Creating a Real Sense of Equality

We all know about how much school uniforms suck for the students in public school who have to wear them because it prevents a sense of freedom and it is not like they are in private school. But in reality school uniforms are good idea!

Statistics have shown that there are many more states in the United States that are considering the idea of uniforms and have already started to enforce wearing them.

 There are many benefits of school uniforms like focusing on learning and less violence in the classroom. Bullying has become such a big problem in school everywhere and a lot of that has to do with the way the students dress. If every student is dressed the same there will be one less thing that kids can pick on each other with. Not only will they not be able to pick on other students but there is a sense of equality if everyone is wearing the same clothes throughout the school. This equality is what every school shoots for and the simple answer is making the students wear uniforms. Focusing on learning is something that not many students want to do until they end up having to pay for it themselves. But if students do not have to focus on one another and what they wear to school, schoolwork has a greater chance of getting done, and getting done to the full potential. Both these benefits can not only help these students in public schools but can also set them up for a future.

Uniforms in the public schools have been a long and ongoing debate, it is not simply an easy decision to make. 

A lot of pressure is on the public school to create a safe area where students feel comfortable in their bodies. Not one student is the same but that is not saying they are not equal. This country has come so far and every child needs to be treated the same, not only by adults, but also by their fellow students.

An Eating MEATing

Vegetarianism is something that I fully support.  However I am far from vegetarian.  I don’t think I could fathom the idea of being an actual vegetarian.  I remember a couple months when I was younger that I decided to go vegetarian, but I didn’t give up chicken so it really doesn’t even count, right?  Either way, I don’t think I could ever give up meat entirely.  

That’s why I give my respect to the people that can give up meat.  I do not agree with what I have seen (in films such as Earthlings and Food, Inc.) in regards to the treatment of animals, and that is why I can understand vegetarianism.  But I grew up with chickens, pigs and a few other types of animals.  And yes, we would eventually eat them.  Each year we would have pig roasts, and the pigs that had been my pets in previous years would then be dinner.  

I find it interesting because my having grown up with this made me immune to the idea of it being wrong or cruel.  In my eyes it was just the cycle of life.  But I have been asked many times how I dealt with losing the animals.  People have accused the entire tradition of being sick and brutal.  I laugh at this accusation.  

I am a thorough supporter of fair treatment to animals, but I also still stick to the idea of the cycle of life.  We may kill animals, but they sometimes also kill us.  Not that either of these things are necessarily morally sound, but we have been hunting and eating animals for a long time.   And when we do kill them, it is in their own due time if it is done appropriately.  

So I guess I am saying that the films that I previously mentioned are sad and disturbing, but they do not depict the way that everyone treats animals.  They are true yes, but not always and not everywhere.  And of course it is not right to treat animals this way, but these movies do not give anyone the right to pass judgment on people who choose to still eat meat and move on with their lives (not to sound insensitive.) 

Ouch...My Head!

Everyone bumps their head. Whether bumping it my accident while cleaning the house, or something more serious, it has happened countless times to all of us. As busy human being we never really stop to think twice of what happened. We pop an aspirin to stop the headache and move on with our day. This may sound silly but more often than not these "head bumps" end up concussions.

Many might say, "I've never had one of those" or "you only get those in sports". Both these assumptions are wrong. Bumping your head getting out of the car can potentially result in a concussion; A very minor one, but still a concussion.

Concussions are very serious, and studies are being conducted daily to prove how serious they are. Many of these studies showing that the most serious effects long term. As one who has had two, both from playing sports I can vouch that they are very serious. I have never felt completely the same since. I always forget things, and have a harder time concentrating. Adjust for school was the hardest. If you were to see my room I have Post-It notes everywhere reminding me of things to do, teachers to email, and so on.

Why now are concussions really being heard of? Well before know one really knew what one was, or how it worked. A very local and promenade advocate for concussions and who helped really start to get the word out there about them was former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson. He spoke about his time of as a player and the countless blows to the head that he took. Because of what he went, and continues to go through post career, he hopes for rules and regulations to change to help prevent concussions. There has been new equipment designed for those most at risk: football, hockey, and soccer players but what will work the most is educations. Education kids in school about the dangers of head injuries, and most of all, how to try and prevent!

