(Source: brotips)
I remember writing a post last summer wishing you all the best for your final year of high school. Can’t you believe Senior Year is over now?!
I remember being in your position; in the happiest state possible. You have this rush of unexplainable excitement, anxiety, nervousness, nostalgia, sadness but most importantly happiness. You’ve come full circle. You made it!
Honestly, it was a privilege for me to have gotten to know a majority of you a lot better over the past two or so years. I know so many of you are destined to do and achieve big things. I know that for a fact.
Having gotten to know you all better, I can genuinely say I’m proud of all you guys; even if we’re just acquaintances or legitimate friends.
Now I just ask that you all embrace every moment from here on out.
When you take that stage that so many stars have performed on at Cricket tomorrow, take it all in. It’s okay to bawl because God knows I did. Be proud of yourself!
During the summer, cherish every minute you have with your friends. I swear to you that this summer will be the best and most happiest time of your life if you allow it to be. Make it happen!
I don’t want to scare anyone but college changes everything; all of your friendships are not an exception whatsoever. Don’t take anything for granted.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
Do big things in college. Conquer your fears! Be your best.
I just want to finally wish each and every one of you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Make me, yourselves and all those who surround you proud.
YOU GOT THIS.
- Ezra
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The epitome of amazing.: My thoughts on the American Idol Finale -
Not that you should care, but I thought I’d express my opinion like the millions of others who tweeted their feelings.
So for those of you who are anti-Jessica Sanchez, may I ask why? Do you think she’s ugly? Does her wardrobe lack appeal? Is her hair too big for you? Because I sure as hell know the reason isn’t because she can’t sing. You’re tone deaf, basically, if you think Jessica can’t sing. So what exactly is the reason for you not liking her? Envious? The fact that there was—and still is—all this hype revolved around her that annoyed you?
For the winners of American Idol, where has it brought them? Apologies, but I don’t see their career as being successful. Half of you probably forgot the winners of the beginning seasons anyway. Simply put, the title of “American Idol” doesn’t prove much. Congratulations! Millions of people voted for you, now what? You have this recording contract courtesy of FOX, you make an album, then you fade like the rest of the Idol winners.
Phillip Phillips has great sex appeal and a voice to match, but in comparison to Jessica Sanchez, what else is there to say about him? Nothing, really. He has a great voice that lulls me… But she has an amazing voice that gives me the chills. Great! Another guitar-playing guy with a raspy voice. But not just that, his eyes! They’re tantalizing. His smile? So mesmerizing. That’s just it though. His appearance. It’s what “adds” to his talent. Whereas Jessica has this amazing range and such soul and passion. Every time she performs, she truly connects with the song. I mean, did you see her duet with Jennifer Holliday? That almost brought me to tears—and let me tell you, I am NOT an emotional person. Not just that performance though, every single song she takes on… It’s great what she can do to make it her own.
Good for Phillip though. He is our new American Idol! But in my honest opinion, Jessica will go farther. I think most of us are predicting that already. She’s going to end up getting a record deal, and her name will be bigger than it already is. She has so much support! This is just MY opinion though. And no, I don’t say this because I’m Filipino as well. I like Phillip Phillips too!
Forgive me, for I didn’t want to re-read this post so it probably contains errors. Also, I have much more to say but I don’t exactly know how to/am too lazy to. ;)
ON POINT.
Not to say that the winners of American Idol aren’t successful because look at Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks. However, the title does not necessarily equal automatic success. It is NOT a guarantee. Whoop de-fucking-doo, you WON. Now what?! It’s up to the winners to put out great music and stay relevant. Jesus Christ, people who didn’t even win American Idol turn out to be the bigger stars of that respective season. I’m not even going to lie to you, I don’t remember half of the dudes that won American Idol these past few years.
I’m frankly sick of the “WGWG” trend. Not to say these dudes aren’t talented because they are but it just says a lot about America. What happened to diversity?! I can’t believe Jordin Sparks was the last female and African-American winner in Season 6.
