Midnight Breakfast

The posters for this year's Midnight Breakfast went up today, and the information included on them shocked both myself and my friends. This year, the infamous celebration of the end of the semester is not entirely free for the students. Each hungry scholar is required to bring one canned food item that will be donated to the food pantry.

Don't get me wrong-I think providing people who are in dire need of food with canned goods is a wonderful idea and something more citizens should do on a regular basis. My beef with the food drive results from the fact that I thought the Midnight Breakfast was a reward for hardworking students, not a fundraiser. I feel as though I'm being used to make the college look good, not being served warm pancakes because I busted my butt over the past four months. But whatever.

Maybe I'm overreacting. Post your comments and let me know what you think.

College at any age

This winter, it will not be uncommon to see an 80-year-old student at Taiwan's National Chung Cheng University. For three weeks, the school is opening its doors to senior citizens who never had the opportunity to attend college. And, according to an article in The China Post, these scholars are getting the full college experience. They will live in the dorms and eat in the dining halls during their five day stay at the university.

How cool is that? There's a large university in my hometown, but the most senior citizens can do there is audit a class. Marietta could stand to try this. I know I'd be willing to share my room.

Economy to blame for lack of education

As I've noted before, it's hard to pay for college. Tuition alone is outrageously expensive, and the cost of textbooks and living only increases the exorbitant price of higher education. According to an article in today's issue of The Tartan, Carnegie Mellon's student newspaper, 70 percent of students who choose not to attend college do so because of economic reasons.

It saddens me that many students are robbed of the chance to further their learning because they are limited by funding. I don't think that's right. If you ask me, it's time for the government to step in and solve this problem. Because, as expensive as college might be, the benefits reaped from attending a university far outweigh the cost.

What do you think? Feel free to post your comments.

Professor evaluations 2.0

An untraditional list of best professors and institutions was released this morning by marketwatch.com. Unfortunately, this ranking probably won't be taken into consideration by news magazines as they compile their issues about the best colleges across the nation. That's a shame, because I'm willing to bet that this rating system is fairly accurate.

The winners were not determined by the amount of financial aid the schools provide or the breadth of their academic programs. These top finishers were chosen by students on ratemyprofessors.com. The Web site allows the people who are actually experiencing a professor or the college to cast their vote. That sounds like a smart idea to me.

And here's the extra fun part: Marietta College has a page on this site. If you'd like to visit it and cast your vote, click here

After all, people should know the truth.

College on the coast

It's snowing in Marietta today. And regardless of how many of us love the floating flakes, there are a vocal few who wish they were somewhere warm. Too bad they didn't go to a beach school.

Nowadays, you can choose a college simply because of its location. A Saturday article from signonsandiego.com humorously titled "College life's a beach" included a list of the top ten surfing colleges in America. I mean, colleges that are located on a beach and therefore provide students with the opportunity to go surfing. Whatever.

I guess you could pick a college merely because of it's proximity to the ocean. But should you? A couple more months of snow, and it may not look like such a bad idea.

Adjusting to college made easy

An article in today's online version of U.S. News & World provides African American students tips for feeling more comfortable on a primarily white college campus. I think that this is a great idea, but I would argue that the advice can be used to benefit students of all races. For most scholars, college doesn't immediately feel like home. That said, I have tweaked the list of helpful hints and included it below:

1. Identify resources

2. Immerse yourself in the campus culture

3. Attend class regularly.

4. Find a faculty mentor.

5. Find a sympathetic upperclassperson

6. Find a "cohort."

7. ...but also go outside of the "community."

8. Establish and maintain a spiritual network.

I would encourage you to read the original article for even more ideas.

'High impact activities' a must

According to an article from the Nov. 10 issue of USA Today, college students learn best when they participate in "high impact activities," such as community service, internships, or study abroad. Apparently, it's best not only to gain knowledge about a concept but to implement those lessons learned by doing and experiencing.

I'm proud to say that Marietta has hit the nail on the head when it comes to making sure that students have the opportunity to participate in all these activities. Many majors actually require that students have an international experience or an internship, and the college proudly participates in Make a Difference Day and Community Service Day each year.

Feel free to post comments about your thoughts on these experiences.

Presidential election over

All the mudslinging and campaigning is over. Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States. It happened so quickly that I didn't even realize a final decision had been made. The polls hadn't even closed before John McCain gave his concession speech.

Whether or not you support Obama, this election was still a monumental even for a country and, I believe, a step forward. That's pretty cool.

But you have your own feelings about this election. Please feel free to post your comments below.

'Overscheduling' not always the best choice

Apparently, it is a miracle that I have not failed at life yet. This is because I am an over-scheduled overachiever, and, according to an article that was posted today on bnd.com, people like me are not on the path to success. Despite our best efforts, our impressive list of after-school activities are not enough to get us into college. Actually, they may keep us out.

