Real Life @ UMES

Calling All Hawks

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:59:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

Calling All Hawks

I can’t take reading anymore emails about fatal events that took place on campus.

This is a hawk alert.

I’m calling all of my hawks; near, far, freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, short, tall, etc. Why? My hawks are in trouble. The humanity of people can no longer be relied upon to yield morality and decency. Humanity is becoming inhumane.

Anytime a man can come to college for a diploma, and leave as a flagged email, you have to question things.

Is this civilization? There’s nothing civilized about being stabbed in the chest while in a parking lot when you have a quiz Monday morning. He had a quiz Monday morning. How do I know? He was in my class. We had a quiz Monday morning. Judging from his GPA, he would have passed it. You’ll never understand how present someone’s presence is until you have to take their name off of the roster. Three years of tuition, studying, and prayers from a mother back home that was all for naught.

I’m asking, why are you here? No, really. The street life is popular. If that’s what you want, stay on the streets. Travelling and shooting is great, join the army. Having sex all day, although exhausting I’m sure, is pretty freaking awesome! So, join a brothel. But, if education is what you want, go to college. If you want to learn a better way, make a better future, and leave a better trail, take college seriously.

Do you bleed maroon and gray, or do you just wear it? If you bled it you would count every diploma as important as yours and wouldn’t hinder anyone else’s access to it.

But, I digress. This is college; conflict resolution isn’t a prerequisite.

I need my hawks to be present for not only ourselves but for one another. This campus should be so that if anyone wanted to hurt someone on university grounds they would have to conquer a campus of fighting hawks. Or maybe we’re called the fighting hawks because of what we do to each other. The worst part about the situation is that there were no gains, only losses. Four lives were irreversibly affected. One was lost, and three are wandering. What can we do? The people who weren’t even there? We can handle our business better so that no one else’s mother will have to be called on a Saturday night to be informed that their child is no longer a student here. Tuition is high but that’s not a way that parents wish to get out of paying it.

There’s a cycle. Who’s going to break it?

R.I.P Edmond A. St. Clair; aka Trini Wes.

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

Funny Things Students Say

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:02:00 +0000

Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, Ph.D.

UMES Director of African American Studies

Funny things students say.

Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, Ph.D.

“I don’t know if my keys are clean enough to be in a baby’s mouth!” I overheard this odd sentence while strolling in Central Park one New York day. I enjoy the one odd sentence heard out of the context of its conversation. One odd sentence is worth a thousand words.

I sometimes hear the one odd sentence on the UMES campus. UMES has funny people. I love funny people.

One evening in November 2012, I was walking past Kiah, carrying my inflatable globe. My globe is really a beach ball. I carry my beach ball world to all my classes. My beach ball is a satellite view of the world. I reject those globes which are plastered with a political map. The actual world has no borders or lines. The actual world is land and sea and clouds and living things. To teach this idea is the reason I carry my beach ball globe.

So, I’m carrying my globe in front of Kiah. I pass a group of young men walking the opposite direction. One clever young man says, about me but not to me, “That’s the original GPS, right there.”

That guy is funny. I love funny people. I hope that guy enrolls in one of my courses before he graduates. Funny people are smart. I love funny people. I love smart people.

In fact, I hope he enrolls in my course on the history of black comedy. I’m offering Black Comedy this Spring, on Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 pm. We will read, think, write, laugh, and perform. The course is HIST 489-201, Special Topics. Black Comedy is a special topic.

I teach comedy because I can. I can teach anything I like because everything has a history and everything teaches history. I teach comedy because good comedians are important intellectuals who deal in ideas with their great minds. Not all comedians are good comedians; my job as professor is to weed through and bring forth the good.

What is important in life? Compassion, justice, and comedy. Come by on Thursday evenings, Henson 1111, for a little of all three.

UMES Family!

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The Real Life @ UMES Blog is a place for our commentary and opinions about what life is really like @ the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. It is not designed to express the views and opinions of the University as a whole. Peace.

The Chick in the Bathroom Pic

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:10:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

The Chick in the Bathroom Pic

Hey, guys! I’ve missed you. Hopefully the time we’ve spent apart has been as beneficial for you as it has been for me. I have been able to lay a good amount of my demons to rest. I’ve finally stood face to face with the person who’s wronged me for so long . . . the person who has held me back, put me into compromising positions, made me think less of myself, and at the end of the day, has kept me from reaching my ultimate potential. Alas, I’ve stood face to face with ME. Yea, that’s right! I’m the sick son-of-a-gun that’s been holding me back. In my professional development class last semester, a guest speaker said something that stuck with me: “Wherever you go, there you are.” Oh, the irony of it all. It’s that awkward moment when you’re looking for someone to blame, and you’re the only one standing there.

When you realize that your legs, and how far you extend yourself, solely determines how far you go, you are at that point where you are simultaneously boundless and liable. I have a great opportunity ahead of me. One that far outweighs anything I’ve ever had the chance of doing. My excitement, however, has been spiked with the mocker, self doubt. And oh, what a mocker it is. It’s that small voice in the back of your head telling you that although you have the tools, you are not capable enough to use them. Do you know what I said to that little voice . . . that voice that is incessant about making you throw in the towel before you’ve even started the race? That voice is a little nag that has to point out the fact that your cup, although half full, is half empty. Do you want to know what I said? “Shut the full cup!”

Because, you see, my cup is indeed full. In fact, it is pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The test is hard? You decide how long you study. The job is too early? You decide what time you wake up. Your woman is no good? You decide how long you deal with her. Someone has lied to you? You decided to believe them. No matter how far out of line someone else can get, it only affects your equilibrium when you allow it to knock you of balance. It’s inevitable that you will be negatively affected by other people. But it’s up to you, just as everything else is in your life, how you react. And yes, how you react determines the outcome; and many outcomes determine your future. Michael Jackson focused on the man in the mirror. I’ll start work on the chick in the bathroom pic. *Insert duck face* I am facing me, the good, the bad, and the hideous. I decide my future and I’ve chosen success.

How far can you take yourself?

Have you met you?

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

UMES Family!

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Who Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:08:00 +0000

Who Are You?
by UMES Graduating Senior Kyla Bibbins

Who are you? Besides your name that was most likely given to you by someone other than you, who are you and what are you about? For some of us this question can be answered easily, and then there are some of us who may find the question difficult to respond to. At the beginning of my college career I was struggling to answer the question for myself.

When I arrived at UMES back in August of 2009, I thought I was confident and sure of myself. Until eventually the reality set in that I was about two hours away from home and away from the everyday influence of my family and friends. To most people they would assume I was homesick, but I knew the feeling was deeper than me being homesick, my self-confidence was slowly starting to diminish. It was as if I was all alone for the first time in my life. Almost everything that I was familiar to was no longer an aspect of my life. It was like I had to start over with everything that I had worked hard for in High school. In High school I did well with academics, participated in various extracurricular activities and had a job for most of my high school career. When I got to UMES, I did not have a job, did not know what extracurricular I wanted to participate in and I was doing “Ok” with my academics, but not nearly as well as they were in High school. These factors contributed to me doubting myself. As much as I am reluctant to say, I was also kind of intimidated by some of the other students that seemed so polished and ready for college. I began questioning myself, my passion, my goals and my happiness.

So I began to explore ways for me to express myself. For me writing poems and writing rap songs made it easy for me to vent about my inside feelings. This form of expression was something that I enjoyed doing since I was about 14 years old. But it wasn’t until attending college that I felt I was comfortable enough to share my rap songs and poems with the rest of the world. This expression actually was a networking tool that allowed me to meet many people here at UMES. I started to realize that by being true to my own interests and talents, everything started to fall into place. Through sharing my music I met people that told me about student organizations and campus jobs that I may be interested in. It was as if everything that had once satisfied my self-assurance was now unimportant. What became most important to me was doing things that made me happy- writing poetry and making music. For the last two years I have continued to stay true to what makes me happy, I even changed my major from English Education to English so that I can take more courses that concentrated in Telecommunication. Some people frowned upon my decision and even told me that when I graduated I was going to be “jobless” or “broke”. But I don’t care what other people think or feel, all I know as that I enjoy courses focused in Telecommunications , they make me happy, and when I’m happy I feel good and as selfish as it may seem, all I really want is to be happy. Besides, I work too hard to graduate and be “jobless”, or “broke”.

“Who am I?” I have finally come to realize that I am a result of everything I am passionate about. I am passionate about poetry, music and people.

Again I will ask you… “Who are you?”

Kyla Bibbins

UMES Family!

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Bittersweet Time of Year

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Terry Smith

Director of the UMES University Writing Center

Bittersweet Time of Year

This is a bittersweet time of year. Two of my friends and colleagues here at UMES recently posted on Facebook about their sadness at reaching the end of the semester with their students, and I couldn’t agree more.

It seems that activity after activity keeps reminding us of the end—the end of the semester, the end of our time with our current students, and, especially bittersweet, the end of our time with graduating seniors.

On the last Thursday of classes, I had a meeting of my new tutors. But, the evening before the meeting, I decided to include food and drink, so I invited the four seniors who are leaving me to attend as well. And all of them did so. They enthusiastically told the newly hired four tutors of their positive experiences in the Writing Center, and all mentioned how much they would miss it. It just reminded me of how much I will miss them.

Oh, I’m excited for them: Two are English majors who have been accepted into master’s degree programs in English, one is an Exercise Science major moving on to graduate work in Physical Therapy, and one is a Math Education major, who is moving on to prepare for a teaching internship. They were all treasured members of my Writing Center family whom I feel I have gotten to know well in the past four months. I care about them; I’m invested in them. They filled the Center with personality and taught me a great deal about what makes an effective Writing Center. And I had similar experiences as several regular clients of the Writing Center told me that they were graduating that as well.

Later that same day, I met with my final Honors Technical Writing class. And what a group they were! We had an incredibly positive semester, and I was incredibly impressed with their final projects: instructional manuals on topics ranging from How to Prepare for a UMES Pageant to How to Write a C++ Computer Program. I saw exemplary work from students with strong enough averages to receive A’s with mediocre projects. But that shows who these students are: young people with a true passion for and commitment to learning. Oh, I’ll get to see most of them again, especially now that I am in the Writing Center so much, but I’ll never get to work with them as closely again. Although not as painful, I was still sad to see that day end.

I don’t know how the students feel, but I know how I feel about the end of the semester. Certainly, I’ll be relieved to put the heavy workload behind me for a few weeks, but, like my colleagues, I will miss the wonderful young people with whom I have been working closely for the past 14 weeks. Although I have been teaching a long time and have worked with many students over the years, the young people I worked with this fall in the Writing Center and in class are truly special. Of course, I’m sure I’ll feel the same way about the students with whom I work this spring.

I wish all of the young people with whom I worked this fall a restful and enjoyable break. And, when those who did not graduate return for Spring 2013 rejuvenated and ready to learn, I remind them to stop by to visit because I miss them already J.

UMES Family!

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Leave Your Regrets at the Door

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:36:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

Leave Your Regrets at the Door

Alas, here we are at the end of another semester. In three days I’ll be at graduation ceremonies. I’ll watch many of my friends walk across a stage, in a building, on a campus where they will never again be; excluding the occasional visit. They are people who are close to me, closely acquainted with me, and others that I should have gotten closer to. But, that sounds regretful; I’m not supposed to have regrets, right? Honestly, how are you supposed to handle end of the semester regrets? Do you carry them over into the next? Or do you wipe the slate clean in hopes of them never resurfacing with the risk of history repeating itself. I live in my head. I rehearse situations more than I interact in them. I’m forever overanalyzing every situation. What if I was the one walking across the stage? Would I be carrying regrets and “what if’s” across with me? If I graduated at the end of this semester, I would have plenty of regrets. Just this week one of my friends told me that he doesn’t regret anything that he’s ever done. He isn’t proud of a lot of things, but he doesn’t regret them.

Thinking of myself, on the other hand, I agonize over every step that may have been misdirected. I have regrets before I know the end result of my decisions. What good does it do? It usually does no good at all. People carry regret to their death beds; sometimes it’s the reason that they’re there. So, maybe I should consider my friend’s “live life with no regrets” motto. In most cases, regret and change are not interchangeable; neither is one a precursor for the other. People have carried regret with them for years and continued the same behaviors that caused whatever it is that they regret. Regret is the equivalent of looking in the mirror with your hands tied behind your back; you can’t change a thing, all you can do is look at the problem and not many take the opportunity to keep it from reoccurring.

Regret triggers guilt, sadness, anger, contention with self, and invalidation of self. If you regret enough of your decisions, then you start to distrust yourself. Second guessing your first mind yields more options, and more options aren’t always a good thing. This semester I’m going to make a conscious effort to refrain from distressing over my dissatisfactions. Instead, I will take note and change my behavior where needed.

See you guys in the spring!

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

UMES Family!

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Times Flies, When You’re Having Fun

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Regurgitating Thoughts

Real Thoughts from your Average Chick

By UMES Senior Jordan Hamilton

Times Flies, When You’re Having Fun

I remember it like it was yesterday, a tear trickled down my cheek as we approached the campus. It was time to say our goodbyes. The two people I relied on for 18 years of my life would be leaving me to grow and mature on my own for four long years. I was scared, but excited at the same time. These would be the longest four years of my life, but it was up to me to make the most of it.

Fast forward 4 ½ years later >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Time truly does fly. It feels like it was just yesterday I was waving goodbye to my support system. I always envisioned college would be exactly the way they portrayed it on the big screen and I must say that for the most part the vision was real. These four years have had plenty of ups and down, I had my moments when I wanted to give up but for the most part college was the best experience of my life. I can say that I truly grew up and matured over these long 4 ½ years. Not only did I find myself, but I found love and I learned to balance. Let’s not get it twisted, I also had several moments where I had to tell myself to “BE REAL”, I lost the love I gained and fell off balance a time or two. I wouldn’t have been able to keep my composure if it wasn’t for the grace and mercy of God. When I couldn’t think straight and I wanted to give up, HE spoke to me and reminded me that the end was closer than I thought. College is truly what you make it. My freshman year was one of the best years of my life; I met some great people and had some of the greatest experiences in my life. As the years dragged along, I can’t say that they all measured up to the bliss I experienced during my first year, but they were worth it. I came to college young, naïve and not without a true understanding of who I was or who I wanted to become over the years. The end is finally near and I can say with a smile on my face that although I fell ten times, I got up another ten. I found my true self, I learned what I did and didn’t like, I learned the true meaning of love and how a heartbreak feels, I made and lost friends, my grades dropped, my grades exceeded my expectations, I lived and I learned. If it wasn’t for the experiences I had throughout my college journey I honestly don’t know if I would be the same person. I met some great people, friends as well as mentors/teachers and I will never, ever forget them. Although UMES may not have been the first choice I had on my lists of colleges when I was applying, I don’t think that my experience in college would have been the same if I had attended somewhere else. I have memories to last a lifetime and I am proud to say that I called the University of Maryland Eastern Shore my home for those few years of my life.

Once a hawk, always a hawk, I will forever bleed maroon and grey for the rest of my days.

UMES Family!

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“Playing to the Imaginary Audience”

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:09:00 +0000

                                                              An Elective on Perspective
                                                     by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson


“Playing to the Imaginary Audience”

Is all attention good attention? We know that in the entertainment world the overall consensus is yes. But, for everyday people who receive absolutely no royalties for how many times their names are mentioned, is it? Every person is playing to an invisible audience. Although we can sometimes visually see our audience, or some of us the lack thereof, intentions we don’t know, emotions we can’t always read, and opinions cannot be inferred. Is what you portray being seen, or is it being lost in transmission and being brought across as something else? The Invisible audience syndrome often results in a paranoia of looking foolish, being evaluated, and making mistakes. It’s easy to conclude that anyone who is afraid to make mistakes or look foolish will pass on opportunities that could possibly ~~profit~~ bring great results. Being in college especially you have to be able to control these tendencies to succumb to your imaginary audience so that “they” don’t hinder your progress. College is known for the experimentation that takes place on its campuses across the globe; however, the habitual experimentations that take place aren’t known for being positive: binge drinking, fights, partying, skipping classes, drugs, explicit sexuality, etc. Why not experiment with jobs, organizations, studying techniques, internships, protests, and even majors? Maybe because that’s categorized under “doing too much” and we don’t want to fluster our imaginary audience.

In America we are empowered by freedom of speech and expression of self, but we feel awkward helping someone pick up their plate that they dropped in the café. Yes, this has happened. The café was full, and she was carrying a huge plate. In fact, it was so huge that she didn’t even pick up her own plate. She quickly faded into the crowd because she was embarrassed in front of her audience. Only this time, it wasn’t invisible. Their expressions exposed their every thought and made plain their primary sentiment—comedy--. What happens when your invisible audience is made visible? Oh, that’s a game changer. The people for whom you’ve been practicing, their arrival just came. Do you change your actions in any way? Or do you keep giving them the same show? I’ve seen people act completely different when someone is around versus it being just them and maybe one other person. If you’re that easily changed, your character hasn’t been set.

You are now a puppet on a stage reacting to the partialities and indifferences of your imaginary audience, being pulled by their imaginary strings. “They” have hindered your development, and you can’t even pick them out of a lineup. You are a victim of the unanswered question, “Who’s done it!?” Unless, you count yourself as a culprit since this is your monster that you created. Your imaginary audience’s preferences correlate with your insecurities. A person who is uncomfortable asking questions in class assumes that everyone else in class already knows the answer, leaving them to be the only one who’s struggling. Or a woman who has never walked in heels before will feel walking across campus to be a monstrous ordeal because everyone will be looking at her feet wondering why her ankles are trembling. C’mon guys, we have to do better than this. In reality, 90% of the class is just as lost as you are, and 80% of the other girls on campus are looking at your feet and wondering where you got those fabulous shoes. We put thoughts in people’s heads that have never even formed. We see our audience as judgmental ‘frenemies’ who we try to appease at the expense of self. It’s common to do. So, while we’re playing to our imaginary audience, let’s give them something worth watching. Be innovative, respectful, strong, hardworking, courteous, good hearted, honest, and intelligent. These aren’t things often seen; your show will sell out.

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

UMES Family!

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“Oh, that’s what happened?”

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:07:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

“Oh, that’s what happened?”

At the beginning of each new year, New Year’s resolutions are often made. Well, for me, I make my resolutions at the end of each semester. Here we are, right before Thanksgiving break. I’m already promising myself what I’ll do better next time, and threatening myself to do as much as I can right now. Thus, I’ve been brought to my next revelation. I am an “after the fact” chick. You know, one of those “…oh” moments; except it’s not a moment, it’s continuous. It happens after conversations, tests, assignments, presentations, arguments, complete classes, and even relationships. We’ll just say that it befalls during my life moments in general. I understand it all…after the fact.

How does this work being in school? It doesn’t. Trust me, I’m a junior. I’ve been at this for a while and I’ve been hitting the same brick wall for 5 semesters. I tell myself that this semester will be it; I’ll concentrate, give procrastination its walking papers, and routinely study for each of my classes each day. Needless to say that doesn’t happen. Nothing even close to my aforementioned resolution occurs. Why? Because I’m miss “after the fact”; how I can be ahead of the game and a step behind at the same time? I do not know. *cue violin*

This has led me to my next realization; each moment deserves its own consideration. Not many people evaluate each moment as its own span of time encompassing requirements that need to be met in order to profit the best possible outcome. I’ve come across difficulties that I’ve let get away from me without being conquered because I was caught up with other things that shouldn’t have been a factor. I’ll do my Biochemistry homework and subsequently forfeit doing my Nutrition in the Life Cycle worksheets. If I’ve gotten an A on one test, I won’t worry about the C on another. If I don’t talk to one person anymore, it’s okay because I still have other friends. When in reality, if my thought process didn’t include EVERYTHING in my life I would be able to effectively decipher each situation and handle it with the attentiveness that it deserves to ensure that every aspect of my life has been handled by me; instead of my thoughtlessness because my mind was elsewhere.

And where is elsewhere, you ask? Not here! Therefore, it doesn’t matter right now. You would be surprised what you can accomplish with a clear head. Calm down, breathe, focus, refocus, and then handle your business. Don’t bring yesterday’s thoughts into today’s conversation because they may no longer be relevant; facts, people, and due dates change overnight. You can only be weighed down when you carry one situation into another. Free your mind and the rest will follow.*Insert baseline*

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

UMES Family!

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My Secret Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Terry Smith

Director of the UMES University Writing Center

My Secret Addiction

Terry Smith, Director of the UMES University Writing Center

I have a confession: for years, I have had a secret addiction. And now, in case I have all kinds of illicit thoughts running through your minds, I will tell you: my addiction is reading. I always have one or more books underway, and now that I have a Kindle, it is all too easy to acquire more books when I finish with one. I hear of a book, and I download the free sample. I receive recommendations from friends, and I download the free sample. I receive recommendations from Amazon, and I download the free sample. And then, all too often, I buy one or more of those books. As I tell my close friends, they seem to just “come through the air”; buying for an e-book reader is so much easier than going out to a store. But I have to wonder: is my healthy addiction shared by my students?

I have had this addiction all my life. Although I don’t remember learning to read, I remember starting school in first grade and reading all of the first-grade books and then, with a teacher who clearly believed in accommodating individual needs, reading all of the second-grade through fifth-grade books. Once I got started, I couldn’t stop. And I remember going to the library to select more books for home as one of the highlights of my week. I also remember being accused more than once by my family of “having my nose stuck in a book.” I assume they wanted me to interact more with them.

When I was in high school, I was a member of a group of students who recruited a faculty advisor and formed the Literary Club. Our goal, achieved by me and most of the others, was to read the 50 great classics of all time according to some list then published and discuss as many as possible in our group. And so we launched into greats including Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles, two of my favorites for reasons I don’t fully remember. What was truly amazing was that this was totally a student initiative.

Although I started college as a Spanish major, it is probably little surprise that I changed to an English major with a Spanish minor halfway through my freshman year. There were practical reasons for the change, but surely my love of reading had something to do with it. What might be more surprising is that I always wanted to specialize in writing rather than literature. My undergraduate degree was in English Education, but I sought out graduate degrees in my chosen field of writing: I earned a Master of Arts in Composition and a Doctor of Philosophy in Rhetoric and Linguistics. This is not a contradiction, however. Both relate to my love of language. For without reading, what is the purpose of writing?

What surprises me is how relatively uncommon a passion for reading or even an interest in reading is among college students today. As Director of the Writing Center, I often tell my tutors and tutees that there is one way most likely to improve their writing. Most believe that I’m going to tell them to write more, but the answer is to read more. It is from reading that we gain not only knowledge about diverse places, people, and ideas but also a wealth of narrative techniques and language skills. Further, when we have a book to read, we are never lonely or bored.

Of course, this addiction to reading can come full circle. I do remember launching an active campaign to make my grandson a reader when he spent the summer with me the year he was 5. And was I ever successful: he loves reading! I have been under a mandate from my now 15-year-old grandson, who read The Life of Pi this summer as a summer reading requirement for school, to finish the book before he would go with me to see the movie. He says that there is no way the movie can be as rich as the book, and I’ll miss too much if I depend on the movie for this great work of fiction exploring culture, religion, and philosophy—not to mention incredible adventure: you might have seen the movie trailers with an Indian youth and a Bengal tiger on a lifeboat. To be honest, now that I have finished my formal education, I usually read popular fiction, not classic literature, and I had motivational problems at first. But, over Thanksgiving break, I finished reading The Life of Pi, and I am really grateful to Michael for insisting I read it. It is a great book, and I highly recommend it to you. And now I get to see the movie.

I know I am not totally alone in my addiction to reading here at UMES since I have had animated conversations about books with students both in the Writing Center and in my classes. One of my Technical Writing students told me that she loves to read and is literally forcing herself not to start a new book, so she will focus on her coursework and not get “lost” in a book before the semester ends. Oh, I know that feeling: wanting to read when there are other tasks to complete.

So, how about you? Are there any other passionate readers out there? Do any of you have any book recommendations for me? After all, Winter Break is coming, and, though I have other tasks to complete, I will surely find many hours for my beloved addiction. Or, better yet, stop by the Writing Center in Wilson 1107 to view our reading recommendations bulletin board and to add your own because reading is an addiction I want to share.

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The accuracy of references in this essay, (including all opinions, quotes, references, proper names, dates, references to documents, literature, film etc.) are the responsibility of Terry Smith and have not been fact checked by the Real Life @ UMES Blog Team.
The Real Life @ UMES Blog is a place for our commentary and opinions about what life is really like @ the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. It is not designed to express the views and opinions of the University as a whole. Peace.

Thought Intrusion: Our Generation in need of a Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:25:00 +0000

A Dash of Am

by UMES Senior Amber Green

Thought Intrusion: Our Generation in need of a Renovation

I feel like our generation is like a house built on a unstable foundation. Looks pretty on the outside, modern on the inside but what holds us together is rotting. We have floor boards creaking, beams rotting, pipes leaking, and electrical wires proposing a fire hazard. We appear to be this Dream home but we are this unlivable nightmare.

Our generation looks nice. We have new inventions, powerful leaders, and progress being made but the reality is we are very much unstable. Our foundation is unstable. Our Structure is weak. Our faith and our belief is not strong. We lack obedience and respect. So here we have this beautiful home; pretty on the outside, modern on the inside but each and every day we are weakening because our foundation; our structure is unstable.

So before we can house new occupants; produce more generations, we have to fix ourselves. We have to renovate. Everyone who knows me know that I love me some HGTV. So I know there are many ways you can renovate a home. You can do one room at a time or you can go as far as tearing down a home completely and start again from the ground up. Most people find homes where you meet in the middle. You gut out of the home. Clean it from inside out. Leaving only the structure of the home.

My generation needs to be gutted out. I think we need to remove all the thinking and mind frames society places on us. We aren't beautiful if we aren't a size 5. We aren't pretty if we don't wear make-up. We aren't all that if we aren't Ralph Lauren Polo all day, everyday.

We need to remove the false idea that is ok to argue with our mothers and fist fight our fathers. We need to get rid of the idea that I can smoke weed on Monday and Tuesday, Drink all Wednesday and Thursday, Party all night long Friday and Saturday and wake up just before noon to catch church on T.V on Sunday.

We need to be gutted out.

No where do I think I am perfect. I know I am not but I do know I am one step closer to becoming perfect in HIS image, now that I know I personally need to be gutted out and work on my frames and tighten a few bolts and do a little remodeling myself.

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The year of the woman? Not yet!

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, Ph.D.

UMES Director of African American Studies

The year of the woman? Not yet!

Kathryn Barrett-Gaines

Contrary to recent headlines, the year of the woman has not yet begun.

While we have elected record numbers of women, the proportions do not match the population. Twenty women will sit in the U.S. Senate, but that is only 20 percent. Of the 434 members of the House of Representatives, only 77 are women, a mere 18 percent.

The need for, and lack of, women in elected office is so incredibly overlooked that we actually think that these numbers are something to celebrate. These numbers do not excite me; they alarm me. Our representatives are far from representative. We need at least 52 women in the U.S. Senate, just to be aligned with our population.

This disproportion is at a lesser extreme at the state level. The Maryland House of Delegates seats 45 women out of 141 members; that is 31 percent. Eleven women sit in the Maryland Senate, 23 percent. These proportions are better than those in the U.S. Congress, but they are not just.

More women than men now attend college. More women than men now earn graduate degrees. More women than men run marathons. More women than men vote. But a female electorate has once again elected a government not reflective of the people.

Are women not senatorial? Are women not presidential? Do women not look like members of Congress? They do! And they will appear so to more people every year from here on out.

Even when the U.S. Senate seats 52 women, that will not be the year of the woman. Simple parity will not usher in the year of the woman. The year of the woman commences when the U.S. Congress looks like the New Hampshire government. New Hampshire has elected women to the governor’s office and the entire congressional delegation to Washington. Now, that’s a year of women!

Is there a difference between men and women leaders? Heck yeah! New Hampshire is on to something. I cannot find the reference I need for a comment I heard attributed to President Gerald Ford. If he did not say it in the 1970s, I say it now: “Once we elect a woman president, we will never go back to men.”

Other countries surpass the U.S. with women in elected leadership. Eighteen nations currently follow female presidents and prime ministers. Germany, Britain, Australia, even Argentina, Haiti and Liberia have all passed the buck to women. Uganda, where I spend a lot of time, has had a female vice president. The trend will spread, at long last, to the U.S.

Who looks presidential to you now? Wait a minute; that will change.

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College Circus Act: The Juggler

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:46:00 +0000

A Dash of Am

by UMES Senior Amber Green

College Circus Act: The Juggler

In college, I’ve gained some skills; you would think was a main act in a circus. Socially, I could go on and on about the crazy situations I’ve gotten myself into at UMES but that is another post alone. I want to focus on the skill I’ve acquired that amazes me. I just want to be real and say I’ve become a juggler, as many other students, in the UMES College Circus Act. Who has heard an adult say, “All you have to do is get good grades and that is all, nothing else. “ Oh how, I look at them like they are crazy. As wise as our elders are, sometimes I think they are stuck in a time warp. We are in a generation where grades matter to an extent but building a resume, networking, gaining experience, and having that “college experience” compete with that. Sometimes grades end up losing in the battle.

After I got over the “I hate this school because it’s boring” phase, I got involved on campus. This is where I began to dabble in the art of juggling. I was secretary of a student organization and eventually moved to Vice President. Holding a leadership position put a spark in me that I couldn’t ignore. It opened my mind to so many ideas I had and goals I wanted to accomplish at school and in life. So I left that organization. A group of students and I came together and created a campus magazine and that led to the creation of Spotlight Magazine. Beginning as an assistant Editor, I worked my way to Editor-in-Chief. This is where the juggling became difficult. It was hard managing my own class schedule, try taking on 30 student’s schedules and a strict deadline. Let me just say, I was taking on a load of and I was also a member of Women of Distinction, and Vice president of Rhythm and Reason, when it just started. Oh! Let me not forget to say I was in a very committed relationship and a member of National Society of Leadership and Success and working part-time. You can see where this is leading. A few of these were dropped and/or suffered. I juggled way too much. I forgot to learn how to prioritize. Eventually, Spotlight Magazine was the one organization that my heart and soul was in and because of my lack of prioritizing and lack of dedication from some members, it is no longer active but I’m happy to say we produced 3 magazines. I left Rhythm and Reason and the only organization that I am officially apart of is Women of Distinction. I no longer work and as much as I love money, I need to get up out of this school. I now have taken up responsibilities that are more beneficiary and less demanding for instance, writing for this blog and being Assisting Fashion Editor of i.d.e.a.l. Magazine.

