https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu by Matt Suescun en-us 2021-09-13 19:33:01 UTC 2023-03-16 09:51:31 UTC hello@padlet.com matsue23 https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737227182 After clearing out our storage for the first time in years, my dad rediscovered some of his old books. He threw out most of them, but he gifted me a copy of Who Moved my Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. I knew it was a motivational book, so I initially wasn't interested in it. I  found books about advice to repeat similar ideas and quotes; however, the book introduced me to a concept that was new to me at the time. Johnson invited the question, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" Although I haven't always adhered to this principle, the line has encouraged me to consider opportunities that I would have otherwise ignored for being out of my comfort zone. ]]> 2021-09-13 19:38:10 UTC https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737227182 matsue23 https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737233666 I specifically recall the online reaction surrounding the 2019 Grammy winner of the Album of the Year category, as many felt that other artists published work more deserving of the title. I listened to the supposedly snubbed albums, which is how I came across NFR by Lana Del Rey. My favorite song on the record is titled "How to Disappear," and it details a troubled relationship through Lana's perspective. The song immediately stood out to me because it built a story with characters, a distinct setting, and even passage of time. The masterful storytelling in "How to Disappear" has helped me understand that well-written lyrics can transport audio into a more elaborate and almost visual experience. ]]> 2021-09-13 19:41:24 UTC https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737233666 matsue23 https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737236413 One weekend during elementary school, my parents rented a copy of Ratatouille from the library. I remember enjoying the movie as a child, but I grew a deeper appreciation for it on a recent viewing. Ratatouille, unlike the majority of animated films, focuses on developing characters rather than achieving goals. Although the story does revolve around Remy's love of cooking, there is no direct objective, task, or mission for him to complete. Instead, viewers observe the interactions between cooks at Gusteau's and how they grow as people when an unlikely chef enters the kitchen. Ratatouille has allowed me to understand the creativity and narrative beauty behind 'slice of life' texts. 

]]> 2021-09-13 19:42:16 UTC https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737236413 matsue23 https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737241345 "Forced Out" by Matthew Desmond was the summer reading that influenced me the most. The text resonated with me because I was able to associate with the dynamic between both characters. At one point, although only until I was a toddler, my family's financial situation was very similar to Arleen's. On the contrary, my grandma is a landlord and currently has nearly a dozen tenants. I see Sherenna in my grandma, as both have kicked out many tenants throughout the years while still considering themselves charitable. I enjoyed the text because it made me think about how the relationship between landlords and tenants raises moral dilemmas. On one side of the argument, Arleen does have a legal obligation to pay her rent for the month. However, if Sherenna has and uses the power to displace Arleen and her family, she can't be the charitable person she claims to be. 

]]> 2021-09-13 19:44:29 UTC https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737241345 matsue23 https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737869131 One book that impacted my thinking was Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. My dad gave it to me on July 2nd, 2018, which I can confirm because of the dated note he left on the first page. The book talks about identifying goals, learning how to become successful, and the power of changing one's mentality. I remember the book using anecdotes from the lives of famous achievers such as Ray Kroc, Bill Gates, and many others. Although I know I didn't apply for ABF solely because of this book, I believe it further developed my growing interest in business and economics at the time.]]> 2021-09-14 01:39:33 UTC https://padlet.com/matsue23/zo1sht4bm87gunsu/wish/1737869131