Photo by Josefa Holland-Merten

Before reading, this assignment was done on paper but was never put on this blog until now. The date in which this was written was on November 6.

    Balance is essential to sustain a limited resource. In today's world, such a concept is difficult to grasp; and this is especially true for the life on Earth's waters. Due to a heavy amount of demand from people all across the globe, populations of the most popular fish people eat are depleting. The scarcity of marine life is becoming more apparent than ever, and it's taking a harsh toll not only to the fish themselves, but also to the environment and the people. Overfishing is a severe issue that has led to the struggling sustainability between people's demand and the environment.
    Satisfying the increasing demand in the short term is certainly going to mean a problem in the long term, especially with fishing. Stephen Columbia, a Stanford University marine biologist, lays out that long term concept, that "None of us regular folk are going to be able to afford seafood". This is the problem that the average consumer of seafood is going to face, given the current overfishing practices. It's clear that scarcity of a resource--fish--will lead to the price of it increasing. Not only this, but places such as Hawaii, where the reliance on seafood is strong, can suffer consequences. Molokai activist Walter Ritte, whose island is being faced with the introduction of Oahu fishers, explained that "...people are coming to Molokai because their resources are depleted on their island...where we've been working really hard to...managing the resource..." This conflict affects fishers too through situations like this. It is comparable to that of homeless sweeping; taking them out of the community will only make it a problem for another (except in this case, the environment suffers.
    However, no other group apart of this problem suffers more than the fish and the environment itself. According to a study, "at least 29% of fish species have collapsed, and the trend is accelerating." The way in which they collapsed stems from overfishing. By losing the biological diversity of an ecosystem, that ecosystem becomes more susceptible to collapse. Due to that reason, destructive overfishing has caused "about 90% of the ocean's big predators--like cod and tuna--have been fished out of existence." This is huge, especially due to how much bigger the fish export trade has become. The deprecation of marine life can be traced to overfishing since it causes such an imbalance to the marine ecosystems.
    Thus far, all of the sustainability and environmental issues that marine life currently face are direct consequences of overfishing's destructive force. Overfishing has in turn created those issues that both the environment and people struggle to face. A continuation of such practices would mean a lot of problems in the future of fishing.

Photo by Josefa Holland-Merten

Photo by Ivan Slade

    Beautiful beaches, luscious mountains; Hawaii is a paradise--or so it seems. It is simply a mask for the other side of paradise that Hawaii deals with; homelessness. Being without a home may just seem like a problem that only the individual is affected by, however, it is a problem that the whole of Hawaii shares. It stems from the premium cost of living--the housing market. It is among the main catalysts of the growing homeless population. The side effects of it not only affects Hawaii socially, but also the industry that is arguably Hawaii’s main source of income--tourism. The homelessness problem is a huge burden in which it affects all aspects of Hawaii leading to its’ struggling economy.

    Ground zero for many on the brink of becoming homeless is of course the housing market. Finding a home to reside in especially in Hawaii is often met with difficulty due to how costly it is. According to a report by the University of Hawaii, “The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu is around $1,200 a month, which is out of reach for around 30% of Hawaii’s families, even on two adult incomes.” Keep in mind that this is just the bare minimum to live; excluding all other expenses. Because the housing market has such an immense impact on the economy, higher prices also mean a harder struggle for that 30%. An article on homeless by NBC puts it best; “...Honolulu’s homeless problem is rooted in the pairing of one of the nation’s highest housing costs with below-average wages...” A low wage not only means that it’s more difficult to find a place to live that meets that wage, it also means that there would be a miniscule amount of room left for anything other than a home because of Hawaii’s high cost of living.

