Yesterday, I went to the Ames' Farmers' Market with a couple of friends. The booths there were full of diversity - you had flower stalls, Taco trucks, beauty booths, Indian food, lemonade stands, and music artists. I really enjoyed myself! Here are some snapshots that I captured while there. All were taken with my Canon EOS Rebel T5.

I have a question for you all. It's pertaining to a recent experience that I have had (although I have technically been dealing with it for a long time already). The more times I have to deal with the ignorance that I am going to mention in this piece, the more I get bothered and upset. Everyone who really knows me understands how passionate I am about social and racial issues. So for me to have been dealing with this racial and offensive issue for so long, it is odd that it's taken me so long to write about it. But that's what I'm doing now. Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to connect and discuss with you all.

Before we continue with the bulk of this post, let's define race: race is a social construct that was created by society to create a hierarchy. 

What makes someone a race? Specifically, what makes someone black?

I ask this question because I, apparently, am not black enough. Ever since middle school, I have been called an Oreo, which is a derogatory term used to single out black people for not behaving like a stereotypical black person, or for not liking traditional "black"  things. Now, what are qualities that can get you classified as an Oreo, you ask? Oh - it can be little things, such as listening to Country music, speaking proper English, and dressing "like a white person." Nothing major; it's the simple things in life that can suddenly make you lose your identity.
So, referencing those aforementioned examples, what do you think? Does the way you speak make you black, white, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American? Is the music you listen to the actual identifier? Or what about the clothes you wear or how you wear those clothes? Or, just maybe, it's determined by who you date? Or possibly your friend group - whether it's diverse or not?
It's important for me to know because, honestly, I am exhausted of being told that I am the "whitest black person" that someone has ever met.  Or that I am not "really" black? Or that I'm just not black enough. I cannot even count on two hands how many times those statements have been made to or about me. And to this day, I still do not know what to say back because material things do not identify you. Material things do not make you who you are. Who I am is a black woman in America that would really appreciate it if people would keep their ignorant remarks to themselves. No one will get a rise out of me when they say that I do not act black or that I simply have the wrong skin tone. I will not stop being who I am and enjoying what I do and what I like because someone else wants me to fit into the stereotypical black person identity. 

I identify as black. I love being black. I have always been black. I will forever be black. 

I am not upset and bothered because being called white hurts my feelings. It doesn't. There is nothing wrong with being white. But what does bother and upset me is that white it is not a part of my identity. What bothers and upsets me is being told that I am not enough of a certain way to claim my identity. I've been raised to love myself and who I am. It's been a long road (and I'm only 18) to self-love, but I am finally here and constantly working on myself. Identity is huge to me! My race is one demographic that I use to identify myself. So, for those who think that it's okay to call someone an Oreo or tell them that they do not fit in or that they are not "enough" to claim their identity or that they're not "really" who they identify, it's not okay. It's hurtful. It's upsetting. It's sad. 
And I recognize now that these any friends of mine will not use derogatory terms like Oreo. My friends will not try to make me question any part of my identity. What real friends do is accept one another for who they are, what they like, and other quirks and unique qualities. 
What are your thoughts? Have you ever been told that you are not enough of a certain way so you cannot possibly identify as something? 

On my photography portfolio, I introduce myself as a portrait and pet photographer by day and a wildlife and nature photographer by night. I love each photography genre individually because of the respective characteristics and opportunities brought about. Portraits: seeing a person's or family's personality shine through the camera. Pet: working with animals and letting their personality shine through. Wildlife: the spontaneity of animals in their natural habitat and the awesome feeling I get after getting some good shots. Nature: seeing the earth at its purest and simply being out in the elements make me happy. If I were to rank my preference for these genres today, I do not think that I could do it. I love each one for different reasons, and I think that getting rid of one would make me feel bad. However, I do partake in shooting one genre more than the others. I have been taking more portrait shots lately as I build my portfolio and try to create a side business while I am in university. Wildlife, nature, and pet shots come second, as a more relaxing type of photography for myself.  Below are some articles and blog posts that I have recently read pertaining to portrait photography. Give them a read!

