Just a few moments ago, as I was studying, I heard a knock on my door. I opened to find my neighbor in a frantic state.
She has a mouse in her room. She went to brush her teeth and spotted the creature on her way out of the door. Having never dealt with vermin, she is lost on how to get rid of it, and doesn't feel comfortable going back to her room.
She and I have been standing here, talking about her options. Our RA was contacted, but she wasn't trained on how to handle this situation. Currently, attempts to contact both the CA and AC are happening.
Vermin are nothing new on this campus. Reports earlier in the year have been made of mice in campus housing; my roommate found a cockroach in the room when she moved in; and an incident occurred a few years ago (in the same residence hall) in which a student woke up in the middle of the night to find a cockroach on her face.
Unfortunately, creatures cannot always be prevented from entering buildings; it's part of life. But we need to educate our students and RAs better on how to handle these situations, so students can feel safe in their homes.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Discrimination Against Fun
I've been deeply reflecting on the idea of disconnectedness between races after having a lively chat with Dr. Brooke Wagner in the sociology department, and thinking about how discrimination affects fun times you can have with other people.
To me, I can't figure out why this is an issue in our daily lives. Over the weekend, for example, I went on a choir retreat, and during arts and crafts time -- because choir kids are young at heart -- another soprano and I took stickers and went over to one of our friends in the bass section to decorate with him. He is an African American gentleman.
We didn't care that he was African American; we never even thought about it. All we did was celebrate our inner children as we laughed, broke out into random song, and played with our fellow choir member, and friend.
Wagner and I discussed earlier the sociological state of "false consciousness," in which a person has difficulty relating to others of different racial backgrounds because they perceive them as different from themselves.
People are people, regardless of skin color. Other races aren't lesser beings because of their ancestry; they're humans, just like us. And disassociating one's self with another person because of their racial background makes you the lesser being.
Because making bookmarks and tiaras using markers and stickers with other human beings is fun. And your racial background shouldn't discriminate on the amount of fun you can have with your friends.
To me, I can't figure out why this is an issue in our daily lives. Over the weekend, for example, I went on a choir retreat, and during arts and crafts time -- because choir kids are young at heart -- another soprano and I took stickers and went over to one of our friends in the bass section to decorate with him. He is an African American gentleman.
We didn't care that he was African American; we never even thought about it. All we did was celebrate our inner children as we laughed, broke out into random song, and played with our fellow choir member, and friend.
Wagner and I discussed earlier the sociological state of "false consciousness," in which a person has difficulty relating to others of different racial backgrounds because they perceive them as different from themselves.
People are people, regardless of skin color. Other races aren't lesser beings because of their ancestry; they're humans, just like us. And disassociating one's self with another person because of their racial background makes you the lesser being.
Because making bookmarks and tiaras using markers and stickers with other human beings is fun. And your racial background shouldn't discriminate on the amount of fun you can have with your friends.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Response to Luke's "Is Rock Music Dead?"
In Luke's post, he discussed how pop music has taken the center attention and is now disregarding what he described as "raw, emotional, and powerful music that held true meaning," a.k.a. rock music. He argues that the only place rock music can still have domination is in live performances.
I agree with Luke's statement, in that today's society emphasizes the sugary-pop and rap genres of music, and radios play fewer and fewer songs that could even remotely be classified as "rock." I have honestly stopped listening to the radio for the most part, because I cannot find music that brings me joy there anymore.
I've turned to the alternative/indie pop punk genre as my main focus, because only there can I still find lyrics that talk of something more important than clubbing or intercourse; in this genre, there are still songs about dreams and self-discovery, of all of the intricacies that define humanity.
As the penman behind 218 original songs, I find it fascinating to see how I've changed throughout the years as a songwriter. Back when "pop" music still had integrity, I was creating pieces to reflect it in that respect. But as I've aged, I have seen a change in my musical style to be reminiscent of early Green Day combined with Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and All Time Low. My music has started to embody the styles of the only performers and music I still believe in.
I agree with Luke's statement, in that today's society emphasizes the sugary-pop and rap genres of music, and radios play fewer and fewer songs that could even remotely be classified as "rock." I have honestly stopped listening to the radio for the most part, because I cannot find music that brings me joy there anymore.
I've turned to the alternative/indie pop punk genre as my main focus, because only there can I still find lyrics that talk of something more important than clubbing or intercourse; in this genre, there are still songs about dreams and self-discovery, of all of the intricacies that define humanity.
