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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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OPINION
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Y S.
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TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006
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OUR OPINION
Hello real world goodbye college days
As walking down the hill looms in the not too distant future, there will be two types of recent college graduates: Those who will be taking their parent's couch for their new apartment, and those who will be laying on that couch until their parents make them find a job.
Graduation can be one of the most humbling times in one's life for either type of person. When else will you go from a comfortable environment filled with friends, contacts and activities to an unknown future filled with doubt? Then add the job search, where the last four years — or five for some — of your life are written out on a single piece of paper that allows strangers to judge whether they want to speak with you.
Those who haven't secured some sort of employment should take heart and remember that if that moron from your English class can get a job, so can you. Just follow a few basics. First, treat a job search like it is one, because a lot of time and effort are involved in just putting your name out there. Second, use whatever contacts you have because that is the most effective way to get your foot in the door. Third, be patient. Often times it takes employers many days or weeks to get back to applicants. Don't forget, however, to follow up and be persistent in showing interest. Oh, and in an interview,
Issue: The inevitable search for post-graduation employment
Stance: Stay patient. You won't live on your parents' couch forever.
when they ask you, "Tell me about yourself," don't tell them your life story. All they want is information that pertains to your qualifications and experience.
For the KU population that is not graduating, thinking about jobs after college is always a good idea. There are so many ways to make yourself appealing to employers right now by getting involved in activities that pertain to what you want to do later on. To be honest, classes aren't enough when it comes to preparing for the real world. Any graduate can tell you there exists something of a difference between what you are taught and what you actually do at your job. Obviously, nothing can substitute for formal instruction, but a healthy dose of reality and hands-on experience doesn't hurt.
Malinda Osborne for the editorial board
No matter who you are or what situation you find yourself in after May 21, do not forget to believe in yourself, because that's all you have.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Tolerant discussion needed in debate
After spending four years on a campus that I happen to love, I have suffered through countless op-ed columns from students that are just irritating. I personally am a conservative, which obviously puts me in the minority at the University, and that isn't something that I have a problem with because I honestly don't care how anybody else sees that or even what anyone else personally thinks. I guess I'm somewhat apathetic that way. That doesn't seem to be a typical view, however, and 99 percent of the time it makes it impossible to have a rational political discussion in college without getting sweeping generalizations about either side that make it impossible to go anywhere productive.
A case in point would be a guest column in The University Daily Kansan about the anti-abortion movement. I am anti-abortion because of my own beliefs, and I don't force that on anyone. If you want to know what I believe, then ask me because I'm not going to be parading it around. I was surprised to find out that I'm a hypocrite because of that, and also to know that the entire anti-abortion movement is based around fire-bombing abortion clinics and shooting doctors who practice abortion. There are people in every area of life that are crazy, and it doesn't take much looking to find them. I don't think that even a tiny fraction of real anti-abortion supporters condone these tactics. It is ridiculous to think that because some people in the "movement" somehow think killing will solve the problem, it is all right
to generalize that everyone else somehow allows it. I would never allow that to happen if it was in my power to stop it, but I suppose that just puts me in the minority. That's no different from saying that every Christian is a big because they are "allowing" Fred Phelps to operate and spread his absurd beliefs.
Every day we hear "tolerance" and "we need to be tolerant of other people's views." It seems to me that it's not too tolerant to equate an entire group with the acts of a radical few. Many of us here have entirely different belief systems and backgrounds, and it's stupid to bash on any of them or make unnecessary generalizations. It benefits no one and just makes everything more contentious. Abortion is not an issue that has a middle ground, and that tends to make any argument or discussion about it devolve into name-calling and posturing, no matter what the original intentions were.
It would be nice to not be labeled an ignorant hypocrite because of what I believe. I like to think that I'm not too backwards in my ways and it just bothers me that there seems to be license to label people as a whole like that, which is ignorant itself. Now, I've got to get back to that memo to the rest of the anti-abortioners out there, the body of which is: I think we forgot that we aren't supposed to kill abortion rights supporters. Somebody might want to get on that and stop "allowing" it to happen.
Todd Kitchens Emporia senior
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Stereotypes don't reflect greek community's service
the philanthropies also support "The House That Greeks Built" program, which is a derivative of Habitat for Humanity and has already built three houses for underprivileged families in the Lawrence community. Thousands upon thousands of hours are invested in community service, and many members are involved in a variety of different organizations at the University.
COMMENTARY
What people seem to forget is that the original purpose of greek life was to take young college students and help shape them into respected and involved members of society. The greek community stresses scholarship, leadership, brotherhood/sisterhood and service as core values that each member should strive for. Yet, for some reason, a few isolated instances of binge drinking at different universities around the country have created a negative, stereotypical image of the community as a whole. I for one am proud to be a member of KU's greek community because I feel that it is one of the best in the country and contributes so much to campus and the local community. I just wish that those who feel the need to reinforce the negative stereotypes of the Greeks would come to realize just how much more we really are and would be kind enough to respect us for it.
Wittler is a Wichita freshman in journalism and political science.
