It is nice to see education moving to the forefront of debate in Michigan. At this point, residents have become accustomed to lawmakers seemingly doing everything except making laws.
It felt odd to walk out of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on Thursday after the final class of my undergraduate career. Like most graduating seniors, I was relieved to be done, and felt a bit of sadness as well. But another emotion crept in: regret. I wondered if I really made the most of my time in that building, or in my entire time at MSU. And with graduation one week away, I’m realizing that, yes, I have a few regrets.
I have worked on the campus of MSU for 13 years and have been impressed by leadership’s efforts at research, teaching, recycling and building rehabilitation that support a green and sustainable campus. I have appreciated being invited to participate in making these efforts successful and my own behaviors have been altered significantly over the past decade.
This school year has been one to remember, but with a few tweaks, the 2010-11 academic year can be even better. Here are The State News Editorial Board’s suggestions — for a few select groups — to help make MSU students’ lives just a little bit better.
In my four years at MSU, I’ve learned a lot of things, most of which came outside the classroom. So many things, in fact, that I don’t even have time for transitions in this piece! So without further ado, everything I’ve learned since arriving in East Lansing as a naive 17-year-old:
For nearly 50 students affected by fires in East Lansing and Lansing, the nightmare scenario of having their home and personal belongings destroyed is a reality.
Although they often have only minor side effects, the casual use of the drugs for studying can turn into an abusive addiction with dangerous side effects likened to those of cocaine. Yes, the drugs potentially can help you get ahead in terms of grades, but is using them and staying up all night really worth it?
Community service does more than help the schools, parks and any other recipient of the assistance — it truly enriches the volunteer’s life. There are numerous programs in which students are involved, and some colleges require a certain amount of service hours before graduation. But volunteering should not need to be required.
I am currently debating whether I am an insufferable individual who can’t keep his mouth shut or — after viewing the comments typically directed at opinion columnists — a glutton for punishment. I am probably both; maybe neither. Either way, I’m going to lay talk about myself, prepare anger accordingly.
If Lansing wants to become a hot destination for young professionals and recent graduates, then it needs to strive for more than a high “cool” factor. Jobs will be the ultimate deciding factor in attracting the newest generation of talented professionals to the area. Just being “cool” doesn’t pay the bills.
On April 7, Sgt. Benjamin Anthony spoke on campus. Anthony, a former Israeli soldier, is the founder of Our Soldiers Speak, an organization dedicated to bringing truth from the front line of Israel’s battlefields to people all over the world.
Because of the recent court case of United States v. Stevens, the law in place to mostly target criminalizing “crush videos” has been overturned so as not to punish those who were unable to qualify films showing animal cruelty as legal under the law.
After years of various designs for its uniforms, the MSU athletics department has taken a giant leap to bring every varsity athletic team into one uniform design.
Now at the end of my second year of Portuguese classes, I have learned so much more than just a language. Learning Portuguese has improved my English grammar, made me more aware of another culture, increased my interest in international travel and, among other things, it was fun.
In all, the new budget created by ASMSU is one that can’t be strongly criticized. The organization should be putting money in places where students will see the most positive effects. This time, it increased two of the more tangible uses: blue books and legal services.
The once small Tea Party movement also has gained much political ground, and quickly is becoming a loud, yet relevant force in national politics.
MSU has let down its senior class by failing to bring in someone who fits that bill. Kennedy is an uninspiring, unimpressive and all-around disappointing choice for commencement speaker. No amount of recycled gowns or eco-friendly diplomas is enough to cover up that fact.
No opinions are wrong; they just have little problems within the thoughts that can be seen as wrong or be based on inaccuracies. That’s where many people can get into trouble. I’ve always had trouble forming set-in-stone opinions because I listen to arguments and make sure I know where both sides are coming from.
Raising room and board rates by 5.1 percent puts the cost of living on campus for a school year at $7,770, a $376 increase for 2010-11. Not only is this irritating to students who already had signed contracts, it will convince more students to consider the move to apartments and houses.
The column written Monday “Tea Party should not be taken lightly” (SN 4/19) by Joel Reinstein made a valid point.