Today I finished my feature on teen obesity- all 1115 words, carefully chosen to construct my very first feature.
So, in honor of this, I decided to post this link.
Check it out, it's a link to Richard Wolffe's live-in feature on Michelle Obama, wife of democratic hopeful presidential candidate Barack. We received a copy in my print class, but it was a good one I wanted to share.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/112849
Enjoy the weekend- wish for warm weather!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Lebron's controversial cover
Lebron James was the first African American man to be featured on the cover of Vogue for its April 2008 issue with supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
The issue, whose cover screams fitness, has gotten a lot of attention lately but not because of James's Vogue history making first.
The cover is creating conversation because of its resemblance to King Kong clutching leading lady Fay Wray, which many are calling racist.
Check out this link, that will lead you to the cover photo, to make your own opinions on the questionable cover.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-03-24-vogue-controversy_N.htm
The issue, whose cover screams fitness, has gotten a lot of attention lately but not because of James's Vogue history making first.
The cover is creating conversation because of its resemblance to King Kong clutching leading lady Fay Wray, which many are calling racist.
Check out this link, that will lead you to the cover photo, to make your own opinions on the questionable cover.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-03-24-vogue-controversy_N.htm
Monday, March 24, 2008
A Bit of Jared
I had the pleasure of interviewing Jared Fogle of Subway fame for my teen feature. Here's one question from this interview- you can see the rest when my feature is published!!
What options do you feel teens have to lose weight?
Jared says...
To lose weights, there are a few options. The first thing I always say, especially teenagers who are still growing, you talk to a doctor. A family physician or whoever you go to when you are interested in losing weight, especially when you are growing because your body is still growing. That is first and foremost, very important. I also think it is important to try to consult with a nutritionist or a dietitian. To really give you a better education as far as what kind of food you should be going for. I think every teenager should consult with a [doctor and dietitian] especially when they are losing weight.
I think whether its teenagers or adults of kids, I don’t think it’s rocket science. I think its still pretty basic as far as what your different options are. The two biggest things that come to my mind are changing your diet- teenagers tend to eat pretty bad.
There are two schools- you have your athletes in high school and what not, who tend to be quite healthy and watch what they’re eating and get plenty of exercise. Then you have some of the other kids who are not in the same boat.
Reexamining your diet as far as what you’re eating and what you shouldn’t be eating and are you getting enough exercise because those are the two critical components of losing weight.
With teenagers, I think it can be tough. They don’t have a lot of money, they’re busy, they’re trying to balance schoolwork and homework, trying to handle a part time job on top of that and then extra curricular activities, you’re trying to send out applications to colleges. There are all kinds of things teenagers have going on in their lives. I think it’s a matter of prioritizing it and saying “Hey you know what, I need to find time to commit to exercise and need to reevaluate what I am eating.”
What options do you feel teens have to lose weight?
Jared says...
To lose weights, there are a few options. The first thing I always say, especially teenagers who are still growing, you talk to a doctor. A family physician or whoever you go to when you are interested in losing weight, especially when you are growing because your body is still growing. That is first and foremost, very important. I also think it is important to try to consult with a nutritionist or a dietitian. To really give you a better education as far as what kind of food you should be going for. I think every teenager should consult with a [doctor and dietitian] especially when they are losing weight.
I think whether its teenagers or adults of kids, I don’t think it’s rocket science. I think its still pretty basic as far as what your different options are. The two biggest things that come to my mind are changing your diet- teenagers tend to eat pretty bad.
There are two schools- you have your athletes in high school and what not, who tend to be quite healthy and watch what they’re eating and get plenty of exercise. Then you have some of the other kids who are not in the same boat.
Reexamining your diet as far as what you’re eating and what you shouldn’t be eating and are you getting enough exercise because those are the two critical components of losing weight.