1. How to Find Great Backgrounds for Outdoor Portraits

I prefer taking portrait pictures outside in nature or urban areas. This post by Andrew Gibson, over on Digital Photography School (one of my go-to photography blogs) shares tips on how to find the best places to snap some good portrait shots in the great outdoors. You don't always see picture-perfect spaces upon first glance; sometimes, putting on your photographer's eyes will change a space in a moment. Give this post a read and garner some inspiration!

2. 6 Ways to Take a Candid Portrait of Somebody You Know

3. 5 Tips for Taking Better Portraits in Nature

It's really funny how I tend to go MIA whenever big events occur in my life. It happened when I went to Stanford; it happened after I moved to live with my permanent family in Germany, and it happened again after I recently moved to Iowa. Big events tend to make me want to soak everything in without the pressure of having to blog. Don't get me wrong - I love blogging. Blogging is a really nice way to express myself, share my content (photography), and meet people and join/build communities. Nevertheless, I cannot apologize for going MIA. I cannot even say that I want to be remorseful because I can't. Life happens, and I am at the point in my life where I prefer to experience everything first hand versus having to relive everything through a picture or a blog post.
And while I said all of that, I want to come back to The Burns Effect. I've been thinking more and more about blogging lately, and I think that it's time for me to return to action. (Is that even a saying?? Hahah.) In addition to coming back to the blog, I will also be picking up my camera again. I haven't really taken it out on campus, although Iowa State University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the US. 
Since I have your attention, I might as well catch you up on what has been happening in my life lately. Okay...get ready for a mouthful. (Not really because I am about to break this up in bullet points, because...well...lists.)

• I have joined an infinite amount of clubs and organizations already, despite our ClubFest not having occurred yet. It was technically supposed to be today, but because of an incoming storm, it was pushed back until tomorrow. Some clubs that I have joined are National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), a photography club, DUB-H (a hip-hop dance team), Black Student Alliance (BSA), Event Management Club, the Ballroom and Swing dance team, and the book club. There are probably a lot more that I am forgetting about, but I am too lazy to track them down to figure out what the are. 
• I won't be staying in all of the aforementioned clubs! I just want to check out what each one is about and see which ones I really enjoy. I am definitely staying in the Black Student Alliance; however, because it is awesome. Even the initial meeting made me feel like that club is going to be very inclusive and fun.
• I am actually a co-founder of a soon-to-be dance team at Iowa State called C-Nettes. It is an all-girls dance/majorette team that encourages body positivity, team endurance, and sisterhood. I'll update you guys on what's happening there! (I am still deciding whether I am going to continue pursuing it because of how I am seeing it's turning out. Meh.)

• I attended the George Washington Carver retreat (for my scholarship), which was boring but helpful in meeting new people. I will be attending the Womyn of Colour retreat next weekend. It will be held in Ogden, Iowa. 

• Next Sunday, I am going to Omaha, Nebraska with some friends to visit the zoo! Apparently, the zoo is one of the best in America (top 5?). 

• I have met some really nice friends. I have no idea why I was so concerned about meeting friends, but it was not that hard. All you have to do is be yourself and be open to meeting new people. Be random. Put yourself out there. I'll write an entire post about this later.

• I toured Jack Trice Stadium the first week that I was on campus. My Destination Iowa group and I volunteered to pick up trash around the stadium, and then afterward, we were able to tour the inside (and write thank you letters to the Athletics). It was cool. I find it pretty humorous that I have tour two football stadiums already, despite the fact that I am not an avid football fan. Hah!
• My classes are going well. I pretty much enjoy them all; however, math will forever be my worst subject, but I'll get through it. (Optimism is key, no?)