Why so many people hate and/or highly discredit Jessica Sanchez is beyond me because let’s keep it real - she can outsing and outperform Phillip Phillips any day of the week… strike that outsing and outperform even some of your favorite artists today. Her vocal chops are incredible. I know this is a stretch but she’s like Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston in a sense that she can do it ALL. Her voice transcends genres.
Watch that performance with Jennifer Holliday and don’t you dare tell me that wasn’t the slight bit moving. I died, was cremated and then resurrected.
I like Phillip because he is indeed original but there’s not a chance in hell that he’s going to make it as far as Jessica career wise. Why? Because with that WGWG trend lacks distinction. I truly believe Phillip Phillips isn’t going to be a revered Idol alum compared to Jessica, who consistently sung her ass off, got “saved,” made it to the final two and got remarkable praises from not just the judges but celebrities all over the world during her entire run.
I’m honestly not even mad that Jessica didn’t win.
Did she deserve to? Yes.
But am I pissed off about it? No.
And I swear I’m not saying this just because I’m a Filipino and a person who lived in Eastlake, this is from the point of view from an individual who loves music and knows legitimate, long-lasting talent when they see it.
Congratulations Phillip Phillips for being Season 11’s American Idol.
And congratulations Jessica Sanchez because God only knows the extraordinary plans that He has for you with all this love and support you’ve gained.
I am eager to hear what Jessica has in store and best believe, I’ll be one of the first to listen.
“I’m a 16-year-old and I could be planning my prom right now, but I’m singing in front of J.Lo, Steven and Randy, and that is the biggest moment of my life. So, I’m not going to get all scared about it.”
- American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez, who finds out if she’ll makes to the top two spots tonight, to PEOPLE
So Summer ‘12 begins.
I am not lying to you when I say that it literally feels like just yesterday to me when Prom, Gradnite, Graduation and Summer ‘11 happened.
It’s really been only a year?!
This school year was a rollercoaster for me. While I adjusted well to college and didn’t encounter as many hardships as my friends, believe me, I had my own share of problems. Problems that I had to deal with by myself.
Frankly, I can’t turn to my friends because honestly, I never get the words/advice that I truly need. Whenever I get something off my chest, I just get disappointed with the responses from some people. It’s not like I expect anything in particular but I feel like they only hear me; they don’t listen to me. They just don’t get it and understand.
And sometimes I just don’t think some people even care; which I find extremely disappointing because I do listen to every word and I do care even when the situation doesn’t apply to me. I actually ask. But every time I talk to people, the conversation immediately becomes all about them. I usually don’t have anything to contribute anyways and I do admit I’m a better listener but Jesus Christ, I just wish people were actually interested in my life and what I have to say like I am with them.
But it’s my own damn fault right? I guess that’s where the whole “I care too much” stigma comes in. And while I’m getting better at not caring, I feel like there’s always going to be a part of me that does care because that’s just who I am.
Smiling and playing nice with people who I actually have small beef with, unbeknownst to them, gets old. Fast.
What I’m trying to say is that I’ve reevaluated my life, including the people in it.
Second semester was all about the concept of reinvention. I needed change. I craved it. I lost 25 lbs, I changed my wardrobe and I got a risky haircut that I personally didn’t know if it would fit or not. That’s only the beginning. I still have a long way to go.
Finally, I’m doing things that I want to do. All this bent up change mentally/emotionally is starting to reflect physically on the outside.
I’m confident in saying that I’ve never felt so free in my life. It’s liberating. The only person on this planet that should care and have a say in what I say or do is myself. The only person on this planet whose standards I should meet and live under are my own.
College is meant to mold, shape and execute the individual that you are and destined to be and I’m feeling the commencement of that now.
Last summer was the absolute best time of my life. It was damn near perfect.
And while I’m not expecting this summer to be just as perfect, because I know it won’t, I am sure it’ll be filled with unforgettable memories that not even last year can top. Now, I have the sheer audacity to do what I personally want; something I’m not sure I would’ve been able to say a year ago.
Thank you SDSU for a fitting first year. I look forward to the next two years you have in store for me before I set my sights on the future.
46 units down + 9 units over the summer = 55 units / 121 units.
2 1/2 years to go.
Summer ‘12 is now mine for the taking.