Despite the fact that the only thing on the news these days seems to be concerning stimulus packages, our financial problems are here to stay for a bit longer. No matter what, any plan put into action will take time to resonate throughout the market, and in order to thrive (or just survive) until then, finances need to be reconstructed.
It goes without saying that students here were especially worried- would they lose their scholarships to budget cuts? What would this years annual increase of tuition be? Would they have to worry about losing their jobs on campus?
To answer these (and many other questions), President Donna Shalala visited Vince Cardinal's apartment in Hecht this Monday. Aside from being absolutely stoked that I was sitting less than five feet away from her, I felt reassured at the answers she was giving. She stated that things were difficult- people were donating less, and some budgets would be affected. She made sure to tell us that our scholarships would be honored, and need-based aid would actually increase. Staff would be paid fairly and continue to receive health care benefits- she acknowledged that no matter what the situation, we need to take care of one another and honor what is right. There was also mention of the silver lining of these budget cuts- the GreenU initiative. Energy saving practices will not only save us money, but help the environment as well.
Once everyone's financial questions were answered, the floor opened up for any other things we were wondering about- from why freshmen couldn't have cars to whether or not she planned on leaving the school (rumors had spread that she might leave to take up her post in the cabinet again for the Obama administration, but she assured us that UM is "too fun to leave"). It was a great chance to discuss current events and challenges with one of the most influential and achieved people in our nation.
Oh, and she has great faith in our baseball team. Go 'Canes!
Showing posts with label barack obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label barack obama. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Review of Yesterday...
Yesterday, January 20th, was the beginning of the Spring semester here at the U. This meant new schedules, new classrooms to find, and new people. Add that to the excitment of the inauguration, and it was quite a busy day (definitely not what I was used to after a month of staying at home!).
My first class, Survey of Western Art I, was at 8 am. After finally waking up and getting dressed to brace the recently freakishly cold weather (Miami should never have 50 degree weather, but alas...), I headed down to the dining hall with those who were also unfortunate in having such an early start to their day. Around 7:40 I started to make my way to the Whitten Learning Center- which I had forgotten was all the way on the other side of campus. I got there with a couple of minutes to spare and found the classroom easily. After receiving the syllabus and going over some basics, we were dismissed early. With some time to spare until my next class, I headed down to the University Center (UC), which had all-day coverage of the inauguration. I joined many others on the line of couches and chairs, watching the preparation for the ceremony until it was time for my next class.
By 9:30 I was in my seat in a classroom in the Dooly Memorial Building for my Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration class. Much like before, we went over the syllabus, which edition of what book was required, etc. and were dismissed ahead of schedule. I went back to the UC, having to leave right before the start of the ceremonies to make it to my next class on time.
After having some difficulty in finding which door non-residents of Eaton (another Residential College that also houses classrooms) were allowed to enter through, I finally made it to my English 106 class (Exiles on Mainstreet). This room was the smallest I had seen so far, and I managed to sit myself right behind a huge column. Good job, Ashley. The Prof. knew we all wanted to see the inauguration, so he promised to keep class short. Ironically enough, it was the longest class of the day. As soon as we were dismissed I bolted out of the classroom and jogged my way down to the UC.
By this time (just before noon), it was absolutely PACKED. I managed to squeeze my way into the back of the room and peeked through the shoulders of those taller than myself (so pretty much everyone). Apparently I had arrived just in time, and was able to see Aretha Franklin finish off the last of her song (nice hat, by the way). Joe Biden was then sworn in, and the room burst into cheers. We then waited.... and a song was played....and waited.... and a speech was given..... and waited.... finally, the moment had come. As the 44th president was sworn in, the emotion in the room was nearly tangible. So many had worked so hard and waited so long that it was almost hard to imagine that it was finally happening. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. After the cheers, hugs, and attempts to dance in a cramped area, the room fell silent as President Obama began to deliver his speech. I knew that I had another class coming up soon, but I waited until the very end, and wound up being late to my next class. I knew that this is never a good habit to start, but I was witnessing a moment in history that generations after us will only be able to imagine.
I finally tore myself away from the TV screen and made my way to Illustration 102, which is definitly not your average drawing class. After going over the unusual list of materials (maybe I'll post a picture to better explain it...), I left to go back to the UC once again. There I found free food (always the best friend of a college student) and was able to watch George and Laura Bush step into their helicopter and leave the White House. It's possible that I'm sounding bitter now- my apologies if I am.
