Comment

I commented on I Heart Question Mark's Blog relating to the RA.

Comment

I commented on Paris Hilton's Blog, Christmas Break Can't come Soon Enough.

AV

I recently received an alcohol violation through SMU. Funny thing is I wasn't drinking and I wasn't in possession of anything. My roommate's sister and her friends, who graduated from SMU last year, came to visit during the homecoming game. This means that yes, they were of legal age. They brought a bottle of wine and vodka to drink while we all caught up, then my roommate and I took them out to dinner. We did not drink the alcohol. The older girls asked if they could keep the bottle in our room so that they weren’t carrying it around all night, which is extremely reasonable. Of course, we said yes. The next day a random inspection of our rooms took place. We gladly opened up our doors. It wasn’t until we had left our room that we realized there was their left over alcohol still there. We came back to an alcohol violation and a fine of $200. I wasn’t too concerned because I was convinced that SMU would be understanding and take the violation away. The more we fought the less SMU cared. All they were concerned with receiving money. We even had her sister go and talk to the school and take the blame for it. However they continued to care less. I now have had to retake alcohol edu, pay a large fine, take an alcohol awareness class, and write a paper. I’m sorry but to me this is ridiculous. There needs to be a more clearly defined policy on alcohol in the dorms. We were unaware no alcoholic substance was allowed in the dorms. Has anyone else had a problem like this? I think it is overwhelming to think our school is more concerned with fining and punishing their students than understanding them.

I made a comment on KDC's Blog Registration 2-3 Hours. I found it sad and appalling how SMU has sorted their priorities.

I am currently watching a DVD TV series called 2075 on the Discovery Channel. I not sure if the data shown in the series is 100% correct but wow...I think everyone who is interested in the future should for sure watch it. The series takes you through what the world will be like in the year 2075. From digital holographs to being able to print an organ, I am constantly on the edge of my seat. One of the more interesting topics on this show was the idea that cars will be driving themselves. I'm sorry but is that even possible, more importantly is it necessary? An argument with a close friend of mine helped me to decipher the difference. A car driving itself is said to eliminate traffic on roads. But wouldn’t a car be making the same decisions a human would be? How can the power of a self instructed car prevent traffic caused by rush hour and merging?

I made a comment on GetSomeYeah's blog on hookah chronicles. I discussed the idea that this obsession is something that comes along with a certain comfort obtained from either drinking or smoking. With everyone new to college and out on there own, the so called party scene is an easy way out. WIth so many people at fault of being "blackout" drunk it's hard to regret the choices and actions you made because its likely you're not on your own. When people get drunk their senses relax, along with smoking, and feel the need to connect and feel understood by others. I personally feel like it is easier for guys to approach girls when the have a little courage from a substance, and vice versa for girls to guys. This hasn't become so much of an obsession but rather an area of comfort for a teenager in a vulnerable situation. The problem however lies in the fact that we lack the confidence on our own.

Question & Answer Heat Moon

Miz Alice talks about a recent disconnection of the kids from the land, "I read in the Sun that kids feel disconnected. How can that be? Connections lying over the land like stardust. They live in the Land of Nod"(394). How do you think this relates to Heat-Moon's overall story and point of view in Blue Highways?

Heat-Moon's overall views towards Miz Alice's opinions on disconnection with the land has a strong relation to his overall point. After having his wife leave him his journey across the U.S. is in search for a connection with something. He travels to feel a purpose and connection with the places that he explores. Relating to Miz Alice's point is a main influence on the story's meaning as a whole.

I commented on "Ask Why Not's" blog. I commented on the struggle the presented with the new allowance of freedom that comes with college. It has been hard for many of us. But I think freedom is part of all the fun, even though work comes with it too.

I commented on A roach's blog on cell phones being used as an educational tool. It's scary to think about the advances in the electronic world, but it was also a good point to discuss.

Studying for Life Rewrite

New school, new classes, and new teachers. Going to college was something that I have looked forward to for so long. Ever since I was young I knew that studying hard in high school meant you were studying for your future in a certain college. Well now I’m here and it’s a whole lot different than I expected. Instead of studying for my future in a different school, I’m studying for my future in life.

College is great don't get me wrong, but there's something about the fact that you are studying for your own success in your future. With no limits or parents there to tell you what to do it’s a whole different ball game. I walked into my dorm the other night and my RA had posted some comparison facts on the differences between College and High School. High School: seven hours a day thirty-five hours a week, attendance-mandatory, role always taken, class size-30-35. College: three hours a day eighteen hours a week, attendance-not mandatory but strongly encouraged, class size-anywhere from 15 to 200. The list could go on for forever but the biggest difference that I seem to struggle with is that I have no boundaries to push me to do what's right; Only my own self-conscious. I simply wake up in the morning and say hmm it's time to go to class, but who's there to encourage me if I don't go. I am slowly learning independence a whole different way in college. Sure you're on your own and taking care of yourself but there's more to it than that.