The article states that what colleges look at when choosing a student really is the scholar's transcript. The current belief is that, if students focused on one or two activities and dedicated the rest of the time to their schooling, they'd be much better candidates for elite colleges.

I'm not sure that this argument holds much weight. (This may be an appropriate time to mention that I had a perfect GPA and a slew of extra-curricular activities and AP classes, but no one wanted me.) If you ask me, I think it's more important to be a well-rounded individual than a straight A student.

School shootings always a tragedy

The school shooting that occurred at the University of Central Arkansas this week didn't receive the same amount of press that previous situations have warranted. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't have known about it if someone hadn't casually mentioned it in my Monday lab. Since then, I haven't heard another word about it.

Why is that? Is it because fewer people were wounded? Or are we just becoming desensitized to the magnitude of violence that occurs on college campuses? I'd hate to think that was the reason.

Leave a post and let me know your thoughts.

'World Class' provides entertaining weekend

No blog about Marietta College would be complete without a post about Homecoming. Amidst the myriad of events including a 5K run, a football game and a luncheon enhanced by the musical stylings of MC's most talented, it seemed that many most enjoyed the social aspect of the weekend. After all, that's what Homecoming is really about--taking the opportunity to reconnect with friends, faculty and the people at Marietta that feel like family.

While for me, Homecoming really translates to running-around-the-mall-in-a-choir-dress-so-as-not-to-be-late-for-yet-another-singing-committment, I still managed to enjoy myself. I'm curious to know what your favorite part was. Because, personally, I really liked the croon. (There's something about singing that gets me.)

College requires blogging

Most summer reading assignments follow the same pattern: Read the book, write the essay and do the best you can to never think about the topic again. Wouldn't it be fun to switch it up a bit? Dartmouth University certainly thinks so.

According to an Oct. 20 article in The Herald News, Dartmouth took the doldrums out of required reading by having incoming students blog about their reactions to the novel. And tomorrow, the author of their summer reading book will be speaking at the school.

I feel having students blog about books would be a great way to encourage them to create relationships with their fellow classmates before arriving on campus. It also would get them thinking about the topic of the novel in a more unique, personal way.

If you have any thoughts about college blogging, please leave a comment.

Sandella's gives way to subs

Eating on campus may never be the same again. While it could be argued that college dining is never the most appetizing choice, as of today, it got a little worse. Izzy's has undergone a monumental change.

Now, instead of serving nice, warm paninis and wraps, Izzy's will be offering sub sandwiches. Which is kind of exactly like Upper Gilman. Which kind of sucks. Sandella's has left the building.

The college Web site doesn't have anything to say about this upset, but students certainly do. Please feel free to leave your thoughts below, and enjoy your cold sandwich.

Locks of Love event tonight

This evening, five sophomores from the leadership program (including myself!) are holding a Locks of Love hair drive at the Gathering Place from 7 p.m. to midnight in honor of Make a Difference Day. This day celebrates a national weekend of service. Citizens are encouraged to complete a project or volunteer in their communities.

The event tonight will feature approximately 15 people cutting off six or more inches or hair. This hair will be give to Locks of Love, an organization that uses the donations to create wigs for children who are suffering from cancer.

Tonight, will also be a raffle, pool and darts tournament, open mic night and free food for both the donors and those who wish to stop by and support them.

You have an opportunity to make a difference every day. I encourage you to find a way to change your community for the better this weekend. Please feel free to post your experiences and share them with the rest of us!

Joe Biden in Marietta

Last night, a democratic rally was held outside the armory on Front Street featuring Joe Biden as a guest speaker. The vice president hopeful expressed his desire to make "the American Dream" attainable for all American people, stating that he and Barack Obama will lower taxes for 95 percent of the country if elected. Biden also said that he and Obama will implement a community service plan to make college more affordable for students. Perhaps the most surprising of Biden's promises was his pledge to bring the Delta Queen back to Marietta, which elicited a rousing audience response.

If you missed the rally, you can check out an article about event at WTAP.com

Library lowdown

It's come to my attention that a few Marietta students aren't so happy about the library construction. For starters, the campus is loud. It's difficult to trek from McKinney to Hermann without pausing for a roaring dump truck.

Also, the campus smells. While we students can appreciate the fact that the library will one day be nicely landscaped, whatever it is they're using to grow grass just smells like poop. That's kind of a shame, seeing as we recently had a batch of prospective Marietta students touring the school.

The final (and perhaps most trivial) complaint I've heard is that the bricks being laid for the library that connect with the mall don't match. They're too red.

I tried to look up information about library progress on the Web site, but it's nowhere to be found. Feel free to post your library knowledge and complaints.

