Author: Marisa D.

You Never Know Until You Walk Out That Door…

Published by

Now this might be more of an instance with introverts, but… You usually like to stay home, watch a movie with your favorite choice of snack, maybe read a good book, or type away at your computer like I am now. But on occasion when someone or something convinces you to go out, you’re glad you went. Maybe you even had an occurrence when you met someone and thought, “wow I never would’ve had such a meaningful conversation if I had stayed in!” Sound familiar? Yup, ah-huh. That was me last night. It was one of those typical small talk conversations which inevitably led to, what did you study in college and where are you working? He was a mechanic and I an aspiring architect so we naturally bonded over art, design, and a creator’s mindset. Soon we found a similar passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future. The one question I always get when I tell people I studied architecture in school is if I’m going to own my own firm one day. As …

Priceless Moments

Published by

Oahu, Hawaii It seems that in this life we all strive for perfection, searching for that ultimate nonexistent level. Thinking this world only offers the finest to the richest. Granting reward only to the greatest. But what about those moments that are priceless, the ones that truly matter? Have you ever been moved to tears? Witnessed something so beautiful it gave you chills? Laughed so hard you forgot all your sorrows? I may not be able to achieve perfection or greatness, but I long for the moment when I’m the one to elicit an emotion so bare it leaves you breathless. Hear me, see me, and I will move you to tears, erase all your fears, and bring a joy so everlasting it will displace your strongest moments of doubt.

Tips To Becoming A Landlord: How to get started with loans, interest rates, taxes and budgeting.

Published by

I want to thank my mom for sharing her story. She has come so far and built so much for her family growing from both her failures and triumphs. At 57 her and my dad have acquired 6 rental properties and sold a single family residence with the hope of retiring at 60. I am proud to offer up her wisdom and share it with any who will hear. Read on to learn about her tips to becoming a landlord including loans, interest rates, taxes and budgeting. In her own words… _____ “Don’t ever rent, you are throwing money out the window when you do. Buy.” – Louis Terrazas, 1900 – 1988 That was my father’s pearl and without realizing it, my first lesson in becoming a landlord. I saw it years later in our neighbors who were young newlyweds. They lived in their home for only two years and then rented it out. That was 18 years ago and we still have renters next door! We always said – wish we could do that. …

That age old college question: Should I study what I love or what will make me money?

Published by

Question: People always ask the question – should you go to school for your passion or for a degree that will get you a good job. Now that you’ve finished school and have had jobs throughout the entire process, what is your answer to this?

Answer: “The idea of passion has vexed me since the moment it really became important, right before college when you are finally asked to determine a major, likely for a profession which you have no right to claim passion to. Passion, as many loved to tell me, came from this vigilant search in which you are this puzzle, with a  singular answer to light the way into the dream land called, “happiness.”

If you find your passion, you won’t work a day in your life.

What if I never found my passion? What if I didn’t have a passion?

First Day of Work

Published by

Oh the beginnings of a new internship…

We’ve all heard the stories about interns getting the bottom of the barrel tasks. Nothing wrong with it, we all have to start somewhere, and the stories can be entertaining to read. Since graduating I found myself working small contract jobs, joining a small startup Architecture firm, working as a Construction Leader at Habitat for Humanity, even starting up my own Airbnb, but I had never held an official Architectural Intern title.

Turns out the stories are true!

I started my new job at SAWS (San Antonio Water System) as an Architectural and Construction Management Intern. On my first day I sorted through FFE sheets (furniture, fixtures and equipment) counting how many trashcans, desks, chairs, whiteboards, ext., would go in each room, making an Excel sheet to stay organized. My boss joked with me that she had me working on trashcans my first day. Not the most exciting first day but at least now I had the classic intern experience!

Girls Night In Retreat

Published by

The girls from St. Mathew’s high school youth group put on their annual Girls Night In Retreat. The director, a high school junior, wrote a talk about their theme, His strength is hers. I would like to thank Danielle for allowing me to share her story.   “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Each of you is priceless. If this is true then why are our thoughts often times filled with negativity. Thinking about how we aren’t enough or less beautiful than others. Take a moment to think about whom you associate the word ‘beautiful’ with and why do you think so. Now think about how this affects the way you see yourself. Do you still think you’re beautiful? When you think about it, how can you know the true meaning of beauty, confidence, independence etc. if you don’t have self worth? Self worth is the sense of your own value or worth as a person. This means not worrying …