Stories. People. Life.

"If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten." ~ Rudyard Kipling

I've been thinking, what if we went up to complete strangers just to find out their story?

When I'm running, in a new place, running errands or volunteering I look at a person and wonder, "What has their life been like? What is something you would never know until you ask?" Maybe it's the journalist coming out in me, but seriously, how cool of a project would that be?

What if every month, every week or even every day you went up to someone new and just talked to them and listened. I bet you would be surprised by what they had to say. Sure, there will be some that want nothing to do with you. That's life.

But what if that person was dying to tell someone, anyone their story. What if it made their day a whole lot better? I met some pretty amazing people in my life and taking them at face value does not do them justice. Hearing their story, their past and what gets their heart beating... that's what makes them stick in my mind.

Everyone has something cool to say,even if they don't think so. It's almost always guaranteed. Maybe I will take this on as a challenge...

Transformation

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." ~ Dr. Seuss

Everyone has a story. A series of events that adds a little bit of character to every aspect of their life. Things that motivate, excite and bring about meaning.

If you were to ask me five years ago (second semester, freshman year of college) if I would be where I am today, I don't think I would have believed it. I was shy (at first), figuring out how to get involved or with what to get involved in and what I wanted to do with my life.

Looking back now, my life has been a whirlwind. I've done some things I will never forget. There are times when I think my days are too ordinary, lack risk. But there's no way that's actually true. Life's everyday moments will over all have the biggest impact either in my own life or the lives of those around me.

But I can't help but be somewhat surprised by who I've become.

I'm 23 years old. I've jumped out of a plane and flown upside, sideways and barrel rolled in a plane. I've traveled to a city in Oklahoma and Baltimore on trips that have changed my life forever, not only serving others but receiving just as much if not more in return. I just recently applied for a passport and will be traveling to England this summer. Five years ago I was lucky to run two or three miles without my heart pumping out of my chest. In 66 days I will be running my first half marathon. In February I ran 10K road race in below zero temperatures, and I loved it.


At age 21 I was lucky enough to be hired for my first full-time, what-I-went-to-college-for job at The Flint Journal. I am still there today. I found amazing events to get involved in that remind me that it is not all about me. What started as a "that could be fun" moment has taken over much of my creativity. I dare you to ask me about Relay For Life and why I do it. (I've blogged about it in the last few months) I could go on and on about how amazing that event is for those with cancer, those who have lost the fight, their loved ones and anyone who has ever come in contact with any of them. And just recently I've began participating in a monthly Community Cookout in downtown Flint (Check out this blog), which has helped me form friendships with people my age, those not my age and those who are homeless. Thankful.

Let's not forget the most recent semi-impulsive decision — my tattoo. Ask anybody I knew five, 10 or 15 years ago. Never in a million years would they think I would get a tattoo. Sitting here typing I can see the word "Love" permanently scribbled on my arm. Because without love we are nothing.


And I've made mistakes, had struggles and am by no means done learning. But I wouldn't wish them away for anything. Without them, I am certain I would be a very different person. I have realized that who I am is not something anyone can change or should want to.

What an incredible five years. I'm ready to see what the next five have in store for me.

Something beautiful

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave. Of powerlines and city streets.”

— Tangled Web by Matt Hires

Ah. We all know the feeling. Being surrounded by rush hour, impatient drivers, busy grocery stores, phone call after phone call and the chaotic day of your every day life.
Sometimes I just want to shut my brain off and forget about the chaos. Sometimes I do that with a book, music or a nice run.
Recently I was able to do that with a trip more than 1,000 miles away. I visited the beautiful, blue skied town of Thermopolis, Wyoming (I promise, it’s a real place).



I could have spent the entire trip outside walking around looking at the beautiful hills and mountains.
Unfortunately, I can't always jet set across the country when I need a stress reliever. So I will strive to find some sort of a get-away wherever I am. That is my goal.

As for my trip … I felt like a middle school student who stepped into the high school for the first time: Wide-eyed and amazed.
Everything was beautiful. It was the complete opposite of the flat, slushy ground of Michigan around this time. The sun reflected off the water and I kid you not, there were buffalo roaming free. Imagine my reaction when we drove through the state park and saw one on either side of us in the open field. I was floored. The closest thing to that in Michigan is an overly comfortable cow.



