What Have We Learned?

What Have We Learned?

 

​Now is the time for some college students to start readying for commencement, preparing to enter the workforce and transition into what some call adulthood. The time since freshman year has been well spent, acquiring knowledge and mastering the art of whatever various field of study.  We’ve spent year after year writing papers and essays, completing projects and assignments all in the hopes of receiving a degree.  

Source: (Feminspire)

 

​To what level has higher education truly prepared us for the real world? Are all of the random and historical phenomena we’ve loathed over important? It is very true I’ve learned many important things during my tenure here, some of which is directly applicable; some of which just comes as extra facts and tidbits to be retrieved on random occasions.

Source: (outstandinglanding.com)

Degree is defined as an academic title conferred by universities and colleges as an indication of the completion of a course of study, or as an honorary recognition of achievement. Is a degree a ticket to success and wealth? Will I be able to get a job right after school? What about the thousands of dollars in student debt I’ve accrued over this time?

Such are the questions many students often ask themselves. The transition from college to workforce is intimidating enough, and now that we hear of studies in which hiring managers reportedless than two in five recent graduates being prepared for a job in their field, the situation is getting more intense.

Source: (MotherJones.com)

​How is a new graduate supposed to feel when living in a time where robots are taking jobs away from humans andtechnology is evolving faster than we can keep up?

​There has been a recent argument that has received much discussion over the years. Many people feel that our colleges, universities and systems of higher education are failing to instill students with real-life applicable, on-the-job skills for when we graduate. A study done by Gallup revealed that about one third of business leaders agree that “institutions of higher education are "graduating students with the skills and competences that my business needs” (Huffington Post).

 

Source: (Kali Ciesemier)

​Hiring managers in today’s workforce expect graduates to be flexible and adaptive to today’s ever changing workplace.  A Harris Poll revealed that hiring managers who have concerns about the readiness of recent grads cite a few reasons as to why they feel such: 53% say there is too much emphasis on book learning instead of real-world learning; 35% say their company needs a blend of technical skills as well as soft skills from a liberal arts degree; 26% say entry level jobs are more complex today than they used to be; 16% say there is not enough focus on internships and apprenticeships; 16% say technology is changing too quickly for academics to keep up; 10% say not enough students are graduating with the degrees their company needs.

Source: (pirate4x4.com/Camarogenius)

 

​If we as students are learning neither enough nor the right things, then who is to blame? The students themselves, the professors, the academic advisors or school faculty? Who is largely responsible for “how ready” a graduate is to enter the workplace?

Source: (pittbradford.wordpress.com)

 

​The best answer I have to give is that it really does not matter. The entire college process is much involved and composed of different individuals. It is safe to say that no one (to my understanding) has received a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning completely on their own. It is the job of the student, solely them, to ensure that they are the most prepared for whatever they may face entering the workforce. We must learn to take the reigns and understand that college is a journey; a path of discovery and revelation amidst learning and education. The key to evolving within this process is to find ones passion. Discover the spark that ignites the inner flame of motivation within you. When one has this, nothing can stand in the way or impede progress. Find yourself. Be yourself. Take risks. If it can be thought it can be achieved. If it has already been done then it is but action that leaves you in separation from it.

Source: (ironmanstrength.com)

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.” 
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

America: All In The Mix

America: All In The Mix

(Courtesy of: FaithInPublicLife.org)

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are principles upon which our country was founded and intended to run. Society and culture in the unites States had made a lot of progress since these words were so famously inscribed. Changes can be seen in many facets of society; from social and political to moral and ethical. The issue of race and ethnicity has always played a large role in the history of our country. From colonization, slavery to civil rights; our identity as a nation has gradually transformed. The topic of interracial marriage within society today has sparked a wave of response and discussion. 

The U.S has come a long way in respects to integration and race relations. Long gone are the days of political prejudice and segregation. In today's world you couldn't find a story like that of Mildred and Richard Long, a couple who were arrested in Virginia back in the late 50's for violating an interracial marriage ban. A recent gallup poll study titled "Minority Rights and Relations" revealed immense support for interracial marriage.

