Voice

   As of late my main concern in writing this opinion editorial has turned from what? and to whom? to how. What type of voice should be used in order to convince others that this is a pertinent issue? How should I address them so that if they as well have a strong opinion on this subject they will understand that something can be done? From which point of view should I speak so that they will believe me, take me as a credible source, and act on the advice I give? I'm just a college student. I don't want to be calling people out. I don't want to offend anyone. I don't want to sound like just some punk kid who's upset about something. I really am rather level headed, and simply believe that most people agree with my stance on this subject, but just don't know what to do about it.

   In this blog, of course, I speak in a rather relaxed tone. I mean, I'm pretty much speaking to myself so there's no need to censor anything. I am my own audience in these little posts. It's mostly my thoughts, and brainstorming for writing ideas. Depending on who I'm addressing my voice will change. So I really need to figure that out. I think that me being an average citizen actually gives me some credibility in this assignment. People may be willing to listen to someone they can relate to. My personal experiences also play into affect. I don't want to speak aggressively, or sound angry. Because I"m really not. I know that if people are irresponsible, and park illegally, then there should be a consequence. But I also believe that it shouldn't be a scam. Parking policies should be stated clearly, and understandable. It should never be a system designed to make money off of college students. That's unfair. So that is how I'll speak about it. I'll be calm, and yet bold. 

What is my purpose?

   As I stated below, I'm no longer focusing on convincing these people that we have been mistreated; most students automatically admit to that. But I do believe that if by writing this opinion editorial I can help direct those students to the actual source of the problem (the apartment complex managers) then multiple voices will start to be heard. Not just angry voices, raging against the machine, but responsible young adults pleading their case in hopes to make a difference, and change the way they are treated.
   It's not the booting companies fault. They're just doing their job. The apartment complexes that contract these companies need to provide more visitor parking. They need to develop a new system for residents. There are plenty of solutions, which I will soon define. But for now we can at least navigate our audience (students), and help point them in the right direction when they do have an issue. Don't target the mayor of Provo. Don't target the poor guy who put the boot on your car. Take it to the front doorstep of the rich man who owns the apartment complex. Talk with him about making the rules clearer, and about making more parking available.

Who is my audience?

   I'm trying to draw out a picture of how I can consolidate all the information, and ideas I have about this opinion editorial. Remember, I've decided to write about my strong opinion about the private booting companies in Provo. I have so many different thoughts, and scenarios on the subject that it seems difficult to organize them into one complete, concise statement. I guess that's why mapping an outline is so important.
   I can start by at least defining my audience. Primarily, I was asked to write to the general BYU community... but found this difficult because I knew that pretty much all students already agree with me on this subject, and so the art of persuasion isn't really necessary. I then decided, well I'll just have to address the officials who have some control over public traffic enforcement, or address the companies themselves. However, I realized that one voice of a college student won't really make any difference, and the owners of such companies aren't going to make any changes just because some kid is upset. So I then reverted back to addressing the general BYU audience, but this time with a different purpose. It's not about arousing the public to speak out, it's about informing them whom to speak if they want to be heard.

Free Write

   Okay. Here we go. I need ideas. I have an upcoming opinion-editorial assignment for my writing class and I really need to brainstorm, and just throw out ideas on what I can write about. It's tough because I'm really not a very liberal person. Meaning, I'm not very radical in my opinions. I'm not super outspoken about all the things that need to change in this world. Particularly because I don't really care. I'm a happy guy. I have bread on my table, and a bed to sleep in at night. I don't really know why everyone is always complaining about what they don't have, or about what the government is trying to pass in the House. We live in America! We have so many great opportunities, and great living standards. It just seems selfish to demand more and more. As long as I'm happy, and my family is happy. I really don't care about what goes on around me in the world. If I have great friends, and beautiful girl, and a little bit of money to spend, I'm perfect. I know why I'm here, I know God is real, and so that's what is really important to me. Lasting happiness.
   So that's who I am. I really am pretty neutral on most topics. I guess you can say I'm just another face in the crowd. You're average Joe. And I guess that gives me some credibility. Not everybody wants to listen to some radical politician yell and shout about todays pressing issues. I'm a real person, and if there's something I speak my mind about, it must mean it's a real issue or concern. Because, I mean, it had to have bothered me enough to the point of speaking out on the subject. So it must really matter. That's how most regular citizens are. Rather laid back, and if something really gets to them, and they feel strongly enough about it, then they'll speak their mind. That's how you know it's actually important, when the public starts to raise their voice on every day subjects. Am I right? So I'm sitting here, skimming through my mind, thinking of different things that I actually feel strongly about.
   What is it that I have a real opinion for or against. Value based-ideals, or physical movements in society? I agree that the average citizen should have the right to carry a fire weapon (after sufficient background checks) if he feels the need to protect himself or his loved ones. I also agree that people should be able to be in partnership with whomever they choose. What is really being scrutinized by society is the definition of the word "marriage", and for that I choose to believe the scriptures. God sanctioned man to marry woman. That really is naturally understandable, but I'm not super aggressive and outspoken about that. To each his own. Let people do what they want. Border control is definitely another pressing subject in the media. I don't know enough details about it though, so I don't really have any credibility on that issue. What else.... honor code, parking, legalization of marijuana... I'm just not stubborn enough to start an uproar. But oh, there is one thing!
   I could go on for hours about this topic. This is one of the only things that really pushes my buttons! Those darn private booting companies in Provo. How many times have I been involved in those cruddy situations! And it's not just when I or someone I know has been irresponsible, and parked where we're not supposed to. It's that different apartment complexes have manipulated, and perverted certain parking schemes in order to keep a strict policy on who can park where. I have tons of different stories, not only mine, but those of my friends and family that have been mistreated. If you go onto the Provo Mayors blog, you will find it littered with different peoples' claims of mistreatment, and foul play on the part of these vultures. I will definitely have to do some researching, I will have to present myself professionally, but I really feel like this is something that needs to change in Provo. We're talking of the targeting and robbery of young college students. Give me a couple weeks, and I'll present a real thesis. I'll come up with tactful claims, and supporting reasons that will have credible facts and logic. Just wait. This is going to be good.

