The Will to Endure

Endurance is an often over-looked trait which is critical for any self-starter's success. Everyone is bound to face unsavory experiences and rejection; how we deal with these inevitabilities determines our success or failure. People with fragile egos are prone to making unwise decisions for the sake of immediacy, while those who can take difficulties in stride and remain clear-headed can rise above any situation.

The last few weeks have been especially challenging for me, and it remains to be seen how I'll bounce back. I don't want to launch into a "woe-is-me" monologue, but I'm faced with a very sad situation and I'll leave it at that. Tragedy always seems to strike my life right when amazing things are happening for me; my grandfather passed away days after I learned that I won UCLA's Humanitarian Award, and now this strikes right when I'm in the middle of some incredible projects.

My gracious brother Biscut, who has been with our family for around 12 1/2 years, was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and has a bleeding tumor on his spleen. Even with surgery, the vets said he would only live for ~3 months and face the side effects of chemotherapy. Amidst the feelings of helplessness, sorrow, and confusion, Biscuit's willingness to fight for his life is lighting up our lives in the remaining time we have with him. Please pray that he has a painless passing and that he finds his friends on the other side.

Volunteer with me to help the homeless AND get a ticket to Disneyland!

Ahoy, mateys and lasses!

I am volunteering at the LA Regional Food Bank, which distributes TONS OF FOOD to those in LA who are most in need. Although Swipes for the Homeless never formed an official partnership with them, we have been in communication over the years and they are an absolutely amazing organization.

On Saturday, March 20th, I am joining several friendly, like-minded folks to help sort and distribute food from 9AM-12PM. It is guaranteed to be good times PLUS you get a free ticket to Disneyland! What a great deal!

E-mail or facebook me if you want the link ;)

Happy Monday!

But I'm the real deal. And a pirate. (see the title of the blog...get it? get it? ok cool.

Ahoy, mateys and lasses, welcome t' me locker of booty and ruminations! Scallywags and wenches, ye' best be ortin' t' be keel hauled off me ship!!! Beautys, I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.

You know those people who begin and end their sentences with "Because of the economy?..." Or clever variations like "Because of the state of our economy..."Annoying, right? Well I'm only going to say it once, I promise.

In this economy, one who desires glory and success must act as a fearless pirate does.

• We must swashbuckle our way into non-traditional industries and new lands, hacking down all who stand in our way.
• We must seduce potential investors to obtain capital and tasty crabs.
• We must not listen to those who doubt us, those landlubbers who are afraid of life on the rocky entrepreneurial seas.
• We must always be on the lookout for new opportunities, and when they present themselves, capitalize immediately and descend upon them with barbaric ferocity.
• We must use innovative technology and techniques to set ourselves apart from the other scurvy dogs and sons of biscuit eaters out there trying to do the same things we are.
• We must raid our competitors and mercilessly set their headquarters on fire. Yo ho ho, snitches.

OK, maybe not the last one. But you feel me?

No frills, just education, entertainment, egregiousness, and ecstasy. Other suggestions for words starting with "e" would be greatly appreciated.

Many of my compatriots have asked me to tell them about my experiences as a budding entrepreneur and proven charity/fund-raiser stud, so I will honorably give the public what it wants.

I will tirelessly document the work that goes into starting University Mentors, including all the minutaie that everyone else trying to start their own businesses want to know. I will finally give an in-depth look on the rise of "Swipes for the Homeless" and how UCLA came this close to arresting me for collecting food. It'll be good times. Stay tuned, mateys. Happy sailin' t' ya!!!!