Plotting A Path

One of my lifetime goals is to get into pharmacy school and get my doctorate in Pharmacy. There are many steps that require this to happen. Since my flow chart to attend pharmacy school and obtain Pharm. D. started a few years ago, roughly around fall 2005, I'll begin with this time period. 

I had just returned from my last active duty station in Ft. Polk, LA. During the last few months of my stay there, I had been telling myself that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life in the army if I didn't have to.  So, technically, my flowchart began then.

I knew in order to get my doctorate in pharmacy, I would need to:

re-enroll in school ---> sign up pre-requisite pharmacy classes --->  study for those classes ---> get good grades in the class ---> continue good grades ---> graduate with an associate's degree in chemistry ---> apply to UIC ---> get accepted to UIC ---> take more pharmacy pre-requisites ---> get good grades in these pre-requisite classes---> join the UIC pre-pharmacy club ---> find work in a pharmacy ---> get on pre- pharmacy club e-board---> take PCAT---> apply to pharmacy school---> get accepted to pharmacy school ---> get good grades in pharmacy school----> graduate with my Pharm. D. 

For my five lives, I selected a pharmacist, a Non- profit organization owner, a Dee-jay, a comedian, and a teacher.

I feel bad because I don't know his first name, but Dr. Park at Swedish Covenant Hospital (773)878-8208

The NPO owner (s): George Randazzo (george@niashf.org) (312) 226-5565 and Warren Chapman (312) 355-0422

DJ B-Man or DJ Bonsu are the DJs: (773)575-7262 B-Man, (708) 612-2752 for Bonsu

Comedian: Donnell Rawlings Donnellonline@gmail.com

the teacher : Sarah Shallwani (630) 709- 9559

For the third part of the assignment... 

I said that I love to go places where I have never been before. So this past weekend I went skiing, in Vermont. The name of the ski resort is Mt. Snow, which is a few hours away from New York. I went with a few of my friends from high school. It was a pretty good experience.I left Friday and got back this morning.  At first I was a little nervous about skiing because I'd never done it before. Because of this I decided that I wasn't going to ski at all.  So I just stuck with tubing. I did eventually gain enough confidence to to ski (actually,  lost a bet) and I did get comfortable enough to where I didn't feel so bad about falling.  I was surprised at myself because I  made it down the mountain one time without falling. Once I did that I was done skiing for the weekend! The rest of the time was spent partying. Barn parties, resort parties, bar parties, cabin parties... we did plenty of partying.  I didn't really get a chance to see much of the state outside of the mountains, but it was cool to get another visit to a different state under my belt. 

My Touch Stone

After reading Barbara Sher's Goalsearch Chapter, I found it a bit challenging to pick which goal I wanted to discuss for this blog. After doing a few minutes of pondering I decided to go with the my dream of opening my own business. Particularly my own non-profit organization. The touchtone behind this dream is the is the feeling of helping people, who otherwise, wouldn't be able to help themselves. I have two role models for this particular dream of mine. One is my Uncle Warren, who was the Vice President of a non-profit organization for about 10 or 15 years, and served on the executive board of two other non-profit organizations until he assumed a very well paying position with the state of Illinois. The other gentleman's name is George Randazzo, who started his own non-profit organization, back in the mid 1970's. Now his business is nationally recognized as one of the country's most successful and appreciated non-profit organizations.  My target for this venture is to be able to go to work everyday excited because I love my job. 

After taking the personality test, here are my results:

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The Protector

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks. The INFJ will either avoid such things, or else go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture. An INFJ who has gone the route of becoming meticulous about details may be highly critical of other individuals who are not.

The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted Intuition
Auxilliary: Extraverted Feeling
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing

After reading this, I was pretty blown away. There is a number of points, base off of this survey that are undeniably true and accurate. Some of these points were so dead on that I almost wanted to disagree with them only because I don't like the idea of having a computer software program describing a good portion of my character. However, I will admit to finding this exercise interesting and insightful.  

Understanding Myself

I am jade. Im a unique variation of green. I am the Earth. I represent life. I am one with nature. I am everywhere in nature. When you think of me, you think of spring. New beginnings. Not dark green like the color of the forests, but like the color of money. I am money! 

From Rob: 

James you tell me to shut the **** up all of the time, but you talk just as much as I do! But you're a great talker. You make things happen all by speaking them up and I love you for that!  No h***! (Rob gives James a pound: hysterical laughter ensues) But no you're a really good friend. You're one of my best friends! You know what to say how to say it and when to say it. You love having a good time, all the ****** time! Even when we're studying. Studying was always a blast, but when we go out... you know how to party. You're just a cool guy and we're gonna make a lot of money together! Lets go get a beer!

