Making the last push of semester

By Lauren Robinson, Opinions Editor

Photo by Karen Rodriguez

As final exams grow closer with each passing day, we grow closer to summer break, and for some, graduation. The atmosphere on campus reeks of the aftermath of spring break. Students returned to campus with a look of exhaustion plastered on their faces. Professors are placing pressure on everyone and really kicking this ship into high gear.

Thankfully, the winter weather is packing up and moving along. Hopefully, this will help bring some life back to the campus. Spring is moving in, and the campus outdoor recreation is starting to pick up. The beautiful flowers and trees are blooming.

Students are lying on the lawn, playing Frisbee, catch, studying in hammocks and soaking up some sun. This will definitely aid in repairing the attitudes and outlook around campus as things become a little more stressful.

Now that the school year is coming to a close, keep in mind that this is a place in the semester where students, faculty and staff alike are pressed for time. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that we, as students, remain diligent about finishing the best way we know how.

The last stretch is the notorious area of the race where the athlete becomes tired and will reason with him- or herself to either slow down and quit, or really challenge him- or herself to sprint towards the finish line.

Additionally, this is the place where we, as students, need to really push and try as hard as we can. This is what we have been working toward all school year. Essentially, this is the part of the race that counts the most. I dare you to do better than you have done previously. My mom never fails to mention a quote by a great man, you never started a race unless you finish it.
This post copyedited on April 18, 2011.

Affection out of obligation

Photo by Karen Rodriguez

By Lauren Robinson, Staff Writer

Roses are red; violets are blue; I like you; I hope you like me too!

I’m pretty sure that each one of us has read a love note sometime during our early childhood that was from a secret admirer. Elementary school marks the beginning of when we learned to love out of obligation. Your teacher tells you that Valentine’s Day is next week. You then turn right around and tell your mom that you have to go to the grocery store to buy candy for your class. You’re not exactly sure why you feel like you have to do this, but you go along with it. I mean, after all, it is normal right?

This romantic holiday has a questionable story line. There is no actual account of when and why this holiday came to be. There are legends, versions and accounts but none are concrete. St. Valentine was said to be a Roman martyr for whom this holiday is celebrated. He was rumored to have been executed on February 14th sometime around 260 A.D.

My next question would definitely raise the issue of why this “holiday” has become the 4th highest day in sales throughout the year.Around 189 million roses are sold on Valentine’s Day versus the 1.2 million that are sold any other time of the year. Why now? What makes Valentine’s Day so much more important than any other 364 days of the year? Why do people not take the time to love those they care about all year long?

If you are going to give a gift or show appreciation, make it worth your while. Don’t buy a diamond pendant necklace from the jeweler that is running commercials the week before. Every other guy is going to run to the mall and purchase the same piece.

Ladies, when he gives it to you, he’s going to say that he loves you, but should that mean anything to you?

I mean, everyone else is doing it too. But hey, if you like it, I love it. I just believe that demonstrating practical gestures towards those you love continuously is more genuine.

For those that choose to pay, here are a few facts on purchasing those oh-so-wonderful gifts on Valentine’s Day.

Red roses are the most expensive. Growers know what time of year it is and definitely inflate the prices. For what you pay, you could purchase seeds and grow a rose bush throughout the year.

I mean, this would at least symbolize a love that grows and not a love that is only present on February 14, as well as give a good return on your money.

Let’s be honest here, the average person spends about $80.00 for the holiday. You might as well invest in something that’s going to live longer than 14 days.

If you choose to spend a lump sum and shake out your piggy bank for Valentine’s Day be my guest, and do it next week.

Remember, corporate America thanks you generously for your contribution. Happy Valentine’s Day!