SMU's level of curriculum

I commented on Smiley's blog post
"SMU, too easy?"

What are your thoughts about SMU's curriculum? Are you being challenged?

What Gas Prices?

With a $100 monthly budget for gas and a fuel efficient Toyota, you would think I wouldn’t have to worry about commuting to and from campus. In reality, I have worry about rationing enough money to keep making the drive to my boyfriend’s townhouse on a daily basis. As you certainly know, gas prices have risen dramatically over the past few years. The high inflation in gas prices is said to be the result of the growing demand for oil from other foreign countries. Today, China and India are trailing behind the U.S. as the world’s largest oil consumers, increasing the price of this valuable resource. Despite a plea to increase oil production and ease supply pressures, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rejected the call for relief from the West, keeping the market high for the impending vacation months. With the U.S.’s petroleum stockpiles said to be in decline, the gas prices are projected to rise to $4.00 a gallon this summer during the summer driving season. The absurd cost of fuel may influence drivers to think twice before taking to the road. I do not see the high price as an obstacle, but an inconvenience and a slap in the face to the world’s oil consumers. I believe this problem, together with America’s recessing economy is a recipe for disaster. Something needs to be done, and soon. The price of crude oil is predicted to stay high for the rest of the year due to less output from oil producers than previous projections. The OPEC claims the price increase is not due to supply shortages, therefore there is no reason to increase the supply of crude oil, leaving us consumers with no relief in sight. The $40 charge to my checking account every week is starting to take its toll. How much are the rest of you paying to fill your tank? What do you think we should do to solve this “rape at the pump”? If worst comes to worst, we may all have to go purchase a pair of comfy walking shoes.

Argument: Career Choices

Because of family influences and work experiences, young adults have built a negative connotation towards work. However some take these negative experiences and influences figuring no matter the job, it will be unfulfilling in regards to their well-being. To fill the void, they figure material objects will bring them happiness. So they choose careers solely based on the paycheck amount to sustain their materialistic needs, convincing themselves they will be happy with money rather than passion. However, money doesn’t bring happiness or an improved state of welfare. Passion for something that is so much a part of reality is essential for a good quality of life.

I think young adults, especially those attending college, should choose careers based on their interests and passions, rather than the external values associated with different jobs. Many college freshmen come to college not having a clue what to major in, but have a passion for art for instance. It would seem obvious to major in art. But so many find this to be a difficult situation and decide to major in a subject completely opposite of their passion, like business. So why don't they choose a career path that deals with art? It's a real simple answer. Money. Art isn't usually seen as a great money-making career and can be very risky. Business on the other hand leads to more corporate jobs, which in the end can lead to a bigger, and more reliable paycheck. But if your passion is art, do you really believe you will be happy in a corporate job? I didn't think so. So what is more important: the big paycheck or your quality of life?

Tattoos

I commented on Beast's blog post entitled "Tattoos: Acceptable in Society?"

Whether you have tattoos or not, you should really check it out.

Friendships

I commented on Audblogger's post entitled "Friendship: Quality, not Quantity." A good conversation has started regarding the importance of different types of friendships.

Finding a Career

I commented on LMD's post entitled "The Search for my Passion."
Her post topic has many similarities to the subject of my argumentative paper.

Hitting Rock Bottom

Have you ever felt like you were at your ultimate worst whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally? Did you find yourself asking when will things start getting better? And yet, things seemed to be only getting worse? That was me last week.

Last Sunday I became extremely ill thinking it was just the flu, and it’ll be over it in a day or so. But day after day, new symptoms would appear and some would vanish. I was literally stuck in bed for a whole week withering away. After many sleepless nights and miserable days, I felt like there was no hope. I had never been this sick before in my life. My body was giving up on me. Fortunately, my boyfriend stayed with me the entire week, taking care of me, running errands, waiting on me hand and foot.

Finally after not eating for five days and missing a whole week of school, my boyfriend took me to the doctor (not the school health center mind you). It wasn't the flu. They actually couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. That's reassuring. Luckily, I got some antibiotics for some of my major symptoms.

But even after going to the doctor Friday morning, I had a complete meltdown that night physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was balling my eyes out wanting it all to be over because I just couldn't take being sick any longer. It felt like my illness would never go away. If it wasn’t for my boyfriend’s support and care, I don’t think I would’ve been able to get through that night. His comfort gave me the hope that things will get better in time and I will be okay. I needed that support and encouragement to help me mentally and emotionally.

What gets you through the toughest times? Is it easier to get through the worst when you have someone’s support?

V-day Issues

I commented on Samantha Brooke's post regarding
Valentine's Day. I must say, this holiday has raised some concerns about today's society and our expectations. Something to think about.

Are Grades Everything?

I commented on Wisco88's blog Piece of Mind entitled "The Art of Learning." It brings up an interesting point about the importance of grades versus actually learning.

Generation Y Off to Work

According to USA Today, Generation Y (babies born roughly around 1980-1995) are hitting the workforce harder than ever these days.

Generation Y have been nurtured and spoiled since we were little. We have high expectations for our employers, want to have immediate responsibilities, need constant feedback, and are extremely goal-oriented. We are independent thinkers and are technologically knowledgeable. However, it seems we are upsetting our older employers with our modern views on life.

First off, we put more top priorities on our personal lives rather than work. We want flexible jobs and jobs that will accommodate for our family responsibilities. Family values are important to us and we won't double think missing work for our children.

Secondly, our idea of work attire is more casual. Let's face it, we love all of the cute flip-flops and flats. We want to keep up with what is fashionable rather than what is appropriate.

Thirdly, we are financially prepared for the future. We know that contributing to our 401(k) is beneficial and necessary. My parents even started a Roth IRA account for me when I was 16 years old.

So why can't we work with the older generations? Why are we creating conflict? Do we lack respect for our older employers? Or have we become the narcissistic generation?

I think Gen Y needs to calm down and chill out some. I know we were raised to believe that we can accomplish anything and be independent, but we're not going to climb the executive ladder in any company if we keep taking companies by storm. We need to realize WE DON'T DESERVE RESPECT, WE HAVE TO EARN IT.

Web Logging as a Tool

Web logging, or blogging, has become a new tool in recent years, not just for the classroom, but for professionals as well. Putting your writing out on the web gives others a chance to comment on what you have to say about a range of topics. You can come across people who tend to agree with you and those who think you're absolutely crazy for thinking that way. But that's the best part! Having a full on debate or discussion about an issue gets everyone's mind thinking in ways it may not be used to.

I told my dad how we had to blog for our Rhetoric class and how I can never come up with topics to write about. Blogging isn't easy for me whatsoever. But he actually liked the idea of blogging in school. He told me how people in the workplace are becoming increasing illiterate in their emails and presentations. He believes blogging teaches us how to communicate in a formal fashion and prepares us for the business world. So even though blogging can be seen as stupid, hard, or pointless, it actually is one of many tools that can potentially help us in the bigger picture.