The original Social Security Act was passed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat. Medicare and Medicaid were created under the Social Security Act of 1965, an amendment to the aforementioned legislation, under the Democratic administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Furthermore, the Democrats, again under President Johnson, ushered in an era of racial equality and ousted the discriminatory ways on the past when they passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, simply amazing. My point is Democrats have traditionally, and historically, been the catalysts behind the major social and financial reforms in this country’s short history. As for your Republican examples, Gov. Pataki and Gov.Christie, and let’s remember that under Gov. Pataki, mismanagement of the state budget led to an increase of $33 billion in state spending, not exactly the best track record. In regards to Gov. Christie, in the Tax Foundation’s 2012 State Business Tax Climate Index New Jersey was ranked the last state in the Union, “New Jersey scores at the bottom by having the third-worst individual income tax, the fifth-worst sales tax, the 13th-worst corporate tax, and the second-worst property tax.”

I digress.

Why has President Obama done a terrible job? What hasn’t he achieved while in office that he didn’t promise on the campaign trail? Give us examples and stop this empty rhetoric that does nothing for civil discourse other than push the bumper-sticker GOP slogans. Are there things President Obama could do better? Absolutely. But, I’m afraid you are blinded by the tunnel-vision displayed by the Republican Party. You talk about invoking President Reagan and his pragmatic approach, well then, why won’t Republicans come to the table on issues of higher taxes for millionaires, job creation, education reform and lowering but tightening the corporate tax rate? It would be pragmatic of them, or is that only when it’s something Republicans are pushing?

Regardless, Sam, articulate your points a little better, do your homework before writing a commentary of this topic and stop with these baseless claims on ineffectiveness. Your logic was the only thing ineffective in this commentary.

I can never fathom why anyone would want to ban any book, but I was especially shocked to hear the great bard had fallen victim.

Curious as to what other books were thought unfit for students, I looked it up. Among the banned and challenged classics listed on the American Library Association’s website were F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” and Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

Also on the list: “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee (one of my all-time favorite books). I read it for the first time in sixth grade and many of the themes were difficult to comprehend completely. It’s a story that confronts major issues: racism, rape, treatment of the mentally ill, and injustice.

It was a difficult first read, but because it was challenging I went back to read it for a second, third and fourth time.

Many of these books are censored for various reasons: violence, sexuality, language, or controversial viewpoints. They make people uncomfortable and I think that is exactly why they shouldn’t be banned.

The best works are those that make their readers or audience a bit uncomfortable. They take us out of our comfort zones and teach us something new.

Some of my favorite works were those that made me a bit uncomfortable, but they gave me a new perspective. Sometimes they teach me about a different culture or group of people, transport me to a new world or make me confront difficult issues.

I think it’s funny that in a country where we espouse the value of free speech, we ban literature. If we allow students to read these books, expose them to viewpoints that perhaps aren’t orthodox, but teach them to read it critically, we teach them to evaluate other points of view. Isn’t that what an education should do? Shouldn’t we teach students to challenge what they think they know? Censorship only undermines that goal.

Censorship is a slippery slope; we risk losing that right which we hold most dear (speech) and by banning books, rather than protecting students, I think we harm them.

We should challenge them to read controversial books critically. It tends to be in the controversial works that the most powerful statements are made.

I am grateful to have been exposed to great works that may be questionable to a few. These are the ones that taught me the most about life, the world and human beings.

Many of our daily practices are performed on almost a subconscious level. We are guided by our intuition and our automatic evaluation and reaction in most situations. This employs the reasoning capabilities of the brain and most of our reasoning is based on experience. This experience can be a real-life encounter or be absorbed from the experiences or teachings of others. Thus, our instincts are not ingrained naturally as some might think, but rather they can change as our lives change.

The knowledge we have gained over time is liable to be false if the experiences that have been taught to us are faulty. Life experience isn’t usually able to be checked on Wikipedia. Your gut feeling can be wrong.

I wouldn’t say that I am the ultimate authority on life, but I do tend to adopt lifestyle choices that many find to be counter-intuitive. Many who do this might be called “indie,” “hipsters” or “non-conformists.” However, I do not blindly go about doing things only because they defy convention. I just happen to find that convention sees things backwards a lot of the time.

The most significant example of this is pain and suffering. It is normal to think that pain is a bad thing. After all, it hurts. Have you ever thought about what that pain means? Surely, it means you just took a fist to the face or something of the like. But what is your body doing when you feel pain? You might be surprised to find out it is actually doing good things.

When you feel physical pain, your brain is receiving messages to protect that area because it’s already damaged enough and needs to heal. You can take anti-inflammatories but that only encourages you to further damage the injury. Inflammation has a beneficial purpose. When something gets swollen, blood carrying leukocytes will be cleaning up the injury site, mopping up pathogens and healing the injury.

There is a similar correlation to emotional pain. You feel emotionally torn up because something has damaged you. You might get reclusive because you don’t want to experience further suffering.

The point is that pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, is a sense natural and necessary to life. Perhaps it should be avoided, but it happens unexpectedly sometimes. Unless you know what the true meaning behind the suffering is, chances are you won’t conduct yourself in the most beneficial way possible if it is encountered.

The neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl was an important figure in existential therapy, more specifically “logotherapy.” Among the main principles of his methods is finding meaning in life even in times of suffering. This isn’t to say that everything happens for a reason, but that something can be gained from every situation. We also have freedom to find meaning in what we do and experience, even if these bring suffering beyond our control.

According to Frankl, “We can discover this meaning in life in three different ways: 1) by creating a work or doing a deed; 2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and 3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.”

We can’t always control what we are being taught and the things by which we are influenced. However, we always have the power to change the way we view things. This can be as simple as tweaking the minute ways you live your life so that you are smarter, healthier or stronger. It can also be as complex as dealing with deep emotional turmoil. Essentially, we shouldn’t go about life like sheep, blindly accepting influences and conditions. Instead, find your own way of going about things.

Having doubts about the legitimacy of this method?

It got Frankl through almost three-and-a-half years in a concentration camp.

Unless you are trying to defend a murder case in court and you are referencing your knowledge of the rules of a good perm, then I don’t see what the appeal of Cosmo is. And since most girls aren’t Elle Woods, it just seems like a dirty magazine to me.

Playboy, Hustler and magazines of the like are often criticized for such obtuse objectification of women. They are kept behind the counter and you must be 18 to purchase them. After all, it would be just awful to expose minors to such risqué content!

But maybe pictures aren’t the only content that can have this effect. Words are powerful. As the saying goes, “The pen is mightier…” And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the word “penis” is hidden in that common phrase.

I know – sex sells. I am not saying that Cosmo shouldn’t do what it does. Its very good at it, and it knows how to sell its product. But as Cosmo readers, you have a duty to yourselves to be wary of what you believe.

I happened across a recent issue and flipped through the pages. As they say, it’s good to know what the enemy is thinking; so naturally I had to find out what you girls are reading.

What I saw was simply astonishing. And kind of gross, if I do say so myself.

One article advised that you will turn your man on if you tell him, “your abs are so lickable.”

Never ever, ever, ever, ever say this. Ever.

If you have to say this to turn your guy on, please, find another guy.

And this isn’t the only reproachable advice that Cosmo provides. So many of Cosmo’s pages are filled with fallacy. So I caution you ladies to be very careful when discerning what to believe in these tempting tabloids.