I started to realize it when my history professor, after finding out that I was in a fraternity, asked me if I happened to know how many gallons were in a pony keg. It became even more clear during Student Senate elections when several people in my political science class described the Ignite coalition as simply "an organization thrown together by all the greek kids so that they could get a party bus to drive them between the bars on the weekend." I've heard all the nicknames for every house on campus and every joke imaginable about fratters and sorority girls. But what I rarely hear is praise and admiration for the many accomplishments of those within fraternities and sororites. The fact is, the Greek community is stereotyped as a bunch of idiotic alcoholics, and it is an image that does not reflect the truth of Greek life.
The Interfraternal Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Association (PHA) hosted their annual awards ceremony on April 30. That night, a variety of fraternities and sororites were recognized for their scholarship, service to the community and overall chapter excellence. It is one of the few nights that the Greek community actually receives praise for its work, especially those involved in the IFC and Panhellenic Association.
While they are a highly involved and integral part of the University, the IFC and PHA often go unnoticed for the vast
JACOB WITTLER
opinion@kansan.com
amounts of work that they do. One of their major accomplishments has been Project SAFE-watch. The group has worked with the provost's office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, Watkins Health Center and the KU Public Safety Office to help increase safety awareness in the community. This year, the group got about 100 members of the greek community certified in CPR training and also provided a fire safety course.
The IFC and PHA also head up the "Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself" campaign, which teaches greek students about the dangers of alcohol and the precautions that should be taken with it. According to IFC president Scott Ferguson, IFC is going to try to open up the program to all KU students in the fall
These are only a few of the many things these organizations accomplish, and they are not the only Greek students involved in the community. Every year, the philanthropies put on by each chapter raise thousands of dollars for both local and national charitable organizations. All of
Free All for
Call 864-0500
I must say, Wal-Mart's new marketing strategy to get their customers in their door is amazing. They've closed off every road to their parking lot and it is working like a charm.
If I'm not careful, they're going to make a movie about
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve the right to omit comments. Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded.
and I'll start caring.
So I think my roommate has the mumps, and we're listening to the song "My Humps" and all I can think is my mumps, my mumps, my mumps, my mumps!
Did you know clothes are like magic blankets that sit all over your body?
God is my designated driver.
and I'll start caring.
OK, there weren't 10 of us streaking, there were five, but we're gonna grow and have a lot more next year. Just wait.
All right, so we just got ninja warrior monkeys versus a genetically enhanced tiger? Throw a dragon in there
From Chuck Norris to David Hasselhoff and crapy commercials, I'm watching blah TV at its finest.
--nothing to say.
After reading Free-for-All for the entire semester, I realize nobody has anything to say anymore. And now I have
PAGE 7A
The match-up of the week is Suge Knight versus Steel
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EDITORIAL BOARD
Jonathan Kailing, Joshua Bickel, Nate Karlin
Jason Shaad, Patrick Rose, Ty Beaver, John
Jordan, Marylah Oborne
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For any questions; call Jason Shaad or Patrick Rose at 864-4810 or e-mail opinion@kansan.com.
SUBMISSIONS
COMMENTARY
Keeping your cramming healthy
ABBY CARTER opinion@kansan.com
It's that time of year again —time for late night cramming and pizza eating. Finals are creeping up and, unfortunately, most people hold off on the studying until the night before an exam. This calls for an overload of caffeine, junk food and headaches. There has got to be a better way. It's too late to change your old habits of skipping class and text messaging the whole time when you do attend, but you can still prepare to be more healthy for finals.
Organization is key to doing anything successful. According to mind-tools.com, performance planning works wonders to reduce stress. You can plan ahead and make a checklist of things to remember for finals. You can also stock up on healthy snacks to increase alertness. Stuffing pizza in your face at 3 a.m. isn't going to make you feel better the next day. If anything, it will make you tired from all the unnecessary calories.
Eating snacks such as almonds, an apple with peanut butter or a turkey sandwich with avocado will satisfy your hunger without making you want to fall asleep. Almonds, peanut butter and avocados all have healthy fats that will give you the brain food you need to concentrate and study efficiently.
Drinking lots of water also helps. Water hydrates you, helps your complexion and keeps you more alert. By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. So, drink water instead of sugary drinks like pop, flavored drinks or coffee. They will only make you jittery and unable to concentrate.
Many people think they need caffeine to stay alert, but most of the time a change of pace will do the trick. Incorporate some type of exercise to increase your alertness. Do some push ups, sit ups, jump rope or just make up some type of exercise. This increases your serotonin levels, which puts you in a better mood. It's also good to get up from studying and stretch your muscles. Another thing that will help you study is planning a break and actually working out.
Relaxation also plays a significant role in reducing stress. Take a deep breath randomly while you are studying to get oxygen to your brain. Even better, take a yoga class. There is no better way to achieve a mind-body connection than yoga. Yoga classes are extremely popular at the re center and are no longer only female dominated. There is a surprising number of men that have realized the positive effects of yoga. So, whether you're a guy or a girl, a yoga class is the perfect solution to relaxation before a tough week of finals. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy snacks and exercise, and your cramming sessions will be much more enjoyable.
Carter is a Shawnee sophomore in health, sport and exercise science.
General questions should be directed to the editor at editor @kansan.com.
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