SOL: Stanzas of Life

You may recall “Stanza 10: Reflection,” which describes the overall purpose of this blog. Reflection is at the core of perception, and perception is predictive hypothesizing. One must act with reason and see the world through various perspectives. In order to observe the world around, you must interpret it. Reflection, perception, and interpretation are essential actions our society must embody in order to change the underlying inequities and disparities present throughout the world.

This post furthers the previous points made from Stanzas 11-19. Those who have followed this blog from the “Introduction” until now may have uncovered the hidden pattern, or thread of life, that intertwines all of these Stanzas together.

Let us begin with Stanza 11: “Jubilant JOBS”. When we pause to question our position in the workforce, we realize our purpose and our work’s value. Through questioning, we strive to see jubilation in our job and overall life, as a member of humanity. JOBS: Journey, Occupation, Business, Success. Stanza 11 continues the timeline of life as we move from academia and into the real world.

Stanza 12 is my shot at poetry. I’m no Poe nor Frost, but alliteration is one of my favorite literary techniques. I wrote this post while spending time in Ann Arbor two summers ago. I reflect on my research experiences and express gratitude for all of the lives that have physically and emotionally touched me.

Stanza 13 focuses on our collective desire to crave and consume technology. As a Gen Z, technology is in our “genetic code.” We are trapped, encapsulated by media. After watching the “Social Dilemma” on Netflix, I deleted my Twitter account. It is scary to think that our data is being bought and sold by tech companies around the world each day.

Stanza 14 discusses the release of Disney+ and other streaming platforms. I continue to hear and see new platforms being brought to the market for their chance at a sliver of the media pie. Years ago it must have been hard to imagine that cable would no longer exist, yet today, streaming platforms are buying-out cable TV and shifting consumers to a new digital marketplace.

Stanza 15 addresses the need for public awareness and respect of others. As a society, we should strive to eradicate social stigmas and cognitively reappraise our initial biases and negative attitudes toward specific groups of individuals. Public education and legislation on discrimination are useful interventions to combat this problem, but individual accountability is imperative to generate change.

Stanza 16 centers around the ongoing pandemic. As a current public health student, I have been taught the role of social distancing and mask coverings in helping to reduce the spread of this virus. The integration of public health in modern medicine has led to primary prevention strategies and an emphasis on epidemiological research.

Stanza 17 is meant to be light-hearted. I decided to write a collaboration post on a few of my favorite things during this time of uncertainty. Hopefully, I brought joy to my Stanza followers.

Stanza 18 further continues the carefree spirit of love and laughter from the previous stanza. Alliteration and analogies provide a challenge to convey the meaning of something using words outside of the term’s definition.

Stanza 19 is a hot topic. Political and social unrest is at a climax in our nation. With election night this evening, anxiety and fear over the next presidential leader is heightened. We, the people, need to stand-up for inequality by using our voices to influence our nation’s current policies and reform the police and criminal justice system!

So, why do I blog?

I believe everyone has a story to be told. Writing is an outlet, an art form unlike any other. I write to express my thoughts on various issues and share personal stories. Writing is a fluid medium that allows one to express their deepest, internalized emotions through a printed form. Language allows one to communicate with another through verbal, emotion, or physical means. I find comfort in the challenge of writing. It provides a space to release tension and express my gratitude for others.

I hope to inspire other people to blog, write, and share their stories. Blog on! Share and subscribe to become a Stanza Follower!

Life is like a poem filled with stanzas of people who make a profound impact on your daily thoughts and actions.