Oh and did I mention the best part? A morning swim in an outdoor pool filled with water from the hot mineral springs! Let’s see how many adjectives I can use to describe that: relaxing, wonderful, refreshing, lovely.

I remember flying over the mountains and just soaking it in, thinking why can't life be this beautiful every day. Well, to be honest I like a little chaos some of the time, but every once in awhile we all just need a break. And the hot springs, canyons, beautiful red rocks and spans of endless road gave me just what I needed.

Ask yourself something. When someone asks you how you are doing, how often do you respond "busy" instead of "Good. Life is good."

So what is my point to all this? Life can be chaotic, crazy, messy, complicated, rushed, stressful and tiring. I urge to find a (physical or mental) place that none of that matters.

The C Word

Cancer.

Everyone knows someone who has battled it, lost the fight to it or has been affected by its wrath. I have never personally lost anyone to cancer, but I have watched many friends lose parents over the disease. I fell in the love with the sweetest 4-year-old girl in Flushing that was a burst of energy until she, too, lost the battle. I had the pleasure of spending only an hour with her for a story about her recovery.

When does it stop? There's no sure way of knowing, but for the past five years I have decided to try and do something about it. That's why I Relay.

Not familiar with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life? It's not only the ACS' biggest fundraiser of the year, but it's made such an impact that it takes place in 19 countries in more than 5,000 communities worldwide. That has to mean something, right?



And it all started with one man — Dr. Gordy Klatt. In 1985 he ran and walked a track for 24 hours as more than 500 family and friends watched. He ended up raising $27,000 to help fight cancer. Now Relay For Life is a collaborative effort of many teams made of many team members, who constantly walk a track for 24 hours to symbolize that cancer never rests.

And neither should we. So now we get to the point of why I'm telling you all this. I became involved in Relay For Life my freshman year of college, getting more and more involved each year. My last two years at CMU I was not only a team captain (Go Team Sunshine!) but a committee member to help organize the entire event. After a one year hiatus I'm so excited to get back into the planning of this amazing event. I am proud to say I am a committee member for the Grand Blanc Relay For Life that takes place in June.

I recently attended a Relay For Life Summit for all the events that fell under the East Michigan office. And it got me pumped. And if I'm this excited I believe it will spread to others. At the summit we were told something that I never really thought about, but now realize how true it is. Relay For Life isn't just an event that happens one day and then it's done. It's a lifestyle. The American Cancer Society uses these funds raised not only for cancer research, but to make life easier for those battling cancer and those who support them. I've never been so drawn in to a cause before.

I also joined a team this year — well was adopted into a team of wonderful teachers. This decades old event is nothing without those who volunteer and donate. So here it is, the reason for this blog post.

I have a goal to raise $500 by June. It's very possible and I plan to raise so much more than that. I've already donate $20 myself. But I need your help. Think about it. $10. That's two less coffees a week. One or two less trips to a fast food restaurant. Saying No to a new movie or CD.

In American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division (Michigan and Indiana) $22.8 million was raised last year alone. It was used to educate the community, provide rides and assistance to cancer patience and support for caregivers.

I know it's Christmas season and money is tight, but consider what kind of a difference this money could do.

If interested in helping me out, please visit my Relay For Life page here.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Obviously I love talking about this event :)

Loving what you do and having fun while you do it

There's nothing better than sailing through the sky, 40 feet above a lake with your feet dangling. ... Except of course getting paid to do so.
I love to write and tell people's stories (everybody has one). But some of the best days on the job are being able to get out from in front of the computer and just hang out with the people you are writing about. It wasn't anything over the top, extraordinary or life changing.
It was just spending time with some Flushing students and their teachers at Covenant Hills Camp in Otisville. They climbed rock walls, flew across the lake on a zip line, climbed obstacles 35 feet in the air to end up sitting in a canoe and did very amusing (but creative) team building activities. It was clear they were having a good time, and they let me join in a bit.

Who says work can't be fun?


Photo by Ryan Garza

Some of the best memories I've had as a journalist include the experiences I've had. I've flown upside down and barrel rolled in a stunt plane, sat in front of TV screens upon TV screens in an ESPN van at NASCAR, watched a wedding take place in the infield at NASCAR, met the cutest little girl fighting cancer, hung out with a beekeeper who's allergic to bees and met some pretty interesting characters along the way.

