Choosing Between Opposites

One of my biggest struggles in life is deciding between complete opposites. As one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet, I find myself lost in deciding between two potentially life changing choices. The biggest issue on my mind currently is college. I have been accepted to University of Illinois and University of Miami. Basically complete opposites. Warm vs. cold weather. Big vs. smaller. Far vs. close. Friends vs. strangers.

The more I think about deciding, the more I am unsure of what I want. Both options are great, but both have their pros and cons. How does one make such a huge decision? Making a list of reasons why I should go to one or the other helps, but when I don't have a "deciding factor" it is hard to know which one I want to go to. 

I think the hill that I can't seem to get over is the fear of change and whether or not I am ready to break out of my comfort zone. No matter which college I go to, I will have to meet new people and move away from home. But University of Miami is the "riskier" choice. The difficulty of making this choice stems from not knowing exactly what I want, but from the change in general. In The College Spill, Meredith Bazirgan discusses the universal stress of going to college and the difficulties that every student feels, 


"Most anyone can and does experience loneliness, and we have found that it is often accompanied by difficulty making friends, homesickness, feeling alone around others, or having too few meaningful acquaintances."


No matter where I go, I will experience the emotional struggles described above. So how can I get past this fear and commit to a school? Part of getting over a problem is recognizing that there is an issue in the first place. Now that I have realized that change and struggle is inevitable, my decision should be easier to make. College is about a change of scenery, a challenge, having fun, and growing as a person. So where can I do that best? 


I appear to be at a fork in the road. The Black Umbrella, a blog of one of my classmates, discussed regrets and how to deal with them. We can reflect on our regrets and live in the past if we want, but accepting and realizing there is nothing we can do about the past the only way to move forward. Based on the advice of my fellow classmate, it seems that the University of Miami is the best choice. It offers adventure and challenge at the same time, and no matter what I know that I will have a real, successful college experience.

Women's Rights in the Middle East

All throughout history, people have been persecuted and punished for being different. People have been discriminated against based on race, gender, social class, sexuality, religion, the list goes on and on. But one group that still lacks basic rights is women. Although most people reading this blog right now are from the U.S., we sometimes forget that the rights we have are not universal. Furthermore, the desire for women across the world to have equal rights is not universal either.

The example that led me to write about this issue is the fact that the leading political groups in Egypt are not advocating for equal rights for women. While Egypt claims to be a progressive and modern country, their policies and beliefs do not support that notion. Only two smaller parties agreed to sign pledges for women's rights. While the ousting of Mubarak is one great step for Egypt as a whole, it is only a half step forward for women.

As the picture above clearly shows, it wasn't just men who protested against Mubarak and his oppressive regime. Women had as much to do with the changes made and being made as men. And they certainly were a large part of the struggle. Many women were beaten, raped, killed, and forced to take virginity tests. 

So, why are the large majority of parties in Egypt refusing to give them equal rights? Do they really believe women are inferior to men? Part of me believes that the major reason women haven't been given equal rights is because of tradition. So much has already been changed in their society that giving women equal rights is too big of a step right now. They simply fear the change. Plus, giving women equal rights at this moment could prevent them from getting the conservative votes they need in future elections. But this thinking is extremely hypocritical. The people recently elected to parliament gave themselves power and the freedom to run for election, but didn't provide the same opportunities for others.

While Mubarak is gone, the military is slowly but surely losing its power, and a new government is being put in place, Egypt still has a long, long, long way to go. Democracy doesn't happen overnight, and Egypt is a clear example of this. It is a process that takes time, communication, and patience. I wish I could say Egypt is a successful example of a transition from a repressive regime to a democracy that encompasses all of its citizens, but it is not. There is still much Egypt has to learn. But women's rights are important to the success of Egypt as has been proved in many modern, democratic countries, and it is necessary that the new government recognize this fact and factor it into the constitution. 