The choices I make affect no one other than me. I am paying to have the education that I am receiving from SMU and yet I still have to work at getting up and doing it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that its pretty scary waking up every morning knowing that I have to have the will power to make the right choices. Sure I've slipped here and there and made the wrong ones, but college is all about learning. Learning about school and life. Learning for your life.

Interpreting Dreams

New surroundings and a new bed seem to make it hard for me to sleep at night. I toss and turn in my sheets for hours until finally settling in. The beginning stage of my sleep is restless I kick away at covers and roll over countless amounts of times. Finally, once asleep I dream endlessly and my imagination runs wild.

Somewhere in between the stage of REM and my deep sleep I find myself on wild adventures and fairy tale journeys. This brings me to wonder what exactly do my dreams mean? When sitting in bed at night countless thoughts race through my mind as I try to find a resting topic. Once asleep my dreams include the people I have been around, a story I heard, or an event that is coming up. I wake up each morning absolutely baffled by what had occurred the night before. Was it a dream or reality? Does it mean it might actually happen sometime soon?

To cure my insecurities about the translation of my dreams I found a website called Dreammoods.com. It interprets the meaning of your dreams based on life's theories and the situation you are in at the moment. I found it absolutely fascinating to research the meaning of these strange dreams. Take the time to do it yourself you'll be intrigued by the hidden explanations you will find out about yourself that you didn't even know.

Comment on Almost Famous

I commented on Almost Famous' Blog about Careless Driving. I am in 100% agreement with her on the rules of attention that need to be enforced while driving. I know that locally they recently instated the law that you can't be driving through a school zone while you are on your phone or you will receive a ticket. Some places, like Los Angeles, you are never allowed to be on your phone while driving. Personally I think this is a topic that needs to be addressed more, local and nation wide.

self defense

The dorms around campus seemed to be covered in flyers advertising self defense classes and protection workshops. I never really looked closely at the flyers, I usually just laughed at the funny photos instead. Until recently. I began to wonder what exactly I would do in the situation if I was attacked or assaulted. As the crazy idea ran through my head the reality of the situation seemed farther away. I found myself contemplating what in the world type of defense I would use against a 200 lb man? It wasn't long until I was standing and attending that silly workshop I had so easily brushed off a week before.

From throat grabs to groin hits, the list of ways to defend yourself against your attacker suprised me. The program I attended was called TAKE. It was a great experience. I learned how to shift my weight and use my entire body against the person constraining me. Something I would have NEVER known how to do otherwise. I sat and listened to the programs instructor as he spoke about talking with criminals who had assaulted and even murdered young women around my age. I thought to myself, what would I have done without this class? And why is this not such a reality check to every other young girl around me. This foundation is a perfect example of the strength the community needs to ensue in it's surrounding social events. The topic is for sure important enough I think. Why is this class not a mandatory thing? I know it would just be one more annoying meeting to attend, but it's up there with alcoholedu and that takes up about 5 hours of a freshman's time.

http://www.takedefense.org

I commented on Greek Girl's blog about piracy in the movie industry. I strongly agree with her in the fact that it has gotten way out of hand. With the thought that people are supporting and buying illegal movies off the streets, one can see why our economy is in a downfall. Hopefully people can see as well that this is wrong and something needs to be done to stop it.

Studying for life

New school, new classes, and new teachers. Going to college was something that I have looked forward to for so long. Ever since I was young I knew that studying hard in highschool meant you were studying for your future in a certain college. Well now im here and its a whole lot different than I expected. College is great don't get me wrong, but there's something about the fact that you are studying for your own good and success in your future. With no limits or parents there to tell you what to do its a whole different ball game on your choices. I walked into my dorm the other night and my RA had posted some comparison facts on the differences between College and High School. High School: 7 hours a day 35 hours a week, Attendance-mandatory, role always taken, Class size-30-35. College:3 hours a day 18 hours a week, Attendance-not mandatory but strongly encouraged, Class size-anywhere from 15 to 200. The list could go on for forever but the biggest difference that I struggle with is the fact that I have no boundaries to push me to do what's right other than my own self conscious. I simply wake up in the morning and say hmm it's time to go to class, but who's there to encourage me if I don't go. I am slowly learning independence a whole different way in college. Sure you're on your own and taking care of yourself but there's more to it than that. 

The choices I make affect no one other than me. I am paying to have the education that I am receiving from SMU and yet I still have to work at getting up and doing it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that its pretty scary waking up every morning knowing that I have to have the will power to make the right choices. Sure I've slipped here and there and made the wrong ones, but college is all about learning. Learning about school and life. Learning for your life.