Now, some Cosmo girls have told me that they subscribe to the magazine mainly for its fashion sections. Well, as I browsed the pages, I came across one title of particular interest: “Shoe Addict –Points for sex appeal.”

Hold on a second. If you’re going for sex appeal, don’t attach a skinny 6 inch spike to the bottom of your heels. That’s not sexy, that’s terrifying. Plus, it just seems impractical. How do you walk in heels like that?

Trust me, a decent guy will find qualities other than how high your heels are or how short your dress is to be the attractive ones. So don’t break your ankles skankifying yourselves for the myth of sex appeal. If you look remotely like a woman, chances are very good that you’re already turning us men on.

Now don’t get me wrong – I did find one page with good advice on it, so I guess the magazine isn’t all gutter-minded malarkey.

This one article, tucked at the bottom of an obscure page in small print, offers nonsexual moves that can “bring you two closer.” Such moves include snuggling under a cozy blanket or going out for a delicious dinner.

As a guy, that sounds like a very lovely evening. No heels necessary, and the dirty talk can sexify somebody else’s bedroom.

So ladies, if you’re looking for actual advice on sex, love and dating, I wouldn’t refer to Cosmo. Instead, try looking inside your own heart – you’ll know if your man is worth it (whether emotionally or sexually).

And your heart doesn’t cost you $3.99 a month.

Apparently, the beard wasn’t growing on him that much.

While I agree with my fellow staff member that “occasionally, we must don a little furriness to assert our true masculinity,” I value being clean-shaven. Here are some thoughts on not looking like I have a furry animal on my face.

The Biblical figure Samson needed his long hair to keep his strength. But, in many cases, the beard is not man’s best friend. Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon and famous Greek military leader, was unique among his contemporaries because he kept a clean face. He reportedly told his soldiers to do the same, out of fear that their combatants would grab hold of their beards to easily kill them.

St. John the Apostle is often depicted in art without a beard to represent his youth. If this really was the case nearly 2,000 years ago, then he was one smart disciple. Why blend in with the other 12 when you can stand out with a clean face?

And who said having a beard automatically meant wisdom? Peter, the “rock” on whom Christ would build His church, was consistently rebuked for saying the wrong things. Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Both are depicted in art as having beards, but lacked in the faith department. Meanwhile, John wrote a gospel, a few letters and a book about the end of the world. He even is referred to as the “beloved disciple,” which might mean he earned some brownie points from God for keeping a shaven look.

While a man may grow a beard to take pride in his masculinity, being clean-shaven also makes a statement to the ladies: I take pride in looking good, and I value the importance being well-groomed. A man can have confidence in his appearance by flaunting his youthful look. And I’m pretty sure the ladies would rather kiss a man’s smooth cheek rather than a scruffy one.

I’ll admit it – Mr. Bayer’s list of famous beard-wearers is impressive. But, I think I can top it with a list of clean-shaven figures: every U.S. president since William Howard Taft, the Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, my father, Bob Noll, Mick Jagger, Fr. Niehoff, Babe Ruth, Seth Meyers, John Belushi, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, Tom Brokaw, Hercules (the Disney version), Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Aladdin and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Now, while I believe a clean face is the way to go, I concede that certain events warrant some amount of facial hair. “No-shave November” and “Jesus beard January” are perfect examples of months where a fast from shaving is necessary. If your favorite hockey team is in the Stanley Cup playoffs, then show solidarity with the players in growing out your beard, just as they do. Planning to spend some time camping in the woods? Your shaver is one thing I think you could live without for a bit.

So, even if growing a beard might be cool for a week, or a month, or a year, I highly suggest keeping your face baby-like. No need to grow up – and grow a beard – too quickly. Let your clean-shaven face shine for all to see.

If you don’t, then you might have a hairy situation on your hands.

Students are always saying that they wish the sporting events at John Carroll drew in as much of a fan base as they do at bigger schools. This makes sense because sporting events can make the University money, create a community bond and make the overall experience of college more enjoyable. With all this being said, I have a question myself: if so many people wish sports were a bigger deal, why do so few people attend them?

It’s true that John Carroll is a Division III school so our student body is much smaller than that of a Division I or II school. But we still have great teams to come out and support.

The football team finished .500, the men’s basketball team is currently 14-4, men’s soccer finished 12-8, women’s soccer finished 14-8, hockey is currently 15-9 and softball finished 26-14. Not only did very few people attend any of these team’s games, even fewer knew when the games were. Great teams deserve great fans. What better incentive is there to watching your school play than knowing that you’ll be watching a winning team? Yes we go to a small school, but the level of attention that sports get is decided by us, the student body.

Attending sporting events not only benefits the students in the stands, but also the athletes playing. As a former high school athlete I know I always played better when I knew someone I cared about was watching. Even if you’re not a sports fan, if all your friends were attending a basketball or hockey game, you would probably go too. This would open up doors to meeting new people and making more friends.

If students came out to support John Carroll, this would increase school spirit and make students prouder to be a Blue Streak.

In addition to good times and new friends, the money that you pay to get into games will go to the University. That means better facilities, more on-campus events, more of all kinds of things that increase your well being at John Carroll.

So next time you’re watching a Division I basketball or football game, and you think to yourself “I wish John Carroll sporting events were like that,” make it happen. Find out when the games are and spread the word, bring friends, make T-shirts, get the student section rowdy. If you’re on a sports team, make yourself known, tell people when the games are and get them hyped about them.

So we’ll never have the same fan base as Notre Dame, who cares? Make sports a big deal at John Carroll by changing things up. If a few people lead, others will follow.

This is clearly something that a large part of John Carroll’s student body wants, because I know I’m not the only one that hears people complain about sports not being a big enough deal here. Sporting events can really enhance the social experience of college and benefit everyone involved. If you want sports to be a big deal at Carroll make them a big deal.

Go Blue Streaks!

Anyway, I have received a lot of feedback on this new addition to my face, and I’d like to take some time to share my thoughts.

Men, this part is for you.

In the days of yore, there were two distinct gender roles: man and woman. The men went out and labored in the fields to provide for their families, while the women stayed home and cared for the homestead, the children and the kinfolk.

Fortunately, these misogynist standards of society have changed, and we live in a much more liberating and progressive world, where men aren’t the only ones driving pickup trucks and wielding power tools.

However, this can result in an identity crisis – how, then, can we define ourselves as men? The answer is in the scruff.

Occasionally, we must don a little furriness to assert our true masculinity. This comes in many forms, so make sure you choose the one that suits you best.

Famous styles include the mutton-chops (a good replacement for earmuffs), the goatee (a stylish yet simple choice for beginners), the creeper ‘stache (if you drive an unmarked, windowless van) or the full beard (for best results, don’t trim and move into the mountains to hunt with the wolves).

If your gal is giving you trouble, you have two choices: 1) Tell her to read the bottom half of this column. Or, 2) Use one of the following months as an excuse to grow your beard – No Shave November, Decembeard/ Don’t Shave December, Jesus-beard January, Facial Hair February, Mustache March, etc.

She can use these months to adjust to the beard. And once she is comfortable, gents, there’s really no reason to shave it off.

Ladies, this part is for you.

You see, I have discussed beards at great length with my fellow gentlemen, and we have come to some very important conclusions regarding the face fur.

While the beard might not be a pillowy soft surface, it symbolizes a man’s spirit. In the words of a good friend (and noted mustachio), “a true woman may not like the beard, but at least she can appreciate that it gives her man strength.”

No man grows a beard because he thinks it will look good. I mean, think about that – the only reason a person would grow a beard to look good is if their face underneath is ugly. No, a man grows his beard to make a statement. And that statement is: I am who I am, and I have the right to be me. If your man has a beard, you should be proud that you have a guy who is confident enough with who he is to have a beard.

Granted, it might feel like you’re kissing a squirrel’s back; for that we apologize. But think about how it feels for us – it’s like having a squirrel on our face at all times. So we can empathize.

But at the end of the day, it does give us some type of strength. In the story of Samson and Delilah, scripture explains that Samson would lose his strength without his hair.

If you don’t believe me, then let me offer this list of historical notables who sported mighty beards: God, Jesus, the Dos Equis most interesting man in the world, Bob Noll, my aunt Alice, Charles Darwin, Zeus, Chuck Norris, Santa Claus, Conan O’Brien, Billy Mays, Hagrid and of course Zach Galifianakis.

This year, going into the track season, I am looking forward to using my own beard to gain strength in my races. I think it will work magic for me in two ways.

First of all, I think that it will intimidate the heck out of my opponents. Let’s be serious – how would you feel if a mountain man pulled up next to you in a grueling test of physical endurance? My point exactly.

And secondly, I have found personal strength with my beard. In cold weather, it protects me from the snow, just like a buffalo’s fur coat. I have learned how to truly harness my inner-animal and I simply can’t wait to unleash it on the track.

But guys, you can choose any reason you want to grow a beard. Are you an athlete? Grow a beard. Are you an intellectual? Grow a beard. Are you straight? Grow a beard. Are you gay? Grow a beard. Do you have homework? Grow a beard.

The list goes on, but the message is simple: Beard on, my fellow men.

Personally, I identify and am registered with the Republican Party. My preference is not solely based on ideology (though it is not entirely obsolete), but also on what I feel to be a better track record.  Hailing from an East Coast state, the corruption and big machinery of the Democratic Party is rather abhorrent. The few times Republicans have held statewide office in this region, it has been for the better (Chris Christie and George Pataki, to name a few).  One may ask, how was it that these great leaders could be elected into office? The way I see it, this was because the party realized the need for a pragmatic approach and selected the candidate who had the best chance for victory.  On the national level, however, I am afraid that this approach is lacking within the party.

Barack Obama has been in office for a little over three years.  Personally, I believe that he has performed a terrible job in office.  Of course, he has not achieved anything as president during his tenure, which would disqualify him from being labeled as a good or bad president in my opinion.  It appears as though he thoroughly wishes to be the most effective do nothing president in recent history. While his administration may be one for the record books, it is not one that the American people need for four more years.

At first, Republicans seemed to be opening up.  They had a Mormon and former Massachusetts governor as their front-runner.  Mitt Romney is by no means a conservative. He is a bull’s-eye moderate right on the ideological dart board, and that is perfectly acceptable.  Romney is conservative on the two dominant issues of the race, fiscal and foreign policy.  As a result of this, Romney has held the slight edge over the president in recent polls. Why is this?  It is because the crucial independent voters can accept him as a candidate.

Unfortunately, last Saturday’s South Carolina primary displayed some bleak colors.  After adhering to fears that “a moderate” would be the Republican nominee if Romney won, South Carolinians granted Newt Gingrich 40 percent of the vote. I find this to be rather absurd on a few accounts, but the fact that Gingrich has a weaker national standing than Romney in the polls doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Let’s face facts, conservatives can talk all they want about social issues, but at the end of the day, the unemployed swing voter will not be concerned with whom he/she can marry. So why is Gingrich better for the Republican Party just because he proclaims himself to be a “conservative”?

A typical answer lately has been that he evokes the policies of Reagan. That rhetoric may sound good on the surface, but we must remember that Reagan ran for president over 30 years ago.  Times have changed, and the “Great Communicator” would have known better than anyone pragmatism was key to victory, which enabled him to govern effectively.

So in effect, the Republican Party has to realize that fundamental ideology is not always beneficial. The best candidate must be backed. This year, like it or not, Romney’s the guy.  If Gingrich wins the nomination, I have a feeling it will be another four years of a useless Democratic administration.

Attending my first “12 Blue Streaks for Dinner” event in Chicago sponsored by the JCU Student Alumni Association was a true example of this. We walked into the meal as new faces and walked out with new friends.

The students in attendance realized the word “alumni” does not mean “old,” in fact it represents “new.” Current students included Alex Furth, Alyssa Singer, Joe Cahill, Billy O’Brien, Matthew Hoyt, Michael Hager, Michael Hulseman and Sean Hulseman. Alumni included Suzie Shoup, Bill Burke, Dick Murphy, me and the gracious hosts Paul and Patrice Hulseman.

Like these students, I am sure you have been reminded 100 times that your years in college will go by “so fast” and have heard the never ending stories of “In my day…”  It does not make the time fly any less fast, nor does it make the stories any less meaningful. My intent is to express to each student, of every class, that there is an instant connection when current and past John Carroll students meet, and those connections can be invaluable now and throughout life.

As a past Carroll News writer and admissions tour guide, I enjoyed interacting with current and potential students. I learned quickly from personal experience the real value of being a John Carroll alumna.  The idea of “Once a Blue Streak, always a Blue Streak” has opened many opportunities for me to meet and interact with extremely successful people. I was able to intern at NBC 5 Chicago and after that, with NBC’s “Today Show.” As a member of the JCU Chicago Alumni Chapter Leadership Committee, I now have the privilege of meeting incoming students and families, welcoming back current students and inviting all to partake in Chicago chapter events and programs.

Whether you are an athlete, serve in campus ministry or explored age-old myths of the John Carroll campus, alumni love to hear about your college experience now. This alumni column encourages students to be active in the Alumni Association, but I also hope to inspire you to begin that activity now. Alumni chapters exist and are being established in various cities across the country, including Cleveland.

Carroll alumni are currently searching for students to hire as interns at their respective companies. Countless alumni check in with the JCU website, or follow news on Facebook to learn of the many successes of today’s students. I invite you to familiarize yourself now with the many new faces of the John Carroll community. Your relationship with John Carroll truly does last a lifetime.

It became much less abstract and much more real to me, however, while home on break. At all of the family holiday functions or when I would run into a family friend, everyone asked me about my senior year in college. The popular question was, “Are you excited to be graduating?”

It’s a simple question, right? To be honest, I really don’t know how I feel about this being my last semester. (This is the second thing I‘ve realized.) When the idea of leaving my bubble that is John Carroll was an abstract thought – something that would eventually happen someday – it was exciting.

It became more real and a little scarier as I was buying my last set of books and unpacking from winter break for the last time. It became scarier because immediately after asking if I’m excited to be graduating, everyone asks, “So what are you doing after you graduate?”

My answer may be the same as many of my fellow seniors: not a clue. It’s this unknown that scares me most. I have no idea what I will be doing after May or where I will be.  I’m someone who likes to have a plan. Although I’m good about adapting to last-minute changes, new environments and new personalities (at least I think so), I like to have some sort of idea about what I’m doing.