The Right to Democracy

The need for new, democratic government is constantly growing and gaining support amongst Islamists as well as a select number of liberals in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood currently holds approximately fifty percent of seats in Parliament, more than any other political group. Their spokesman, Mahmoud Ghozlan, spoke recently about the Brotherhood’s desire to appoint a prime minister. They believe that the SCAF has not been successful in controlling violence and facilitating progression into democracy. They want to appoint a prime minister who will take the next step and provide security for the Egyptian people.The only catch is that they want the official to be a member of the Brotherhood.

Symbol of the Muslim Brotherhood

While instating a new prime minister would ensure the SCAF has less power, the prime minister would then have the ability to form a new government. Plus, if the prime minister can only be chosen from a pool of Muslim Brotherhood members, is this real democracy? The Brotherhood had the clear upper hand in parliamentary elections because of previous experience in politics/elections and also had connections to the Egyptian people. Therefore the Brotherhood needs to recognize that it is not fair to the people to only be able to choose from the Brotherhood members.

Also, the thinking of the Brotherhood is not completely correct in their assertion that instating a new prime would automatically bring about more control and peace. Putting a person in a high powered position with large responsibility could lead to disaster if the person has little experience or undemocratic motives. While it may seem like a good idea, there are underlying factors that the Muslim Brotherhood needs to consider before appointing a new prime minister.

Although the Muslim Brotherhood does seek democracy, when they speak of appointing a member of their party, they "other-ise" the rest of the Egyptian population who isn't Muslim. While Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, they do have a large Christian population (as well as other religious sects). And with the recent clashes between Copts and Muslims, this idea is not one that will sit well with the Christians. Differences in religion will always separate Egyptians to some degree, but policies a predominately Muslim government will make will increase the differences between them. In this time of change, the last thing Egypt needs is further tension.  

What's up with the weather?

For those of you who do not live in Chicago, the weather over here has been rather odd. Usually in February and January the grounds are fluffed with white snow. Traffic is backed up by piles of snow blocking the roads. People complain left and right about the cold weather.

But this year, and this week especially, winter in Chicago has barely been winter. Tuesday was in the 60s. In years past we have had awful snow storms and multiple snow days. So what exactly is up with the weather? Is it global warming, or is it simply a phase?


Having read a lot about global warming, whether it be in a biology class or on my own, there is no denying that things are changing. Whet Moser on Chicagomag.com referenced an interesting explanation by Dr. Jeff masters about what is happening:

"The natural weather rhythms I've grown to used to during my 30 years as a meteorologist have
become significantly disrupted over the past few years...We're used to seeing the slugger hit the ball out of the park, but not with the frequency he's hitting them now that he's on steroids. Moreover, some of the home runs now land way back in the seats where no one has ever been able to hit a home run before. We can't say that any particular home run would not have occurred without the steroids, but the increase in home runs and the unprecedented ultra-long balls are highly suspicious. Similarly, Earth's 0.6°C (1°F) warming and 4% increase in global water vapor since 1970 have created an atmosphere on steroids."

While changes in weather are expected over time, and it is necessary to consider that humans haven't been able to record and analyze most of the weather that has occurred over the lifetime of the planet, these changes Dr. Masters presented cannot be overlooked. And although the weather and global warming affects each and every one of us, most countries are not doing enough to significantly slow down the effects. We know there is a problem. But governments have so many other problems to deal with currently, such as the economic crises and recent social uprisings, that the environment is put second. This is understandable, but the future of our planet does depend on our current actions, and if we don't make changes soon, the situation, even in Chicago, will only worsen.

Kurdish Protesters?

Today as I was walking down Upper Wacker Drive at Michigan Avenue, I was greeted by Kurdish protesters outside Turkey's embassy trying to raise awareness about the raids by the Turkish government into Kurdish villages. On December 28, 35 people were killed, most of them children. As I approached the protesters, I was handed an informatory letter describing the issue:

"Current Turkish government, Mr. R.T. Erdogan's cabinet, claims to be a democratic and liberal Islamic country in the Middle East, lectures Syria and Libya for democracy, and accuses Israel of being cruel against Palestinians."

This clearly speaks to the hypocrisy of the Turkish government; the saying "practice what you preach" comes to mind. Certainly this is not the first time in history this has occured. The U.S. government advocated for democracy across the globe, but at the same time did not offer all it's citizens equal rights, for example African Americans were not granted equal rights until 1964.

As I crossed paths with the protesters, I couldn't help but wonder, how does one even begin to get the government to change? Is protesting enough to get the government to recognize the problem and do something about it?

The protesting Kurds would argue yes. The first step to solving a problem is to recognize there is a problem in the first place. What about protesting in the U.S.? Does this help their cause back in Turkey?

It is interesting to see what the media emphasizes and what it does not. As my classmates and I read the signs of the protesters, we were confused as to what the issue was. But us simply being there and recognizing the issue is part of the process of solving it. As I stated above, recognizing the problem and raising awareness is just as important as solving the issue itself.

Teaching Both Sides

Most of what students learn about is what their teachers force them to read.  If a teacher assigns a reading on how Columbus discovered America, they are most likely to believe that Columbus was the first one to reach America and completely ignore the fact that there were previous inhabitants. Of course when students get older and wiser, they learn to think for for themselves. But what happens when students only learn one side of the story?

What teachers choose and choose not to show there students greatly affects how students perceive the world and history. One issue that I have with school is that usually only one side is showed (not to say that this is always the case). Recently, I was assigned to read The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution by Sean B. Carroll for my AP Biology Class. This book focuses on evolutionary history and provides factual evidence as to how natural selection allows for evolution to occur over time.

While I really enjoyed reading this book and learned more about evolution, I can hear the other side of me crying out, "Hey! What about the side that says evolution doesn't exist?" I do believe in evolution, and can see how evolution fits in with the history of the world. But I am simultaneously interested in the other side. Why can't evolution exist? What are the counter examples to evolution?

I understand that it is a science class and my teachers job isn't to present the other side. But religion does play a role in science, just as ethics does. I can't help but wonder if we lived in a predominantly/extremist Christian or even deeply religious area if the curriculum would be different. Would I even be allowed to read this book in school? To what degree does the majority religion influence education?

This also speaks to how society has become more liberal. Society is changing, evolution is more widely accepted, but this doesn't mean only one side should be taught.

The Effects of Volunteering

My official title at the Heartland Animal Shelter is “dog walker.” But if I could change the job title, I would rename it “official attention giver” or “helper around
the shelter,” because working at an animal shelter isn’t solely about taking
dogs out once a day. A significant part of the job is befriending the canines
and assisting other volunteers with their jobs, whether it means cleaning up a
cage or staying half of an hour longer to feed the dogs.


There are about fifty dogs at the shelter at any given time, each with their own
personality and needs. The two opportunities a day they have to escape out of
their kennels are important for the dogs both emotionally and physically. I
have made it my mission to not only give them a good workout, but to show them
I care by giving them extra minutes outside, a run around the yard, or a treat.


Working at an animal shelter has changed me in ways I never would have expected. I
always knew that I liked working with animals, but I never imagined that
working with people would be a big part of the job as well. When I leave,
Helen, a volunteer who feeds the dogs, always thanks me and tells me how
appreciative she is that I help not only the dogs, but her. Even if I don’t
receive pay for the job, I receive the benefit of not only helping dogs, but
people as well. When I am at the shelter, my main focus is on helping out, not on myself. It has made me become less selfish and more compassionate.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die." Volunteering gives us a purpose in life, even if it is a small one. Community service is always encouraged by both high schools and colleges. Whenever people would talk to me about it, it would go in one ear and out the other. But after being deeply involved in community service, I really understand why. So I encourage all of you out there to help others, whether they are people, dogs, or even the environment. Find your cause. Because when you do, your time will feel well spent.

The Brink of Change

To take a turn away from the problems of the world, I'd like to change the subject to something a bit more domestic. An issue essentially every high school senior is facing right now: college. The big, flashing, alarming word. College. Just thinking about it makes me nervous. But what is it about this word that makes us so scared?