Career Services

I found out last semester just how valuable Career Services is. In my Professional Writing class when we were learn how to make effective resumes and cover letters, someone from the Career Services office was invited to come and talk to the class. After the presentation on what Career Services offered as far as help and guidance in finding the right job or internship, let’s just say I was extremely apprehensive. Being a senior, I felt a terrible sense of unpreparedness for my impending graduation and consequential move into the real world, not to mention angry with myself over the fact that I did not go to visit Career Services earlier. I personally do not like to leave things to the last minute, so that day I emailed them and made my first, albeit long overdue, appointment.

After that first appointment last semester I’ve had only a handful of appointments, (what with all the work that I have had to do as well as their own busy schedules it is hard to make time) but I will say that the couple appointments I have gone to have helped me so much in preparation for my future. I know that I did not really know much about Career Services until it was put right in front of me, so I would not be shocked if some students at FSU do not know of the office or of the opportunities to talk with them. I would encourage everyone to go, preferably early on in your years on campus, but any time is better than never. They are a huge benefit to getting you what you need and suggesting opportunities and jobs that you may not have ever thought of. They have many connections and will help you get an internship or jobs lined up for after graduation, or help you acquire the tools in order for you to do it yourself.  Having a plan for after you graduate is extremely important, and they are here for exactly that purpose. 

Bundle of Joy

During a time where the world seems to be steadily crumbling, it’s nice to come across a heart wrenching struggle that turned itself into a positive and beautiful outcome. Giuliana and Bill Rancic, popular reality stars of a show that centers around the couple, titled Giuliana and Bill, were thrilled to find out that after a bumpy journey and many dismal moments, they are finally going to deliver the baby they’ve been dreaming of having.

At 36 years old, Giuliana Rancic was reduced to tears when her doctors told her that her pregnancy through a gestational surrogate had finally been confirmed as ‘100 percent positive.’ This means that although Giuliana will not be carrying the baby herself, it will still be their genetic child.  The identity of the surrogate they have selected has yet to be revealed, but they are incredibly thrilled to have her bring this child into the world for them. This method of birth really is amazing.  While it may seem unconventional, it allows the dreams to come true for couples who have never been able to produce children of their own and/or for parents who have tragically lost children during miscarriages.

The couple had undergone a series of failed IVF (meaning ‘In Vitro Fertilization’) tests and even a miscarriage during 2011. It was at this time that Giuliana had discovered that she had breast cancer during one of her routine check ups regarding her fertility complications. While the cancer proved to be a daunting challenge for the young woman to face, the reasons that she is alive today may very well be due to the pregnancy issues she was struggling with. Had the complications not existed in the first place and had she become pregnant, the cancer would have become a much greater hazard to Rancic and may have ultimately taken her life.

Not everyone has the opportunity to successfully conceive a child on their own. The story of Giuliana and Bill Rancic is one that shows how a couple who were denied their dream of having a child and had undergone emotionally devastating complications, were granted the opportunity to give life to their dreams once again. The couple will now have a child to call their very own, even if it is by allowing the baby to be carried inside the stomach of another mother-figure. This reflects that, while some decisions we choose to make may go against the forces of nature, we will ultimately find a way to deliver the things that truly bring us to happiness. The Rancic couple is a perfect example of how people that have undergone great emotional stress, especially during these rough times, managed to come out stronger and ultimately achieve their long-awaited desires.  

Pressure Pushing Down on Me, Pressing Down on You

Remember high school? Remember graduating high school? Were you ready to declare what you want to do for the rest of your life at that young age?  

I know I wasn’t.

 

That is why I just cannot understand how we put so much pressure on high school graduates to go away to college, knowing what they want to do.  Most people at that young age have not had enough life experience to know what they truly want to do in their future.

