I got the chance to hear the President of the United States speak at the Union for Reform Judaism's Biennial this past weekend. The speech was fantastic, and really demonstrated that Obama knew his audience and was committed to making this a good presentation. It was, after all, geared toward a Jewish community that could be influential in his re-election campaign.
After leaving the event, I heard many people say that they were voting for Obama in the coming election because of this speech. Now, I will say that after this event, I have a better idea of who I am going to vote for, but it has nothing to do with anything Obama said during his speech. As a matter of fact, I would have come to the same realization whether Obama had attended Biennial or not.
Throughout the weekend, I had the opportunity to be in on conversations going on about all of the most important issues within Reform Judaism. We discussed personal expression with NFTY's teens, we discussed the transition of leadership from Rabbi Yoffie to Rabbi Jacobs, and, most importantly, we discussed the importance of Youth Engagement, and how to properly attain more involvement from our youth communities.
Throughout all of this discussion, I was basically told what it is that the Union for Reform Judaism stands for. I came to discover that I too agreed on many of these stances. These ideas included standing up for human rights, for peace, and for understanding amongst all of us. These seem like basic things to stand up for, yet so often we, as people, lose sight of the importance of continually reminding ourselves what it is that is important to us.
In this way, I came out of the event knowing who I will most likely vote for in an election, not because of any one candidate, but because I know better what I want from a candidate. I know what it is that I find most significant to my view of a better America, a better American Jewry, and, most specifically, the best way to a better Global union amongst all people.
Not only did I walk out of this event with a better self-perception politically, but I also walked out with a renewed passion for lifelong Jewish learning and commitment. I so much enjoyed all of the elements of the weekend that I want to continue to work with the Union for Reform Judaism to make our campaigns a success, and our visions reality. By any one of us, our cause will most definitely fail. But as one collective voice, we as a movement are a force to be reckoned with. I am excited to work for a positive change in our world as a part of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Week 3 Northwest
My coastal journey continued from Boston to Seattle last weekend. This time I departed for the Fall Kallah of NFTY Northwest, a region which I had wanted to see for a long time. I chose it as one of my two travel regions, so as to get the chance to see a city I had never seen before, as well as to get to see a region that I had only heard about, never experienced, to that point.
Upon arrival at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, I had the chance to meet up with Melissa, my advisor, who was joining me on the trip. It was good to know I went to the event with her, as I felt as though she knew much more about the region than I; plus, spending a little extra time with her was a blessing that I got to experience.
To get to the event, it was necessary to drive onto a ferry, and get across the Sound. Again this was a first, having never experienced a ferry ride. I was utterly breathless as I looked over the side of the boat to view to skyline and the water. The whole area seemed to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and I cherished the opportunity to see it. If it were not for my NFTY travels, I would most definitely not have had the opportunity to travel to this part of the world.
When I finally arrived at the actual event, I was instantly impressed by the region. It seemed as though the community that they had built was one that totally required the checking of all ego and discrimination. Although we ideally strive for total equality and love amongst our participants in NFTY, it can often be harder said than done. In NFTY-NW, there seemed to be no social classes; everyone seemed to get along and, at the very least, respect on another. This was strikingly beautiful to find in a community, and I was very pleased that I had gotten the chance to see it.
Over the course of the weekend, I experienced programming, services, and social action that was very well thought-out, planned, and executed. I was very delighted to see the amount of preparation and enthusiasm with which the regional board attacked each and every aspect of the weekend.
One of my biggest concerns going into the weekend was the question of how I would interact with participants. I know from past experience that there were times when North American board members hung out more with the adult staff and leadership, rather than the teens, and seemed to take an aloof leadership angle to the event. On the other hand, I had also heard of instances where board members had spent much of their time as “active participants,” going through the same experience as any other member of the community. It was from this angle that I chose to experience my event, and was greatly rewarded in my experience. I had the opportunity to meet people who I would otherwise have never met. Deeply committed NFTYites who were just as in love with our movement as I was came up to me throughout the weekend, and I got the chance to interact with almost everyone within the group. When those times when it was necessary for me to stand in front of the group and present something, the group was appropriately respectful, yet when I was trying to blend in with everyone else, I was able to have just as much fun because they treated me as a peer.
Upon my arrival home in Chicago, I had more friend requests than I had experienced since Convention in February. I can say that I most definitely made the right choice in going to an event in NFTY-NW, as I got to experience a region of the country I had never seen, featuring programming that was fascinatingly intriguing, filled with participants who were ecstatic to be there. Overall, for someone who doesn’t go to nearly enough regional events anymore, I’m glad NFTY-NW was the one I got to experience.
Upon arrival at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, I had the chance to meet up with Melissa, my advisor, who was joining me on the trip. It was good to know I went to the event with her, as I felt as though she knew much more about the region than I; plus, spending a little extra time with her was a blessing that I got to experience.
To get to the event, it was necessary to drive onto a ferry, and get across the Sound. Again this was a first, having never experienced a ferry ride. I was utterly breathless as I looked over the side of the boat to view to skyline and the water. The whole area seemed to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and I cherished the opportunity to see it. If it were not for my NFTY travels, I would most definitely not have had the opportunity to travel to this part of the world.
When I finally arrived at the actual event, I was instantly impressed by the region. It seemed as though the community that they had built was one that totally required the checking of all ego and discrimination. Although we ideally strive for total equality and love amongst our participants in NFTY, it can often be harder said than done. In NFTY-NW, there seemed to be no social classes; everyone seemed to get along and, at the very least, respect on another. This was strikingly beautiful to find in a community, and I was very pleased that I had gotten the chance to see it.
Over the course of the weekend, I experienced programming, services, and social action that was very well thought-out, planned, and executed. I was very delighted to see the amount of preparation and enthusiasm with which the regional board attacked each and every aspect of the weekend.
One of my biggest concerns going into the weekend was the question of how I would interact with participants. I know from past experience that there were times when North American board members hung out more with the adult staff and leadership, rather than the teens, and seemed to take an aloof leadership angle to the event. On the other hand, I had also heard of instances where board members had spent much of their time as “active participants,” going through the same experience as any other member of the community. It was from this angle that I chose to experience my event, and was greatly rewarded in my experience. I had the opportunity to meet people who I would otherwise have never met. Deeply committed NFTYites who were just as in love with our movement as I was came up to me throughout the weekend, and I got the chance to interact with almost everyone within the group. When those times when it was necessary for me to stand in front of the group and present something, the group was appropriately respectful, yet when I was trying to blend in with everyone else, I was able to have just as much fun because they treated me as a peer.
Upon my arrival home in Chicago, I had more friend requests than I had experienced since Convention in February. I can say that I most definitely made the right choice in going to an event in NFTY-NW, as I got to experience a region of the country I had never seen, featuring programming that was fascinatingly intriguing, filled with participants who were ecstatic to be there. Overall, for someone who doesn’t go to nearly enough regional events anymore, I’m glad NFTY-NW was the one I got to experience.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Trip 2: CJTL
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Trip 1: HUC
Over the weekend, week one of my month of adventures, I was a participant at the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion retreat for college students. I was able to go and experience programming alongside almost 20 other participants who were all very interested in pursuing lives of Jewish adulthood.
Throughout the weekend, there were several opportunities to get a glimpse of what Rabbinic school looks like, what is expected, and the excitement that is associated with being a leader within the Jewish clergy system. I was filled with pride knowing that most of the Rabbis that had had an influence on my Jewish education had all passed through this program.
One of the most meaningful elements of the trip was when we visited the Plum Street Synagogue, where the Rabbinic students walk up one flight of stairs to the bima, and walk down the other side as official Rabbis. The experience of seeing this beautiful, holy location really affected me, because I hope to one day make that trip.
When the trip was all said and done, I was very thankful that HUC had given me the option to participate. The experience was exceptional, because it was an opportunity for me to get together with like-minded individuals from colleges all across the country, who were interested in exploring elements of their faith, just as I was.
Additionally, the opportunity to experience the college and learn a little bit more about what it means to be a Rabbinic student made the whole thing a little more real, and a little more accessible. This also showed me just how important it is for me to continue my education, and gave me an academic goal to strive for.
Now that I am back at Indiana Unviersity, I am all the more excited to get deep into my Jewish Studies education. I have the chance to get myself off on the right foot, and I look forward to the chance to get an undergraduate education that will allow me to pursue my life goals in a beneficial and holy way.
Throughout the weekend, there were several opportunities to get a glimpse of what Rabbinic school looks like, what is expected, and the excitement that is associated with being a leader within the Jewish clergy system. I was filled with pride knowing that most of the Rabbis that had had an influence on my Jewish education had all passed through this program.
One of the most meaningful elements of the trip was when we visited the Plum Street Synagogue, where the Rabbinic students walk up one flight of stairs to the bima, and walk down the other side as official Rabbis. The experience of seeing this beautiful, holy location really affected me, because I hope to one day make that trip.
When the trip was all said and done, I was very thankful that HUC had given me the option to participate. The experience was exceptional, because it was an opportunity for me to get together with like-minded individuals from colleges all across the country, who were interested in exploring elements of their faith, just as I was.
