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.

11/11/11

Love is patient, it is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.-Corinthians 13: 4-8

The gift of marriage is indeed a special thing. A commitment to love and to hold, from this day forward, as long as two people shall live. On 11/11/11 I was able to witness two very important people to me, make a vow to each other. A vow that would express their undying love for each other and hopes and dreams for their future.

These two people were my mother and her husband, Charlie.

Friday, November 11, 2011 was the day of my mother and her Husband Chralie's wedding! The wedding was held in the comfort of their own home, and many friends and family came to witness. What started out as only close family, turned into over a handful of people surrounding my mother and Charlie. The ceremony was short and sweet which included traditional wedding vows and a kiss to seal the deal. Within 20 minutes my mother was a married woman and I was  extreemly happy for her. After the ceremony many friends and family gathered at the local pub and grub to eat dinner and celebrate the uniting of the newlyweds. The night was full of love and laughter as two family's merged into one. I don't think things could have went any better for this was exactly how the we all hoped it would be. 

11/11/11 was chosen for the wedding date simply because of it's uniqueness. What other way to spend their wedding, than on a date that everyone would remember, but also that had something so special about it. Never again will the date 11/11/11 exist in history. Not only was it special and worked out so right, but it also served a significant purpose to my mother and Charlie.  11/11/11 represented a day of love that was their's that noone else could share. A day of happiness that would mark their life of eternity together. 

Beyonce "Countdown" Controversy

After being accused twice of stealing the ideas of others, Beyonce has indeed released another music video that has people all over the world talking. On October 6, 2011 Beyonce released, "Countdown," a fun, playful music video that included choreography and the ideas of others which she failed to acknowlege or give credit for. These ideas came from artists such as choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and living legend Audrey Hepburn. According to Beyonce, "Clearly, the ballet 'Rosas danst Rosas' was one of many references for my video "Countdown." It was one of the insperations used to bring the feel and look of the song to life." She continues by stating, “I was also paying tribute to the film, ‘Funny Face’ with the legendary Audrey Hepburn. My biggest inspirations were the ’60s, the ’70s, Brigitte Bardot, Andy Warhol, Twiggy and Diana Ross. I’ve always been fascinated by the way contemporary art uses different elements and references to produce something unique.” Although Beyonce concluded she was simply "paying tribute," this issue hit world wide news, making people really question Beyonce and her motives.

I personally don't think what Beyonce did was wrong I just think she went about it in a wrong way. There is nothing wrong with being inspired by the ideas/works of other and wanting to produce something from it, but on the other hand all Beyonce had to do was acknoledge those artists that she reflected from. Knowing the situations she has placed herself in before, makes me wonder how could she ever forget such a thing? We all know that she isn't trying to steal these ideas to call them her own, but this is the reaction she will recieve when things arn't done properly. All we can do is reflect on something of this nature and learn from the mistakes of others. I do think that Beyonce did indeed make a honest mistake by not crediting those is which she inspired from but what is done, is done. All she can do is aknowledge her error and therefore give those artists the credit that they deserve.

Peace Week

If we devoted a small portion of our lives to spreading the word on peace, we could ultimately change the way in which our world works. According to peaceweek.info, "We have the power to shift our world from a culture of violence to a culture of peace." Although this statement might seem very unrealistic it can indeed happen. But the main question that we have to ask ourselves is what will it really take to put this vision in action? Peaceweek.info states, "The "technologies" for creating peace at all levels of society are well-established. We simply need to share them on a grand scale and accelerate the evolution that will have us live, collaborate and create in the most harmonious ways. Doing so is necessary to address our global crises and birth a new, co-creative era of human evolution." In 2010 The Shift Network launched their first annual Peace Week, which did exceedingly well. According to peaceweek.info, "Peace Week 2011 was a huge success." People from all over the world came to be involved with his historical day. "The feedback was extraordinary as people from Nigeria to India all said "Yes, it is time!" and offered their gratitude for the wisdom and practices shared."- peaceweek.info

On Tuesday, September 20th, my classmates and I went to the Peace Fair held at Avila University. I was very excited to be involved in this inspiring event, but when we got their I was very disappointed with the outcome. There were only three tables promoting Peace Week and about 20 students including my class, there. Although it wasn't everything I had hoped and wanted it to be, I talked to a lady by the name of, Ann Suellentrop who was with physicians for Social Responsibility, that informed us spectators on a very important issue. This issue was the building of the new nuclear plant in Kansas City. Currently Kansas City has a nuclear plant that was founded in 1949. Now 62 years later they want to build a new facility that is half the size, lead certified, and more advanced. This may be the case but the underlying issue of the plant still remains the same. The current plant is known for making about 85% of nuclear bomb parts not only for Kansas City but for the majority of our nation. This idea of a new plant raises lots of issues because of the fact that our city funds will certainly be going to the making it.

As the other listeners and I became educated on this issue, Ann presented us with two petitions she and her organization were conducting. The first petition introduced to us was the idea to withdraw city funds from the making of the new plant. Ann and her organization argue that we are spending millions of dollars on something that isn't going to bring peace on earth. We are basically spending money for people to kill each other. Ann and her organization said that it would be more beneficial to put our hard earned money to things such as, schools, health care, funding, etc. The second petition introduced to us was the idea of converting the old and new plant together and making it into something good for our community. Ann and her organization claim that if we combine the two plants together we could use them for things such as, wind energy, solar panels, IT, medical IT, etc. Why not turn these plants into something valuable, by making the environment good for us as well.