Introduction to a Bleeding Heart Loudmouth

As the oldest of seven children, I am no stranger to shouting.

(man holding megaphone facing left)

“STOP HITTING YOUR BROTHER!”

(man holding megaphone facing upper right)

“QUIT RUNNING IN THE HOUSE!”

(man holding megaphone facing left front)

“PUT THAT DOWN NOW!!!!!”

It almost feels like a character trait by this point. Sometimes, it’s as if I could answer the question ‘Tell me about yourself. What are you like?’ with the single word ‘shouting’. I love my siblings, but it is not easy to sing with a sore throat, and I do love to sing. Incessant screaming from the ones I shout at also makes enjoying a good book something of a challenge. Now don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly grateful for my long-honed skill of tuning out anything loud that might be getting in the way of what I am currently focused on, but it really is nice to get some peace and quiet once in a while.

Ironically enough, the same little monsters that make me sound and act like an angry drill sergeant are the ones who made me care too much about everything. Whether it comes down to social injustices or a simple, scraped knee, I care, and I sincerely want to help. I suppose that would be how I ended up studying social work too. The people I love taught me to care way too much, and now I can only hope to help wherever I work.

Of course, I have to admit that my sweet and sour siblings are not responsible for all of that. I also have the benefit of a pair of loving, supportive parents who have helped me pursue every new interest as quickly as the last. My mother taught me to cook and bake in what little spare time she had. There was never a question, no matter how obvious the answer should have been, that she was too busy to answer. My dad showed me what it was like to go out hiking and camping, taught me to pitch a tent. He was the one who showed me how vast and incredible the world really was and sparked my interest in going out to see it.

My family are the reason I am the person I am today. They taught me the trust and loyalty that make me a good girlfriend. They taught me a love for exploration and curiosity that make me a good student, and they taught me the patience and joy that make me a good friend. I am a bleeding heart loudmouth because of the loudmouthed bleeding hearts who raised me and the ones I, myself, helped raise.

First Time Blogging

So, I've never really set up or written a blog like this, but I'm excited to get started! This semester, I'm hoping to learn more about Indian culture as well about epic poems in general and how they've progressed throughout history. I look forward to getting started and communicating with all my classmates!