Welcome to my monthly updates! I hope you can learn a little bit more about the work that I am doing while I study at Antioch University Seattle.
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see. “
– Alexandra K. Trenfor
Next Steps:
It’s time to share some new things! Many shards of broken glass can still make something beautiful. I call it Kaleidoscope 2025. So here are the first three sections.
2025 Kaleidoscope:
“The idea behind a kaleidoscope is that it is a structure filled with broken bits and pieces, and somehow, if you can look through them, you will see something beautiful. And I feel like we are all that way a little bit”
-Sara Bareilles
I decided to do my resolutions differently this year by focusing on one word: “kaleidoscope.” The year 2024 brought on many changes that have reshaped who I am in more ways than one. Every time you turn the chamber, a new combination is created. There are infinite possibilities and beauty that can be seen. Over the past few months, I’ve dropped a lot of weight, which sounds nice in theory, but it wasn’t on my terms. So, I’m taking this chance to turn the chamber and focus on my first goal for the year: being more consistent with working out. Last year, I had to stop seeing my trainer because I fractured my foot, and in September, I felt defeated climbing Mt. Rainier. I want to make sure I’m healthy enough to run the distance I want.
Let this shard of myself be the color red
Kaleidoscope: Clarity Through Him
Sometimes, we are unsure of where we want to go in life. In 202,0 I said that I had 20/20 vision for what I wanted to do with my life after spending time reflecting. What I didn’t realize is that I was seeing life through rose colored glasses. In late 2024-2025, I came to see how God is revealing the symmetry and purpose that the broken shards have in my life. I can see his love and power through the pain and afflictions suffered. This year, for my third intention, I want to spend more time in prayer and putting my heart into the things I do. On the third day, Jesus rose, and I’ve started my third virtual race I have decided to dedicate it to him who helps me see. I will be walking a virtual rendition of the path that Jesus walked through.
Let this shard of myself be the color green
Personal Life Continued:
I mentioned that I started to do some virtual races so that I can focus on doing more exercise, but also to focus on my health. They serve as a tool to motivate me to continue walking and eventually start running.
I completed the Angor Wat Trail (20 miles) in 15 days out of a scheduled 21.
I completed the Inca Trail (26.22 miles) in 16 days out of a scheduled 21. While my pace was slower doing the virtual race compared to the real Inca trail (which is 4 days of hiking) back in 2019, I am also reminded that I was physically more active back then. I took photos back then and have the memories, but this time, I have a medal haha
Finally, I am working on the Jesus Trail, which is 38.99 miles. I have scheduled it to take place over the 40 days of Lent.
I additionally set a goal for Conqueror 2025 to reach 1,000 Miles of walking/running this year. I’m currently 100 miles behind on my goal since I didn’t start till February, but am hoping I can catch up without overdoing it. I might fail this goal, but what matters is I tried my best and am walking a lot more than I have been these past few years.
I also signed up for a 5k race at Venice Beach for July! I hope to start training in April! I know my pace will be slow for my first ever race, but I want to set my first time so I have a goal to beat at the next race!
Antioch University Seattle:
I am on FMLA and still looking to decide on the next chapter of my life. One of my friends interviewed for a nursing program in Seattle, so there is still a chance I might return. Anyhow, here are all my options!
Hawai’i Pacific University(Honolulu) – Accepted
Hawai’i Pacific University (Las Vegas) – Accepted
Southern California Uni. of Health Science – Accepted
West Coast University – Accepted
Stanbridge University (Alhambra) – Interviewed
Biola University – Interviewed
Antioch University Seattle – Will I return?
Special Projects:
Bran Diego Photos – Posting pictures from Solvang and other minor trips.
BachStreetBoi – Postponed
AnxieTea Podcast – Postponed
Instructions Unclear – Postponed
The OTDream Vlog – Welcome to the new vlog!
Thank you for your time, dedication, and service! You can always reach out to me @ bran.m.ramirez@gmail.com
-Brandon Ramirez