    A rising homeless population also means more difficulties for some other industries that rely on having clean streets--specifically tourism. Those homeless have very few places to go and thus will often “...spend their days and nights on the beaches, parks, and streets of Waikiki…” with nowhere else to go. Waikiki, which is essentially the center of tourism located in Oahu, is affected through the visually degrading look that the displaced brings. A look in which is obviously undesirable because of the effects it has on how well the industry performs. For example, Calgary, Alberta visitor Ivan Tandberg commented that though the homeless weren’t bothersome, “...it wouldn’t look good to have many people living on the streets.” Being an industry that relies quite a bit on having a visual appeal, ruining it would bring down the economic status of tourism as well. It doesn’t end there though, as it would have a potential domino effect that leads to a less successful economy for Hawaii.

    It is also worth mentioning that those without a roof also mean that they are sometimes without social order--a danger to society. It’s certainly not a representation of all of homeless individuals, but it is often seen that way, how “Poor health condition creates difficulty for those trying to assist the homeless population as many are unwilling to accept help in any form.” Mental illnesses, for one, can be a big difficulty to deal with. Their social disconnect would hinder their ability to properly communicate and in some cases, can make them violent. In other cases, it may also be that they simply don’t want help. Sherri Watson, 43, and homeless, stated that “I love it; free rent, free electricity, who wants to stay in a bed-bugged shelter?” This means that some, like Watson, like the advantages that come with being homeless. The environment, being somewhat unique to Hawaii makes it easier for homeless to sustain themselves out in the open. Watson also gave a small gibe towards public shelters for homeless individuals in her statement, which goes to show just one of the opinions that the homeless have on these homeless relief methods.

    In essence, the cycle of having a high cost housing market/living has resulted in quite a bit of homeless in Hawaii, which does take its toll on the society. Having a large population of homeless has had a domino effect that has led to a struggling economy. Leaving the problem as is will only put Hawaii’s economy in a deeper hole that it is already dug itself into.

Photo by Ivan Slade

Photo by Nicholas Swanson

    Beautiful beaches, luscious mountains; Hawaii is a paradise--or so it seems. It is simply a mask for the other side of paradise that Hawaii deals with; homelessness. Being without a home may just seem like a problem that only the individual is affected by, however, it is a problem that the whole of Hawaii shares. It stems from the premium cost of living--the housing market. It is among the main catalysts of the growing homeless population. The side effects of it not only affects Hawaii socially, but also the industry that is arguably Hawaii’s main source of income--tourism. The homelessness problem is a huge burden in which it affects all aspects of Hawaii leading to its’ struggling economy.
    Ground zero for many on the brink of becoming homeless is of course the housing market. Finding a home to reside in especially in Hawaii is often met with difficulty due to how costly it is. According to a report by the University of Hawaii, “The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu is around $1,200 a month, which is out of reach for around 30% of Hawaii’s families, even on two adult incomes.” Keep in mind that this is just the bare minimum to live; excluding all other expenses. Because the housing market has such an immense impact on the economy, higher prices also mean a harder struggle for that 30%. An article on homeless by NBC puts it best; “...Honolulu’s homeless problem is rooted in the pairing of one of the nation’s highest housing costs with below-average wages...” A low wage not only means that it’s more difficult to find a place to live that meets that wage, it also means that there would be a miniscule amount of room left for anything other than a home because of Hawaii’s high cost of living.
    A rising homeless population also means more difficulties for some other industries that rely on having clean streets--specifically tourism. Those homeless have very few places to go and thus will often “...spend their days and nights on the beaches, parks, and streets of Waikiki…” with nowhere else to go. Waikiki, which is essentially the center of tourism located in Oahu, is affected through the visually degrading look that the displaced brings. A look in which is obviously undesirable because of the effects it has on how well the industry performs. For example, Calgary, Alberta visitor Ivan Tandberg commented that though the homeless weren’t bothersome, “...it wouldn’t look good to have many people living on the streets.” Being an industry that relies quite a bit on having a visual appeal, ruining it would bring down the economic status of tourism as well. It doesn’t end there though, as it would have a potential domino effect that leads to a less successful economy for Hawaii.
    It is also worth mentioning that those without a roof also mean that they are sometimes without social order--a danger to society. It’s certainly not a representation of all of homeless individuals, but it is often seen that way, how “Poor health condition creates difficulty for those trying to assist the homeless population as many are unwilling to accept help in any form.” Mental illnesses, for one, can be a big difficulty to deal with. Their social disconnect would hinder their ability to properly communicate and in some cases, can make them violent. In other cases, it may also be that they simply don’t want help. Sherri Watson, 43, and homeless, stated that “I love it; free rent, free electricity, who wants to stay in a bed-bugged shelter?” This means that some, like Watson, like the advantages that come with being homeless. The environment, being somewhat unique to Hawaii makes it easier for homeless to sustain themselves out in the open. Watson also gave a small gibe towards public shelters for homeless individuals in her statement, which goes to show just one of the opinions that the homeless have on these homeless relief methods.
    In essence, the cycle of having a high cost housing market/living has resulted in quite a bit of homeless in Hawaii, which does take its toll on the society. Having a large population of homeless has had a domino effect that has led to a struggling economy. Leaving the problem as is will only put Hawaii’s economy in a deeper hole that it is already dug itself into.