When I went away to college, I had absolutely no idea what I was supposed to be doing.  I seemed to like all kinds of subjects and had no idea of what I wanted out of college, and honestly I still don’t.  From personal experience I contest that the age that we expect people to go to college could be too young.  

I recently heard of something called a gap year program, and I feel as though this is one step toward a better outlook at the age we expect people to go to college.  A gap year program is a program abroad for people who feel as though they need to wait before going away to college, but they don’t want to stay in the same place they have been their whole lives.  It is a way for them to gain a little life experience before investing their time and money into college.  

It is important for a person to have some life experience beyond their norm.  It assures that they have some background to help them decide what the best fit is for them in regards to their future.  I think with programs such as the gap year, we can offer graduates a broader range of options.  Many people feel extreme pressure to go away to college immediately, but it is important to let them know that college can wait if it is not the right time for them.   

What would you do?

           Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites are a part of our everyday lives. Myself and I am sure other log into Facebook several times a day, and maybe post a tweet here or there.  But does anyone remember life pre- social networks and technology?  I do for the most part, but I cannot imagine life today without it or any of the advanced technology that we have today. What would the world be like if at a push of a button all this could be gone?

                I cannot imagine life without my Iphone, laptop, GPS, and countless other things. When I forget my phone I feel so disconnected from the world. Between texting, email, social networks, and games I use it for everything. I grew up in the age of cell phones, so calling friends to hang out on a home phone/land line (a what?) seems almost non-existent.

                If someone were to push a button and all of a sudden cell phones, internet, any new form of technology were to disappear I think the world would legit end. Mass hysteria would break out. People are so dependent on technology it’s almost sad. I think it would be good for our society though. People would then really appreciate what they have, and maybe real communication would be restored. Now I feel more phone calls would be made, and the meaningful letter would be send instead of a text message or “Facebook message”.

                I think we should all take a step back from the fast paced technological world and really appreciate what we have. For all we know one day it could all be gone and we could start from square one again. Take a second and think to yourself...What would my life be without technology?

Can I check your bag?

For those students who opt to live on a college campus in residence halls, they instinctively have certain expectations as to what their experience will be like living inside a dorm.  For students living on the Framingham State campus, their experiences become something a little bit more out of the ordinary.

Until recently this semester, a resident could enter a residence hall, for example after an 8:30am class, and scan in to his/her respective dorm without having to get his/her bag checked.  Bag checks have become a 24-hour occurrence in all dorms across campus.  This has been done in part to combat the incidents of alcohol related events on campus.

Personally, I succumb to the bag checks every time, without any real grumbles or strife…for the most part.  I understand the intended purpose of the policy in effect and its implications to curb alcohol abuse in the dorms.  While I understand the policy, I do not completely agree with it.  The use of a large wooden stick to poke at my belongings seems to go a little bit too far for me.  My property is my property, no way around that.  Glancing into the bag is one thing, but just about rummaging through it is another.  In order to keep students happy around here, we must look at how these bag checks are affecting student life on campus.

 

With an event like the tragic death of a fellow student from drunk driving back in December 2011, the campus is cracking down on drinking.  But won’t this cracking down just cause students to take their drinking habits off campus even more now?

This makes me a bit nervous.  It’s a scary thought that the school is pushing students’ drinking habits off campus, onto the roads, and straight into danger.

Do invasive bag checks actually curb anything?  If anything, it potentially encourages off-campus drinking, which involves driving to locations away from campus.  The fact of the matter is that young people will drink; the school should take some responsibility in providing 21 plus students with a safe space in which to do so.  Whether to bring back McCarthy’s Pub or to install a 21 plus residence hall, I am unsure if any of these options are feasible.  If anything, the administration needs to be conscious of the issue and recognize all options.

They're Fighting for You. That's Right, YOU.

