LOTS of Things are Wrong!!!

          Here in Miami, Barnes & Noble is the only bookstore here in Miami after Borders closed. It shouldn’t be the only bookstore where we can purchase books. A Books-A-Million store should be constructed here in Miami for students to quickly locate books for classes; probably, they would order from B & N if they didn’t have a book a student needs and wait a few days. Books-A-Million would be there for a student to surely find the books they need in a short amount of time.

          Barnes and Noble is totally unfair when it comes to non-member customers. I mean, seriously, the store is a book haven where thousands of books are being sold, yet members of Barnes and Noble seem to get the better discounts. Non-customers only receive coupons that are not even good enough. Also, there are only a few selected books that I don’t like that get discounted. Barnes and Noble should have better sales for a lot more young adult novels and send out and/or post high percentage coupons than just 15%.

          There are some housing areas in Miami that had not switched to a recycling program and are efficiently wasting recyclables. Recyclables thrown away into waste will cause a major garbage pile. Every single housing area should switch to the recycling program for more recyclables to be sent to the recycling center and keeping less waste from piling up. It’s also good for the environment and providing fewer resources to be wasted by using recycled products.

          What’s terribly wrong in Miami is how much traffic there is often, not to mention car accidents as if they have to happen daily. There is also the horrendous act of young drivers always speeding. People getting their driver’s licenses should understand the importance of driving carefully or they’ll be another “Drive Safely” sign. Young drivers should specifically know that speeding just for the thrill of it is idiotic. I think drivers need to see how reckless driving causes many dangers so the accident rate can gradually decrease, making roads safer for responsible drivers.

          War is a major problem that seems to always happen around the world, causing too many people to worry and many innocent lives being lost. Towns are destroyed in which they look like cheddar cheese from up in the air. Many soldiers are sent, making their families hope and pray for their safe return or awaiting for the bad news letter which could come at any time.

          Many endangered species are being hunted every day, the population decreasing as animals are suddenly turned into gourmet meals, fur coats, or the ugliest wall hangings I had ever seen in movies—so tacky! The main thing is that many animals are hurt around the world and it should be our job to help save them. The word should be known that everyone should help protect the world’s animals before they disappear from the face of the earth.

          Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse is a terrible crime still going on around the world that needs special attention. Women, children, and animals are physically and mentally hurt once they have been assaulted. Women and young children are raped or sold off in the black market, known as human trafficking. They are even abused at home which can scar them mentally for life if they do not get the proper help to cure them. Even in school, bullying has taken on a whole new meaning: when kids are bullied, some would take their life away to end the suffering. Lies are posted up on the Internet—cyberbullying—to easily make fun of someone popular kids would believe as pathetic, causing those kids to become hurt. Animals are cruelly used for men to gain easy money, but if they lose, the life of a poor animal is lost. It should be the government’s and our job to give people who have been hurt the proper care to save them and know that everything will be alright by stretching out our hands and taking theirs to let them know you care.

          Gun control seems to not be strong enough if some teenagers are able to sneak a gun past security to start a shooting or dangerous criminals with guns are able to walk freely anywhere before planning an attack. A tighter search party should be organized to thoroughly search for guns and stop teenagers or criminals from using them before they take a life.

          Many developing countries are suffering from living under unfortunate conditions, such as rundown houses, not enough food to feed their whole families, not enough money due to not being able to easily find jobs, and having little water to drink. The government and volunteers should help these people by giving them the necessary supplies they need, especially if a natural disaster happens. We should find a way to build up developing countries, as well as providing them with medical treatments if there are people with diseases.

          Bombs are another issue since people can make their own homemade recipes of bombs, just like what happened at the Boston Marathon. We need to work hard, as well as the government, to stop terrorists and/or seemingly ordinary people from making these explosions of terror before someone gets hurt or cross over into the light by providing better security and develop plans to find bombs quickly.

Nothing is Impossible

Have you ever been so close to failing a class with a slim chance of almost failing? You would be alright with failing the class? I'm pretty sure you'd rather pass than fail but as the chances of failing seem to increase, the willingness to pass either escalates or you're ready to throw in the towel. I ran into someone yesterday that had been afraid of failing the course since they didn't feel prepared for their final exam. In their eyes they just seemed to accept failure and let the pieces fall wherever they land because that was "reality". It just breaks my heart to see how people think reality as this negative realm of improbability and certain death. Sometimes looking towards the positives of situations can help more than the negatives. Don't throw in the towel just because things look grim; it's all perspective.

Just A Few More Days

As I'm sure every college student is aware of, the semester is finally almost over. For a select few that have already finished their examinations, their break has already commenced and we all hate them for it. I kid, of course, good for them. However, now the question is, what will I do for the next couple of weeks? Most answers would include doing things you like to do, obviously, like hang out with friends and go to the beach (since it's always summer in south Florida) or simply be lazy all day long. I would like to suggest that you, yes I'm talking to YOU, do something to better yourself. It can be anything, read a book that will expand your imagination and vocabulary. Learn a new skill, go to the gym and get that body you've been aching for, do anything that will make you a better, happier, more well-adapted person than you were yesterday. Then you can come back for spring semester with a stronger leash on life, and don't forget to thank me when you see me around. Adios.

Is the VS Fashion Show Exploiting Women?

During and after the extremely talked about Victoria's Secret Fashion Show I heard and read many comments about how putting on such a show is wrong and sexist. One tweet I read even went as far as to say, "I refuse to watch women parade themselves as pieces of meat... #TakeAStand". I think this kind of thinking is ridiculous. These women are not being forced to show of their bodies to the world. They CHOOSE to. Which I completely understand as they have worked extremely hard for the bodies that they have and obviously want. If they weren't proud of them they wouldn't be "parading" them around. There are always going to be rude and inappropriate people to make gross comments but that should not stop women from loving and showing off their beautiful bodies NO MATTER WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE.

"Historically speaking, animating female characters are really, really difficult, because they have to go through these range of emotions, but you have to keep them pretty and they're very sensitive too — you can get them off a model very quickly. So, having a film with two hero female characters was really tough, and having them both in the scene and look very different if they're echoing the same expression; that Elsa looking angry looks different from Anna being angry."

This quote was stated by Lino DiSalvo, an animator for Disney’s Frozen.  Disney said it was stated out of context, but it is hard not to interpret it as saying that not only do female characters need to be pretty, but also that they can only have specific features to be considered pretty. It never personally bothered me before that the Disney princesses were always designed to be pretty, because that was probably how the princesses were usually designed in their original stories. It does bother me that what can be considered beautiful is bound by specific characteristics that few people may actually have. This quote implies that just that. I seriously hope this guy thinks about what he said or gets fired, and that Disney learns from the responses it got concerning the quote. Maybe the quote was taken out of context, but I find it hard to see it in any other light. I know the Princesses are pretty, because pretty sells better, but beauty comes in more than one form.

Obama Care/Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Sine the government shut down many people have asked why has the GOP  want to destroy Obama Care. The law that was passed would help millions of people , many that can't afford insurance for themselves or for those who have been denied because of a previously condition . That doesn't make sense everyone need affordable insurance so they can take care of themselves and family if the become ill. This bill is too good to pass up, it even help states in which they save money for the set up and cost for about three years . The United Staes is one of the countries that pay the most for health insurance because it has many problem that needs to be fixed in which the Affordable Care Act will fix. Countries like Canada has figured this out and just did away with their health care system and made a federal based program, where it is handled by the government . In my opinion the ACA is a great thing which would help the United States, in a time where it needs to save money and create more job , in which the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does.  Obama care is a great thing and when people realize the benefit rather than just not liking it for no reason then the US will be moving closer to decrease its overall debt .

"Feminism is a dead topic..."

“Feminism is a dead topic,” is something I thought I would never hear coming from a girl, let alone in a Women Studies course at college. It really boils my blood when people still don’t see the value in feminism, or when they don’t even understand the concept. Most people are ignorant and even refer to feminists as “feminazis” just because they envision butch lesbians who hate men and want to see them perish. Truth be told even people who call themselves feminists try to pick and choose how a girl should look in order to deem them worthy of being called a feminist. People need to understand that first of all, feminism is about the pursuit of equality between both genders, and secondly any and all type of girls can be considered feminists. It doesn’t matter if a girl likes to dress up in heels everyday and wear a full face of makeup, or if she prefers t-shirts, sneakers, and doesn’t feel like wearing any makeup at all, both of these girls could be feminists and both deserve to be treated with respect.

I think the problem with the concept of feminism is that the patriarchy is so deeply engraved into society, and therefore our subconscious, that it seems impossible that feminism can cover the vast majority of issues it is trying to solve. Sure, the first two waves of feminism were able to make huge strides in tangible areas; women can vote, women can work, and our pay is almost equal to that of men. The third wave of feminism though, seeks to accomplish both tangible and abstract goals. The clearest issue at hand is that of abortion. Why do old men feel that they have the right to tell a woman what to do with her body and actually make laws that prevent a woman’s basic human right to choose whether or not she’s ready to have a child? The abstract goals will of course be much harder to accomplish. Yes, rape is a crime and there are serious laws against it, but why is it that the first thing a police officer will ask a victim is, “What were you wearing?” Sure, sex is everywhere in society, and it’s impossible to watch most commercials that don’t use gorgeous, half-naked women to sell a product, but when will people stop slut-shaming a girl simply because she enjoys having safe protected sex, without causing any harm to anyone? Of course, the fashion industry has changed greatly by creating the market for “plus size models,” but why are women constantly told that beauty has certain standards in today’s society and why aren’t all shapes and sizes of a woman’s body accepted? Honestly, the list goes on and on, but it is abundantly clear to me that feminism is not in any way shape or form a dead topic, and the sooner people are educated on these issues, the sooner society can improve for both genders. 

Stabbed

                                                          Stabbed

Yup, it happened. I read about this in the New York Times and was shocked. I liked the ways of Buddha, they have good quotes and perspectives, but I guess there’s always another side to things.

 So here’s what happened.

Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year old Muslim woman. They also burned 70 homes. Hello? What’s the reason?  If it’s what I think it is, well I don’t have to say anything, we all know how religion can spark some wars. And if it’s for something else…it’s still pretty unnecessary. I mean, come on, a 94year old woman? You’re gonna stab her to death?

Apparently, this was not the first time that they had sectarian violence break out and the President, Thein Sein, arrived at the capitol of Rakhine State…I guess to get some business done, maybe get it taken care of.

The story is short and there are a lot of questions in my mind. I know that this article may be biased and I may only being seeing part of the story, and that this doesn’t mean all Buddhists are violent, but killing is still wrong in my view. Especially in this way. Reading this article just really turned my Buddhist loving world around. I couldn't believe that what I saw as the most neutral religion could be quite aggressive.

Abort Mission!

A protest of the masses, ash the souls, forget the casket

bodies drop -- bodies drop --bodies drop.

Your choices are of my concern, choose your wrongs and you will burn

bodies drop -- bodies drop -- bodies drop.

Do you like war? How about the world?

The Missiles drop, the buildings fall and bodies -- drop.

Life is a jungle, manipulated

Who made the rules, you think it's God?

How are you made? Sexually, asexually?

Do you have parasites? or any disease taking your energy?

Or demons haunting your memory?

Then a seed inside your belly in a month can maybe start to breath

But don't forget that you're the pilot in this world war

 -- Morality won't play a part

When the enemies are shooting, and you've had no guns since the start

Fly away, fly away, fly away.

Irresponsible and unprepared, never learn from your mistakes

The seed's now in you, it isn't safe..

Abort the mission.

Eventually --

Get lost in the air, heavy with -- death on your hands

You're flying down at super speed

Change course or you might crash

-- Abort the! --

Despite it all, who is to judge?

-- We've killed before.

This time it was.. yours

But you're still the pilot.

The Death Penalty

Albert Camus once said: “There are causes worth dying for, but none worth killing for.” I’m against the death penalty. It’s really hard for me to blame someone so harshly for anything that they do because I think actions are shaped by experience, and that person who has committed a crime so heinous as to end up in the position of “death penalty” must have had a terrible past experience that led them to such actions. When defending my position on the death penalty I often think of the movie “The Ides of March” and how George Clooney playing a presidential candidate defended his opinion. It is societies job to be better than the average man. We are animals. This is proven time and time again by how many murders take place, but it is our job as a community to make each other better, to soar to greater heights. I’m against the death penalty because I still believe in humanity and I believe that if we come together as a community we can help each other past violence instead of creating more. 

"That's So Gay.."

“That’s so gay” is probably the worst thing you could say in front of me. It equates gay with something lesser, often “dumb,” “silly,” or “feminine.” When I lived in New York City everyone was really PC. No one ever identified things other than homosexuality as “gay.” Now that I’m back in Miami I’m hearing people say it again. Saying “that’s so gay,” emphasizes that there is something wrong with homosexuality. That’s what happens when we identify things we don’t like as “gay.” It ostracizes a large group of people in our community and it is wrong. 

Dream Act

Some people that were not born here but grew up in the United States, have graduated from high school but are facing an uncertain future.  At this moment, those students are relying on what's called the Dream Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act).  The Dream Act is a legislation that is trying to help those these students to apply for a temporary legal status and to eventually become eligible for a US citizenship if they go to college or serve in the US military.  Also, this act helps with tuition eligibility.

          I agree with this act because as long as the people are doing no wrong they should be able to go on with their future in order to better our future.

Obama Care

When I heard about the Obama care, I said to myself, "Good that every citizen will have medical insurance.  But at what price?  Will it be low enough for them to afford it?" Yes, there are several options for the Obama Care.  If you don't choose one of the options you will get penalized.  A person with no insurance will pay a fee included in their taxes.  But we would all have to wait until this new program officially starts next year on January to see all pros and cons it will carry on.

Reefer Madness!

Hot Topics: Reefer Madness!

Some issues are less about right and wrong and more about sense and nonsense. In a nation where both cigarettes and alcohol are perfectly legal, it simply makes no sense for cannabis to be outlawed. The issue of legalization is not a moral one in my view. Legalizing marijuana isn't morally right, it's rationally sound. Marijuana's effects are no more devastating than that of alcohol or cigarettes, the fear of marijuana generated by multiple sources in the last century are outdated and motivated by financial gain, and the current number of men imprisoned due to drug possession has massively crippling effects on the economy.

Ganja is not good for you. Some argue that it possesses properties that combat cancer, but this has not been proven. However, marijuana is by no stretch of the imagination worse than cigarettes or alcohol. The adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco have been documented extensively. Alcohol damages the liver, is calorie-laden, and yet perfectly legal for anyone above the age of twenty one. Cigarettes have been so closely tied to lung cancer that they require a warning to be printed on the side of the box. Marijuana can also have a slew of negative outcomes, but many would agree that they are relatively minor. Furthermore, many consider marijuana a “gate-way drug”. It is my belief that many move into a more dangerous territory (That of hard drugs) when they see that marijuana isn't all that bad and begin to believe that the government is simply lying to them for their own gains, and that is marijuana isn't as bad as it was cracked up to be, so to must be the case for harder drugs. I am not an advocate for any other illegal substance.

The amount of people currently incarcerated due to drug possession in the United States is startling. We have more prisoners than China despite having a population roughly a third as large. If that isn't a comment on the problem with the system, I don't know what is. Having so many people as wards of the state is economically unfeasible, and our current economic track says as much. I do not pretend that legalization will solve our problems as a nation, but it would at least let us relax as everything turns to dung.

Maybe I'm A Little Harsh..

During the Thanksgiving weekend American actor, Paul Walker, lost his life in a tragic car accident in California. It's a terrible loss, considering that Walker contributed positively to society and leaves behind a family.On almost every media outlet, the news of Walker's passing is posted; visit Facebook or Instagram or even Twitter and you're bound to see at least one post about Walker. I enjoyed Walker as an actor and believed him to be a nice guy, so don't misunderstand me when I say that I think the media and our society are over-doing his death. Paul Walker was one of those actors that would be spoken about for a few weeks after a movie of his premiered and then he wouldn't be heard about until the next movie. In the car accident, Walker was accompanied by Roger Rodus, a person who most don't even know died as well. Is Walker receiving all this publicity just because he was famous? Just because he was voted #4 by Glamour Magazine in their 50 Sexiest Men of 2010 issue? I simply can't understand why society is focusing so much on one death when people fighting in wars are dying constantly; people all over the world are dying. Roger Rodus died just as Walker, but yet his death receives very little focus. Was he not as great of a human being as Walker? Like I said early, don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that society shouldn't mourn deaths or that society shouldn't mourn Walker's death in particular. I'm simply stating that the same attention should be placed on other deaths as well, such as Roger Rodus' death. I just believe that every death deserves the same amount of respect and attention.

Women's Self Love Movement Beginning to Put Down Certain Forms of Body Image?

I'm %100 on board with promoting self love to woman, especially young girls. Especially, with all the impossible standards that the media is setting for us. However, recently I've been deeply bothered by some campaigns depicting certain body forms, like skinny or "sultry" looking, as ugly or wrong in order to make women with different bodies feel better or so that the women that fit todays "view of beauty"can be looked down upon. Self love is all about accepting who you are inside and out. Whether you fit the world's mold of beauty or not!
For example, just because a girl is very skinny doesn't mean she is this way because she wants to please the masses, this is simply how her body is and she shouldn't be judged or put down because of that just as every woman shouldn't.
Just be careful when promoting self love, to not, at the same time, be putting down certain types of women.

To those who think school is a fashion show

There's a selective bond between my friends that occurs that begins with comparing ourselves to other girls around campus. A product of our own societal downfalls, we can't help but compare ourselves to other women we see. Although many have called us "pretty" and we take those compliments with 6 tablespoons of salt, it still lingers in us to judge ourselves, both negatively towards  ourselves and harshly towards others, on a daily basis. This kind of dissonance is learned early on; other women are seen as competition for our own success stories. My friends often lament that they wish they had the time, or worse, were vain enough to dress well for school in the morning; to throw on a pair of Steve Madden combat boots they know are far from comfortable and still do it all in the name of fashion, amen.

The "girl hate," as modern third wave girl power circles have put it, needs to stop. When we create a culture within ourselves that belittles fellow women for being happy and confident, something many of us aren't and are pushed not to be, it further drives the point to those at a higher level of societal influence that women need to be pushed to feel bad to buy the new cruddy shade of coral lipstick, the fat burner, the product that takes the culture out of your hair. Over time, I realized what this reliance on make up meant for me and others: nothing. Women do not need to dress themselves up to impress anyone, nor do you need to care as to why they do it. I am now happy to say that when I see a woman who took effort and time to look a way that makes her happy and comfortable that I am no longer jealous or bitter. We should celebrate the hard earned confidence of women, not destroy it. We are only building up yet another superficial patriarchal infrastructure that can be dismantled easily with the power of kindness and forgiveness towards self body image.

Stop judging women for doing what they want with their bodies.

Justin Bieber

Recently a short clip of Justin Bieber has leaked on the Internet that has heightened the media's attention. This media frenzy is based on Bieber sleeping in a hotel room while a woman supposedly known as a stripper or a model or who really knows.... captured the video tape of him sleeping. People have jumped to the conclusion that he has had sex with this woman and got caught after the act in the morning before he woke up. JUSTIN BIEBER IS OUT OF CONTROL! At least thats what some fans and media believe. After trying to shed his image as a child star and appeal to an older age group Beiber has decided to get tattoos and dress differently. His fans still love him but don't know if they agree with his new image. Due to his recent acts of misconduct some believe beiber may really need help and that soon he'll end up like other stars in court and trying to hire lawyers. Maybe even rehab.
I believe Justin Bieber is trying to grow up too fast for his fans and for himself. I understand that he is trying to show who he really is but having bad press isnt a step in the right direction. It kind of relates to Miley Cyrus because she is also trying to shed the image of Hannah Montana. The role she played on Disney Channel, by dressing differently and acting how she really is.

These stars are just trying to find themselves and want to be seen as adults. But are they only hurting themselves and their fans or spiraling out of control?

Asians and other minorities not getting leading hollywood roles

                Although greatly improved from the past, the United States still has the problem of not having leading roles for Asians in movies and T.V. shows.  Many times the Asians are put in very minor roles and no opportunity to even be written in.  Even the movies such as The last Airbender, the horrible adaptation of the cartoon series, was expected to have an entire Asian cast due to the Asian themes in the show, only to have a mostly white cast that had their eyes adjusted to make them look Asian.  White-washing has been an issue so common in Hollywood, on Youtube Wong-fu productions even makes fun of it by making a parody using an Asain cast to portray a remake of “Saved by the bell”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if3Qsb2g8yo

                Other races do appear in film but it’s usually an all-white cast with one funny black guy.  The majority of the time Hollywood doesn’t give Asians any leading roles unless it’s in a martial arts film.  It’s sad that very talented minority actors rarely make in though and can’t find a leading role that fits their image.  Although entertainment isn’t as disrespectful to their minorities as it has in the past, *blackface*, there is a subtle idea that perhaps minorities aren’t as interesting to watch to watch or complete ignorance of how to write minority characters.  No matter what this is an issue I find very serious.

Mary Jane

Should Medical Marijuana be made legal or illegal? I think legal. I say this because I think if it will help improves someone in bad health then why not use it? I know that it can help with Glaucoma which is a very serious eye condition in which the person could eventually go blind. If it could help slow that down and I had it then I would want that weed. I couldn’t imagine losing my sense of sight; not being able to see shapes, colors, or even people. That would be a terrible thing. Some people think that others just want the weed legalized so that it could be used in a recreational way.  And if that is the case, then so what? If people want to smoke weed let them. It’s is not harming anyone and other people should not have a say in a complete strangers life. It just doesn't make sense to me. Therefore if marijuana can help health problems then just legalize the damn thing and stop making a fuss about it. It could help save someone’s life.  

- Nisha Brijmohan

Hot or not?

Miley Cyrus. Everyone is talking about her. Is what she’s doing actually so bad? I do admit she is somewhat of a hot mess. However from an objective point of view is there anything actually wrong with what she is doing? She was a child star on Disney channel but she is all grown up now. She has a new image and wants to be seen in a completely different light. People have to realize that she has grown up and that we can’t keep thinking of her as the little Hannah Montana that she used to be. She is a bit excessive in what she is doing but I just think she is trying very hard to get people to see that she isn’t a little girl anymore. She wants to be noticed and become a bigger star than what she already is. At the VMA’S her performance was a strange and people talked about her for weeks and weeks on end. However, I think that is exactly what she wanted people to do. What I am unclear on if she does drugs or not. I also think that because she is famous people are too concerned with what she is doing. I think people should have free will and be able to do what they want as long as they don’t harm anyone. She doesn’t seem to be putting anyone in any type of immediate danger. Therefore I say, twerk it Miley. Do what you want. 

- Nisha Brijmohan 

Texting and Driving- Is it worth your life?

Are you ready to be the victim of an accident? 

Do you want to be the friend of a loved one who passed because of texting and driving? Are you willing to show the world the text that cost your best friend’s life?

Across the world, texting and driving has become one of the main reasons for car accidents besides the busy holiday season, being under the influence, and a reckless driver. Every day, there are an infinite amount of people who die because they were texting and driving.

I think there need to be action toward drivers who text and drive such as the Florida Text and Drive Ban that was taken into effect on October 1^st. However, I believe awareness need to be made as well about the situation. People don’t know how crucial it is to not text and drive until they are put in the situation. They don’t realize the reality of it because they never thought “it could happen to be me.”

In my high school, we had a day where the dangers of texting and driving were made known and the impact that an accident like that leaves on family, friends, classmates, and society as a whole. Many decided to take the “no texting and driving pledge” of which I took a part and am glad to say that I have upheld my part of the pledge. I believe if more action was taken to stop texting and driving a real difference could be made by saving a number of lives who didn't have to die because they took two seconds off the road to read a “K” text. 