Graphic for the "Querencia" project.

    At first, everything starts out slow and easy. Then it gets faster; so fast that sometimes it feels difficult to keep up. Life for me has felt that way so far, and escaping it temporarily is no easy task without a place to go to. That place--Querencia--is a place that makes oneself feel tranquil. I’ve gone to quite a few quiet and calm places, but one place in specific is without equal. Kaneohes’ Hawaiian Memorial Cemetery is that place.
    The drive to the cemetery is one filled with awe in every direction. Even on those rainy days. The large mountains whose true height is masked by the clouds, the lengthy radio-silent Tetsuo Harano tunnel, the vibrant plants and trees; it is a place whose elegance is unmatched by any other place I have seen. All except for the cemetery itself.
    The first time in which I laid eyes on the cemetery, it seemed great in size. A size that makes oneself appear smaller than how big they think they are. It didn’t look like a cemetery at all either, since the lusciousness of Kaneohe is greatly shown there. The deep curves in the hills made it seem as if there was much to explore; and there was. Being a young individual at the time made the experience all the more exhilarating. Though, such emotions often faded over the years and transformed as life got more complicated and stressful. I would not be able to keep up with the pace of schooling and even when I did, I felt overworked and too anxious to relax knowing that there’s probably going to be something else in store the next week.
    However, visiting the memorial is impactful, to say the least. I forget about the mistakes I’ve made that week; what’s due the next day for school. It’s quite easy to forget about them temporarily; to lose oneself in the serenity. I am not the type of individual who prefers to have the feeling of being distressed, but the memorial greatly diminishes that feeling. No longer do the tasks I am required to perform seem as difficult as they originally seemed to be. No longer does a future of comfort seem out of reach, because such comfort is possible. The memorial makes me feel that way. The fact that it is a cemetery alone provokes great thought and reflection on the lives that have past. Walking along the graves, taking as much time as possible with each step allows me to clear my mind and focus on one thing at a time; whether it is a significant or an insignificant part of my life.
    One might say that a cemetery should be a place where one mourns, not a place of enjoyment. Of course, I mourn. My grandmother and I visit once every few months to remember the lives of family that have died. We express our feelings; tell them the events that have happened in our lives since their passing even though we know that nobody else is listening. However, I’ve learned through the many funerals that I’ve been to that celebrating their lives is of greater importance than acknowledging their death. To commemorate their successes; the impact that they’ve made to shape the world around them. The cemetery acts like a safe haven for what they did. A haven for the stories and memories where one can visit and remember, like an immortal library. The thought of that simply fascinates me to the point where my focus is lifted from the stress I currently have, even if it may just be a temporary one. It is eerie to just enjoy being surrounded by the dead, but it isn’t eerie to me when I think of the memorial as a library of life stories. Such a thought is especially true when paired with the beauty of Kaneohe.
    All things come to an end, and so does my visit to the memorial. But the thoughts that are created within my mind do not. They constantly float around my mind whenever anything stresses or upsets me. Going to the memorial is immensely refreshing. Even though I visit it once in a long while, they evoke similar emotions that make it seem like what I consider it; my Querencia.