(Courtesy Of: gallup.com)

Of the 4,373 Americans poled, 84% of whites approved, while non-Hispanic blacks, who accounted for 1,010 of he group, approved at a staggering 96%. One can note how the white population from this annual poll back in 69% only gave a 17% approval rating. A change has been made evident clearly. But what is this from?





(Courtesy Of: Gallup.com


As time passes, so does the generalizations in social ideals and theory. The age-gap between present young adult "millennials" and those who can be identified as seniors and up presents itself as a blatant model of change in moral outlook. Young adults in todays world, say 29 and under, have seen such a cultural shift of influence that it is ridiculous. We were raised being bombarded with media and social influence full of intercultural messages, from music, sports, and even politics.

(Courtesy Of: Amy Stretten @ThisIsFusion)

The generations before us were raised on a different set of ideas motivations and even laws. As Oprah stated in a BBC interview with reporter Will Gomperz, "It would be foolish to not recognize that we have evolved, that we are not still facing the same type of terrorism."

(Courtesy of: BBC / Politics Now)

(Couresy Of: National Geographic)

Recently, National Geographic did what I perceive as a heartwarming piece entitled "Changing Faces: The Changing Face of America".  The piece showed us the ever so present influence and effect that interracial marriage and relationships have had on society. The number of people whom identified as multiracial has jumped 32% from when the U.S. Census Bureau started allowing this option in 2000. It has become commonplace to see individuals whom identify as multicultural. We see people of mixed hues and tones fill society at all levels. Interracial marriages within media and culture are common, from sports stars, to musicians and actors, even to the tv shows we watch on a daily. 



(courtesy Of: National Geograpic)


All around we can see that the tide is turning, and progression is here. No matter what or where your opinion lies, whether you find yourself in support of offense; interracial marriage is evolving. all we can do is to wait and see where it continues. 

2nd Childhood

Somewhere around May to early June, colleges across the nation prepare to usher their graduating seniors into what some call the "real world". The U.S economy  and scarcity of jobs in the workforce have many soon-to-be graduates apprehensive about the quality of post-commencement life. According to the daily press, a study in 2012 by the Pew Research Center in D.C. revealed that 36% of millennials age 18 to 31 were living with their parents. This was the largest share in four decades. 

(source: Jules Suzdaltsev)

In 2013, an article posted in the money section of CNN.com revealed that 36% of college educated workers were employed in positions that require no degree. Individuals in this group are said to earn about 40% less than their peer group. 

(source: money.cnn.com / Center For Labor Market Studies at Northwestern University)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate for individuals with a bachelors degree or higher as of February 2014 was 3.4%. Many students take out private and federal loans, those of which come with ridiculous interest rates. 



With little prospectus for professional, gainful employment, many students find themselves back at home after graduation. Once again they must re-experience the horrors of adolescence and the torture of what is living with parents. An obvious lifestyle adjustment is in store for those planning to return to the nest, and there are a couple steps one should take to ensure a smooth transition. 

Having to make such a decision can be a hindrance to the development of a young adult. Entering college was a milestone in and of itself. For most, this time was full of fresh experience and new responsibilities. The days of curfews, rules and restrictions were replaced with long nights and days full of freedom and Independence. During this stage many of us learned life's valuable lessons such as how to feed oneself on a meager budget, how to properly function under states of extreme sleep deprivation and even how to squeeze a few extra dollars from a paycheck that for the most part gets swallowed by bills. 

(source: Bill Fay Blog / Jeff Pasette)

The most important lesson learned within college is that of self-reliance. From the first class students must learn that within the higher levels of academia there rests little abject guidance or constant motivation / direction. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the success of their own academic career. To make it all the way to graduation means that one has achieved a certain level of self-consciousness, a respect to the ability to harness the inner self and take control of ones life and actions in it. With this achievement comes a sense of fulfillment and empowerment. 
Having to make the decision to move back in with the parents can deal a significant blow to the confidence level of a young adult. While the step can help ease the transition into what is now a volatile economic workforce, it must be acknowledged that this can also be a setback for graduates. 


