We Are Not Ready for “Heartbeat Laws”
Recently, there has been a push for states to adopt strict laws regulating abortion. This, of course, has sparked intense controversy. These strict new laws are the wrong way to prevent abortions.
Travelling Through Customs Around the World
I have done a fair amount of travelling abroad over the last few years, primarily in Latin America. Entering different countries is always an interesting experience. Customs can be daunting because there is always that chance that some obscure law or item you did not know you needed to declare will stop you from entering the country. For example, bringing Chilean wine in your suitcase when entering the U.S. while you are under 21. Just act casual. Here is a list of my experiences entering various countries: Mexico Pretty casual. I do not remember too much. It was the end of a long day of flying from Minnesota, that included…
Art as a Career
People who study the arts and try to make a living from them often hear the same words time and time again: “That sounds fun.” To an extent, yes, there is something fun about pursuing what you love and feeling passionate about it. It is a similar sentiment as any person going into a field they have a passion for, whether that be nursing, athletics, writing, or psychology. Whenever someone loves what they do and pursues their dream job, they will derive some level of joy and satisfaction from it. There will, however, be many days feeling miserable and stressed after working long hours. The thing about following your passion…
Why you should NOT donate to Notre Dame
The haunting photos Notre Dame Cathedral up in flames have been circulating around the internet since the fire started on Monday. Many wealthy peopled have banded together to start donations to restore the historic French monument. Donations have been pouring in quickly and have now–three days since the fire began–exceeded $700 million. Still, there has been an outcry of people stating that these donations should be going elsewhere. Those who are grieving the 850-year-old cathedral as an important piece of history are astounded and many are offended by this. After all, it seems like a triumph of the human spirit, people from around the world banding together to save something…
Privilege and Blind Liberalism: An Expansion of the Discussion about the Poverty Simulation
I recently wrote about an email sent out by my college advertising a poverty simulation. This would be a three hour event where students could pretend they were living in poverty to experience what it is like. I have already started to discuss the rampant issues with this, but since I had a lot more to say I am revisiting the topic. At the heart of this lies the opportunity to examine some common problems within liberalism, especially prevalent in wealthy or white liberal circles. That is, liberals who have experienced a lot of privilege often do not see the big picture of social justice issues. Like the above clothing…
The Poverty Simulation: A Comment on Privilege and Blind Liberalism
I just received an email from my alma mater that concerned me. It was advertising a “poverty simulation” on campus, a three hour experience designed to show people who had grown up middle or upper class what it is like to be impoverished. My first emotion was revulsion. Yet, I can imagine exactly what was going through their heads when the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee came up with the idea. They assumed that it would be a good way to teach people about the harsh realities of poverty in a vivid and memorable way. However, they clearly did not think about the bigger picture. This is incredibly insulting to people…
Why We Celebrate Black History Month (But Not White History Month)
Black people have contributed to: Art, philosophy, science, politics, music, literature, medicine. Yet we don't know about them unless we make substantial efforts to do so.
Dropping Traditions
This year, we didn’t have a Christmas tree. We had a pineapple that sat on top of our mini fridge with a necklace of lights and a pair of sunglasses. This year, I did not wake up at my parents’ house on Christmas day. It’s somewhat bittersweet, celebrating the first holiday season after moving in with my boyfriend. I absolutely love living with him and creating new memories, but it still feels weird to be separated from the family I spent the first twenty years of my life with. Even while away at college, I came home to them over school breaks. It doesn’t help the situation that I work…
How to find facts in a world of fake news
Most people who spread misinformation are not intentionally malicious...readers and observers of current events must be vigilant. Before you believe something, make sure that it is worthy of your trust.
Mightier than the sword: A young woman writes her destiny
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing McKenzie Swenson...In her answers below, she discusses what it took to pursue her passion and change the course of her life.