With teenagers, I think it can be tough. They don’t have a lot of money, they’re busy, they’re trying to balance schoolwork and homework, trying to handle a part time job on top of that and then extra curricular activities, you’re trying to send out applications to colleges. There are all kinds of things teenagers have going on in their lives. I think it’s a matter of prioritizing it and saying “Hey you know what, I need to find time to commit to exercise and need to reevaluate what I am eating.”
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Interview with Mrs. Clayton, Wall High School Nurse
This is an interview for my feature with the Wall High School nurse, Mrs. Clayton. Here are her thoughts on teen obesity.
Do you think obesity is a problem in the US?
I absolutely think it’s a problem in the United States. I think it has become more of a problem over the years in younger children, even younger than teenagers because of the inactivity, and a lot of the prepared and easy foods.
Do you think it is a problem in Wall?
I don’t think that Wall is any different from any place else. I think that a lot of the kids in high school come to the high school being overweight. I think some of the elementary school is where a lot of the problems start. There are tons of kids that are overweight.
How do you think teens should go about using weight?
I think anybody who wants to lose weight should do it in an intelligent, guided manner. In all my years of being a nurse, I’ve seen people lose dramatic amounts of weight on crash diets, only to gain that weight and then some. It seems that the only time that people lose weight and keep it off is when they adopt a healthy life style; a balance of good food and exercise. Eating a good balanced diet is the trick.
Do you think schools should be doing anything to prevent obesity?
I think they’re trying. Years ago they used to sell a lot of candy and cookies throughout the school and that has been stopped. The cafeteria has tried to give out healthier foods. I think we’re all in a hurry and maybe in our heart we would like to eat something more nutritious but fall into “Well, I have to eat quickly.” It goes for kids too, you have such busy schedules. It is much easier to pick up a bag of chips than it is to find something else. The school trying to make fast things available, healthy things available, they are doing their part. They have cut out soda. Soda is just calorie laden. I wish there were some other programs like walks around the building. Some more walking activities.
Any additional comments.
I think it is a problem and the earlier people develop healthier lifestyles and healthier eating habits, the quicker the problem will be resolved. It is not only for the cosmetic look- as you get older, obesity leads to diabetes, obesity leads to hypertension, high blood pressure. In an effort to ward off future problems, getting under control at a healthy age. The younger you develop a healthy lifestyle, the easier it is.
Do you think obesity is a problem in the US?
I absolutely think it’s a problem in the United States. I think it has become more of a problem over the years in younger children, even younger than teenagers because of the inactivity, and a lot of the prepared and easy foods.
Do you think it is a problem in Wall?
I don’t think that Wall is any different from any place else. I think that a lot of the kids in high school come to the high school being overweight. I think some of the elementary school is where a lot of the problems start. There are tons of kids that are overweight.
How do you think teens should go about using weight?
I think anybody who wants to lose weight should do it in an intelligent, guided manner. In all my years of being a nurse, I’ve seen people lose dramatic amounts of weight on crash diets, only to gain that weight and then some. It seems that the only time that people lose weight and keep it off is when they adopt a healthy life style; a balance of good food and exercise. Eating a good balanced diet is the trick.
Do you think schools should be doing anything to prevent obesity?
I think they’re trying. Years ago they used to sell a lot of candy and cookies throughout the school and that has been stopped. The cafeteria has tried to give out healthier foods. I think we’re all in a hurry and maybe in our heart we would like to eat something more nutritious but fall into “Well, I have to eat quickly.” It goes for kids too, you have such busy schedules. It is much easier to pick up a bag of chips than it is to find something else. The school trying to make fast things available, healthy things available, they are doing their part. They have cut out soda. Soda is just calorie laden. I wish there were some other programs like walks around the building. Some more walking activities.
Any additional comments.
