“Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” -Samuel Beckett

I love to plan, discuss, analyze, plan some more and over-analyze every decision. I enjoy neat to do lists, orderly plans and mathematically sound, rational decisions. When I first read this quote, I was skeptical, wondering how anyone doesn’t think while performing.

About eleven years ago, I began my journey as a dancer. For years to follow, I did not understand what bharathanatyam, an ancient Indian classical dance form, offers; I assumed an arangetram (a solo graduation) is the end of a dancer's journey. Frankly, I practiced little outside of my 45 minute weekly class because dance was merely another chore, one at the very bottom of a never-ending to do list.

As time passed, we learned complex dances with quick footwork; many of my fellow students were even quicker to leave. There were moments when I was ready to quit, frustrated with the inability to understand the rhythm or portray a specific emotion. Retrospectively, I’m glad my parents encouraged me to continue and my teacher Smt. Madhusri Sethuraman didn’t give up on me even after I had given up on myself.

As a younger girl I went to productions of older students without knowing their full value, without appreciating the rich and unique beauty that each dancer brings to his/her performance. Yet, I continued consistently attending classes and programs, following through on a commitment I wasn’t even sure I had made.

I gradually traded in boredom for inspiration; I felt the urge, a desire to perform myself. I knew what I wanted to get out of dance, but wasn’t ready to put my all into it.

This is when my parents informed me that an arangetram is no longer a distant dream, but a tangible possibility. I jumped at the opportunity, not knowing the full depth of what I was getting myself into.

During this year of preparation I learned that it is not enough to understand the gist of the stories or merely act like the characters. I had to become the characters, portray abhinaya (emotions) with nuances I have even experienced in my 16 short years of life.

I learned it is not enough to watch videos or just run through steps in my mind; dance (much like math in fact!) isn’t a spectator sport, it can only be learned through immersion.  I had to dedicated myself fully - body and soul - to each and every step to ensure the technique was graceful and clean.

I was frustrated that I understood the rhythms in theory, but couldn’t execute it in action: I counted, I clapped, I stomped, I used a metronome, I listened, I sang, I cried, I laughed...until finally there came a time I did.

As I increased not only the time spent practicing but the effort put into perfecting the practice, I realized it is possible to dance unconditionally, even subconsciously. In the middle of hundreds of temple performances and productions I attended as viewer and performer alike, thousands of hours of practices, and millions of critiques (some harsher than others!), I learned to love dance.

This past year, I developed a new sense of self-confidence as a grew closer to the people around me, my parents, my guru (teacher) and my dance friends who became family. From weekly classes, to temple performances, to photoshoots, to daily classes, Bharatanatyam has become ingrained into my identity.

Dance was never my love at first sight, but it was something much better: a love that grew steadily over the years to something that I wholeheartedly embrace today. Just as people continue to learn new things even after graduating from formal schooling institution, a dancer must continue to set new goals and improve after their arangetram. I look forward to the many post arangetram classes, performances and improvements I will surely make.

Once I knew the dances inside and out, I could tell the stories backwards and forwards, and I was physically fit with the stamina for an approximately two hour long performance, I was ready to fight my final battle, one of emotional and mental strength. I needed to remain calm and clear headed, even during difficult, stressful moments.

Despite my best efforts, I forget steps. I lose count of the beat. I know I am utterly and completely lost right in the middle of a dance. Yet, I keep going.

Why? Because dance has taught me to live in the moment: I dance first and think later.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, written by Sherry Turkle, widely acclaimed MIT professor and licensed clinical psychologist.

The book is the fourth in a series about evolving digital culture and is split into chapters regarding the role of technology in friendship, relationships, the workplace and education.

All the chapters came together in these overarching ideas: 1) how an individual handles their physical device 2) how an individual carries themselves in a virtual world and finally 3) how the individual applies what they find online to the real world.

1. Handling the physical device

I appreciated Trukle’s insight that even a face down phone has tremendous power. It may seem that technology is only harmful when someone is deeply addicted, drawn into a virtual reality, but this doesn’t always hold true. It is much easier to approach a new person when their device is not in sight. A phone face down next to someone new means an increased chance that once a conversation is going, they will eventually look down. While many might not think twice about leaving their phones out during a casual conversation, it is essential to realize the person they speak to (whether it is their best friend or the President), will feel more valued and respected when they put devices away.

