Friday, December 20, 2024

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Commentary

COMMENTARY

‘Tech era’ stifles social abilities

Last week, I watched a typical, boring lecture for my anthropology class on my computer. I sat at my desk, drowsily and inattentively, in the comfort of my green, plaid pajama pants and Michigan State-detailed Snuggie, staring blankly at the screen.

COMMENTARY

Fair to regulate hateful expression

Freedom of speech is an American principle granted by the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution. It is a value this country is proud of, and is exercised daily through protest and expression.

COMMENTARY

Abrupt gym closings raise uncertainties

While living on campus, the added stress of classes, a convenient meal plan and a lack of exercise because of study habits and long work hours can cause students to gain unnecessary weight. Although many try to exercise at least occasionally, the travel time back and forth from intramural, or IM, facilities can be inconvenient. To combat this, many residence halls opened their own workout facilities.

COMMENTARY

Up to youth to make difference

When President Clinton exited the White House in 2001, he left the United States with about a $130 billion surplus. At the present time, we have more than a $15 trillion deficit. Aha, caught you! You think this opinion piece is going to be just another attack on the president and the Democrats. Sorry about that, but you have it a bit wrong.

COMMENTARY

Up to youth to make difference

When President Clinton exited the White House in 2001, he left the United States with about a $130 billion surplus. At the present time, we have more than a $15 trillion deficit. Aha, caught you! You think this opinion piece is going to be just another attack on the president and the Democrats. Sorry about that, but you have it a bit wrong.

COMMENTARY

MSU should consider smoke-free campus

As of May 1, 2010, Michigan citizens who went out to restaurants no longer were asked whether they preferred to sit in a smoking or nonsmoking section, after the passage of the Michigan Smoke-Free Air Law. Although indoor spaces, such as most workplaces and restaurants, now are smoke-free, in most areas of MSU’s campus, the fresh air still is open for smokers’ use.

COMMENTARY

‘Live On’ paints flawed picture

After reading an editorial regarding freshmen being relegated into transitional housing, I thought I’d give my opinion on dorm life and the treatment of students. As a freshman, it did not take me long before I realized I was not a fan of the dorms.

COMMENTARY

Rabble-rousers ‘kill the mood’

If you ever have had a class in Wells Hall, chances are you’ve seen them. And if you were fortunate enough not to have seen them, then you had to have at least suffered the misfortune of hearing them.

COMMENTARY

Trip to Spartan Stadium ruined by crude chants

I sit here this morning on my second cup of coffee, after a late-night drive home from MSU’s disappointing loss to Notre Dame. This trip was for my son’s 10th birthday — the first football game for a huge MSU fan by way of alumni parents. While I was hoping for a better showing from a promising Spartan team, a bigger letdown may have been our student body experience.

COMMENTARY

Dealing with disappointment

I, like many other Spartan fans and MSU students, attended the MSU vs. Notre Dame football game on Saturday. I was happy to see all of my peers decked out in their finest green and white and cheering for the Spartans. However, as the game progressed, I ended up being more dissatisfied with the fans off the field than our boys’ performance on it.

COMMENTARY

College, life, what you make of it

My friends and parents probably are sick of hearing me tell them about my philosophy on grades. When trying to convince someone to skip studying to do something social, I’ll tell them, “Grades don’t matter. What will you remember in 20 years: a grade you received on a test in college or a bike ride to the park?”

COMMENTARY

Admission flaw overcrowds campus

There is no doubt MSU is crowded. Students who walk across campus every day know how busy the streets and sidewalks are. With an excess of students walking, biking and driving cars, there is barely any breathing room.

COMMENTARY

Religion about love, not politics

I believe in God. Contrary to many of my classmates, closest friends and even my older sister, I consider myself somewhat religious. I was raised by an Italian family whose beliefs and morals are rooted in Catholicism. I’ve received almost every religious sacrament at my church, and I’m proud of that.

COMMENTARY

College education more than degree

Students come to MSU to earn a degree, make friends and create lifelong memories. But while doing so, many incur substantial amounts of debt that can take decades to pay off. Because of this, many students are re-evaluating whether or not college is a worthy investment.

COMMENTARY

Race shouldn’t be defining label

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been asked the question: “What are you?” Meaning, what is your ethnic background? I’ve always hated this question, but usually I just cringe and answer politely: “My father is black, and my mother is white.” But what am I? I don’t really know how to answer that. I like to think being American should be a good enough answer.

COMMENTARY

Eating healthy must be priority

Editor’s Note: Views expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the views of the author, not the views of The State News. Whenever I sit down to pen an opinion piece, I wonder if what I have to say will have any impact on the readers.