What's your passion?

Like many others my age, I've been thinking a lot about my plans after college. Unlike most sophomores that I've talked to, however, I haven't really cemented those plans. When people ask me which career I want to pursue, there are many that come to mind but none that stick out more than the others. For every career I think of, there seem to be just as many cons as pros.

I love to write, but being a freelance writer will only get more difficult over time. Most people don't even read newspapers today, which is both tragic and discouraging for someone who wants to be a journalist. I like the idea of being a teacher, but going into education leaves little room for new challenges. Most teachers teach the same grade at the same school for the majority of their careers, and I don't know if I could see myself doing that. The idea of being a doctor also seems appealing, but I have no interest in the subject material required for medical school.

So I'm sure you get the point. Every career path has pros and cons. But what separates one from the rest? Often, I'll talk to some people fortunate enough to know exactly what they want to do after college, and in these conversations I realize individual passions are driving everyone. It seems pretty obvious in retrospect. Whatever you love to do most, you should pursue a career in, right? Well, it's not always so simple. Translating a passion into a career can seem almost impossible at times.

A few months ago, I went to an event in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was one of the biggest video game tournaments in North America, and I was lucky enough to talk to many professional video game players about how they turned a passion for video games into a sustainable career. One of my favorite pro gamers, Jonathan Garneau, who is a French Canadian Starcraft 2 player, told me about his interesting path to pro gaming.

He was a regular teen growing up in Canada, and he was into video games like many people his age. At some point during high school, he began to play a variety of different computer games. He was especially intrigued by the popularity of Starcraft in Korea. When he tried to emulate the professional players players, he soon realized that his hands literally were not fast enough to keep up with them. To make up for this, he practiced a few hours a day with what Korean players called "APM Drills" (Actions per minute). Most Korean players could reach up to 500 actions per minute.

His friends and family members were concerned about the amount of time he spent playing video games, as most would be. His interest in video games began as a hobby, which was socially accepted by his friends and family. By the end of high school it became his passion, which was more difficult for his parents to deal with. He was practicing daily, and he was determined to go to international tournaments. Although he was never able to make it to Korea for any major Starcraft 1 tournaments, he was making a living by going to small tournaments, and he was even able to sign a contract with a sponsor. He met people at starcraft tournaments all around the world who shared his love for this video game. He was enjoying his life and making a living doing something he loved.

Once Starcraft 2 came out, he signed another contract with a new sponsor and became one of the best players in the world, which was the reason he was invited to compete in Raleigh (the first major, North American Starcraft 2 tournament). The prize pool was several thousand dollars, and he placed second. Since then, he has qualified for the biggest tournament in the world, which is to begin in South Korea a few weeks from today.

I know some of you may be thinking that pro gaming isn't the best example, but it illustrates exactly the point I'm trying to make. Jonathan was truly passionate about something that seemed impossible to make a career out of. The people who would usually support his decisions told him he would never make it. He was the subject of much ridicule by many of his friends and family, but through everything he stuck with it. He met more people who shared similar stories, and it motivated him even more. This kind of passion transcends all boundaries and limitations set by society. This is the kind of passion that I want to have one day.

If you haven't figured out what you want to do after college yet, don't fret. There are many others like you and me out there. Despite what anyone else tells you, this is what a college education is for. I am confident that as I explore the many different areas of study here at William and Mary, I'll find something I am truly passionate about. As long as you keep your mind open, you will find your passion, too.

The Little Things in Life

This summer has been tiring, but very rewarding. Although I stayed fairly busy, I only took one class during the first session of William and Mary's summer semester, so it gave me some time to reflect and make a list of things that I thoroughly enjoy but often take for granted. Many refer to these overlooked sources of joy as "the little things in life."

5. Cigars - At first, my enjoyment of cigars didn't necessarily come from the smoking but the conversations I had with people while smoking. From traditional "guy talk" to an excessively random assortment of facts, there were always interesting topics to discuss. It helped that the aroma of the cigars were very relaxing. This summer, however, I've been able to try a variety of cigars, and once I found the perfect drink to complement my favorite cigar (Cafe Americano), I truly began to appreciate the complexity of the flavor of cigars. It's tough to beat smoking a cigar with a few friends while sipping on some coffee and having an intellectual conversation about why Jessica Alba is hotter than Megan Fox.

4. Video Games - Well, I have been playing video games since I was a child. Regardless of my mood, they are always there for me to enjoy. They help me forget for a while that I'm living in a real world with real problems. The greatest thing about video games is how versatile they are as a form of entertainment. When I am feeling competitive, I can play some Smash or Halo online or invite some friends over and play over a local network. If I just want to play by myself, there are a plethora of options for single player games like puzzle games, shooters, platformers, role playing games, or music games. Each of these genres are challenging, rewarding, and dangerously addictive in their own way. My personal favorite game of all time has to be Super Mario Galaxy 2, which is one of the most imaginative and creative games out there.

3. Vanilla Coke - Everyone should have a "Go To" comfort food or drink, and for me it is Vanilla Coke. Although it's not my favorite drink (that title goes to Pepsi), it always boosts my spirits when I need it most. What sets it apart from other pop (Yes, I call it pop) is the vanilla flavor that makes it go down so smooth. Mmmmm....

2. The Sunset - Honestly, I have taken nature for granted more than most. Despite that, this summer I've noticed how beautiful the William and Mary campus is. I was reading a book outside of Jamestown Hall, and I looked up while the sun was setting. I literally dropped my book, walked inside, and got my camera just so I could capture the moment. One of my favorite days was during the summer after my freshman year in high school with my girlfriend. It had been a rough summer, but that day we just held hands and enjoyed the gorgeous sunset. There was really no need for words. It was almost like a scene in a movie, and it was one of the most memorable and humbling days of my life. Every time I see a sunset, I remember the powerful impact nature can have on people.

