Relevant Religions

There are three religions that have so much similarity: Christianity, Muslim faith, and Jewish faith. Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God. The Jewish believe Jesus Christ as a prophet. The Muslims believe in Allah, or one central God over all. I am surprised by how closely related these religions are. I did not realize this until our small group discussion in Scholars 101 last week. I hope that I always keep this in mind, because although these three religions have different perceptions and ideals, they tie so well together. Muslims were heavily persecuted during the 9/11 terrorist attack. What was not kept in mind was that all Muslims are not alike. Most Muslims practice the faith according to Allah, not the mass killings of innocent people. This was an unfair persecution from us as Americans, but who else were we supposed to point fingers at? Anyway, the Jewish were not treated so well either. Germany had there hand on them for a long time with horrible repercussions. It is those times that we all look back and dread for the wronged Jewish. The Christians were not quite oppressed, unless you include the Quakers, who came to America to practice their faith freely. The Quakers did not, however, stress the same qualities of Christianity. The Quakers were firm in tradition, and did not budge from historical works. Christianity can change from tradition, as long as faith is being practiced by oneself. What an interesting phenomena! I should have been more aware of this. And another thing- religions usually contain some sort of sentiment along the lines of good and bad. If your good, you are rewarded- if you are bad, then you face heavy consequences. It could be the act of going up or down the ladder of prestige in the next life, the amount of riches received after this life, or if heaven will be home after death, it is nice to know that the world religions want us to be better people.

My Name is Khan

What a great movie! I love the idea. This movie clearly shows that people with religious and physical/mental minorities can be implemented in society, depending on level of minority, and tells us that everyone should be treated fairly. I also love the romance idea to the movie, although I hate to admit it. When you think about it, how Khan is trying to see the president, he is really going after his dreams. I mean, who would have the mindset to meet the president on their own and go with it methodically? Well, a lot of people. But the way Khan is pursuing this dream, and because no one else really feels the same way he does, it is quite surprising. I am so glad I had a chance to watch this movie.  What intrigues me is that Khan has had no way to communicate he feelings when he was a kid, but has grown to understand how to show his feelings through actions, words, and writings. This story can be used in our own lives:

First off, be kind to others that may seem different then you. If we treat each other in a kind manner, than we can learn from one another and grow with this experience. Mingling with others is key to success. I find it very exciting and interesting to talk with random people. Of course, it makes the situation less awkward, such as standing in a long line or waiting for something, but it also gives me great insight on my outside world and what I can do with my impact in the world everyday.

Second, love can be found anywhere. Whether by looks, personality, time and place, or all 3: love is not a set thing. Usually, I tell myself: the girl that I will marry will be this, this and this, but in reality, the woman I marry may be someone I have never dreamed of.

Third, fear is only a frame of mind. If we step past our fear, we can help diminish the barrier between our dreams and the place we want to be. I love playing ukulele for people and an audience. This is mainly because I feel a sense of accomplishment; I feel that every performance makes me better. It is as if I think to myself, 'For every performance, I could play for the world." I like to think this way.

What a great choice! My Name is Khan is informative on the matter of minorities and our everyday life.

Previously in Scholars #1

Previously in Scholars 101...

We had a discussion in our small groups about a group called the gypsies. I may add that the word "gypsy" can encompass various groups of people, with both similar qualities and drastic differences. Just as an airplane can be classified as an airship, but their are some airplanes that can drive on water- so is the variety of individuals that are included in the name "gypsy." Now, gypsies have a harsh stereotype under their name. The rumors spread and say that gypsies live to travel, steal and own nice things, and believe in predetermined marriage. The dislike for gypsies is so immense that students may not be allowed to enroll in school in Europe. From my experience, I have noticed stereotypical gypsies in America. These people I met cam from Arkansas, wore very nice clothes, and had really nice things. They moved constantly, maybe at least once every year. The people around me explained the stereotype of these individuals, and I could understand what they were talking about. I could see what they were saying. Stereotypes can be daunting... I am sure that there are people who may call themselves gypsies or not, but all people are different. Not one gypsy is alike. Perhaps, our stereotypical thoughts are actually something of the past, or may not be true at all.

Summary Points

• Gypsies can either be a stereotype classification or a word that they call themselves
• Gypsies do not need to believe similarly together
• Gypsies can be seen in across the world
• Gypsies stereotypically travel and steal

Outfly

I may be gullible...

But I'm not THAT gullible. Upperclassman think they can make dates and rumors up, but I know something the other freshman don't know. Outfly is not tomorrow. "It's tomorrow, it's tomorrow!" Pfft, what a joke. If it was tomorrow, it would be every day the past month. Zach Sommers said that too, and he's the one who made the date. Here are a list of facts that I know Outfly consists of:

FACT #1: Outfly is real

FACT #2: Outfly is before the weather gets too cold

FACT #3: Outfly will be when everyone least expects it

Looking at the facts, it is clear that Outfly is certainly uncertain. No one will know when Outfly is, because it is possible that the Outfly decision makers, including the president of Outfly, can change the date if need be. Outfly was supposed to be last Tuesday, but the weather was too unpleasant to continue with the plans. Therefore, Outfly was changed to a later date. Why not change the date once more, when everyone believes Outfly to be tomorrow? I'll tell you one thing- if I were student body president of Wartburg, I would make sure that people were surprised. When the whole campus, including teachers, assume classes being dismissed the next day, I would make sure to have some fun with the power I have in choosing the Outfly date.

