When the semester ends, reflection begins

The college semester is coming to an end. Classrooms are empty. Parking spaces are easier to come by. Dining halls seem more vacant. Professors are submitting last-minute grades. Staff members are slowly closing out reports and putting up the closing signs. Another cycle of college life has ended. This is a typical part of the college calendar, but it still matters. The end of a semester is a moment to stop, think, and reflect. Students and staff have worked through long weeks of lectures, assignments, group projects, mid-terms and final exams. Now, there is room to breathe just a little…

American students’ freedom threatened

Donald Trump recently posted a statement on his Truth Social app that alarmed many college students. He claims that he will stop all federal funding for any schools, colleges and universities that allow “illegal” protests on campus. He threatened to expel and/or arrest students who do not comply, as well as permanently sending agitators “back to the country from which they came.” While it is completely rational to be scared after reading such information, bystanders need to know that Trump does not have the authority to withhold federal funds from any schools that might allow certain conduct. He also does…

Lamar’s symbolic wake up call for people

The 2025 Super Bowl is a memory and the people of Philadelphia celebrated the Eagles’ win against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, much of the talk of the event wasn’t the game but Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. While it was advertised as a performance, most have reason to believe it was bigger than that–it was a message. With symbolism of the control and propaganda within America hidden beneath lyrics, individuals are now trying to justify Lamar’s execution.  According to YouTube channel New Rockstars, many people think it is likely that the production’s details and covered meanings went over a lot…

Greg Abbott takes a “step” back from DEI

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order on Jan. 31 directing all Texas state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and to treat all people equally regardless of race. He believes the DEI agendas divide us rather than unite us. DEI exists to welcome and value people from different backgrounds by giving them the extra help they may need to succeed. A number of organizations consider DEI a priority in hiring and advancement. For instance, if an employee feels respected in their workplace, they are more likely to be productive and committed to the organization. It is…

The striking difference in Trumps inauguration

President Donald Trump had his second inauguration Jan. 20 and seems to be the most recent topic of conversation. Despite the four-year gap after losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump has found a way to make it back up to the top. Seeing as things can change within such a short amount of time, it is vital that we compare his first inauguration to his second. After being elected as president in November 2016, Trump was sworn in at the 2017 United States Presidential Inauguration. He took the stage at the West Front of the Capitol after shaking hands…

Addressing the flaws in the Financial Aid system

Financial aid is a vital resource for college students, many who rely on the assistance to attend classes. But the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA for short, and the entire financial aid process is often confusing and disjointed, despite workers attempts to streamline the process. There have been many roller coasters surrounding FASFA. Many students encounter bugs in the system, when the computer system tells you one thing and then financial aid turns around to say that it’s not true. The two systems don’t always work together preventing students from understanding whether they will receive their aid for…

On the Internet, What Goes Around, Comes Around

In November, 26-year-old Nick Fuentes went viral for an offensive speech he made on politics. In the video, Fuentes shared his vile far-right beliefs such as; men will always have control over the female body, there will never be a female president, and that men will continue to win by keeping women down. Since then, the influencer’s address in Chicago was doxxed by critics. With reports of harassment and threats coming in fast, Fuentes has now stayed quiet about his opinions. This is just one example of the risks that come with a poor digital footprint.             A digital footprint…

In an era of political polarization, let’s agree to disagree and embrace humanity

In an age where political polarization seems to be the norm, it’s crucial for college students and society to remember one fundamental fact: we are all human. As we navigate the complexities of modern politics, it’s easy to become engulfed in ideological battles, losing sight of the shared experiences and emotions that unite us. Politics can often feel like a mask we wear, one that can obscure our own humanity. College campuses serve as microcosms of society, where diverse perspectives clash. In colleges, students engage in debates about policies, ideologies, and future visions. While this engagement is vital for a…

The ever-evolving holiday: Halloween!

Halloween, a holiday steeped in tradition and folklore, offers a unique blend of folk stories, cautionary tales, and spells. Beyond costumes, candy, and spooky decorations lies a deeper significance that speaks to one’s experiences. Halloween’s origins can be traced back to ancient Celtic festival of Samhain celebrated on Oct. 31, marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. It was believed that on that night the boundary between the living and the dead opened, allowing spirits to freely roam on earth. While the ghostly influences remain, Halloween has evolved into a celebration of imagination and an…

Pushing past an era of Political Polarization

With the election happening in a few weeks, it’s time to consider how the American public has played the political game: poorly. There are many points to analyze this from, though polarization would be a good place to start. A 2024 Pew Research Center report states that currently, 94% of Democrats are left of the median and 92% of Republicans are right of the median. In short, the politically involved are mostly playing at the extremes. This has been growing for decades, supposedly going back to the 1970s, however this year marks the worst this has been. It is evident…