As a high school senior, it seems as if the road getting to college is the worst part. Everyone used to say senior year would be the easiest, but so far its the hardest. The essay, the grades, the teacher recommendations, the ACT score, the SAT score, the supplements, the Common App, the stress, the lack of a social life. All of these things are part of the long college application process. It seems as if this list is what we are afraid of. There is something about compiling 20 issues together that makes us stressed. And having to deal with these issues in a short amount of time. This huge load of work that must be done is dumped on us and interrupts our normal flow of life.

But the fact people tend to miss is that this is part of life. Change occurs on a regular basis. For some of us, the transition into college life will be the biggest move we will make. So how do we begin to wrap our heads around this? How do we decide where we want to go, who we want to be, what we want to study? Many wise people have told me that sometimes the best thing to do is to simply pick a road and drive down it. To all my soon to be college students: choose a road, drive down it for a while, check out the side roads, and decide whether you want to continue or make a left turn onto another street. It seems daunting, because it is. Personally, I am having issues choosing a road. Eventually, the deadline will creep up on me and I will have to make a decision. But my advice is to think carefully, and choose what your gut tells you. (If you don't like this advice, and want a more qualified opinion, visit this link for a video and explanation on how to survive the college application process: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/14346427/ns/today-parenting/t/tips-how-survive-getting-college/)

And another thing we forget is that college is going to be both what we expect and nothing that we expect at all. Part of what makes college exciting is that we don't know who our friends are going to be or what we will end up studying. This will one of, if not the most important change in our lives. The worst thing we can do is worry and reject the change, because no matter what, college will come. In the meantime, all you high school seniors need to relax, enjoy your last year of high school, and really contemplate what you want to do with your lives. Because the most important turn is coming.

An Introductory Blog Post

Good evening world. My name is Sammy and I’m a high school student writing a blog for my English class, as well as for myself. Throughout my high school career, I would say that I’ve gone through some pretty radical changes. As a young freshman, I was timid, afraid of the seniors, and intimidated by my classes. But as a high school senior, I’ve grown into myself. I’ve learned to be confident in my ideas and who I am. This isn’t to say the road was easy, it certainly wasn’t. Between taking the hardest class of my life so far (pre-calculus) to going through some rough family times, I’ve had a lot on my plate. But I don’t regret any decisions that I have mad, or anything that has happened to me. All of my experiences have led to one thing: change.

Change.

It unites everyone and everything. People change where they live, who they love, what they do. Leaders, the environment, and foreign relations: they all change. This blog will be a way for me to examine how and why things change and how this transition of change affects people. How do we deal with change? How does our socio-economic class, gender, race, etc. affect how we deal with change? What makes us so afraid of change?

On a more global scale, the world is transitioning every day. Some people argue the world is becoming more democratic in a political sense. Egypt’s government is being completely reconstructed and becoming a democracy. But on the other hand, the world is shying away from “Westernization” and instead moving towards modernization. How will governments and their people respond to these changes? Will these changes be for the better?

Instead of merely examining issues in today’s society, I want to look at how things used to be versus how they are now, and where they might be headed in the future. In order to examine how things have changed, it is important to take a step back and reflect on how things were. The issues I am interested in range from prejudice against gays to Palestine becoming a UN member to the transition from high school to college. Odds are you have heard about the desire for a Palestinian state. If such a state was admitted to the UN, how would other countries in the region be affected? Who would this change benefit, and who would it hurt?

Change also occurs on smaller, more personal scales. As a high school senior, change is certainly coming my way. I will be off to college next year and will have to leave my comfortable, suburban life. I’m not sure where I am going to go or what I am going to study. That scares me a bit. My future is in my control, but at the same time I know that no matter what my life will not be the same anymore. Part of the mystery of change is that we can never predict exactly what is going to happen. Change is an exciting, yet scary part of life in that we can never know what’s in store for us. I was once told by a volleyball coach, be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Change is inevitable, so part of dealing with change is that we must accept that no matter what we do, things are going to change.

My main point is that everyone experiences change and that it is important for us to reflect on how things have changed to understand the world in which we live. Change is a permanent fixture in our lives, and its certain that change is always ahead. I hope that by reading my blog, you will find a better understanding of the change in your life and reflect on how you react to it.