I would like to note that I am writing this little (albeit long) post during an unexpected break in my schedule. Apparently, my AESHM 113E class was not scheduled for today because the other sections didn't have it on Monday, Labor Day. Soooo, some other people and I showed up in class, and we would've been oblivious for a while unless my friend came in and told us. It was really funny. That shows that we definitely need to read our syllabi more. #collegelessons 

Anyway, I said all of that to say that I doubt that I am going to have a set blogging schedule. My days are so unpredictable and my friends and I enjoy being super spontaneous. I'll post whenever I get the urge and chance to. That may be five times a week or three or maybe one or maybe one time a month. I don't know. But I just thought I'd let you guys know!

Have a good rest of the week. :)

Leaving your family and moving away for college is naturally an emotional event. No matter what experiences or opportunities you have ever embarked upon, going away for college is an entirely new ballgame. I can attest to that. Leaving to go to Iowa State was a sad ordeal for me, despite having flown across the U.S. to California when I was only 15 and flowing across the world to Germany at 17. I felt like I could not feel sad or nervous or anxious because I have already experienced so much! But honestly - every experience is a new and different experience, and it is okay to feel emotional during each one. 
There is no right or wrong way to feel. Personally, I hate feeling emotions, and I try to keep them to myself until I can no longer do so. However, preparing to leave for college taught me or simply reaffirmed many lessons: 1) crying is honestly good for the soul; it's freeing, 2) missing your friends, family, and hometown is warranted; you are leaving people and places that you know and are completely at ease with to go to a new place and meet new people, and 3) feeling emotional does not mean that you have any regrets or are afraid; it can just mean that you are a normal person who has feelings, but is nevertheless excited for the future.
It has taken me a bit of time to come to terms with moving away from Michigan and my family; however, I have no regrets for choosing a college out-of-state. I love Iowa State University, and I am excited for all of the possibilities that I have here! You, too, should not have any regrets. Growing up and moving away (even if it's only an hour from home) is a big deal and a stepping stone in life. No prior experience that you may have had (studying abroad or going to camp or going on vacation without your family) should stop you from feeling the way that you do. If you do not feel sad or anxious or nervous, great! If you do, great! Nobody is the same. We all experience and come to conclusions differently. 
But I want to let you know that it's okay. Cry, smile, laugh, rant. Do you.   

Michigan, oh Michigan, how I love thee. As I get closer and closer to moving away from my home state, my love for it continues to grow. Once upon a time, if you would have asked me where I would prefer to live, my answer would've been, "Anywhere but Michigan." But now my answer would completely change. The mitten state is not only where I was born and raised, it is also where I have learned more about myself and my history, where I have met some of the greatest people, and where I will always have roots. This state is beautiful. We have The Great Lakes, Mackinaw Island, the city that embodies Christmas year round, and delicious cherries! 
Yes, Michigan's weather is confusing (what do you want? two or four seasons, man, make up your mind already!). Yes, there are things about Michigan that I'd change if I could. But there is nothing that makes me happier than saying that I am a Michigander (and better yet, a Detroiter). I'll say it loud and proud.  
There are a lot of itineraries floating around when it comes to visiting cities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula (UP). You'll find some for Munising, Grand Rapids, Mackinaw, and Houghton. I highly recommend that you check those cities out; you'll find amazing waterfalls, historical sites, camping sites, lighthouses, and more. It's a real sight to see. But there is another side of the state that is commonly forgotten about when writing about places to visit during a trip to Michigan (unless you're a huge sports fan). I'm talking about cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Royal Oak, Farmington, Frankenmuth, and Lansing. So, because of the lack of guides for places such as these, I figured I would share with you all where I would take you if you were to visit Michigan. Here's my guide for Detroit, which was named #9 on the New York Times' list of places to visit in 2017. (Watch out for future guides for Metro Detroit cities!) 