It’s only been a short period of time before I dove back into the now warm water, thanks to the sun. Looking to the shore, I can see that my cousins have arrived; most of which seek to have a great time. The water sloshes around as we unload our water guns onto each other. The smell of barbeque is like a calling us to feast on lunch. Walking back to our picnic area, I am greeted not only by the typical reggae music, but with my aunties and uncles who I haven’t seen since our last get-together. We share stories built up from the time frame that we haven’t seen each each other--the people we’ve met, the achievements we’ve made, and much more. Snap! Another picture for us remember. We begin to depart, but it is always “A hui ho’u!”; until next time.

    At first, everything starts out slow and easy. Then it gets faster; so fast that sometimes it feels difficult to keep up. Life for me has felt that way so far, and escaping it temporarily is no easy task without a place to go to. That place--Querencia--is a place that makes oneself feel tranquil. I’ve gone to quite a few quiet and calm places, but one place in specific is without equal. Kaneohes’ Hawaiian Memorial Cemetery is that place.
    The drive to the cemetery is one filled with awe in every direction. Even on those rainy days. The large mountains whose true height is masked by the clouds, the lengthy radio-silent Tetsuo Harano tunnel, the vibrant plants and trees; it is a place whose elegance is unmatched by any other place I have seen. All except for the cemetery itself.
    The first time in which I laid eyes on the cemetery, it seemed great in size. A size that makes oneself seem smaller than how big they think they are. The deep curves in the hills made it seem as if there was much to explore; and there was. Being a young individual at the time made the experience all the more exhilarating. Though, such emotions often faded over the years and transformed as life got more complicated and stressful. I would not be able to keep up with the pace of schooling and even when I did, I felt overworked and too anxious to relax knowing that there’s probably going to be something else in store the next week.
    However, visiting the memorial is impactful, to say the least. I forget about the mistakes I’ve made that week; what’s due the next day for school. It’s quite easy to forget about them temporarily; to lose oneself in the serenity. I am not the type of individual who prefers to have the feeling of being distressed, but the memorial has greatly diminished that feeling. No longer do the tasks I am required to perform seem as difficult as they originally seemed to be. No longer does a future of comfort seem out of reach, because such comfort is possible. The memorial makes me feel that way. The fact that it is a cemetery alone provokes great thought and reflection on the lives that have past. Walking along the graves, taking as much time as possible with each step allows me to clear my mind and focus on one thing at a time; whether it is a significant or an insignificant part of my life.
    All things come to an end, and so does my visit to the memorial. But the thoughts that are created within my mind do not. They constantly float around my mind whenever anything stresses or upsets me. Going to the memorial is immensely refreshing. Even though I visit it once in a long while, they evoke similar emotions that make it seem like what I consider it; my Querencia.

Photo by Simeon Muller

Graphic for the "Words From The Heart" project.

Beauty in the luscious green grass. The stone graves. The tall trees. It is a bright, sunny day--one that transforms what can be seen as a pessimistic and weeping like site to a calm and soothing one. There are clouds in the sky, but not those that ruin the warmth the bright star in the sky brings unto those beneath it. The breeze has so perfectly paired with the weather, creating a comforting coolness balanced with the heat of the sun. It feels as if one has come out of an air-conditioned room to feel the energy of the sun stream through one's own body; constantly going back and forth between the cycles of a cool breeze and a glowing sun. I see an elderly woman talking to herself; rather, talking to those that have past and whose names have been ingrained onto their personal slabs. She descends, lowering the pot full of vibrant flowers into the ground. It seems as though the curved, sharp mountains behind blankets those she talks to as they sleep. It soothes me to perceive the care in which one still has for those whose lives have ended. Quietly.

