the website. Add pictures, add videos, add your friends, and take the first steps towards a better tomorrow.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:00 p.m.
Date: 11/30/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

We've come to the last day in November and it's that time of the month when I reflect and look back at all the good stuff and all the bad stuff that has happened. The time of the month where I look see the great things I have accomplished and the things that I failed to accomplish. More importantly, this blog post will look over the content that I have been giving the site and what I should be doing to see better results. So without further a due its time that I reflect and analyze the things that I have done/need to do in the future.

November was one of the of those months that represents the brick walls that come up every now and again to see what your made of. Without a doubt November gave me a run for my money. This entire month was lost between finding members, preparing presentations, falling behind on work, and waiting for things to get better. I survived the collision, but not without a few scratch and bruises along the way. November was the wake up call I needed. It didn't push me further in the direction I wanted: members; but it forced me to wake up and do the things that needed to be done.

The blog posts themselves this month have evolved greatly. I've posted some controversial and deeply rooted beliefs I have about the dating world, morals, and education in the 21st century. At the same time a lot of sharing has been done in which I show some old work I might have done for AP English this week or an old essay I did and wish to get feedback on. No matter what the blogs serve as a great of looking back at the month of November.

Typically the blogs that are only text are the best ones. These are the blogs where I really write away my thoughts and express the things I really believe in. Something that I think I will try to incorporate more with my blogs will be pictures, videos, and other forms of media. I'm thinking of using other tools to make my blogs more attractive and appealing to the eye. Additionally, my blogs should get straight to the point. There's no point in speaking eloquently when there is no difference in the impact your making. The best ones are the ones that are concise and straight to the point.

Something I am concerned about are the relief blogs: the blogs where I complain about how things are going as I've planned and how I need to do something to make a difference. These blogs represent the dreamer side that seems to take over every so often. I'm concerned that the dreamer side of me prevents me from getting done the work that should be getting done. I keep hoping things will be getting better yet I haven't taken the necessaries steps to make these things happen.

Being the optimistic person I always am, I will continue to move forward and hope for the best. Life has always been tough and there's no reason to give up now. My goals might need an extension and I might have to reconsider some of things I've planned and still need to plan. Overall I need to remain focused and determined: diligent, earnest, and honest.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: 11/29/08
Official End Time: 6:00 p.m.

Another essay I had to do for my AP English Literature class; this time arguing whether the Patriot Act is a good thing or a bad thing. I wonder if we'll ever get the chance to do No Child Left Behind or any other government policies that need reconsideration. Tomorrow's the last day of the month and a progress report is long overdue. This one is gonna be different from the other one. I'm only gonna grab a few quotes that I will work into a very well written piece. Beside that I'm unsure of what awaits me and what I need to do to meet my goals.

The Patriot Act was put into action as a form of defense against the war on terror. After 9/11, America had issues maintaining security on the home front and many were worried that more needed to be done to insure a safer environment for citizens back home. The Patriot Act would be this protector that watched for the well being of the American people, checking every bag and passport that came its way. But something along the way went horribly wrong and instead of insuring a safer environment for its citizens, the Patriot Act began to resemble the ideals of a totalitarian government in which fear and injustice began to replace the rights of the people. Zara Gelesy’s article, “The FBI is Reading Over Your Shoulder” does a great job describing how the patriot act doesn’t insure a safer environment for its citizens but instead pushes forward the ideals of a totalitarian government that subjects the rights of the people before acquiring the necessary information.

The Patriot Act pushes forward the ideals of a totalitarian government. In a totalitarian government the rights of the people are constantly subjugated. The government instills fear in its people through the belief that citizens should give up certain rights in order to insure certain liberties according to Thomas Hobs. America however has a democratic government. The Patriot Act thus fights against the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Under the Patriot Act, the rights of the American people are subjugated. The government has the right to access any file and any information they feel would provide proof of terrorist activity. Nothing stands in the government’s way of acquiring information that the average person would wish to hold discrete. The theory is that if you have nothing to hide you should have nothing fear, but knowing that the government is always watching doesn’t make American feels safe at home but nervous that their next move could result them being on investigated.

The Patriot Act is often ill informed and rash to make a decision against an innocent individual. Under the Patriot Act, the government has the right to access any files they feel would provide proof of terrorist like activity. Any suspicious activities amongst citizens should involve further investigation; even if it means infringing the individuals’ right to privacy. Fear is what consumes the American people under the Patriot Act for they can no longer read the books they like or visit the web pages they please as they are constantly being watched. The initial goal of insuring a safer environment is hard to see when the people live in fear.

In conclusion, Zara Gelesy’s article, “The FBI is Reading Over Your Shoulder” does a great job describing how the patriot act doesn’t insure a safer environment for its citizens but instead pushes forward the ideals of a totalitarian government that subjects the rights of the people before acquiring the necessary information. The fear that consumes the American people under the Patriot Act contradict the act’s initial purpose of instill of a safe environment for citizens back home.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: 11/28/08
Official End Time: 7:25 p.m.

I've been doing a lot of thinking this holiday season and a scary thought has been creeping into my mind. One that I knew would eventually come but would resent to accept.

The last few days haven't exactly been the happiest days. The holiday season in my family typically brings more pain than happiness. The pressure and emotions that get accumulated in that week alone are strong enough to break apart any family today. Yet something continues to bring us back together.

