Last Week of Class

The first day of the last week of class has begun and the tension amongst the student population is reaching it's boiling point. Granted, it is not like they are throwing things at each other (at least not yet).

However, anyone who is present can definitely feel the tension. I still do not believe that you could cut it with a butter knife yet but a good steak knife certainly would do in this case.

Even though many of my colleagues are on edge, I am trying to make the best of it by trying not to stretch myself too thin. Mostly this means that I have been staying out of the office as much as possible.

I have only a few acts left to do as Student Body President which includes the last two pizza giveaways and passing out the faculty awards at the Honors Day celebration.

Since I am coming so close to the end, I have been thinking about the past year and the great things that I have gotten to do.

Probably my best moment from this past year was giving the keynote speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon. It was an amazing feeling to deliver a speech about the powerful message of Dr. King.

It was also fun to talk with and meet the diverse group of people that were present on that occasion.

Well, I guess it is back to my studies for me. Along with putting on my best smile for when I listen to my peers complain about their days.

If I ever let something as miniscule as a test drive me crazy, I might as well quit everything.

The Two Hour Delay

After a fun night with new and old friends in Tipton, I awoke this morning at 6:00 AM and thought I would never get up. The good thing was that I was subbing today. The bad thing was that I was extremely tired and sore from working out yesterday.

However, lady luck was on my side today as my father informed that there was a two hour delay for my school. Just like any secondary education student, I happily yelled "Yes!" and then went straight back to sleep.

Ever since I graduated from high school four years ago, I have forgotten about the joy, excitement, and fun that comes with the two hour delay.

For whatever reason, I seem to sleep a lot better during this time. Probably because I have magically been granted two more hours of rest and relaxation.

Well, I had better get back to work as I am at lunch right now. It seems so weird eating lunch at 11:15 in the morning.

This post is a little short when compared to the other ones plus I think it is nice to have a "positive" school post every once in a while. Enjoy your day!

Mental Representation

Last night was basketball night with the guys. I welcomed this break from tests and papers to just relax for an evening. The games went well and I shot the ball quite well from the outside so I was happy at the end of night.

Today I woke up in a haze. My mind is so out of it and the type of information being fed into it is not the the kind that I enjoy. Many of this jargon, as I like to call it, is mostly technical information.

The technical information includes meanings of words, different types of things (such as blindness), and other stuff that I do not know the name of because I am blogging.

I am ready to finish my "training" and get to work out on the "sales-floor" so to speak. I sometimes wonder why it seems as if all of the information I am learning at the present time will be of no use to me in the future.

What I also find disturbing is holding someone to a high regard only to find out from the so called "experts" that they know very little. It hurts when this happens.

The movie "Cocktail" is a pretty good representation of my mental world right now at least one scene imparticular. The main character, Brian, has just gotten out of the Army and now has gone back to college.

Probably his most difficult task, he is given an assignment to create a business strategy. After receiving his paper back, in which the teacher has just ripped his business idea, he is infuriated but tries not to show it.

The teacher sensing his frustration says, "The one who can't take the criticism." In reaction to this comment, Brian retorts, "Not from a guy who hides here because he can't hack it in the real world."

Inspired to Blog

The semester will shortly be over and already I am starting to see many of my colleagues start the early process of a mental breakdown.

Let me be clear though, I do not condone nor am I disgusted with these individuals feeling the pressures of college.

What has caused me pain is the constant bickering, complaining, and negativity from many of my colleagues.

I can understand that they are stressed and the three previously mentioned actions provide a release of their frustrations. However, when it begins to make me frustrated is when I take issue.

I am sure that I am not alone in my pain. I am sure that many could name examples as well.

Such as the person who complains about technology being difficult in a computer class.

The group of students' who feel the need to put on an amateur counciling session in order to make one feel better about an upcoming exam.

The group of two that are so full of sunshine that they try to pep everyone up to the point of nausea.

Despite my conundrum, it is not all on the student's shoulders. Sometimes the instructor is also to blame for these mental headaches because of the idea that, "Without stress, no student will study or, for that matter, care about the final exam."

Probably one of my favorite quotes that I have heard used is, "You will all do just fine. This is easy material." In response to this, many students begin to pull their hair out because of their lack of understanding of the material.

So, from the perspective of a non-stressed college student, I am enjoying the final days of classes. Even though my grades will not be as high as I want them to be, I believe that I have grown this year more than any other during college and I do not mind.

The truth is that no one will remember that grade I got in Spanish or how much better I could have done if not for my Student Body President position in twenty years.

This is because, as I look back on this school year, I can honestly say that I have no regrets and lived well.