I think it is a problem and the earlier people develop healthier lifestyles and healthier eating habits, the quicker the problem will be resolved. It is not only for the cosmetic look- as you get older, obesity leads to diabetes, obesity leads to hypertension, high blood pressure. In an effort to ward off future problems, getting under control at a healthy age. The younger you develop a healthy lifestyle, the easier it is.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Truth about Fat Camps - Interview with Colleen from Camp La Jolla in CA
The following is an interview with an employee Colleen of Camp La Jolla, a camp mainly for young adults who want to lose weight and become healthier people located in California.
What would you describe Camp La Jolla's purpose as?
Camp La Jolla is a health, fitness, and weight loss program which creates successful people by providing the fundamental tools for lifestyle change.
Considering Camp La Jolla's standards, what is overweight? Is there acertain weight for a certain height? How would you determine if someone is obese?
Overweight for children is defined as being above the 85th percentile for height vs weight, where obese is defined as being above the 95th percentile for height and weight. We use the standard growth charts that are available in every pediatrician's office as reference, and they can be used to help track progress, but it is not a criterion for admittance into our program. For our adult population, we refer to a BMI chart as a guide and to help them track their progress.
What aspects of life are altered when teens come to Camp La Jolla?
The main areas are increased self confidence, the ability to set and achieve goals, the ability to create and maintain positive relationships, and taking consistent action to create and maintain well being in their lives after they return home from camp.
What do you change most about a teen's diet upon arrival at camp?
The biggest change is not the type of food, but the quantity. We offer a variety of foods that can be see in restaurants, schools, homes,etc... The problem that many individuals, not just those that are struggling with weight, is the amount of food we eat. Even if the food is healthier choice, if too much is eaten you can gain weight.
When teens leave Camp La Jolla, what do they come away with? Do the effects of your camp last?
When teens leave Camp La Jolla they have an understanding of nutrition (portion control and healthy food choices),as well as behavior modification (do I eat when I am hungry, lonely,bored, angry, etc.). They also have an understanding of how behavior modification, nutrition, and exercise are all apart of a healthy lifestyle change. They have the support of family and friends when they return home which also implement the healthy habits they learned at camp for long term weight loss success.
What do you feel is the best option for teens when dieting? Do you consider surgery an option?
The best option for teens and for everyone striving to be healthier and/or to lose weight is to be sensible and realistic about their goals.We recommend focusing on making small changes in their day, choosing a healthier path. For example, if you are used to taking the escalator at the mall, try taking the stairs for a change. In terms of food, individuals should strive to incorporate all of the major food groups into their meal plan. There is no such thing as a"bad" food, and we focus on moderation as the key. It is okay to have your favorite foods, whether it is chips or chocolate cake, as long as it is in portion control AND it isn't an everyday occurrence. Eating a balance of foods focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the way to a healthier meal plan.
What would you describe Camp La Jolla's purpose as?
Camp La Jolla is a health, fitness, and weight loss program which creates successful people by providing the fundamental tools for lifestyle change.
Considering Camp La Jolla's standards, what is overweight? Is there acertain weight for a certain height? How would you determine if someone is obese?
Overweight for children is defined as being above the 85th percentile for height vs weight, where obese is defined as being above the 95th percentile for height and weight. We use the standard growth charts that are available in every pediatrician's office as reference, and they can be used to help track progress, but it is not a criterion for admittance into our program. For our adult population, we refer to a BMI chart as a guide and to help them track their progress.
What aspects of life are altered when teens come to Camp La Jolla?
The main areas are increased self confidence, the ability to set and achieve goals, the ability to create and maintain positive relationships, and taking consistent action to create and maintain well being in their lives after they return home from camp.
What do you change most about a teen's diet upon arrival at camp?
The biggest change is not the type of food, but the quantity. We offer a variety of foods that can be see in restaurants, schools, homes,etc... The problem that many individuals, not just those that are struggling with weight, is the amount of food we eat. Even if the food is healthier choice, if too much is eaten you can gain weight.
When teens leave Camp La Jolla, what do they come away with? Do the effects of your camp last?
