Reality TV shows have struck a chord with both American and international viewers since 2002 with the first seasons of American Idol and Survivor. Although reality TV has been around since 1950, it wasn’t until the transformation into glitz and drama (which Hollywood is known for) that reality television’s popularity skyrocketed. A common argument in favor of these shows is that they involve real people … Continue reading Reality TV: Awful for everyone
Over the years, I’ve heard many people say things such as: “Growing older is an enriching experience; you become wiser, and it is something that you should embrace.” While aging is inevitable, I can tell you right now- it is something I am not looking forward to; not for myself, my family members, or anyone really. As someone who has grown up around elderly people, … Continue reading Age is scary
Growing up I listened to The Current almost religiously. This is because this was the only station my dad listened to, unless he was in a particularly good mood and let my sister and I listen to Top Hits every once in awhile. Because of this, I was introduced to a vast amount of local musicians. I did not realize that this was out of … Continue reading Support local artists!
It’s a new school year at Gustavus Adolphus College. For some of us, that means new roommates and sharing a confined area with someone you barely know. You may have some opinions that differ, but what if your new roommate has a greatly different personality and energy level than you? Or maybe they’re on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum? What can you … Continue reading Let’s be Frank about getting along
In the dead center of Hurricane Season, my mom and I made the astute decision to go on a road trip to the coast of Texas. Five days into our sightseeing, beach-walking, pina-colada-drinking vacation, we woke up to steely skies and urgent text messages from family and friends. We turned on the Weather Channel to see that what had been the relatively harmless tropical storm … Continue reading In the face of the storm
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
