Discuss international conflicts this MLK Day

Looking back on my primary education, every Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was marked by discussions of building relationships within a diverse community and leaving behind prejudices and discrimination. After a couple years of higher education and a handful of monumental experiences abroad, I have a question: Why were these discussions always framed in the local and national rather than the global? Yes, it is true that the day that memorializes the powerful civil rights leader allows us to look upon the manner in which we engage with our community and reflect on how we can create a space that looks beyond personal differences. In my eyes, this day should not only encompass a wide range of “differences” — be them racial, ethnic, national, sexual or political — but should do so across modern political lines. This winter, I went on a 10-day trip to Israel on behalf of The David Project, a Boston-based non-governmental organization, or NGO, focused on creating pro-Israel dialogue on university campuses. This experience, which took both Jewish and non-Jewish students from nine universities across the U.S.

Following Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideals is a challenge worth accepting

I like the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. It offers evidence of what America has overcome (thus far) as well as instruction for the continuous battle ahead. And make no mistake about it, the social, political and practical movement forward is indeed a fight that black Americans, Latin Americans, gay folks, women and progressive folks of all stripes are engaged in. But the King day itself has proven to be a great time of action, reflection and a celebration of the King ideals of love, peace, equality and civic duty. It is an optimistic day, pointing to greater possibilities for America. And who does not like feeling good sometimes?

Raw

Check this: We’re eating uncooked and unprocessed raw food for the month. Essentially, this includes: fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds. This does not include: bread, pasta, rice, meat (unless raw), coffee, dairy products, most condiments. Sounds crazy, right? What sane person would do this?

Living with many housemates diversifies college experience

At first, I did not know what I was getting myself into. A group of students — some of whom I had never met before — decided to look at houses together. The day we looked at houses was the first day all seven of us officially met. Because the house we were looking at was owned by Community Resource Management Co., we were forced to commit to a lease by October 2012, although we would not be moving in until August 2013. We had nearly a year to think about how the living situation would play out, and I was anxious to discover what it would be like living with six other people, two of them being girls.

Do not be afraid to change your major

Privacy becoming price of safety in America

The NSA scandal from earlier this summer still has people outraged.

Reality TV: This song needs to end, America

I am a sucker for reality television. I hardly ever miss episodes of my favorite reality shows or singing competitions, that is, until recently.