When teens leave Camp La Jolla they have an understanding of nutrition (portion control and healthy food choices),as well as behavior modification (do I eat when I am hungry, lonely,bored, angry, etc.). They also have an understanding of how behavior modification, nutrition, and exercise are all apart of a healthy lifestyle change. They have the support of family and friends when they return home which also implement the healthy habits they learned at camp for long term weight loss success.
What do you feel is the best option for teens when dieting? Do you consider surgery an option?
The best option for teens and for everyone striving to be healthier and/or to lose weight is to be sensible and realistic about their goals.We recommend focusing on making small changes in their day, choosing a healthier path. For example, if you are used to taking the escalator at the mall, try taking the stairs for a change. In terms of food, individuals should strive to incorporate all of the major food groups into their meal plan. There is no such thing as a"bad" food, and we focus on moderation as the key. It is okay to have your favorite foods, whether it is chips or chocolate cake, as long as it is in portion control AND it isn't an everyday occurrence. Eating a balance of foods focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the way to a healthier meal plan.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New Governor for NY... Same Problems?
Sworn into office only yesterday, Gov. David Paterson revealed yesterday that he and his wife had both had extramarital affairs during the 1990's.
Although his affair was not illegal, New Yorkers may be puzzled with the moral character of this new governor.
Both David Paterson and his wife Michelle spoke at a news conference yesterday, explaining to the press they had both cheated during a "rough patch" (as per the AP - see link below) in their marriage. However, the two have been through couples' counseling and they said they have rebuilt their marriage.
After Spitzer, this new governor did the right thing by telling the public about his skeletons, rather than being 'busted' like his predecessor.
See the full story written by the Associated Press by following this link...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i-jZDFiRmQdAUEK-OTzPSVIrBxOQD8VFVEBO8
Although his affair was not illegal, New Yorkers may be puzzled with the moral character of this new governor.
Both David Paterson and his wife Michelle spoke at a news conference yesterday, explaining to the press they had both cheated during a "rough patch" (as per the AP - see link below) in their marriage. However, the two have been through couples' counseling and they said they have rebuilt their marriage.
After Spitzer, this new governor did the right thing by telling the public about his skeletons, rather than being 'busted' like his predecessor.
See the full story written by the Associated Press by following this link...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i-jZDFiRmQdAUEK-OTzPSVIrBxOQD8VFVEBO8
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Client #9's 'Call Girl' is Former Wall Resident
So, this week we found out about former NY Gov. Spitzer's prostitution accusations. Then, at week's end, the media let the cat out of the bag; Client #9's 'Call Girl' was once a student at Wall High School, my very own school!
Furthermore, her former residence was two doors down from a friend of mine. The street was filled with media personnel. News trucks were camped out across from our high school and cameras were positioned on the street a few blocks from where I park.
The question I have though, is why is Wall so important in this governor's prostitution bust? I understand it is important to know the background of Spitzer's call girl but why is the focus of most stories not on this man of importance?
It may not be a respected position but prostitution was her job- Spitzer made the call to her, therefore he should be the main focus.
Just like the celebrity dirt that enthralls the public, the identity of Spitzer's call girl is irrelevant to significant world news. Concerning this story, Wall Township should not be making the six o'clock news or the front page of the paper.
Furthermore, her former residence was two doors down from a friend of mine. The street was filled with media personnel. News trucks were camped out across from our high school and cameras were positioned on the street a few blocks from where I park.
The question I have though, is why is Wall so important in this governor's prostitution bust? I understand it is important to know the background of Spitzer's call girl but why is the focus of most stories not on this man of importance?
It may not be a respected position but prostitution was her job- Spitzer made the call to her, therefore he should be the main focus.
Just like the celebrity dirt that enthralls the public, the identity of Spitzer's call girl is irrelevant to significant world news. Concerning this story, Wall Township should not be making the six o'clock news or the front page of the paper.
Interview with Joy Hafner, the Jared Foundation
This morning I had the pleasure to interview Jared Fogle and one of the employees of his foundation, Joy Hafner. Ms. Hafner answered some preliminary questions I had about the Jared Foundation, an organization created to assist children and teens with obesity.
