The College Turnaround

So Thanksgiving break was great. Fantastic, in fact! There was family, friends, and food! (man, look at that alliteration). Awesomeness and peace. A wonderful break. However, once Sunday came I was dreading driving the three hours back to Wartburg and being back at college in general.

One of my friends goes to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. I love her to death, and I missed her bunches. But once I started talking to her about college I realized I wasn't having the greatest experience at college. While hanging out with her she was texting and emailing her friends from college. I didn't feel the urge to text any of my friends from here. Texting them about anything other than when we're eating seems strange. I began to compare and despair on college experiences. I've never been to a college party. My friends don't stay up late with me talking or watching movies. I don't go out on the weekends or leave campus much at all! WHAT KIND OF COLLEGE LIFE AM I LIVING?!?!

So after that I convinced myself I hated college. Well, maybe not college, but Wartburg. I told myself that I don't have close friends here. There aren't enough opportunities here other than my academics. I don't have fun here ever. Right before leaving I told my mom that we might need to look into transferring schools. I was serious. And I cried a lot of the way home.

But now that it's Thursday and I've gotten back into the swing of college I love it here. I think I've had more fun this week than I have this entire semester. I've been a lot more social, while still being productive, and I have been more open to actually loving it here.

For example, on Tuesday night I went Christmas shopping with my lovely roommate, Abby. We scored big deals at Goodwill and decorated our room. It's Christmas, yo. And Christmas makes me happy. Then last night we actually had people hang out in our room!!! Like, seriously. People never hang out in our room. We don't know why because it's a pretty awesome room. Especially with the Christmas decorations. We just sat in our room and talked for a loooong time. We were gonna watch a movie, but I was fine drinking hot chocolate. And then it got emotional. Solution? Oreo cereal. Yeah, it's a real thing and two people consumed it that were participating in this awesome hangout last night. I guess that the past two days I've started to actually connect to people here and realize that awesomeness does exist outside of my hometown.

So there's that. I've decided that college is what I make it. Prior to break I was so focused on my studies and a set routine. But once I talked to other people at home about their college experiences I realized I was shutting out social opportunities. I wasn't building relationships because I wasn't allowing my relationships to be a construction zone (great metaphor, right? ehh...). Sure, college isn't all about the social life, but I might as well get to know the people that are around me every day. Otherwise there's not really a chance for me to like it here at all.

And now I am starting to. Great timing right? 2 weeks before a long break I realize I like it here. Oh well. This way I'll be able to start the New Year over with some awesome resolutions which include, but are not limited to, enjoying the college life.

My Name is Khan

I really enjoyed this movie. It was an overall feel-good movie. I think it captured the religious stereotyping quite well. The situations weren't too extreme in my opinion. I'm sure a lot worse has happened, but viewers will find this plot more realistic. There were only a couple of things I had problems with. First of all, the cheesy Bollywood music. I know it's necessary, and it was a great background support for the happy moments of the film. However, there were some questionable times when it was playing. An upbeat tune is not a very good accompanying piece when Mandira starts meeting with people to bring justice to Sameer's death, but there it was! Also, I was kind of surprised that people who encountered him did not at all address the fact he has Asperger's. Yeah, it'd be great if they were treated like normal citizens, but they aren't a lot of the time. And a lot of the time they need to be treated differently (mainly in developmental stages and such).

I still am fascinated by how much religion is a part of countries. The United States has separation of church and state, but in other countries that is not the case. Often the laws of the country are made from the laws of the religion. I read Reading Lolita in Tehran my junior year of high school. I loved the book. A lot of the reason was because I love books and the idea of book clubs, but also I loved learning about the lifestyle of women in Tehran. I didn't know much about it at all. I won't write a lot about it here because some of you have read it and I don't want to rewrite my Scholars application paper in this blog (unless you all are dying  to read it), yet there are some things I find interesting now after seeing "My Name is Khan."

There was a woman that wore a head scarf and was a professor or something. She said the scarf was a part of who she was. In the book, the women resent the head scarf much of the time. They don't like what it stands for. The participants of the book club didn't wear it while in the home of Azar Nafisi, the author of the book. I suppose it's all about personal experiences though. The professor in the movie stopped wearing it for a while, but it was because of the stereotyping that happened in America, whereas the book is more about the put-down of women in Tehran.

Everyone has their own experiences with their religions. Sometimes we love it, sometimes we hate it, and often times we question it.

What I learned about London from my brother

My brother is a senior at Augustana college, so this year he has to complete a Capstone project. He is majoring in biology and environmental science with a minor in philosophy. Quite the academic, eh? I think he should write a book. Anyways, he decided to do his project on seed saving. For the past two weeks he has been travelling around London, England conducting interviews and visiting points of interest regarding seed saving. The reason he chose London is they have one of the largest seed banks in the world. It's quite fascinating, really.

He showed my parents and I pictures and explained all kinds of stuff about seed saving. Basically, when someone discovers a new species of plant, they take the seeds and send them to a seed bank where they are processed, frozen, and stored in hermetically sealed containers. Not all species of plants are stored in London, however. Only about 12% of the plant population is there. But when you think about how many species of plants there are in the world, that's a lot. These seeds are all kept in two rooms at the seed bank. Just TWO ROOMS. They must very efficiently pack them in there. Also, they are ordered by a specific coded system to ensure no one can break in and easily find what they're looking for. It's pretty sneaky of them.

A part of seed saving that is really super awesome is that if a species goes extinct, there's a large chance one of the seed banks in the world has at least one seed from that specimen. With that one seed a species of plant can be reborn. My brother had some pictures of plants that were being regrown. He also had a picture of this one huge plant that either produces one large leaf made up of many small leaflets or, every once and a while, a single flower. This flower is the largest in the world and apparently smells like rotted meat. Yummy.

Carlisle, my brother, also spoke to us about other random things he learned in England. First of all, he told us about the announcements at the subways. A lady's voice would come over the intercom and announce something, ending every announcement with "mind the gap." He said it was annoying. Also, because England is one of the few countries where one drives on the left side of the road, they have to paint on the road which way pedestrians should look in order to avoid being hit by a vehicle. Apparently the English also like to take stuff from other places and keep it. This includes species of trees.

My brother researched one summer in Colorado and he had a friend that now goes to Oxford for graduate school. He met up with her while he was in England. First of all, he visited the Great Hall in Christ Church College. This is where the the dining hall scenes in Harry Potter were filmed. People who are a part of Christ Church College have formal dinners EVERY NIGHT of the week. That's pretty cool. His friend said that her college only has formal dinners once or twice a week. No big deal or anything. Also, students wear full academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, etc.) to their final examinations. Yep, they wear all of that just to take a three hour exam. Awesome. Undergraduate studies work differently, too. The students will have a few lecture courses, but they also meet individually with professors who give them other outside work such as readings and essays which they then discuss together. It seems like a much more intimate and individualized kind of learning. Very interesting. I'm not sure I'd like it.

After seeing all of his pictures and hearing his stories I really want to travel somewhere awesome and have stories and experiences of my own. It will all happen in due time.

P.S. Dr. Birgen, could I get a culture point for this informal talk my brother gave to my family and I? :)

A culmination of the day's festivities

WARNING: There will be no organization to this blog. This will accurately represent the lack of organization of thoughts when it comes to topics brought up today in general.

Rape culture and feminism, I was delighted to learn about you from the wonderful Ella. I thoroughly enjoyed her passion about the subject and her desire to keep the focus on facts. However, our class was somehow unable to just sit quietly and take in the data that she would be able to support with references, I'm sure. Almost everything said was challenged by someone in the peanut gallery. Sure, this is a controversial topic, but I think we could have at least given her time to fully explain the information before pouncing! And don't even get me started on getting off topic onto other topics which lead to heated opinions being thrown about that aren't even related to correct subject matter. For example, there was a picture of Miley and Robin performing at the VMAs. She was going to talk about the performance and song in relation to rape, but somebody instead brought up the changes Miley has gone through and everything. IRRELEVANT.

Anyways, on to my next thought...

I used to think 'Oh, we're just getting heated in arguments because of the topics,' but now I realize that EVERYTHING is a heated topic for our class. I love that we all have our own opinions and are willing to share them. However, we need to be respectful of other's opinions as well (see "Maybe we actually SHOULD read this book...?" for more on that topic). We don't have to agree, but at least listen to what other's are going to say. Or even simpler, let them finish their statement before starting a new one. We can at least do that, right? (I hope so).

I have another idea I came up with today! I personally enjoyed learning about something from someone who is passionate about the topic. It would have been AWESOME if all of our classes were like this one. Each of us has a passion about something. Why not give every student a day where they lead the class in a lecture-type-thing about said passion. It would be a great way to learn a lot of things and a lot about our classmates.

The only trouble with this is that some people are passionate about controversial topics.

Oh no! What will we do?!

I think that people should just man up and deal with the presence of differing opinions in a positive way. This does NOT include interruptions, snide remarks, rude looks, or muttering under your breath. It does include listening, being patients, being kind, and being respectful of others. The only topics that should be steered clear of are those which are "triggers." These topics affect the core of one's being in a negative way. Not just because they are against it, but because of a personal experience that has haunted them. For example, rape would not be a good topic to discuss in class if a victim of rape is sitting in one of the seats. There are various ways to evaluate the topics that are off-limits, but since this idea won't actually come to fruition I won't go ahead and talk about that.

On to another thought.

We talked a lot about rape not being taken seriously. This is true. It is not taken seriously. A lot of serious things are not taken seriously. Offensive statements are said and people get hurt. Our society has become somewhat numb to other's feelings. Our feelings are still quite important to us, but most people disregard the possible consequences of actions regarding other people. I know I already wrote a blog about this topic, but there were some things that I'm sure were left unsaid. On the other side, people should be less sensitive to thoughts shared. Not everything is a personal attack. I know that I am one of those people that tends to personalize everything, so I'm being a slight hypocrite, but we should be able to look outside ourselves for a bit and see OTHER PEOPLE EXIST. Gasp. I know, it's a shocking truth.

On to feminism!!!!

Well, actually I'm not going to talk about feminism really. One thing that in general annoyed me about the feminism argument is the fact we are generalizing the two genders so much. I think that every person is different, and so saying "Women do this" and "Men do that" is kind of pointless. I think we've come far enough in this society of equality that we can't lump everyone together based on gender and make a valid argument. Everyone is different, so everyone will probably be treated differently. Equality ain't no thing. Also, I believe the reason there are more men in the medical professions is because more men choose to become doctors, not necessarily because they are more successful in math and science. If more women pursued the career then maybe it would be more equal. We all have different talents and different passions.

So next time a point is brought up that is generalizing a population we should remember that it is a blanket statement and there WILL BE EXCEPTIONS to the generalization ALWAYS. Instead of pointing out every little exception during the class time, realize that the person making the generalized statement probably knows it is a generalized statement and there will be exceptions.

Now that that unorganized little rant is done...

While I was coming up with my GENIUS IDEA of how the Scholars class could have been conducted, I realized that I don't know what my chosen topic would be. I don't really know the thing I'm most passionate about. I'm kind of a renaissance man in the way that many things interest me pretty equally. I'll just ask my parents what I rant about most to them.

Anxiety and expectations

In school I've always been one of those people that has trouble tolerating being in a class with people who slack off. I just don't get it. How can they stand to live their lives if they don't complete their assignments on time or get A's on tests or practice for three hours every day? It just doesn't make sense! If I have something that needs to be accomplished, I get it done as soon as possible. Otherwise the thought of needing to get something done will weigh down on me. I can't think or speak without my mind wandering to a thought in the back of my mind saying, 'Hey, Emma. You know that music theory worksheet that's due in three days? You better get that done. NOW!' 

I don't know why I'm so anxious about it. It's not like my parents have ever needed to push me to do homework. I do it naturally. Not because I want to necessarily, but because I feel like I need to. It's a do or die thing. I know, I really need to get my priorities straight. Anyways, the reason that I have such anxiety surrounding the need to be successful in everything I do is that society has decided to place this expectation on people in this generation. I don't know why they have decided to raise the standards so much, but they have. 

For example, I learned a lot more material in high school than either of my parents. After seventh grade, I couldn't ask my dad for help with math homework, and he was really good at math in high school and college. The curriculum has become a lot more rigorous, especially with all the honors courses and AP courses that put many students ahead of the already accelerated coursework. 

It would be ridiculous of me to claim that the change in standards came only for my age group. It's been a gradual process, I know. As more knowledge becomes attainable and more resources become available, there is more to be taught, more to learn. 

One major problem we have today is with how we measure success. It's all about the grade or the percentage or the GPA. But, let's face it, that may not be a very accurate way of evaluating a person's success. Then again, what is success? 

I believe success to not be dependent on how well I do on a test. There have been plenty of times that I don't do as well on an exam as I wanted to. However, if the mistakes I made were due to stupid errors instead of unpreparedness, I'm able to get past the grade. That is until a classmate rubs in their 125% they received. Then I start to get upset. I feel like I've let someone down. Myself? Maybe. My parents? Probably. 

I'm not sure why I think my parents will think less of me because of a silly letter grade. They never have and they never will. Unless of course I start failing all my classes. But that won't happen. I have anxiety, remember? I also like to "compare and despair" a lot between myself and others. Another skill taught to us by society. We have so many competition shows on the television these days that it's hard not to get competitive in everything we do. I probably wouldn't be so competitive in school if everyone else around me in high school would have chilled out for a bit. 

Back to what success is. I don't think it's dependent on a letter grade. It's not about how well I do on a test, but about what I learned from the class. There is some information I learned in high school and was tested on that is quite irrelevant to my life. Sure, it was nice to know for a bit, but I don't need it now. The information that sticks with me is what i'm passionate about and what I enjoy. That is what is more important. In college, the pressure is on more because we take classes specifically for our major which will then translate into a career that will affect the REST OF OUR LIVES (no pressure). 

In the end, our grades won't matter. What will matter is the way we lived and how we felt about it. What will matter is how we grew from experiences: either positive or negative. I know this point has been preached before. If you're annoyed by hearing this then I want you to take a step back and evaluate whether you measure your success on the scale that matters most. I know that I am still stuck on grades, but I'm trying to outgrow that. With a little practice I just might be able to. And with it, perhaps my anxiety will lessen and I won't get panic attacks when I'm at home doing something enjoyable instead of practicing piano. 

I could write so much more about living life to its fullest, but I should go to bed soon. I also should think about becoming a philosopher, eh, eh? 

But really...should I minor in philosophy?

That would drive my mom nuts. I know she's already thinking it's weird my brother's minoring in philosophy...I just might do it anyways.

Because existentialism sounds fun. 

Maybe we actually SHOULD read this book...?

So I'm reading Six Questions of Socrates, right? Yea, I know, I'm probably the only one that actually reads this book, but I like it. I'm reading "What is good?" and I find it very interesting.

So far there has been a lot of discussion about treating others as human even though they are different in race, religion, or opinion. We must accept others as people even if we differ from them. Just because they aren't exactly the same as us doesn't mean they aren't human. This applies greatly to arguments, or what our scholar's class likes to refer to as "debates." I put the quotation marks around that word because we always shy away from debates because we treat them as if they are arguments in which no one wins and everyone gets hurt. I think we're big boys and girls and can fend for ourselves and depersonalize the points made by others, but it's up to the leaders what we do with our time.

Anyways here is a nice quote from one of the participants of a conversation with Christopher Philips: "Instead of trying to win an argument...we voiced our concerns, but also we really opened ourselves up to the concerns of the other"(166).

What's that? They were able to say what they believe, but also listen and respect an opposing opinion? I didn't think that was possible. I'm not specifically criticizing our scholar's class but society in general. We are often much too self-consumed to look outside of ourselves and examine the lives of others. Their lives are just as important. True, our own personal lives will be more important to us than the lives of others most likely. However, this doesn't mean we can completely disregard others as people. We constantly are thinking about the rights of homosexuals and other groups because the rights denied them are much more obvious. However, everyone has rights that are sometimes disregarded by other individuals. So perhaps we should also be fighting for our own personal rights to live.

It seems kind of silly to do that, doesn't it? It should be a given that we will live how we wish to live. True, we can live how we want, but that doesn't mean others will agree with it. Maybe it's not important to pay attention to what others think about you, especially when its something ridiculous like not liking the way you choose to live. So ignore those who don't accept you the way you are; that's all fine and dandy. However, I challenge you all to not have to be those people that have to be ignored. Accept others for who they are. Love thy neighbor as you would love yourself. Listen, truly listen, to what others are saying. You don't have to agree, but you do have to acknowledge its presence. You could even go a step further and even try to understand it.

For further reading, open up your Six Questions of Socrates book to page 162 and read.

As promised: a blog about abortion

Since I'm the one that mentioned blogging instead of "debating" about abortion, I figured I should probably follow my own advice and blog about my views.

A lot of people have an opinion about abortion due to their religious affiliation or political ideology. However, I'm not particularly political and my faith is what I make of it. I am pro-choice. I haven't been particularly swayed by my family's opinion because we don't often discuss abortion. My mom has occasionally brought it up when elections roll around, but other than that it stays out of my house.

I don't really have an organized list of things to say about why I'm pro-choice, so I apologize if I start to ramble or not make sense in any way, shape, or form. I tend to do that when my thoughts are unorganized and I don't know how to organize them.

I believe all people have the right to do what they want with their bodies. What they do, doesn't affect me, so I don't think I should be arguing. I also don't believe in murdering. Because of this, I don't plan on having an abortion myself. That's my choice. I've never been in a situation where abortion is an option, and I don't plan to be any time soon, so I can't say for sure what my choice would be. I love having options to choose from in almost all situations of my life. It helps me feel more free and independent, less constricted, less anxious. I'm not being forced one way, I can choose another path to take. The same is true with abortion. Those who are pregnant should have the choice to terminate the pregnancy if they believe that is the best option for them.

I do like throwing out some guidelines for abortion though. I believe that the abortion must happen within a certain number of weeks of the beginning of the pregnancy. This way, the fetus is not too developed. Sure, it's still a human life and whatnot, but it seems more humane the earlier the abortion happens. Also, girls should not be getting abortions willy nilly just because certain methods of birth control didn't work or they lost their ability to make good decisions for a night. There has to be something more to the reasoning. If the child is going to be born into an unfit environment and suffer a majority of their life or have severe functional disabilities that will be unsupported for a lot of their life then abortion seems like the best way to go. Less suffering on the child's part. Also, if the woman is going to die due to the pregnancy, I believe she has the choice to abort the baby. I'm sure there are some mothers who would rather give up their life then give up the baby, but that's the beauty of choices.

I love living and I wouldn't ever want to take that away from anyone. However, quality of life is also important, and sometimes the well-being of a child will suffer if it is born. I can't seem to find the right words to articulate all of my opinions, so I apologize, but I think you all got the gist of my standpoint on the matter. I have a strong opinion, but I don't preach it often and I certainly don't push it on anyone. Just like with abortion, people have a choice in what they believe.

Hungry for change

Today I volunteered on campus with the Wartburg Youth day. For those who are unfamiliar, middle school students from Lutheran churches come and participate in activities, discussion, and worship for a day on campus. They are centered around a different topic every year. This year it was hunger.

I had the pleasure of only working with 5 middle school students. I was really apprehensive starting out because I don't consider myself the best leader, and I overall felt unsure about the day. I had the schedule, but specifics weren't really given. But once everything started it turned out to be pretty easy. The students in my group were very nice and behaved themselves well. One was PB's son, so that was pretty neat, too.

The day started out with worship led by Hope Overflow. After that, we all headed to the ballrooms to start the hunger-related activities. The first was a hunger simulation where we all had paper bags with an identity stapled to them. I, for instance, was a 33-year-old woman from the UK that had a good, steady job and lived more than comfortably. My bag had quite a few M&Ms whereas others who represented low-income people had only 1 or 2 M&Ms in their bag. There was a power point projected that led us in discussion. The discussion went pretty well. All the students had insightful and meaningful things to say about hunger and how it affects others and how we can help.

However, I knew deep down inside all they wanted to do was eat the M&Ms that were tempting them. Because I had such an abundance of the candies, I told them they could all have some of mine if they wanted. Their hands reached over the table and grabbed a handful of the chocolaty-goodness. I didn't expect them to take all of the M&Ms for goodness sakes! Yet they did, and all I could do was stand by.

That didn't get my hopes down about this group though. We continued discussing a bit while we consumed our treats and they all still seemed very interested in helping the fight for less hunger in the world. It wasn't until they started complaining, "I'm hungry" that I realized maybe this activity wasn't affecting them as much as it should be.

"Is it time to eat yet?"
"No."
"How long until we eat?"
"2 hours."
"2 hours?!"
"Yes."
*moans and groans
"Well, at leas you know when you're getting you're next meal."

Maybe my tone was harsh, but I wanted to get the point across to them that we are very fortunate to be provided for so well in the United States. I could tell that the information still wasn't sticking, but I tried. Sometimes you just have to deal with that. Especially when it comes to less mature minds. You see, many of them may not be in the formal operations developmental stage (we recently learned about stages of development in music therapy). In this stage of development, children begin to look outward instead of inward. They aren't as self-consumed, and they're beginning to observe issues in the world around them and care about them even though the problems may not directly affect them. Usually this stage begins at age 11, but everyone is different. Maybe my group just wasn't quite there yet.

The rest of the activities weren't as big of a deal as far as blogging about it goes. But I do want to talk about dinner time. They were all so excited about eating in the Mensa. I got the impression a lot of them had been here before. They kept saying how great the food is here and how they're going to get, like, 8 plates of food, yeah right. Anyways, I noticed all of the middle schoolers went straight for the pizza and fries. I'm pretty sure every kid there got pizza and fries. This is fine, I just thought it was funny that they all collectively would get the same thing. I don't think I would have gotten pizza and fries when I was in middle school. I don't really remember what I loved to eat then...oh right, chicken noodle casserole was mah fav. Back to the chilluns...after finishing 2-3 plates of pizza and fries plus the occasional fried shrimp or spaghetti, they ALL GOT ICE CREAM. So then the line was super long and everyone was late getting to closing worship.

The point I'm getting at after ranting about the eating habits of these middle schoolers is that they get more food then they need. This is fine, but I hope that they realize that they are over-provided for. They got 3+ plates of food and someone in Ethiopia is getting 0 plates of food. I thought about that while quietly observing their ravenous eating habits, but I don't think they were. I know they need the nutrition to grow up big and strong, but some reflection on what is being given to them would be nice especially since that was the entire point of this day.

An Uncertain Future

Honestly, ever since I have arrived here at Wartburg something has been wrong. I'm not saying that it's a new thing every day, although it could be. No, I'm saying that something has been off here and I can't figure it out.

Maybe Wartburg and I just aren't meant to be together.
Or maybe music therapy and I don't mix.

There are so many things that could be affecting the way I feel. I can't figure it out. I've tried and tried and I still don't know. Some days I just want to go home and stay home.

But then again, there are options. There are almost always options. However, I feel lost when I try to choose which one is for me. These are the things I have come up with so far:

1. Wartburg is the right choice for me and so is music therapy. I just haven't fully transitioned into life at college.
2. Wartburg is the right choice for me, but music therapy isn't going to last. Changing my major would be the best choice. This will require some research and a lot of discussing with people.
3. Music therapy is right for me, but Wartburg isn't giving me what I need. Better transfer schools, eh?
4. Wartburg isn't right for me and neither is music therapy. Better transfer schools and change majors.

I don't know which of the above options applies to me. I really don't. So then I came up with some more options of what I can do right now about the situation.

1. Stay here until the end of the semester. From there either change majors, transfer schools, or go home and think about it for a while.
2. Stay here until the end of the year. Maybe the winter and may term classes will really show me more of what I'll be doing for the next 4 years. Decide from their whether to transfer schools or change majors.

Both of these options sound good, but I'm gonna have to go with option 2. This way I will get my feet into some more of the coursework and get college credit for the classes my parents and I are paying for. The downside of waiting a full year before transferring or changing majors or both (if I decide that) is that I will be behind. I hate falling behind in anything. Changing majors in general will make me feel like this first year was a waste of time as well. Perhaps my stubbornness and need to stay on track will force me to stay here, no matter how hard it is.

I bet you all are wondering what my thoughts are about what schools I would like to transfer to or what majors I have thought about switching to. Well here ya go:

1. Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. It's close to home, I'm familiar with it, and I really do enjoy the environment. Also, I am accepted there and have scholarships. They aren't as great in monetary value as Wartburg, but it's a start.

That's really the only school I've thought of because I haven't had time to look up any new options...but that will change if I continue to feel serious about this endeavor.

On to the major choices (really there's only one again. I am so confused about what I want in the world right now, so I can't choose a major quite yet! STOP PRESSURING ME)

1. Library Science. I know, you're all thinking, 'That's stupid. Library science is clearly a dying business because books are becoming obsolete thanks to those stupid Kindles and ebooks that are life-ruiners." But wait, won't colleges always have libraries? Won't archives always exist? Hello! Library of Congress, everyone. Library Science and Information Technology (they're often paired together) will continue to exist. It's really cool because you can pretty much make of it whatever you want. For example, if you plan to work in a hospital library, you would take a lot of courses in biology and medicine at college. I could be a music archivist even, so my music knowledge wouldn't go to waste! Anyways, the downside to this is that Wartburg doesn't have library science as a major, so I would have to transfer. Also, librarians have to have master's degrees. As a music therapist graduating from Wartburg, a master's degree is not required! Less time in school and less money spent on schooling. Win-win. But is it a win-win situation if I don't love what I'm doing?

So, in conclusion, if I ever look upset, distraught, or confused, it's probably because I'm still trying to figure out why I don't feel right here. And stemming from that I'm trying to figure out what I can do to feel right about myself. I don't need hugs or anything, but I do appreciate them!

Medical Justice: The Concept of Informed Consent

Informed consent became a major part of medical ethics and legality after World War II when the Nuremberg Code was written. During the war, the Nazis experimented on the prisoners in the prison camps. The Nuremberg Code stated that consent from the participant is essential for the experiment to happen. This doctrine transformed into what informed consent is today. Prior to informed consent, doctors often kept information from the patient in order to remain in control. However, that has been changed much to our relief as patients. Informed consent is defined as the process by which a person agrees freely to undergo a treatment or procedure, or to participate in research. It applies to both therapeutic and research settings. Without the attainment of informed consent, the medical professional cannot begin treatment or experiments. A violation of this right can lead to legal action.

 In order to obtain informed consent, the patient must first be considered competent. Competency is the ability to perform a task, in this case consenting receive treatment or enter into medical research. If the patient is considered incompetent, there is often family available or appointed surrogates who are trusted to make a wise decision for the incapable patient. However, the physician can change the decision if he/she finds the decision to be harmful or the decision-makers to also be incapable of making an informed decision. For the consent to be valid, the patient must also be provided the necessary information by the physician. This includes the purpose of the procedure, the components of the procedure, possible inconvenience and pain, and any risks or side-effects that can result. This information should be shared in a discussion setting with the patient and the family. This allows the patient to ask any clarification questions and discuss anything that may be influencing the choice to consent or not. Sharing the information in simple terms is also important, so that the patient will fully understand everything. The health care professional must ensure understanding is maintained and any changes to the procedure are shared and understood. After the conference, the patient must read and sign an agreement form. In less invasive cases consent is given in a different way. Walking through the door of the hospital or clinic or rolling up a sleeve can display patient consent to blood pressure readings, temperature readings, and blood drawings. More explicit consent is needed for more invasive procedures and medical research.

         

   Many problems can occur with informed consent. First of all, it is only necessary for the physician to provide extra information that the patient requests. Some patients may ask many clarifying questions. However, others may not ask any. This can result in them being unaware of certain parts of the procedure that may influence their decision to consent. The physician is supposed to explain anything that will affect the decision, but the patient may not be known well enough to accomplish this. Another problem is that of reading the consent form. I’m sure many patients do not read into the information fully. Therefore, they are consenting to something uninformed. They did sign the form though, so the procedure can go ahead and take place. One article I read suggests that the consent process include a conference between the physician, the patient, and the family, during which all information is laid out on the table and all questions and concerns are brought up. This way the patient is obligated to fully comprehend all necessary aspects of the research or procedure. During the conference, the article suggests things may be changed if the patient or family sees fit. Lastly, the concept of a surrogate is always confusing, especially when the physician can take over the decision according to his/her preference anyway. The question is always who determines whose decision is in the best interest of the patient? Generally the family’s decision is honored by the physician because they know the patient the best and are trusted to know what the patient would decide. However, as stated before, if their decision seems entirely out of line, the physician can challenge it and appoint a different surrogate or determine the next course of action him/herself.

           

Informed consent has not been around forever, but now it is necessary in all health care practices and goes hand in hand with patient autonomy. Patients are able to make the decisions themselves and preserve dignity and bodily integrity. A section from a book I read predicts that informed consent will be required in more and more situations in medical settings due to the support it has in America as well as the growing number of lawsuits and issues brought to court. A patient shall not be treated without obtaining informed consent from the patient or surrogate unless it is an emergency. “Emergency” is narrowly-defined and very specific. The exceptions to informed consent include the incapability of patient or surrogate, a life-threatening condition, or the need for immediate treatment. Informed consent is not a pliable law in any way, but it may increase its scope as time goes on.   

Presentation: http://prezi.com/a649b3azx7cu/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

My Four Year Plan of Action

http://prezi.com/fp2qiw-dvgv_/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

To vote or not to vote?

People tell me I have the right to vote. I think, That's awesome! I love having the option to do things that are potentially influential in life!

People tell me it's my civil duty to vote. I think, I don't want to be forced to do anything I don't want to do. You don't know my life. You don't know my every day struggles!

But for real, I love having the freedom to vote in elections. I don't like being told it's necessary though. Yes, my vote can make a difference. I could cast the ballot that puts one candidate one vote ahead of the other. I am not one of those people who follow the elections closely or watch all the debates. I know who the candidates are, I know their political party affiliation, I somewhat know what issues they're passionate about. I just don't feel interested in politics. Like, at all. I took government my junior year, so I actually have a nice base knowledge about politics and such. It's not that I'm uninformed about that whole process, it's that I feel uninformed about the specific election. Maybe I will take it upon myself to be more involved in the next presidential election, since I will be able to vote. But for now, I will remain uninformed and okay with that. 

I know politics are important. I know I should be more passionate about politics. But I'm not. And I can't just change what I'm passionate about that easily. 

So what if I don't vote? Should I be persecuted for that? I don't believe so. I don't feel that I should vote if I don't know enough about the issues. That's uninformed voting. I could vote for someone just because I recognize the face or like how the candidate's name sounds with "president" in front of it. That's not a good reason to elect someone to be president. 

I could write in someone that I think would be a good president, but then my vote really doesn't matter. I'm fine with having people be involved in politics around me. It's not going to make me more passionate about it though. I'll probably just continue to be uninformed and, therefore, absent at the election. I think uninformed voting is just as bad, or even worse, than not voting. I don't want to offset the election just because "President Newt" sounds stupid. 

Does America even have its own culture?

Tonight at Kastle Kapers the African Congress did a wonderful performance. They were all dressed up in beautiful African clothing and sang cultural songs. It was so awesome. And it made me sad.

Why?

Because I realized that I won't ever have that. America doesn't have a defined culture because we're a mixing pot of a bunch of cultures. Actually, if we were a mixing pot we'd have our own culture. So tossed salad is maybe a better describer for us.

I wish my family had stronger ties to our heritage. I am mainly Swedish and Welsh. My mom recites a Swedish prayer at Christmas and Thanksgiving, but that's the only thing. I think the reason my family isn't so connected to our heritage is because my grandfather was a Marine, and, therefore, has a lot of pride for the United States. I do too. There are so many opportunities available here that aren't anywhere else.

It would be pretty cool to have a more defined culture including all the garb and music style. We probably have all of those things already, but I would appreciate them being pointed out to me.

I had all these really awesome thoughts in my head about what I was going to write about on here, but I can't think of them now. Hopefully you all get the gist of this blog post. I think it's an important point.

My thoughts on The Independent Project

Let's just say I'm glad The Independent Project wasn't a thing at my high school. I wouldn't have been able to participate in the first place because I didn't complete all my graduation requirements until the end of my senior year, since my school requires four years of English and I was also in choir, band, and French for four years. 

The idea is interesting and intriguing. I would love to be a part of such a system, but not at a conventional school. I think a summer program or an extracurricular program would be great for this project. I am a firm believer in getting a general, well-rounded education in secondary education. It helped me explore a lot of different subjects to really find what fits. I always enjoyed school, so I don't have a problem with the current system. In my eyes, nothing needs to change much. I went through 12 years of schooling and now I'm specializing in an area I'm passionate about. It's great these nine students figured out their passion so earlier on in the process and are able to begin pursuing it in high school, but some people aren't that way. They aren't entirely sure what they love to do. Many of the participant's interests were easily self-taught as well. The videographer doesn't need a teacher to teach him how he should direct his mockumentary, it's all up to him. Some of us, however, find passion in subjects that are more lecture-based for a reason. They need guidance in their learning. 

I definitely would not be able to learn things about music therapy on my own. There are so many different parts of it that are covered in so many different resources. It's nice to have an experienced professor guiding me in my education. I personally enjoy lectures. I'm one of those people that takes too many notes and highlights too many sections in a book. I figure there's a reason I'm reading it, and the reason is that it's important. A teacher is able to point out the most important parts of a concept or chapter, something I will eventually need to get better about. Overall, teachers are needed, and not just for advising. 

If this is translated to a large scale, I worry for the educators out there. They won't be needed as educators, they'll be needed as advisers which is a somewhat different task. The teachers have so much knowledge about a subject they may never even touch upon while mentoring a member of The Independent Project. 

I think this system is a great idea. It encourages group work, accountability, and hard work. Most important of all it instills within the participants a sense of passion for a subject. They research something they are truly interested in. It's a great thing. However, I don't think it's a feasible system, especially in the high school. It should be more of an outside thing. Many of the students went to college to major in the exact thing they used for their "individual endeavor" or "individual study." I think students can wait to explore the topics they're passionate about until college. College is a time to pursue those subjects, so The Independent Project isn't necessary to allow students the chance to be passionate about what they're learning. 

Standardized testing

So much emphasis is put on the SAT and ACT. 

But when it comes down to it, why is it so important? The information we are tested on isn't going to be very relevant when I'm a music therapist. It's relevant when I'm a junior in high school though because this is the way colleges quickly compare one prospective student to another. 

Perhaps it would be beneficial if the colleges placed less emphasis on these standardized tests first, and then the rest of us will follow suit. We stress so much about taking a three-hour test that won't even matter in five years. You know what will matter? The knowledge we learn and retain. It is this kind of information that is important for our entire life. 

The same is true with grades. We place so much emphasis on them. But why? The grades don't matter. When we are hired out of college, the employers won't know if you got a B+ in a class or a D on one of your tests. They'll only know what skills you have. It's the skills that are under the spotlight for the rest of your life. 

This is going to be really hypocritical of me, but next time you get a grade that you are disappointed about, evaluate first whether you feel you completely grasp the material. If you do, then the test doesn't matter because, let's be honest, sometimes test material doesn't relate at all to the subject matter. 

Harrison Bergeron

In my humanities class last year we read "Harrison Bergeron," a riveting short story about the concept of equality. In the mid to late 1900s, there were a lot of movements for equality. However, how far is too far with equality? Before reading this tale, I didn't know there could be a limit on equality. I always believed that equality was a necessary and positive part of life. Now I know I was incorrect.

Some people are born with greater abilities in certain areas than others. This is not a bad thing. We often encourage others to excel in areas they naturally are better at. Then there are those who lag behind. We don't let them remain less successful though. Instead we try to force them into improving skills they aren't necessarily meant to improve. Our society doesn't think it's okay to not be good at something really. But people do specialize in certain areas naturally.

Harrison Bergeron was too good. So they put handicaps on him to drag him down to the neutral level created by the government.

That's just not fair.

If you want to explore this concept more, watch "2081", a short film based on Kurt Vonegut's "Harrison Bergeron."

Education can't be perfect for everyone

Education is such an important part of our society. We take it very seriously and make changes when changes need to be made. Students need to learn and teachers need to teach. However, the education system will never be completely satisfactory to all who are a part of it. There's no way to cater to every person's intellectual abilities. We each learn a different way. It would be quite ridiculous for a teacher to change teaching methods every 30 seconds in order to give attention to all the different needs of the students. Learning with technology has boasted the ability to create specialized learning, but I'm not a fan of exclusively learning via iPad. I like the old-fashioned chalkboard (or whiteboard) method that includes a physical teacher. 

As we grow older, classes become more difficult and teachers don't tend to our every need and struggle, at least not without the student expressing their desire for extra aid. Growing older carries with it the burden of more responsibility. This applies not only in financials or time management but to academics as well. Last year in  AP Calculus BC (a class I LOVED by the way, you math majors :)) I struggled with certain concepts or just wanted to have certain rules reiterated to me. I didn't ask questions in class often because the teacher articulated to us many times that there was a lot of information. I instead took it upon myself to go in before school and ask the teacher questions. He actually greatly appreciated my efforts to learn. He said that he'd much rather someone come in and receive clarifications about coursework than watch someone struggle yet not care enough to make the class easier. 

Certain classes, teachers, and teaching methods may be difficult for me. I don't expect the teacher to change his/her ways in order for me to learn more effectively. Instead, I will take it upon myself to seek extra help, whether it be in the book or through educational material online. Being a good student is something I strive for, and I think I succeed in it as well. If you are ever struggling in a class my first word of advice would be to contact the professor. I'm sure they'll be happy to help. They all want you to succeed, for if they didn't they wouldn't be teaching you at all. 

Meal plans & the point system

My brother attends Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Until this year students had to pay specific prices for food. For example, a trip to the salad bar would cost x-amount and a hamburger and fries would cost y-amount. Not many schools are like this anymore. Most use a meal-system where a meal is whatever you get in the dining hall, no matter how large or small. I can see the pros and cons of both methods. 

The pricing system ensures that one who eats a small amount is not paying the same as someone who eats three plates full of food at every meal. My brother doesn't understand why I should be paying the same amount for food as, say, a football player. The meal system lessens any anxiety people get from seeing a price on a meal. And let me tell you, it can get expensive. On a college visit to Augie I overheard a guy say he paid $7 for his meal, and it was a normal-sized meal, too. The meal system also creates more of a routine. We know how many times we have to eat in the Mensa (or with a meal transfer) and how many times an outside meal is needed. If you're on the pricing system, the number of meals you can afford can vary (I can't remember if it's measured per week or per semester). The former system mentioned requires a lot more control. Workers have to dole out certain portions and many other products are in packaging. And seconds? Those are quite rare. 

I personally prefer the meal system because I don't have to worry about seeing a price tag on every meal I have. I have major buying anxiety, so I would eat less if there was a dollar amount associated with my bowl of cereal. It allows more freedom and variety in eating, too. And we all know that creativity in the Mensa will end up becoming necessary after a while. 

Now to move on to the point system. I like having that extra money, so I can go grab a latte at the Konditerei, a quesadilla at the Den, or a smoothie at the Zesty Orange! There's so many options! There are some changes that I wish would come about, though. The points do roll over for the semester, but it concerns me that unused points just disappear at the end of the academic year. I paid for them, I should be able to reap the benefit by having it added to next year's balance, or, if I was graduating, reimbursed to me in some way. I am on the Pick 15 meal plan, so over the course of the year I have $250 in points to spend. I think so far I've spent about $5 of that (Remember: buying anxiety). I also wish that points could be used toward things other than food. If I run out of my $30 of printing money, why can't points be used toward that? Or I could buy something from the Wartburg store with my abundance of points. 

I really haven't bought any meals outside of the Mensa yet, which is very strange because I have been eating three meals a day and then some. I think the reason I haven't been using my points elsewhere is because I have a loving mother who likes to send me oodles of food in the mail, so I don't have to use my points at other places. 

Having a combination of meals and points is a rad idea, and I'm glad Wartburg uses it. However, there are some changes that could be made that I think a lot of students might like as well. 

White Man's Burden

It's not often you see a movie about a society where the upper class of society is made up of African Americans and the white men live in the slums. This movie did just that, and I'm not so sure I like it. 

I fully understand what the movie is trying to accomplish. It's trying to show us the injustices that exist between races, but it could have been accomplished in a much more effective way. Not only were the roles reversed (which was kind of weird in itself), but every stereotypical clash between the races is brought up. I was okay with John Travolta's character losing his job and house. That happens, whatever. But when he went to Thaddeus's house and took him hostage without explaining--I think he deserved an explanation!--I started to feel that this movie was weird. Throwing in Thaddeus's son with his white girlfriend didn't help much. It just isn't necessary to get the point across. The movie is a perfect display of reverse racism which is just as bad as racism itself. 

Travolta's character had too much pride to do the right thing: take a job! Sure, it might not be the greatest job, but anything will help keep his family together. But, no. Instead, he leaves, jobless, and doesn't let his wife get a job either. He loses his job, and the rest we already know. 

Travolta blames Thaddeus for his troubles, but he is to blame as well. He is too full of himself to see what he actually needs to do. Providing for his family may not be the easiest thing for him, but it is the most satisfactory. 

I am curious as to what is in store for the characters, since we aren't finishing the movie. What lesson is learned and who learns it? 

I think that Thaddeus should be less ignorant to those less fortunate than him. When they were driving around the slums Thaddeus had a look of wonder, as if he had never known this existed before. I hope Travolta's character learns that Thaddeus is not the enemy, and maybe even get a job and eventually his family back. 

Money can't buy me love, but it's still nice to have.

I'm studying to be a music therapist. 

Why?

Because I love music and I love to help people. It's a profession I've looked into quite a bit, and I'm confident it's the career path I want to choose. 

When I came into Wartburg, I was majoring in music education and music therapy. The education major was there only for job security. I don't want to graduate and be poor because music therapy jobs aren't available or they aren't paying well enough. However, I dropped that during the second week of school because I was getting too stressed thinking about it. I also decided to stick with music therapy alone because I didn't feel passionate about teaching music. Especially instrumental music which is required in Iowa. 

My roommate is a music education major, and one night she was telling me how excited she gets in theory class when she realizes she will some day teach someone else about music theory. Me? I just get excited to apply the concepts into a therapy session. I was majoring in something I didn't love only because I thought it would help me out in life more because I will get paid more. 

It's great that a lot of people attending Wartburg are majoring in biology with the intent to become a successful doctor or surgeon or what-have-you, but I don't have that. And yes, I chose my major. I'm not complaining about that. I love what I'm learning, and I'm going to love what I'm doing. What I am saying is that I'm not as confident as others are about paying off my student debt earlier on in life. Music therapy is valuable, but it's not as valued by society and, therefore, not paid as highly. 

I'm fine with that as long as I can live comfortably with whatever salary I will get in four to five years. 

But for now Iam concerned about college tuition and scholarships. Thinking about the inflation of tuition frightens me. I'm not one of the lucky few that got a full ride or even pays less than $20,000 for my whole college career. I worked hard in high school, I went to scholarship days, I tried out for a Meistersinger scholarship. Yes, I am receiving plenty of financial aid. But it's not enough for me to not care about money while I'm here. 

Yet getting paid a lot of money to do work I hate won't make me happy. Doing work I love and not getting paid so much will make me happier than the former option. I hope in my future I have the opportunity to do what I love and have a comfortable income. Substance is number one in my life. This is the passion for a job, the happiness, etc. All the other adornments, such as money, are necessary in this day and age, but not of the utmost importance in my mind. Perhaps as I grow older it will become more important because it will be constantly hammered in my head that money=success. 

There will always be those rich people that are unhappy and envious of those who are not as rich and happy, and then there will be those who are happy with what they are doing, but not making so much money. And then there are those who are super duper lucky and are making a lot of money doing what they love. The key is to not compare and despair. Choices are made in life, and we must live with them. 

So, in conclusion, let us go out in the world and do what we love. Money is just an added bonus, not a foundation to living. 

Opinionated or pushy?

Upon receiving the results from the SOAR test I was a bit confused. 

Not about the sociability thing, though. For real, I am that anti-social sometimes. 

I was more surprised about the "tolerance of opinions" score. I got a 17. 

Being surrounded by an opinionated family and even more opinionated peers I never thought of myself as intolerant of other people's opinions. I think I am pretty understanding of others' opinions. 

I feel pretty hypocritical now since I kept preaching in the first days of Scholars class that we should be more open-minded to others' ideas and everything. 

But like Professor Birgen and Dr. Earl said, this test isn't always very accurate. 

This got me to thinking about how I feel about people that have opposing ideas to my own. I listen to them. I digest them. I question the person to learn more about the beginnings of the opinions. I don't think I attack their beliefs in any way. At least not outwardly. I am perfectly fine being around others with differing thoughts as long as they don't try to convert me to their opinions, too. 

I guess this makes me a pacifist, eh?

I do enjoy debating in classes or even just in conversations. I love hearing about another point of view on a topic. Perhaps I'll adopt some of the ideas of another person. But if I don't, does that make me intolerant?

No. It doesn't. It makes me someone who is set in their beliefs. Going into college, I was proud to know what I believed in and even more proud to know how set in my beliefs I am. 

Next time we differ on opinions, you can speak your mind and I'll speak mine. I'll politely listen and let the points settle into my brain. But don't expect me to change my beliefs; I don't expect you to change yours. 

WIC: Should the child suffer because the mother can't learn from her mistakes?

It always breaks my heart to see a single mother trucking around three young children with another clearly on the way. It's clearly a struggle to keep rowdy children in line, especially in a public place. 

But then I wonder whether I should feel bad. I mean, it is her fault for having the children. She could have stopped after the first or second or third or even not had children at all. If she's struggling to get by with one child, she should know better than to have another, right?

I did quite enjoy Ella's statement yesterday that "you can't always anticipate babies." This is true somewhat. There are ways to prevent children though. I believe that children should be properly provided for. If a mother can't provide for more children, she shouldn't have one. It's plain and simple. 

Mothers who have been a part of the WIC program since child number 1 should know by now that it's not something to be proud of. I don't think we should take benefits away from the children though because it's not their fault the mother had another child and can't provide for him/her either. There's no way for WIC to punish the mother only, since it's a child-based welfare program. 

It's not fair to limit the benefits received from WIC based on the number of children. Each of the children is still a young human being, and should therefore be provided for by WIC. 

The Myths of Organic Food

                Natural Foods: a fad that is sweeping the nation!

                But are we getting all the true facts from big-name organic producers?

                Should the push in America be for organic foods sold in a chain grocery store or for local produce?

                What does the “organic” label even mean?

                These are all questions with answers unknown by many Americans who are bowing down to the organic food industry just because it claims to be healthier. I will admit it: I am one of the people that automatically turned to the organic section of a grocery store to find healthier alternatives to my diet. It wasn’t until I started actually looking into the organic industry that I found out many of my pre-conceived notions of the organic label could be false. How could it be that so many Americans are being tricked by this industry?

                One of the reasons many of us are falling into the trap of the organic label is that the terms “organic” and “all-natural” are not officially defined. This is how so many companies in the food industry are able to jump on the bandwagon and label their foods “100% natural.” The FDA defined what “natural” is: "nothing artificial or synthetic...is included in, or has been added to, the product that would not normally be expected to be there." However, some of the differences between natural, synthetic, and artificial are not so clear. Efforts have been made to restrict the label from foods that don’t live up to the true organic standard, but somehow companies have still been able to find their way around it.

                Perhaps the reason for this is that big name companies, such as Kellogg’s, own some of the “natural” companies as well, such as Morningstar Farms. Every corporation wants a piece of the organic industry, even if it means slyly stepping around the rules. I suppose these companies cannot be completely to blame for tricking us. The regulations put down for organic food are easily stepped around.

                When people picture an organic farm they probably imagine big green pastures and thriving fields in a secluded area, tended by dedicated and experienced farmers and their families. At least, that’s what I tended to believe for a while. After reading Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma I found out that this image in my mind is completely and utterly untrue. I suppose I should have been able to figure this out on my own. How else would these organic “farms” be able to sell their goods in so many different places? Pollan feels so passionate about the quality of food that he in fact has a blog about it on the New York Times website. One blog I find especially interesting is his letter to Whole Foods, a chain organic grocery store. Whole Foods claims to support “local, artisanal, and grass-based agriculture,” yet Pollan found when touring one of the locations that the emphasis was more about advertising their support than actually supporting the local food culture.

                It is a shame that organic food has become so industrialized over time. Cascadian Farms, for example, did start out as a small family farm run by Gene Kahn. The Omnivore’s Dilemma covered the story of the farm’s humble beginnings in Washington. He was eventually bought out by General Mills. He wasn’t as successful in organic farming in the 1990s because the fad had not hit yet. Kahn went on to work with the USDA and helped create organic frozen dinners and other processed organic foods.

                Sounds like an oxymoron, right?

                It is sad to think that companies have veered so far away from what is truly natural just to be successful. Most of the organic foods these industries sell are priced higher than they need to be. People believe that organic foods will always cost more because they have to be tended more carefully than conventional foods due to the lack of chemicals. However, the chemicals aren’t even necessary unless the foods are being shipped across the country or around the world! Local foods are priced much more reasonably because there aren’t shipping costs or the additives.

                The organic industry claims to be something it’s not a lot of the time. Promoting all natural, local foods may be the claim, but not the reality. If we are truly looking for what is all-natural, look no further than your own back yard or community Farmer’s Market. The produce is fresher and more nutritious, pesticide-free, and all-around better for you. Also, nothing beats good conversation with the farmers that personally tilled the land themselves. You can get straight to the source by becoming more of a “locavore.” Not only are local foods better for you, but they’re better for the environment, too!

Works Cited

Jones, Ashby. "Is Your Dinner 'all Natural'?" Wall Street Journal: B.1. Sep 20 2011. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 7 Sep. 2013 <http://sks.sirs.com>.

Kindy, Kimberly,and Lyndsey Layton. "Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label is Questioned." Washington Post (Washington, DC): A.1. Jul 03 2009.SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 7 Sep. 2013 <http://sks.sirs.com>.

Pollan, Michael. “My Letter to Whole Foods.” On the Table. New York Times, 14 Jun. 2006. Web. 7 Sep. 2013.

P.S. Interested in information like this? Read The Omnivore's Dilemma. You won't regret it.

"An Inconvenient Truth"
The documentary starring Vice President Al Gore reiterated many of the facts I had already known, since the movie was released eight years ago. I was interested in the information, but I feel like he was very extreme in his claims. The one that especially got to me was his assignment for us to reduce our carbon emissions to zero. That is definitely impossible because we exhale. Sure, we could plant some trees to make up for the emissions, but still it is a little ridiculous. I understand why he went to one end of the spectrum though. His intention was to scare us into making some changes. I am unaware of any environmental research of his since the movie to show the results of his lecturing, but I think our small steps may be making a small difference! I think the world has been so focused on the environment lately that it's hard NOT to make some kind of effort, whether it be to recycle or use those fancy light bulbs. The one thing about the movie I didn't enjoy very much were all of the personal stories. I could have done without those.

Back to the Future: A Dream

It's not every day you think about what your future holds. Okay, as incoming college freshmen I guess it is. Everyone always asks "What are you majoring in?", and then "What do you want to do with that?" Of course, not everything is set in stone, but it's kind of fun to think of a hypothetical future. So let's travel forward in time and see how I'm doing, shall we?

I'm a 29 year-old a music therapist at St. Jude's children hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. I work with children, singing to them and making their lives more comfortable. It is difficult seeing terminally ill children every day, and it's even harder when I see them pass. I love seeing their faces light up when I hand them an instrument for them to play or when I play one of their favorite songs. It's such a rewarding profession. I have an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Wartburg and a Master's degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, which I acquired after taking a 2 year break from Wartburg.  

I only work part-time during the day because I have a family. I take care of my kids at home and actually acting in the housewife-like role. I love to bake and clean our quaint cottage outside of the city and take care of the family. My husband helps me as well, but I don't mind that I do most of the work because I enjoy it. I also try to garden as much as possible. I grow my own tomatoes and cucumbers and squash in the back yard. I guess you could say I'm very old-fashioned. Reading is still one of my passions, as it always has been. I read books to my children before they go to bed, and then read some literature before I fall asleep, too. It helps keep my focus and concentration sharp!

Because of my music education background, I help direct my church's choir. Spirituality is still very important in my life. It helps me get through the losses I experience. Without Him, I probably wouldn't have returned to work after one of my patients died for the first time. I know He has a plan for me to continue touching people's lives with music. He's set this path out for me, and I intend to follow it, no matter the hardships. 

My mom and dad live in Tacoma, Washington and my brother lives in Colorado. I try to visit him every summer and I visit my parents for Christmas. We trade off places for Christmas and Easter. We try to take a conjoined vacation in the summer every once and a while to Door County, Wisconsin just like I used to in high school. I'm glad I have a good relationship with my family still. I don't know what I would do without their support and love. 

I am living a dream-like life. Of course, there are times when it's hard. There are times when my family has a bad day and I have to comfort them, there are times when I feel like I can't continue putting myself through seeing these suffering children. However, what is a life without challenges? How do we grow if we're too content in our lives? I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I love who I have become, and that's all I can ask for.