Get Out The Vote: Pre-Thoughts?

Day 1:

I've never really taken any interest in politics because I'm the type of person that likes to avoid conflict. If you know me well, you'd know that I like to maintain a peaceful environment. Growing up, I've always identified more as a Republican...I guess due to my upbringing and surroundings. On top of that, I grew up in a Christian home and remain a strong believer even today. I automatically casted myself in the Conservative Republican category without any research or interest in learning more. I guess life is good for me, never had it rough enough for me to care about what's affecting me and other people in the country. 

I turned 26 this year and this is my first time voting. I guess if it wasn't for my best friend that has a heart for politics, I wouldn't be flying out to Iowa to try to make a difference. Iowa is a totally different scene compared to California. People here are literally fighting to sway the state one way or the other. You can feel the intensity all around town. One lady told me this restaurant owner got so fired up about it, he almost kicked her out for being a Democrat. Families are now in quarrel and refuse to speak to each other over political parties. How crazy is that? It's crazy to me because coming from California, we're pretty much sheltered from what's really happening out here when the election is so close. 

In just a few hours time, I've come to love and appreciate this town the way I've heard about it many times before already from my best friend (who's currently working on Hillary's campaign). The people here have this indescribable geniality that you don't find in the people back at home. I got to see firsthand the kind of places the rest of the country lives in, which is obviously not as luxurious as our multi-million dollar homes. I overheard two guys talking about how spending $200 is such a luxury purchase for them while it's something we do without even blinking sometimes. Corn and beans matter more to them than LV or Chanel. I also found out there isn't a single Nordstrom in the entire state?! This is foreign to me as I'd imagine it would be for anyone back at home. I actually feel so honored to be able to meet these people and be able to be a part of them lives for a few days. 

I had many amazing encounters already today and one of which is with a man named Steve. He is an amazing husband and father. He took the time to drive us around town and gave us a tour of the mental institution here (it's where most of the towns people used to work). I later learned that he has cancer and still so willing to be out here serving and doing his part for a better future. As I got to know him and many other Democrats here, I started to question my own stance. I mean...I've never voted so I never really had to think about it. And even if I were to vote, I would never vote based purely on the party. So meeting these Democrats really got me thinking. As I started to chat with them more, I realized that these liberals are all Christian! Isn't God just so amazing? He knows just who to put in your life at the right time to address all your doubts. After taking the time to listen, I realized I can relate. They truly think about what would Jesus really do? They really want what's best for the people and not just what's best for themselves. I am definitely guilty of that, I've never really thought about politics as how it can affect others. It was then that I realized I'm a self-absorbed suburbs girl working in tech. I know, right? Wake up, Jessica! There's more to life than you, your friends, and work. Why is it so hard to be selfless in California? 

I spent the afternoon visiting a town called Independence. After going door to door, I started to see a difference in the supporters. All of my encounters with Trump supporters have been negative, hateful, and egotistical. Why is that? Why do they have to smirk at me and say "I'm voting Trump!" Yes, I get it. The reason why I can't bring myself to support trump is because his vibe makes me feel just that! He instigates divisiveness and that's something I can never support. The Hillary supporters weren't all rainbows and butterflies, but they were definitely normal if not polite at least. I'm actually shocked that I can see a difference in the supporters. Most of the people we spoke to were either undecided, not voting, or even voting independent. It's so shocking for me to see this in person and actually experience this on the front lines. 