Additionally, the opportunity to experience the college and learn a little bit more about what it means to be a Rabbinic student made the whole thing a little more real, and a little more accessible. This also showed me just how important it is for me to continue my education, and gave me an academic goal to strive for.
Now that I am back at Indiana Unviersity, I am all the more excited to get deep into my Jewish Studies education. I have the chance to get myself off on the right foot, and I look forward to the chance to get an undergraduate education that will allow me to pursue my life goals in a beneficial and holy way.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Stronger, better, smarter
As a college student, I can often get carried away into a routine. I get lost in a rut and feel as though I have to go about my days the same way every week. Thank goodness for the month of November, because I am going to have a major shakeup.
During the month of November, I am getting the chance to travel across the country and see four different major cities in four different weekends. I’m traveling first to Cincinnati, then to Boston, Seattle and finally home to Chicago. Almost all of this is to be done for my work with NFTY, which just is another reason that I thank God that I have another year.
The chance to travel is one that not many college students get to have as often as I am about to do it. I, therefore, want to be able to share my experience of getting to see different parts of the country, so I will be blogging each week about my experience at the last place. This will start this coming week, after I travel to Cincinnati for a Hebrew Union College retreat.
I am currently getting the chance to study at a Big Ten University that offers so many classes that I can pretty much study any subject in the world that I could ever dream of wanting to learn. The biggest way in which I am learning, though, is very much not in the classroom. I am learning how the real world works, how to interact with others, how to live a life on my own. With all of this learning, I am getting an incredible opportunity to grow into the person I hope to be in my life, and, in some ways, make mistakes, learn from them, and change. Having the opportunity to do some extra-curricular travel is just one of the many ways in which I intend on studying well beyond the boundaries of the classroom. I am going to get the chance to learn from those who I travel with, those who are sharing different lifestyles and experiences from myself. I am excited to be able to do this, and to embark on something new, exciting, and fun.
I’m trying to get stronger. That is the bottom line. In everything I do, I am trying to get stronger in some form or another. Right now, I am focusing on three major areas: physical, mental, and psychological.
To get stronger physically, I have been working harder in the gym than ever before. Let me amend that statement: I’ve been working in the gym. I have been going almost every day, and really have a focus on eating better, working harder, and developing a better sense of general health.
To get stronger mentally, I am pushing myself in all different academic fields. I am dedicating more time to my classwork, reading more behind the scenes, and overall simply trying to push my thinking to a whole new level. I want to soak up as much information as possible during this time, because I have the resources to do well, so why not get as much from it as possible.
To get stronger psychologically, I am working on my interaction with others. I know that I can’t make everyone happy all the time. Instead of trying, I am working on being the best person I can be. If others like who that is, than I am succeeding. If they don’t like what I am, than I can’t worry about it. As Iong as the man I am is the one I want to be, I don’t care who else stands beside me.
I am in pursuit of a goal. The goal is to wake up every morning, look in the mirror, and like what I see. If I am hung over, I can’t like what I see, so I don’t drink. If I look in the mirror, and feel fat, I’m doing it wrong and need to get healthier. If I look in the mirror and am wondering who I see, than I need to take the time to better understand myself.
The work is not necessarily easy, but I am ready to be a good man, so I’m willing to do the work now to make it a reality.
During the month of November, I am getting the chance to travel across the country and see four different major cities in four different weekends. I’m traveling first to Cincinnati, then to Boston, Seattle and finally home to Chicago. Almost all of this is to be done for my work with NFTY, which just is another reason that I thank God that I have another year.
The chance to travel is one that not many college students get to have as often as I am about to do it. I, therefore, want to be able to share my experience of getting to see different parts of the country, so I will be blogging each week about my experience at the last place. This will start this coming week, after I travel to Cincinnati for a Hebrew Union College retreat.
I am currently getting the chance to study at a Big Ten University that offers so many classes that I can pretty much study any subject in the world that I could ever dream of wanting to learn. The biggest way in which I am learning, though, is very much not in the classroom. I am learning how the real world works, how to interact with others, how to live a life on my own. With all of this learning, I am getting an incredible opportunity to grow into the person I hope to be in my life, and, in some ways, make mistakes, learn from them, and change. Having the opportunity to do some extra-curricular travel is just one of the many ways in which I intend on studying well beyond the boundaries of the classroom. I am going to get the chance to learn from those who I travel with, those who are sharing different lifestyles and experiences from myself. I am excited to be able to do this, and to embark on something new, exciting, and fun.
I’m trying to get stronger. That is the bottom line. In everything I do, I am trying to get stronger in some form or another. Right now, I am focusing on three major areas: physical, mental, and psychological.
To get stronger physically, I have been working harder in the gym than ever before. Let me amend that statement: I’ve been working in the gym. I have been going almost every day, and really have a focus on eating better, working harder, and developing a better sense of general health.
To get stronger mentally, I am pushing myself in all different academic fields. I am dedicating more time to my classwork, reading more behind the scenes, and overall simply trying to push my thinking to a whole new level. I want to soak up as much information as possible during this time, because I have the resources to do well, so why not get as much from it as possible.
To get stronger psychologically, I am working on my interaction with others. I know that I can’t make everyone happy all the time. Instead of trying, I am working on being the best person I can be. If others like who that is, than I am succeeding. If they don’t like what I am, than I can’t worry about it. As Iong as the man I am is the one I want to be, I don’t care who else stands beside me.
I am in pursuit of a goal. The goal is to wake up every morning, look in the mirror, and like what I see. If I am hung over, I can’t like what I see, so I don’t drink. If I look in the mirror, and feel fat, I’m doing it wrong and need to get healthier. If I look in the mirror and am wondering who I see, than I need to take the time to better understand myself.
The work is not necessarily easy, but I am ready to be a good man, so I’m willing to do the work now to make it a reality.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
College ranking system redifined
Now that I am nine weeks into my college experience, I feel as though I have a pretty accurate account of what college life is like. Yes, college is challenging, and there are classes that are mentally taxing, but the most valuable part of the experience is actually in the use of time outside of the classroom. Here is a top five list of the best parts of college life so far:
10. The library and the gym. This may sound totally dorky, but I am so excited to have the opportunity to get lost in a library filled with fascinating books about a variety of topics that I may not have ever considered before. I love getting the chance to explore the reading material, and get an education on so many topics through college, even if I am not taking a formal class on a subject-matter. The gym is also a resource that is often under-used by college students but is exceptional. The facilities are immaculate and very modern, offering an exercising experience that is well worth the sweat and pain.
2. Football and basketball games. Getting to bond with everyone from your school in support of an athletic team (even if they suck), is an amazing part of the college experience. Taking full advantage of the student section, going to the games makes a fun experience even better when you feel as though you are actually part of the action of the game itself.
3. Dorm life. Being able to chill in the room and play video games with the guys makes dorm living more of a fun experience than a restriction. Tonight, we were all sitting around, telling jokes, eating pizza, and playing video games. It was an awesome time, and really a fun way to decompress after the stresses that come with a school day.
4. Reinvention. When you enter college life, there are no preconceived notions or standards that have been set. You are totally able to reinvent yourself if you want as a person, in an attempt to make you a better you. In my case, I feel as though I am able to work on eliminating the parts of me that I don't like and really work on making dominant the parts of me that I do like.
5. Independence. I heard it over and over before starting school, but the amount of independence given to college students is through the roof. Nobody cares that I am awake let alone blogging at 3 in the morning. I can eat when I want, sleep when I want, attend classes if I want. Having that free will is an incredible opportunity, but also the area in which most college kids screw up. Learning how to be independent is really the whole point to the college experience as it is.
10. The library and the gym. This may sound totally dorky, but I am so excited to have the opportunity to get lost in a library filled with fascinating books about a variety of topics that I may not have ever considered before. I love getting the chance to explore the reading material, and get an education on so many topics through college, even if I am not taking a formal class on a subject-matter. The gym is also a resource that is often under-used by college students but is exceptional. The facilities are immaculate and very modern, offering an exercising experience that is well worth the sweat and pain.
2. Football and basketball games. Getting to bond with everyone from your school in support of an athletic team (even if they suck), is an amazing part of the college experience. Taking full advantage of the student section, going to the games makes a fun experience even better when you feel as though you are actually part of the action of the game itself.
3. Dorm life. Being able to chill in the room and play video games with the guys makes dorm living more of a fun experience than a restriction. Tonight, we were all sitting around, telling jokes, eating pizza, and playing video games. It was an awesome time, and really a fun way to decompress after the stresses that come with a school day.
4. Reinvention. When you enter college life, there are no preconceived notions or standards that have been set. You are totally able to reinvent yourself if you want as a person, in an attempt to make you a better you. In my case, I feel as though I am able to work on eliminating the parts of me that I don't like and really work on making dominant the parts of me that I do like.
5. Independence. I heard it over and over before starting school, but the amount of independence given to college students is through the roof. Nobody cares that I am awake let alone blogging at 3 in the morning. I can eat when I want, sleep when I want, attend classes if I want. Having that free will is an incredible opportunity, but also the area in which most college kids screw up. Learning how to be independent is really the whole point to the college experience as it is.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Twisted Thursday
The modern work week structure includes five days of labor, those days including Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with two days of rest, being Saturday and Sunday.