What is the purpose of the Jared Foundation?
The purpose of the Jared Foundation is to bring awareness and support program initiatives that address the wide-spread epidemic of childhood obesity. To develop easy to use tools that encourage children, support parents, schools, and community organizations. To provide grants to organizations that focus on fostering sustainable nutrition and exercise programs. To form strategic alliances with key organizations that will advance our understanding and application of programs that address childhood obesity.
How do you assist children with weight problems?
The Jared Foundation is working with schools to develop in school, after school, and lunch menu programs. In order to help schools implement the 2004 federally mandated wellness policies, The Jared Foundation will offer $20,000 grants to up to 50 schools in 2008 ($1 million total in grant money). We also have established an online Get Fit Club. The Club is designed to encourage kids to live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and good nutrition habits, support one another, and volunteer in their communities to make a difference. This program will be used injunction with in school programs, community activities, and fundraising events.
What weights are considered overweight?
There are two ways to measure obesity. The first is in body weight; to be considered obese an individual’s weight has to be at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for their height and body type. The second approach is BMI measurement, overweight is arbitrarily defined as a BMI greater than the 85th percentile and obesity as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile.
Do you, at the Jared Foundation, see obesity in teens?
Yes, obesity is a wide spread epidemic in this country. It affects every age, gender, and race. Statics from the year 2000 stated that approximately 15.3 percent of children (ages 6–11) and 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight. An additional 15 percent of children and 14.9 percent of adolescents were at risk for overweight (based on BMI / body mass index measures).
I may be posting my interview with Jared of Subway fame later on in the week, so stay tuned!
What is the purpose of the Jared Foundation?
The purpose of the Jared Foundation is to bring awareness and support program initiatives that address the wide-spread epidemic of childhood obesity. To develop easy to use tools that encourage children, support parents, schools, and community organizations. To provide grants to organizations that focus on fostering sustainable nutrition and exercise programs. To form strategic alliances with key organizations that will advance our understanding and application of programs that address childhood obesity.
How do you assist children with weight problems?
The Jared Foundation is working with schools to develop in school, after school, and lunch menu programs. In order to help schools implement the 2004 federally mandated wellness policies, The Jared Foundation will offer $20,000 grants to up to 50 schools in 2008 ($1 million total in grant money). We also have established an online Get Fit Club. The Club is designed to encourage kids to live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and good nutrition habits, support one another, and volunteer in their communities to make a difference. This program will be used injunction with in school programs, community activities, and fundraising events.
What weights are considered overweight?
There are two ways to measure obesity. The first is in body weight; to be considered obese an individual’s weight has to be at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for their height and body type. The second approach is BMI measurement, overweight is arbitrarily defined as a BMI greater than the 85th percentile and obesity as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile.
Do you, at the Jared Foundation, see obesity in teens?
Yes, obesity is a wide spread epidemic in this country. It affects every age, gender, and race. Statics from the year 2000 stated that approximately 15.3 percent of children (ages 6–11) and 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight. An additional 15 percent of children and 14.9 percent of adolescents were at risk for overweight (based on BMI / body mass index measures).
I may be posting my interview with Jared of Subway fame later on in the week, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spitzer Resigns in NY
Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned today from his position as the governor of New York. Caught in a scandal in which he was known as Client 9, it was leaked that Spitzer was a frequent prostitution customer.
Checking his once squeaky clean image, Spitzer appeared in front of the media with his (poor) wife to announce his resignation.
The scandal broke on Monday, when Spitzer was accused of spending thousands of dollars in Washington D.C., the night before Valentine's Day, as per MSN.com. The father of three seems to have a lot to be ashamed of.
Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who is legally blind, will take office on Monday.
This is the third occurrence of a resignation in the tri-state area- flash back for all of those in Jersey to "I am a gay American" from former governor McGreevey.