James, a 25 year-old man, shows the traits of a college student and a professional.  When looking around the room I noticed that I he is very organized in some areas, but extremely cluttered in others. The closet contains a few suits, but it also contains athletic apparel as well. James is really into electronics, but I noticed a few paper back books on the shelves as well. James shows traits as referenced in Barbara Sher's Wishcraft. he is a very complex individual. He is sociable and solitary, sensual and intellectual. When looking at his musical collection, he has everything from Bach to Biggie from Janis Joplin to Jay-Z. He is a student of the world.

1. I like eating pizza

2. I like  eating peanuts

3. I like eating peanut butter and jelly

4. I like eating popcorn

5. I like watching sports

6. I like playing video games

7. I like laughing

8. I like listening to music

9. I like brushing my teeth

10. I like getting my hair cut

11. I like spending money

12. I like making more money than I spend

13. I like seeing the world through an airplane window

14. I like going to places I've never been before

15. I like being in places where most people feel uncomfortable

16. I like feeling fresh/ smelling good

17. I like when hard work pays off

18. I like being lazy

19. I like running

20. I like singing 

How long since last done? Costs money or free? Alone or with someone? Planned or spontaneous? Job related? Physical risk? Fast or slow paced? Mind, body, or spiritual?

1. yesterday, costs money, with someone, spontaneous, no, if eaten to much yes, slow, body and mind

2. a few minutes ago, yes, with someone, spontaneous, no, no, slow, mind and body

3. 2 days ago, costs money, by myself, both, no, not that I know of, slow, all three

4. last week, costs money, doesn't matter, spontaneous, no, too much can hurt you, slow, you eat too fast and you'll choke, its a mental thing with all of my foods

5. Super Bowl Baby!, costs... all the time, either or, preferably with someone, spontaneous, no, you could become a couch potato; the best sports happen at a fast pace; mental and physical needed

6. Saturday; you have to pay to play; with a friend; spontaneous; no; can video games make you brain dead?; all three for me

7.  a few minutes ago; the best things in life are free; either or, doesn't matter; if its planned its not really funny;  fast and hard; laughing heals physically, mentally and spiritually

8. I'm doing it now; free on limewire lol; alone; nope; going deaf from listening to my music too loud; sometimes I like it fast, sometimes I like it slow; all three

9. This morning, Brushing your teeth is free , but the supplies needed to do it cost; It would be kind of weird doing it with someone; planned... 3 times a day; there's a risk if you don't; fast; mind

10. Two weeks ago, yikes!; 20 bucks a pop, and thats the home-boy hook up; I have to have my barber cut me up; planned, but spontaneous as well; this is probably the only thing on here that is job related, I have to have that professional look; not that I know of; no rush cuts, please; I look great and i feel great when I get them

11. Everyday, it seems like; have to make money to spend it; I don't have anyone to spend money on; not yet; both; no; going broke; it goes twice as fast as it comes; temporary mental satisfaction 

12. Im making money as I type this; doesn't cost any money to make it; I find that when I enter money making ventures with people, I gross more money; planned; yes; I prefer fast money, but the saying easy come, easy go is ever so true; mental and physical satisfaction only

13. 1 month ago, cost, doesn't matter, planned; not; of course; fast; mental

14. about a month ago; costs; doesn't matter; planned not yet; of course; I would like to take my time and enjoy; mentally satisfying

15. about a month ago, at a club in Vegas, costs; alone; spontaneous; no; no; no preference; spiritual

16. right now; costs to be this clean; alone; planned; yes; no; slow, I guess; all 3

17. Today; it depends if you spend more than you make; alone; yes; no, you can never be too successful; slow; all three

18. last night before bed; free, the best things are; with someone; spontaneous, but sometimes I plan to be lazy; yes; no; all 3

19. Yesterday; need money for equipment; doesn't matter; planned; no; nope, only benefits as far as I know; both; I benefit from all three when I run

20. A few minutes ago; not at all; alone, I don't think many people can take my singing; spontaneous; no; no; either; all three.

My ideal environment is a maybe a six bedroom home. Something with a two car garage, an outdoor pool/jacuzzi, a panoramic view overlooking the whatever city I'm in. I need the view to help reflect on my success and think about my future success plans. I would have music playing in this house all day. Like taking my I-pod and just letting the songs play randomly and as loudly as I wanted them to be. It would be an environment, where I could escape everyone or everything I needed to, but if I wanted, I could have a nicely sized event/ party for a large group or a small group of immediate friends and family. I would ultimately have to be comfortable in this environment. 

My ideal day would begin with me only having to wake up to make money! (I got that from Michael Jordan) I would work out, for an hour or two. Eat breakfast, Lucky Charms and fruit. Call a couple of my friends over, and just sit around and play video games... All day! When dinner comes around hit one of my favorite restaurants. Afterwards, hit a little bar or club (in another country) with the homies. Go to sleep, wake up and do it all over again!

In my fantasy analysis, my indispensable objects, first my music. Music motivates my life!  Then my video games. Yeah, its kind of lame, but the games relieve a lot of stress. The location has to be somewhere with a panoramic view so I could see the world around me from up high. The who is or are my closest friend. What's success without having anyone to share it with?

The optional things that are wanted, but not necessarily desired the 6 or 7 bedroom home with the garage. Something smaller would suit me just fine.  The parties or social gatherings is one of the things I could do without. 

The only thing I would have the frills about  is the jacuzzi. Its not a necessity, but if you've never had one, get one then see how much it helps coming home from a long day of doing whatever. I haven't had one in any place that I have lived in a few years. I could really use one, but if I don't get it I won't be unhappy.

Since I didn't mention it in my last blog, two of the things that I love to do was/is make people laugh and help other people out that don't have the ability to help themselves.

So I took both ideas and made them into reality by helping put together the first annual  "Laughtopia" comedy show at UIC. I made well over 1,000 people laugh when the event concluded last Wednesday. The proceeds raised from the two-day event went to Children's Memorial Hospital to help fund research projects at the hospital. That was me helping kids who otherwise couldn't help themselves.

What I love, or at least what people told me I love

Either I'm not cool enough to have my friends type my answers to the questions or my friends and family aren't tech savy enough to do it. In my opinion, some people are just a little lazier than others. Myself being one of the lazy ones of course, I can't really complain can I? Any way, in seeking out people to tell me about myself in the first five years of my life I chose to ask my dad, my grandmother, and my grandfather. Lets begin with my dad...

In asking him what I was like in the first five years of my life, the first thing he said was that I was a happy child and I was always smiling. He said that that I also liked to run. Mainly because when I was a baby, maybe two or three years old, I had braces on my legs, Forrest Gump style. So as soon as I got them off, I did what I couldn't do before which was run. My dad said I was a huge Sesame Street fan. My favorite characters on the television show were the count and Big Bird. He said I was a little jealous of my little brother because he was taking the family's attention away from me. However, I was also very protective of him. My dad, along with my grandparents said that I loved sports, I loved singing and performing, and I loved music. I was told that I would hear music and attempt to imitate the whatever song I was hearing. Its' kind of hard for me to believe, but he actually told me that I enjoyed to draw when I young as well.

As for my grandmother, she said that I showed interest in anything an every thing within the first 3 months of my life. She said I was a very observant baby.  She also said I was obsessed with the little bear from the snuggle dryer sheets commercials. She also mentioned that I loved to read the books that she would buy for me but I enjoyed any game where I could run around.

My grandfather, who I spent the majority of my time with, said that I would not let him out of my sight. While my parents worked my grandparents took care of me, but my grandfather would spend the bulk of his time playing with me, cooking for me, pretty much spoiling me. So I could understand that. He said I was really into video games, and I wanted to play all of the time. He said I would do anything as long as it involved some type of fun activity. He also mentioned that I never wanted to go home. I always wanted to stay outside and play. Which makes sense, I'm still the same way now.

As far as things that my caregivers thought was unique about me, my grandfather said that whatever activity I was doing I wanted to be the leader, much more than some of my other friends. My grandmother said the think that was most unique about me was that I very determined, intelligent, and I had an ability to think on my feet. When I asked her to elaborate, she said that, if I had it made up in my mind to do something, then I would try my hardest to do whatever it was that I wanted. She also said that whenever I was confronted with a problem, I would always try to come up with a solution, even though the solutions may have been wrong at times. My dad said that I had a unique ability to do a lot of tasks on my own. He said that when it came to school work, it was so easy and I would finish so much faster than many of my peers that teachers were running out of work to give me. He said that I was so much smarter than him when he was my age. Things that he struggled in school, I breezed right through.

As far as what my caregivers believed I would become when I grew up, the responses from my dad and grandparents are somewhat the same. They all agreed that whatever I decided to do I would be extremely successful; and whatever profession I chose, it would be a high paying job. My grandmother is the only one of the three who had a specific idea of what career field I would be in. She said that I would follow my uncle and go into the health profession. FYI, my uncle graduated from University of Illinois - Champaign with a degree in dentistry, got bored with that and went back to school to be a surgeon. Got his certification, but he felt like he wasn't making enough money so he went back to school, now he's a plastic surgeon. Yeah, I have pretty big shoes to fill if I go that route. 

I didn't want to just limit my answer to question number three to only my friends so I asked my relatives as well, but since the assignment only requires 5 responses I'll keep it to that. When I asked various people who have had a tremendous impact on the 20 plus years I've been on this Earth, here are some of their responses. 

Mike P. former physics lab partner and future business partner says a good example is my relationship with one of my other former lab partners and future business partners Rob M.

Mike says "It shows your ability to not only keep it real, but give advice that empowers others to think outside of the box". He also says that I have the strength to realize faults/problems and make solutions to those problems, first, verbally and then with my actions, by staying true to myself as well as to others. Mike adds " the gift you have is person-ability", I guess that means I'm very personable, and "networking. This gift shows inner strength"

My cousin Rick C., who works for my uncle, says "your sociability, your outgoing personality and your drive to be successful are you greatest strengths. You are also optimistic and you try to keep a positive outlook on life no matter how bad things are or may seem".

Omari G., my best friend for 20 plus years,  says my greatest gift is my interpersonal skills. He comments on my ability to get along with and communicate positively with people of all cultures and lifestyles.

Jamaal G., Omari's little brother says pretty much the same thing. He calls me a people person. He said I can go into any environment and fit right in. He says that I have the ability to come around his family and fit right in and get along. He notes that this is quite difficult for many of his friends to do. I understand him, but I've known his family for decades... of course I'm gonna fit in! 

Lastly, Sarah S., my (former) girlfriend, the only person who probably knows me better than I know myself, we kind of recently broke up so I had to remind her that her comments had to be nice and couldn't be negative LOL! She says " I definitely feel that you are a very passionate person when it comes to things you love. You are always optimistic and look for the positive things in life an in others. You are funny and can always others laugh and feel better. You're also a very fun loving person, and extremely intelligent... whatever you set you mind to, I know you'll do great!" 

Wow, all of the people who participated in this assignment are very, very, very, very very, important to me and are so much a part of why I strive for success. They believe in me, and in turn, I believe I can do anything. They are my foundation and my support system. I know when the poo hits the fan and I need someone to call on, their numbers are on speed dial and they'll be there for me in an instant. Thats not taking away from my other friends and family who chose not to participate, I still got love for ya! (just don't expect anything from me next Christmas LOL!) 

Thanks for reading, I know it was pretty lengthy. If you feel the need to leave a comment, if not see you when I see you!

1st Blog Entry

I'm taking the class because I read the course description in the course catalog and I thought the class sounded like it would be interesting. As far as what plan to get out of the course, I would like to gain a better understanding of myself, and possibly improve some of my innate qualities that will help me achieve a high level of success within the next few years. Having attended the first class, I am interested to see what the "pump fake" is, if any, in reference to the video we watched. 

As a child, I really was fascinated by anything and everything, if you can believe that. I was always excited to learn new things all of the time.  If I didn't know what something was, I wanted to know what it was, where it came from, how it worked, what made it work... things of that nature. I remember always taking things apart and, at least attempting to put them back together. It didn't matter what it was. Whether it was my toys and games or my trophies. As long as I couldn't get into too much trouble for breaking it, I was definitely going to investigate what ever it was to the fullest. I think the senses I lived through most was my sight and my sense of touch. As a kid, my two favorite things to do were watch cartoons and play video games. I loved cartoons because they were always so extremely random and outside of reality that I was fascinated by almost every cartoon. Although I had I few favorites.  I can't forget about playing. Whatever that entails. I used to love to play all the time. Especially outside. I remember loving to be outside for as long as my parents would allow me to be out. I loved being out and having fun. I also loved music, and I think I was really into the performing arts, like theater plays and concerts. I can't think of any secret dreams or fantasies I had as a kid, but I think I  knew I wanted to have a lot of money be a successful adult. 

I do feel like all of these things are still somewhat a part of me, and some part of me loves those things. I think always having a thirst for knowledge and a and a drive to just want to be out exploring, helped me develop a love for learning. I feel like I always want to learn at least one new thing everyday. I also think I have really strong interpersonal skills good for networking. Sorry, I can't think of more. I guess I'm having a brain freeze.