Illegal Immigration

For the past few weeks, many of my colleagues and friends have been discussing and debating the illegal immigration issue confronting America.

Just like them, I too have been taking a great deal of time to weigh all sides of the issues. Tonight, I read an OP-ED piece written by the very man who helped give me the confidence to pursue a career in public life and education.

That man is the Democratic Congressman from the 16th District of Texas: Silvestre Reyes. Here is his piece. It helped me a great deal with my own opinions. Enjoy the article.

Our nation's immigration policies, as well as federal proposals for immigration reform, such as H.R. 4437, have recently been the source of much outrage and concern here in El Paso.

I served for 26 1/2years in the U.S. Border Patrol, and saw firsthand the hypocrisy and failures of our nation's immigration policies, and have long advocated comprehensive immigration reform in Congress.

As the only member of Congress with a background in border control, I have worked during my nearly 10 years in Congress to educate my colleagues about the fact that our current policies not only do little to honor our legacy as a nation of immigrants, they also threaten our security.

Unfortunately, passage late last year in the House of Representatives of H.R. 4437, the so-called Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, did not move us closer to the comprehensive overhaul this nation so desperately needs.

It did, however, illustrate that the majority of members of the House of Representatives either have no idea what Congress really needs to do to help keep Americans safe, or are more interested in scoring political points with the voters back home.

For instance, I offered an alternative proposal to H.R. 4437 on behalf of House Democrats that, unlike H.R. 4437, would have fulfilled and even surpassed the requirements of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission with respect to increases in personnel and equipment necessary to apprehend, process and deport undocumented immigrants.

However, none of the 219 Republicans voting supported my measure.

The realities of immigration reform and border enforcement demand far more than proposals for constructing impractical multibillion-dollar border fences, making criminals out of clergy or aid workers who render basic humanitarian assistance to the undocumented, or making the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants felons.

We need a comprehensive immigration reform plan with three main components: strengthened border security; tough, strictly enforced sanctions against employers who hire undocumented immigrants; and a guest-worker program that offers a path to earned legalization for those who are willing to work hard, pay taxes and participate as productive members of our society.

The bill that was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is currently pending in the Senate is a good-faith effort at fulfilling those three imperatives. For instance, the bill includes a provision allowing immigrants who have been living, working and raising families in the United States to become full members of our society.

As a nation built by immigrants, we should welcome this next generation of immigrants who are seeking the American Dream. At the same time, by bringing the vast majority of the undocumented out of the shadows, law enforcement will be better able to identify the small handful of immigrants who are not here for legitimate reasons, but may instead pose a threat to our security.

Comprehensive, fair immigration reform is long overdue, and public outcry in El Paso and across the country has signaled that our patience is just about up. H.R. 4437 was unnecessarily mean-spirited and punitive, and did not address the fundamental failures of our immigration policies.

I was proud to lead the Democratic opposition to the bill, and find it encouraging that the Senate so far has been moving in a different direction. Enacting legislation similar to the bill reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee would be a step in the right direction toward real border security and immigration reform.

Back Home Again

It is so nice to be home again. As I approached my house, I could definitely see a gleaming candlelight still shining bright through the sycamores, for me.

We arrived back late this evening and I was elated to see my family and dog. Nothing much really changed. My parents were still on their same spots on the couch and love seat.

I do, however, have some homework left to do. Although, the weekend was not lost. I finished Carter's book and completed Doris Kearns Goodwin's book Team of Rivals about the political genious of Abraham Lincoln.

It was a great book that was written more like a novel than an actual history book. It is amazing to think that the anniversary of President Lincoln's assasination was only a couple days ago.

Make sure that you pick up a copy if you get the chance. It is an interesting read about one of the world's greatest leaders.

My next book that I believe will consume my summer is a combination of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders and An Autobiography.

I read through the first few pages and it looks like it will be enjoyable although it is more technical than my last book. Wish me luck!

Greetings from Wisconsin

Well, I know that it has been a couple days since I last posted anything so I figured I would post an update while in Wisconsin. Currently, I am at the National Speech Tournament in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

It is a pretty interesting town and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire is pretty nice especially with the Blimpie Sub Shop in the middle of the student center.

My performances in other people's minds have been top notch and very consistent like they have been all year but not in my eyes. For some reason, I just have not been able to get psyched up for this tournament.

I guess that maybe I am a little worried about school wrapping up. Take it from me, trying to stay up on grades while in another state is quite difficult. However, I have enjoyed the break.

To be honest, my professors have been extremely cool this semester (with maybe an except or two in one class). I have been very happy that they have not tried to trick me or play the little games that give higher learning a bad reputation.