While it is frustrating when my teachers or parents take away a phone during an important lecture or family vacation, respectively, I realize how it is beneficial. I may complain and please that I will not be glued to my screen, but having my phone automatically means I can see the new notifications pop up and I can feel the vibrations of new messages. Trukle discusses how phones and apps are designed to keep us interested in them; thus the best way to fight temptation is to put our devices away.

Interestingly, I realized, even with zero notifications/messages, I pick up my phone and fiddle with it to pass the idle, awkward moments; I turn it on and off aimlessly and (you can ask any teen to verify!) text uselessly just to “look busy.” Without my device, I would be forced to make eye contact with someone sitting near me and be much more observant of my surroundings.

Now be sure to answer the survey and share your new technology goal on social media (especially if it is about using social media)! Encourage your friends/followers to set their own goals!

2. The Virtual World

Trukle discusses how we often want to portray our best selves - amazing vacations, fun parties and proud moments - on social media. Then, we look for acceptance through more likes, more followers, more positive comments and more shared opinions. Trukle goes as far as to suggest we avoid controversial topics, especially when we may support the less popular side, since we only want to associate positive thoughts - a getaway from real world stress - to our online worlds. While there are certainly exceptions, she cites an observable trend, making her case extremely compelling.

Communication also becomes unusually easier when we hide behind a screen. Children lose empathy and find it easier to be hurtful when they don’t have to see a physical reaction to their actions. Similarly, it is easier to provide a seemingly heartfelt apology over text. Trukle cites the trend of numerous families taking their disagreements to a text conversation to control emotions, to allow messages to be edited, to ensure nothing is misspoken in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately, communication and basic human skills are compromised in choosing this quick fix.

3. Integrating Online Experiences into the Real World

What sets Trukle’s book apart from the many, many lectures I (along with my millennial peers) hear was moving past describing the irresistible draw of technology. Instead, she questions the popular belief that we can simultaneously manage both the real world and the virtual one on our phones, slipping between them as we please.

I fiddle with my phone and get distracted for a few seconds during casual conversations. I hear with my ears, so why should it matter where my eyes and hands go? Yet, I came to realize the importance of eye contact to developing better relationships. Trukle specifically details how a parent turning to their phone means they turn away from their children; this creates a vicious cycle that teaches children it is acceptable to prioritize their device over the people around them.

Technology also causes shorter attention spans since we want everything fed to us in exciting bits and pieces, just as they are on social media. With limits on word counts and video lengths, Twitter and Instagram always keeps things brief. Unfortunately, in real life we need to accommodate longer conversations and initiate small talk, even with people we may not like. Focusing deeply on one thing, “unitasking” as Trukle coins it, brings a plethora of benefits to our focus and ensures the best possible job is done.

As a millennial brought up in a generation filled with technology, I have heard/read/seen enough warnings and been given plenty of unsolicited advice, but this book resonated with me. Maybe it was because of the strong, unwavering tone that Turkle adopts. Maybe it was the pages full of detailed studies and sources she cites. But maybe, just maybe it was the personal encounters she recounted that struck too close to home, too close for comfort. Reading this book, urged me to truly “reclaim conversation” once again.

Your typical ice cream scoop on a waffle cone is an all time summer favorite, but who could have guessed that this sugary delicacy had a new trick rolled (no pun intended!) up its sleeve.

Rolled ice cream originates from Thailand and started a craze a few years ago within the United States. This Instagram and Snapchat worthy confection is especially popular among a younger generation that appreciates food aesthetic. Although I am, arguably, a little late to this party, I couldn’t be happier that I joined.

For anyone who has not yet tried rolled ice cream, I would definitely recommend they take the chance. Here are some of the most popular places in the DFW area. The restaurants usually have a vibrant atmosphere, cutesy designs and, most importantly, an easy-to-view station where the ice cream is rolled.  

• I CE NY located at 2625 Old Denton Rd #812, Carrollton, TX 75007

• 10 Degrees F Rolled Ice Cream in Vista Ridge Mall

• Hi Sweetie Rolled Ice Cream located at 8604 Preston Rd Ste 121, Plano, TX 75024.