I do know a few things I won’t be doing. I began applying for jobs over break and have already received my first rejection. Oh, well. It was a long-shot job anyway but it confirms my fears that it will not be an easy task finding a job I like. My parents keep reminding me that I won’t get my dream job right away (which I know), but I would like to find something that at least interests  and stimulates me.

I also know I won’t be attending graduate or law school (at least not now). Post-graduate education is something I could accomplish and would squelch this fear of the unknown after graduation. Although school is something I do fairly well, I have a feeling similar to the one I had at the end of high school: I’m ready to move on to something new and different.

In fact, this is exactly how I felt toward the end of my senior year of high school. I was afraid because I didn’t know exactly what my life would be like next, but I was excited for the adventure. So while I will most likely feel anxious for the rest of the semester, I’ve decided to embrace the adventure and the challenge that the “unknown” presents. I could be doing anything after graduation.

Who knows where I’ll be next fall? I may be somewhere awesome. I may be on my parents’ couch. Now, isn’t that exciting?

I have done my fair share of questioning things. Most of my close friends can attest that when the cause of every conceivable grievance is questioned, I trace the cause back to the agricultural revolution and blame the advancement of civilization. Yeah, it’s true.

I have a set of fairly anachronistic skills. In the past, I would have been a fairly successful hunter-gatherer, foot messenger or philosopher. However, hunting and gathering have been replaced by the food industry, motor vehicles and airplanes have been invented and my “original” thoughts have already been thought by others. This realization has been the cause of much depressive sulking.

The recent Woody Allen film “Midnight in Paris” has its main character, Gil, facing a similar situation. He believes that the golden age was Paris in the 1920s and lives a nostalgic life which, as Gil’s foe points out, “[is] denial of the painful present [...] it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.” As harsh as this is, it’s true.

Over Winter Break I had a revelation similar that Gil has at the end of the film: You can romanticize the past and wallow in the unfortunate timing of our life infinitely. That will only hold you back and prevent you from living a fulfilling life.

Looking for a solution? It’s as simple as looking at the present and focusing your energy on doing what you can right now. Sure, accidents do happen and there are times when we are blameless for the bad things that happen. Dwelling on these as “acts of fate” only ensures your stagnancy in a demoralized state. Bob Dylan’s timeless lyrics have it right, “It ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe. It don’t matter anyhow [...] Don’t think twice, it’s alright.”

For the sake of strengthening my argument, let’s say we DO live in the days of the prehistoric hunter-gatherer. Those who sat around, feeling bad about things, died. People would kill them because they appeared to be weak, easy prey, or they would starve from waiting for their food to come to them instead of going hunting for it.

Empower yourself! Take responsibility for your own life instead of leaving it in the hands of your environment. If you sit around and wait for opportunity to come around, chances are you’ll never reach your full potential; make opportunities.

“But things in the world are so incredibly wrong,” you might say. “Why do we have to live  amidst so much wrong?” You’re right, a lot of things are disgustingly horrible in the world. Chances are no one is going to want to revert back to a life of hunting and gathering so not everything can be immediately solved. But, there are small things that can be done every day to change the world inch by inch.

Tucker Max, renowned for his reproachable jackassery and sexual exploits, may not be the best role model for humanity. However, his approach to life is something most of us can learn from. He takes life by the horns and lives the life he wants to live, he is the person he wants to be and finds a way to come out on top of nearly every situation, no matter how doomed it seems.

I’ve entered this semester with a revitalized outlook on life. No longer will I allow myself to be too severely weakened and defeated by happenings. I’m going to be proactive and reinstate myself into a state of winningness. I will win at every opportunity, even in the face of adversity. Maybe you can’t completely change the world but, at the very least, you can change your life.

visions of sugarplums danced in my head.

My dreams just went wild as I continued to snooze,

so I wrote them all down in this tabloid of news.

Less than three weeks ‘til Christmas, I realized with joy.

This thought made me as giddy as when I was a boy.

Like a lad, I couldn’t wait for the presents I’d find.

But then a new thought stormed my gingerbread mind.

What about the people who don’t get these treasures?

How is their Christmas still filled with such pleasure?

They go to bed knowing no Santa will come,

as they close their young eyes in their impoverished slum.

Then I remembered Through the Eyes of a Child –

the kids were so happy and everyone smiled.

Like the Grinch, I was moved, and my heart grew three sizes.

Their appreciation for life knew no cruel compromises.

More than half of them live with no food in their tummy,

but still they all giggle, and nobody’s bummy.

I awoke from my dream and just lied there in bed.

The sugarplums no longer danced in my head.

But a vision was there that now has defined me;

so if you’re a Blue Streak then rally behind me.

Go make someone smile, it’s no magic trick.

If you give them this gift then you’ll be their St. Nick.

The world isn’t fair, but we all play a part.

So get in the spirit and open your heart.

The truth is we don’t have to be Santa Claus,

if we want to crusade for a worthwhile cause.

Give a wink or a kiss or a sweatered embrace.

Open your arms, and light up someone’s face.

Share cocoa and laughter and genuine love.

Thank God for your blessings that are sent from above.

Be like Buddy, the Elf (played by Will Ferrell)

and bring Christmas here, to your home at John Carroll.

There are people who need you, but you need people too.

So act with intention, be honest,

Give yourself fully to people in pain;

compassion’s your sleigh, now you must take the reigns.

When the snowflakes all fall and the temperature’s zero,

Reach out to the shivering, be their candy cane hero.

I implore you to act in the Jesuit style –

be people for others, make the downtrodden smile.

This is the truth, it’s simple, just trust us:

If you want peace in the world, then you must work for justice.

Maybe it’s my lack of creativity in buying Christmas presents, but in my opinion, something has got to change this year.

The usual cliché gifts of clothes, nail polish, jewelry and techie toys can easily be averted, thanks to the fact that we go to school in Cleveland.

The city is a haven for vintage stores and other retro shops that will make Christmas shopping not only easier for you, but also enjoyable! In addition to finding a gift different from the usual retail store, you’ll be supporting local businesses during the holiday season. Below is a listing of the various unique shops I’ve found to be ideal for your Christmas shopping experience.

Flower Child: This vintage shop seems almost endless with its multiple rooms of men and women’s vintage clothing, shoes, records, furniture, jewelry and collectibles. It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but when you see pieces dating as far back as the “flapper-girl” era, pins from JFK’s presidential campaign along with Boho sofas and earrings, you’ll realize you’ve died and gone to vintage Heaven.

The Rag Refinery: I can’t say enough good things about this new vintage store in Ohio City. The owner handpicks men and women’s vintage clothing from around the U.S., and has only six clothing racks. It’s a small amount, but the picks are as good as the prices – you can spend anywhere from $20-$40 and walk out with two or three items. Vintage designer pieces are a rare find at “Refinery,” but they’re something to keep an eye out for. The ‘90s Karl Lagerfeld purse that caught my eye was certainly something any vintage lover would love to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Salty not Sweet: If the person on your wish list is a lover of all things sarcastic, this is the place for your wallet. The owner and partner – both artists themselves – sell only items from local and U.S. crafters. Baby onezies that say “freshly squeezed” or “locally grown” are top sellers, along with handmade cabernet scented candles in broken and recycled wine bottles.

Room Service: The perfect little gift shop that gives Urban Outfitters a run for its money. The “Keep Calm and Carry On” trend may be over and done with, but who could turn down the “Keep Calm” Band Aids, nonetheless the mini record coasters? If you’re playing Santa Claus for the eclectic individual, this place is key for finding a creative gift this holiday.

The Dredger’s Union: Owned by the same woman as Room Service, the new store on East Fourth Street is a little more on the expensive side, yet is a ideal for gifts. Antique bronze Eiffel Tower bottle openers, “216” pillows and one-of-a-kind apparel make up the large space in downtown Cleveland. Finish off your successful shopping day with a lunch and drinks at one of the many stylish restaurants on East Fourth!

I noticed this when I was babysitting this past weekend. I babysat three girls, all under the age of eight. The youngest girl, who just had her fourth birthday, spent hours singing to me and showing me her best dance moves.

She belted out her best version of Katy Perry’s “Firework” and danced until her legs grew tired. The rest of her songs were a mix of Christmas tunes combined with her own personal lyrics that made absolutely no sense.

While I was watching her sing and dance as she pleased, I couldn’t help but smile. Interestingly enough, I found myself envying her imagination and complete disregard for what her sisters thought about her silliness.

At what age did we begin to feel embarrassed and self-conscious about what other people think of us? Why can’t we sing like nobody is listening and dance like nobody is watching?

Though I try to convince myself I don’t care what anybody thinks of me, to some degree, I am fooling myself. The desire for acceptance tends to get in the way of me not caring about how others view me. I think we all want others to like us, and this makes it easy to be a bit insecure.

Self-consciousness keeps us fighting the battle to control our self-image. But the truth of the matter is, we shouldn’t worry about what other people think of us and the choices we make, because the majority of the time others are too busy obsessing over their own choices to remember ours.

I wish I had the courage and confidence to sing and dance whenever I want without worrying if people would judge me. It’s amazing to me that children are unaffected by this insecurity.

Another aspect I envy about children is how they don’t notice the physical differences between people. Children don’t even seem to notice if another person is of a different race, ethnicity or has a disability of some sort.

My mom always tells me a story about how I was like this as a child. When I was a young, I was playing on a playground at the Indians game and I made a friend who was in a wheelchair and had a tracheotomy. When I was telling my mom all about my new friend, I didn’t mention her physical disabilities even once. I didn’t even notice that she was so different from me. I didn’t even notice her physical handicaps.

I wish as we grew up we didn’t realize the differences between people in this way. I wish we didn’t care about peoples’ differences. I wish we chose our friends solely based on if that particular relationship makes us feel happy.

Too many times I fear we choose our friends with a self-conscious motivation – based on how that relationship will be viewed by others around us.

After watching this little girl’s stellar performance, I am deciding to live by her example. I don’t want to worry about what others think. If I want to dance, I’m going to dance. If I want to sing, I am going to sing even if I don’t have the best voice or even if I don’t know all of the right words. I will be silly when I feel like acting silly.

This childlike way of life is intriguing to me. It’s innocent, naïve and guiltless. But with the complicated world we live in nowadays, maybe it’s not so bad to be innocent, naïve and guiltless once in a while.

I am writing this as a memory and as a thank you to everyone who helped make me who I am today during my time at John Carroll, despite where we are now; starting from the beginning.

Vinnie. This is hard writing to you after everything that’s happened, but I can’t deny that you’ve had an impact on me. Falling in love is the biggest leap anyone can take, and you showed me what it felt like, for the very first time, to feel that way. Though time heals all wounds, you never forget the person who first made you feel like you were the prettiest, smartest, most wonderful person in the world. So, for the time we had at Carroll, and the growth you’ve given me, I thank you and will always look back fondly on all of the good memories we shared.

As for you, Mr. Bond, our friendship has been amazing. You are my long lost brother who I oddly share many (weird) similarities with. I’ve even sometimes convinced myself we were separated at birth. I never thought the guy in my economics class freshman year, who I thought liked me and who I later found out thought I was a snobby “brat” (for editing purposes), would be a lifelong friend. Thank you so much for the all-nighters, several trips of emptying out vending machines in order to binge, and amazing laugh- until-we-cry times. You’ve shown me that blood doesn’t even come close to the bond we have.

Courtney, oh Courtney. You were by far the most enjoyable person to room with. I will not list all of the hysterical and wonderful times we’ve had in order to save you from embarrassment (just kidding, but not really). You have been such a wonderful friend, always excited to hear what stupid stories I had to tell you, or just there for a good laugh. Thank you for making my JCU experience so much better. “Twi-hard” fans for life.

Hannah, my little lemon. Though we had an almost two-year hiatus, I know God brought you back into my life at the perfect time, even before I knew why. You have strengthened me in so many ways and I cannot thank you enough. You are probably one of the best listeners I know (when you’re not texting) and are probably one of the most genuine people I know. Thank you for being my best friend, and if I ever become a writer, I’ll make sure your section is longer next time; I just know that I have you for life. I love you.

Of course, I have The Carroll News to thank; you all have been so much fun (“The Coon”), as well as Einstein’s and their amazing Caramel Café Blend (or Café Caramel Blend?). I still can’t get it right. Tour guides, you’re awesome, and we definitely have the best job on campus (along with The CN). And finally, to my professors, who have inspired me and prepared me to go into this world knowing who I am.

What I’ve learned in a nutshell: never hold grudges, forget the bad, and remember the good, because it’s more exciting to look back and smile. And never judge someone by what others say unless you’ve experienced getting to know them. You could be missing out on a great friendship.

So, I thank you John Carroll, and for all of you who make John Carroll what it is, because I have been impacted by so many, not just those named above. I am so grateful for my experience here, which in fact is not ending, but only beginning as I will start my career as an admissions counselor here in January, only steps away where I will have left as a tour guide.

This is my closure.

In a conversation I was having on this subject last week, the topic of appreciation came up. Some do not appreciate the subtleties of an item that give it quality. For instance, many would call a $12,000 Savile Row-made suit “overpriced” or “a waste of money” without appreciating the fact that it was made entirely by hand of the best cloth in the world, specifically for the person who bought it.

The sturdiness and character of an 80-year-old iron skillet still in use today might not be valued by those on Fairmount Boulevard with their brand new, non-stick, stainless steel sauté pans.

While I’m a practitioner of admiring intricate products, their quality and longevity, the ability to do so is only a superficial reflection of one’s morals of industry, not their creativity or intellectual capabilities. Instead of appreciating something, I find the capacity to appreciate nothing much more versatile and respectable.

Appreciating nothing isn’t disrespect and dissatisfaction for everything but rather contentedness despite the absence of things. This is not limited to material items, however.

Some might call this approach to life “minimalism.” I’d argue that it is better termed “necessitism.”

In George Carlin’s famous stand-up routine “Stuff” he notes, “That’s all your house is: a place to keep your stuff. If you didn’t have so much stuff, you wouldn’t need a house.” There is freedom in nothingness. There is nothing you are obliged to carry around, no worry of forgetting anything.

In my running experience, the most enlightening feeling has come from the realization that my body is capable of quite a bit with very little or no equipment or sustenance. The best endurance athletic performances have come from athletes who can clear their minds from all conceptions of fatigue or weakness. There is empowerment in nothingness.

I’m sure that many  have experienced the pleasure and productivity that comes with that almost blank state of extreme focus in which one can just crank out quality papers and tasks, one after the other. Though constant psychological nothingness is bad (because that’s a sure sign of being in a vegetative state or, perhaps, death) the focal nothingness is pure creative intellect, stripped of all societal impediments and pressures.

Everyone always wonders what  special ability the geniuses of the past had that enabled them to be such revolutionaries? I find that these people all were probably able to rid their minds of the handicaps of conventional thought. To be frank, many of the major intellectual, mathematical, literary and artistic figures in history used alcohol, opium or other mind altering substances. It is likely that these removed them from reality and allowed the full capabilities of their brains to be released.

A state of nothingness can enhance abilities. Possibly the best feeling of nothingness comes with the appreciation of things that haven’t been screwed up. With nothingness, things are allowed to flourish in their natural state. There is purity in nothingness.

When I’m living in a small wigwam of my own construction on the side of a forgotten mountain, without a job, money, or even other people, I’ll be content. I will find solace in my ability to survive on only the necessities and being resourceful enough to obtain them with only my own cunning. And if I go mad or my assets perish, perhaps I will too.

But it will be without the heartbroken mourners, without the hopeful Bible readings and without a steel box to separate me from the raw processes of nature that, in their simplicity, have continued the cycle of life successfully since the genesis of all life.

Normally seeing a picture of Adam Sandler just makes me queasy, but the poster was for a John Carroll sponsored event: Late Night Dinner and a Movie. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was impossible that the school I love would sponsor such a harmful and grotesque event, and support a movie that literally makes people more stupid.

“But Ben, it’s just a movie.” I beg to differ. “Jack and Jill” is just the latest in a slew of Adam Sandler movies that have bombarded our movie theaters, tricked freedom-loving Americans into buying tickets, and then taken a dump on their brains. I’m not talking about classics like “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison.” I’m talking about the garbage that Sandler has been putting out for the better part of the last 10 years. Not only are these movies extremely unfunny, but they also induce physical and mental disablement.

Don’t believe me? After seeing “Grown Ups” last summer, my sister forgot how to use stairs, and after an accident with an escalator, had to get spinal surgery. Back in high school, I went to see “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” with my best friend Billy. I blacked out after the first fart joke, but I awoke five days later to find that I had completely lost control of my bowel movements, and that Billy was in a catatonic state. Luckily, I was able to pull through, but poor Billy never recovered. He still will only respond to Nick Swardson impersonations.

Yet people are still falling prey to Adam Sandler’s shameless deception. All four of his recent movies have made over $30 million their opening weekend. Another disturbing statistic states that they all made over $100 million before ending their theatrical run.

“Jack and Jill” looks to be the worst of them all. The movie has Sandler playing twins named Jack and Jill (really?) who get together for the holidays, despite Jill being a real pain in the butt. It’s painfully cliché in the first place, but then you add Sandler dressed in drag,  you have a pure nightmare. My eyes bled for 15 minutes just after watching the trailer.

It may have been some kind of gross oversight, but John Carroll still needs to take responsibility for the event, and take measures to make sure it never happens again. In fact, we all need to take a stand. As my grandpa always said, “Every time an Adam Sandler movie is released, a puppy is eaten alive by cannibals.” If we refuse to buy the ticket, the movie won’t make money, and no more will be released. We can stop the cycle. If we don’t, there may be nothing to stop Sandler’s reign of hellfire from coming down upon us all.

Although I’m not sure a homily was the best forum for this discussion, I am glad it was addressed at such a high level (our school’s president).

Over the past several years, with a huge effort from University Heights Mayor Infeld and our Student Union, the relationship between the City and the University has taken huge steps forward.

This is great considering that prior to Mayor Infeld’s term in office, the City and the University were virtually divorced from each other. With a city as small as University Heights, this kind of cold-shouldered tension was simply impractical for both parties.

Even now, though, the question remains – are we a university town or a university in a town? I think a fair case can be made for either one. Our presence in University Heights drives commerce very high. JCU also owns many off-campus properties, and the juniors and seniors who live off campus are paying taxes to the city. Furthermore, JCU animates University Heights. Many local residents feel it’s exciting to see an energetic, buzzing college campus in their own backyard.

However, when this excitement escalates to a belligerent level, then we are not only making a bad name for our university, but for everyone who is associated with it, from students to faculty to administrators. This isn’t fair to anyone.

Just last week, the nation watched in horror as Penn State students rioted and took over their own town in a shameful display of disrespect. And that’s really what it comes down to – respect (or lack thereof).

As Niehoff pointed out, the biggest problem here is the absence of respect. It has been at the cornerstone of every major issue for as long as he remembers, ranging from problems of diversity and inclusion to the most recent problems with University Heights, and everything in between.

The idea of respect deserves its own column, so keep your eyes open. That one is coming soon. But for now, I’d like to give some more attention to the current issue with University Heights.

Above all, it is important to realize that in any situation like this, it is a small portion of the student body that is creating the problem. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the public, they represent the whole student population here at JCU. This definitely contributes to the high tension between the City and the University.

As a whole, I believe John Carroll students are some of the most respectful college students anywhere. We are a social justice university – we actively promote doing good service in the community and in the world. After all, we proudly say that we are “people for others.” But how can we say that we act in the interest of others globally if we are incapable of demonstrating this in our own backyard?

Just days before these embarrassing events took place, many students went around University Heights and helped rake leaves for the residents. This is a more accurate portrait of who we are. This is what people should think of when they hear the name John Carroll University. Unfortunately, I fear that it is not.

Yes, we are a fun university. I am in my third year at JCU, and I have personally witnessed what is now considered “intolerable” for students (underage drinking, partying, etc). When these actions stand alone, they are not harmful. Even under the age of 21, if students are responsible, I think that they can be trusted (and dare I say expected) to go to parties where alcohol is being consumed.

This is just a part of college life. And for the most part, I have found the neighbors to be generally tolerant when it comes to a casual Saturday night party. However, when these events get out of hand, when the noise is disrespectfully loud or students are violating the residents’ trust, that is where the line must be drawn.

Regardless of whether we are a university town or a university in a town, we must have respect for the neighborhood. Every single one of us has the responsibility to uphold the values of respect that this university stands for. Our relationship with the City can improve, but it needs to be an effort from us as a student body too. Before we boast being “the Jesuit university in Cleveland,” let’s try being the Jesuit university in University Heights.

I never went on the spring break trips either. My father was probably thrilled about it at the time, but there are stories and experiences on which I missed out. In the moment, I decided I wasn’t a warm weather or beach person, so why would I go on spring break? Reflection tells me that of course it was about fun in the sun, but it was also about sharing new adventures with friends.

There are plenty of things I am glad I did, like join The Carroll News staff and spend seemingly endless nights cropping photos and putting together ad layouts – by hand nonetheless. I made friends that are still my close friends today. It seems to me that a well-rounded college experience is as much about what you learn in the classroom as it is about what you learn in between classes. I learned responsibility whether I liked it or not. I discovered the things that were important to me and the things I wouldn’t compromise.

College, for me, was about relationships. It was about connecting with people who will be your friends for the rest of your life. People who helped you grow up while in college, people who struggled alongside with you all the way until Commencement. Those are the same people who know my shortcomings today and still support me. As I am reminiscing in this short space, I am not necessarily advocating that you must go to the Thanksgiving dinners in the dining hall or that you can’t miss the spring break trip. What I am advocating is that you look around you and appreciate all the benefits of both inside and outside the classroom.

Of course, I learned a lot academically and I am sure my education lead me to where I am today in my career.

But there is nothing like going to a reunion and seeing someone you haven’t seen in a while and being able to pick up right where you left off. That is definitely something for which I’m thankful.

Most often, I try to make up for the lack of geographical displacement and cultural adventure in my life by doing crazy or intense things. Almost entirely this materializes in something running related. I usually end up challenging myself (at least subconsciously) to something no one but I will witness being completed.

This Saturday, cross country season ended. On Sunday I decided to do an easy seven miles to shake out the previous day’s race. That seven miles turned into nearly 17. Two hours, four minutes and 25 seconds by myself. I would have preferred to have been among the mountains on some forgotten strip of trampled dirt, the thin air causing laborious breaths but sweeter than those of half the trouble in a sea level city. But, the silence of Sunday night suburbia brought more solace than I would expect.

The streets of Cleveland Heights are filled with some incredible houses. Not very far away from the mansions on and north of Fairmount Boulevard are the less fortunate neighborhoods of East Cleveland. In both areas, houses represent more than just dwelling places. Their collective presence makes a community. On an individual level, they are the places of families. Houses solve the problems of exposure to unwanted people and unwelcome natural elements. Though they are an answer, on Sunday night to the outsider trotting down the street, their security and permanence raised more questions. Though neighborhoods are such a common thing, there is much that is unanswerable about them.

An unexpected feeling of diffidence came over me as I passed house after house. The physical and financial comfort the prosperous homes emanated brought a feeling of insecurity that comes with the realization of an unsure future.

Sometimes the mundane seems incredibly unachievable. Most of the time I’m just trying to figure out what I’m going to do in the next 10 hours. Owning a house is one of those landmarks in one’s life. It’s something most people aspire to do and it shows they’ve reached a landmark of stability. The life college students live is very temporary and though we are more independent than we were for the first 17 or 18 years of our lives, our decisions are usually made easier by the structure of campus life. The world seems to be coming so fast. We are left to fend largely for ourselves.

Where do we go from here? How do we become that comfortable middle to upper middle class family like the ones that seem so happy strolling with their children on Saturday afternoons? Which of us will be forced into lower class neighborhoods, struggling to get by?

In the words of Lord Byron, “There is pleasure in the pathless woods, /There is a rapture on the lonely shore, /There is society, where none intrudes, /By the deep sea, and music in its roar: /I love not man the less, but Nature more, …” Everything is simplified in nature. There is hardly  ever injustice in the “wild” and though the functioning of ecosystems is complex, everything is reduced to simple forms. Because of the uniform material necessities of all organisms, living conditions are equal; it all makes sense. Though nature is much more awe-inspiring, civilization is indubitably more fascinating because of its peculiarity.

Perhaps to experience adventure we don’t need to see the great monuments or exotic locales of the world. Almost equally moving experiences can be found if one becomes locally separated from the immediate environment and is able to realize and question the intricacies of our conventional habitat.

Thank goodness they did because he has turned out to be the greatest man’s best friend we could ever hope for. But before I fell in love with him, I hated him and wanted to give him away. When he was a puppy, he chewed on everything and I was the perfect size for him to chew on. For months, I walked on furniture because when I’d walk on the floor he’d bite my toes and ankles. Soon, he outgrew me and I became an even easier target for him to practice using his razor-sharp puppy teeth.

After many behavior classes and after growing out his puppy stage, he stopped biting things, including me, and grew into a loving and adventurous friend. So adventurous, that he created some great stories to tell. Once he ran away and got on a Laketran bus, and another time when he wandered off, a family stole him and held him for ransom.

Those were the only two times he ran away, and I am glad we got him back. He will be turning 14 in February and he has turned into a handsome old man. The fur around his mouth is gray and he groans when he lies down and stands up. Luckily, he is rather healthy for his age. Labs usually live to around 12-14 years, but (knock on wood) he is still alive and energetic. Though he doesn’t have the same energy as he used to, he still loves to play catch and play with his toys.

Sometimes I wish he could talk, because I wonder what he would say to me when I talk to him as if he’s a baby, calling him stupid nicknames like Woobie and Lovebug and dressing him up on Halloween. I think he would just stare at me and say something like, “Listen lady, I am 98 years old in dog years and I’m 75 pounds. I’m not your little lovebug.”

No matter how many times I probably annoy him with my nicknames and try to play with him when he’s trying to sleep, he always seems to be happy to see me. It’s so nice to come home every evening after a long day and have him waiting for me, wagging his tail. He is always happy to see me no matter what. That is something I think everyone deserves in their life. We all should have funny stories about raising a pup, having one waiting to greet us with a wagging tail and lots of excitement. It makes the bad days much easier to get through—to know someone is always going to be excited to see you when you get home.

On top of these emotional benefits, there are proven health benefits to having a pet, even if not necessarily a dog. WebMD features an article on these benefits which shows pets help lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety and boost immunity. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in their homes. Having a pet can provide companionship, naturally raise levels of serotonin and dopamine and for those who are able to walk or run with a dog, this can provide exercise. Heart attack patients who have pets in their homes are proven to survive longer than those without. In addition to this, male pet owners have decreased signs of heart disease than non-owners.

I love my pup and I love to hear about others who have a Cody in their lives. I hope everyone has an opportunity to own a pet like him at some point in their lives because the benefits are certainly worth it. Having a Cody is proven to make you happier and healthier, and who wouldn’t want that?

Only kidding.

The much-anticipated bra and panties runway show premieres on Tuesday Nov. 28, and needless to say, it’s going to have me thinking twice about grabbing that extra helping of stuffing next Thursday at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Unfortunately, I am one of those girls who has watched the fashion show every year, incredibly envious of those super long legs, curly hair and—who could leave out—those obnoxiously beautiful angel wings. While I’m embarrassed to admit that for the past two years I’ve watched the show while running on a treadmill in the Corbo Room, because of the workout I always felt a little better about myself after the last angel had walked down the runway. Sad? Yes. I’m completely aware of that. This is why I am making a drastic change in the way in which I watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show this year.

No treadmill, no celery stick, and certainly no outwardly expressions of envy. Instead, it will be me, a large spoon and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. I’m forgoing the complaining attitude this year, and opting for something that’s really going to allow me to enjoy the fashion show and my night. There’s always room for regret the next morning.

It’s obvious that there’s no point in agonizing over the stick-thin figures, with top halves looking as if their “cup runneth over.”

It’s a quixotic figure for the average person, and there’s no sense in getting nitpicky about your own figure upon seeing theirs. Last year’s performer Katy Perry had no problem showing off her curves as a nice contrast to the tiny-framed figures of Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel.

Unfortunately, no curvy women will be performing at the show this year (I was really pulling for Beyoncé). In fact, there will be no women performers at all. Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5 and Kanye West will take on the runway as the night’s musical guests. The famous “Fantasy Treasure Bra” will debut on supermodel (and new mommy!) Miranda Kerr. Covered in Swarovski Elements crystals, its price—a whopping $2.5 million—is going to give viewers a run for their money. I’m expecting an “Occupy Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” protest to occur with the embellished lingerie’s presence.

As the many Kate Moss look-alikes strut their heel-cladded feet down the catwalk, feathered wings in tow, I’ll be more mesmerized by their ability to walk in four-inch heels than their six-packs. I’ll be happy upon the show’s conclusion and my last bite of ice cream, because there’s always time for working out the next day, but only one occasion each year to watch half-naked supermodels while indulging in ice cream and feeling 100 percent confident in your own skin.

Here’s the thing; college is a time when your life is always changing. Plans fall through, you change your mind about things, goals change and some relationships grow while others fall apart. But, this is OK.

I wasn’t OK with these changes  at first, but I’m now learning to accept them.

I’ve learned to accept that when other people are involved in your plans, those plans are going to change because peoples’ schedules are constantly changing just like mine are. I’m learning not to get my heart set on any plans until they actually happen. But this is difficult for me because I have a tendency to get my heart set on things, which at times, ends with feelings of disappointment.

My goals have changed quite a few times since I began my college career at JCU. I’ve had many different academic and social interests I’ve considered pursuing after school. While I’m sure this was annoying for my family and friends to have to try and keep up with my changing interests, it has been exciting for me to find what I most want to do.

I change my mind frequently, which can be stressful at times, but I am trying to accept it as more adventurous than strenuous. One day I want to be a vegetarian, and the next I want a cheeseburger. One day I want to live in an apartment,  and the next I want to live in a dorm. One day I can never picture myself in a sorority, and the next I am a new member of Gamma Phi Beta. I’m trying to look it as being less indecisive, and more as opportunistic.

I’ve had friendships fall apart and others grow. I’ve learned who I can count on when I need a good friend, and I know who will take advantage of me. What I have found hurts the most is when long-time friendships fall apart. Friends make other friends and they make choices that you don’t necessarily agree with. People change and this is a fact we need to face at this point in our lives. Sometimes we realize that trying to keep up a friendship is more work than it is worth and people no longer value a friendship as you do.

Though it hurts to realize a friendship has come to a close, I am learning that there are so many friendships blossoming in my life.

While things are always changing, and much of the time it hurts, I try to remember the aspects of my life that are constant.

While plans are going to change, it will always turn out the way it is supposed to happen. When my goals change, it is because I have discovered something new and positive, and new and positive things can always be found in the fine print of my life.

When I change my mind, even if on a whim or a sudden impulse, it is because I am learning to be more adventurous. I am learning to take risks and make choices and be more independent. Learning to make choices, whether big or small, will always be a factor of my life.

It’s important to remember that relationships are always going to change, sometimes crumble, but there will always be opportunity for other relationships to grow.

I will always have loved ones who I can turn to. I know that these people will love and accept me with open arms just as I do with them.

Hold on to these people. Don’t let them go. I am realizing that they are the most important constants in my life. The other constants are reliable, but not tangible.

I most value the people who support me when life hands me limes. I owe that to them. They’ve taught me to make a pretty mean margarita.

We all deal with struggles in our daily lives, and sometimes these can seem overwhelming. Negativity can cloud our mind and affect how we respond to the people who are closest to us.

I have experienced first-hand the consequences of this kind of thought. One of the most contagious diseases in this world is a frown. As elementary as it sounds, I have found that pessimism, cynicism and negativity are more dangerous venoms than the deadliest of poisons.

In my own life, I will admit that I have let myself become a victim of these forces. They have a dreadful way of taking over our thoughts and polluting others’ smiles.

That simply isn’t fair to anyone. With the yuletide season just around the corner, I like to think of Buddy the elf, who says proudly, “Smiling is my favorite.” What a simple but fantastic motto to live by.

And as any Star Wars junkie can confirm, the dark side is not actually more powerful, and it always leads to worse outcomes.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to overcome occasional negative feelings on your own, then congratulations. Spread your happiness to the world. But if you can’t seem to shake off your frown, for whatever reason, I may have some helpful thoughts for you.

For a long time, I was looking for an easy solution to this plague of discord that often subtly manifests itself as a smug remark or a few cold words to a close friend. But when I noticed this wasn’t a particularly good way to make and keep friends, I figured it was about time to figure something better out.

After exhausting my own introspective solutions, I decided to rely on an old friend who also did some thinking about this subject – St. Ignatius of Loyola. As JCU students, we should always seek to embody the Jesuit ideals, but I think that we frequently forget about their Ignatian roots.

In order to solve personal attitudinal problems, I think that Ignatius’s “Spiritual Exercises” are tremendously helpful. So, for you Negative Nancys out there, I think the best one to turn to is his Daily Examen.

It was explained to me in five very easy steps:

First, be grateful for every experience, both positive and negative. View all of your positive experiences to be your “free spaces” on the “Bingo board of life;” and think of your negative experiences not as bad things, but as opportunities for you to grow spiritually.

Next, open your mind and your heart to see things from a different point of view. Sometimes, this will require you to become very vulnerable. Although making yourself vulnerable can be a scary idea, it will help you achieve a more accepting view of your world.

The third step is to consider honestly your emotions. If something is weighing heavy on your heart, open yourself up to it. Take a deep breath and center your thoughts. Remember, you aren’t in this alone.

The fourth step follows very naturally – choose an experience from your day and evaluate it. Figure out what went well and give thanks. Then admit what went poorly, and resolve to fix it for the future.

Finally, look towards tomorrow. As Little Orphan Annie always used to say, “Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow. You’re only a day away.” Find your bearings and follow down that path.

Adhering to these values requires gratitude, humility and love. But if you allow these to enter your heart, then you will be cured of your frown forever. Follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius – stop, think, breathe and smile.

After all, the glass might not always be half full, but maybe it is just twice the size it needs to be; and there’s nothing wrong with that.

It is an indignity that racism, or any form of intolerance, exists on a campus whose mantra is social justice. The brutal truth is that this terrible phenomenon does exist at John Carroll and seems to have only become progressively worse. The distressing stories that I heard at the forum about physical altercations and verbal abuse towards African-American students only seemed to underscore this fact.

However, what really bothered me was the attendance – or rather the lack thereof – at this well-publicized event. The vast majority of the individuals present appeared to be members of the university staff and administration.

Unfortunately, most students are literally “tuned out” to the rest of the world. They are constantly texting, heads down, listening to music, and could really care less if an act of intolerance or discrimination occurred within 15 feet of them.

The tragedy of this is that most of our students are not racist at all. Indeed if anything, the vast majority would consider themselves to be anti-racists. However, by remaining silent, walling themselves off from reality, and immersing themselves in a virtual cyber world of texting, Facebook and Twitter, they effectively acquiesce to the intolerant and hateful actions of an ignorant few.

So in the words of the great French writer and anti-racist Émile Zola, to all of you – “j’accuse.” In other words, “I accuse.” Yes, I accuse the students of John Carroll University of social and intellectual indifference. I accuse the students of John Carroll University of haughty self-interest and arrogant inaction. I accuse the students of John Carroll University of not reacting, of not doing enough.

What is the solution? What can we, the students, do? How about breaking free of our insular worlds, recognizing the issue, and acting immediately to prevent it? Why must we need to be “enlightened” by faculty and staff? We do not need them to tell us when something is not right. Only we, the students, can foster an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance by speaking out courageously when we witness an injustice.

Only then can we have genuine and sincere change.