As the penman behind 218 original songs, I find it fascinating to see how I've changed throughout the years as a songwriter. Back when "pop" music still had integrity, I was creating pieces to reflect it in that respect. But as I've aged, I have seen a change in my musical style to be reminiscent of early Green Day combined with Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and All Time Low. My music has started to embody the styles of the only performers and music I still believe in.
Why You Gotta Be So Rude?
The Wittenberg Choir held its successful annual Variety Show on Friday and Saturday. Each night procured a full house, with additional seating necessary to accommodate the turn out, and the shows raised a lot of money for the choir, despite the negative occurrence on Saturday night.
While the choir members were performing their solos and duets, there were two groups of individuals mocking, laughing, and talking to each other and on their cell phones DURING the performances. The singers put on a brave face and tried to ignore the rude nature of these audience members, and they still focused on their respective performances.
After this continued to happen, Frances Fonza, the choir's director, came over between acts and told the disrespectful people to either quiet themselves or leave the room. The audience members got quiet, and remained in their seats after that.
The other group was about halfway up in the middle section, acting in the same manner. Other audience members commented to me about how hard it was to enjoy the performances while these people were having lengthy conversations. Thankfully, after Fonza's reprimand of the first set of individuals, the second group quieted down as well.
As a performer, nothing is quite as disrespectful as people distracting others during a show. We worked hard for weeks to perfect the 21 acts for the VOLUNTARY audience's pleasure, and the fact that people came to the show and then tried to talk on their phones DURING it was very upsetting to us behind the scenes, as we were trying to get emotionally ready for our numbers and focus on the acting aspects within the show.
I was fortunate enough to not have this happen during my solo, but it still stuck with me knowing that there were audience members who didn't have enough courtesy to just sit back and enjoy an hour and a half of dancing, comedy, and music.
While the choir members were performing their solos and duets, there were two groups of individuals mocking, laughing, and talking to each other and on their cell phones DURING the performances. The singers put on a brave face and tried to ignore the rude nature of these audience members, and they still focused on their respective performances.
After this continued to happen, Frances Fonza, the choir's director, came over between acts and told the disrespectful people to either quiet themselves or leave the room. The audience members got quiet, and remained in their seats after that.
The other group was about halfway up in the middle section, acting in the same manner. Other audience members commented to me about how hard it was to enjoy the performances while these people were having lengthy conversations. Thankfully, after Fonza's reprimand of the first set of individuals, the second group quieted down as well.
As a performer, nothing is quite as disrespectful as people distracting others during a show. We worked hard for weeks to perfect the 21 acts for the VOLUNTARY audience's pleasure, and the fact that people came to the show and then tried to talk on their phones DURING it was very upsetting to us behind the scenes, as we were trying to get emotionally ready for our numbers and focus on the acting aspects within the show.
I was fortunate enough to not have this happen during my solo, but it still stuck with me knowing that there were audience members who didn't have enough courtesy to just sit back and enjoy an hour and a half of dancing, comedy, and music.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Race is But a Color
If you had no exposure to me other than this blog, would it matter to you if I told you I was Italian? Or that I'm Irish? Of Scottish descent? Or German?
Now, what if I told you I was black? How would you view me?
The recent issues in Ferguson and Beavercreek have sparked the issue of racial discrimination in the media, but what some students on this campus fail to realize is that racial profiling is an overlooked matter at Wittenberg.
I have several friends here who are African American, three of whom I consider to be my best friends in this world. And, sadly, one of them (who will remain anonymous for protection) has been a victim of racial profiling on campus.
Last year, she was walking back to her dorm one night when a male student called out to her and another friend with whom she was walking (who is also of African American descent). The male student made sexually suggestive comments, with racial slurs and slanders infused in his speech.
The truth is that our society perceives individuals differently based on their racial backgrounds. "White supremacy" is well known, and there is a blatant disregard for those of other colors. This disheartens me to a great extent.
To me, people are people, regardless of what color you are. If you're white, congratulations; if you're an African American, congratulations. You're a human being, and my friend, and that's all that will ever matter to me.
Now, what if I told you I was black? How would you view me?
The recent issues in Ferguson and Beavercreek have sparked the issue of racial discrimination in the media, but what some students on this campus fail to realize is that racial profiling is an overlooked matter at Wittenberg.
I have several friends here who are African American, three of whom I consider to be my best friends in this world. And, sadly, one of them (who will remain anonymous for protection) has been a victim of racial profiling on campus.