Photo by valor kopeny

     Being raised in a family where one core parent leaves is difficult, but such a difficulty is multiplied when the other must work so much more as a single parent to make ends meet. My grandmother filled in that missing place throughout my life; helping my mother through this misfortune. Whatever there was that she learned in her earlier years or even in current times was taught to me; the good or the bad so that I may learn and work towards being a well rounded individual. She knew that a father is what will bring out those characteristics in me; characteristics of a man. So, she tried her best to be that person for my brother and I. However, throughout our lives, there was this word she always called us whenever the aspects of what she wanted us to become shine through. Whether those characteristics were large or miniscule, that special word that has been of great importance to me for quite some time. That word is “Manong”.

    “Manong Coby” she commented. Practicing a manner appropriately? Wearing some nice attire for a special occasion? Being able to accomplish a difficult task? “Manong”. The word comes from one of the ethnicities that seems to be the most dominant within our family--Filipino. More specifically, Tagalog, though it is said the same in Ilokano--two dialects in the language. It means to be the first-born male in a family, but according to my grandmother, she will mainly associated it with being the big brother--or a man. I really thought this meant that (being a young boy with a maturity level appropriate to that) I look like my grandfather Typically, I would have thought this meant “old” in this type of joking manner, but she said such a word is like a compliment.

    The definition of the word/phrase really stuck with me around the time after going to perform for May Day--otherwise known as Lei Day, a tradition my elementary school regularly practiced at the end of each school year. It was vibrant; each grade performed their own dances taught by their two mentors. The beauty of the ceremony was topped off with the court; a group of selected students from the 6th grade. In my final year at Red Hill though, I was lucky enough to be selected as King for May Day. It was quite memorable after the ceremony occurred as well as before the event, for my grandmother would repeat that word over and over, never noticing how often she used it in her sentences. “Oh, Manong Coby! Look at how far you’ve come!” is just one of the many things she’d say post-ceremony. I felt great in that moment, for I kept thinking to myself that her repeating it was like congratulating someone in a hundred different ways. Though, in this case, meaning can be felt in every syllable.

    The same phrase would be said over and over at significant ceremonies and graduation events such as those after elementary and middle school--significant peaks in my educational life or just life in general. Though that significant effect subsided from the awe that Lei day had since then, the word still brings back those various memories. It’s true--one should not worry about being the most serious individual at times and especially for a person my age, one should try their best to experience as much as they can before they actually become “Manong”, but I feel that there is always this lingering need to be a serious, mature, and calm individual wherever appropriate. It’s why it is so special and why I care so much about this word; it can mean so much at it’s maximum but can also seem like a simple compliment at it’s minimum. Whenever I feel out of place or made a hiccup in life, I remind myself to be a “Manong” and make the best of the situation at hand and move forward.

    To say that I appreciate the lessons that were taught to me is an understatement. Becoming a “Manong” (as of course, I am still in that development stage) means more than just the usual attributes to a well man--so much so that it is difficult to put into words. The immense number of lessons my grandmother has taught me when raising my and my brother can only be learned if raised in the type of environment I experience. But really, all I need to know that I am doing something right and well if “Manong” is the word I hear from her.

