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!