Last year, she was walking back to her dorm one night when a male student called out to her and another friend with whom she was walking (who is also of African American descent). The male student made sexually suggestive comments, with racial slurs and slanders infused in his speech.
The truth is that our society perceives individuals differently based on their racial backgrounds. "White supremacy" is well known, and there is a blatant disregard for those of other colors. This disheartens me to a great extent.
To me, people are people, regardless of what color you are. If you're white, congratulations; if you're an African American, congratulations. You're a human being, and my friend, and that's all that will ever matter to me.
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Way Partying Should Be
My first college party experience has been a positive one, regarding alcohol and behavior.
It's an hour and a half into this party, and my drink of choice is pink lemonade (ah, the joy of being a good underage kid at a college party). Every other person here has been drinking (except for one), and it hasn't been anything like the stereotypical "college party."
The alcohol consumption has been mild, girls sipping on hard cider or fruity vodka. I haven't been pressured to drink, and they haven't judged me. The night has been filled with laughter and bonding.
College parties (especially at Witt) are notorious for being binge-crazy, leading to nights of regret. On college campuses, heavy drinking is one of the biggest factors for sexual assault and rape cases.
Being a journalist whose beat is in sexual assault stories, I've done extensive research on the subject, and the numbers (which I'll get out my notes and update later on when I'm home) are disturbing.
But this party...this is how a college party should be: people of age drinking in moderation and just having fun. People have buddies to walk home together and it's in a safe environment.
It's an hour and a half into this party, and my drink of choice is pink lemonade (ah, the joy of being a good underage kid at a college party). Every other person here has been drinking (except for one), and it hasn't been anything like the stereotypical "college party."
The alcohol consumption has been mild, girls sipping on hard cider or fruity vodka. I haven't been pressured to drink, and they haven't judged me. The night has been filled with laughter and bonding.
College parties (especially at Witt) are notorious for being binge-crazy, leading to nights of regret. On college campuses, heavy drinking is one of the biggest factors for sexual assault and rape cases.
Being a journalist whose beat is in sexual assault stories, I've done extensive research on the subject, and the numbers (which I'll get out my notes and update later on when I'm home) are disturbing.
But this party...this is how a college party should be: people of age drinking in moderation and just having fun. People have buddies to walk home together and it's in a safe environment.
Look at this Variety; Wittenberg Choir Variety Showcase
Next weekend, I'm vying to win the coveted "Variety Show Winner" trophy.
My choir, the Wittenberg Choir, is holding its annual variety show on Sept. 19th and 20th at 8pm in Krieg 300.
The show will start and end with numbers from the entire choir, and in between, it will showcase 17 vocal solos, duets, and comedy routines. I have a solo, covering the contemporary piece "Clarity" by Zedd (featuring Foxes), and am dead-set on putting on a grand show.
The show is my choir's main fundraiser of the year. Tickets are free for Wittenberg students when they show their ID cards, and $4 at the door for any non-student.
There will also be a female number intended to captivate the men in the audience, with a seductively-choreographed rendition of "Baby Love" by the Supremes. The men have planned to serenade the women in the audience with a rendition of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys.
At the end of the show, audience members may "vote" on their favorite performances by donating money into buckets representing each act (all proceeds will go to the choir for transportation and competition funding, as well as choir necessities such as sheet music). The act that pulls in the most money will receive the trophy, and bragging rights for the rest of the choral season.
My choir, the Wittenberg Choir, is holding its annual variety show on Sept. 19th and 20th at 8pm in Krieg 300.
The show will start and end with numbers from the entire choir, and in between, it will showcase 17 vocal solos, duets, and comedy routines. I have a solo, covering the contemporary piece "Clarity" by Zedd (featuring Foxes), and am dead-set on putting on a grand show.
The show is my choir's main fundraiser of the year. Tickets are free for Wittenberg students when they show their ID cards, and $4 at the door for any non-student.
There will also be a female number intended to captivate the men in the audience, with a seductively-choreographed rendition of "Baby Love" by the Supremes. The men have planned to serenade the women in the audience with a rendition of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys.
At the end of the show, audience members may "vote" on their favorite performances by donating money into buckets representing each act (all proceeds will go to the choir for transportation and competition funding, as well as choir necessities such as sheet music). The act that pulls in the most money will receive the trophy, and bragging rights for the rest of the choral season.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Response to Bobby's "CVS Health: PR Genius"
In his article, Bobby discusses the changes in the CVS pharmacy chain to stop sales of tobacco products, and the publicity impact in doing so.
