April 9, 1997 — LION’S EYE — Page 5 Opinion & Review London-Delco Connection: College Life From Afar By Dan Abbondi Overseas Correspondent (Editor's Note: Dan is studying abroad this semester through Delco’s Exchange Program with Thames Valley Univerisity in London.) Living and studying in a country other than the U.S. would be the ideal, one would think. However, along with the many positive aspects there also exist several negative aspects. As for me, I amin London, home of good scones, endless amounts of tea, and of course the Spice Girls. When I first arrived, I did what any visitor would do. I went sight seeing. I was soon to discover that Big Ben really is not that big, the Queen’s palace guards really are allowed to move, (quite fast, in fact, especially when you taunt them and make fun of their hats) and that I was lost in a labyrinth of large buildings, tube roots, and people from every country in Europe, speaking every language, with no idea what to do. Attending school was no different. Writing papers instead of taking tests, classes lasting three hours rather than forty- five minutes, and three bars on campus made for quite a culture shock. The biggest shock, however, was the absence of that wonderful condensed textbook we are all so used to. In London, they tend to rely on library books. A chapter here and some pages there take quite a long time to complete. It is not possible, as itis at home, to wait a half hour before an exam and peruse the chapters. Of course, then again, there are no exams here, just papers, so I guess it all balances out. Socially it is really no different from home. You soon find those you share common traits with and then from that point choose what you would like to do for the evening. In London, there are several shows of various kinds: pubs, theater, of course, and if you are out often enough, you can see those damn Spice Girls running around in the street. If you need an evening of relaxation you can always go to the blues lounge or down to SoHo for some calm music and good company. At this point in the semester, I have fully acclimated myself to the Who Would You Clone On Campus Why? Carlton J. Walker lil (second semester ~ — Pre Med) — “The one thing that jumps out in my mind is how much Mr. Fox cared about his students. You can’t be in his class without feeling a strong student-teacher relationship. He stresses interaction and getting involved.” environment around me. It is easy to be accepted by the British if you just forget about your ethnocentricity. Just cheer when a soccer game is on, act like you know what is happening, and call everybody in a jocular way a “wanker”. If you really want to fit in, pickles are “gurkens”, french fries are “chips”, and Mr. Bean is the best thing on the telly and don’t you forget it! The best thing about London, however, is the fact that I can leave any time I want and go to a completely different country. This is simply not true in the U.S. Furthermore, traveling is quite fast and inexpensive. From studying in Europe, not to mention traveling, I have learned two important lessons. The first is that people, regardless of nationality, language, or appearance, really are more alike than they are different. The second is that the Village People could not have been more correct...it’s truly fun to stay at the YMCA. As one would expect, even with all there is to do, I miss home very much. I have several things I would like to complete before I leave and will probably not get to do all of them. I would love to smuggle back a Spice Girl, and I would like to bring back a Porsche, but I only brought enough luggage for my clothing, and besides, kidnapping is against the law. Furthermore, without one of the Spice Girls, London may sentence me to the most unspeakable punishment: they may have me sconed to death. (Don’t laugh, those things are dense and hard.) Get Real! Get Motivated! Get “Jack-ed”! Experience what it’s like to be REAL Where: Lion’s Den When: April 9, Wednesday 5:00 PM. “FREE DINNER” Jake Austin (fifth semester — Liberal Arts) — “I would clone Dr. Gergen’s reasoning. She seems very fair and partial about everything. She always listens to all sides and considers everything before rendering a decision.” Adult inductees for t Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society pose with their advisors (L to R) Dr. George Franz (advisor), Patricia Hascher, Judy Hendrichson, Sylvia Schaffer (advisor), Stephanie Fitzgerald, Waverly Coleman (advisor), Michael Turturici, Karen Hill (Acting Director of Academic Affairs), Rebecca Matos. Personal Commentary Don’t Call Me Homophobic! By Kirk Handfield How many times have you walked by the Lion's Den while the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Friends Alliance (LGBFA) was having one of their shindigs and was invited in to take part in the festivities? This in itself is no problem, but I have a problem with being criticized for respectfully declining their invitations. Quite a few times I have been told that I was being homophobic or heard the comment “You don’t have to be gay to attend.” My not attending these functions have nothing to do with being uncomfortable. I simply do not attend these functions because I have no interest in - that particular lifestyle. But does it mean enough to me to get on a soapbox and deride them? No! My point is, just like the LGBFA wants people to respect them and their lifestyle, I feel like people who disagree should hold their opinions respectfully. Just like members of the Black Student League shouldn’t call every white person who doesn’t attend their functions racist, the LGBFA shouldn’t resort to calling people homophobic. Delco Seizes Internships By Christina Papa Now that spring is approaching, many students are thinking about summer jobs. Instead of working at the nearest fast-food joint, why not consider an internship? Many of them are paid, and at the same time valuable experience is gained. To find out how you can get one of these opportunities, attend the Internship Fair on April 16 from 12:00 to 2:00 in the Main Lounge. General internships will be available, as well as those that are career specific. Be ready with your resume, as there will be on-the-spot interviews. Also, a representative from the Delaware County Internship Program will be there, to help students who live in the county find employment. Lori Peacock, Sue Myer, and Kenyatta Dandridge are three students who are already taking advantage of the internship opportunities here at PSU Delco. Kenyatta is a junior majoring in Speech Communication. She currently has an internship with the Philadelphia Rich Romagnoli (fourth semester — Business) — ‘Definitely Kersnick. Not all professors come as comically as he does. He adds that perfect bit of humor to his classes that makes it both easy and fun to learn.” Tribune as an entertainment writer, which gives her three credits toward her major. As a freshman in 1995, she obtained an internship with Fox television, where she was the only freshman intern, and then went on to the Daily News before writing at the Tribune. The internships that she has had so far have not paid, but have led to a job offer from the Tribune that will. She acknowledges Bob Purdy, Virgil Perry, and Sharmon Bryant from the career department for all their help in getting her started. Kenyatta realized that by getting an internship she gains valuable on-the-job experience that will put her above perhaps another applicant for the same job. : “College is great, but if you don’t have the experience, it’s worth nothing,” she said. “If you have two people, both with degrees, applying for the same job, and one of them has experience, who do you think will get the job?” : (Continued on page 7) Tiz Griffith, Athletic Director — “| would clone Dr. Buckmaster’'s memory. She never forgets a thing. And | would clone Dr. Markley’s voice. He’s so soft spoken and has that slight southern accent in it. It’s so cute!” re
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