Once the table is set and the food is ready, middle ground is met. We begin to eat and the peace begins to set in. Each bite eases away the pain but brings us closer to the everyday argument that makes life so "special". This holiday season there was no turkey. The reason shall remain unnamed but the affects were well felt. The unity and peace that Thanksgiving dinner usually brings to my home didn't happen this time. We grew apart. It was almost just another day; a day that I never wish had to come true.

We (me and my brother) had talked about it before. We knew the day would one day come as we grew apart and started to live our own lives. But there were still blanks that needed to be filled in. Would this mean the end to our family? Would we lose contact completely? I'd like to think that we would break apart into our own lives but remember where we came from. That we wouldn't forget the core that once held us together. But you can't have everything you want. Sometimes you have to sacrifice the things you value most. A phone call, an email, a text message may one day replace that dinner that brought middle ground.

I'd like to think that as you get older, things only get better. They do but something gets lost in the process. We get lost in our work. We forget those around us and who can blame us. We're fighting two battles when we barely have the energy to fight one. It all comes down to adapting to the changes that life throws your way and accepting the things you cannot change. Even if it hurts.

The light at the end of the tunnel is what will justify the sacrifices that were made. There is no perfect balance to this equation but I'd like to think that the ends justify the means and the sacrifices we make weren't made in vein.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:00 p.m.
Date: 11/27/08
Official End Time: 11:30 p.m.

Today is Thanksgiving; a day that celebrates the first feast shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans after a year of hard work and strife. They came together and sat side by side. As they feasted they shared what they were thankful for. It was a joyous event and we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving; coming together and letting others know how grateful we are to have in our lives.

I love Thanksgiving and the whole idea of people coming together and sharing what they're grateful for. It makes light of the all the bad things in our world and reminds us that there are still things in this world that make life worth living. The harmonious family that Thanksgiving portrays brings warmth in the hearts of many whose family is quite the opposite. But we must grateful for the family we have and the people we've met. Turkey or no turkey, Thanksgiving is still Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving has always been a joyous day in my family. Life in my family is typical known for the constant arguments and bitterness that makes us pull our hair out. The days seems numbered and everyday before Thanksgiving only builds the pressure in this wine bottle from popping. Words are said feelings of regret are only strengthened. The hours seem unbearable but when the Turkey is cut and the table is set peace is made. We sit down side by side and start to laugh. We laugh at the anger we had accumulated the last couple of days. We laugh at the silly mistakes we have made over the last few years. And we laugh that in a month or so we will be pulling our hair out once again; wishing that things would be different but in an odd way the same.

All families argue and one that doesn't just isn't natural. We need that mode of free expression in order to keep our sanity. At the end of the day we remember what it is that we are grateful for and what reminds us not to kill each other. We might not say it enough but we are thankful for the connection we share, the friends we've made, and the experiences we have been fortunate enough to take part of.

I wish everyone I have met, known or touched in some way a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope they will see life in the same light and remember to be grateful for the things they have today and will one day have tomorrow.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 11:20 p.m.
Date: 11/26/08
Official End Time: 11:57 p.m.

A recent essay I had to do for AP English in which I propose having people infected with AIDs wear white masks. Sadly so this does happen in a country in South America to a poor orphanage. Its horrible that they would do something like this but it would bring more awareness about the disease. You be the judge.

The autoimmune deficiency virus (AIDs) epidemic is taking over our planet more and more each and every day. Hundreds of people are dying and there is not much of a solution in sight. The disease can be easily transmitted from one infected person to another with something as simple as blood or bodily fluid. There is a solution that would stop the AIDs epidemic in its tracks and insure a better future for our children. I propose that we make individuals who are infected with the AIDs virus to wear a white mask to show that they have AIDs. By having individuals infected with the AIDs virus wear white masks one can reduce the number of people getting infected with the AIDs virus, provide our children with a healthier future, and set the stage for the prevention of other sexual transmitted diseases.

The number of people currently infected with the AIDs virus is astronomical. The number only continues to grow every day due to how easily the virus can be transmitted between people. Those who are infected often have no idea that the partner they are with has the virus. Therefore, it would make perfect sense to have people who are infected to wear the white mask and prevent the spread of the disease. Knowledge is power and by letting others know who has the disease, one can greatly reduce the number of people being infected and the number of deaths because of the virus.

The AIDs virus doesn’t just affect the people who are infected but also the children of these people. Those who obtain the virus often have less than a year or so to live. The children of these poor people then become orphans. By having people who are infected by the AIDs virus where white masks we can prevent the spread of such sorrow. Children should not be brought into a world without parents and it is up to society to take the first step in insuring our children a healthier future. Therefore, I propose we stop the AIDs epidemic in its track by prevent those with the disease from having children and continuing the spread of the disease.

Finally, by having those infected with the AIDs virus wear white masks, one can finally set the stage for the prevention of other sexually transmitted diseases. STDs are taking over the health of the human race and it is only a matter of time before no one is able to participate in sexual congress without the fear of being infected. Millions of people come across STDs not because they want to, but because they had no idea their partner had the disease. Having people infected with a disease wear a mask would thus eliminate this common mistake and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases all together.

In conclusion, by having individuals infected with the autoimmune deficiency virus (AIDs) virus wear white masks one can reduce the number of people getting infected with the AIDs virus, provide our children with a healthier future, and set the stage for the prevention of other sexual transmitted diseases. . Millions of people come across STDs not because they want to but because they had no idea their partner had the disease. Therefore I believe that knowledge is power and by letting others know who has the disease, one can greatly reduce the number of people being infected and the number of deaths because of the virus.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman