To start off,  I have been very intrigued lately by a story that has been in the news on Channel 11. Two teachers from Whitmer High School have been suspended with pay while an investigation is conducted regarding their relationships with students after the students graduated. I am especially intrigued because I graduated from this high school and knew one of the teachers that is under investigation. To me, this situation is unfortunate, especially considering the fact that this teacher is a good educator. However, I firmly believe that if teachers are having relationships with high school students after graduation, than there was some sort of unethical practices going on while the students were in school. In my opinion, students and teachers of the opposite sex don’t just happen to become involved after the student is no longer attending school; there has to be some sort of conversation/assumption that something will happen post- graduation. In the case of this teacher, multiple girls have come forward claiming that this was the case- I don’t think this is coincidental.

The two male teachers are being investigated for waiting until girls turn 18 and graduate so they could have a sexual  relationship with them. Is this against the law? According to the school board, the sexual relationship is not illegal, as long as the girls are no longer in school. However, they are investigating them based on the idea of “grooming.” Supposedly this is where these teachers are using the girls’ high school years to develop an emotional relationship with them. They then use this relationship to get closer to the girls, and eventually start making suggestive comments regarding their appearance, and the acts that are a possibility upon graduation. Upon graduation, these teachers have been accused of taking these girls on a few dates, buying them alcohol, and then developing a sexual relationship with them. In my opinion this is illegal. These teachers are using their position in the workplace to get what they want from these girls. Some may say that the girls are consenting adults, but that’s not the issue at hand here. These men are using their position, status, and power to manipulate these young girls- making them believe that they are really interested in them as individuals, not just interested in sexual encounters.  And I’m going to assume that most of these girls had no idea this was going on. As I said before, I knew one of the teachers and would have never thought this could be true- I am saddened to realize this is the case. Not because I feel bad for him---he knew the possible consequences of his actions, but because now we have lost out on a good teacher---someone who was truly able to effectively teach his students and help them become more knowledgeable adults.

I don’t know much about the other teacher, just what I’ve read in the newspaper and seen on the news. I think it is ridiculous that this teacher has been suspended without pay twice now, for the same accusations. He actually had a girl come to his apartment, drove her in his car, and shared information with her regarding his marital separation. Can I ask why this man is still able to teach in the school? And then he was suspended again because he wasn’t supposed to have contact with this student, and he violated that condition! Why is he still teaching? This is beyond my  comprehension…if a school board knows these activities are going on, why do they still employ these educators? Both of these men have been caught buying alcohol for a minor girl at a bar, they both went to a girl’s house post-graduation and brought alcohol with them, and at least one of them is accused of having sexual relationships with these girls-I’m not sure about the other guy. This to me is just ridiculous! I understand that people make mistakes, but I have heard that they’ve both been employing these practices for over five years now. It is amazing to me that this has not been stopped prior to now.

The school board explained that both of these teachers will face a hearing this Thursday, October 9^th. At that time they will hear the allegations against them, and will then have a chance to state their case. I am interested to see where this story leads. I hope that neither of these men will step foot into a classroom again. It’s not that I want their careers to be ruined, but as a mother and future educator, teachers like this don’t deserve to be in our schools. Under no circumstance should any suggestive comments/conversations be taking place in our schools with under-age females. These girls are being manipulated into developing relationships with these men, probably assuming they’re the only ones and it’s not that big of a deal because it’s not like it happens all the time. How wrong were they? I cannot imagine the way these girls feel now, knowing the truth about these men and realizing that they were used and manipulated so these teachers could take advantage of them for their own desires. It seriously disgusts me and I am looking forward to following the story of what these men’s outcomes are.

So I ask you all this question: Is what these two men are doing illegal? Should they be reprimanded for developing sexual relationships with students after they’ve graduated? If so, what should their fate be?

I am really looking forward to receiving some feedback on this issue…I’d like to know what other people think about this situation. Do you agree or disagree with me? Why?