While, yes, this is a good publicity stunt to get the pharmacy chain's name back on the forefront, it should be noted that there is more opportunity to this than just PR. Though it is stopping sales on tobacco products, the stores are, in fact, going to replace these items with products to help smokers quit. It cannot be said as to what extent people will actually seek out these items, but it may have at least a little benefit.
In the end, though the store is getting a great deal of PR, and it is standing by its claim to "better health," isn't the most important thing that this could change, possibly save, lives?
While, yes, this is a good publicity stunt to get the pharmacy chain's name back on the forefront, it should be noted that there is more opportunity to this than just PR. Though it is stopping sales on tobacco products, the stores are, in fact, going to replace these items with products to help smokers quit. It cannot be said as to what extent people will actually seek out these items, but it may have at least a little benefit.
In the end, though the store is getting a great deal of PR, and it is standing by its claim to "better health," isn't the most important thing that this could change, possibly save, lives?
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Musical Taste
Wittenberg's Music Department held its annual picnic for its majors and minors earlier this evening in Krieg Hall.
The head of the department, Dr. Corwin Georges, attended the event, along with Dr. Fonza, the choir director; Dr. Crean, university organist; and Dr. Schubert, vocal teacher, among many other faculty and staff. Both music professionals and music students chatted about the department, got to know one another, and celebrated their shared love of music.
A variety of songs in pop culture played in the background, as people enjoyed the intimate setting. The event was catered, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers for the main dishes, and assorted fruits, potato salads, and desserts buffet-style.
The music majors and minors came and went leisurely, and all in attendance appeared to be in good spirits. The evening was filled with laughter, good food, and the power of music.
The head of the department, Dr. Corwin Georges, attended the event, along with Dr. Fonza, the choir director; Dr. Crean, university organist; and Dr. Schubert, vocal teacher, among many other faculty and staff. Both music professionals and music students chatted about the department, got to know one another, and celebrated their shared love of music.
A variety of songs in pop culture played in the background, as people enjoyed the intimate setting. The event was catered, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers for the main dishes, and assorted fruits, potato salads, and desserts buffet-style.
The music majors and minors came and went leisurely, and all in attendance appeared to be in good spirits. The evening was filled with laughter, good food, and the power of music.
Monday, September 1, 2014
The Return of the Torch
Tonight was the first meeting of the Torch for the 2014-15 school year. Senior Sarvani Ramcharran led the group in its first budget.
Ramcharran started the meeting by welcoming the new staff writers, and introduced them to their editorial board for the year: Editor-in-Chief, Ramcharran; Managing Editor, me; Design Editor, Lauren Swanson; Photo Editor, Elizabeth Doll; Sports Editor, Maggi Quigley; and Professor/Supervisor, D'Arcy Fallon.
Ramcharran briefly discussed what potential positions each new staff member could hold as a writer, copy editor, designer, and photographer, before addressing the week's stories.
The editor-in-chief opened the floor for potential stories, and allowed all members of the staff to share any new story ideas they had. She then briefly described each story, and allowed the writers to select any stories they wanted to cover.
After appointing the stories, Ramcharran dismissed the staff, and potential copy editors, designers, photographers, and sports writers stayed after to discuss their new jobs/responsibilities with their respective editorial board member.
*Note: Due to being Managing Editor, I had responsibilities to attend to during the meeting and I was unable to blog this during the meeting itself, so this is as close to on-the-scene as I could get. Check out this issue of the Torch when it comes out on September 10th!*
Ramcharran started the meeting by welcoming the new staff writers, and introduced them to their editorial board for the year: Editor-in-Chief, Ramcharran; Managing Editor, me; Design Editor, Lauren Swanson; Photo Editor, Elizabeth Doll; Sports Editor, Maggi Quigley; and Professor/Supervisor, D'Arcy Fallon.
Ramcharran briefly discussed what potential positions each new staff member could hold as a writer, copy editor, designer, and photographer, before addressing the week's stories.
The editor-in-chief opened the floor for potential stories, and allowed all members of the staff to share any new story ideas they had. She then briefly described each story, and allowed the writers to select any stories they wanted to cover.
After appointing the stories, Ramcharran dismissed the staff, and potential copy editors, designers, photographers, and sports writers stayed after to discuss their new jobs/responsibilities with their respective editorial board member.
*Note: Due to being Managing Editor, I had responsibilities to attend to during the meeting and I was unable to blog this during the meeting itself, so this is as close to on-the-scene as I could get. Check out this issue of the Torch when it comes out on September 10th!*
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