Introduction of a Bearded (Future) Accountant

My name is Todd Riddle, and I'm a current accounting major. I come from a small town of about 3,300 people, so adjusting to Norman took some time. Aside from taking classes, I also serve as a program director for the Union Programming Board. In other words, you'll probably be able to find me any given Friday night at the Union helping put on an event. Like my title implies, I have a beard, an unruly beard (for now). I've had it since 10th grade, and it has pretty much become my identity. Here's a picture that was taken of me for a UPB event promotional video. And yes, they asked me solely because of my beard.

Personal photo captured by Francis Phan

One class I took last semester that I greatly enjoyed was a perspectives class on food, culture, and society taught by the wonderful Dr. Sarah Tracy. Throughout the semester we read several books about the world food systems, ingredient manipulation, and how farmers are affected by legislation. It challenged our class to think critically about many facets, from sustainable growing to GMOs to corporate affairs. We even ended up taking a class trip to the Norman Natural Grocers to examine their model of business which includes a strict GMO blanket ban on their products. It opened my eyes to problems our society faces, allowed me to examine my own diet from a new perspective, and led us to examine the nuances of eating. We also wrote papers about our Thanksgiving dinner, so that, too, made the class really cool.

I have seen a lot of classmates including mentions of their favorite music. One band I saw as an opener for a concert was MUTEMATH. I hope to one day see them in concert as the main act. Here's one of my favorite songs by them, "Used To".

One thing I have been challenging myself to do is read more. One book I have recently read is Leah Remini's Troublemaker, a memoir on her experiences with the Church of Scientology. I actually received this book from a game of Secret Santa played among a small group of friends. But it wasn't too secret because I was able to deduce who my secret Santa was. (Thank you, Audrey!) I've found it to be an incredibly engrossing, and flat-out hilarious, account of her time with the Church. As a supplement, I've also been watching her A&E mini-series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Though I find this topic to be extremely fascinating, I'll move on to another book in lieu of sharing my commentary.

Troublemaker

One novel I have recently read is Silence by Shūsaku Endō. It follows a Jesuit priest as he travels to Japan on a mission trip. Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese has also recently adapted it into a major motion picture, a "passion project" of his. (Edit: I saw the movie, and I was blown away by how faithful and amazing it was!) My best friend came across this novel while Hastings was still having its liquidation sales. We would go together and browse through the hundreds of book that were becoming more discounted by the day, and on the day of 60% off, he decided to grab it. In retrospect, the book was worth full price.

Silence, Shūsaku Endō

As for this winter break, I spent it at home doing the one thing I love the most -- sleeping. My mom sometimes gets offended because she thinks I'm just trying to avoid her. I just roll my eyes and look for food. During the breaks between sleeping, I'm probably watching Netflix (because who has time for this during school?) Waking up at two in the afternoon will soon have to change, but I will milk every day I have. Will I hate myself for waiting so long to adjust my sleep schedule? Yes. But am I content for now? Yes, yes I am.

This is my first foray into creative writing, so please bear with me as I get the hang of this.