The first week back on campus is a whirlwind; moving in, new classes, and wondering how in the world to manage the coming semester’s homework load. The second week on campus is certainly a high point for many, because it is all about social life. College graduates and current students alike will agree on the importance of joining student organizations to meet people and make … Continue reading Breathe!
What does it mean to be an American? Some people might cite religion—we’re a “Christian nation.” Others might mention the adoption of an “American lifestyle.” The idea that we’re all supposed to assimilate and be basically the same—speak English, eat hamburgers, have a big star-spangled banner in our front yards, sit in pews every Sunday, and maybe have a nice house in the suburbs. Let … Continue reading To be an American
When encountering catastrophe, the human race has the habit of resorting to passivity. For example, remember when Paris was bombed by ISIS? #PrayforParis. How about when the night club in Orlando was attacked by a shooter? #PrayforOrlando. How about right now during hurricane Harvey? #SOSHouston. Hurricane Irma? #PrayforFlorida. In these cases, hashtags tend to trend more quickly than actual details related to each incident. In … Continue reading #Hashtags and Passive Activism
Returning to Gustavus, or starting your first year at Gustavus, tends to be an exciting time. You get to greet old friends you may not have seen over the summer, and you get to make new ones. You have a fresh start for classes, and the leaves are changing color. It does not get much better than that. For some people however, returning to campus … Continue reading Mental health stigma at Gustavus
On Friday, August 25, Hurricane Harvey landed on the Texas Gulf Coast. The winds reached 130 mph. For reference, the world’s fastest animal, a cheetah, has a speed which tops off at 75 MPH, making the winds of Hurricane Harvey nearly twice the speed of the cheetah. The hurricane brought 52 inches of rain, which broke the US record for rainfall. During this short amount … Continue reading Helping in the aftermath of Harvey
When someone asks for examples of iconic fictional couples, there are a few which come to mind. Han Solo and Princess Leia are probably towards the top of the list, with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger not far behind. All four of these characters are as strong-willed as they are independent. Both couples respect and love one another for who they are, even if their … Continue reading The impact of TV relationships
She was unconscious. They took videos and laughed for six hours. She was sexually assaulted, dragged around naked, and photographed. They were released early from their one and two year long sentences in a juvenile detention center. She was ridiculed online by classmates, town members, and people around the country for her character and her decisions to attend a party and consume alcohol. They were … Continue reading A ‘Second Chance’ in College Football
This is my last column with The Gustavian Weekly. It has been my greatest joy to contribute to our humble college paper. I am so grateful to our loyal readers (hi Mom and Dad), and to Gustavus for providing a platform for student expression. How wonderful it is to take part, in some small way, in the proud tradition of a free press! In times … Continue reading “You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train”
I am not a Star Wars guy. I like the movies, don’t get me wrong, but for me (trigger warning advised) they are nothing more than action-packed hours of splish-splash with laser infused swords. I am, however, truly fascinated by outer space. Part of the interest is owed to my brother, Gareth, who graduated from college with degrees in physics and astronomy. He graduated when … Continue reading Let’s figure out our crap and move to Mars
Many people have varied ideas on what is best for themselves and the collective health of humanity. It is because of these varied ideas and interpretations of those ideas that conflict arises and tensions mount. That is also the reason why it is important to emphasize the role of discourse in how ideas are spread. It is an unfortunate reality that people will often disregard … Continue reading Let’s Engage in Civil Discourse