Monday, October 06, 2008 10:26:39 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [5] | 

Okay, so my semester is in full swing now-papers being due that I should have started a long time ago, group presentations that have to incorporate classroom involvement, and Math tests that I have to pass in order to meet my general education criteria so I can be admitted into my program of choice. And let’s not forget about mid-terms that are looming over all of our heads! I keep wondering why I have such bad study habits, especially considering the fact that I took a study skills class here at Lourdes, which I thought benefited me a lot! As I stated in a previous blog, I no longer do my homework the instant I get home, I no longer do all my reading that is required for class, which in some classes isn’t that big of a deal, but when you’re an English major and class revolves around discussion of the readings, you feel completely lost and pitiful in class. You don’t have anything intelligent to add to the conversation because all you can think about is the fact that YOU SHOULD HAVE READ! So instead of changing it for next time, I’ve got stuck in this cycle where it’s all or nothing. I either do so much studying and homework in one day that I’m completely exhausted by the time I go to bed, or I don’t do it at all, wishing I could get myself to open the books! Now I know that I should space out the workload over the entire week, but between school, work, and three kids- that’s hard to accomplish. I have to do it when I have the time, and you get so sick of spending any free time you have on schoolwork- all you want is “me time,” but I am beginning to realize that “me time” should consist of doing my homework so I can get the grades, eventually leading to my goal of getting my degree.

My life is not easy…in fact, I probably made it harder by getting married at a younger age, and having kids before I graduated college. However, I wouldn’t change any of it. My kids mean everything to me, and I don’t want them to miss out on activities just because I still don’t have my degree. So I try to balance it all. I allow my daughter to be involved in gymnastics one night a week, I allow her to be at cheerleading one night a week for practice, and all day on Sundays for her games, I help her with her homework nightly, and go over extra material that I feel is important for her to know and learn…and I try to spend as much time as possible with my kids when I AM home. I don’t want their lives to be changed because of my decisions…they deserve to have all of me when I am in their presence and when I’m away- they come before everything in my life, even college.

So while I am trying to balance it all-something suffers. And it’s unfortunate that it’s my study skills and preparation for class. I am going to try harder to do a better job at time management; I will do better at juggling everything I have going on. I need to get into a specific routine to where no aspect of my life suffers: marriage, family, college, or “me time.” Gosh I wish there were more hours in a day! I’m sure there are many other students out there in situations similar to mine, and I commend you for all that you do! It’s not often that people understand or sympathize with your situation, but I am here to let you know that I do. And I believe in you, and your abilities. YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS! And when you do find that person that is encouraging and supportive of you, hold on to them---because everyone needs a little pick-me-up once in a while! So like I said in a previous post, “KEEP ON KEEPING ON!”

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 11:21:30 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

The next meeting for the Catholic Student Union will be Wednesday, October 1 @ 4:30 in SFH 2

CSU had a wonderful start this semester. At the organizational meeting on September 16, while enjoying pizza and pop, the group began planning for future speakers and discussion topics. For those who were not able to attend, after getting to know each other a bit over pizza, we discussed the constitution as well as possible topics for speakers/discussion and other activities that members might be interested in working with campus ministry on.  The Make a Difference Day is coming up on Sat., Oct. 25 and Lourdes students have been offered free tickets for the speaker for Foundation for Life, Jill Stanek, on the evening of Nov. 12.  Everyone is encouraged to consider involvement in both of these; more information on how CSU as a group might participate will be forthcoming.

Continuing with the momentum of the first meeting, we plan to finalize speakers and discussion topics for the balance of the semester. Members input concerning any other activities of interest will be open for discussion.

Please review the duties of officers (you can find the CSU officer descriptions in the Constitutional draft that had been e-mailed after the last meeting) and consider serving in this capacity as we are planning to hold nominations. Anyone needing a copy of the constitution draft, please contact either Dr. Brown or Chris Roper for a copy.

Once again Pizza and soft drinks will be available at the meeting.

As the old saying goes: Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there's always laughter and good red wine (or at least root beer). 

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 6:18:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Rosary Congress, Feat. Benedict Groeschel and

Steve Pokorny, Oct. 7-12, Cleveland, OH

Thursday, September 25, 2008 6:30:28 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Get Out The Vote! is a new LourdesWorld blog! Welcome Get Out The Vote!

Monday, September 22, 2008 10:47:54 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

My question is this...

As a Catholic, I am open to consider an argument proposing there is something of greater porportion than the violent death by abortion of over 40,000,000 innocent human beings. Is there one? Iraq War? Minimum wage? Death penalty? Immigration? Energy policy?

