President's Day

Avila University student, Kaleigh Sheridan, voices
her opinion about President's Day.
Photo by: Brittany Watson

Unlike every other Monday, today is important. It is a day to celebrate and respect the lives of our founding leaders. Today is President’s Day.

Many people are out of school or off work enjoying this national holiday, but others are stuck at work or school having to write about it. It’s not that Americans don’t appreciate their former leaders, but come on, who wants to be at work or school writing about President’s Day on President’s Day? You see, it’s almost like a tease. An irritating reminder that unlike everyone else, there are people still at work and school.

I set out to find the opinions of others and got the chance to interview Avila University student, Kaleigh Sheridan. “If college students are required to attend class on a national holiday, such as President’s Day, I believe it's important for students to take a moment to reflect on our founding fathers.” She continues, “ But I don’t think writing about them is necessarily relevant.”

 If President’s Day is going to be categorized as a national holiday, then it should be treated like one. It seems unjust to let only a select few of our citizens participate in recognizing this day, as others have to continue on with their daily responsibilities. If everyone were allowed to have President’s Day off, it would then be considered a true national holiday.

Exploring the Creative Mind




Participants focus deeply on the significance of the object.
Photo by: Brittany Watson

 On Wednesday, February 9th, Avila University and Steven Fischer held the Secrets of Success: The Nature of Creativity workshop. This all day workshop was an interactive way of exploring one’s full creative potential. During my class period, I got the chance to sit in and observe the workshop. At the time, five different interactive stations were beginning, which challenged the imagination, mind, and creative abilities of students participating.  Each station allowed only five minutes of work, which made it more challenging for the students.



Avila University students pondering over the
creative approach to their assignment.
Photo by: Brittany Watson

The first station was “Words to Thoughts.” It explored the idea of creating a sentence using a select few words. The second station was “Different Expressions.” This station challenged the mind by demanding several different ways one could write the number eight. The third station, “Brick in the Middle of the Table," demanded all the possible ways you could use a brick. The fourth station, “Paper With a Squiggle” challenged students to create something from a simple squiggle drawn on a sheet of paper. The final station, "Black Out Poem,” allowed students to express their thoughts by blacking out random words in a newspaper clip.

The Secrets of Success: The Nature of Creativity workshop was a success. The workshop allowed students to engage each other, as well as learn and develop new strengths. It challenged each student to see from a different angle.

 In the footage below, I talk with Avila University Student, Kara Koehler, about her experience at the workshop.



State of the Union Speech

Courtesy of Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

On Tuesday, January 24th, President Barack Obama gave the 2012 State of the Union speech in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives. In his speech, he addressed many different topics including the military, jobs, and our economy.

President Obama began by recognizing those who served our country in Iraq, calling them “heroes of our generation.” For the first time in nine years, not one American soldier is serving in Iraq. President Obama believes these soldiers made the country a safer and more respected country throughout the world.  He called it a testament of the courage, selflessness, and teamwork of America’s armed forces. Students at Avila University are able to receive an education while others are sacrificing their lives and protecting our country. Because of these courageous soldiers, Avila students have the privilege to learn and grow without fear.

In the last two years, over 3.2 million jobs have been created. President Obama addressed American manufacturing, which has recently helped produce a large number of jobs. With this advantage, foreign trade has reduced, allowing the government to focus on the United States budget deficit. It will benefit the students from Avila University by providing a wide range of employment opportunities. This will lower the unemployment rate permitting Avila students to have higher paying jobs in their future career.

Courtesy of Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Obama believes the United States is capable of achieving an economy that will continue to stand strong. His vision is where hard work is paid off, and the responsibility put forth is rewarded. Saying this, American’s need to continue to move forward and not lose sight of the goal. If the economy continues to improve, the students at Avila University will benefit from lower mortgage rates as a first time buyer, a larger job selection, and the cost of overseas trade will decrease due to American made products. For an Avila student, this will create a more efficient, stable, and affordable economy.

Smart Tips for the 2012 Spring Semester

2012 has arrived, opening the doors for another year of opportunities. For students, it is important to be prepared in all aspects, for they set the bar and influence the future generation. In saying this, here are two important topics students might need to know or understand in order to be successful in 2012.



Avila University students,
Morgan Hopper and Brian Sagun,
walk to class together, avoiding danger.
Photo by: Brittany Watson

 Student safety is by far the most important. To many this may seem juvenile, but college students tend to commute to many different locations, often putting their safety at risk. It is important for students to always let someone know where they are going and who they are with. Commuting with more than one person is a safer option than going alone. Avoiding situations that might have a student thinking twice will prevent bad things from occurring. Also stay updated with the news.
Staying updated withy the news. The news is one of the best tools, providing countless information regarding safety. Know what parts of town are safe, and be aware of things that might seem unusual or unfamiliar. For college students, it is human nature to want to explore and experience, but sometimes in doing so, the outcome of their choices, can’t be predicted or controlled. College students need to take precautions and be smart about the decisions they make. This might not change the bad things in the world, but it will definitely keep students alert and aware.




Student at Avila University, Kaleigh Sheridan,
makes a list of how she will
budget her money this semester.
Photo by: Brittany Watson

Managing money is also important. Attending college for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. How will I pay for books, gas, food, etc.? These are questions students tend to ask themselves when in a panic for money. Many times students feel like adults when entering college, but don’t realize how important it is to manage their money from the get go. It is so important to manage money and to manage it well.


There are different techniques used when managing moey that can help students be respondsible with their money. Pre planning, cutting back on expenses and making lists are just a few out of several ways college students can be in control. These tactics will assure students of where their money is going and how their money is being spent. Also remember to SAVE, SAVE, and SAVE! With the economy the way it is, who knows what’s ahead for the country. It is vital for college students to put a little money aside every chance they get. What happens if an emergency comes up demanding a pretty penny? If college students start managing their money and saving now, they can create a successful habit for the future.