Who's next?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23572671
Follow the link above for Spitzer's speech and more information on the scandal.
Checking his once squeaky clean image, Spitzer appeared in front of the media with his (poor) wife to announce his resignation.
The scandal broke on Monday, when Spitzer was accused of spending thousands of dollars in Washington D.C., the night before Valentine's Day, as per MSN.com. The father of three seems to have a lot to be ashamed of.
Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who is legally blind, will take office on Monday.
This is the third occurrence of a resignation in the tri-state area- flash back for all of those in Jersey to "I am a gay American" from former governor McGreevey.
Who's next?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23572671
Follow the link above for Spitzer's speech and more information on the scandal.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Bombing in Times Square
On Thursday, the Armed Forces Recruitment center in the middle of Times Square in New York City was bombed. No one was injured but there was substantial damage to the entrance of the center.
From surveillance film, police officers have been able to identify what may be the bomber as a man in a hooded sweatshirt riding a bicycle away from the crime scene.
Although many different suspects have been mentioned in the media, no one has been charged with the bombing.
From surveillance film, police officers have been able to identify what may be the bomber as a man in a hooded sweatshirt riding a bicycle away from the crime scene.
Although many different suspects have been mentioned in the media, no one has been charged with the bombing.
It is a very rainy Saturday afternoon. Storms across the country are creating mass havoc on transportation systems. Snow is covering the northern sections of the country, while a few roads by my house in Wall have been flooded- it even thundered this morning during my dreary lacrosse practice- thankfully, it was inside.
These storms are symbolic of this week's news in the 2008 Election. First, semi-Super Tuesday went down this week, as Hillary Clinton's security as a potential Democratic candidate was reinstated. McCain swept the Republican side and he is mathematically the Republican candidate.
Obama's camp was anything but quiet this week. Volunteer Advisor to the Barack campaign, Harvard Professor and Pulitzer Prize winner Samantha Power referred to Clinton as a "monster."
Unlike the storms sweeping across the country, the wind and the rain has only just started leading up to the Election of '08...
These storms are symbolic of this week's news in the 2008 Election. First, semi-Super Tuesday went down this week, as Hillary Clinton's security as a potential Democratic candidate was reinstated. McCain swept the Republican side and he is mathematically the Republican candidate.
Obama's camp was anything but quiet this week. Volunteer Advisor to the Barack campaign, Harvard Professor and Pulitzer Prize winner Samantha Power referred to Clinton as a "monster."
Unlike the storms sweeping across the country, the wind and the rain has only just started leading up to the Election of '08...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Campus Safety
After the tragedies that occurred on the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois campuses, safety in our colleges and universities is a reasonable topic for conversation. As I begin the college process, the issue of security has come up more than once.
Just for the record, I am a student who is planning on playing field hockey in college- therefore, all of my visits have been planned by the coaching staff at a particular school.
The first school I visited this winter was Lafayette. A small liberal arts school just over the NJ-PA border on the outskirts of Easton, PA, Lafayette is confined to "College Hill," which looks like a university setting out of a movie. The quad is bordered by its library and other academic buildings, with dorms and off campus housing just a few minutes walk away from it.
My visit to Lafayette seemed to be incredibly safe. On the Friday night I stayed with one of the hockey players. When walking to a pizza parlor right off campus, a police car rolled past, patrolling the area. I asked about the security on campus briefly; the girls told me they felt extremely safe and were not worried about it - I can honestly take their word, because it seemed they didn't hide anything from me.
Next, I visited the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. This visit was after the Northern Illinois University shootings, so security was on all of the parents' minds if not the student-athletes.
My visit to Penn was in the form of a Junior Day, which is a gathering of the junior-year recruits in order to meet and greet with the coach and team, learn about the school and tour the campus. If you are unaware, Penn is very close to a very unfavorable section of Philadelphia- my Dad and I drove through it, just to see the entire picture of this Ivy.
However, the hockey players made it clear that they had always felt safe during their years at Penn. They explained there were university security available at every time of the day, including the most obscure night hours, just in case you feel you need someone to walk you home. They ensured us that by the time the sun is down, there is a security guard at every corner.
It was interesting to contrast the security issue at Penn vs. Lafayette. Penn is much bigger than Lafayette, both in student population and campus size. Security was much more of a discussed issue at the Ivy than at the Patriot league school.
Finally, the last of my visits for right now, was to the University of Massachusetts. UMass is a HUGE school! It is snowy and cold and HUGE! Again, I visited UMass in a Junior Day setting.
The discussion on safety and security on campus came when the recruits toured the expansive university. Unlike Penn, UMass is not a city school. But the characteristics it lacks in location, it makes up for in size. Therefore, the University is covered with these yellow boxes that encase a telephone, just in case of an emergency.
This was the only campus in which I saw a university police station. The station was located right outside the site of the majority of freshmen dorms, probably not a bad idea in such a huge school. The student-athletes at UMass ensured us that they, like the players at Lafayette and
Penn, felt completely safe on their campus.
So, it seems as though the major consensus on many American campuses, if they are like the ones mentioned above, is the students feel safe. What we as journalists have to ask is, why are events like the VA Tech and Northern Illinois occurring?
Watch those news stations tonight- Hillary may be done for 2008 ...
Just for the record, I am a student who is planning on playing field hockey in college- therefore, all of my visits have been planned by the coaching staff at a particular school.
The first school I visited this winter was Lafayette. A small liberal arts school just over the NJ-PA border on the outskirts of Easton, PA, Lafayette is confined to "College Hill," which looks like a university setting out of a movie. The quad is bordered by its library and other academic buildings, with dorms and off campus housing just a few minutes walk away from it.
My visit to Lafayette seemed to be incredibly safe. On the Friday night I stayed with one of the hockey players. When walking to a pizza parlor right off campus, a police car rolled past, patrolling the area. I asked about the security on campus briefly; the girls told me they felt extremely safe and were not worried about it - I can honestly take their word, because it seemed they didn't hide anything from me.
Next, I visited the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. This visit was after the Northern Illinois University shootings, so security was on all of the parents' minds if not the student-athletes.
My visit to Penn was in the form of a Junior Day, which is a gathering of the junior-year recruits in order to meet and greet with the coach and team, learn about the school and tour the campus. If you are unaware, Penn is very close to a very unfavorable section of Philadelphia- my Dad and I drove through it, just to see the entire picture of this Ivy.
However, the hockey players made it clear that they had always felt safe during their years at Penn. They explained there were university security available at every time of the day, including the most obscure night hours, just in case you feel you need someone to walk you home. They ensured us that by the time the sun is down, there is a security guard at every corner.
It was interesting to contrast the security issue at Penn vs. Lafayette. Penn is much bigger than Lafayette, both in student population and campus size. Security was much more of a discussed issue at the Ivy than at the Patriot league school.
Finally, the last of my visits for right now, was to the University of Massachusetts. UMass is a HUGE school! It is snowy and cold and HUGE! Again, I visited UMass in a Junior Day setting.
The discussion on safety and security on campus came when the recruits toured the expansive university. Unlike Penn, UMass is not a city school. But the characteristics it lacks in location, it makes up for in size. Therefore, the University is covered with these yellow boxes that encase a telephone, just in case of an emergency.
This was the only campus in which I saw a university police station. The station was located right outside the site of the majority of freshmen dorms, probably not a bad idea in such a huge school. The student-athletes at UMass ensured us that they, like the players at Lafayette and
Penn, felt completely safe on their campus.
So, it seems as though the major consensus on many American campuses, if they are like the ones mentioned above, is the students feel safe. What we as journalists have to ask is, why are events like the VA Tech and Northern Illinois occurring?
Watch those news stations tonight- Hillary may be done for 2008 ...
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