Opinion

Sep 12, 2008

No Need for Heritage Months?

Since this is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, a very important question that has been asked many times before is resurfacing. This question has been asked of Black History Month, Women's History Month, and, in fact, all of the months in general. Should these months dedicated to the strong history and heritage of different groups of people exist?

Sep 12, 2008

Shades of Black

How black is "too black?" How does one know if they are not "black enough?" Does race completely define how someone should act? These questions of personal identity have been with me for quite sometime and I have recently decided to create my own meaning to them. People always say "Be yourself" and "Be comfortable in your own skin" but sometimes society makes it hard to fit the skin you're in. Family, friends, the media and etc. have influenced our perception of what being black is. I believe some of these ideas have hurt more than they helped. Those people we do not understand we tend to push away and force them to seek comfort somewhere else.

Aug 29, 2008

This year, let’s get more involved

Last year was a good year, but this year has to be better. Last year was filled with many great programs and activities, especially in the African American community. However, as great as these programs were, not very many were as successful as they should have been. There is a great need for more participation from the African American community, particularly Black males, in the programs that are done for us. Last year had a great start, just like the start of this year, with many new freshmen willing to get involved in our organizations. But hopefully unlike last year, this willingness will not die off as the year progresses, leading to too many empty seats in programs, and clubs suddenly searching for lost members. There needs to be a change from last year, more Black students need to be actively working in their own community.

Aug 29, 2008

Happier here or at home?

Despite common opinion, college life is not easy. There is the constant struggle of juggling academics, extra-curricular activities, a social life, and then, the ever-changing effects of being homesick. Initially, it's a sense of being out of place. All of your surroundings seem unfamiliar, causing a negative perception of the new experience. Studies have shown that not only is it quite common, but homesickness is a natural occurrence.