For a moment, I would like you clear your mind.  Exhale.  Bring yourself to a place covered in sand.  You're holding a rifle, as it's your only protection.  You're so exhausted that the only reason your existing is so you can make sure the person to your right and the person to your left can go home and kiss their children again.  You've been in the desert so long, you can't recall what the ocean smells like.  You haven't heard a voice from home in weeks.  You've been up for three straight days and the lines separating your imagination from reality are becoming more blurry as the moments pass.  Shots fire. You hold your gun tighter, finger on the trigger - in this moment, it's all you know.

Now bring yourself back here, to Framingham Massachusetts.  Maybe you're a college student, an educator or a blogging addict.  Whomever you are, I want you to think about the worst part of your day today.  For me it was a professor who made me cry.  Or rather, I made myself cry.  The professors words were simply the catalyst. Perhaps you spilt coffee all over your favorite shirt, or you just had one of "those days," the kind that only eight hours sleep will fix.   Regardless of the worst thing that happened to you today, chances are, those fighting overseas cannot even remember what it's like to have a day as good as our worst day here: because we're safe.

You're probably wondering what some girl in FSU's Persuasive Writing class knows about war.  Although I have have never been to Iraq or Afghanistan, I assure you, I've done my homework.  I've been volunteering with veterans almost daily for five years.  I've sat there in silence with them because they didn't want to be alone, but speaking was impossible.  I've helped with their paperwork, listened to their divorce stories and listened to the most heart-wrenching memories more times than I can count.  I have been around them enough to learn one thing: It's because of them that I can have good days.  They fight so I don't have to be scared.  I know that's not what Project Iraqi Freedom is about, but at the end of the day, without our soldiers, this country has no offense, defense, or fighters.  When you look at the bigger picture, it's largely because of them that we exist as freely and safely as we do.

It's sad really, that soldiers come back to a country that doesn't care or recognize them as much as we could.  It's a disgrace that soldiers have a hard time getting their benefits and often don't get paid on time after they're no longer of active duty.  These things are unfortunate, but more than anything else, it breaks my heart when I see them on campus looking lost, and often eating in the cafeteria alone.  I've been volunteering with them for so long that I can pick veterans out in a crowd (most of the time) so I realize that this isn't as obvious to other college students - but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem.  Most veterans come on campus, go to their classes and head home, feeling that they don't belong in a community of 20-somethings who often have a hard time putting their own bad days into perspective, myself included.  

Soldiers being alienated after returning from war is an easy problem to fix - well, it has an easy first step.  Don't alienate them.  Make conversation.  Thank them for their service, or simply say hi.  After what they've been through, they notice the little things much more than we do - because they were at risk of never experiencing those little things again.  

I see the opposing point of view here: why should we go out of our way to help someone that isn't asking for it?  It's not our problem that they joined the military, that was their choice - their problems are their own - there's resources available to them.  Those who disagree with me are absolutely correct.  We, as civilians, have no obligation here.  However, if no one ever went out of their way for someone else, where would we be?  Who would we be?  I know personally, I wouldn't be someone I was proud of.  Going out of my way for someone who has endured the conditions I previously described and fought for my country is an honor within itself, in my opinion.

We're all fighting for something.  We're all fighting for someone.  We could be fighting to mend a broken heart, fighting with our parents, fighting with finals or just fighting to exist.  No matter what you're fighting for, or how bad your day is, I hope you can remember that someone out there is fighting a war so you don't have to.  Now that's a person worth stopping to say thank you to.

My Child is Better Than Yours!

I was recently at my 10 year old sisters youth soccer game. She is now on the travel team so the game has gotten more competitive. What I was shocked to see was not how her and her friends have improved as players since the last time I saw them but was how intense, rude, and obnoxious the parents were. Some screaming at the girls as if they were the USA National Team.
What do these kids get out of parents screaming at them? My opinion is nothing! If anything it is more intimidating. It is embarrassing to the parent telling as well as their child on the field. I remember seeing instances on the news where parents actually got into physical altercations at youth sporting events due to one parent bashing on another child.
Parents are not there to coach, that is what the coach is for. Sports are something kids play for fun..so let them have fun. Enough with the screaming and yelling and let the kids play!