Sorting communities--you can't join just one!
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would have everyone in the world *use* their ability see things from different perspectives. More innocent people have suffered and died as a result of political, religious, and cultural gridlock than from any other cause. Asking ourselves what we might do if we were in the other person's shoes can make us see that really, we're all just humans trying to get by; and everyone deserves our respect and compassion. Besides, as it's been said, "Never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes. By then, you're a mile away, and you have his shoes." ;)
What makes a person respectable?
Kindness and compassion; this is a given. Cruelty is the worst thing I can imagine, but compassion helps the world keep turning. Honesty; I've never met a liar who deserved my respect. I don't mean little white lies, I mean big, bad lies. An interest in the world around them; you can act as apathetic and disaffected as you like, but it won't earn you any points in my book. It's your world too, and you should care about it! Finally, I will never respect a person who actively disrespects others. That grates on my nerves.
What do you look for in a friend?
Friends seem to come into my life in order to show me something about the world or about myself. We're tight as can be for a while, we take on the world together, and then we drift apart. But the common qualities that my friends over the years have all shared are humor, intelligence, courage bordering on fearlessness, imagination, and a deep interest in current affairs.
What are your hobbies?
Reading; total bookworm. Music; I've played trombone for 10 years but have been thinking of taking up saxophone this summer. Photography; I've just finished a class about the history of photography and it's hooked me. Plus I live in a really awesome place and like to wander around taking pictures. Humor; I love Jay Leno, Comedy Central, etc. Aviation; ever since I started flying fairly frequently (maybe 7-10 times a year,) I've gotten really interested in how those huge metal birds stay up in the sky. Knowing what's going on helps to reduce the panic when we hit turbulence! Video games and cartoons; my guilty pleasures.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
Yes and no. As a journalist, it's ethically bad for me to donate to any organization, because then I might be biased toward them, which would be doing a disservice to the people I serve: the public. Creating possible ethical conflicts is a big no-no. Besides, there are so many organizations out there, how can you be SURE that the money is going to help the cause and not to line the pockets of somebody?
I sometimes give money to the many homeless people here in New Orleans. It's hard to tell who is really going to buy food and who is only going to buy more alcohol or drugs, so sometimes I buy food and give it to them instead. I give a lot of my old clothes and things to my mother to give to her clients, who are mentally disabled. They love getting ANYTHING because they really have next to nothing, so my entire family tries to help out. I also contribute to animal rescue groups sometimes. I'd volunteer to work at a shelter, but even at the no-kill shelters, it would break my heart to see so many homeless dogs and cats. I'm a big animal lover and just don't think I could stand it.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I want to save the world! ;) Or at least change it--for the better, of course. That's the broad description, I still haven't figured out the specifics yet. Well, it'll all fall into place somehow.
Who is your role model?
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird...the courtroom scene from the film never fails to make me cry! He did what he thought to be right even though he faced impossible odds; he was brave and so very kind to all people, even to people who weren't kind to him. He was a friend to people who had no other friends and was hopeful and determined in the face of hatred and vengance. Not to mention he was brilliant. What a guy.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
It's not exactly a trait, but...treachery. I've been stabbed in the back a time or three, mostly because I stupidly let untrustworthy people get too close.
What do you want to do for a living?
Be a journalist/photographer/college professor. I want to travel a lot and make a difference in the world, but not be tied down to anything.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
If it was an animal, I'd pull it off of my friend as best I could without getting ripped apart myself and without doing any harm to the animal. If it was a person, I'd go all out and be gouging and kicking at sensitive parts of anatomy. If it was a magic beast, I'd probably be standing there going, "Oh look, it's a rare blue-banded, pink-beaked hippogriff! Hold still, Friend, let me get a picture! That's great, just stay like that with your head in its mouth..."
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
No. There's always another option. There's no reason to kill when you can disarm and stun, and no justifiable reason to inflict pain or to control another person. That's bad juju.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Resiliency: I bounce back easily, and once I've set a course, NOTHING will stop me. I keep trying until I find a way.
Verbal ability: The pen is mightier than the sword, and I'm no slouch with a pen. ;)
Leadership ability: Although I'm an introvert, I can be a very good leader in the right situations. People will usually listen to what I have to say, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Curiosity: I'm always changing, always exploring.
Openness: This actually gets me in trouble, as I'll explain.
What do you think are your top five weaknesses or worst qualities?
Openness: I wear my heart on my sleeve. I value this, because it's just a part of who I am, but I've been hurt very badly because of it, too. I wouldn't change it, but I try to be aware of it as a potential weakness.
Lying: I have a tendency to tell "white lies".
Poor time management: I never meet deadlines and I'm ALWAYS late.
Poor money management: I hate money, so I'm awful about managing it.
Trusting nature: I tend to trust people far too much, and have been reminded again and again why this is a bad thing.
Define in your own words the following key traits:
Courage:
Doing what you believe to be right, regardless of the situation.
Loyalty:
A combination of courage and trust. First, trusting that a person or idea is worthy of your loyalty, and second, the courage to follow through on your trust.
Intelligence:
Part curiosity (a desire to know), and part natural cognitive ability.
Ambition:
Active desire, where one is willing to act to achieve a goal.
Name: Catharin
Age: 21
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.)
I think I'd rather not answer this one.
Where did you find out about us?
Clicked on a random person's userinfo.
Thanks very much for taking the time to review and vote on my application!