page 4 The Fourth Wall Dear Big Mamma and Dauther: Going to college was a liberating experience for me. I’m 19 and finally able to be an adult and not have to answer to my parents. I intend to explore every aspect of the college life; I've gotten a pretty good start this semester. Since I’ve been here, I’ve changed a lot. I'm not the same naive innocent that left home in August. I have not been home since the semester started and I dread the inevitable “be responsible, don’t drink, keep your grades up, put your nose to the grindstone” speech that is sure to be repeated daily over winter break. How can I get my parents to realize my independence and back off? Sincerely, Miss Independent Miss Independent, Wow, it sounds to me that you have learned a lot and have a new perspective on a lot of things. If you are dreading the speech that you think your parents are going to give you when you return home, let me reassure you that you are not alone. Parents are parents and they will always want to know how you are doing, if you are happy, and about your academic success. It’s just some unwritten law or something. Maybe they won't bore you to death with the speech if you are Dear Miss Independent, Keep in mind that while college is a liberating experience for most young people, it is a period of loss for their parents. When children go off to college, the umbilical cord gets stretched tight and eventually snaps. That can be painful for parents who have invested a great deal of their last eighteen or so years worrying about their children. Sometimes, they ladle on the advice when we visit them, but that has as much to do with what they are going through as it does with what you are going through. Mostly, they want to feel as if they are still an important part of their children’s lives. Try this trick: When you go home, don’t wait for them to start digging into your new life; sit them down first thing and share your college experiences with them (well, maybe not a// your college experiences). Make them feel as if they are still an important part of your life and that you value their advice. They'll probably be so happy that they won't give you any more grief the entire time you're home. Martina Pfeuffer I Just read a six page U.S the display of a nativity and menorah in a public square and I've come to the conclusion that Americans have nothing better to do than complain about their religious freedom and independence. It seems we are never sated. We have many privileges and freedoms to be thankful for in America. Americanism and nationalism go hand in hand, gathering together as a country, not an individual, not certain ethnic groups, but everyone. The few times we see nationalism are either when our country is threatened by foreign powers or when a holiday surfaces. Well, I’ve seen plenty of car ribbon magnets for a life time. And isn’t it ironic how the people who display such “patriotism” and “nationalism” are the same people who won't stop for pedestrians or allow a car in front of them on a congested high way ramp? I guess nationalism excludes general civility towards other fellow Americans? The thought of Christmas almost makes my stomach turn. Americans, will spend $160-$200 BILLION dollars on Christmas presents this year. That’s an estimated $600-$800 per person (more than two-thirds of our Defense Budget). Many of these presents say “Made in China” on the label. So what’s America coming to? We are a nation that spends enough in one month to uplift a small country from its third world standing. We avoid civility towards others in order to satisfy our wants. The time we spend slipping a few dollars into a Salvation Army bucket is more than enough for the entire year and we walk away without a thought to those who actually will never know the meaning of family, of kindness. It’s so easy to turn away from the troubles of the world. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in secular commercialized. from Radio page 1 students in the evenings and overnight; the Radio Club will need to be able to broadcast 24/ 7. Police Services is moving to the white house next to the chapel. This was good news for Minich who requested this space to set up the radio station. He is now awaiting a decision from Amy Cotner-Klinger and Andrea Christopher. If the Radio Club is denied this space, they are guaranteed a place on the second floor of Wiestling. Minich hopes that the student center will become the communication center for Mont Alto campus. The radio station is not only beneficial for students interested in communications, but for all students on campus interested in music. This is an opportunity to share different musical interests and tastes, and to be exposed to music you may not otherwise have heard. So far, thirty students have shown an interest in the radio station. Proposed ideas for programming in addition to regular news, weather, and sports include a parody of Howard Stern, Good Morning Mont Alto, Loveline, parody of Delilah, and Metal after Midnight. Minich hopes that students will consider team programming as well. Any student interested in the radio station can contact Minich at bsm183@psu.edu. The Radio Club is having a social on Frid. Dec. 10 from 7-11 in WSC to give students an opportunity to show their skills. TLEY I CUNET CLEAR RAIFS 8 Ferman |
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers