February 6th, 2010
A few blogs back I wrote about me not being able to choose a college out of two choices. I went on to compare and contrast the two. Earlier this week I decided to visit one of those colleges (the one I haven’t visited yet). I went the day before my actual appointment because it was a long drive. We got lost and that aggravated my mother and me. We then stayed at a hotel. The next day we woke up bright and early and went to our college visit. The first thing we did was take a tour of the campus. We passed by a lake that they had and their own woods. Towards the end of the tour we went through the recreation center. There I saw a bowling alley and pool tables. That made me extremely happy. After the tour I saw an admissions counselor and then went to see a dorm room. I was having an okay time. My last appointment was to see the social work program. As I was walking up to the building I had a feeling that, that would change my whole view on the school. I actually ended up talking to a professor. I had the most amazing time learning about the program that I think little hearts flew around my head. Now I am just 90% sure I want to go there. All I have to do now is see if that’s the best school for social work and then I will be able to make my decision.
- Tatiana
February 5th, 2010
The earthquakes in Haiti have undoubtedly been hugely tragic. Nobody knows for sure how many have died, are wounded, or have lost loved ones. Entire neighborhoods have been toppled, and the damage wreaked on the island has been catastrophic. In the wake of such a disaster, the entire globe responded admirably. Donations have poured in from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. Still, one can’t help but wonder what will happen after the news cameras leave Haiti. It’s important that we don’t just forget about the island after tossing some money its way. Haiti has been impoverished for nearly its entire history, and has largely been ignored. Part of the earthquake’s destructiveness was due to a lack of safeguards in Haiti. In order to stop future disasters before they occur, we need to take preventative steps. Part of protecting ourselves from such calamities is understanding that we’re united, but not only in unfortunate circumstances. Ideally, we would treat one another every day with the compassion we show in trying circumstances.
- Will
February 4th, 2010
February is Black History Month in the United States. Black History Month is a national annual observance for remembering important people and events in the history of African-Americans. It originated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week”. He chose the second week of February because it had the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans, President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. I think it is good that we celebrate Black History Months and the history of other cultures as well. Students especially need to know what it was like for all cultures many many years ago. At my school I know there will be programs going on to celebrate it. Some kids get to go if their teachers sign up for it but it is good thing that they actually do go.
- Tatiana
February 3rd, 2010
This time of year, complaints about the weather are all too common. For most people, minor inconveniences like a runny nose or wet shoes are as bad as it gets. However, these concerns pale in comparison to the issues that plague homeless youth during the winter season. In a terrific Switched-On article, Ally talks about some of the tragic consequences that the weather has for youth without places to stay. Even when youth find a shelter or somewhere they can sleep, these solutions are temporary, and long-term fixes are hard to find. The National Runaway Switchboard does its best to find help for any youth who are looking for a place to stay, but sometimes the lack of quality resources limits how much NRS can offer. Helping homeless youth is always important, but during the winter, when those on the street are more susceptible to dangerous weather, it’s crucial. In addition to raising awareness about the services NRS provides, advocating for increased services from shelters and transitional living programs is vital to serving a population that is all too often forgotten about.
- Will