1. Reading - Before movie theaters, radios, and televisions there were books. Even now, no other medium can leave as deep an impact as or influence people like books. To me, a good book is like a stimulating conversation between the author and the reader. If written imaginatively and passionately, a book is so engrossing that it can allow the reader to become attached to the story and all of its characters. Along the way, the reader can learn so much about him/herself and life in general. There is truly nothing like curling up in the study next to the fireplace, with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. In summation, I love reading and I'm proud to be a bookwork.

How To Get the Girl/Guy You Want

Have you ever read one of those articles about how to find the perfect guy or girl and been sorely disappointed? Well, prepare to get your mind blown, because I'm about to share with you some ancient secrets of seduction. They are easy to follow and guaranteed to work.

I'll start with how to get the girl you want (Don't worry ladies, I'll follow with some tips for you, too!) :

1. Wait exactly 2 minutes and 43 seconds before you respond to a text. You don't want to sound desperate, but you don't want to seem like you're ignoring her either. This will either send the message that you are a busy person or that you don't like to read, so it's a win-win situation. I highly recommend that you invest in a watch, because those 43 extra seconds are essential if you want the girl to like you.

2. Be random. This is where a lot of guys mess up. They try to stay on topic and keep a coherent conversation going, but that's not what girls want. They want something spontaneous and exciting. Next time you're having a deep conversation with a girl you like and she's pretending to understand what you're saying, just say or do something really random. It's even better if you interrupt her while she's talking, and it's important not to explain yourself. It will make you seem mysterious, and girls dig that.

3. Compliment her. You have to be original, so don't just tell her she looks pretty. Comment on something that is unique about her. Tell her how the mole on her arm really accentuates her skin tone, or how nice her earlobes look. If you're feeling daring, tell her how well groomed her mustache looks. Believe me, she won't ever forget your compliments if you make them original!

Now, here are some tips for the ladies:

1. Do NOT tell him you like him. This is the cardinal rule. Even If he says he likes you back, he's just trying to be polite. I mean, what type of guy wants a girl to explicitly express interest, anyways? Weird ones!

2. Be subtle. Guys hate it when you are straightforward about your feelings, so you have to make sure you're really subtle when dropping hints. For example, positioning yourself at a 45 degree angle is perfect, because it sends the message that you like him but you aren't too easy. A 90 degree angle on the other hand is a big no no, because it screams "I'm desperate!" Remember, guys love to pay attention to these tiny details while they are out on dates. So if he doesn't respond immediately to your hints, it probably means he doesn't like you. Or you're just not being subtle enough.

3. Agree with everything he says. Guys want you to conform to their beliefs. So if you have an opinion about something, just keep it to yourself and nod. This is not only true for the big issues like politics and religion, but also for the little things. I remember when I was on a date with a girl I thought I liked a lot. We were getting ice cream, and I told her my favorite flavor was chocolate. She responded by saying, "Really? I like vanilla!" Needless to say, we didn't work out.

You know what's crazy? There are actually numerous articles like these about how to get someone to like you, and plenty of people actually buy this nonsense! The truth is there are no magical secrets that can guarantee that a girl or guy will like you. The best thing you can do is be yourself, be honest about your feelings, and when you find someone who likes the real you, it will lead to a longer and healthier relationship. Don't be afraid to share your interests or your beliefs, no matter what other people think of them. That is what makes you a unique person, and you deserve someone who appreciates what makes you different from other guys or girls. Always remember that.

Making a Difference, Every Day

This is my first blog, so I'll start by introducing myself. If you're reading this, you probably already know me. My name is Ahmed Khokar, I'm a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary, and I want to make a difference. That sounds a bit idealistic, but it's not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, many make a big difference without even realizing it!

Let me explain. Regardless of which career path I choose, I want to make a big difference. As a doctor, I could help to cure illnesses. As a writer, I could provide for someone what my favorite authors provide for me. As a teacher, I could help guide the future working men and women of the country. Any of these three careers would make me happy, but making a difference doesn't begin with a career choice.

I think the most important thing we can do to make a difference is to be sincere and honest. This is the basis of "Real Talk." Honesty will always have more of an impact on someone than politeness or flattery. Your words and actions will always be significant if they are sincere.

The little stuff can make a difference every day. I'm a big believer in smiles, whether you're smiling at someone, making someone else smile, or both. Smiles can make someone's day, even if it's a stranger, and can be dangerously contagious! Do you remember how you felt the last time you were walking somewhere, and someone smiled at you? The best part is it only takes a few seconds! Making someone laugh can do even more to make a difference. If just for a moment, a laugh can make people forget the stress in their lives. And hugs? Don't even get me started on hugs!

Your words, especially when sincere, can also make a difference. Tell your best friend you miss or are thinking of him/her! Tell your loved ones how much you care about them! You don't have to do these things every day, but they take 5 minutes and I guarantee they will make someone's day much better.

If you have free time, there are an infinite number of ways to make someone's day. Personally I love to write poems, and sometimes I write a short poem to share with a few friends. Whether it's a poem about life, love, or just something silly, it can be a good pick-me-up. You can take the initiative to plan a fun night out with friends. You can get a small present for someone, just because. The possibilities are endless!

So every day this summer I'm going to try to make a difference, one smile, one laugh, one hug, one poem at a time, and I hope you will join me.