Murph's Top Ten

There are a bazillion things teens should know, but today I'm sticking with 10. It's unbelievable what youth are bombarded by in just ONE day. Essentially, it's like this collage of crap. Pretty accurate.





For the next ten posts, I'll be tackling the following topics:

1) If You're Not First You're last!: You don't always have to be first

2) Doing Stupid Things, Doesn't Mean You're Stupid: Learning from our mistakes

3) Breakin' Up and Makin' Up: Teen relationships

4) Help Wanted: How do you ask for help

5) Dinner Isn't Always Ready After One Minute in the Microwave: Some things are worth the wait

6) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth For A Reason: The need for good listeners

7) Boots With The Fur Are So Last Year: What we need, and WHAT WE DON'T

8) You're Cool...Sort Of: Self-esteem

9) Bucks, Greenbacks, Cabbage, Dough, Cheddar, Gwap...MONEY: Teen finances

10) Poke Me, Tweet This, Skype You, Stalk What?: Cyber safety


Life seems easier broken down.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Slow Down Homeboy!

Run, Run, Run. This week has been CRAZY busy!

Let me start with a shout out to the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix. You rock my life. Seriously. It doesn't get much better than seeing teens, with rough backgrounds, find motivation to tackle what's in store. Do I cry? Maybe...but they are really manly cries! More like whimpering, so I guess you would call it a man whimper - or a mimper! Yeah, that's it.

Here are a few pics of your boi in action.










Poetry SLAMMIN'








I'm so down with people who can articulate and express their thoughts. I don't care if you sing it, play it, whisper it, or stomp it out, personal expression is CRAZY EXCITING!

I speak and coach for a living, so being in front of crowds doesn't normally phase me. But there's something about a lonely mic and an audience with high creative expectations that makes my stomach fill with knots. I went to a poetry slam, signed the line to give a piece, and felt a little out of my element.

Sometimes that feeling of nervousness is just what we need to be GREAT! Have you ever felt a little too comfortable? I have, and that means that I'm over confident! That is like "backwards swagger"!

Nervous --> attack --> BREAKTHROUGH.

There will be a time when the "show must go on"; a live or die moment. This could be your greatest fear or something as small as an algebra test. Either way, when it comes down to that moment and your nerves are about to punch their way out of your stomach, when you feel like your mouth couldn't possibly move, when your arm pits could fix Africa's drought (gross)...You get it... THIS is the moment that separates the "great ones" from the "so so's".

My hope for you today is that you feel the pressure, and RISE to meet it.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Jump, Dude

I've been slackin, and that's NOT cool!

Last week I looked in the mirror, got upset, and vowed to make some changes. I'm trying this new phenomena called "running" - this coming from an ex college athlete... oy. The only thing worse than running, is passing a happy runner. Just as I get my "I'm gonna die face on", they pass me, and their grin looks like a sideways banana. You know, it's like they aren't really sure if they have to use the bathroom or write a novel.

So, running. Not my fave. But I DO love to hike. Living in Phoenix equals endless climbing options. Holla.

Check out me getting my hike on HERE!

Today I went hiking with my wife. It was all gravy to start with, and as we made it to the top of the mountain, we breathed a deep sigh of accomplishment... or hyperventilation. Whichever take on it, we breathed.

I snapped a photo to give you a better idea of what I'm talkin' about.



It's funny how simple the world looks when you're viewing it from above. It's quiet, the land is widespread, and there's a peace like it could easily be conquered. But zoom into an intersection, and this guys yellin' at that guy, bla bla bla. You get it. Not so simple when you're IN it.

After some time talking and relaxing on top, we got up to head down. We scoped out our options, and both decided on a very... different way down. We arrived at a huge drop. I had no choice but to JUMP from point A to B. But like, the whole alphabet was between the two. BEST case scenario, I could land on the foot rock, unscratched. Worst case...I could totally roll down hundreds of feat to my death. Yikes.

My brain very clearly said no, but my heart said GO! Well, 25 minutes later, we turned around to head the other way. Just as Gina was out of sight, something in me made me stop, turn, and JUMP. I made it down!

Obviously, I lived. But this experience, however insignificant in other people's eyes, really made me think. Made me think about life.

As a teenager, it's easy to feel like life can't possibly get any more complicated. Maybe you feel like your only option is failing, turning back, giving up... NOT JUMPING. But what does that accomplish?

If you don't jump now...you NEVER will. Seriously.

It's in our nature to turn back, walk away, look for the easy route. But falling into what comes naturally only encourages a BAD HABIT. Yes, habit. Choosing to jump is a habit, and there will always be another time in your life when you'll face a cliff you're either going to walk away from, or conquer.

What if we didn't need to find a way around, or over the walls in our lives? What if we just saw the wall and ran through it?

We make it a habit to retreat, TO RUN AWAY from our problems. AND YA KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT RUNNIN!


So, JUMP ALREADY.




The decision to triumph, win, and conquer is in YOU.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Sc-HOLLA-rships Part II

I can't sleep! It's that important that you get this information. It took TWO posts!


Highest Total Cost 2009-2010

College Total Cost

1. Sarah Lawrence College $54,410
2. New York University $51,991
3. The George Washington University $51,730
4. Bates College $51,300
5. Skidmore College $51,196
6. Johns Hopkins University $51,190
7. Georgetown University $51,122
8. Connecticut College $51,115
9. Harvey Mudd College $51,037
10. Vassar College $50,875
11. Wesleyan University $50,862
12. Claremont McKenna College $50,800
13. Colgate University $50,660
14. Carnegie Mellon University $50,640
15. Haverford College $50,625
16. Bowdoin College $50,485
17. Middlebury College $50,400
18. Mount Holyoke College $50,390
19. Bard College $50,380
20. Boston College $50,370
21. Franklin & Marshall College $50,360
22. Bard College at Simon's Rock $50,340
23. Scripps College $50,336
24. Babson College $50,324
25. Colby College $50,320


WOW, it's not getting any better! Student: MURPH are you trying to talk me out of going to college? Me: NO, I'm just trying to keep it real. People don't let you guys know the truth, they gas you up, get you excited about college, but leave you hangin when it comes to the reality of ACTUALLY attending your dream school. So what are you going to do about it?!

Don't get mad GET EVEN!

There is MONEY out there, you just need to know where to look for it. If you start early this will be easier. BUT not easy. It will take some hard work on your part.

These Ten Tips will help you in getting scholarships to pay for college:

1) Start ASAP and Apply Early - Many scholarships have early application deadlines, so don't miss out on these opportunities.

2) Search Locally - A local scholarship is probably your best chance for getting a College Scholarship. There are special scholarships just for locals, meaning it will be less competitive, as there are usually less applicants. Local Banks, Grocery Stores, clubs, businesses, organizations, and churches are all potential sources for community scholarships.

Also check State-funded scholarships. States have lots of money to disperse when it comes to providing education.

3) Read the Requirements - Make sure you are eligible right from the start, so you’re not wasting your time. Also, never pay to apply for a scholarship, these are usually scams.

4) Follow Instructions Carefully - Any errors right off the bat can get your scholarship application easily denied. Proofread it. Have someone else proofread it.

5) Neatly Presentable, Neatly Packaged - Send the Scholarship Application via Certified mail or better yet, FedEx, making your application look professional and stand out from others.

6) Communicate - Make sure the application is right. If you are not sure about something in the scholarship application, don't hesitate to ask.

7) Check School Specific Scholarships - Check with the college you would like to attend. Usually there are many school-specific scholarships available. This alone may be able to help you in your school decision making.

8) Visit a financial counselor at your School (if you have one, if not please send me an email so I can help) - A financial counselor may be able to lead you to scholarships you don't know about, or that aren't listed on the web. Find Scholarships that aren't very competitive by applying for ones that are not heavily advertised.

9) Be Active, Stay ALL UP IN THEIR GRILL - Being in a sports team, club or some type of community service will always better your chances at receiving a college scholarship.

10) Maintain your GPA - Keep your grades up. A higher GPA will make you eligible for more scholarships, on top of increasing your chances of receiving THE MONEY!

Click HERE for a little help finding some great scholarships.

I am a BIG believer in the power of "WANT". If you want something bad enough, you will find a way. If we want the fresh new pair of J's, or the new jeans that make our booty look good, we will find a way. So lets find a way to afford something that won't fade or rip, lets WANT something more for our lives.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Sc-HOLLA-rships!

BIG Shout Out to Sarah Ramirez from Bioscience High School for the inspiration!

Me: Can I get A What What?

Student: What?

Me: No, a WHAT WHAT?

Student: What are you whating about?

Me: Wow...

This was an exact conversation that I recently had with a student. I feel old :(

Today I wanted to take a moment to talk about a very important topic SCHOLARSHIPS!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!

I don't know about you but things are TOUGH right now. Instead of Show Me The Money, it's more like WHERE's the money!!



One thing that I have noticed over the years is the amazing ability to be BROKE AS A JOKE. Even if mom and dad hook us up, even if we have a job at Taco Smell, we always seem to end up BROKE! What's up with that? I'll tell you. We SPEND money. Ha. Simple right? Wrong.

How many of you are saving for college right now? Don't worry I'll wait...........

EXACTLY! Hardly any of us!

SO we need to talk about the reality of how much it will cost you to go to college.

According to recently released reports from the College Board, most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $172 to $1,096 more than last year for this year's tuition and fees, depending on the type of college.

But there is good news. There is more than $168 billion in financial aid available. And, despite all of these college price increases, a college education remains an affordable choice for most families.

Although some of the college price tags you hear about can be CRAZY—$35,000 or more for yearly tuition and fees—most colleges are more affordable than you might think. For example, did you know that about 53 percent of students attend four-year schools with annual tuition and fees below $9,000? After grants are taken into consideration, the net price the average undergraduate pays for a college education is significantly lower than the sticker price. And remember, other forms of financial aid will further reduce the amount your family will actually pay.

CRAZY!!! I know this is a lot of information, but THIS is what you need to know.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Motivational Speaking With A dash of Crazy

Good Morning Internet!

Today I am headed to Phoenix Union Bioscience High School. (mouthful) I am speaking to the school about "getting their higher education on". If I could do one thing for the rest of my life it would be speaking. I always ask myself what I would do for free if I didn't have to worry about money...this is IT!

Check out my video for Bioscience here


Let me clear my throat ahgh ahagh!

I recently attended a motivational seminar that will remain nameless ::cough:: Get Motivated ::cough::. First I will admit that listening to powerful speakers is amazing and if you have the opportunity to listen to the likes of Colonel Powell, Zig Ziglar, etc. I encourage you to attend.


Here's the THANG...

The one thing that gets me heated about "motivational speakers" are people's dependency on their message. ::whisper:: guess what? YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN and you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on their DVD's, CD's, Tapes (yes some of us still use tapes ha) and their AMAZING books. EVERYBODY HAS A BOOK NOW! My grandma has a book!

We have the power within us and it's a little thing called ATTITUDE!



It's not about your knowledge or your skills. Half the time you don't need to be better than anyone... BUT you have to want it more than they do. Success is a mindset and the sooner you tap into yours the sooner your life will make sense. Teenagers...just think where you can be in a year, five years, ten years from now with the right attitude. I am excited for you!

Keep It Real.

Murph

Stroke Face McGee

Inspirational Song of The Day: Porcelain by Moby
Must See Movie: The Blind Side
Food Of The Day: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Quote Of The Day: “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” -Johann Wolfgang

Photo Shoot

I don't like to be photographed, but when your wife is a photographer sometimes you don't have a choice. I just hate looking at myself...ya know what I mean? I guess I just need to suck it up.



I am pretty sure that there was a moment today that Gina wanted to kill me. The whole shoot all she wanted was a genuine smile, I tried, but when you force a smile it comes out looking more like you had a stroke than cute. So if you can imagine a stroke face, that pretty much sums up the day.

Eyebrow Waxing For Dudes?

So how do you feel about this? When I started dating Gina about three years ago she told me she wanted to wax my brows. It's not like a had some crazy caterpillar uni goin on, she said it just looks cleaner. So I'm reaching out to the men of the world on this one, what do you think? Is it emasculating? If you do it are okay with the pain? YES, I think it hurts, call me what you want! It's not natural to yank hair out of your face! Not convinced...

In Other News..

Teen crashes car into school, drives down hall.

SHORELINE, Wash. – Sheriff's deputies said a 17-year-old boy crashed his parents' car through the doors of Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, then drove it down the hall. The car finally stopped 75 yards later when it hit a security office. Two school workers were still on the property and heard the crash.

Police found the teen on school grounds about an hour and a half after the crash late Friday night. He was taken into custody and then brought to Harborview Medical Center for a mental evaluation. Investigators said they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role.

The boy, from Lake Forest Park, is a student at the school. He was not injured.

FOR REAL! I have never sat around and thought to myself "hmm, maybe I could drive to the store...or maybe to my buddies house..oh wait, I will just drive down the hall of my school!" Much better idea. NOT! Classic case of not using your brain syndrome.

Have things ever been this bad in your own life? Maybe your not driving a car in your school, but bad enough to do something crazy?

At one point in my life this would have almost sounded tempting. Life as a teen isn't easy...but we can make it easier. We can help each other. If you have an issue or feel like you need advice please go to my ASK MURPH ANYTHING link and fire away. You can even submit a question anonymously! You don't have to carry IT around.

Keep It Real.

Murph

Who's Murph?

Hey, internet. It's me, Marcus. I'm following my dream and this is part of the journey. Expect BIG things, I do.


I'm gonna keep it real. There are some things you need to know about me before we become blog friends.

1. I'm loud, and I don't care.
2. Jesus is kind of a BIG part of my life.
3. I am obsessed with 80's movies, clothes, music, etc. AND I am not ashamed.
4. Hip Hop was my first love. Crazy sneakers was my second.
5. I REALLY love my wife Gina. We got hitched on Halloween. No we didn't wear costumes.
6. I love my family.
7. I have a little ugly/beautiful Boston Terrier named Paisley.
8. My wife Gina is an International Wedding Photographer. Check her out!
9. When I'm not working I am usually watching The Office. I wish I could meet a real life Dwight, that would be crazy funny!
10. I really believe that all teenagers have the ability to be successful.
11. Bet your booty I will say what is on my mind.
12. I LOVE soccer, and I keep up to date on all the scores and matches world wide at: www.footytube.com
13. I love to cook.
14. Sometimes I like to pull up next to people at a red light and pick my nose.
15. I graduated High School almost dead last in my class. I graduated college at the front. Ask me how?

In the spirit of KEEPING IT REAL, on the blog you will find a section called ASK MURPH ANYTHING. This gives you the opportunity to literally ask me anything and I will give you real answers.

Keep It Real.

Murph