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.