Let's be honest, I would love Outfly to be tomorrow. I wish it would have been today, but we need to use our cognitive thinking as freshman. Look around you: do you hear everyone talking about Outfly? It's true, and you may have joined them, but remember: Outfly will never be when everyone thinks it is. What fun would that be? I understand that we all know when Christmas is, but it is the idea of wondering exactly when the presents arrive. We'll never know when the presents get here, or when Outfly gets here. Get homework done and plenty of rest, and who knows? Tomorrow could be a great day without any work to do whatsoever, and it just so happens to be Outfly. Me, however, I am betting someone five bones that Outfly is not tomorrow, so let us agree to disagree it is not tomorrow, but instead, Friday.

Yay for Outfly!!!

The Vote

The right to vote is a blessing to us as Americans. In various other countries, the right to vote is no right whatsoever, or if it is, the system of government may be biased and corrupted. No matter what the cost, the right to vote should be given to all available and allegeable citizens of America. The question of who in America can vote, regarding illegal aliens, is a hard one to answer. Opinions will come and go, but the real answer is hidden somewhere in the constitution. Everyone has a right to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In my opinion, may it come or go, is that non-citizens should have the right to vote. Not only this, but should be able to become citizens more cheaply and essentially less complicated than it is today. In the scope of America, the votes given by immigrants of illegal traverse will only boost voter turnout with good intentions of the people. Perhaps some of the population of illegal immigrants may not know all there is to know about the current election, but in the vote, usually there are good intentions. As America, I think it is our duty to appropriately and intelligently accept who we can through the country and allow them the vote with trust and responsibility.

The voting age, to my thought, is in a perfect place. The age of eighteen is the beginning of adulthood where youth begin the finding of their passions and the establishment of their beliefs. Though, to be admitted in the army, one must be eighteen. To consume alcohol, youth must be twenty-one. These age differences are a bit misunderstandable, however, the voting age is at an accurate position.

One must think of when women received the right to vote in 1920 through the 19th amendment. As America, this was a necessary and probable cause to support. Equality of the sexes is imperative, especially according the vote.

The vote has many positives surrounding it today in America. I believe that there are minimal difficulties and problems in voting today. However, the electoral college has a say that the citizens of America may not. Though, Americans vote for the electoral college to make decisions. They have the ability to say, "neigh," to a states overall vote, which is quite an enormous power. Besides this recurring thought, many good things encompass the vote.

Dream Big

Dream big- how else are we going to get anywhere? Start with what you have, and go for whatever you want to see come true in life. Its like putting a mound of clay in your hand, putting it on a pottery rack, and forming it with your hands until it is to your liking. Although, sometimes our pottery glass cracks in the furnace, we may not be physically able to make another, or our clay runs out. Just as the clay smooths and forms in our hands, so is the way of our dreams.

DREAM BIG

G
Dream big
D
Why freeze our thoughts?
G
Connect the hopes you find
D                           C
And create them a timeline

G
Dream big
D
Discover the ladder
G
Climb for the air you seek
D                    C
Breathe in the light so deep

G
Find your call
D
When your falling through
G
The ground where you
D
Know there's one thing to do


D (Power Chord)
We shine,
                            D
Brighter than the whole earth moves
D (Power Chord)
With the sun,
                 D
Creating a world so new
G
Than before,
A
The darkness was over the sky
D (Power Chord)
We shine,
                           A          D
Brighter than the soaring tide

Thoughts on "The Independent Project"

As we discussed in class, I would have to agree that "The Independent Project" would be ideal in the senior year of high school. This would help students figure out what they want to do with the rest of there life in a faster manner. Instead of going through the motions in the last year of high school, why not use the year to explore? Perhaps find the dream you were dreaming of?

However, another point I have come a crossed in my mind is the idea of college in itself. College is "The Independent Project" in its truest form. Where else can one learn what they want to do, and get a recognition for it? In this light, it could be quite intelligent to think of college as the dream outlet. The idea of being graded for an individualized goal is the intention of college.

Looking at both of these points, which one should we prefer and implement? That is for you to decide. For me, college is "The Independent Project." Someone may have come along and said, "what if we had students study what they were interested in? Wouldn't that be a great idea?" Yes, it would, but it was already created.

In argument, "The Independent Project" in its beginnings prompted students to continue their education to highly respected colleges. These students not only found a passion, but continued it on throughout their future career. This outcome is very impressive, and therefore could be a proof of the positives in "The Independent Project."