Photo by valor kopeny

Photo by Jacob Valerio

     The two Koreas and their recent conflict, like many before, are acts of aggression whose repercussion brings forth yet even more heated tensions between the two in which must be solved before such heated tensions harms too many. Recently, two South Korean soldiers patrolling the border suffered severe injuries as a result of landmine blasts near the zone. The south accuses the north, tensions rise and fall, and the semi-war state North Korea announced has been lifted. (Summary of paragraph 1-3) Something happens again and the other takes no responsibility for or denies it happened, tensions rise, and fall; it’s the same process over and over. Sure--so far, there has been no war since their separation by the demilitarized zone (DMZ). But the two Koreas see each other as rivals and would likely obliterate each other if left without intervention from the United States. This shouldn’t be the case. It is indeed important for the two Koreas to resolve the current problems at hand such as the one in which involved the U.S. to immediately review their plans to defend South Korea were there to be a war at hand. However, the main problem that lies between the North and the South has been so severe and has lingered for so long to the point where, as executive director Philip Yun of a nuclear disarmament advocate group states, "In the next 10 years, we have the threat of North Korea with a substantial nuclear arsenal -- if we don't figure out a way to dreal with them -- and a leader we don't know a lot about." (Mullen 1) By saying this, he implies that North Korea can be seen as a threat, which is what they obviously make themselves out to be. But why make so many threats and yet not act upon it? Why not simply carry out their threats? Simple; North Korea does not want to fight a war with a U.S.-backed South Korea. Tensions must be resolved in the near future; otherwise, the Korean crisis can grow to be much worse than simply trading fire, for that fire may ignite something neither side will enjoy as an outcome.


Article Link
Photo by Jacob Valerio

Photo by Pineapple

    Being raised in a family where one core parent leaves is difficult, but such a difficulty is multiplied when the other must work extra hard to make ends meet. My grandmother filled in that missing place throughout my life. It’s no doubt that “father figure” is still missing to guide me, but she certainly assisted my mother in shaping me to the person I have become. Whatever there was that she learned in her earlier years or even in the current times was taught to me; the good or the bad so that I may learn and work to being a well rounded individual. Pairing this with an immense amount of discipline (even on the little mistakes me and my brother sometimes make), came out “Manong” as she said.


    “Manong Coby” she commented. Practicing a manner appropriately? Wearing some nice attire for a special occasion? Being able to accomplish a difficult task? “Manong”. The word comes from one of the ethnicities that seems to be the most dominant within our family--Filipino. More specifically, Tagalog, though it is said the same in Ilokano--two dialects in the language. It means to be the first-born male in a family, but according to my grandmother, she will mainly associated it with being the big brother--or a man. I really thought this meant that (being a young boy with a maturity level appropriate to that) I look like my grandfather. Typically, I would have thought this meant “old” in this type of joking manner, but she said such a word is like a compliment.


    The definition of the word/phrase really stuck with me around the time after going to perform for May day--otherwise known as Lei Day, a tradition my elementary school regularly practiced at the end of each school year. It was vibrant; each grade performed their own dances taught by their two mentors. Kapalama Elementary School and Red Hill Elementary School both followed this tradition, like many schools. What was most significant about the event was the court; the group of people that sat on their own special spots in front of the audience--the parents. Grade after grade, it became more and more beautiful. Flowers, dresses, dances--they all contributed to the exciting experience. However, once I reached 6th grade, it was my time to possibly be selected for the court. And I was. I didn’t think much of it, for I probably would end up as simply one of the barriers or at best, a prince of one of the islands. I certainly did not expect the real outcome; to be given the position of King for May day. I had been close enough to the court in my previous years at the school to be able to see what they do, but experiencing it is certainly something else. After months of practicing after school with my fellow court, came the day, and boy was it an amazing experience. My grandmother, after assisting me with searching for the right white collared shirt and pants, commented on the final product; a fully dressed with the striking yellow and red ali’i cape “Manong”. Hearing the word after the fantastic ceremony was truly something. Something that would forever hold. “Look at how fast you’ve grown!” she would say.


    The same phrase would be said over and over at significant ceremonies and graduation events such as those after elementary and middle school--significant peaks in my educational life or just life in general. Though that significant effect subsided from the awe that Lei day had since then, the word still brings back those various memories. It’s true--one should not worry about being the most serious individual at times and especially for a person my age, one should try their best to experience as much as they can before they actually become “Manong”, but I feel that there is always this lingering need to be a serious, mature, and calm individual wherever appropriate. It is sometimes apparent that my inner self outshines that other “Manong” personality I usually show, but my grandmother doesn’t make any harsh reactions to any jokes I may make or silly things I may do. Besides; a Manong needs some humor in their life to lighten up.


