Happy Monday all! Last week, for me, was a bit crazy as I headed back to school for my last semester– EVER!! It’s a shocking and surreal time; I never thought I’d actually get here, but I did and now what? What happens next, I think, is going to be one of the most exciting and entertaining times in my life. I’m living like an “Italian” (to quote Nine, which I’m dying to see by the way) and enjoying every moment for itself, not worrying about the past nor the present. I’ve learned a lot of things in the past four years of my college experience, and wonder what would be different had I actually stuck with that freshman year psych course. I wouldn’t be a journalist, that’s for sure!! As you look back on your college experience, or in some cases look forward, remember to do everything you have the opportunity to do, because once it’s over it’s over, you can’t go back and change anything you did. Don’t regret, live it all to the fullest.

This appreciation for college–and life in general– was magnified in my own life by the recent events in Haiti. All the footage presented by news organizations makes me realize just how blessed I am, and also makes me wonder a bit about the media industry. CNN played and replayed the information from Haiti almost on a 24 hour basis in the last week and I’m not quite sure if it was for the ratings or if it was actually helping the people of Haiti. I believe that on some level it was helpful, but on other levels they simply tried to fill the time with repeated stories and information that most people had already gotten from Google or Twitter. Twitter was a vital resource during this disaster and I think we realized just how powerful social networking is. I say it all the time– social networking is our lifeline– and yet until tragic events like this occur, no one realizes its’ significance.  Also, I think it’s really important to remember that everyone–including Actors and Actresses– realized the significance of helping the people of Haiti, and that because of this the response time was quicker then when Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. In 2005 we weren’t necessarily as plugged in as we are today, Twitter wasn’t even invented yet, and we rescued and supported New Orleans, but imagine how much more we could have done if we had organized a text message drive? According to Mashable’s update on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., $5 million has been raised by the Red Cross for Haiti. This is what the people need and thanks to social networking and people’s willingness to give when it’s easy, they now have it. I think text message donations were so easy for people to do and that’s ultimately why so many people did it.

The Golden Globes last night also helped put the Haiti situation in perspective for me once again, because these actors are willing to help in so many ways. It’s an inspiring concept that at an event honoring them, they chose to remind people to donate to Haiti because that’s what matters to them. They are regular people, and last night’s constant reminders of Haiti along with the ceremony helped me respect them a lot more.

Journalists also are to be respected for this tragedy because of their ability to report the information. Although, as I said above, I think they may have over reported slightly, they did help some people reconnect with their families and probably also fueled donations.

On another note, today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and everyone has that man to thank for the tolerance of Americans. Although as a nation we are not 100% tolerant or equal, because of Martin Luther King, Jr., we strive to be. African-Americans are not the only people who should be proud of this man. He sacrificed everything–including his own life– for the better of mankind. I am inspired and in awe of him and others like him who made the world a better place for my generation. We have the first African-American president, and quite frankly a more productive government not because of his race, but because of his abilities which may never have been recognized if not for the tolerance instilled in society by MLK and others like him.

Finally, I was very happy to see that Meryl Streep won for Julie and Julia. It’s one of my favorite 2009 movies and has affected my life in many ways. Julie and Julia taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to–similarly to the rest of the inspiring people who have shown their true colors this week in the wake of Haiti. There’s inspiration all around, open your eyes and take it all in.

This weeks’ Beauty Tip deals with organization: Remember to clean out your makeup because it’s a New Year. Most cosmetic products can be kept for 6 months, however, eye makeup (mascara, liner, etc) should only be kept 3. Also remember to wash your brushes, or as I like to do, start each year off with a new set. It will help keep your skin clear and your new makeup clean.

Have a great week, and remember: always have your opinion heard, whether it’s the last word or not.

xoxo V