I walked back to Hecht to see how everyone else's days were going, and joined a friend on a trip to the store to buy some supplies. After that excursion and searching online for books, I racked up quite the credit card bill that I'm currently working to pay off. I took a nap and attempted to clean my room, then headed over to the dining hall for an early dinner with some of the girls from my floor.
Around 6:15 I left for my last class of the day- Intro to Philosophy. I must admit that I'm attempting to switch this class for Contemporary Moral Issues, but I decided to attend anyway just in case that doesn't happen. It wound up being the shortest class of the day- we were handed the syllabus, told to email the Prof., and were dismissed. I nearly ran back to the dorms (seeing as I was not dressed for the cold weather that had found its way to Miami after nightfall) and fell into bed. I started the homework I had been assigned for each class (mainly analyzing Obama's speech) and took yet another nap.
At 9:00 there was a mandatory floor meeting to discuss Sportsfest- quite possibly the best thing about Spring semester. We came up with a team name, tag line, and discussed who would be signing up for which events. We were also officially introduced to the two new girls on our floor- one who had simply moved from Stanford to Hecht (just in time for Sportsfest- Hecht has won 7 years in a row I believe) and one who had transfered from Miami University in Ohio.
We had a great time coming up with team names- the point is to come up the grossest, dirtiest thing possible and still get it approved. After deciding upon a name and tag line, a friend and I started some designs for the floor banner and t-shirts. I think they're coming out quite well if I do say myself. I'll post them once they're okayed by my RA.
I think I'm still a bit tired from it all, but this cold snap is keeping me alert.
My first class, Survey of Western Art I, was at 8 am. After finally waking up and getting dressed to brace the recently freakishly cold weather (Miami should never have 50 degree weather, but alas...), I headed down to the dining hall with those who were also unfortunate in having such an early start to their day. Around 7:40 I started to make my way to the Whitten Learning Center- which I had forgotten was all the way on the other side of campus. I got there with a couple of minutes to spare and found the classroom easily. After receiving the syllabus and going over some basics, we were dismissed early. With some time to spare until my next class, I headed down to the University Center (UC), which had all-day coverage of the inauguration. I joined many others on the line of couches and chairs, watching the preparation for the ceremony until it was time for my next class.
By 9:30 I was in my seat in a classroom in the Dooly Memorial Building for my Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration class. Much like before, we went over the syllabus, which edition of what book was required, etc. and were dismissed ahead of schedule. I went back to the UC, having to leave right before the start of the ceremonies to make it to my next class on time.
After having some difficulty in finding which door non-residents of Eaton (another Residential College that also houses classrooms) were allowed to enter through, I finally made it to my English 106 class (Exiles on Mainstreet). This room was the smallest I had seen so far, and I managed to sit myself right behind a huge column. Good job, Ashley. The Prof. knew we all wanted to see the inauguration, so he promised to keep class short. Ironically enough, it was the longest class of the day. As soon as we were dismissed I bolted out of the classroom and jogged my way down to the UC.
By this time (just before noon), it was absolutely PACKED. I managed to squeeze my way into the back of the room and peeked through the shoulders of those taller than myself (so pretty much everyone). Apparently I had arrived just in time, and was able to see Aretha Franklin finish off the last of her song (nice hat, by the way). Joe Biden was then sworn in, and the room burst into cheers. We then waited.... and a song was played....and waited.... and a speech was given..... and waited.... finally, the moment had come. As the 44th president was sworn in, the emotion in the room was nearly tangible. So many had worked so hard and waited so long that it was almost hard to imagine that it was finally happening. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. After the cheers, hugs, and attempts to dance in a cramped area, the room fell silent as President Obama began to deliver his speech. I knew that I had another class coming up soon, but I waited until the very end, and wound up being late to my next class. I knew that this is never a good habit to start, but I was witnessing a moment in history that generations after us will only be able to imagine.
I finally tore myself away from the TV screen and made my way to Illustration 102, which is definitly not your average drawing class. After going over the unusual list of materials (maybe I'll post a picture to better explain it...), I left to go back to the UC once again. There I found free food (always the best friend of a college student) and was able to watch George and Laura Bush step into their helicopter and leave the White House. It's possible that I'm sounding bitter now- my apologies if I am.