Detroit Riverwalk  

I would take you to the Riverwalk in Downtown Detroit. It provides the perfect view of Windsor, Ontario; during the summer months, you will see a carnival, fireworks at times, and a beautiful skyline, which is pretty nice. I mean, how many other places in America can you see what's happening over in Canada while still in the US? Very few. Aside from the gorgeous view of Canada and the Detroit River, there are tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and museums nearby. The Renaissance Center (General Motor's headquarter) is also right behind the boardwalk, so it's very convenient if you have to use the restroom, are hungry (there is an entire food court available as well as some more expensive dining choices), or want to meet with Santa during the holiday season.   There are also a ton of festivals and events going on at the Riverwalk. It's really fun! There is always live music, the Detroit Princess to ride, water jetting out of the sidewalk, sometimes booths (like during a culture festival), and during RiverDays, there are boats to climb on, carnival rides, fireworks, and Husky dogs (Winter Blast). Depending on what time of year it is, Downtown Detroit provides an abundance of activities to participate in. So, if you are planning on coming to Michigan, do some research and take your pick! 

Mexican Town

I love Mexican Town! This area is full of delicious food and an entirely different culture than the one found primarily in Detroit and its metropolitan areas. The part that I'd like to dwell on is the food, though. Trust. Me. If you come to Michigan, please do yourself a favor and visit Mexican Town. When you go there, I highly recommend Xochimilco as your first restaurant to eat at. It is my favorite restaurant, and I am putting it against all other restaurants, whether it's American, Chinese, Italian, or Greek. I highly recommend that you eat a bunch of their free chips and spicy salsa, and then buy the beef burritos with cheese on top and double rice. As for drinks, because I am a minor I stick to the Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri, which I absolutely love.
After you leave Xochimilco, make your way down one block (by foot) and taste your way through La Gloria Bakery. They have delicious bread and little treats that you do not want to miss out on. Yum. Then, and I apologize for having you walk so much, walk back down a block and to the antique shop next to Xochi's (Xochi's Mexican Imports). GO IN THERE.  You will be able to find some really cute and unique Mexican antiques.
Now - and this is if you would like the genuine Mexican and not Americanized food that Mexican Town can provide - drive to Mexican Town bakery on Vernor's Hwy (a street over from Xochi's) and eat one of their sweets. You'll thank me. I ordered my cake from them for my 16th birthday, and I honestly had never had a cake so delicious. And if you get hungry again, try one of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants down there: Taqueria El Rey. Their chicken tacos are a God-send! Plus, their tacos start at only $1.50 (corn shell - highly recommended over flour); however, they are cash-only! 

Greek Town

While you are here, you definitely need to go to Astoria Pastry Shop (also available in Royal Oak, but this one is the first and best) and Pizza Papalis. They are both on the same block, so it'll be really easy to hop from one to the other (NO EXCUSES). The best order is probably Pizza Papalis and then Astoria's because the latter is a desert shop. At Pizza Papalis, I always order their lasagna with extra cheese and sauce; my sister orders their pizza, which, I cannot deny, is mouthwateringly delicious.
After you leave Pizza Papalis, head on over to your right and into the doors of Astoria, a Michigan-based pastry shop. They sell treats like Baklava, Macaroons, Danishes, Cupcakes, Cannolis, and Cookies. (Menu - note that not everything is available) Whenever I go, I head straight towards the Nutella Macaroons. Oh god. Imagine taking a bite and having your eyes roll to the back of your head from the savory taste. I'm telling you, buy that darn macaroon. You can thank me later.

The DeQuindre Cut

If you are into photography like me, then this will be your urban heaven! The DeQuindre Cut is a 1.15-mile area that is popular among photographers in the city. There are walls full of graffiti, bicycle paths, and space for the casual jogger/pedestrian. You will also find little work-out areas throughout the cut as well as some lovely greenery.

Prioritizing and keeping myself focused and on track used to be one of the most challenging things for me to do. I would get distracted by social media, television, blogs, music, and pretty much anything else. But sometime over the last two years, something in me changed. I began to organize my tasks and schedule better; I began to keep track of the most important dates and events. Instead of feeling like every little thing was attacking me at once, I began to feel like my life was in order. 
Obviously, in order for all of this to happen, I had to make some changes in my life and daily schedule. I started to implement activities and organization tactics to aid me in staying organized. Below, I am sharing some of the best ways that I have prioritized certain happenings in my life and stayed focused. What are some of the best ways that you keep your life in order?