I'm not here to persuade you to vote one way or the other, just simply sharing my firsthand experience with you guys. It's been amazing so far and I'm so stoked for the rest of the week! I believe this experience will make me a better person and I'm hopeful despite the results because I now know America is filled with Amazing people like the ones I've met so far! It's going to be a close one! If someone like me can make an effort to vote this year, you can too! Don't choose indifference over using your voice. God didn't intend for us to sit on the sidelines during a pivotal moment in history. Make sure you vote this year! :)

Facebook is not Real Life

Lately I've been pondering about this crazy obsession our generation has with social media. I personally love social media and I don't think it's wrong to love it. However, I've seen people drown in it and fail to distinguish between reality and virtual reality. Most of you guys know I'm extremely active online because I'm an open book. I love sharing and just being 100% who I am without any fear of being judged. In fact, I'm friends with my parents and hide nothing from them as well. Social Media is a great outlet to connect with people and share random things, but we must know it's not real. My Facebook does not define who I am, it's not even close because party pictures and what I'm eating doesn't say much about me. I hear so many comments from people about how amazing someone's life seems or how they wish they could have a certain person's life. And it honestly really bothers me that people spend so much time scrolling and comparing when they could use that time to actually hangout with someone that matters and ACTUALLY get to know them. 

Yes, I post a lot and it seems like my life is great. And it is honestly really great. I have so much to be thankful for and not much to complain about. However, it's not because of anything you guys see online. Traveling, partying, and having a great job is awesome. But it's temporary. You can't find happiness in momentary things. The reason why I have a great life is because I have a great support system and an amazing God that guides me through every life's trial and failures. The reason why I'm happy is because I've failed many many times before to get to where I am today. The reason why I'm excited to get up every morning is because of the amazing IN-PERSON encounters I have every day! 

I hope this post can encourage some people who really struggle with internal comparison and really find that contentment in their heart. Be proud of who you are, post what you want to post, and live the way you want to live. Not by society's standards, not by what other people do online, but by what makes you happy. Go for it! Don't let anyone judge you for doing what makes you happy. 

Social Media is a great place for creativity and random jots. From Fashion Bloggers to Health Fanatics and even Cool Random People that are famous for no reason...it really takes certain skills and traits to be able to produce content the way these people do. Don't underestimate or judge them, but don't put them on a pedestal either! Everyone's human and you don't know who they are until you spend time getting to know them....wait for it....IN PERSON. Don't let the superficial aspect affect you. Embrace each other's creativity and learn! :)

One Year with Rubrik

Today marks one year with Rubrik! Wow, what an amazing year and stoked for another! This anniversary really gave me an opportunity to reflect on this past year, professionally. This is the 2nd company I've stuck with for over a year. I'm grateful every single day that I get to wake up late and head into my second home for another amazing day! Many of you don't know this, but I was actually miserable in my previous position(s) and never really found a good fit. I fasted and prayed for quite awhile and stayed faithful to the fact that God will open the right door for me. Thankful for the sisters that prayed for me through this process and continue to pray for me in this workplace. There really is no aspect in my life that God is not present. He ALWAYS pulls through and this job was one of the biggest testament to that!

I'm grateful to work alongside amazing talent, arguably some of the best in the nation/India (haha). I didn't go to an Ivy League and definitely was not gifted in academics, but somehow I always end up working with crazy smart people with humble personalities. What a blessing! I can actually say that I wake up excited to go into work (almost) every single day. Aside from all the fun in the office, everyone is super motivated and hard working. It may seem like all we do is play and never work from all the stuff I post, but there is that 90% behind the scenes that is not pictured. What is not pictured is the amazing ambition and drive that is poured into this company by everyone there. I appreciate that everyone truly works hard, yet keeps it extremely fun at the same time. JUST MY TYPE OF PEOPLE! :) 

Every new hire we get, I'm just blown away by the quality in our hires. Everyone here truly has it all: brains, looks, and that rockin' personality! I feel truly humbled to be apart of this impact and excited to see another year of growth for Rubrik! One year ago today, I came in not knowing I had walked into my dream job. One year later, we've doubled in size, entered into Series C, and almost taken over the entire building! 

This past weekend, Rubrik took everyone to Tahoe for a team offsite! This is the first time a company has taken me on vacation...and I mean VACATION! I was told I wasn't allowed to work by my boss and was spoiled rotten with all the free food, cruise, and company! What a fun group of people I work with! Truly blessed! So much favor! Thank you, Jesus!!

Happy Workiversary!! :)