    To say that I appreciate the lessons that were taught to me is an understatement. Becoming a “Manong” (as of course, I am still in that development stage) means more than just the usual attributes to a well man--so much so that it is difficult to put into words. The immense number of lessons my grandmother has taught me when raising my and my brother can only be learned if raised in the environment I experience. But really, all I need to know that I am doing something right and well if “Manong” is the comment that is made by my grandmother.

Photo by Pineapple

    "Death before defeat". It is the original phrase in which I based this website off of. It is similar to the mentality where one would rather die trying than to accept loss. To die a hero rather than living long enough to become an evil.

    Though I personally am not an individual who has an immense amount of "up-front intelligence" (knowing something or being able to comprehend a concept the fastest), I have the advantage of being able to craft pieces of writings together to create an even more powerful form of intelligence; one that has been revised over and over. One that has been given its effort and time. See; voices can echo far down into generations of the future through word of mouth and sure; it may survive. But writing something is almost like an immortal form of communication.

   Writers die. Poets die. We all will suffer the same consequence as it is unavoidable. But that type of defeat is something in which many, like myself, will certainly not embrace. So instead of embracing that death; that defeat, I'll write before defeat.

"Scourge" by Justin Maller

In general, this blog is a personal and educational-related blog, wherein various writing assignments will be posted here along with other personal things that I have created or I fancy.

"Lux" by Justin Maller

    "Death before defeat". It is the original phrase in which I based this blog off of. It is similar to the mentality where one would rather die trying than to accept loss. To die a hero rather than living long enough to become an evil. Though I personally am not an individual who has an immense amount of "up-front intelligence" (knowing something or being able to comprehend a concept the fastest), I have the advantage of being able to craft pieces of writings together to create an even more powerful form of intelligence; one that has been revised over and over. One that has been given its effort and time. See; voices can echo far down into generations of the future through word of mouth and sure; it may survive. But writing something is almost like an immortal form of communication. Writers die. Poets die. We all will suffer the same consequence as it is unavoidable. But that type of defeat is something in which many, like myself, will certainly not embrace. So instead of embracing that death; that defeat, I'll write before defeat.

    When I designed this blog or design in general, I try to express something simple that the viewer will only be able to comprehend were they to think for themselves what message the design is trying to convey (and in a blog's case, to read on). Thus, I went with a minimalist-esque look. Words that usually come to mind are usually simple, elegant, neat, and efficient. There isn't too much detail really in the blog, but it is enough to lure the reader into reading on. It is something I think is best for my blog and really, blogs in general.

---

    The world I come from is one filled with a fair mix of positivity and negativity. One may feel unfortunate for using such words to describe myself. However, from my perspective, it's great to experience hardship and pleasure. Not to their extremes, but to a good enough extent where lessons can be learned. The main concept in which my mother and grandmother always strive to instill into me is that you can become or acquire what you desire if you set your mind to it and execute it properly. Responsibility, respect, knowledge; this and more contribute to that effort. Whatever that effort may be.

    One may ask of the desires or feats I wish to fulfill. In general, I look to become a storyteller through media production. Whether it be through photos or videos (and perhaps even music), I want to be able to tell great stories in a more visual way that enables people who view them to "ascend to a greater level" with the bits of knowledge they acquire from these artistic pieces. Artists such as Justin Maller (who created the piece above), film producers such as Casey Neistat and their artistic pieces are the embodiments of what I strive to become. Aspired, I started off with what I can do and utilize whatever I can to achieve their level of greatness. Though I have not been able to learn everything there is to learn about media production, I have been able to create a variety of pieces. I continue to do this. Though the process I take to create them is a long one, it is one that will constantly be tried and improved. Though, that is the essential aspect to greatness, like Neistat and Maller. To keep on improving.
"Lux" by Justin Maller