Monday, September 22, 2008 5:58:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Over the weekend I’ve done a lot of thinking. It seems that the older I get, the faster the time goes. It seems like it was just yesterday when it was New Years  Day; it seems like I just had my baby, when in actuality she’s now 4 ½ months old! I just had my oldest daughter’s 5^th birthday party…I can still remember staring into her bright blue eyes when she was born in the hospital, and at the party I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed because I guess I never accepted how big she truly was. Anywho- I guess my point is that time flies!!! And so far in this semester, there’s no difference there! We’re already pretty much a month in, and all of my poor study habits have kicked in. I no longer do my homework right when I get home…in fact, I leave the book bag in the car, telling myself I’ll get it out later. That doesn’t happen. It sits there, until I literally FORCE myself to sit down and do the work. It is gentle to say that I am COMPLETELY exhausted. Between working part-time, 4 classes, and 3 kids---my nerves are pretty much shot and my body aches of fatigue. I look forward to that moment at 8:30pm when I can lay down and try to watch a movie or something, but always fall asleep within the first 20 minutes or so. I can specifically remember 2 separate nights this weekend when I tried to watch a movie with my husband, and both times there was no way I was making it. Eventually I either went to bed in apology, or was awakened by him after the movie. It’s that sleep when you don’t even realize you’re sleeping…that’s how relaxed you are---I haven’t experienced this in years. I used to be somewhat an insomniac, but I think coming back to school and work and adding another child on top of it has cured me! Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise…

So anyway- as I said before, I’ve done a lot of thinking over the weekend. The world is truly a small place. It seems that anywhere I go, I know someone, they know someone I know, or they know me because of someone they know. Did that make any sense? It is really weird; people I haven’t seen in years are popping up everywhere…it’s awesome to see these people…to see where their life has taken them. It is especially awesome when its people you’ve searched for and wondered about for years…you start to question why you’ve run into them again. Is there a reason? Were you supposed to see these people for a specific cause? Do they enter your life because you need them in yours, or because they need you in theirs? This is what I have been thinking about practically all weekend: IS THERE A REASON WHY WE ENDED UP IN THE SAME PLACE, AT THE SAME TIME, MANY YEARS LATER? I just have so many unanswered questions and curiosities…this whole thing about reuniting with people can be so exciting, and new, and yet it can be confusing too. I need to just not question things so much. I truly need to just believe that everything happens for a reason, and eventually I’ll discover the reason…whatever it is- it’s providing me with many blessings in my life.

So I told you I was in a contemplative mood. I hate it when I get like this; because usually I end up having a worse headache than when I first started (I get headaches a lot).  I realize with each and every day that family is the most important thing in my world. My mom serves as one of my inspirations, my dad-I am so grateful for the relationship I now have with him, my husband-words cannot even express the love and gratitude I have for him…my siblings have helped me to learn a lot over the years, my kids are my cheerleaders and my biggest weakness and hold every inch of my heart, and my nieces and nephews know that their Aunt Savannah will always be there for them-regardless if they need me to be or not. Sometimes I just get amazed by the different generations we are building…and we may be a dysfunctional family that came from a poverty-stricken family, but we’ve all done something to change that. We are all in better places than where we began, and I think that’s something to be proud of. These members of my family are grateful for the things they have, they’re proud of their individual families, and they strive to reach their full potential. If there’s one thing I would love for my nieces and nephews to take away from having a relationship with me, it would be that hard work, determination, and perseverance pays off. I would love for them to see the dedication people have to have in their lives in order to succeed. College isn’t easy, either are jobs, or careers, or parenting…you have to keep working hard and ‘keep on, keeping on.” That’s what I tell myself when I get to this point in the semester right before midterms…otherwise I’d go crazy!

So to sum up this blog-I’M RAMBLING! I’m letting you in on some of the thoughts that were flowing through my brain this weekend.  First thought: I’m tired. I’m exhausted. My body aches with fatigue. Second thought: Is there a reason why we’ve ended up in the same place, at the same time, many years later? Third thought: I love my family including my kids, nieces and nephews, whom I hope learn that hard work, perseverance, and determination pays off in life. And my fourth thought: Keep on keeping on!!!!

Sunday, September 21, 2008 10:03:35 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [2] | 

I will write a non-traditional blog. This my dear readers is where i wish i was...............................................................................

It is a place of calm, relaxing air. When at the beach all the cares of the world seem to be lifted. Even the most important matters almost vanish as the wind rushes around. There is no place as beautiful as the beach. It is therapy enough to heal any quandary of a weary soul.

            Stepping onto the sun-warmed sand is like walking through a door to a much more magical place, with the grains of sand becoming one between every toe. Every step is greeted by the warm embrace of a caring gentle friend. Bending over to sift the sand through your fingers it is apparent all that exists is right here and right now.

            As each and every speck falls, the cool ocean breeze sweeps it away. The palm trees rustle with glee in the mid-afternoon's sun. The gulls all around seem to just float merrily as if not for the current of air they would be lost. It whistles through your hair as though to gently massage every woe away. The sea smells of salty air, so strong the taste is over whelming.  

            In the distance is a cabana, a little wooden paradise. The thatched roof made of old palm leaves glows in the sun light. It is so close on the horizon that it seems easily attainable while still so far off. Finally, reaching the cabana, sweat dripping from the brow; it is imaginable that there is no other place on earth with so much allure.

Underneath the make-shift roof is a cold refreshing beverage. The glass has condensation on every side. The drink hits your lips with a splash of sour lemonade, with the sweet after taste of mint. It is instantaneously refreshing like a cool mountain stream.

Gazing out from the hut there are two noticeably strong coconut trees standing with pure satisfaction. In their grasp sways a cloth held tightly on both sides, trusting these gentle trees. Languidly inside the hammock, the wind sways it to and fro. Images shoot through the mind as it wanders idly from this nonsense to that.

The noises all around ensure your security from all civilization. The waves rolling up onto the beach come to a calming rumble. The birds sing a gay tune in the air above. The rustling and bustling of the trees float in and out of idle ears. In the distance there is a thunderous roar from the waves smashing against mammoth cliffs. A soft Caribbean tune comes from the cabana down the beach where others enjoy their own personal heaven.

The healing powers of a private beach, on the soul, can be matched by no other. Whether it is here or there, the sights, the smells, and the atmosphere as a whole, stand alone. When troubles weigh heavy, there is only one way to go and that my friend is to the beach.

I just thought it might be nice to get away from all the crap politics. Have a drink, kick your feet up and having a good weekend. Come Monday Wallstreet will have opened back up and one can only wait to see what life will have in store.

                                                               Tell Me A Story I Love You?

Friday, September 19, 2008 2:05:19 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [1] | 

The Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is a national organization that works primarily for CCW issues on College campuses. SCCC applaudes another victory for Ohio CCW permit holders that has come down from the Ohio Supreme Court:

Today’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court that strikes down a ban on legal concealed carry in public parks was “a proper decision that upholds the state’s concealed carry preemption statute,” the Second Amendment Foundation said.

Ohio’s current concealed carry statute, adopted by the State Legislature in 2006, prohibits local governments from adopting more stringent gun control regulations than the state. The City of Clyde passed an ordinance banning legal concealed carry in city parks. The law was challenged by Ohioans for Concealed Carry.

“Anti-gun municipalities across the country have been cooking up ways to challenge state preemption statutes,” noted SAF founder Alan Gottlieb, “as a means of harassing legally-armed, law-abiding citizens. Today’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court struck a necessary blow in the Buckeye State for civil rights and the rule of law.”

The court ruled 4-3 against Clyde in a case that was being closely watched by both sides in the gun rights debate. It was a SAF-supported lawsuit against the City of Cincinnati that was the catalyst for concealed carry legislation in Ohio.

“The right of self-defense does not end on the sidewalk at the entrance of a public park,” Gottlieb observed. “The rights of law-abiding gun owners are not subject to the whims of anti-gun municipal governments that think they have the authority to ignore state statute. It’s because of city officials like those responsible for the Clyde ordinance that the State Legislature acted correctly two years ago and stripped them of the power to adopt such harassment laws.

“Ohio gun rights activists, and especially Ohioans for Concealed Carry, have every right to be proud,” Gottlieb concluded. “Ohio’s concealed carry statute is both sensible and responsible, and municipal governments have no business interfering with the lawful exercise of a constitutionally-protected civil right.”

Thursday, September 18, 2008 6:28:26 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

The weather has started its change. I encourage everyone to take the time to walk the campus of Lourdes. Everywhere that you walk, you will find soul enriching artwork. The Grottos' that have our Lady's statues are great places to take a quiet momment to regroup before or after classes. You'll find one behind Assisi Hall and the other next to the library.

After visiting the Grotto by the library, stop in and visit Our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle located in the Portinucula Chapel. It is the small building within view of the Grotto. This peaceful spot is a replica of the chapel that St. Francis of Assisi recieved his stigmata in Italy. It also contains many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree relics of a variety of saints. Flip on the lights and the collection of sanctuary lights will leave you awe struck.

Attached to the Chapel is a room for prayer and collection. In the winter I found it to be a wonderful place to recharge myself after some tough classes.

A larger than life crucifix, made by the sisters from local trees can be found behind the Queen of Peace Chapel. Take a moment to sit on a nearby bench a look into the face of the crucified Christ. If it does not move your heart, you may need a heart transplant.

In the little valley below this crucifix, you will find a reflection pond, a nativity scene, an outdoor alter, and the stations of the cross. Perhaps walking with our Lord while comtemplating His passion could be beneficial.

I also suggest that on your next visit to the Duns Scotus (do you know who he was?) Library, take the time to look at the beautiful artwork contained there. I find something new with each visit. Don't forget to look up from your studies and see the hand-painted tiles on the ceiling. You'll also find these same tiles in the ceiling of Queen of Peace Chapel.

Monday, September 15, 2008 10:51:57 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [2] | 

It looks as if the right to carry a concealed handgun by a permit holder in Ohio has been enlarged. The ability to carry a handgun in a holster while in a car, and being allowed to have it locked within a car trunk while a campus/school property has finally passed. Common sense prevails! Hopefully, soon a CC permit holder will actually be allowed to carry in the classrooms of Ohio.

I am the not attached in any way to Lourdes College, except as a student. I am the contact person for the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at Lourdes. If you are interested in furthering the right to concealed carry on campus you can contact me either at school or via the "campus leader" tab at:

http://www.concealedcampus.org/

Students for Concealed carry on campus is a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization comprised of over 30,000 college students, college faculty members, parents of college students and concerned citizens (about 90% US college students and 10% faculty, parents and concerned citizens) who support the right of concealed handgun license holders to carry handguns on campuses. SCCC has members in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign countries.

SCCC has two main objectives. The first objective is to educate the public about the facts of concealed carry and dispel the many myths about concealed carry. The second objective is to push state legislatures and administrations to grant concealed handgun license holders the same right - the right to carry concealed handguns - on college campuses that these license holders currently enjoy in other places (office buildings, movie theaters, grocery stores, shopping malls, restraurants, churches, banks, etc). Because, SCCC fully supports states' rights, it is our policy to push for change at the state level, rather than at the federal level. The first step is to see "colleges" removed from the list of places listed as "off limits" by concealed carry laws inmany states. The next step is to see other states follow Utah's lead in prohibiting state (tax subsidized) college from enacting their own bans on concealed carry.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 3:19:18 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [8] | 

Young Democrats Organization At Lourdes College!

Tuesday, September 16

^{4:30pm In The Ebeid Student Center!}

@ 4:30pm

I am excited that a new opportunity is coming to Lourdes College. A Young Democrat Organization is currently being founded. I am pleased to announce that in the EBEID Student Center on Tuesday, September 16th at 4:30pm, the first "unofficial" meeting will take place. Young Democrats are being encouraged to come out and help shape our new chapter!

The chapter will become part of the national Young Democrat organization (www.yda.org). Check it out!! This opportunity will allow for members of Lourdes Chapter to attend state and national conventions, along with other great opportunities!

All students under 36 are encouraged to attend the meeting. This meeting will be the first step in forming the constitution and by-laws for the chapter; necessary steps for officially being recognized as an organization at Lourdes College!

Currently there are several students already coming to this event, and you don't want to be left out of this exciting endeavor! We will also decide the process of electing officials to run the organization (Even the founder is leaving the president position up for election; it could be you)!

Also, we are gratefully excited that Professor Mary Stockwell is the "presumptive" advisor for this organization, although we hope to obtain several advisors, as we expect to have many members (fingers crossed).

Please respond ASAP to richard.frelin@students.lourdes.edu, if planning to attend, or if you would like more information about this extraordinary opportunity.

Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Vote OBAMA-BIDEN!!