I just wish I could get excited about classes but it seems as if I have been more burned out on everything this semester than ever before. Some may attribute it to senioritis but I think it is much deeper than that.

I think that my brain is in definite need of rest and relaxation. My physical fatigue does not even compare to the mental and emotional fatigue that comes with all that my life is composed of.

The true beauty if this is, when compared with years prior, I have been handling it much better and am fully prepared to finish out the year on a good note. Hang in there everyone!

If you need a pair of ears that will listen, I am always here. Take care!

Best of Times, Worst of Times

I had a test today. Every test day is pretty much routine anymore.

I know that I can count on half of the class nervously studying there notes as I enter the classroom. I know that I can count on this one girl/guy in the front row completely freaking out for no reason.

I also know that I can count on enjoying every minute of it. Not that I enjoy people going through pain. I guess it just helps me deal with the stress that I usually keep bottled up inside.

I did a pretty good job of it today. I kept my cool but the fact that I had a test on the same day that my family lost someone very important to us.

I think I have taken it the worst just because of how beautiful the person's character and personality were. I have still continued to press on and keep on going. That's usually the best medicine at least for me anyway.

Ever since I finished Bill Clinton's My Life and began reading Jimmy Carter's Our Endangered Values, I have been thinking about the things I would like to be in life.

Keep in mind, I do not believe that life is best lived by crossing off items on a check list. But, I do have a few life goals and am sure that the list will continue to grow with time.

Be a good person

Never put anything before my family

Stay active in my community

Keep a good company of friends

Write a good book

I guess those will have to do for now. I am sure I will think of more sometime.

The Male Restroom Monologue

With the semester ending and stress reaching levels never seen at any point during the year, the normal college student must find ways of reducing stress.

One way is to watch small humorous films called Flash Animations.

My generation is no stranger to these such as the class End of the World flash animation.

These films have also inspired sequels such as the sequal to the Original Numa Numa Dance, American Idol Numa and the politically inspired Jib Jab cartoons.

Now, we have the Male Restroom Monologue which takes all of the basic guy knowledge about public bathrooms and turns it into something that is cutting edge real and entertaining. Enjoy!

The Male Restroom Monologue

Grab a Paddle

School is starting to come to an end with only three weeks left in the semester. I am starting to feeling the pressure because it seems as if there are so many stupid little things left to do.

It seems as if the littlest things have been causing my head to pound lately with what seems to be a million things pulling me each way.

This might have something to do with not have a substantial break from thinking in about 2 years. Everyone else seems to be in the same boat, paddling as hard as they can toward the shore.

I know that there are things that need to be accomplished and I know that most of them are important. I have found that the more I am pushed to do these things, the more I push back and refuse.

I guess I might as well just grab a paddle and wait for the next three weeks to be over. Then I will be able to just sit back and do very little mental work for a few months.

Mandatory Participation

I went home last night and just slept because I was extremely tired. I work up early this morning because I wanted to get some work done before my speech meeting. The meeting was fun as it always was but a certain topic came up during it.

The topic was over the validity of participation points in college courses. I used to think that it was a good thing to make participation apart of the grade but the older I get, the more I dislike it.

Granted, participation is a necessity in any democracy to maintain social order and improve the quality of life but should it be made mandatory in a college classroom that is anything but a democracy?

I think it's important to participate in discussion but if you really have nothing to say then why lose points for it?

The phrase, "Those who talk the most and loudest out of everyone, often times have very little to say," keeps ringing in my ears anymore.

Of course, others might say that it is important to voice our opinions. Now don't get me wrong, I agree with those people but I think we often times forget to listen to others after voicing our concerns to others.

Many people might be familiar with this situation. You have a conversation with someone that lasts for at least 15 minutes in which you do a great job of listening and being a good friend.

The only problem is that by the time you get to the end of this conversation, you are so mentally drained that you have forgotten about any of the problems happening in your life.

The person that you have been conversing with usually asks after a long pause, "So, how are things going in your life?" and the only response that you can muster at that point in time is, "Oh, nothing much."

No one means for that to happen I'm sure. I just think it is one of those things in life that happens for no apparent reason.

So, I guess that participation is important but only in small doses. Also, I think it's important to never forget about the listener when we discuss the seemingly big but actual small problems that occur in life.

Remember, as James Carville once said, "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason." Use them accordingly.

INPIRG

I got the opportunity to speak at a press conference concerning the dangers of student loan debt on graduating college students who plan to take on careers in social service. Here is the text of the speech:

Thank you. I am very happy to be here with you this afternoon. I would like to thank the Indiana and Ohio PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) Chapters to speak at this press conference.