Friday is not, as you may have discovered, part of the weekend. Most IU students have five days of classes, and five week-nights of studying and homework. Why, then, are so many students treating Thursday night like a night on the town?
In the lobby of my dorm, every Thursday night, it is more popular to see guys and girls getting dressed up to hit the frats than it is to see students returning from the library. This, in and of itself, would not be a problem for me. It is none of my business how someone chooses to spend their evenings. I am not anyone’s mother.
The problem arises in the morning. Friday is, contrary to popular belief, a day in which we have classes that are just as important to our education as any of the other four. When those students who are working hard to do well in college, have to go to class with their hung-over, half-asleep peers there is a breakdown in the education system. How can a class that is based on discussion and participation function when attendance drops on Fridays because of hard partying.
Additionally, the way of quantifying attendance levels is not necessarily most accurately depicted by the number of students in the seats. The better answer is how many students are attentive and ready to participate in class.
It is hard enough to get engaged in a class on Friday morning when sober. I desperately want to be back in bed, having nothing to do with drinking. When it is already hard to get out of bed and be a valuable member of the classroom environment, it is even less valuable to be there if your hangover is too intense to even raise your hand.
Students have two nights to do their drinking. If a person in the University community is looking for a chance to go out and get wasted, it is not hard to find someplace to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Using a third night, Thursday night, to drink is offering up the opportunity for further trouble associated with drunkenness, under-age drinking, and idiotic, bad judgment. When students have those three nights in a row to get themselves into trouble, it is increasing the likelihood of unnecessary harm to all involved. There have even been nights when Saturday will be a slow, lazy night because students are partied out by their Thursday and Friday nights. This is, put simply, ridiculous. Why waste your partying on a night when you actually have other things to do? Why would you lose out on a care-free Saturday night because you partied too hard on a night that you shouldn’t have.
As college students, we have the opportunity to make our own decisions without any interference from parents or guardians. That being said, we, as students, have a form of obligation to be acting somewhat responsibly, taking into account not only the choices one makes but the consequences these choices can have on others. When someone chooses to go out on a Thursday night and get thoroughly intoxicated, it is one thing to be effecting that night for that person; it is another thing when this choice negatively impacts the others around you in their pursuit of a valuable, meaningful education.
Friday is not, as you may have discovered, part of the weekend. Most IU students have five days of classes, and five week-nights of studying and homework. Why, then, are so many students treating Thursday night like a night on the town?
In the lobby of my dorm, every Thursday night, it is more popular to see guys and girls getting dressed up to hit the frats than it is to see students returning from the library. This, in and of itself, would not be a problem for me. It is none of my business how someone chooses to spend their evenings. I am not anyone’s mother.
The problem arises in the morning. Friday is, contrary to popular belief, a day in which we have classes that are just as important to our education as any of the other four. When those students who are working hard to do well in college, have to go to class with their hung-over, half-asleep peers there is a breakdown in the education system. How can a class that is based on discussion and participation function when attendance drops on Fridays because of hard partying.
Additionally, the way of quantifying attendance levels is not necessarily most accurately depicted by the number of students in the seats. The better answer is how many students are attentive and ready to participate in class.
It is hard enough to get engaged in a class on Friday morning when sober. I desperately want to be back in bed, having nothing to do with drinking. When it is already hard to get out of bed and be a valuable member of the classroom environment, it is even less valuable to be there if your hangover is too intense to even raise your hand.
Students have two nights to do their drinking. If a person in the University community is looking for a chance to go out and get wasted, it is not hard to find someplace to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Using a third night, Thursday night, to drink is offering up the opportunity for further trouble associated with drunkenness, under-age drinking, and idiotic, bad judgment. When students have those three nights in a row to get themselves into trouble, it is increasing the likelihood of unnecessary harm to all involved. There have even been nights when Saturday will be a slow, lazy night because students are partied out by their Thursday and Friday nights. This is, put simply, ridiculous. Why waste your partying on a night when you actually have other things to do? Why would you lose out on a care-free Saturday night because you partied too hard on a night that you shouldn’t have.
As college students, we have the opportunity to make our own decisions without any interference from parents or guardians. That being said, we, as students, have a form of obligation to be acting somewhat responsibly, taking into account not only the choices one makes but the consequences these choices can have on others. When someone chooses to go out on a Thursday night and get thoroughly intoxicated, it is one thing to be effecting that night for that person; it is another thing when this choice negatively impacts the others around you in their pursuit of a valuable, meaningful education.
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