Monday, September 08, 2008 2:06:43 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [1] | 

CATHOLIC STUDENT UNION

Formerly: Faith Seeking Understanding.

Organizational meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, in SFH 2 at 4:30 pm.  The meeting will end by about 5:15.

CSU is a community of Catholic students dedicated to helping each other develop intellectually and spiritually through good discussion, faith, and fellowship.  We will initially meet once or twice a month and plan to have guest speakers with lively conversation about important theological, philosophical and cultural issues.

 

Service projects and times of prayer in coordination with LINK and campus ministry are also envisioned.  Activities might also include social events like movie nights (always with ) good discussion and fellowship and bowling, as well as praise and worship in tandem with campus ministry.  The field of possibility is wide open, so come help us plan for the year. 

 

So, if you are looking for a student-led community of support and growth in faith, if you’re excited about your faith, if you want to learn more about Catholicism, or if you’re just curious, come Sept. 16 @ 4:30.

 

We will be a very active group and we encourage everyone to come and share in faith, fun, and fellowship with us!

 

With any questions contact:

Chris Roper at Christopher.roper@student.lourdes.edu

Dr. Brown at bbrown@lourdes.edu

Students | Chris

Saturday, September 06, 2008 7:14:44 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Week number two is officially over now, only twelve more weeks to go. Let’s think about what has gone done this week…..

·        Labor Day was on Monday we all got that long three day weekend. The weather was amazing to boot.

·        The nation stopped to watch Hurricane Gustav slam into the Gulf coast region leaving millions with out power. Yet, thankfully, spared New Orleans a major calamity.

·        The RNC was postponed a day for the fore mentioned Gustav. Followed by a successful convention, where the nation was able to meet and fall in love with Sarah Palin. The Republicans where able to call out Barrack Hussein Obama and his party on their plan to raise taxes.

·        The nation’s unemployment rate rocketed to a 5 year record high of 6.1 percent. This coming after employers lay off 84,000 workers.

Enough about the outside world lets talk about our home front- What went on here at the college.

ü      Most of us have already had our first quiz.

ü      The Fall fest Luau went on successfully

o       If you missed it here is what you missed-

§         It rained really hard at about 3 O’clock, an hour before the event.

§         The rain stopped at quarter to four and only periodically drizzled

§         There was a hula hoop competition

§         I personally got to be the official hog hacker. This means I got wrist deep inside of a pig. I think that I am going to take a sabbatical from eating pork after that. It was a learning experience, and that’s what life is all about learning new things.

Well I hope that every one enjoyed the week. If you make it to the Greek festival this weekend I look forward to bumping into you. Don’t forget that next Friday, September 12^th at 8pm the improv comedy troupe “Around the Bend Players” will be in the Ebeid Cntr. So, come and visit me down there, as students you get two free tickets. Bring a date, friend or someone close and make sure to get your passport stamped.

As I leave you with this I hope your weekend is full, see ya’ll Mondayà A friend told me, “Life comes in seasons” after putting thought to that I finally understand. For every season in the year there is something to look forward to; Summer brings us the beach and BBQ’s, Fall blows in cool crisp air and the changing of the leaves, Winter brings Christmas and fluffy snow and Spring as we wrap our circle up gives us a release from the cold. So in effect love the season of life you are in now b/c before you know it the season can change. Accepting that you can’t stop the change will make it easier.

Tell Me A Story I Love You?

Friday, September 05, 2008 1:31:22 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [2] | 

I was never into politics as much as I am now with this presidential race going on. To start, I was a true Hillary Clinton supporter. I truly felt she would have been an excellent change for our political future as a nation. However, Obama won the nomination and he will receive my vote.  I’m going to admit that I never really listened to the things Obama had to say in the beginning, I was ignorant and didn’t care what he was about because I loved Hillary so much. However, now that I have learned about Obama and truly given him a chance, I am PROUD  to say that I am voting for him! Our government and presidency is so corrupt anymore, we need change brought into our political system. And for those who claim that McCain is change, I beg to differ! Yeah, so he’s running with a female VP pick… she’s not a woman that has experience in foreign policy, or our economy- what good does she bring? The only thing I’ve heard her talk about is her family and the values she possesses as a person…which I think ALL decent human beings would possess the same. I feel that this is a desperate attempt for the McCain campaign to win-over Clinton supporters and to persuade them to vote for him. Does this scare me? Yes it does! I cannot imagine where the state of our economy will be in four years if he is elected. I cannot imagine what the Iraq war will be like in four years if he is elected. I cannot imagine what other foreign conflicts we’ll be involved in if he’s elected. IT SCARES ME.

So you may be asking yourself, “What good would Obama do? He has no experience.” But I beg to differ on that. He may not have the most experience when it comes to foreign policy, but he has experience in truly knowing how to listen to people. I feel he’s got a better glimpse into what Americans need and want, and I truly feel that he takes these matters to heart. He came from a place where everything was not handed to him on a platter- his record shows ambition, perseverance, determination, and strength. He rose up from the community he was raised in and he made his world a better place. Not only did he help his own situation, but he helped others while he worked as a community organizer. He has helped others in America become inspired and excited about politics again. We are having record numbers of young voters going out to cast a vote  in this election, and it’s because there’s finally a leader running that shows he cares about ALL AMERICANS- not just the wealthy. He is showing that he wants to change the way American politics is run- and this is a good thing! No longer would we have special interest groups dictating government funds and policies…and this is a huge change in itself! Bottom-line is this- regardless if McCain picks a woman for his VP, Obama still has the better platform and is still able to reach people on a personal level. You don’t see McCain supporters getting together for house meetings just to talk about his platform and the things he wants to pursue should he become president. Barack Obama is reaching through to so many different Americans from different ages, genders, cultures, religions- he is reaching all of these people and inspiring them to care about the future of our country. That’s not something that happens everyday. And even if he’s not elected, I feel he should be commended for that!

FIRED UP! READY TO GO!

Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:54:16 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [22] | 

"This is the same message — "you're not a real American and never will be" — that the professional ethnic activists have persuaded the American government to send to all of our Hispanic citizens....

Thanks to federal and state language policies, families with Spanish names are treated as though they were illiterate in the English language. They receive letters from schools and government agencies in their "native" Spanish — even if their family has been in America for generations."

The English First, is an issue that has taken a back seat during this Presidential election season. I ask, is it discriminatory to assume that a person with a non-English name, cannot read English? If documents must be printed in both English and Spanish, are we discriminating against those of Asian, German, Italian, etc., last names? An excellant discussion of this topic by Jim Boulet Jr.,  can be found at: http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-boulet082101.shtml

Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:32:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

I noticed the first signs of fall today. I was driving on the expressway heading towards Lourdes for my 5:30pm class, and leaves were blowing right past my windshield. Now maybe I’ve just been blind, but for some reason this was the first day that I noticed the leaves were falling already. And this may sound silly to some, but a smile crept upon my face. I rolled down my window at this point and took a big whiff of the fresh, crisp air. It smelled so clean and refreshing…it made me want to curl up with a good book, under a blanket, with my windows open, and a nice cup of hot chocolate-with marshmallows of course. I love fall, if you haven’t noticed it’s my favorite season! I get to break out all my cozy sweaters, my hooded sweatshirts that I’m addicted to, and my high heeled boots- a fashion must-have for some(I prefer a smaller heel). Not only do I love my dress code for fall, but I also love the way I feel in the fall. I feel like every fall is a new beginning-with each academic year I start fresh, as if I’m just starting college again. I get the new school supplies, the new classes, the new Lourdes gear, the new schedule---it’s always so exciting and refreshing.

Another thing I love about fall is the way it makes me think about things. I’ve already said that I make it a new beginning for myself, but I also tend to reflect a lot in this season. Maybe it’s the beautiful, warm colors that surround us, maybe it’s the coziness of a chilly night wrapped in blankets…I haven’t figured it out yet, but my mind goes wandering. Just yesterday while lying in bed under the blankets, I started to reflect on my entire college experience. Mine is different than some, but if I didn’t have children it would be similar to many of your experiences. I started thinking about what makes Lourdes College so unique that out of three colleges that I’ve attended, this is the one in which I have found a home? So I’ll break my reasons I came up with down for you:

-          The professors are incredible- they are well educated, their teaching methods are practical and inspirational, and they make you WANT to come to class

-          The staff members are helpful in answering questions you have without seeming irritated that they’ve already been asked that same question 1000 times that day

-          The campus is beautiful, well-kept, and it doesn’t take you an hour