Alcohol awareness not taken seriously at GRCC
Opinion by Collegiate Editorial Board

In 2006, 15,995 Michiganians sought publicly funded treatment for alcohol addiction; this included vulnerable populations like seniors and youth.

An alcohol addiction is sometimes the “elephant in the room.” It is not mentioned as much as other drug addictions are in the news. The alcohol issue quietly sits in waiting until the next incident or fatality. This seems to be the case this year at GRCC for Alcohol Awareness Month.

Alcohol Awareness Month is supposed to bring this problem in the open with discussions and resolutions that are to educate the community on this issue.

GRCC may not be a big university with frat parties and binge drinking problems, but we are still a community of college students. This year GRCC seems to miss the boat on alcohol awareness.

The Board of Trustees did have a nice resolution concerning this issue. This resolution was issued in late March, declaring April as Alcohol Awareness Month. It included all the fancy talk encouraging the faculty and staff to implement educational programs and activities appropriate to this occasion.

The only event held this month was a day at the Career and Counseling Center. It provided students, faculty and staff a single day to stop by for a screening and pick up pamphlets dealing with this issue.

Everyone should stand up and applaud GRCC’s efforts on Alcohol Awareness Month. Give this and yourselves a round of applause for all the hard work on alcohol awareness. Where is this college’s focus?

Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA.gov) the number of alcohol reported treatments in Michigan. 1.5 percent of those are youth 12-17 years of age.

That, of course, rises with 5.6 percent being treated at the age of 18-20, and 12.2 percent in the ages of 21-25. GRCC failed this month to have a chance to promote and make a difference in alcohol awareness.

If this college’s board can make a resolution about alcohol awareness, then this college should have done more. It is inadequate and unacceptable that with all the departments and student organizations on this campus, nothing more than one day was utilized to do something about an issue that continues to plague colleges and universities all over this state and country.

Surveys have suggested that many students drink because they perceive that more of their peers drink than actually do. With games like beer pong that have increased in popularity at many college parties, this college could have and should have done more than was done.

Finger pointing and blaming will not fix this issue. GRCC needs to take a hard look at issues that actually affect its student population and come up with creative and innovative ways to educate and inform students so this college can adhere to its values and mission statement.

Everything takes more than one try
Opinion by Emily Allore
Collegiate Staff Writer

The first job I had was one my mom got me when I was 15 years old as a bagger at D & W. It was definitely not a glamorous position, nor did it pay well, but nevertheless, it was a job. I went there, worked, then went home. It was never any fun, but my parents were excited because they didn’t have to pay for my “excessive lifestyle” anymore.

After a few months of “paper or plastic,” I decided to take matters into my own hands by applying for a bussing position at Pietro’s Italian Restaurant. One of my friends worked there and got me in the door. So at the young age of 16, I was neck deep in dirty plates and sticky wine glasses. And I loved it. I loved the people, and I loved my job. I worked my way up the chain until I turned 18 and became a server.

I graduated from high school and moved up to Ferris State University, where I became that popular classifi cation of student/ server for fi ve more years. The cash was addictive, and the people were fun. But when the next milestone came, college graduation, I had no experience in anything else but selling menu items.

I graduated from Ferris in December of 2007 with a degree in Public Relations. I began looking for a big girl job, and after about two months, things didn’t look so good.

I looked on every single job Web site you could think of: CareerBuilder, Monster, Yahoo Jobs, Google Jobs, and Craigslist. I’d like to add that the most legit site out of all of them was Craigslist, but I still had no job.

I felt like I was the only person out of my graduating major who didn’t have a job or at least a paid second internship. And I did look into a paid internship. I would get called by the hiring departments, and then they would tell me I had too much experience to intern…but not enough for a job.

I got a tip from one of my friends to try out employment agencies. She had gotten a job through one of them only a few months out of college. So I went and applied at two employment agencies, but never heard from them again.

I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me. Was it my grades? What made me so unmarketable to employers or, better yet, what was I doing to make myself so unmarketable?

I spent all this money on education and I was being told I had too much experience for one job and not enough for another. Even better then that, I was being told I didn’t have the experience for a one to three year experienced-entry level position.

This was when I just about to give-up and take another serving job at a mind numbing family restaurant, when I fi nally got an offer. I didn’t know who was offering me what, because I had applied for so many jobs in the past few months, but it got me excited. The next day I got a call with yet another offer.

I can’t explain how I got two job offers, because it was very unexpected. It seems like a stupid thing to go to school for the first 18 years of your life then turn around and do it again just to end up in debt, and end up working the rest of your life to pay it off.

But that is life, just like getting a job. I think it doesn’t take you just one try to get life; so why would it take you just one try to get a job?

Every time you fall down in life you learn a lesson, and I applied that to my job searching.

Each interview was better then the last, and in my last interview I stopped asking for the position and told them that I was the best for the position. I convinced them that there was no other option other then me, and I got the job.

Closed elections: another way of saying no
Opinion by Lonnie Allen
Editor-in-Chief

Holding open elections for the Executive Board of Student Congress is the only way to be fair and just at GRCC.

The concern that congress wants more participation before holding elections campus-wide is valid and understandable. It doesn’t make it right though. It is unjust to continue with a practice that I believe does not give the student body of GRCC a chance to know who is involved in leading the student government.

It is illogical to have an intention to grow more student involvement in the congress before the student body can vote. Why would this have to be the benchmark for campus-wide elections? It’s a twoway street; students should make more of an effort to be involved, but this has nothing to do with electing the Executive Board of Student Congress.

GRCC’s Student Congress should set a precedent for other colleges around this state. If you want to be a leader, make a difference. Sometimes change is the better option. Why continue down the same road, year after year, on the same process being brought into question today?

Students are not aware of the elections because the Student Congress does not make it known to the current student body.

I just do not see how this organization can make the claim that students do not care or are not interested in elections when it is not even making the attempt to hold a campus-wide student government election. It’s hard to see how they can go to the Board of Trustees as a representative for the student body.

A greater participation from students with student government is a good expectation, but again, this should be no reason to hold back on a campus-wide election.

If even a very small percentage of students vote for members of the executive board, it would be higher then the 13 members who voted this year. This could even build a bigger participation for congress. During fall recruitment, one can say if they want to run for a position in the general election held in the spring.

Starting in January, congress members who want to run for a position on the executive board can make their intentions known to the congress. Then the campaigning around campus can begin. This would have students involved. Students would see the candidates on campus. Students would see a difference with this congress by reaching out to them for votes.

I would just like to see something that represents a democratic process involving the student body at GRCC, and I believe that a campus-wide election for Student Congress Executives could do that.

I know Student Congress has looked into this issue and have the same passion for this very idea. I just believe they should make that leap sooner than later.

Perhaps Student Congress is right. GRCC students do not care enough to be involved in the voting process. This unfortunate reality shows how apathy starts early. If this is true and students do not care about voting, students should still have the opportunity to vote.

Let the students make the decision whether or not to vote, not the organization.

Lack of passion 'Across the Universe'
Opinion by Nicole Hoffman
Collegiate Staff Writer

Are you passionate? Is there anything in your life you would fight for or stand up for?

As far as passion goes, I must say there is a lack of it in society. I don’t feel people today are passionate enough about things.

It excites me to see people who have taken a stance for something they believe in. After watching the movie “Across the Universe,” the void of passion in society seems greater. I feel even more strongly that we lack one of the most fundamental things in life.

I see how the film’s character Lucy transforms. Her enthusiasm grew with changes in her life; she started feeling passionate about something that really mattered to her.

There are so many people I know who claim to be passionate about something. People are so willing to debate an issue, but I don’t think people are passionate enough about anything to actually take a stand for it.

Nobody stands up for what they believe in.

I have heard of several antiwar rallies, but every time I hear about the outcome, it ended with police stopping it before anything happens. I wonder if people could think of a way to show their passion for something without just debating it or doing something that will end before anyone has the chance to see what they believe in.

In “Across the Universe,” each character has something they believe in and feel strongly about. I think everyone in the movie is trying to stand up for their beliefs. This helps shape them into the adults they become.

What is shaping our society? MySpace? Guitar Hero? Text messaging? The character Jude, is so madly in love with Lucy that he does everything to get her back. Can you really fi nd love in things that have overcome us?

Lucy feels strongly about stopping the war; Max feels strong about not being drafted and just living a fun life. Sadie is so passionate about her music, and many of the fi lm’s other characters show their passion for different things as well.

I don’t personally think what people stand up for needs to be some huge statement that will change the world. Being passionate and feeling strongly about it should change who you are. Standing up for love is just as important as holding a strong, passionate stance against war. If people are passionate about something, regardless of what it is, they should be proud.

People need to show off what they feel. You only live once and you shouldn’t do it quietly, while sitting back claiming to be passionate.

With passion comes drive, ambition, and creativity that you can’t fi nd when sitting in front of a computer or television screen. You should be happy to tell people that you stand for something. More importantly, people should be able to tell by the way you act and live your life.

More people need to stop saying they are passionate and actually show they are. There are so many times when someone claims to have a strong opinion about something, yet when I try to discuss it with them, they back down. I just don’t see the passion in that.

The problem with people in our society is that people don’t care about much anymore. No one really has anything that means a lot to them. Maybe it’s because too many things are handed to us. But if people felt their efforts were not in vain, then maybe there would be more reason to be passionate and act on it.

Sure, there are people who don’t think the war should be going on. But what are they doing? They attack people when the conversation comes up, but that’s the extent of their expression of their passion.

Most people I’ve had conversations with seem more concerned with trying to make me agree with their opinion rather than backing it up with good points. If they are really that passionate about something, then they need to show it.

Accepting that 'nice guys finish last'
Opinion by Ashley VanderLoon
Collegiate Staff Writer

Every morning, I come to school with a smile on my face and a friendly “hello.”

Sometimes people acknowledge my presence, and others tend to go on their merry way with other goals on their mind than to be respectful in return. It’s okay, and I understand. They don’t need to apologize; I just wanted to break the ice.

I have noticed people are aware of my outgoing persona, and others tend to use it against me. I’ve met people who assume because I’m usually happy, I must have a certain personality disorder. I tell them it’s just the way I am. I keep in mind that it’s their own decision to either like me or not. I would like to make a new friend, but it’s not worth it if I can’t simply be myself.

My positive attitude comes from realizing the hardships of life and wanting to share a little bit of inspiration with the world. There are immense amounts of negativity around us, such as fi ghting, arguing, world wars, and poverty.

I just want to fi nd ways to make up for all the disasters that surround our nation. I feel that a simple kind gesture could make someone’s day.

A single helping hand could be benefi cial down the road. It isn’t my intention to tell you what to do; this is simply what I do because I chose to do it.

I believe a negative attitude only makes matters worse, and people could set their priorities on helping, not hindering. I consider that if our focus on the positive was strong enough, our world could be a completely better place. It isn’t too late to start now and make a few changes here and there.

When I’m positive, I find my creative state of mind is obvious and improved. I’m focused more on my goals and have a better grip on my surroundings. Even though people may find I’m “too nice,” and may confuse that with being naïve, I find it’s the strongest trait of maturity around.

I enjoy respecting others, and I enjoy listening, too. If people cannot see the decency in that, then I’m sorry, but they need to take off the masquerade.

I’m not in a race to the fi nish line; I’m taking life one day at a time. They often say nice people finish last place, and that’s okay with me. They can go ahead because I’m here for the team.

Next time you see me in the hallway, you can decide to have a smile on your face too. It’ll most likely make someone’s day, and I promise it’ll be benefi cial down the road to you.

The shared burden of stressing out
Opinion by Jeff Kranz
Collegiate Staff Writer

Stress not only affects students and staff members academically, it affects their personal lives, and their physical and mental well-being.

On any given day, students receive multiple assignments such as homework, reading chapters out of a textbook, or writing a paper.

Professors also deal with stress on a daily occurrence. They teach a variety of different classes and give their students an assortment of different tasks. Teachers spend countless hours outside the classroom setting up lesson plans and meeting students in their office to discuss assignments. They also spend time attending meetings and grading homework or papers.

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, stress means a mental or physical tension. Students and staff deal with stress in a variety of ways such as drinking, smoking, exercising, listening to music, drugs, doing hobbies, and staying busy.

Students and staff are not always worried about stress. It’s just one of those things that tends to pop up around hectic times involving numerous tests, term papers, and exams.

There are many reasons why students and staff are stressed out. In today’s economy, money is one of the more dominant reasons people feel stressed. In most cases, people don’t have enough, or they live paycheck to paycheck, not being able to save any money because they have bills to pay. They also have to pay for gas.

According to the American Institute of Stress Web site, increased stress can actually benefit productivity. This only works up to a certain point, after which things rapidly deteriorate. This cut-off point for productive behavior as an outcome of stress differs for each of us.

In college, students and professors sometimes get overwhelmed with all that people expect out of them, and they can sometimes fail to keep up. Another cause of stress is relationships, not just personal ones such as with spouses or significant others, but also work-related ones with co-workers and bosses.

The American Institute of Stress suggests individuals find the right amount of stress that permits them to be progressive in their daily lives. You can learn how to utilize and transform stress so it will make you more productive and less self-destructive.

If we don’t deal with stress, it could cause us mental and physical problems such as anger, frustration, and aggression.

When we feel stressed, we should allow ourselves time to recharge are batteries so that we are better able to deal with the situation.

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Current Edition:
April 23, 2008

Next Edition:
Fall, 2008