[To Audience] I would also like to thank all of you for fighting the rain to hear us discuss the important topic of student loans.

This is a very special day for me for it is not just a great honor for me to be addressing you today but it is also special because a teacher I love and respect is present today as well. That teacher is my father.

For the past 30 years, this man has touched the lives of thousands of children. I am no exception to this. Along with being a terrific father, he has been my inspiration to pursue a career in Education and has taught me lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom.

My father taught me about the importance of hard work and giving back to one’s community.

My father taught me to never give up on my dreams, no matter how big or small they were.

And finally, my father taught me that for every American, there is a window of opportunity.

Unfortunately, for many of today’s college students, the window of opportunity is getting smaller by the day.

Over the past decade, as state and federal support for higher education has slowed, students have been forced to take out larger loans to pay for their education.

In 1993, only 1/3 of all college students needed to take out student loans. Eleven years later in 2004, that number has grown to 2/3rds.

Along with the growing number of students needing loans, this has led to more and more students falling into a hole of unmanageable debt.

As I stand here today, 28.3% of public and 45.7% of private college graduates across the country would have unmanageable debt as starting teachers in Indiana. Nationally, 37% of public and 55% of private college graduates would have unmanageable debt as starting social workers.

The serious consequence of student loan debt is that it makes life after college difficult for graduates and forces them to face unmanageable debt if they were to become a teacher or a social worker.

But there is an even bigger issue confronting students like myself. Not only are we confronted with starting life out on the wrong foot but we also are faced with having to give up on serving our communities.

Over the next decade, America will need to recruit two million new teachers to educate our nation’s children. The same holds true for social workers, who will play a critical role as our population ages and requires more support services.

As student loan debt becomes a larger issue for students across the country, we believe there are real solutions to help students right away.

We have every reason to be optimistic that we can.

We can make loan repayment fair and affordable.

We can protect borrowers from misleading information.

And we can establish incentives to control tuition increases.

So as I conclude today, let’s begin helping our students by investing in their future, and do for them what my father did for me, by inspiring young people to help others through education and social service.

Rough Morning

It's early in the morning and I am moved to blog. I love how that sounds. Kind of sounds like my friend Mike who will sometimes walk into the room, walk right up to me, and say "You know what's wrong with the world Kyle?"

Yeah, that's how I feel this morning as if I'm not stressed out enough over this Multimedia test I am about to take.

To be honest, I am actually happy to be alive considering I had someone driving half-way up my rear today. I even got the luxury of seeing the person when they pulled in next to me.

I almost had the urge to walk right behind them for a little while and see if they enjoyed having someone up their butt.

Can you imagine if everyone did that? It'd actually be quite fun to see at the supermarket to be honest but I don't know why.

Let's go to the news really quick this morning because I saw that yet again another Teacher is being charged with raping a student.

There are so many good teachers out there that these kind of stories make it really difficult to argue for increased funding for education and teacher's salaries. It's really depressing.

Teacher charged with raping student 28 times

March Stats

In honor of Mike's Blog, Life or Something Close, I have decided to release my stats for the month of March 2006 even though they may be much smaller than his.

• Number of Hits: 585
• Best Day: March 3, 2006 - 47

Well those were the stats brought to you by the office of the Student Body President. The sweetest smelling office in the world! It's a short post I know so stay tuned, there will be a much bigger one later today.

Got Instructions?

Sometimes I wish I could go to my local bookstore and be able to check out the Life for Dummies text. I am sure that no text exists although it would be nice to have an instruction manual for life.

One area of my life has been on my mind for about the last month. Granted, I do not obsess over this area but when the day is finished or I have some time to myself, I end up sitting in thought, going over my options.

I have experienced the same thing once before but this time it is much different considering the circumstances. Certain things still remain the same even though the names and faces have continued to evolve and change over time.

It has also become extremely difficult to communicate this also. It seems as if there are only two ways for an outside party to help when there is a difficult situation confronting a person.

They can either show sympathy towards you and/or they can try to help solve the problem. Both ways are noble but to the party with the problem, it makes things even more complicated in my opinion.

This is especially true when you have been raised to put others before yourself and to help those with actual problems. It's quite funny considering I was watching Spider-Man 2 this evening and it made me think about this.

Of course, Spiderman (I don't know why they put the dash in the title) is just an ordinary kid who tries as best he can to save others. Because of this he makes sacrifices with his studies, finances, and social life.

I just found it interesting that at the end of the movie the love of his life says to him, "Isn't it about time someone saved your life?"

I guess my ultimate dilemma and questions are:

"Is it better for us to put our problems aside while trying to help others solve theirs?

Is it better for us to share our problems even though we are taught to put others ahead of ourselves?"