I walked back to Hecht to see how everyone else's days were going, and joined a friend on a trip to the store to buy some supplies. After that excursion and searching online for books, I racked up quite the credit card bill that I'm currently working to pay off. I took a nap and attempted to clean my room, then headed over to the dining hall for an early dinner with some of the girls from my floor.
Around 6:15 I left for my last class of the day- Intro to Philosophy. I must admit that I'm attempting to switch this class for Contemporary Moral Issues, but I decided to attend anyway just in case that doesn't happen. It wound up being the shortest class of the day- we were handed the syllabus, told to email the Prof., and were dismissed. I nearly ran back to the dorms (seeing as I was not dressed for the cold weather that had found its way to Miami after nightfall) and fell into bed. I started the homework I had been assigned for each class (mainly analyzing Obama's speech) and took yet another nap.
At 9:00 there was a mandatory floor meeting to discuss Sportsfest- quite possibly the best thing about Spring semester. We came up with a team name, tag line, and discussed who would be signing up for which events. We were also officially introduced to the two new girls on our floor- one who had simply moved from Stanford to Hecht (just in time for Sportsfest- Hecht has won 7 years in a row I believe) and one who had transfered from Miami University in Ohio.
We had a great time coming up with team names- the point is to come up the grossest, dirtiest thing possible and still get it approved. After deciding upon a name and tag line, a friend and I started some designs for the floor banner and t-shirts. I think they're coming out quite well if I do say myself. I'll post them once they're okayed by my RA.
I think I'm still a bit tired from it all, but this cold snap is keeping me alert.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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"So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it).”
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day
Sunday, John McCain visited the Bank United Center, speaking alongside local politicians, his wife Cindy and daughter Meagan, and actor Kelsey Grammer. It was one of many appearances by politicians this weekend as they attempted to encourage as many people as possible to visit the polls.
President Shalala has done a terrific job of getting the youth involved in this extremely important election. In response, the youth themselves dedicated themselves heart and soul into the campaigns that they felt the strongest about. It is amazing how much one person can do to make a difference- I doubt anyone's hardwork will go unnoticed.
President Shalala has done a terrific job of getting the youth involved in this extremely important election. In response, the youth themselves dedicated themselves heart and soul into the campaigns that they felt the strongest about. It is amazing how much one person can do to make a difference- I doubt anyone's hardwork will go unnoticed.
If you haven't already,
Go Vote!
to find where you need to go in order to place your vote, visit:
http://election.msn.com/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx?GT1=34123
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Get Out the Vote
Considering that this may be one of the most historic election years yet, the University of Miami has been hosting incredible events to get students interested in politics. Often times, these events are hosted by none other than some of the most important people involved in the campaigns.
Just last week, Mary Matalin and James Carville also visted the Bank United Center, where students were sat on the floor (as compared to seats in the stands). I was able to meet Carville afterwards, get a picture with him, and his autograph- all of which I will be adding later :-) They talked about living with one another (seeing as Matalin worked with Bush/Cheney and Carville with the Clintons). They also took questions from the students (moderated by President Shalala).
Earlier in the year, Barack Obama visited the Bank United Center to a large turn out. I personally had to wait in line for about 2 hours, and got to sit right behind the stage (ok, so not the best seat, but I was on tv!). His speech and those given before him were absolutely amazing. Obama has also visited sites extremely close to the Coral Gables campus, allowing students a 2nd and 3rd chance to learn more about his campaign.
Just last week, Mary Matalin and James Carville also visted the Bank United Center, where students were sat on the floor (as compared to seats in the stands). I was able to meet Carville afterwards, get a picture with him, and his autograph- all of which I will be adding later :-) They talked about living with one another (seeing as Matalin worked with Bush/Cheney and Carville with the Clintons). They also took questions from the students (moderated by President Shalala).Today, Hillary Clinton will be visiting a site nearby the Coral Gables campus on behalf of the Obama campaign, while tomorrow Senator John McCain will be visiting the Bank United Center.
Now who else can offer you all of that?
For any of those who are registered- don't miss the chance to make a big change- get out there and vote!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Matt Damon Smiled at Me...
Well, maybe at the crowd in general, but I was definitly in that crowd!
On Monday, October 27th, Matt Damon visited the University of Miami and hosted a rally in support of Barack Obama (who visited campus earlier this year). He voiced his concerns about the current public education system, health care (and the lack thereof), unemployment rates, inflation, and the economy in general.
Even McCain/Palin supporters have to admit- Matt Damon is cute.
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