Allowance of Average

Monday Mountain
September 12, 2016

Allowance of Average: What's the mean?

With Big Data and standardized testing, there's almost nothing that those with the numbers can't infer about the individual or the public. Of course, an inference is just a conclusion, it's not the whole story. In other words, that conclusion made out of the information provided with a dash of reasoning will not necessarily be the best answer or the correct answer, it is just one answer. 

Now with all these numbers and observations of the public, there is a clear definition of what average means and what it takes to achieve the standard. There's a problem in that solution, what does it take to achieve above average results? What is required of you to go higher than your peers?

There is no road map. No definition. No given standards. And so on. 

In order to achieve more than what the average does, you will have to go out and find it for yourself. No one will tell you, because if they tell you then they will always be above you. Take it upon yourself to apply and multiply your own efforts in order to reach success greater than what may be given to you for basic participation. 

Taking a Stand, Fifteen Years Later

September 11, 2016

Power of Patriotism & Freedoms

Today marks fifteen years after the worst tragedy known to the United States of America. When this occurred I was still in elementary school, sitting in gym class as we unknowingly listened to the events unfold over the radio. Every day since I comprehended the full weight of those events, I have become enraged with passion whenever I see those images or hear a discussion regarding that day. What is this passion? This passion is the reminder of why I made a set of decisions through my life and also stands a huge landmark for where my beliefs are based.

Over the past month, there's been a debate about whether a man who is paid to play a sport can take a knee during the National Anthem. He has his reasons to do so, although I may not agree with them, he does have a right to protest and to free speech. Thank goodness for fundamental rights. As an adult, I was told that all Americans - citizens, immigrants, and all those alike - are to stand at attention when the National Anthem is played, out of respect for our flag and the values this nation is built upon and what it continues to stand for. 

If Colin Kaepernick does not want to stand up during the National Anthem, I say we should let him, his protest over the political troubles that this country is currently facing are his own issues to state. I, however, will continue to stand. Not only while the National Anthem is being played, but also as an American Soldier who has taken an oath of service to this great country. I will proudly stand with my brothers and sisters in arms, with those who protect and serve, and all those who put their lives on the line for the innocent. 

Looking back on 9/11, there's a reason we all came together as Americans following those events, there is no respectable reason why we should not be able to stand together every single day. We all live in the United States. We should be united as one, while also separate with our own beliefs and interpretations on life and citizenship, that's how politics works. We can always work together as long as we can respect each other's differences and similarities from our own. It takes patience, honor, humility, and courage, combined with numerous other elements of true patriotism to be an American and stand for what you believe in, but all of those things are most powerful when we can learn to stand together. 

As we proceed into another work week, please look into ways of helping your fellow American, citizen or immigrant, man or woman or child, black or white or yellow or brown. Who you are versus who they are should not matter, because we all stand under one that Star Spangled Banner and aspire for a better, brighter future every single day. 

Another Letter to CU Football

Dear Buffaloes,

You laid a bloody massacre in Denver on your in-state rival last week. After the game, all reporters and spectators left there without a doubt in their mind who was the better team. Hats off to you to a hell of a start, let's keep it in mind... That's exactly what it was the start.

This weekend, you prepare for this team from Idaho State to come into your home and play you at a game you've already played with great heart. On September 10th, the defense of your homeland begins. Do not doubt your enemy, for they have nothing to lose.

You have spent countless hours practicing, planning, and training in the shadows of the Flatirons, a natural beauty of Boulder. In all honesty, those are your mountains. Those mountains stand high into the sky, while also beneath your feet. You have conquered this land in Colorado. In your heart, they may be a swelling of pride and anger as the game approaches. Good, that's how it should be.

Be proud of what you've done. Keep in mind that the laurels of yesterday will not allow you a place to rest your head tonight. Be protective of what you have earned. Be offended that this team can come into your house and have any belief they can hang with you and your team.

For us Buffs, those who have attended and graduated, those currently attending, and those who will, you are one of the brightest jewels in this coronated college. Be proud of where you are and who surrounds you.
When you storm out of that tunnel with fury and heart, the opponent stands no chance in stopping such a force of football. We stand with you, as the herd, shoulder to shoulder. We will run with you, in spirit and through thundering cheers, as the stampede. Roll up that mighty score!

Go Buffs,

Cole

First letter to CU Football

Another Letter to CU Football

Dear Buffaloes,

You laid a bloody massacre in Denver on your in-state rival last week. After the game, all reporters and spectators left there without a doubt in their mind who was the better team. Hats off to you to a hell of a start, let's keep it in mind... That's exactly what it was the start.

This weekend, you prepare for this team from Idaho State to come into your home and play you at a game you've already played with great heart. On September 10th, the defense of your homeland begins. Do not doubt your enemy, for they have nothing to lose.

You have spent countless hours practicing, planning, and training in the shadows of the Flatirons, a natural beauty of Boulder. In all honesty, those are your mountains. Those mountains stand high into the sky, while also beneath your feet. You have conquered this land in Colorado. In your heart, they may be a swelling of pride and anger as the game approaches. Good, that's how it should be.

Be proud of what you've done. Keep in mind that the laurels of yesterday will not allow you a place to rest your head tonight. Be protective of what you have earned. Be offended that this team can come into your house and have any belief they can hang with you and your team.

For us Buffs, those who have attended and graduated, those currently attending, and those who will, you are one of the brightest jewels in this coronated college. Be proud of where you are and who surrounds you.
When you storm out of that tunnel with fury and heart, the opponent stands no chance in stopping such a force of football. We stand with you, as the herd, shoulder to shoulder. We will run with you, in spirit and through thundering cheers, as the stampede. Roll up that mighty score!

Go Buffs,

Cole

First letter to CU Football