#2 Beat Boise State Veterans Day

Veterans Day used to just be a day off. A day to eat tuna sandwiches and go to the beach. It was a "holiday." I've never been aware of what it meant to honor people on Veterans Day...until Raliegh Scott called me.

"How are you, Brooker?" I immediately felt elated as I heard my best friend's voice. "RALIEGH!!!! OH MY GOSH, HOW ARE YOU?!" I was spitting on the phone from sheer excitement. Raliegh Scott signed up for the Army in April. He is from Star Valley, Wyoming and grew up on a farm...a legit cowboy. He hunts, ride horses and prides himself on tight jeans and his accent. Signing up for the Army seemed out of his comfort zone--why would this outgoing, down-to-earth student sign up for the rigid army? Talking to him that night made me realize--inside everyone is a love for our country.

Students at Boise State University held a rememberance on Veterans Day. They gave speeches, played patriotic music and respected those still serving and those who have passed. I had the opportunity to perform at a Rexburg Veterans Day celebration here as well. It was so wonderful to watch the men stand and say the Pledge of Allegience. With my jazz band, we serenaded the crowd and shared mutual feelings. It was so different for me; I was actually not viewing this as a holiday but as a day to think about what others have done for ME.

Talking to Raliegh on Veterans Day was special. He and the other men got the day off. He sounded somber on the phone. He graduated Army training camp a few weeks ago; therefore, last week was the first time I really got to talk to him (they weren't allowed to have cell phones). He's now in Oklahoma being trained in the artilery department...I guess his hunting skills have come back to help him.

I appreciated so greatly the example Boise State displayed by taking the time and effort to honor men and women that helped shaped our country.

First Beat Blog_Vaccination shots

Students shoot 2,500...

In researching stories about higher education in Idaho, one stood out to me in regards to Idaho State University. I was looking over their website and I found an article about some great things the students are doing. The College of Pharmacy at ISU had their students issue more than 2,500 influenza vaccinations shots to local residents. They were under the supervision of faculty and liscensed pharmacists. These students gave health awareness speeches at fairs where they administered numerous shots. I don't think I personally take the flu too seriously. After reading the article I felt like maybe I should get a shot too.
I enjoyed researching how these students were putting their education to good use. We pay thousands of dollars to attend universities; we're trained in whatever we want to do in life. I have the opportunity to be trained in journalism, music, english and broadcasting. I feel so blessed when I look back on my days at BYU-Idaho. In less than one month, this saga will come to an end. I appreciate the ISU students getting out into the community...creating health awareness followed up by shots. They had facts and information and the skills to back them up. When I return from my mission, I will be able to put my education to work...I look forward to that day.