It’s hard out here on the shore! You get involved with the campus to stay active and not bored, you enroll in classes, you “fall in love”, and you network with so many people, become student leaders. College is a Circus and a lot of students are jugglers. I wasn’t the best but I did it and now I’ve gotten the hang of it. I believe SGA members, student athletes, students who work, and students with families, students with kids; these students are great jugglers. I salute you all!!

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“All Bets Are on”

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:34:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

“All Bets Are on”

Guy, I did something this past week that made me think of myself differently. A word of advice? Never take a bet. Especially a month long bet. As if a day, week, or two week long commitment isn’t enough of a challenge, I had to take one that lasts for thirty days. And the worst part is… it’s personal. My friends came for my life. Two of my friends started this inevitable domino effect by taking bets that they would give up certain things that they felt they were addicted to. It was my bright idea, while in the café with my friend, that all of us should take bets. And guess what they came up with for me? I cannot be “calm ratchet”. They coined a phrase for my special type of ratchetness. Pause. Can you believe the audacity? To imply that I am any form of ratchet of course resulted with me being taken aback. I mean, where did they get this from? “Calm” implies that I am reserved regarding my ratchetness. Only people who really know me can tell when I am being “ratchet”.

I mean, really? What type of person has to be made to consciously speak? *raises hand* Not being able to laugh at, wittingly inadvertently reference, or uncontrollably commentate on the going-ons around me is painful. Alas, here I am. I am being forced to think before I speak. And you know the worse part? It’s compelled me to realize that I’ve been so use to blurting out the second thing that comes to mind, (because the first thing is usually shamelessly uncouth), I’ve become incapable of controlling every word that comes out of my mouth. ME! I’m miss finesse. I can finagle a word until it makes its own sentence. And unfortunately, I cannot convince my subconscious mind to join with my conscious mind and agree on content before I articulate. Sigh. I’ve been coerced to take a long look at myself, and I’m not appreciating the view. My friends gave me an elective on their perspectives. Oh, the irony.

Hawk family, try something for me. Ask those closest to you what they think you cannot go without doing. Whatever it is, consider it. Don’t boastfully deny, like I did, to contradict the observances of people who view you in a better light than you are capable of viewing yourself. Mull it over. The saying, “If it doesn’t apply, let it fly” only applies if you’ve allotted enough time for the issue to be taken into account; instead of dismissing the accusation and sending it out into the atmosphere so that you don’t have to face it. Here I stand (sit) completely exposed. I’ve told you my secret. I am calm ratchet. I am composed, pulled together, unruffled, and distinguished. And at the very same time, unwarranted, needless, excessive, exacting, undecorated, austere expressions stream from my lips. Oh, my dilemma. Witty? Yes. Uncalled-for? Absolutely! As I find my balance this month, this long month, I want you to find out what you need to balance. Good luck!

You’ve just taken, An Elective on Perspective.

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Can We All Get Along?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Can We All Get Along?

On November 4, 2008 American voters elected their first African-American president, Barack Obama. A day after Obama's historic victory, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow hailed his win as the start of a new post-racial period in American history. Soon others in the liberal media championed this notion that

America

had gotten past its history of racial injustice and bigotry. During President Obama’s first term this ideal notion of post-racialism would be challenged by incidents such as the possibility of racial profiling in the Trayvon Martin killing and anti-Obama rhetoric which at times appeared to be racially motivated. Nevertheless, American voters proved again that they were willing to believe in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a colorblind society by reelecting President Obama to a second term on November 6, 2012.

Does the reelection of Barack Obama mean that post-racialism has finally begun? The president won the majority of votes from blacks, Asians, Latinos, women, gays, and youth under the age of thirty-five. His challenger, Mitt Romney, won the majority of votes casts by white males and voters over the age of forty. The president was aided by the growing diversity in the American electorate. Liberal critics and political pundits said that Mitt Romney and the Republican Party lost because there were not enough white voters. Such a statement challenges the notion of a post-racial society.

Post-racialism was further tested the day after Obama’s reelection. The campus of Ole Miss (The University of Mississippi) was occupied by four hundred student protestors angered by the president’s victory. Some of the protestors chanted racial slurs and burned Obama campaign posters. Others chanted “the South will rise again.” The incident was especially troubling because of Ole Miss’s history of race relations. During the Civil War the majority of the school’s student body served in the Confederate army. The Confederacy was a collection of slave owning Southern states fighting to maintain their way of life. All of these students died at the Battle of Gettysburg, leading to the school’s adoption of the rebel mascot to honor their fallen dead. The school proudly flew the Confederate flag and maintained a strict policy of segregation.

In 1961 a twenty-nine year old black man named James Meredith attempted to enroll at Ole Miss. Under the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Brown v. the Board of Education case, enforcing school integration, Ole Miss was required to admit Meredith. The university with the support the state’s governor, Ross Barnett, defied the court order. In September 1962 President John F. Kennedy was forced to send several hundred federal marshals to Mississippi to ensure Meredith’s enrollment. The presence of the marshals and James Meredith on campus led to a major riot which resulted in two deaths and several arrests. Meredith was eventually registered and graduated a year later. (He had attended Jackson State University for two years before transferring to Ole Miss.)

Today Ole Miss has a substantial number of black students and, remarkably, a statue of James Meredith stands on the grounds of the campus. The students recently elected the school’s first black student body president, Kimberly Dandridge. The majority of the student body and the administration did not condone the protest. Unfortunately, this ugly incident, occurring during the fiftieth anniversary of the Meredith riots, reminds the public of the nation’s history of racism. Such hints of racism were not confined to the Oxford, Mississippi campus the day after the election. Forty students at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, the birth state of the Confederacy, chanted racial slurs, threw bottles and set off fireworks to show their disgust with another four years of Obama. And then there was Rush Limbaugh.

Limbaugh, the ultra-conservative radio talk show host, has been one of the president’s harshest critics since he declared his candidacy in 2007. He famously told an audience that his goal was to see the president fail. In an on air rant he told Mr. Obama to stop ‘pretending’ to be president. Limbaugh was so distraught over his reelection that he told his devoted listeners the following: "I went to bed last night thinking, 'we're outnumbered. I went to bed last night thinking we'd lost the country. I don't know how else you look at this… 'this is utter BS, and if it isn't, then we've lost the country.”

No, we do not live in a post-racial society. We have come a mighty long way since Dr. King made his famous I Have a Dream speech in 1963. The reelection of Barack Obama is definitely a sign that we are moving in the right direction. We must move forward and not dwell on our great nation’s ugly past. But unfortunate incidents like the negative reaction to the election and the tragic Trayvon Martin murder just nine months ago remind us that we must continue to embrace change and strive for equality and diversity. In the words of the late Rodney King: “Can we all get along?”

Written by Dr. Joshua Wright, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

UMES Department of Social Sciences

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Hip Hop is NOT Dead

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Regurgitating Thoughts

Real Thoughts from your Average Chick

By UMES Senior Jordan Hamilton

Hip Hop is NOT Dead

Growing up the only thing that was anticipated during school was recess, lunch and the ringing of the school bell at the end of the day. English, Social Studies, Science and the most dreadful class ever, math, was not my typical idea of exciting, but that all changed my senior year of college. Months prior, I had heard about this Hip Hop class that was being offered. Word on the street was that the professor was one of the best teachers at the University. My first thought was, “Hmm, a dancing class. I wouldn’t mind learning a few new dance moves”. Little did I know that this wasn’t an actual dancing class, but it was a Hip Hop History class and I was definitely impressed. A few of my friends had already taken this mystery teacher I had never heard of and from that moment on I knew this was the class for me. I hopped on Hawk Web and went on a serious manhunt for this class. It took me awhile, but I found it and even managed to get one of my close friends to enroll with me. I was super excited and I seldom was excited for any class.

The time had finally arrived and it was the first day of class. I kind of had an idea of what to expect from what my friends had told me, but I wanted to find out for myself. It was Monday at approximately 4:50 in the evening and I was sitting in a classroom alone. I was obviously a little early, but that gave me enough time to find the perfect seat. Time wasn’t going by fast enough, I was ready for class to begin. It was finally 5:15 and I wasn’t alone anymore. It was a small amount of students, but that was perfect. As I patiently waited for this mystery teacher I had heard such great things about to walk through the door, he finally arrived. I was picturing a middle aged African American man who wore FUBU with his pants leg rolled up. I was entirely wrong, this man was a young African American man who was not only dapper, but you could tell he was educated. I loved the fact that he interacted with the students from the beginning, unlike other professors I have had over the years. From that day forward, Hip Hop History had become one of my favorite courses I have ever taken.

I grew up with three older brothers so Hip Hop had a huge influence on my life growing up. I loved music, but I learned to love Hip Hop on another level. I actually connected with the music and listened to what the artist was actually saying rather than just enjoying it for the beat. The fact that I was already familiar with Hip Hop made me enjoy this class even more. Throughout the semester we focused on artists such as Common, Jay-Z, Kanye, 2PAC, and Nas in depth, but we also touched on the History of Hip Hop, controversial issues throughout the Hip Hop Community and Hip Hop and Politics. I had entered the class on the first day with a little insight as to Hip Hop and what it’s about, but I left the class at the end of the semester with so much more.

I had never enjoyed a class on the level that I did this one, not only did this class allow me to be myself and open up, but it also allowed me to enjoy learning. I have never been the type of person to raise my hand and speak in front of others, but that all changed after I enrolled in this course. I actually looked forward to coming to class and I only missed one class the entire semester which was surprising to me because how many other courses I was taking at the same time.

Unfortunately, not too many students at UMES know about Dr.Wright and his impressive teaching skills. He not only teaches, but he allows the students to have a voice as well. I have had a plethora of professors throughout my four years at the University, but out of them all Dr. Wright would have to be my favorite. Having a teacher who enjoys Hip Hop music just as much as his student is what makes this class so different from the other courses offered. If you are a fan of Hip Hop and would enjoy having the privilege of learning about the history more in depth with a teacher who actually takes the time to explain and teach his students, I urge you to enroll in Dr. Wright’s Hip Hop History class. You will not regret it.

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My President is Black (The 2012 remix)

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:13:00 +0000

My President is Black (The 2012 remix)

“My president is black in fact he’s half white, so even in a racist mind he’s half right. My president is black but his house all white. Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther could walk. Martin Luther walked so Barack Obama could run. Barack Obama ran so all the children could fly.” Back in the day, four years ago to be exact, Jay-Z recited these lyrics on Young Jeezy’s “My President” remix. Jay and Jeezy captured the enthusiasm and hope of a generation of young black Americans in the prospect of the nation’s first black president.

On November 6^th Americans will go to the polls to choose between reelecting President Obama or replacing him with Mitt Romney. If you are reading this blog you have no excuse not to vote and encourage your friends via phone, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and daily face to face conversations to do the same. The president has had a mixed record during his first term. His administration is responsible for the capture of Osama Bin Laden. But the economy has been slow to improve. Some black scholars and cultural critics have criticized him for failing to address enough issues that would benefit blacks and the poor. Diddy, a vocal advocate for the president in 2008, even criticized him for this. It is important to note that the president should not receive a pass from criticism because of his race. Those in the black community who point out failures of the Obama administration are not sell outs or haters. Likewise, the president should not be criticized by conservative media outlets, like the Fox News Channel, because of his race.

Jeezy’s “My President” is still significant in 2012 because it reminds us of the relevance of Barack Obama’s presidency. In his autobiography, Decoded, Jay-Z said the following of Obama:

“And he was black. This was big. This was a chance to go from centuries of invisibility to the most visible position in the world. He could, through sheer symbolism, regardless of any of his actual policies, change the lives of millions of black kids who saw something different to aspire to.”

President Obama’s journey to the White House was a major step in the history of black politics and in influencing the global image of black men and women. The 1915 film The Birth of a Nation captured the white supremacist’s ultimate fear: black men gaining political power and becoming his equal. Griffith’s film reflected the image that many racist whites had of these black politicians: namely, they were dangerous, deceptive, untrustworthy, lazy, incompetent, power hungry, hypersexual, and violent. Although The Birth of a Nation was a work of fiction, it forecast the future of the black politician, whose presence was a threat to white hegemony.

Black males had been excluded from the political system since the nation’s founding. Enslaved males did not receive the vote until 1870; however, free black men also experienced discrimination at the polls. Women could not vote until 1920. The Reconstruction (1863-1877) allowed black men to hold political power for the decade following the Civil War; but, over the course of one hundred years following the Reconstruction, few black men held significant political positions of power. The success of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements of the 1960s opened the door for black men to gain political power in large numbers for the first time since the 1870s. Richard Hatcher, Maynard Jackson, Carl B. Stokes, Harold Washington, J.C. Watts, Marion Barry, and Douglas Wilder were among the new generation of black politicians. Black women like Shirley Chisholm and Maxine Waters also assumed positions of political power. In 1972 Chisholm became the first African-American to run for president. Although she lost, her campaign inspired Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to run for the presidency years later. In the summer of 2004 a young black politician named Barack Hussein Obama II delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. In January 2005 he was sworn in as a United States senator from Illinois. On January 20, 2009 Senator Obama became the first African-American to be sworn in as the president of the United States.

President Obama’s intellectual ability, poise, work ethic, and swagger gave America and the world a more realistic version of black men. He made it cool to be a “nerd” and proved that black men did not have to rely on sports, music, or crime to be successful. Obviously, there have been countless other black men to do this as well, but the president did it on a global stage. Obama’s presidency opened the door for other blacks and minorities to serve as future Heads of State. His presidency also affected the global image of black women with the ascendance of his wife, Michelle.

Michelle Obama’s presence rejects sexist notions in America that say women must either be housewives and mothers or single, independent and lonely professional women. As successful as Oprah has been, she does not have any children nor has ever married. Mrs. Obama proves that women can have their cake and eat it too. Mrs. Obama also challenges the negative stereotypes associated with black women in America. Slavery created stereotypes of black women as either hyper-sexual jezebels or mammies (a.k.a. the help). In 1965 the federal government released the controversial Moynihan Report incorrectly blaming single black mothers for black crime and poverty. During the 1980s and 1990s, conservatives pushed stereotypes of black women as welfare queens. Although it can be argued that black women, like their male counterparts, have played a role in perpetuating some of these stereotypes by engaging in “ratchet” behavior on reality shows like Basketball Wives and appearing in raunchy hip-hop music videos (e.g. “Birthday Song”); such stereotypes are a gross misrepresentation.

Michelle Obama shows young black women and the world that black women are devoted mothers and wives, exceptional leaders, classy, intellectual, spiritual, financially independent, and confident. Likewise, President Obama gives young and old black men a new standard of success to aspire towards. In closing it’s crucial that you do not take the president’s legacy for granted. Please vote regardless of your political party affiliation. But, if you are an Obama supporter, as you head to the polls remember the significance of your president being black.

Written by Dr. Joshua Wright, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

UMES Department of Social Sciences

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College: Are You Majoring in a Minor?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:16:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

College: Are You Majoring in a Minor?

Alternate Title: Should you have "Ratchet Methodology" and "Home-Training Expungement" on your transcipt?

For most of us, from the time we’re born, we know that we are expected to attend a University. We know that from our parents, grandparents, society, etc. We are taught that we need to be here, but we’re not always taught what to major in. We have the pleasure of finding that out on our own. But, is it really a pleasure? Or is it a time consuming disadvantage? If you enter into college already knowing what and who you want to be, won’t that expedite the voyage?

I know people, including myself, who major in one thing and focus on another. I’m a procrastinator. I know, I know. I absolutely know better. BUT, in my defense, I’m only an undergraduate. I’ll learn to prioritize when I get a real job…right? When I am being paid the big bucks that will be my motivation to do better and make sure that I am earning my paychecks. Oh, that’s not how it works? Darn! So when I’m ready to beat the person within an inch of their life because they’re walking down the pathway to Waters or the SSC, that’s ¼ of a mile in width, like their merging over into my lane, I’m majoring in a minor? I’m ready to put my efforts, (hands), into (onto) something that will lead me nowhere beneficial (jail)?

I want to find out when the misconception was conceived, that made us hypothesize, that you walk across the graduation stage a different person than the one who walked onto it. The habits that you form in college are that habits that you will carry out into the world.

College isn’t a place that you go just to learn facts and techniques. Ultimately, it’s where you go to learn yourself.

You’re travelling down the same avenues that started your journey; the route that you chose. The question is, are you prepared for wherever you end up? Or did you spend four or more years majoring in a minor? I’m a junior and I’ve spent a whole lot of time on things that, at the end of the day, didn’t benefit me at all. Do we worry more about the ‘move’ for the night instead of that test in the morning? Is it really important if your makeup is flawless and you’re dressed for the Grammy’s instead of being on time, or even attend, your 8 a.m. class?

Oh, what are the minors offered here at UMES? I’m glad you asked! Individuals minor in: Smoking, Drinking, Fashion-Show-Readiness, Ratchet Methodology, What-Those-Hands-do Rehabilitation, How Many Things Can I Catch (and hawk pride isn’t one of them), Bed-Economics, Home-Training Expungement, Bare Curricular Minimum, and my favorite, How-to Disrespect My Teacher 101. If one of these minors is yours, then there is no point in having a major. The amount of time that minoring in any of these subjects will consume, will monopolize the time that you would need to become anything worth being. Your major is whatever you spend the majority of your time on.

Are you majoring in a minor?

You’ve just taken An Elective on Perspective.

UMES Family!

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A Magnet

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:09:00 +0000

The Inspired Mind

by UMES Sophomore Moses Oloyede

A Magnet

Often I find myself being drawn toward circumstances just like a magnet.

I feel people radiate energy and that energy draws you to certain things. For example, my energy may be in harmony with that of lack, in which I find myself lacking something. Someone can’t be happy or optimistic in a room full of depressed and angry people. I don’t think a doctor can be positive in a room with sick people whose energy is vibrating low. But you can’t just tell someone who is really upset to be positive because it’s almost like you’re behind bars for a moment and happy is on the other side.

Now when your energy is radiating at a high frequency you’re attracted to things, people, and events that are in accordance. In other words be a magnet who is attracted to the good in life.

UMES Family!

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“A Hawk Fell Last Night”

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:39:00 +0000

An Elective on Perspective

by UMES Junior Brittany Johnson

“A Hawk Fell Last Night”

October 22, 2012

To enter into college there should be a mandatory prerequisite to take an elective that teaches us how to put things into perspective. I was in biochemistry class following the teacher, but not quite…when my friend told me that a hawk fell last night. Right from the sky, he was soaring and his journey ended abruptly --roughly—last night was so ugly, and I sit here worrying about nothing. I could have never considered stressing over midterms as a luxury. But it absolutely is, because not many can afford to anymore. How important are the things that you hold dear? I’m sure I’ve seen you, never met you, but I know I’ll never forget you. It was a solemn day. I’m sure that the birds didn’t even have much of a song: there was one less hawk in their sights.

While I’m on campus wondering if I see my crush, what I’ll say, I’m sure your parents are at home thinking about how they’ll never celebrate another valentine’s day. There aren’t enough black men in college and now there’s one less. For everyone who didn’t know you, everything carries on as usual remaining the same. But, I take it as a personal loss because maroon and gray runs through my veins. My hawk fell last night. Hawk hysteria didn’t matter because I’m sure you were hysterical, Halloween wasn’t important because you were already scared, but that’s what matters to us. I’ll express my condolences, but I’m sure you would excuse me so I can get back to the way life was. We always pretend to care when we first hear the news, but no one really does; this is my warning to, because you wouldn’t want to be a blurry memory if it were you.

On the fifth day God created the foul in the air to sing songs of praise, to ascend, to take flight. I know He cried too, because one of His hawks fell last night. It doesn’t seem that serious because he wasn’t your brother, best friend, or some significant other. Because you have no higher level of empathy he doesn’t get your sympathy, because it wasn’t your fall. But I have a problem when I see a potential legacy that ends as a picture hanging on a wall. Your life shouldn’t stop because someone lost theirs, but it shouldn’t be taken so lightly either. I realize that each day isn’t a gift; it’s an Opportunity; because gifts aren’t taken away. I haven’t taken a shot at all of my shots yet, in any way. Life is ever fleeting. Take college seriously, please…I insist. Do you really have hawk pride? If not, you better hurry up and catch it. I’ll take my journey more seriously knowing that anything could be the end of me; because, never again to take flight, our hawk fell last night.

In loving memory of: Devin Aaron Clay. (Keep Kandace Sewell in your prayers).

Anxiety and College

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Trials, Tribulations and College

By UMES Senior Brittany Williams

Anxiety and College

During the fall semester of my sophomore year in 2010 I discovered personally how serious anxiety is. I was at work as a cashier at Home Depot when suddenly my heart beat started to accelerate and my breathing began to get cut short, I felt as though I was going to faint. Within 20 minutes everything was over. In the car on the way to the hospital I could not understand what had just happened. Lying in the emergency room bed I felt fine, as though nothing even happened.

Once I finally saw the doctor he told me everything was fine and that he wasn’t sure what happened. Later that night once I got home the same thing happened again this time it was longer! I began to sweat and get dizzy and feel faint. At times I felt as though I was going to stop breathing!

These attacks began to happen frequently and at random. I never knew when one of these attacks would happen. I could be driving, walking to class, at work, anywhere and they would happen. It came to a point when I knew I was getting ready to have an attack. Each time I experienced on they were different and lasted between 15 to 20 minutes.

When I finally spoke with my primary doctor he told me I was experiencing what was called Anxiety, which was related to the amount of stress I was having. After talking with my parents and thinking I realized that my stress was triggered from the worries associated with school and my personal life. The worry about what was going on at home. How would I be able to help, am I going to get the classes I need for next semester, am I going to pass my class, how am I going to get through midterms and finals because for some reason my professors decided to have the tests on the same day? Many things I held no control over.

Today I still suffer from random anxiety attacks, although I don’t have them as frequently as before. The key to handling them is different for everyone. Me personally, when I begin to feel an anxiety attack come I take myself from wherever I am and just walk, if I’m by myself. If I’m with friends or family I ask them to talk to me and keep talking to take my mind off of the attack.

I haven’t quite yet mastered overcoming my anxiety, I still struggle with balancing my stress, knowing what I can change and those that I can’t. There is one thing I have realized, and that is things take time. For someone else who is suffering from anxiety attacks I recommend that they find whatever activity relaxes them. Whether its basketball, music, going to the gym do them find whatever you view as a stress reliever and become active.

Let’s face it, college equals stress, there is no changing that. But you can change how that stress affects you. As soon as you realize that you are finding yourself overwhelmed by whatever, the most important thing is to take control over it before it begins to take control over you.

Here at UMES we have counselors who are here to listen to you if you need them. Your advisors are here to help you with whatever questions you may have. Even discussing things with your friends and family gives you that outlet to express things and let out all your frustrations. I never realized how serious stress could truly affect your body until now!

-Brittany M. Williams

UMES Family!

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6 October 12

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Kathryn Barrett-Gaines, Ph.D.

UMES Director of African American Studies

6 October 12

On the Saturday evening train to Charlottesville, I read student work and plan next week’s classes. I trade live emails with students. I work on next semester’s syllabi. I dream about my next book. I read Stanford and UMBC alumni magazines for inspiration to enhance student experience at UMES. I am actively a professor, while rolling gently across the farms of central Virginia.

This is 2012. Office hours are a nineteenth century innovation, when a professor’s student found him, and they were all him, only in his office. In the 1800s, a student did not phone, email, text, facebook, or tweet a professor. There in his office he sat, and all of them were he, and waited for him to come to him.

In the 1800s, a student had little else to keep him, and they were all him, from that professor’s office. He, and they were all he, had no children, no part time job, no second part time job, no car payment, no unemployed father, no chronically ill mother, no imprisoned uncle.

In the 1800s, a young person with such worries was not a college student. A college student was upper middle class, male, and leisurely. He had nothing but time to wait for the professor to open his office door and usher him in.

Not one of my students is an upper middle class male, leisurely waiting for the trust fund to come due.

Our world here at UMES differs from the world of the college student of the 1800s. The UMES student moves quickly between classes, jobs, homes, and cyberspaces.

I roll quietly along the train tracks to Charlottesville, professor-ing along the way. Next week I’ll travel north to Vermont, to run a marathon. In chilly New England, I’ll read the student work stacked in my inbox, I’ll email chat with students, I’ll calculate and post midterm grades to Hawkweb, I’ll read for class, and plan our next class meetings. In November, I’ll fly to Uganda, to see how my book is being received under African sun. From the equator, I’ll reply to student inquiries, I’ll read their writing, I’ll send encouragement and criticism, I’ll comment on their growth and improvement. I’ll disseminate opportunities and deadlines.

And I’ll keep rolling, flying, hiking, and running. I have a world to see, and so do you. In 2012 my office hours are everywhere that I am. Meet me in Bowie, Vermont, Virginia, Uganda, high in the sky. I’ll see you there.

UMES Family!

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In College, Is It Love or Infatuation?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:59:00 +0000

More Than Meets The Eye

by UMES Junior Paul Cornelius Jerry

In College, Is It Love or Infatuation?

A lot of college students look to find love during their 4-years of college, but in reality some just find constant infatuations. Whether you’re a male or female, as humans we are attracted to things that are aesthetic, a baby, a car, or clothing. Beauty is not the same for each individual.

When I walk around campus I see a lot of people mixing love with infatuation. Infatuation is when you absorb passion and feelings in a folly manner foolishly for an instant. Just because it looks good and it appears to your visual sense; that does not mean it is going to appeal to your heart and your other 4 senses. Everything that looks good is not good, and everything that’s looks like gold is not 24K.

When you see someone who catches your eye, it might be love, but don’t always assume that it's love; because what you might like today might not be what you will like tomorrow. That person who you thought was gorgeous might have a messed up attitude or characteristics that you never expected to come from him/her. If you have been befriending a person and what was first infatuation starts to become a friendship and later more, growth of love can start to form. We don’t always plan to fall in love, however, we rush into it a lot of times, because we’re human; and the biggest need for humans is “to be loved” and to “feel love.”

When deciphering whether its love or just an infatuation you have to use your head, and not just what you feel, because feelings change like the temperature of the day. You have to use logic and not just go with the flow. Your feelings are just a part of it; they are not 100% of the picture. They make up about 30% of the actual big picture. Your feelings might be on a high Monday towards that person, and then on Wednesday it’s a whole different ball game. We call it the “The Roller Coaster” affect, and that’s not what you want. However, if the feelings stay the same, and don’t change, from day to day then you know that you’re off to a good start.

Make sure you connect with that person on more than just the physical aspect. You should look towards connecting to him/her on a mental, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual level. Don’t call it love when you just like what you see. You have to like the person for who they are, how they make you feel, and if they can make you a better person. You’ll know it when you find it.

UMES Family!

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Education for the masses; has our educational system failed us?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Because I Said So

by UMES Senior Marina Anoh

Education for the masses; has our educational system failed us?

Reading, writing, arithmetic, is that enough? When I was in high school I received A’s in most of my courses. I graduated top of my class and was on the honor roll every quarter. This was something that my parents are very proud of till this day. The question in all this is whether or not I deserved these grades. I was always a very bright girl from a young age or so I was told. When it came to doing work my family instilled the value of education in my brain like words to a page. Education was the one thing my father told me “They” could never take away from me. Now, ask me who “they” are I wouldn’t be able to tell you. But still I believed he was right about that because how can someone really take away what you know since it is not a tangible object.

As I progressed through life I came to see that what I knew or at least what I thought I knew were not really things I learned in the class room. Little did I know that when I went to college I would be in for the shock of my life. Now, I am not going to sit here and say that everything that I learned in high school was of no use because it was. But, I will say that when I arrived to my university I was surprised at the work load and the level of understanding that I was expected to have, especially going into my major requirement classes. I am a fast learner and so I came to the learning curve quickly and soon it was no longer a challenge. But everyone isn’t like me, there are people who will find this challenging.

University students graduate in 5 to 6 years instead of 4 years. According to David Zorn in an article called Reading, Writing and Arithmatic Are No Longer Enough ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-zorn/career-college-trend_b_1616691.html) we were once leaders, but the U.S. now ranks 20th in the world in graduation rates, and that’s only higher than two other countries – Canada and Russia. We must all start to do what we need to and take part in assuming responsibility for this. As university students especially at an HBU we have to work hard and graduate as we are the future of our country. I believe we are becoming lazy and content with graduating late and sometimes not at all. I don’t blame the educational system. I do not blame the schools; I blame us for wanting the easy way out of things and not striving for more in life.

Today is a new day. As students we have to work hard and know that nothing in life will just be given to us. Because I didn’t really have to work hard in high school for the grades I received I found myself struggling in later work. I say that to say this, our educational system is put in place to help us gain knowledge but I found that in some cases it could also hinder us. I see some of my classmates say “oh at least I’m still graduating”, and there is nothing wrong with that. But I can’t help but wonder why they are graduating late. Were they well prepared for college? Were they just not focused? Or maybe, they were just victims of a failing education system? Whatever the reason may be I say no more.

Enough is enough.

The times of taking math 109 four times before passing are over. The days of getting D’s and F’s in Chemistry are times of the past. We must want to do well in school then continue our lives. Not stay here forever. When we graduate we are already in debt. Adding two and three more years to that amount is completely senseless.

4 years should be our goal, no more no less.

Why? Because I said so.

UMES Family!

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On Top Of The Mountain: Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (UMES) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:05:00 +0000

The UnSpoken Word

by UMES Senior Vicente Hernandez

On Top Of The Mountain: Now What?

It's that time of the year again. Squirrels are finishing up storing their nuts, birds start heading south, and winter graduates get ready for the real world. Yup thats right folks graduation time is almost here. We've almost reached the top of this mountain called education. Yet, I feel like we've underestimated what's really going on around us. Like in the real world once a person reaches the top of let's say Mt. Everest they are overly excited. Yet, does anyone ever consider what happens next.

Picture this, your standing at the top of the mountain looking on unto the beauty of the world. You love every second, but you don't go and build a house spending the rest of your days there. You pack up and start your trail back down. We never think about what's next. All a person ever considers is what steps are needed to be at the top of what ever their doing. Even more frequently we lose focus on why we are climbing our "mountains" anyway.

Lets take this graduation thing again. Can you say you honestly want to graduate to learn all you can learn or because this is what the world asks of you? Granted this indeed is a requirement for a lot of great jobs, but a better motive is needed.

We can't expect to move forward expecting great futures if we didn't put any effort in these small steps we have in front of us. That also falls in line with planning. It's time to grasp the concept that yes, we are going to get out of college one of these days, gain skills to succeed, and encounter experiences that will set us on our glorious paths. But if we haven't planned for what happens next or a have an idea what we want to do, we've wasted time.

I don't know about you, but I would want all the hard, lets just say time, to be considered more than just a wish or wasted existence. We all have a purpose in this life. So lets do what is needed to be ready when it knocks at out door.

Be blessed,

Vicente Hernandez

UMES Family!

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