Debate between Palin, 'Obiden'

There is something about Sarah Palin that fascinates me, and I can't put my finger on what it is. While I personally felt that Senator Joe Biden won the debate last week, I couldn't help but watch Palin instead. Perhaps it was her use of phrases such as "Joe six-pack" or her continual references to soccer moms that drew me in. Maybe it was the way her hair never moved, or the fact that she looked directly at the camera while delivering most of her reubutals.

If you missed the debate, you can access it on youtube. I'm curious to hear what you think. Because, while impeccable delivery isn't everything, it certainly is an important skill for a president to possess; don't you agree?

Mischief in Marietta

Today in my 9 a.m. class, 15 cell phones buzzed simultaneously with a warning from the college that a thief was on the loose and could potentially be roaming campus. We were directed to the college Web site for more information. Upon investigation, our class found that we should be on the lookout for a 5-foot-6-inch African American male weighing 192 pounds.

I'm curious to hear what the rest of you heard about this situation. Various news sites were reporting the incident differently. Our school's Web site says that the man was apprehended in a local Kmart. To get the basis of the story, check out the article in the Marietta Times.

Write it down

Today, naturalnews.com published an article including tips to get through college healthfully. In addition to the standard advice usually given to students, such as sleeping eight to 10 hours a night (Who has time for that?) and eating a nutritious diet, there is also another suggestion that may be more feasible for college students to stick to: Keep a journal.

I have to admit, I began jumping up and down (in my head) when I read this. I love my journal. I write in it almost every day. And the point the article makes about the benefits of writing things down resonates with me. Not only does keeping a journal provide me with an opportunity to remember all the fun (or lack of fun) I'm having in college, but it also puts those experiences into perspective. I can sort out all the thoughts and feelings that are tumbling around in my brain and put them into cohesive sentences on paper. It's pretty cool.

So go out, have an experience, and write it down. Organize your emotions. And if you already do that, I guess your next task is to get 10 hours of sleep a night. Good luck!

Pets prevent stress

An article in the Sept. 24 issue of USA Today says that having a pet reduce stress levels and can even making getting adjusting to college easier. That's why some schools are beginning to allow students to bring pets into the dorm rooms or even supplying the furry friends themselves.

Marietta College would be an even happier place if it were filled with cuddly, lovable animals. Many students get excited just to see a puppy on campus. Imagine their enthusiasm if they got to take that dog home with them at night. I say it's a cause worth investing in.

Marietta misses the mark

Apparently, Marietta College students should have picked a different liberal arts school. At our college, there is no information kiosk on the mall where students can make restaurant reservations or drop off their dry cleaning. I have never received a text message informing me that my laundry is ready to be switched from the washer to the dryer and no one hands me free food on my way to class.

"Of course," you're thinking. "Because those things are kind of ridiculous to expect of your college." Except they're not. Not anymore, anyway.

A Sept. 20 article from ABC News states that colleges and universities across the nation are beginning to cater to students' needs more than ever before. The theory is, since students are paying so much money to attend the school, the administration better keep their customers happy. They hope their commitment to service will inspire the students to work harder and take their role in the classroom more seriously.

Tuition at Marietta costs over $33,000 a year. Many of us serve our communities and make the Dean's High Honors List on a regular basis. Granted, we did it without all the added incentives. But where, I ask you, is my free snack? After all, a reward might be kind of nice.

Purity rings not made for mocking

While I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers, the incident involving their purity rings at the VMA's got me listening to what they have to say. Apparently, all three of the brothers wear these rings, symbolizing their commitment to save sex until marriage. Russell Brand, the host of the VMA's, felt the need to publicly ridicule the family for their decision. Despite the fact that what Brand did was completely uncalled for, the Jonas Brothers held their ground and have continued to stand up for their promise to remain pure. Way to go, boys.

It takes a high level of immaturity to mock someone for a decision that will, inevitably, leave him or her safe. Teasing any person because he or she has decided to wait to have sex until marriage merely indicates ignorance and a closed mind. As the owner of a purity ring myself, I am incredibly proud to say that, if I do get married, I will be able to give my husband a truly special gift. And I don't think that's laughable at all.

If you want more information, check out http://www.lifeway.com/tlw/
and look for an article in the upcoming Marcolian.

Here comes the hurricane

Last night, nearly half of the Marietta College campus was dark. Both Parsons and McCoy were without power, as were many of the academic buildings. The power outage stretched the length of Seventh Street, even affecting local businesses like Tim Horton's. To the dismay of most students, class was not canceled. The lights were back on by 8 a.m., making it feasible to view Power Point presentations, take notes and complete science labs.

Thankfully, we here in Marietta experienced only minute effects of Hurricane Ike. Comparatively, a Sept. 15 article in the New York Times states that millions of Texans are without power and that the largest rescue operation ever needed in Texas has begun. Try to stay dry, and keep the people on the Gulf Coast in your thoughts and prayers.

Virginity is a high price to pay

College is expensive.  For example, Marietta College costs over $33,000 a year.  Although grants and aid help, students and their parents are often left with a large bill to foot.  The most common way students pay for school is through applying for financial aid, scholarships, and working to save money for tuition.  There are, however, a few unconventional ways of raising money as well.

Today, Howard Stern interviewed a 22-year-old woman on his radio show who has decided to auction off her virginity.  She will use the money to pay for college tuition.  The auction will take place during the radio program, and the woman will wait until she receives a suitable bid.

Forgive me if I'm being conservative, but this is disgusting. It makes me sad that students feel the need to stoop so low to fund their education.  While this is undoubtedly one of the more creative ways to raise money, it's also one of the most dangerous.  Perhaps college financial offices will pick up on this desperate need for funds and find a way to lift the financial burden this young woman, and the rest of us, are feeling. In the meantime, keep your pants zipped and find a different way to write that tuition check each semester.

Smoking on campus

At Marietta, it's not uncommon to walk outside a dormitory into a haze of cigarette smoke. Because smoking has been banned in the buildings, students must sit outside to enjoy their cigarettes. According to campus rules, all smoking must take place at least 20 feet away from the building. Unfortunately for those of us who don't smoke, this is still close enough so that walking past the smokers leaves us smelling like the inside of a bowling alley (before the smoking ban, of course).

Surprisingly, the number of college students who smoke has decreased significantly and has now reached an all-time low. A Sept. 8 issue of the Wall Street Journal says that tobacco suppliers have stepped up their advertising to compensate. They aim to target high school and college students who are going through transitional periods, intending to make smoking appear as a viable way to deal with change. Hopefully, college students are intuitive enough to resist this ploy, leaving themselves (and the rest of us!) smelling fresh and seeing clearly.

College Must-Do's

With the third week of the fall semester rapidly approaching, I feel that it's imperative to remind college students about some of the necessary (and often forgotten) things they really should do during the semester. Before becoming too overwhelmed with your schedule, make sure you block out time to do some of the items on this list. It'll do you good. So, without further ado:

Ali's List of College Must-Do's (in no particular order)

1. Go outside.
Preferably, go outside in the sunshine. It's so simple to get caught up in the monotony of going to class, practicing for a sport or extra-curricular activity, attending meetings and doing homework that you go a day or two without actually seeing the sun. And, contrary to popular belief, there are health benefits to that extra dose of Vitamin D. Check out Benefits of Moderate Sun Exposure for more information.

2. Make "friend dates."
Sure, you see your friends during classes and rehearsals and while you're cramming for your next big exam, but how often do you set aside time to do something fun? I'm willing to argue that "quality" friend time doesn't happen while pouring over a textbook. So forget the school talk for an hour and go entertain yourselves.

3. Join a group you like.
Did you get that last part? Not a group you have to be in or one that will look great on a resume, but one you actually want to do. Even if you feel like you don't have time to be in one more activity, participating in something that makes you happy will most likely decrease your stress level. And, clearly, that's something nearly every college student could use.

4. Exercise
Yes, I realize this seems like an obvious one, but exercising actually is important; it didn't make it to the top of all those other "must-do" lists just by sounding cool. And while running around the block or hopping on an erg machine may not sound like your idea of a good time, expending all that sweat and energy will make you a more pleasant person to be around. If you need more convincing, take a look at the 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity.

5. Hug somebody.
Spread the love. Put a smile on someone's face. And read about the Hugging Judge for some great ideas.

Community Service Necessary

At Marietta College, any student who choses to pursue the study of leadership and receive a major, minor, or certificate in the field must complete either 50, 100 or 125 hours of community service prior to graduation. Luckily, Marietta offers a variety of service options, including some not-so-standard volunteer opportunities. In addition to more traditional service activities, such as tutoring or collecting food for the homeless, MC scholars can also volunteer at the Humane Society or teach a class at the YMCA, and the list doesn't end there.

While some students may groan at the prospect of donating several hours a week to yet another activity, all their work does make a difference. An August 2007 issue of Time magazine included an article called "A Time to Serve," which states that one of the best ways to get citizens engaged is to get them volunteering. In 2006 alone, Americans logged 8.1 billion hours of community service, and the move toward volunteering is still growing.

As a matter of fact, the call for community service has garnered governmental support. Presidential nominee Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden have committed themselves to national service. If elected, Obama promises to implement a plan for Universal Voluntary Citizen Service that will encourage Americans to meet the nation's challenges through service, improve education through volunteering and expand the already successful service organizations. Obama hopes to equip all citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference.