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By: Lanisha Porter
May, 2015 Rise to the occasion “You’re the perfect girl for me but”…. translated this means: “I’m not disciplined enough to commit.” I don’t think men understand how much of an insult it is to tell a woman that. It sounds like a polite suggestion that she is lacking in something when all in all it is them who is lacking in something—discipline. You can dress it up as beautifully as you’d like but it’s still complete bullshit. Here’s why—I understand that men love to conquer; they crave power and they do not admit to defeat. A microcosm of history shows that for men to give in it takes about two atomic bombs and 130,000 casualties, and then they will surrender to their weaknesses. I know that men are fighters. Let’s cut right into it...college is hard. Not necessarily in immediate ways but hard as in the constant demands it places on you and the emotional toll it tends to take on you. College can leave one wondering daily if this is the right investment to make; will the return be worth all these sleepless nights, rigorous course loads, worry, debt and personal sacrifices?
As a rising junior at a private liberal arts college, these thoughts screen through my mind daily. The closer I get to my fourth year the farther away it seems to be. College is a constant juggle of demands between academia, extra-curricular involvement, friends, family and self (and even being a Resident Advisor if you are like me). This place is more than an institution...college is a lifestyle. Nonetheless, though college deals me my fair share of strenuous work, I still wholeheartedly believe this is the place I should be. College serves as a place of stability while you--still developing and being very much impressionable to the world around you--try to figure this thing called life out. J.K. Rowling once said that rock bottom had become the very foundation on which she rebuilt her life. Many people from all different walks of life often share the same foundation--the cold floor of rock bottom. We call these "Rag-to-Riches" stories here in America. Some people are born here and others find themselves here after suffering a cold blow from life.
At rock bottom there are limited means and limited resources. Rock bottom will be different situations for different people; for some it is where a dollar has to be well-earned through labor power for low wages, while for others it is standing in a line being forced to ask for a hand up. Heck, for some rock bottom is having nothing at all. However, whichever rock bottom you may be familiar with be encouraged that this doesn't mean limited potential. It is a World Cup always full of culture that spills over with a wealth of knowledge, activism and diversity. I never fail to see people showcasing their talents, advocating for their deepest beliefs, or different mascot characters that have been the soundtrack to many of our childhoods. Times Square is absolutely one of the best beautiful sights in the world. My first time there I remember looking up at all the lights and being discouraged by the glare. I was astonished at the power Times Square housed, but fearful at how insignificant I felt in the midst of it all. Today, with maturity and an appreciation for the simple things, I've grown to learn the real power driving the brilliance of time square. It isn't the bright lights, billboards or animated ads. It's the thousands of people that add their own unique flavor to the cup, reminding the world that there is beauty in existence. ,  |
lanisha porterWelcome to my views from this horizon! Archives
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