My job may be stressful and crazy at times. But I soak in all the great and exciting times as well. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Check out the latest story on the students spending the day at Covenant Hills Camp. Do it.

By Sarah Schuch | The Flint Journal

OTISVILLE, Michigan — Who said learning couldn’t be fun?

Seventy-two Flushing middle school gym students spent the day at the camp climbing a 40-foot rock wall, riding a zip line 900 feet across a lake and participating in team building exercises, among other activities at Covenant Hills Camp in Otisville.

“They have to work together. They have to listen to each other,” said Ron Gill, Flushing Middle School physical education teacher. “They have to talk to each other and encourage each other. Otherwise they won’t accomplish the goal.”

Check out the full story with photos on mlive.com.

Burst of Inspiration

Inspired.

I used to think that people who ran marathons were crazy.
Well I experienced the madness and mayhem first hand over the weekend. There was an estimated 50,000 runners at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday and roughly 1.5 million spectators spread throughout the city. The amount of adrenaline, excitement and sheer will that floated through the air was incredible.



The longest road race I ever participated in was the 8K crim race in August and to me that was exiting. That was nothing in comparison to the 26.2 miles that people ran with goal to win, to set a PR or simply just to finish. And I was only a spectator. To say I was proud of my friend Lindsay as I received the text saying she had crossed the finish line is an understatement. I'm not sure how many people I told about "my friend running the marathon" leading up to race weekend.
I followed her through the course as best as I could just for the chance to cheer her on, which is like a cruel game of Where's Waldo. My first attempt was at mile 3. Nothing. Then mile 13. I was able to scream for her just as she had ran strong past me. At mile 17 I came up short again. But along the way I was able to cheer on thousands of other runners and was blown away that after only an hour small clusters of runners were barreling past the half way point.
Amazed.

Let's not forget about the entertainment that came with the day. Never have I seen so many cow bells in one place or people lining the streets just to yell out the name if someone they don't know. They just read it printed on a shirt or painted on a person's skin. And even with an estimated 80 degree temperature high for the day runners were dressed as a superhero, some other character or in a tutu (men included). It was just as fun for people like me who woke up ungodly early to witness what I used to call crazy.






A handful of hours after she stepped over the start line Lindsay crossed the finish line. I instantly changed my Facebook status and eagerly waited for her to get to our meeting place. She met me there soon after with her medal around her neck and a well deserved beer in her hand. Then the celebration began.
I still think people who run marathons are a bit crazy. But one day I hope to be just as crazy.

Check out Lindsay's blog here.

Digitally Old

Do you remember the days when friends would call your house to get a hold of you? And if by some chance you weren't home you would just have to call them back later? If you do you, like me, are what I like to call digitally old.

I don't even think I got a cell phone until I was a junior or senior in high school. It was prepaid and didn't even have a full key board. Gasp!

Now, cell phones with Internet access, cameras, music, games, apps for virtually everything, full keyboards, touch screens and who knows what else are glued to the sides of everyone from ages 10 to 99.

Even school administrators think cell phones should be invited into the school day — in between classes and in the lunch room. Partly because, well, it doesn't seem like a big deal anymore. Another because phones hold the key to the city, so to speak. They are used instead of watches to check the time. A conversation to a friend is only a few key strokes away. And the answer to anything is second in reach.

About seven out of the 21 school districts in Genesee County allow students to use their cell phones during the day, sometimes in class for educational tools if the teacher allows it.

My, how times have changed. As for me, I'm still behind the times. My phone allows me to text, make phone calls and take not-so-elaborate photos. But hey, it's no longer prepaid and it has a full keyboard. I'm moving up in the world.

Here's my recent story in The Flint Journal.

By Sarah Schuch | The Flint Journal

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — Cellphone-toting students are now texting, talking and surfing the Internet in some local schools, as some districts loosen restrictions on electronic devices.

Some educators say they’re embracing the learning potential of smart phones and other devices. Others say they’re just bowing to the inevitable.

A new cellphone policy in the Flushing School District allows high school students to use their phones in between classes until the bell rings to start each period. Previously, Flushing students could use the phone only at lunchtime during the school day.

“For me not allowing cell phones was like locking me out of the library,” said Flushing High School Principal Jason Melynchek. “Why would we stop them from looking up something, having access to information? This is what our technology is providing us.”

Read what other schools have to say at Mlive.com.