• Chills 360 located at 2646 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226

Watching the ice cream being made was almost as enticing as eating it; I visited Hi Sweetie in Plano, but the process of making the ice cream rolls is similar to other places.

First the flavor of ice cream that one desires - for me, chocolate - is poured (yes, poured, because the ice cream is currently in the form of a sweet, flavored milk) onto an extremely cold metal surface. It is similar to a pizza pan or stove, with the exact opposite function.

As the liquid is slowly freezing, a fruit or cream is thrown into the mix. Here, I chose to have blackberries. They were chopped vigorously into small pieces that were spread throughout the chocolate liquid.

Next the staff member spreads the semi-liquid, creamy mixture into a thin circle on the cold surface. Finally, a metal spatula is used to scrape the ice cream into anywhere from 4 to 6 rolls.

When I visited, a new staff member was being trained to make the rolls. Thus, I learned that it takes significant strength and precision to make perfect rolls - all while eager customers have their eyes glued onto you.  I find that there is something oddly, inexplicably satisfying about watching the ice cream slide off the metal and roll into beautiful cylinders.

The rolls are scooped into a cup and any additional toppings - sprinkles, fruits, candy, marshmallows, crackers and more - can be added. At Hi Sweeties, I chose to add a fluffy marshmallow, M&Ms and sprinkles.

While I chose the custom choice, Hi Sweetie also offers certain combinations, such as Banana Split or S'mores, which already have set flavors, fruit mixings and toppings. If I visited again, I would still opt to create my own, because I enjoy experimenting with different tastes.

The final product is almost too perfect to eat. I eventually (after one too many pictures at the super cute tables) dove in and found the taste to be similar to that of regular ice cream, but my fruit mix in (blackberry) added a distinct texture and a slightly sour flavor to the mix.

Overall, I enjoyed watching my meal come to life, the flavor combination and found the price to be reasonable at Hi Sweetie. In the larger scope of things, getting rolled ice cream was a 10/10 experience.

For middle and high school students, summer is an excellent opportunity to dedicate time towards volunteering. Volunteering fulfills national honor society requirements,  helps a student find what they love and is a great chance to give back to one’s community. Here are a list of 20 general volunteering ideas; any specific organizations that are referenced are located in the DFW area.  

1. Local Library: Check with your nearest library to determine if they have a teen group that meets to plan library events, especially youth activities. Even if not, libraries host a variety of summer programs that usually require intermittent volunteering. Other library jobs can include sorting, shelving or checking out books.
    
2. Pet Shelters If you enjoy working with animals, consider working with Lost Paws of Texas or a similar organization to manage shelters, play with animals or help at adoption events around the community.
    
3. Senior Home: Volunteer at a senior home by spending time with older residents, even if it’s just to talk. If you get creative, organize a group of friends to make homemade (approved) snacks or gather a musical troupe to entertain (sing, dance, act, etc…).
    
4. Red Cross Volunteer: Assist as a Blood Donor Ambassador at blood drives near you or organize your own. After some experience, you could be ready to train others or hold an officer position in your local chapter!
    
5. Teaching/Tutor: Passionate about a certain subject in school, play a musical instrument at a high level or tech savvy? Consider passing your skills on to other students. Technology skills are especially useful for senior citizens.
    
6. Hospital Volunteer: Hospitals usually allow teens to volunteer in select programs. Job duties may include interacting with patients or managing clerical duties.
    
7. Community Garden: Spend a day at your community garden helping by planting new flowers/trees or pulling weeds and caring for the ones already planted. If you enjoy it enough, you can look into getting your own plot of land to grow some fresh fruits and vegetables.
    
8. Trash Pickup: Adopt a local highway or drive to your nearest park and make the area litter free! Gather a group of volunteers to fundraise/split costs for trash pickup equipment such as large bags or a trash picker stick, also remember to stay safe!
    
9. Soup Kitchen: Volunteering is all about providing necessities to those who don’t have it; a great choice to give to those with less is by visiting a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. For those who want to make the extra commitment, organize an additional drive to collect the items to be distributed.
    