College Education-Free write

    When I first came to FIU I had myriad issues with the Financial Aid office. It stressed me out because I was in dispute with them for about a month over my scholarships and grants. Everything was finally sorted out and I practically attend FIU for free, Thank goodness.The only problem I have with not only FIU but with the college education system is the difficulty of receiving Financial Aid. America wants everyone to receive a college education or to go back to college, So why do they make it so difficult to do so? No one has $15,000 just laying around in a bank account somewhere waiting to be used for an education. Then when we finally do get here we do not take classes that are fit for our majors until Junior year. Then what is the point of college for the first two years? A warm up? Sounds like a waste of time to me. I don't like to waste time, I see time as a precious item in my life that cannot be bought. I feel that the first two years are  only a way to weed the weaker college students out of the system. To make us feel like we are entering the real deal and if we aren't serious enough we can't make it. And do they care? No. Because the next batch of students are coming in waiting to take the reins that we once held. College separates the weak from the strong. Being at FIU for barely only one semester has helped me to realize this.

    I see new friends struggling with science, economics, and math classes. Some of the hardest subjects taught at any university. While living on campus I have witnessed individuals putting off homework and instead going to parties and just wanting to enjoy life now that they are free from the 18 years of "oppression" they experienced while under their parents roof. No one is perfect. However, College has become more of a getaway for some than a gateway into education. Don't get me wrong not all students here at FIU are not like what I am describing. But what I am saying is undoubtedly true. I am in college not necessarily because I want to be but because I feel it is my only opportunity to receive a welcoming invitation into the real world. Once people see that you have credentials your life can drastically change from working at Mcdonalds to working for Mcdonalds on the corporate side of things. I want to be independent and able to support myself. Many of us aim to make a six figure salary or at least enough to maintain a family and give back to the family that has helped us get this far. College is the obstacle many of us face in order to have bright futures. Yes, I do consider college an obstacle. Its a training field. Each step is either a pass or fail. Only once we get through it will we be granted the reward of satisfaction, our diplomas.

    Life is hitting us hard as we are faced with tough decisions and rough patches along the way. We are sometimes called "The Lost Generation" but we aren't lost we just haven't found ourselves yet. Our purpose remains blurred and so we are easily mislead. We can go to college and we can succeed. I just don't understand why it has to be so hard sometimes. I guess you just have to be strong enough to have the willpower and the mindset to keep going.

The main quote that keeps me going daily is "My main focus is to REMAIN focused"

THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE KIDS THESE DAYS

 

             There is something wrong with the kids these days. When I say this I don’t mean it in the way that you hear your grandmother say it, when she sees a teenage girl walking down the road with barley anything  but underwear on.I mean it in a more concerned way. When I say there is something wrong with the kids these days, I’m not talking about their; clothes, language, hair styles, video games or anything like that. I’m talking about their weight. To many kids in America these days are overweight, and I’m not talking about that cute “chubby” kid that everyone pinches and thinks is so cute, I’m talking about kids who can’t even go outside and play a game of tag because their afraid that if they run they will hyperventilate and collapsing on the ground. My younger days were filled with any type of activity that took us outside and offered us an escape from the view of our parents, whether we were climbing trees, going swimming, playing football, or playing keep away. I honestly couldn’t imagine who I would be today if I was unable to build all those memories back then because I was to overweight and unable to keep up with the rest of my friends. 

Now don’t hear me wrong. I’m not saying that if a kid is overweight he is never going to have any type of fun or never have friends, but I do believe that they are missing out on key parts of their childhood lives that could affect their development in the future. Things like; coordination, agility, competiveness, confidence and team work. I think it’s time that we focused in on the health of our young boys and girls and teach them how important it is to eat healthy and control what you put in your body. We need to teach our kids that it’s important to get up and be active in a day and age where everything and anything can be done electronically while sitting on your couch munching on a bag of chips. Child obesity is nothing new, it has been a problem for years now and will continue to be a problem until the adults and young adults of America become better role models for the kids and show them what it is like to live a healthy active lifestyle. If you want the kids to change, change the people they watch.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

-ADAM BOYETTE