(source: John Lorinc / PNC Financial Independence Survey)

What is the answer to such a dilemma? Signs of our economies weak job market do little to help restore our faith. Should the pressure be put on students themselves or the government? What about the CEO's and managers across various fields of employment, they play a part don't they? While the Federal government finds ways to improve the economy and boost the prospectus for those looking to leave college soon, those who are on the cusp of graduation are feeling heat. In my opinion, something needs to be done.

(source: youtube.com/CNN)

Land Of the Free, Home of The Slave

(photo courtesy: Natalia Joanna)

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Raise your right hand. Swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but truth.; so help yourself. This is a court in which your life is on trial. 

     It seems that we are but few degrees away from a state of dystopia. Social and political revolutions across the globe are taking place. A rage against the machine has started, with restraint removed from the heart of the dissident. We hear of the riots erupting in Athens, the journalists who hunger strike in Egypt's prisons, and of the students who clash with police in Kosovo. There is a volatile imbalance between  the global upper and lower class; playing fuse to the powderkeg of civil unrest standing in center of the worlds stage.
 

    "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." - Declatation of Independece

To what degree do the American people truly feel they can excercise their rights against government? Would citizens within our domestic borders be willing to answer a call to arms if the powers in place took radical measures against the people? What business does the American government have in purchasing more than a billion rounds of ammunition?

Look at feminist punk protest group Pussy Riot, who had some of their members jailed in their native country of Russia for actions deemed as "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred". Back in February of 2012, five of the group members staged a performance protest at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The stunt sparked a media frenzy and led to the arrest of three of the participants. Nadzhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Tekaterina Samulsevich were all denied bond and forced to sit in jail to await trial. While Samulsevich served little time due to a succeful appeal, Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova were remanded to custody for 21 months.

 

Watch the Pussy Riot Performance:

 

(courtesy of: Mike Feigin, youtube:timurnechaev77)



To what level does the collective "common" class of society allow the restraint of rights and freedoms? The social systems in which we live and function serve to coerce and contain our thoughts, feelings and behavior. To become a "member" of society requires one to relinquish many of the organic aspects of self.

It is generally accepted that there is a need for men to be governed. We must exist and function as individuals, while at the same time showing awareness to the interdependent nature of what is the human experience.  

 

 

 

(Photo Courtesy of: David Monniaux/Wikipedia Commons)

 

The country of Kiev is literally in a state of chaos. Government authorities have expressed concern for its ability to maintain control in certain areas. Uprest arose around the end of 2013, incited by President Viktor Yakunovych's decision to walk away from a propsed EU trade agreement between Ukraine and Europe. The deal would have given Ukraine closer ties with the west, but Russia, the countries number one trading partner threatened to impose sanctions on the former soviet republic. Yakunovych decided against the EU offer, sparking outrage from Ukrainians across the coutnry.

 

 

(Photo Courtesy of: Ivan Bandura / Wikipedia Commons)

 

Kiev's independence square has been the central location for demonstrations, drawing crowds of more than 100,000 protestors. Economic troubles have led to political instability, the major oppositional influences coming from groups such as UDAR, the Svoboda party and the Fartherland parrty.  Most opposition is centralized within the western region; comprised of mostly Ukrainian speaking citizens, while Yanukovych draws most support from the Russian speaking citizens in the East and south.

 

 

(video Courtesy of: International News Channel / Creative Commons Licsense)

 

Tuesday, February 18th served as the most violent day of protest in the country. At least 25 people were announced dead with an estimated 200 injured.  President Yakunovych met with oppositional leaders wednesday, and according to press reports a truce-agreement has been reached. In certain areas, clashes between demonstrators and police continue none-the-less.