10. Farmers Market Ask a vendor to help manage their booth/attract more customers or serve as a general guide for newcomers. Extra hands are always appreciated to help pack and unpack items!
     
11. Habitat for Humanity: If you are in good physical condition, considering building homes for those who may have lost them in a recent disaster. A lot of logistics are already worked out if you attend with a well known group such as Habitat for Humanity.
     
12. Lifeguard: What better way to fend of the summer heat than to work near a pool all summer? If you are a qualified swimmer, consider volunteering as a lifeguard at your nearest recreation center or water park. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
     
13. Use your vocabulary skills on freerice.com: This is an unique opportunity - you can sit in front of a laptop and do good for the world! For every answer you get correct on this website, 10 grains of rice will be donated through World Food Programme.
     
14. Social Media Coverage: Ask a local business or nonprofit if they would like social media accounts on Snapchat, Instagram or Twitter to reach Generation Z youth. If they already have accounts, ask to manage them briefly, you can help them gain new followers and spread the word further.
     
15. Metrocrest Services: As the school year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about school supplies and necessary vaccinations. Instead of only considering these items in the context of yourself, look out for other children by helping Metrocrest package school supplies and hold a Back to School Extravaganza for other items.
     
16. Crisis Line: If you have always had the tact to speak calmly to an aggravated friend and enjoy being a good listener, consider volunteering as a counselor for a teen crisis line.
    
     
17. Babysit: Watch a younger sibling or ask your parents friends to watch their kids for sometime before venturing to new homes. Once you are comfortable with kids’ activities and food, expand your prospects.
     
18. Get Creative: Organize a bake sale or garage sale to fundraise. Plan a canned food or clothing drive to collect items for the needy. Write cards to soldiers fighting overseas. Maybe your top picks won’t always count as official hours, but find something you love to do that also helps others.
    

For most people education is synonymous to formal schooling, limited to the years at the beginning of their life. For Victoria Youngblood Baldwin, education is a doorway to future opportunities and a lifestyle she continually seeks to grow and expand her leadership.  

Youngblood Baldwin has been an english teacher, an english team lead, an AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) teacher, an AVID coordinator, a dean of students and will be assistant principal in the 2017-18 school year. In the past years she has worked at both Irving ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, but is moving forward to Arlington High School.

Q: How would you describe your progression through each position you have held?

A: I like helping people and I feel like that is my calling. So really it all starts from doing a good job when I help my kids and I am asked to implement that with larger groups. Every teacher I help is also another 150-200 students that I could also reach by helping that person. Every new position has helped me help new people

Q: What is your favorite part of being in a classroom?

A: One of my favorite things about being a teacher was getting to know my students through their writing and connecting with them and their personal experiences through reading. Often, we would read a story and find how it connects to our life.  We were able to have discussions to get a bigger picture.

Q: How was being a dean different from a teacher?

A: The biggest difference is that I’m not limited by just students who are assigned to me by classes, I help all the students in the school. When students have significant problems or concerns or just something that is going on in their world, I have the time to be able to sit down and talk with them. In the classroom, I had such a limited amount of time so I couldn’t get to down to the root of the problem, [but as a dean] my time is more flexible.

Q: Why are you interested in moving to administration?

A: I wanted to continue to help more students and more people. My sphere of influence grows. As assistant principal I will not only be able to help the whole school, but work on structures and things within the tasks I’m assigned.

Q: What do you anticipate being your biggest challenge as an administrator?

A: I think it will be meeting the needs of the students: making sure they are successful in reaching their goals and holding them accountable. I need to make sure the high school experience is one that they will enjoy, but make sure they meet academic needs...so that balance.

Q: What is the best aspect of public schools?

A: We have something for everybody, whether it is an after school club, a sport or another activity. We try our best to find something a student is interested in and get them involved. Students who are involved in extracurriculars are more likely to graduate on time, which is one of our goals for our students. We just make sure they have the skills - teamwork, reading, writing, math - so they are able to be successful wherever they go.

Q: How would you describe education?

A: It creates doorways and opportunities for people to do what they love and give back. Students who might come from a background of poverty, just don’t have much, education is the key to getting better jobs so they don’t have to struggle. Also students can see the world, they can get scholarships to learn outside of their state or hometown to new cultures, and further themselves in making a career.