Bring it on

   Life is hectic. It can be exciting, and stressful at the same time. Which isn't a bad thing. This last week has been full of different emotions for me. I guess this is college. I'm trying to balance taking five classes, working as much as possible, and preparing to get married. I can almost guarantee all young people go through this. It's just quite the ride when it's actually happening to you. I always assumed life would be this way shortly after my mission, but as I am sent through the motions it's quite the thrill to see the ups and downs of life.

   Let's put it this way. I took the last semester off to work full time. I started up at Mimi's Cafe working as a waiter, and in the call center of a medical billing company called HBP Shared Services. This was nice because it took a load of stress off my plate, and I was able to focus on one task at a time. In all honesty all my energy and passion has been focused on the girl I'm dating. Cassandra Brady. One of the sweetest hearts you'll ever meet. Truly a stunner. We've been dating since I was a senior in High School (minus the two years I was in Ukraine), and are now talking of getting married. If I could but describe the level of emotion that actually goes into these types of relationships. They are so fun, exciting, and joyous. But at the same time they can be, at moments, heavy on your emotions. So as I've been able to take a step back, and look at where I'm at in my life, I've noticed that these are the times I will always remember. Pushing my mind, and body to the limit each day trying to make sense of things. Trying to get in a rhythm where I am comfortable, and can watch my life play out the way I'm hoping it will. Happily. I really do love life. It's just that it can sometimes be an overload. But hey, that's half the journey. 

   I'm now going back to school full time, and loving it. I shortened my work schedule, and am focusing on my education. I'm still trying to work as much as each day will permit. The money that I do make is of course going towards some big investments I'll be making in the next couple months. Needless to say my life will have some permanent alterations come summer. Can't wait for a new adventure to begin. New thrills to experience. New stresses to take on. Come what may and love it!

The World Is Our Canvas

   This world is rapidly changing. It's progressing at rates that even we aren't able to comprehend. We are the ones manufacturing the latest iPhone, and developing the most state-of-the art medical equipment,  and yet it's nearly impossible to stay on top of all the fields of science and technology that are expanding so quickly. This rapid growth in human understanding has broadened our ability to communicate, and given us information from distant nations at our fingertips. 

   The author of New Media makes a great point that education is trying, with difficulty, to keep up with these new methods of interaction. Many teachers make good use of online establishments like Learning Suite in order conform with society's desire to have information be more accessible, and so in that regard education has also developed. However, the author of this book claims that though it is important to seek a degree, and receive knowledge from textbooks, it may be more important to be aware of how you portray yourself publicly on the internet. This of course would seem to be a larger concern if you're the type of person who likes to party, drink, smoke, etc. Because if those photos are constantly being posted on Facebook then no employer that sees that is going to take you seriously, or give you the professional credentials that your degree states you have. I most certainly agree with this claim. I can admit that I haven't been too cautious of the the things that end up online about myself, but that's mostly because I really don't have anything to hide. I try to live a healthy life, have a good time, and hold to good, wholesome standards. It may definitely be a good idea to try and be more proactive in developing a professional appearance for myself on the internet. I want the world to know that I have a lot of positive energy to offer. I really want to make a difference in someone's life, even if that's just on an individual basis. 

   This blog is a great opportunity for me to start that effort. If anyone reading this is doing so in attempt to get a better feel for who I am, what's important to me, and what my ambitions are, just know that what you see is what you truly get. Check my Facebook, or hack into my personal text messages, I love life. I'm happy. I truly hope that others will get that impression not only by reading my resume, but by getting a glimpse of my personal life as well. 

Gloomy day

I decided to write about the weather today. Just for the fun of it. At the end of every winter in Utah the mountains mess with the air pressure, and an inversion is created. All the clouds, and pollution are pushed down low against the earth, and the clear air is up near the mountain peaks. It’s January, and I’ll be honest, I’m really tired of this inversion. I can’t breath! You don’t really notice it until you go out of state. I went to Nevada a couple weeks ago with some friends, and was amazed not only at how warm it was, but also how clean the air tasted. Isn’t that funny? That air can have a certain taste? I never really thought about it, but definitely noticed that this is true while I was in Nevada. I also recently went to Arizona and experienced the very same thing. The air was so clear, and thick. I could actually feel it filtering out my smog filled lungs. It can’t be healthy to exercise in this type of weather. It’s probably more detrimental to your health than beneficial. I love winter. I love the snow, but as we get later in the season, I’m so ready for spring. Can’t wait!

Hello World!

   My name is Jake Hansen. I'm a writer. Well actually I'm just a young college student looking to make a name for himself. The world's a big place, lots of opportunities. Since this is my first blog, I figured I should introduce myself just a little bit. I grew up in the suburb town of Draper, Utah. I'm the second oldest of four boys, so as you can guess I love adventure! Nothing's better than a good carpet wrestling match, or late nights in front of the TV screen with your siblings, but most of all I love being outdoors. Skiing, hiking, boating. Anything. Growing up with four boys in the house, my family of course is big into sports. I grew up in love with football. I dreamt of becoming John Elway some day. That dream lasted through most of grade school, into junior high, and up until my freshman year with the big boys. As fate would have it, I didn't grow. I was thinner than all the other guys, and in consequence I didn't have the momentous speed necessary to really excel in that sport. In all honesty I wasn't too bummed when I got in a serious ATV accident and was told I couldn't play football anymore... but that's a story for another day. I had a new focus in mind. A couple years earlier I had started playing this rapidly growing sport that was new to my city. Lacrosse. I loved lacrosse. I still do to this day, but man... in high school, I lived for lacrosse! It was my favorite hobby! By far the most intriguing, intense sport I had ever been given the opportunity to be involved in. I continued to play up until my first year of college, and boy were those the years.
   There are many other fascinating aspects of my life that really defined me as a person. One of them being my passion for traveling. My mother is a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, and so my whole childhood I was blessed with the opportunity to see the world. Paris, Venice, Cozumel, Jamaica. You name it I've been there. Those are some of my sweetest memories. Just the adventure of seeing new cultures, and new scenery. I know it sounds crazy, but looking back at it, my favorite part of all those trips is no longer the actual destination, or the fun things we did there, but the long hours spent in the planes with my brothers. Throwing punches around, playing Gameboy, and sprawling out all over each other. Now that I'm older and moved out of the house, I miss those tight-knitted moments with my family. My parents did an amazing job at providing a warm loving atmosphere in my home, and for that I will forever be grateful. Family is number one!
   Of course if there is any time that was really a defining moment in my life, and especially a time that sparked my interest as to becoming a writer, it was the two years I spent living in Ukraine. I was called to serve in my church as a traveling missionary, and was assigned to preach the Gospel in Ukraine. I learned more about myself, and about the desires of my heart, while living in the slums of rundown cities than ever before in a rich suburb of America. A lot of the time I spent out in rural villages, with bright green shrubbery, vibrant sunflowers, and dusty brown roads. Going from cottage to cottage speaking with people about the importance of worshiping Deity. However, the majority of the time I spent in large polluted cities, stopping people on the streets, and then teaching them in their homes. The difference in living standards alone made me really open my eyes, to recognize all the blessings I have in my life that others around the world don't get to enjoy. But despite all their hardships, I fell in love with their culture, and the people... Oh, the people. If I could but describe the love that I now have for the Slavic people. The inner connection I was able to make with them still astounds me today. Being a missionary was so much more than just trying to convert someone to my religion. It was more about the outward service, and the deep heart-to-heart conversations I had with people that literally had nothing. There's no way to put in words the things I learned, or the feelings I felt... but it was in the attempt to do so that I realized that I have a real passion for writing. There's just something about taking thoughts, and letting them flow out of your head, through your arm, and onto paper that just became so intriguing to me. It's the process of compiling emotions and facts, organizing them into a comprehensive piece of literature, and the interpretation of that from others that really helped me attain a love for this art. The art of putting words on paper. It was on my mission that I noticed that my thought process is in a way very "artsy", or maybe it's better to say "colorful". I love to make life exciting, and writing is just one way for me to express that excitement.
   So now here I am. Sitting on the couch of my apartment, putting these words not onto paper, but onto the computer screen of my laptop. I'm doing this as part of an assignment for my college writing class, but also for myself. To get this wheel turning. To really start my writing career.