Use A Calendar

While I am more into having a calendar that is easily accessible on all of my technology, I cannot deny the great pleasure of physical calendars. I used one while I was in Germany, and I recently purchased a new one from Five Below that I am super excited to use during the school year! But since I am only now getting into using a physical calendar, let me focus on what I am a pro at using: online and mobile calendars! One of the first ones that I have ever loved was Sunrise. It was easy to integrate my Google, iTunes, and any additional accounts into one, large calendar. All of my events, deadlines, and reminders were able to sync up. One of the main attractions to this calendar was the fact that I could sync this one calendar across my Windows laptop, iPad Mini, and Android smartphone. 
That attraction was, however, lost with my calendar update to SolCalendar, which is only available on android devices. Not all is lost, though! The newest calendar that I use allows me to use cute marks (from a plane to food to an A+ for school to a simple highlight) as well as color-coding for any and all events or to-dos. You can also invite others to your event as well as state whether you are available, maybe available, or not available for a certain time-frame. 
In my calendar, I plan blog posts, add important information (for example, flight itineraries), and make note of tests, assignments, and upcoming breaks. . I like to have a full calendar as it makes me feel as if I am organized and know what's happening in my life.
If you are more interested in a desktop calendar, then you should download **Rainlendar. It is perfect! I actually used this religiously before I downloaded Sunrise. I still do use it, but not as frequently because it's purely desktop and I prefer one that syncs across all of my electronics. It allows for customization of your calendar as well as color coding, icons, and to-do lists! 

Use a To-Do List

This is a recent addition to my organization schedule. I categorize items into Home, School, and Blog. That helps keep me more organized as everything is under their respective categories, so I know what needs to get done and for what. On those to-do lists, I add quite a bit at once (with their due dates scheduled and any additional notes), so that once I see the scratch of completion, I feel much more accomplished. (Yes! I wasn't such a lazy bum today! *fist pump*) 

Schedule Posts

If you are a blogger, then you most likely understand how much time and effort it takes to write a blog post. Not multiple blog posts - just one. Yeah; it is insane. But since I do love blogging, that is just one sacrifice I have to make. Nevertheless, I can still try to make my blog preparation more efficient and be time conscious. In order to do that, I use my spare time (usually during the weekend I have hours to kill) and knock out some posts. If I realize that I do not have "spare time," I then try my best to shuffle my schedule around and schedule in time for blog things. By scheduling posts for the upcoming week (and sometimes two), I feel more organized and like I have my life on a smooth road to success. A happy blog is a happy me, right? Right? *nudges with an awkward grin*

Do The Smaller Tasks First

This goes hand-and-hand with my to-do list. I like to complete the smaller, therefore easier, tasks first.  One, this allows me to quickly get them out of the way. And two, once I an finished with them, the scratch of completion motivates me to continue handling business. If I can get some of the minuscule tasks over and done with, then when it comes time to complete the larger tasks, my list will not make me feel as if I got absolutely nothing done that day.

Take Mini-Breaks

Although taking breaks every ten minutes will hardly allow you to complete tasks, a fifteen minute break every hour and a half is decent. (Or simply after you finish an entire task, if it doesn't take up that much time.) It allows you time to relax and to not stress out. I know that once I get into a task, project, or assignment, I do not want to quit until I am finished. Sometimes that is fine! Other times, it stresses me out so badly that I end up quitting for the rest of the day. What's the use of that? It does not allow progress to get done, which means I'll be stuck doing it again the next day. Nein danke. So, what I do is give myself tiny breaks to grab a snack, send a few text messages, check social media, or simply catch some brief zzzz's.   

Get Rid of Distractions

Distractions are the vice of pretty much everyone. They can keep you from doing what is really important. My distractions are social media, good music, and books/blogs. To keep from being distracted by these things, I (1) tell myself that I can check social media during a break or that it will be my reward when I am finished with the task, (2) put on music that does not have any lyrics to it, and (3) don't start reading any books, which is how I can easily fall into the procrastination trap of "only one more chapter!" Whatever your distractions are, try to minimize them whenever you can! Trust me, your productivity will thank you!